Upcoming Events

Hope to see you!

Upcoming Show!

We will be participating in a new Vintage and Handmade market next weekend on the North Fork of Long Island, NY. Come say hello if you're local. It's for a great cause! And just in time for Mother's Day shopping! Info below.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

at Lavender Fields.  I spent the afternoon helping Lori get the store ready for the holidays. She has so many gorgeous items in her shop to style.  I also brought in some of my own creations to add to her collection of Holiday Decor.

This weekend, the Village of Pt. Jefferson is having their annual Dickens Festival ~ featuring costumed characters, decorated streets and shops, Victorian entertainment and food, carriage and trolley rides, a lantern-lit house tour of historic homes and a parade.

It really is such a fun event. The characters are all through the streets and the kids really get a kick out of it.  Check it out if you're local to Long Island, NY.  Hoping for beautiful weather this weekend too!

Matthew Mead and The New General Store

So glad I finally made it out to one of Tricia Foley's The New General Store ~seasonal pop up shops.  A relaxing break from a hectic week. Her home is on such a pretty piece of property on Eastern Long Island. My friend Lisa said "it feels like Vermont". She had beautiful weather for her sale on Saturday.

It was nice to catch up with Lisa from The Polka Dot Pound Cake. And it was really nice to meet Matthew Mead. Such a big fan of his work. His magazine is full of decorating inspiration ~ some great recipes in there too.  He's as nice in person as he is online.

Last night was spent with tea, a slice of my favorite cake (the Christmas cake) from Lisa, and 2 new books to enjoy ~ Matthew's Holiday magazine and Tricia Foley's White Christmas ~ so beautiful.


I also couldn't resist purchasing one of her paperwhite bulbs. They looked so cute in their white enamel. Hope I can grow this one!

The Party Girls!

I just received the photos the photographer took at our event in NYC with the East Coast Party girls and the amazing Amy Atlas.  We appreciated all of the details which made the get together even more special. The chic stationery was provided by Two Pooch Paperie.

I'd like to introduce you to all in attendance.

Back row:
Lisa ~ Polkadot Pound Cake  - Custom baked classic cakes - great for favors and events!
Khaliah (one of the planners of this event) ~ The Party Muse -  - Specializing in children's event design.
Vanessa ~ Vanessa Grant Events - A new party planning and design company.

Front row:
Dawn (that's me!) ~ Hydrangea Home - I am now expanding into event decor - I  love weddings!
Crista ~ Creations by Crista Marie - Event styling and customized party elements.
Dawn (one of the planners of this event) ~ Bees Knees Parties - Children's event planning.
Amy Atlas ~ Amy Atlas Events - Party styling and custom dessert buffets.
Lisa ~ Amy Atlas Events - Amy's wonderful assistant.
Jennifer ~ The Hudson Cakery - Great tasting custom cakes and cupcakes for your upscale event.
Sarah ~ Dreamers Joy Events and Design - Event planning and design.
Gemma ~ BrainFry Concepts - Beautiful custom invitations.

A ton of talent in one room!!

Here are some pics of the night:

The beautiful details

Getting to know each other

Amy's Grand Entrance

Intently listening to Amy's words

Final group photo


Until the next time!




UPDATE!! Amy Atlas just posted about our event on her blog and included some of her mentoring advice for small businesses.
Check it out HERE!

I'm back...

And so inspired. So many creative women at the Martha Stewart conference. It was so nice to see all of the women from last year and meet some new ones too. Wish I had time to meet them all!

Lisa (my roommate)  from Polka Dot Pound Cake and me!

Debbie from Calico Carriage and Tasha from My Story Inc.

We had some really great speakers..

Gael Towey
Chief Creative and Editorial Director MSLO

Martha herself during a workshop with Susan Soloman about Starting and Running a Foundation

Did they say photo op? 

