Our blog giveaway will be delayed as I am very ill in bed. Please check back. Thank you.

25 Random Things...

1. My nickname was Stackonaroodags when I was growing up. Where my Dad came up with that name I’ll never know!



2. I grew up riding motocross bikes ~ I was quite the athlete and tomboy. So where do all of the roses and lace come in?!



3. I have longer than normal arms and a crooked nostril ~ thanks again Dad!



4. I used to butcher chickens when I was growing up…such fun…not!



5. As a little girl, I had a doll named "Chicago". How many of you can say that? Yes, I was a troubled child…LOL!



6. I love Bigelow French Vanilla Tea and drink it all the time. If they stop making it, I’m in huge trouble.



7. I hate coffee…thus, the tea fetish!



8. I don’t like different food on my plate to touch each other.



9. Seeing people dip their toast into runny egg yolks makes me want to hurl! *shudder!*



10. Spiders don’t scare me in the least.



11. I love being alone and I love my house to be quiet.



12. I’m a complete movie buff…we have about 2000 movies. Literally! It's ridiculous...



13. I spent several years living out of a tent while backpacking through the South Pacific on three separate trips. What a ride!



14. I don’t like "chick flicks" at all for the most part. Action movies are my thing!



15. I have a crazy sense of humor and drive my husband nuts!, and the problem would be?...



16. I love being outside better than being in the house no matter what the weather.



17. I hate wearing shoes. I walk around my house barefoot most of the time even in the winter.



18. I love opera and classical music. My husband hates it!



19. I got the strap in fourth grade for calling someone "Rusty Brains". She was a redhead! Wasn’t I nice!



20. I also got the strap in third grade for throwing a pinecone out of the second story window of our school onto Keith Nicholas’ head below. Terrible!



21. I like things to be "on the side" when I’m ordering in restaurants. Remember the restaurant scene with Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally"…ya…that’s me.



22. When I think of my Dad, it makes me cry. I miss him!



23. I’m Canadian with a love for the monarchy, but don't get me going on the whole Prince Charles fiasco...not impressed!



24. I will never get used to corn dogs in this country. I’m sorry people, but they are kinda gross!



25. While most of you are asleep, I am up cooking dinner at 12:30 a.m. for my hubby who gets home from work at 1:00 a.m. We are abit backward!
    
    

Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

Spring Will Return...

Spring is nature's way of saying "Let's Party!" ~ Robin Williams. I wonder how many of you want to do just that after this incredibly long winter. You can certainly count me in!


As I look out across the frozen landscape that is my back lawn, I yearn for green grass, chirping birds and gentle breezes. Just yesterday it seemed to be melting, now today it is snowing and covering us again in yet another pristine blanket of white. Fluffy white flakes drift gently down, they appear to be artificial as if they are being shaken in slow motion from the rafters on a movie set. The entire neighborhood is cloaked in a hushed silence.


There are very early signs of spring in our yard though. All hope is not lost! Just the other day I went outside to get some much needed fresh air and came across some small trees that we planted in late fall. I looked closely and sure enough, there were the teeniest buds sprouting forth from what seemed to be only long willowy sticks planted firmly in the ground. A little further down the garden path I stopped to see how one of my lilac bushes had faired through the winter. Much to my surprise, fat green buds were shooting out of all of the branches ~ how wonderful it was to witness such an early spring miracle!


As I gaze out now at the small tree in the middle of our backyard, I notice three fluffy birds perched on the top of some branches near an old nest that has weathered the winter storms. A faded flash of red strikes my eye as the birds chatter to themselves and I look again to make sure I am not seeing things. Three lovely robins, abit disheveled from winter, are beckoning to one another through their cheery songs. Spring might not be too far off after all! Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

Costume Jewelry Dazzles...

You may have noticed in the past little while that vintage costume jewelry has made a huge resurgence in the marketplace. Everything from dazzling vintage brooches to shimmering necklaces and bracelets are becoming increasingly popular to wear and collect. Originally, costume or fashion jewelry was made of inexpensive simulated gemstones, such as rhinestones or lucite that were set in pewter, silver, nickel or brass. Modern costume jewelry incorporates a wide range of materials that include high end crystals, cubic zirconia and semi-precious stones.

While costume jewelry has been around for over 300 years, the golden era for this jewelry began in the 1930s when rhinestones became popular in the European market. Thus, costume jewelry using rhinestones surged in demand. The legendary Coco Chanel popularized the use of faux jewelry in her years as a fashion designer, bringing costume jewelry to life with gold and faux pearls.

If you love romantic pieces adorned with costume jewelry, you may want to visit Sandy at http://www.mylulabelles.com/. She incorporates beautiful costume jewelry with stunning picture frames, silverware and other lovely treasures. Absolutely delightful! If you so desire, take a peek at my web site at our new Jewels & Gems Boutique for pretty, vintage costume jewelry pieces. Also, keep your eye out for costume jewelry in your travels. With a little searching, it can be found at antique auctions, thrift stores, antique shops and online venues. Remember that it can often be found in unusual places so don't be afraid to rummage through that box under the table, open up that old suitcase and be sure to go through old jewelry boxes that have seen better days. You never know what you will find! Have fun collecting ~ until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

Breathtaking New Treasures...

Today was a busy day! I have been busy preparing some new treasures for the web site and what an array of breathtaking pieces they are! I love being able to offer lovely things, but I love it when you come in just to have a look too! It's somehow soothing to be able to look at pretty things and it's something that I often do during the day when I want to take a break. The huge goddess plaque that I'm offering is so pretty! I wish that I had room on my walls to keep it for myself. I don't think I've seen one quite like it before. I love that the figurine is porcelain ~ so exquisite!

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to visit my blog. Enjoy! Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo