Owner: simplymeart URL:www.simplymeart.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 20 May 2007 12:31:31 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: The Daily life of an Artist specializing in Vintage and reworked Items for you and your Home. Site statistics:Click here
JUST AROUND THE CORNER 2007-11-01 10:26:00
Wow, I can Hardly believe Halloween has come and Gone. Now in just a few short weeks we will be giving Thanks and Celebrating Thanksgiving. Last Night was Crazy Busy and the Kids had lots and lots of fun. Elijah got what I am guessing is 10lbs. of Candy.. Miss Sassy and lots of her Tween Friends hit a few Neighborhoods only getting a small amount of Candy just mostly Socializing. I stayed back at the old Homestead to hand out the Treats. I was Candyless by 8:15, I had to sneak some Goodies out of Elijah's Stash from his first drop off of Candy.. With all the Purple,Orange and Black put away Now the Oranges,Browns, Golds, Silver all the Great warm tones come out. I actually redid my Fireplace Mantle a Few days ago Because I was excited to put out some New Goodies. The Kids and Myself are So Tired today and Im sure their will be some Crabby People come this afternoon... I hope everyone had a Spooktacular Halloween.Some photo's of the Thanksgiving Preparations. *Jamie*
ARE YOU READY???? 2007-10-30 13:35:00
For the Trick r Treaters???? We are...Lots and Lots of Candy, Candles for the Pumpkin Votives. The kids Costume's are Ready to be put on. Elijah has been doing a Countdown and is Beside himself. Large Pillowcases for all the treats to be collected! Miss Sassy Girl is wearing her BEE Costume tomorrow for School and Mr. Elijah made his Class 20 Goodie Bags Yesterday all By Himself...We get Many, Many Treaters here where I live, they come in Bus Loads!! I am hoping to have Not one piece of Candy left by the end of the Evening..We have all Snuck at least a bag full already of our Favorites so now I have Had to Hide it in a Secret place. Hope you all are Ready and wishing you a Safe and Spooky Halloween... *Jamie*
There's a Baby Boom Going on in my House... 2007-11-04 18:58:00
Baby Orchids that is!! My Collection of Orchids which Now consists of about 20 from several Species are just Popping Out Spikes all Over the Place. I don't Have a Green House
, but I sure wish I did. Anyway Instead of a Green House they live there Dormant Days in my Bathroom. Yes, My Bathroom. In an East Facing window above my Oversized Bathtub that Rarely gets used. I have a Few Cynbidiums that are out on my Patio. The Steam from the shower is there favorite I am sure.Once a week They go into the Shower for a 5 minute Warm Shower. When the Species are found in Tropical Locals, The Amazon mostly they are growing on the trunks of trees. They are used to warm water pounding down on them. Well, I fertalize all Spring and Summer every other week and Now well Fall half way over I have Babies being Born Weekly. I am so Excited to see what Color flower will be opening up! You see I don't mark them. I know there Species but I never can remember what color flower they are. I Like the Supris Read more:Going
PROUD MOMMA BEE 2007-11-02 10:38:00
I wanted to take this Post to do a Little Proud Momma Bragging. My little Queen Bee Miss Sassy Girl received her Report Card Yesterday and Drum Role Please........... 5 "B's" and 1 "A". O.K. you may say Yes, that is Good but... Well, If you know my little Miss Emily this is No Small Feet. She is Finally working to her Potential after How many Years of Anxiety and Disappointment in School. I knew in my Heart the minute I worked in her class as a Kindergartener that she Struggled and something was Not right. I would cry to my Husband I know something is Wrong. She was Diagnosed at age 5 with Tourettes and along with that came a Number of issues. One being School. Well, after many years of begging the school to Help and finally getting a teacher in the Third Grade who about jumped over the table in a Intervention Meeting Screaming for the School to Help her.She Has Never Liked School and always felt Singled out. I have been to so many intervention meetings and been told a numerous amou
Hail Mary,Full of Grace 2007-11-09 10:56:00
Yes,I do remember some of the Rosary? I was born a Catholic and raised a Catholic. Went to Catholic School until 3rd Grade.Until my PreTeen years attended church Regularly. I can remember going to Church Sunday's and my Grandmother Singing the Hyms with the most Amazing Voice. Of Course at the time I was so Embarassed but Now I realize that she could really sing. She always wore a Necklace with a Saint around her Neck at all times. Every Friday she would sit and Say the Rosary. I can still picture her to this day sitting there. Well all of this must have let to my Love of Rosaries and Cross's. I grew up and Married a Jew and chose to keep Religion but in the Jewish Faith. I stopped keeping the Catholic Faith when I was a Teenager, for lots of reasons. I believe as a Parent Children need to have some kind of Spiritual backround. We tried as Parents for the first few years of Sassy's life to celebrate both. As she got older it was Confusing to her. We decided that Judiasm was Read more:Grace
CANDLE CONNOISSEUR 2007-11-07 10:14:00
"A person who is especially competent to pass Critical Judgement," from Websters Dictonary! Hmmmm, ok maybe Not Me but I have been a Candle Lover for Longer than I can Remember.. I have Candles Everywhere and there is probably a Candle burning Every waking moment. Having three Dogs, two Kids and many Neighborhood kids in and out all the time the House can get a bit Smelly!! So I have run the Gamment on Candle Companies I have tried. I Have gone from Yankee, Salt City, Soy Candles, Bath and Body Shop, you name them I have tried them. For the last Few Years though I have Been a TYLER CANDLE girl..I found them a few years back and gave them a try. The strongest Scent of any Candle I have ever Tried. They have Many Many scents, also Votives, room Sprays and Oils. They are a bit more Pricey but to Me so Worth it!! I'll Leave you with the Comment my Husband Often makes, " You light those Candles like Better Homes and Garden Is coming for a Photo ShooT". YES, I DO, you Never know who mig
WORKSPACE CHALLENGE 2007-11-14 13:57:00
Or should I say I'm Workspace Challenged! My friend Margo from http://robolady.blogspot.com/ has put out a challenge to see our Workspace. She said some very Kind things about my Jewelry and how it Inspires her.HeHeHe, can you believe I create Jewelry in a Space like this? I know I can Hardly Believe it either. But I do! Lately I have been So Happy with my Piece's but to think they come from that Mess is Hesterical to me.. I swear to the Good Lord Above the Rest of House is Neat and Clean. You can ask my Family I am a Crazy Woman with Cleaning. In order to make what I make I seem to need the Mess around me. I pretty much know where every little Vintage Trinkett in that Mess. So Margo, You should get a Kick out of this. I must say I admire you as much as you do my Jewelry. I still say and will always say you should have your own show!! So many of the people I visit in BloggingVille are True Inspirations to me everyday. I say keep the WorkSpace challenge going and lets see ever
OUCH 2007-11-12 08:37:00
Happy Monday, My Weekend wasn't the Best...I woke up at 1am Saturday Morning with the most Horrific Pain in my TOOTH! ughhh, I was up the Rst of the Night with what felt like Contractions in my Tooth...After 9 Advil and some Sinus Meds. My Hubby took my to a Dentist. Not are usual Dentist as he is farther away and was not in on Saturday Morning. Well, Needles to say We had to pick the Most Expensive Dentist in this Valley. Well, one Xray Later I'm told I have a Massive Infection in the one tooth that has Spread to the other!! Well, I probably could have told you that. Ok, so here is the Kicker, 2-RootCanal's and 2-Crown's, ok, How much would you pay way you live for this?? Well, Evidently where I live People pay $4,000! After I got up from the floor in shock I said I just need something to help with the Pain and you all can keep Dreaming if you think Im going to pay that kind of Money for a this. So with a Script for Antibiotic and Pain Med. we walked. Both of us kind of Chuck
NEW CAMERA 2007-11-19 11:00:00