Food Demo (yummy crepes)  by Sarah Casey - Food Editor Martha Stewart Living

There were also informative speakers from MSLO on blogging, Health by Terri Trespicio - Whole Living Senior Editor. Danielle from Etsy was there to speak on Etsy Selling and Terri Shapiro from Deluxe spoke to us about Public Relations.

A great time at the show...Click HERE to see Martha giving us a shout out!

Gorgeous flower set

500 Stems of Sweet Peas

Gorgeous Kitchen Set

Annette - Biscuits by Lambchop and Lisa - Polka Dot Pound Cake

Martha taking audience questions. 

And really great food too! But of course - we were at Martha's!

The event has really had me thinking about what I want for my business this year. The timing was perfect! Looking forward to seeing all of the Dreamers and their business's grow or begin!


Leaving that office FULL of creativity was hard!

Can't wait until next year to do it again.

Off to Martha Stewart!!

It's been one year since the last event and Martha is having another event for her Dreamer's into Doers group. If you have a business or are thinking of starting one - you need to check out the site!
This year's event will include 2 days of workshops, show taping and food demos.

Looks like some great info will be shared with us and I'm so looking forward to seeing the other members of the group again as well as meeting new ones!!

I know I'll be back with tons of inspiration and energy - just what I need for Hydrangea Home!

So, all orders placed between now and Thursday will be shipped on Friday the 21st.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Check back for a full report at the end of the week!

Nature Inspired Mantel

We haven't brought Christmas down from the attic yet (hopefully this weekend), but I needed to do something to my mantel.  Here is a simple idea without having to purchase much...inspired by nature.

Love my burlap for texture (and to hide my ugly mantel).  Now I'm sure you have a planter somewhere around the house. Put something inside to raise up your candles and have fun filling with cut greens from your yard (or neighbors). You can also use artificial or a combination of both and add some picks for a little more interest.  Just be careful with your placement and lit candles or just use electric for safety. I also placed lots of pinecones around here and there.

I added a couple of inexpensive trees for height and tucked in some paper hydrangeas - dried will work too.

So, the only problem with the real evergreens is they will dry out and get messy especially if you're lighting a hot fire below. But I love the look so much that I just replenish during the season. You will also find that certain greens hold up much better than others.

Oh I just realized, my favorite little bird fits right in here.

Resources:

Trees: Try Michaels or ACMoore or your local crafts store

Urns and little bird: I used to sell them in my shop but try TJMaxx

Burlap, planter box, berry picks : Hydrangea Home

Assorted greens and pinecones: Backyard for FREE!



Now there are lots of great mantel ideas over at Layla's so check it out!

I Love the North Fork! (Long Island, NY)

I think I say this to you every Spring/Summer/Fall, but I really do.

This weekend I made my first trip out for the season.

One of my boys had a soccer game out East and I had this Peconic Fair on my calendar. I found out about it on Danielle's blog The Vintage Dragonfly.

It was sponsored by White Flower Farmhouse - and I needed to make a trip there for another one of their scented candles (shown above in the teacup) - they smell sooo good!

So we turned the soccer game into a mother/son date. The fair, shops, farm stands and lunch. My older son is pretty domestic so he enjoyed the trip together.

Our first stop was the White Flower Farmhouse.
And I found this gorgeous ironstone platter (pictured above) - loved all of the crazing and it's great patina.

We stopped into the shop next door A Taste of the North Fork and I picked up some Berry Merry fruit topping - great for a grilled chicken sandwich!

Said hello to Danielle - with her beautiful display of her creations.

We were then off to some local farm stands for fruits, veggies and pies.

Lunch was the final stop and my son spotted this cute cafe in Mattituck on Love Lane.
It's called the Love Lane Kitchen. We had some yummy sandwiches on focaccia.

The weather was gorgeous...

It was a perfect day...


Stop by Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for some White Wednesday inspiration!

