downtown shopping...

There is a "little area" of downtown that has lots to offer...it is a "strip" of street of sorts and hubby and I have come to enjoy some of the goodies you can only find there. So while hubby watched the games with buds at our friend's place downtown...

Shea and I headed to some favorite spots...

...fresh popcorn in more flavors than your taste buds could savor! This little shop is set up adorably...notice the old movie playing on the wall in the background!

We discovered this Mexican Food store while Krystal was visiting and their fresh flour tortillas are scrumptious! She whipped up some breakfasts tacos the next morning and they have been a favorite ever since...{thanks sis}!

My pictures didn't all turn out {so I borrowed some from our first visit last year}...there is always fresh produce...

...and fresh flowers for the picking too.

There are also a few coffee shops that have fresh coffee...flavored coffee!!...with too many choices to choose from! I narrowed it down to 2 this time and will try them each until I find my absolute favorite. With hubby's early schedule and long days...I might turn him into a coffee drinker yet!

And of course...always the life of the party...Miss "M.K."...as you can see she loves her accessories!...a gal after my own heart!

a shop update...

I have definitely kept the mailman on his toes this last week...new packages are coming in everyday and our neighbors are bound to wonder whats going on! If only I had more time to get them all listed quickly! Here is just a sampling of the new goodies...

A few new chic slippers have arrived...{several years later I am still in love with these silk & velvet combinations...}The super popular if-you-have-one-you-know-why binkers are back in stock!!! Now with over 20 styles to choose from...there is bound to be one for every outfit with that many choices!

Clocks...if you have ever tried to find a "cute" clock for the little's room...you know this is no easy search...I have found a few that I feel pass that test!

There are lots of new art pieces that I am in the middle of adding...so keep checking back there if you are on the search for a new inspiration piece!

{Hint.Hint}... if you aren't already signed up for the Tea Time newsletter...you can follow the link on the right to stay up.to.date on specials and sales!

big day, big news...

it is time...
hubby has been telling me this for at least 8 months...
i have finally listened...
i assume he is so glad that i have finally given in...
as he must be tired of hearing me complain about wanting one...
why the long wait?
it wasn't the right time...
with the move i didn't want it to get damaged...
and well i was so nervous about the financial commitment...

this is such a huge step for me and my little biz...
i have wanted a new computer for at least 3 years...
...i have needed one for about the last 2...
i was reminded on this last week as i typed...
then watched as the computer caught up 3 sentences...

i have researched so much...
that i am confused as to all the options...
i am so grateful to the tech for his patience...
as i came to know him by first name...
as i shaved and added features...
requested numerous quotes...
and his many emails over the last few weeks...
seeing as i don't make many decisions very quickly...

i don't yet know the delivery date...
but i will be sure to let you know when it arrives...
i am just happy to have the decision made...
now if only it would hurry up and get here...

{ image borrowed from superstock.com }

rockin weekend...

Hubby and I enjoyed our weekend to the fullest and hopefully you did too! It is always a treat to have an "extra" day. Although, our thoughts, prayers, and worries have been with the Gulf and the possibilities of what could happen and what did happen with the storms. Thank the Lord that what could have happened didn't happen and what did happen is less severe than projected.

We spent Saturday cleaning out the garage...getting rid of the last few boxes...I guess we are officially "all moved in"! We rewarded ourselves with a day full of fun on Sunday! We headed to a local flea market south of the city that we've been looking forward to trying. We arrived early hoping not to miss anything. We went with hopeful expectations and riding on a few recommendations...consensus: it was a good one! I was most excited to finally find a spot for vintage treasures seeing as the last few we tried were...h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e. I had about decided that "flea market" was a different definition here in PA than what I know it to be in TX.

We found a few favorites...silver trays and compotes that I have already put to good use and found "the" spot for them! BUT...the most treasured of all finds at any flea market we have ever shopped was found at this one...I must say I don't have a more favorite antiquing find...ever...

it has lovely legs...{with wheels!}...

...great bones and details...

it

is

a

beautiful antique wooden cradle
{ that won't be used, but just admired for a while }

and is in fabulous condition...it rocks and even locks for the "no rocking" option.

We only know a little of its story {the history is always my next question after the price}. It was found at an estate sale here in PA and was the gentleman's grandmother's...they think it dates to the late 1800s - early 1900s. I don't know much about its history...but I can tell you it will now forever be in our family.

all it needed was a little tlc from hubby!

The man who sold it to us also gave us a wonderful new tip {which I think sold hubby on the purchase all together!}. He introduced us to this and this...and gave us a bottle of each so we could clean up the cradle! What wonderful tools we will not be going without for future "furniture make-overs".

On our way back into town we stopped by the new outlet that just opened...it had some wonderful stores that will surely be nice to have close. I was excited to take hubby to the sweet spot Krystal and I found when she was here...Sarris...a cute old fashioned ice cream parlor tucked back in a little town! We split a so very tasty - hit the spot strawberry milkshake...with 2 cherries! yummm! He loved it!

We topped off the day with a little more sun...a pool party with friends! A great day with just hubby, a special find, and a sweet treat!

.....................
{ Labor Day }

good food

silly friends

I don't dabble in politics...the bantering back and forth is not something I enjoy...even though it does run in the family seeing as how my Dad leaves all the tvs in the house on F*xNews during the day so that he doesn't miss a moment of news/bantering as he moves from the gameroom, through the kitchen, into his bedroom! Well yesterday...I sure did jump on the bandwagon and watch in amazement as history was in the making. I watched as the world learned of JM's VP pick. The hair on my arms stood up when Sarah P*lin gave her speech with such poise, confidence, courage, humility, strength...{and as I hear, but couldn't see behind the podium} a ruby red pair of peep toe heels! She definitely must have clicked those heels a few times before heading on stage because the news definitely landed in "aahhhs" as she left the entire country wanting to learn more of who she was!

{ in case you couldn't tell...image borrowed from people.com }

minute by minute...

Today I am wishing I had a land line...
I don't know how it happened...
too much research for my upcoming purchase...
too many friends without my carrier...
too many vendor calls...

I'm sure all of the above contribute...
to my embarrassing dilemma that I am over on my minutes...
and there are still a little less than 2 weeks left in my billing cycle...

so I ask in the nicest way...
in a compassionate voice...
please don't call me until the 8th unless you are a veriz*n customer...
please send a letter...
email...
flowers...
cards...
or a pigeon instead.

{ image borrowed from superstock }

Wii-lly fun...

We had a wonderful weekend...again. We have truly been blessed with wonderful weekends in our new place most in part to having found wonderful friends so fast. I can remember back early on in the "residency" process when we thought of the slight possibility of not yet heading home. All shock aside I really began to ponder this possibility and realized that if this was possible this seasoned state mover was gonna need some "sure things" in order for the transition to be smoother than the last. One of the things I prayed for was friends. I knew that if hubby and I weren't headed home yet that we needed a physically close support system. I remember being so lonely when we first moved to Cleveland...it was just us in this new strange cold place.

God not only answered my prayer...he answered it in a way that blew my desires out of the water. This group of at least 15 has been so amazingly welcoming, more than believably inviting, and over the top generous that not only can you not help but love them all...we have this immediate at home feeling.

Since we have been here there hasn't been one weekend without at least one social "outting" with our new friends. This weekend was no exception. It was a Draftin' party for the guys and a Wii-lly good time for the girls at the "director's" house! Have you ever Wii-bowled barefoot in the grass in the backyard in front of a giant screen? Or watched Wii-Olymics 2008 on the big screen...they have the water cube and bird's nest on there!! ...too much fun! {this outdoor screen is now added to my wish list of future...would.be.fun.to.haves}

Once again...I didn't bring my camera. So uncharacteristic of me...although becoming normal. I'm not sure why...I am usually snap happy with the shooter, but lately...I have just been enjoying life. I need to start shooting again though...or else I will surely forget these little moments...seeing as my memory is one of the many reasons I starting blogging and love photography.

We were talking about it this weekend...it really feels like we have been here for so long...not that its dragged on, but that its become so comfortable so fast. We had a passing through guest a few weekends ago that paid us such a compliment...she was asking me about the winter weather conditions here for about the 3rd time...I reminded her nicely again that I am not real sure and haven't lived that yet...she giggled "I keep forgetting... ya'll just seem so comfortable here...its as if you have been here forever." It really made me stop and realize...she's right we fit right in...its not been "easy", but we have become blessingly comfortable.

Is it because we are seasoned movers? experienced state hoppers? I think not...I like to think its because God answered this gal's prayer!

{ image borrowed from openaircinema }

toodles until london...

We kissed the Olympics good.bye tonight and washed it down with a cold homemade vanilla milkshake. We gawked at the closing ceremony and was in awe of the monstrosity of it all.

Now the race begins again...the practice, the grueling hours, the injuries, the surgeries, the recoveries...the athletes will set their eyes on a new gold for the next four years... they will then come, preform on the grandest stage, and "wow" us again...

Toodles until London...{hopefully by then I will at least have a constant work out routine in place!}

{ top image borrowed from yahoo.com : bottom image borrowed from amazon.com & altered a tad by moowa }

flea market finds...

So obviously my bedtime isn't the only thing upside down {although...I made it to bed before 9:30pm last night!!}. I seem to completely have my dates off too... I have been excited to head to the local flea market this weekend with hubby. I have been thinking about it for the last week or so hoping that the 3rd times a charm seeing as the last 2 "attempts" at a flea market in my new town has resulted in disappointment!

You can only imagine my disappointment when I went to look up the directions last night to find out I am off on my weekends...are you kidding? Its not this weekend?

So...since my mind is obviously on the fleas...I thought I would share some of my recent finds. My sister and I spent one day antiquing while she was here...and we had pretty good results!!