A few weeks ago during the Teeth Crisis My Camera Died. Well, the Plug Dock Died. So my Hubby picked me up a New one. I have not had that much of a Chance to test it out. This Weekend I tried a few differnt settings and did a Few Night shots to see what it would do. Also Miss Sass took a few of herself. I took Several of Elijah's Class Thanksgiving Play last week too. It really takes a Nice picture and the Macro is Great.All of my Jewelry Photos have been Really Goood too. It is a Fuji FinePix S700 and for the cost it is Great. I still have my 35MM big Minolta that my Husband bought me 5 years ago, with lots of Lenses, that is my Baby. It takes a Simply Beautiful Picture. I use that for the Serious Family Stuff. I will use that for as long as it will keep taking Beautiful Photos. I Love taking Pictures especially of Family and Flowers... I thought with this week of Giving Thanks and being with Family I challenge everyone to take lots and lots of Photos. My kids still look at their S
Thankfully Getting Ready 2007-11-16 14:00:00
I can't Believe in less than a Week we will be Celebrating Thanksgiving. I have NO Idea where this Year has gone? I was Cleaning the House today and started to get some of the Goodies out that I will be using for my Thanksgiving table. My house is a Mediterianian Style so it is decorated in warm tones and lots of Wrought Iron. For Thanksgiving I like to stay with the Warm tones like browns,greens and Gold with a hint of Silver and my Ivory colored China. I have always stuck with dishes that are Ivory colored this way I can change up colors with Tablecloths and Napkins. Most of my Serving Platters are also Cream or off white in color. I am adding some Gold Chargers this year for more Impact. I think I may even make a Centerpiece from all that I still have in bloom in my Garden too. I am making a list of Groceries and hitting Trader Joes tomorrow. I Love Trader Joes for Organic and Specialty foods. Also most of my Orchids have come from there because they get them straight from the
Holiday Chaos Begins... 2007-11-26 19:05:00
Whewww, It was a Whirlwind Weekend with a Lovely Thanksgiving. Then the weekend was full of Decorating for the Holiday
s and Cleaning... I am up to my Eyeballs with Jewelry Making. I've gotten this Sterling Silver bug and Oxidizing it all myself. OK,I don't have enough going on I need to venture into something New... I also have the Semi-Precious Stone Fever going on too. So along with loving all of these things they have to be Vintage.. Well, that is a lot of Looking to find Vintage Components. Actually the Decorating was the Highlight and Relaxing part of my Weekend. I wanted to just share a few photos of what is Brewing in my Casa. My Sister in Law is getting married in 13 days and I have 20 things to get done before that. Hanukkah starts in a little more than a week too. Did Everyone Eat as much as I did this Whole Weekend? I have a Bridesmaid dress to fit into in just two short weeks.Wishing everyone a Great Week full of Holiday Preparation. *Jamie*
Read more:Chaos
A VERY HAPPY DAY 2007-11-22 22:26:00
Im feeling like a stuffed Turkey as I type this Post. What a Full Day of so Much eating and Family time. It was a Small Thanksgiving but full of lots of Food and Good Family time. My Folks traveled up from Orange County with Tons of Food and lots to talk about. The boys played a bit of Football in the Warm southern California Sun and the Sassy and I got prepared. Everything was Delicious and we all ate until we couldnt eat anymore.. This weekend is full of taking down the Thanksgiving Goodies and Getting the Haunukkah and New Years Decorations out. I have to Clean too and get the house back together. My Hubby has band Practice tomorrow and the Sassy is going out with the Girls. I am hitting an Estate Sale in the morning and then Staying Far Away from the Malls this weekend. I worked in Retail for 10 years and know this weekend can be a Nightmare..As my friend Margo and I were Chatting about, to much Commercialism in the Holidays. I plan to do alot of shopping thru the Intern
Holiday Chaos Part 2 and Jewelry 2007-11-29 21:23:00
Well, This Chill went thru my bones this evening. Hanukkah starts Tuesday Night and I have Not even finish or Wrapped any of my Kids gifts. The Sassy is basically getting this Ridiculously Expensive Cell phone that she has been begging us for it seems like forever. A few other Tiny things for her. I still don't Understand this Whole Teens and there Dag Gon Cell Phone thing.. I mean she and her friends text message like we chew gum. By the time I would text somebody I could have called them three times...