Office Chic

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday March 12th 2010 as we present 

"Office Chic"

When I look around at all the beautiful and creative work spaces of my peers, I can’t help but notice that a new trend in office decorating has emerged. Office and studio spaces are no longer drab, monotonous and strictly functional. Instead, the utilitarian look we usually expect in work spaces is being replaced by chic and feminine décor. More and more, I'm seeing office spaces that are fashionable, fun and full of creativity – just like the women who use them.

Take your office furniture, for example. Your chair, desk and work table don't need to look boring to be comfortable and practical. In fact, it's easy to take ordinary furnishings and create a look that's chic and inspiring. A light and airy slip cover will freshen up an old desk chair. A coat of pale blue paint will give new life to an old desk.  Add some whimsical drawer pulls or fabulous decals to complete the picture. Let your imagination help you create a peaceful place – one where you will enjoy spending so many hours of your day.

Unexpected embellishments make everyday office items pretty and fun, while still being useful.  Try adding a clipboard that's been trimmed with beautiful papers, tied with ribbon and hung on a decorative hook until it's needed. It's a useful and now beautiful accessory.  Vintage and antique items can serve in unusual ways to make your work space even prettier. A stack of file folders, propped up in a vintage wire basket, adds just the right amount of chic to the corner of a desk, and will work great for keeping you organized.

When you work in a space that is pretty as well as calming, your imagination and creativity will flourish. I know that I immediately feel more relaxed and creative  when I'm surrounded by calming colors and chic accessories. Try breathing new life into your own office space by adding chic and feminine touches, and watch your creativity soar to new heights.

 

 

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink

 Visit

Hydrangea Home

for 15% OFF all "Office Chic" products today 3/12 only

and 

Make Mine Pink

for more boutiques offering "Office Chic"

Another Enchanted Makeover Project

Today is the day for the Recipes of Hope Event in Kansas City.
For this event, I made and donated polka dot napkins for the luncheon.

Rachel Gaffney (who will be cooking live on the Martha Stewart Show March 16th) posted a pic of the beautiful tables all set for the luncheon. The tablecloths were made by Debbie Maddy of Calico Carriage Quilt Designs. And the placecards were made by Karen Keller-Eyer. Here is a link to her beautiful calligraphy photos on flickr.

These ladies are going to feel so special today! And that's what it's all about.
There were numerous donations including aprons for all of the ladies to wear while cooking together. Here is some more info on Enchanted Makeovers and this very special event.

It is estimated that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Many of these are “silent crimes”—they’re never reported to police, and often they aren’t even shared with friends. But over time they take their toll, both on the immediate victims and on society as a whole. Women who escape abusive situations—often with small children in tow—usually have only the few clothes and personal items they can throw in a tote bag. While shelters offer a place of refuge, the environment is often dreary and discouraging.

Enchanted Makeovers, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, believes that everyone is worthy of surroundings that nurture their soul and allow their greatness to emerge. We are dedicated to transforming shelters for women and children into places of peace and possibilities—not just where basic needs are met, but also spiritual needs for hope and beauty. In some cases, this transformation is physical and includes an “extreme makeover” with new paint and furnishings; other times, it involves outreach events designed to strengthen and encourage everyone involved. We believe that love is in the details.

On March 9, 2010, Enchanted Makeovers is heading to Kansas City, Mo., as part of a one-day event to bring a message of hope and love to residents of NewHouse, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The event, called Recipes of Hope, will involve cooking at Function Junction (www.functionjunction.com) with the 30 women who live at Newhouse and sitting down to the meal at nearby Gifted Hands (www.giftedhandskc.com) while sharing laughter, tears and fellowship. We will also bring numerous inspirational, practical and personal gifts for the shelter and its residents. This outreach would not be possible without the help of numerous donors and volunteers.

Please consider donating your time, talents or financial support to this worthwhile cause. Enchanted Makeovers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your donation will be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Even more importantly, your donations will have a lasting impact on the women at Newhouse. Following the Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers Shelter Event in New York City in January 2010, one of the directors noted, “The event demonstrated that there are many people who care about [the women here], and that they are not alone. … It showed them that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that they are not worthless, and that they are cared about more than they can imagine.”

