One Little Word, 2 Valentine Swaps, 3 New Treats

One Little Word
I have been a follower of Ali Edwards for a long time She is a premier scrapbooker, photographer and writer. Her resume is impressive and you can read about her yourself here. Every year she issues a challange to her readers, One Little Word.

 Choose one word that will be an inspiration for you in the upcoming year....something to motivate you perhaps or keep you on track. The first two years she proposed this exercise, I just read and followed along. Last year I finally chose a word; FOCUS; and tried to remember to do that. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't, but it did make me aware of the areas I needed to work on. This year I am again choosing a word and I invite you to join me. There are no requirements; you don't have to tell anyone what the word is; this is for YOU!  My word this year is MANAGE. I need to learn to manage my time better, manage my health better and manage my priorities better. I've often said that I really believe that I have undiagnosed adult A.D.D. I am easily distracted and can fritter away time better than most. This year I need to take back my life and my time and MANAGE both in a healthier way. OK now-I've put myself out there. I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing!
Valentine Swaps
I am participating in two Valentine Swaps. (I love Valentine's Day!) The first one is with the group that I swap with every season...A Swap For All Seasons, Vintage Valentine Swap.  I love this group and I'm very excited that my swap partner is none other than the hostess premier...Linda Smith!
The second swap, Cathy's Amour Valentine Swap, is with Cathy Scalise of Treasured Heirlooms. She is an extremely talented woman as you can see by her boutique here, and this is her first time hostessing a swap. Looking at the names of some of the other participants fills me with excitement and anxiety both...but I'm really looking forward to filling a "box of love" for whoever my partner happens to be. I think there may be time to sign up for this one! (Cathy said if you can't find a heart shaped box, you can use a box of a different shape) (Am I managing OK?...it's only 2 swaps this month)
3 Packages in the Mail
These things did not all come in the same week but they are all very special and I thought I'd share them.
Do you remember me telling you about winning a $75 gift certificate to Amazon from PJ's blog (Seens From the Back of My Eyelids)? I debated about what to use it for and finally decided I would get a "Cricut Create "die cutting machine.

I am super excited to have this little beauty and hopefully, will get it out of the box and try it in the next week or so. (My sister and BIL are coming this Wednesday for a few days so it might not be until next week) I know I've linked to PJ's blog before but hop over if you get a chance...she is a wonderful writer and a hoot to boot! With all of the post-Christmas sales, I have been able to get a pick up a few cartridges for the Cricut, too.(Thanks again PJ-this is the biggest contest I've ever won!)
The second treat came from the Joli Paquet blog.

They had a give- away in December and I was so lucky to win this gorgeous piece made by Brandy Faulkner of Brandywine Design. Don't you love the antique look of it with the vintage glitter and beautiful tag? Thanks Brandy-I love it!
The third item  is wonderful and I knew my friend Mary Lou would want to see the newest additon to my Larkspur Lane angel collection.

Her name is Legna Harmony and she goes around silently sprinkling Peace over all. Did you notice her minty green Mary Jane's? Here are some others I left at the store...

and this cute bear...I think he is called "bearly there"...

The cardboard box has eye holes and goes over his head! It was a hard decision to make but I ended up with just the angel. Now the awesome part of this was that they were all 50% off. The shop is Posies By Patti and this is Patti...

my friend for many years and the owner of the shop where magic happens! My dear friend Pam and I went to visit Patti last week and we had such a fun time I didn't take many pictures of us but did get some of the remaining Christmas decorations. (You can click on any of the pictures to make them larger...such detail!)

Patti has a flair for decorating and arranging flowers. It was a treat to watch her work and see all of the beautiful things in her shop. We also were able to kidnap her for a bit and take her to Joyce's Cafe (no relation...but I did have to laugh about that) for lunch... the three of us had a wonderful afternoon!

OK-I'm off to manage the rest of my day! Lots of tidying up to do before guests come.

My trees are still up (thank heavens for faux!) and will probably remain up until

next week some time, which suits me fine. I never tire of the lights.

I hope you are warm wherever you are!