As for the little Guy, its Sports and Video games...But can I tell you how much a video game costs? Or better yet a Football Jersey? What happened to the days of Match Box cars and Army Men? I tell you, between my Teeth and all the Gifts I need to Win the Lotto!!
I have been Busy with my Etsy making lots of Goodies. I am really going thru a Sterling Silver and Gemstone phase.. So I have been staying up late at night working on Jewelry
. I have also been adding to my Holiday Read more:Chaos
Work 2007-12-09 10:46:00
Wow,this month is just flying by with Work and the Holidays. My shop has been coming along slowly but surely. I am busy making Jewelry everyday. Im always on the hunt for New Old finds! I have done a few custom pieces this weekend Im excited about. A few suprises in the works I cant wait to share.I'm so thrilled at how my passion for Jewelry and the pieces from the past have come centerstage for me. I really feel so Blessed to be doing something I absolutely LOVE! I go to bed and sit and think of my pieces and what I can create with them. Also, the hunt for these pieces from the past have brought me to meet so many interesting people with such a rich history. I found a lovely lady the other day who's husband for many years worked for the Movie Studios so he trveled abroad to film and she went along. They had No kids so off she went and she purchased Jewelry from all over and has amassed a Beautiful collection. I was able to purchase some beautiful pieces form her and hear the
EIGHT GREAT NIGHTS 2007-12-05 20:45:00
Just wanted to share a few photos from our Hanukkah Celebrating. The kids take turns each night lighting and saying the Prayer. We did all there gifts last night and we have a Big Family Party on the 23rd. The Menorah is so Beautiful when it is all lit. Tomorrow afternoon starts Wedding countdown begining with the Rehersal dinner. It is supposed to rain here in Los Angeles starting tomorrow night thru Saturday. Ughhh, her wedding is Sunday evening in a Garden, so our Fingers are crossed. I went and bought Long Johns to wear under my Dress, HeHeHe,,,, No one will Know!!! It was my Girlfriends idea!! Thanks Lisa, at least my legs will be warm under the Long skirt.. Have a Wonderful rest of the week. Thank you for Reading *Jamie*
Sterling and Precious 2007-12-03 17:35:00
What a Weekend filled lots of Jewelry Making,Holiday Card writing, Haunukkah gift Wrapping and shopping. Oh, how can I forget Mr. Elijah and I decorating the Outside of the House...Whewwww, I felt like I was in Third Gear all weekend. My kids are so Excited because Tomorrow night begins Hanukkah. This coming weekend my Sister in Law is Getting Married. This is a Crazy week in our House.
I am so Excited to share some of my Jewelry I have been working on for a little while. I have for sometime now wanting to venture into Sterling
and Semi-precious stones. I also want to Invest in some Antique pieces to use. I am having so much fun looking for real quality Vintage finds along with Semi-Precious Stones. If I could I would Create as many as I could. There are such Beautiful Antique pieces out there that are waiting to be put into a Newly created piece. I'm Including some photos of what I have been up too, also my little Sweety Mr. Elijah and His new haircut. He is tired of bein
THE MUCH NEEDED RAIN 2007-12-19 23:03:00
Well we have been very Wet here in So. Calif. the last two days. Don't get me wrong we desperately need it! We actually need a whole month of rain.It is a bit sad to see the garden going to sleep for the Winter and leaves falling all over. It really started raining yesterday afternoon right about pick up time and let me tell you the kids came home soaked. Of course Elijah WONT carry an Umbrella and Ms. Sassy Mouth herself wouldn't be caught dead with one, (there Embarrassing) so I was told! Well, I had been photoing the Rain dripping down when Sass and her friend Emma came Storming in the door Soaked like little drowned Rats. I told them that's what they get for NOT using an Umbrella! I Like the Rain and We Need it.. Thanks for reading. *Jamie*
CATCHING UP TO ME!! 2007-12-18 17:29:00
Well this month has had me running ragged. Yesterday it finally started to catch up to me... I'm feeling Not to Great and doped up!! The past few weeks have been hectic and I'm sure you all are feeling it too. Being outside in December at night in 40 degree weather isn't what it is all cracked up to be!