To find out how you can contribute to the Recipes of Hope event in Kansas City, please contact me atEnchantedmakeovers@comcast.net.

The fabulous women who will teach the women a low cost healthy meal and dessert.

RACHEL GAFFNEYS AUTHENTIC IRISH GOODS
5515 TAMARON COURT
DALLAS,TX 75287
TEL: 469 644 6054
Rachel@Rachelgaffneys.com
www.rachelgaffney.blogspot.com

Karen Watts

food2style@aol.com

(214)682-5951

Karen E. Watts has enjoyed a wide variety of experiences in the culinary field. In addition to teaching at the Art Institute International Culinary Program and contributing to the Dallas Morning News as a food and home writer and photo stylist, she plans and caters special events throughout Kansas City and Dallas, TX. As an accomplished food stylist and writer, she remains current in all aspects of the culinary field. Karen will focus on the fine details of cooking that turn an everyday meal into a special occasion!

 Terry Grahl of Enchanted Makeovers is on a National Tour this year - heading up projects all over the country.  Here is a link to some of her upcoming events - Beauty and Hope National Tour and Schedule.

A Touch of Whimsy

We all need a little whimsy - don't you think?

Visit

Make Mine Pink

and

Hydrangea Home

for a "Touch of Whimsy"

Make Mine Pink's Friday themed shopping event

Remember all purchases at Hydrangea Home are 15% Off 

use code 15off during checkout until 3/9/10 

Romantic Roses

Who doesn't love them.....

Join 

Hydrangea Home 

and 

Make Mine Pink 

For Make Mine Pink Friday...Shopping with a twist

"One of a Kind" at Make Mine Pink

 Join us Friday February 5th for Make Mine Pink Friday

One of a kind treasures give you an opportunity to celebrate your own unique style pretty easily. Whether you prefer fun and whimsical designs, or if you go for nostalgic pieces that add a cozy touch, these exclusive finds delight us like nothing else can because nothing else is exactly like them.

Unexpected treasures like unique antiques rescued from dusty corners, made to look like new and restored to their rightful place of honor with a fun and maybe unique color of paint,  always excite me.  I can see the potential in just about any old piece I come across. There's something about the thrill of time-worn pieces resurrected with love and care, a little bit of paint and becoming a one of a kind treasures you can't wait to show off.  We treasure these pieces of the past, so beautifully preserved and restored, even if they're not a part of our own past.

If you have a more eclectic or whimsical side, the online boutiques on Make Mine Pink have become well known as a place to find wonderful handcrafted designs. You might find one of a kind hand-crafted mermaid earrings, or hand stitched quilts to place on a guest bed, in patterns that could not be replicated even if you tried. Perhaps a needlepoint pillow with an imagined history so rich that Marie Antoinette herself may have perched her feet upon the intricate design of the once foot stool, now pillow. Anything that makes you smile with nostalgia for the past or delight for the fun side of you, must be a treasure. Fairy houses to welcome sweet dreams and special friends, unique accessories made of clay, ribbons, glitter and beads, altered art like Cinderella slippers dressed in handmade roses and trimmed with the prettiest lace are just a few of the things that you'll find at Make Mine Pink.

I find that when we decorate our homes and sprinkle our days with one of a kind treasures like some of the things mentioned, we discover our own distinctive sense of style. We are creating a space that reflects our unique personalities and make room for us to explore new ideas and try new things. Our one of a kind treasures remind us that each one of us is truly one of a kind.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink
http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday




You can find my "One of a Kind" creations HERE.

White Wednesday...

Had some fun taking some of my product photos and editing them in Iphoto - antiquing and fading color.

Stop by Kathleen's Faded Charm Cottage for more White Wednesday gorgeousness!