WINTERS ARRIVAL 2007-12-16 20:08:00
There are a few signs that make me realize Winter is upon us in just a few short days... The last few weeks here in Southern California we have been Freezing, Ok low 60's in the day and 30's at night. I know for those of you who live in the midwest and east have been just slammed with Snow, sleet, rain and cold. I am NOT complaining after our HOT summer and Fall it is much appreciated. The Ivy I have all around our Pool, dropping all of its leaves and putting itself to sleep. My roses out front all cut back and going to sleep. My Ugg purse coming out of its box to see the light of winter! Now my most Favorite thing from this up and coming Winter Starbucks New Shortbread Latte... Yummmmm, Are you starting to settle into this upcoming Winter season? *Jamie*
I would like to Introduce..... 2007-12-15 13:48:00
Laura, Hehehehe, that is what Sassy and I named her. She is a Tintype photo from the late 1800's and she is Wonderful. I found her a few weeks back at a flea market and the dealer gave me a little info from about when the photo was taken but that was all she knew. So Sassy and I sat one day and tried to figure out her life. Ok, we have too much time on our hands I know but it was fun. This is what I created for her. She is surrounded by lovely Oxidized Silver,mother of pearls,rhinestones and the most amazing gold glass rhinestones from the 40's too. She also has the blessing of deep Garnet color rosary beads and a Verrrrryy Ollllddd black,gold and rhinestone earring... I just adore her and wanted to share. Thanks for Reading *Jamie*
A NEW DAY 2007-12-13 17:51:00
It feels a bit like a New Day for me and my Blog! How do you like it? I just Love it, it really conveys what I wanted. It is me and my work all rolled up into my Blog. Hehehe,
I would like to Thank Ms. Sara from Sadie Olive for her Hard Work creating this for me. She really understood what I wanted and tied my work and my life into one Beautiful Creation. I can't recommend her enough. Her professionalism and creativity are Superb. I am just Thrilled and can't wait to start the New Year with a Whole New Look...Thanks for reading *Jamie*
A WINTER WEDDING 2007-12-11 17:58:00
Well this past Sunday my Sister was Married to a truly Wonderful Guy. It was a Beautiful day filled with lots of Love. They were married at an Amazing place here in Los Angeles Descanso Gardens. Even being almost Winter there were still lots of blooms along with falling leaves. The one and only drawback was it was FREEZING for Los Angeles. I'm talking in the 40's , for we Southern Californians that is Mighty cold. The ladies were in two piece outfits with little wraps and open toed shoes. In between photos and receptions and ceremony we were in big jackets and ugg boots. It was an Orthodox ceremony so there were all kinds of Wonderful and very interesting traditions they followed. Before the ceremony my sister in law sat in a chair with all of us around her and her blusher Veil on and her Husband to be came into the room with the Rabbi's and all his Groomsmen. He goes to her and lifts her Veil to make sure she is the "right girl"!!! It was actually very Romantic and
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL 2007-12-21 08:36:00
I would like to Wish Everyone a Wonderfully Merry Christmas. I hope you Enjoy every minute with your families and friends. I am so Grateful for each and everyone of you, who stop and read about the Crazy goings on in my life. May everyone be Healthy and Happy and I am wishing Peace around the World No matter what you may celebrate this time of year. Enjoy, *Jamie* (Thank you to the GraphicsFairy website for this Beautiful Photo)
CAN'T THEY JUST BE LONGER? 2008-03-09 20:23:00
Weekends that is?? They absolutely FLY by! I know my weeks fly by also, but the weekends, especially the ones like this weekend, filled with fun stuff just go so fast. Our weather here is Southern California was absolutely Superb this weekend so it makes it even harder to say Goodbye on Sunday evening. Although the clocks gave us an Extra hour of Daylight it still leaves me feeling short on my weekend time. Saturday was fun filled Family time and House chore time. Elijah had a Flag Football game and we had a Great Family lunch. The Hubby put New Bamboo on a 50' wrought iron fence behind our pool to give us more of a tropical look. Eli. had a day with all his buddies and couldn't keep his eyes open for his shower that night. The Sassy Girl and I hit the mall to buy some Goodies for Miss
SPRINGING AHEAD 2008-03-06 19:36:00
Or if you are like me, Im Running ahead to get to Spring.. I so Love when we change the clocks this time of year.Even though it is only an extra hour to me it is more Daylight to get done all I need to get done! My kids are Happy because they can go outside after dinner and get out that last bit of pent up Energy! There is so much blooming in my yard from Freesia,Flowering Plum, Dusty Miller,SnapDragons,CallaLilly, I can go on and on. The dogs have been laying by the pool every afternoon basquing in the Warm Sun. The Birds are Singing and the Baby Bunnies are scurring and eating my Pansies. So much of my Jewelry lately has been Spring Colors and I am just Loving it. Lots of patio Projects this weekend getting ready for my Stepdaughters Baby Shower the end of the month. RoseBowl Su
THE BLINGY BUCKLE ESCAPADE! 2008-03-04 19:26:00
Well, this project really took on a life of it own. It was one that was not planned but really turned out Fun! It started with my visit to Heather's Blog
She always has such Beautiful things to see and a Simply Gorgeous Store. Well, she had a post last week where she had a photo of a truly amazing belt buckle, She mentioned a name Tammy. Well, I thought it was one of my Most Favorite and Extremely talented blogging friends Tammy Fischer from She is so Talented and I just assumed it was her. Well, after a frantic Email to her like a Crazy person, she emailed me to tell me WRONG, it was a new Tammy. Sorry, I got Excited and carried away. Well, I emailed Heather and she was kind enough to direct me to the correct Tammy. She also has a lovely blog. Anyhoo, she is working on opening
A PASSION 2008-03-02 21:16:00
Do you have a Passion? I actually have several, like Im sure many do. I adore Vintage Rosary's and Religous charms,crucifix's, cross's, any older rhinestone piece, Crowns, Decco stlye jewelr and so many others. My latest I call Passion but getting more like Obession are Vintage rhinestone clasps! I Simply Adore them, I am always searching for them. My little local Flea Market has a seller who has them and when she gets some I always clean her out. I find them in Auctions and a few Estate sales, I have come accross some beauties. I am very drawn to the ones that have a Art Decco style, those seem to be my Favorites but I don't come accross them to often. I would use them on every piece of jewelry I make if I could find enough of them. I also like the broken ones too, I don't discriminate!
70 % SURE IT'S A GIRL! 2008-02-26 20:33:00
First I must Preface this Entry by saying, I ABSOLUTELY do not care if my Grandchild is a Boy or Girl. Let me set the scenario, My stepdaughter came over last Sunday for a Great Visit. I was excited to see her, show her the Invites that had been printed and ready to be addressed. She Loved them, we discussed more details of the very Girly Ocean/Beach theme shower. We discussed all the Girly things Grandma has been buying. Discussed food for the shower and the Ice Cream Sundae Bar she has requested, all in Girly colors. Then out of Nowhere, I have another Ultra Sound next week to make sure that It is a Girl! WHAAAATTTT, Wait, I said are you joking? NOPE! I was Laughing but at the same time thinking where did I put all my receipts for all the girls goodies I have bought? OK, the very Pink
Keeping with the Spring Theme "LoveBirds" 2008-02-24 19:46:00
Thank you all so much for the kind words on my Spring
time Blingy Shoes and Flippy's. Also, a Huge Thank Your for the Happy Birthdays! It was a Lovely Day Saturday, the Rain has stopped and my Little Guy had a Flag football Game. He is the Quarter Back and I swear doesn't like any of the Limelight on him. So unlike his Sister! We went shopping all together (a very rare event, usually the Sassy Girl is booked on the weekends) and I bought my Hubby an early Anniversary gift. A new TV for our bedroom and DVD player. He was thrilled, I figured it is better to give than receive. Hehehe, No, I was showered with lots of Victoria Secret Goodies in the morning from the whole family. I guess , I will smell really good and be decked out in PINK for the Spring. We had a lovely early dinner and I did Read more:Theme
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