{ this cute silver pedestal and I topped it off with a cloche I already had}

{ how cool is this piece? I found another one in a different color scheme...the lady was so excited to sell it to me as I promised to take care of them. I don't entirely know a lot about them, but the colors are perfect, the wording right on, and old...enough said! I need to now start clipping coupons for the custom framing!!}

{ another little silver piece }

{ Oh I was thrilled to add these to my collection...time for a party?! I found an entire set! With all the ones my mom got me several years ago...I am collecting quite the loot of sets! }

gettin' comfy...

Is your bedtime upside down? and wrong side out?

Mine is! I haven't been to bed before 11:30pm in over a week and up before...well I don't have to be all the way open about that one! These Olympics caught my attention completely off guard! I admit...I am addicted. I don't know how it happened or what withdraws will be like, but I have become immersed in the games...all of them...ok so fencing wasn't doing much for me! I'm not sure what life will be like next week, but I am sure I will have to start popping tylen*l pms!

I don't just sit on the couch in awe of the tv...my fingers are working late into the night...I have been so busy adding new treasures at T&T that by Monday my hands said...enough...they began cramping and aching...I persevered despite the early signs of carpel tunnel! {with a little encouragement from sitting on my bum watching the Olympics}.

New goodies are up and old favorites are back!! Speaking of sleepy times...I have been waiting to add the precious robes back to our catalog...they are reversible, soft, and plenty of room for growth in order to get many years of wear! They are adorable with a monogram!!Also along the lines of getting comfy are the new styles in lounge sets for the littles...sizes 6 mo-2t!...
Makes me what to have a pj party, a good movie, popcorn, and snuggle on the couch! Netflix delivered a new movie today...maybe tonight would be a good night for dinner and a movie!!...or maybe will watch the women's volleyball finals!

{ top image borrowed from superstock.com }

pretty packages...unwrapped!

In case my last post left you wondering...I did get to unwrap those pretty packages! I received such lovely goodness that I couldn't help but share...maybe you will see something you too must put on your Christmas list or better yet...add to the list to get for someone else! Christmas is less than half a year away now you know!

...listed in no particular order...

Can I just start off by saying that boy do my friends and family know me! I got old, I got new, I got funny cards, I got handmade cards, I got heartfelt cards, I got sure favorites, I got new things that will now be favorites! Hubby gave me a fabulous gift card to my current favorite clothing store!!...and took me over the weekend to shop it...he was so patient {as he always is} as I walk through every square inch of the store! I received more gift cards to favorite stores and eats...the power of the gift card is at times underrated...I think it to be a very sensible gift...I know to some it says "I had not a clue what to get you"...to me it says "I know you will so enjoy shopping for yourself!"

...my parents sent me this adorable bag in my new color...mustard! I love how versatile it is and this color goes with everything! thanks mom!

My mom also gave me these lovely vintage silver s&p shakers to add to my collection {don't you love their little legs!!}...along with the long strand of pearls below...such possibilities with a long strand of pearls...knots, doubled, long and lean, swagged...endless! I was able to pre-birthday shop with my sis when she was here...she also sent me the big pearl drop necklace in the pic below...l.o.v.e. i.t.!

...My mil & fil gave me this precious purse...I can now officially be a member of the C*ach club!! My mil also gave me a book that I am most excited to begin reading...a voice in the wind. It is by one of my favorite authors...I haven't read her work since college...hence not having time to read since then!my sil and bils were so sweet to send me my favorite Tyler candle...Tyler. Again, I know blogger doesn't cater to the sense of smell...but oh how I wish you could smell this! I love love love this smell and am soo excited to be stocked full of 'tyler' smelly goodness again! If you have never smelled a Tyler Candle...you must! I recommend it not just because its homegrown in Tyler, Texas, but because they are legit friends!

Miss LKH was so very sweet to send me vintage favorites...such thoughtful treats that made her think of me. Have you ever seen such uniqueness?...vintage mother of pearl buttons with my initial!! Good thing they have an "a" on them...I selfishly won't have to share them! The sweet crystal bowl with silver feet that my new buttons are nestled in...a treat from Miss Lauren too! Don't you love the yummy label on this old red book? A chandi no less...yep...she knows me too well! It has the most amazing colored pictures inside too {see below}...as my mother says about vintage Christmas balls..."they just don't make those colors anymore"!

"having a lovely jam session"...what a hoot!

Such thoughtful gifts and even a few more that I didn't get pics of. It really was a lovely day...and I felt so blessed with not just lovely things...but with love from friends and family! So blessed!

kooks are here!

They arrived on Friday in their typical stylish fashion...all cute, chic, and cuddly! They are back in stock and brought a few NEW friends along too! Check out Emmaline's baby sister...mini kookie emma! She's a cutie and so sure of herself despite her little legs!A NEW kookie friend...Chloe is the new kid on the block and sure to be a popular gal!

many thanks...

What a lovely day! Thank you all for your comments, texts, calls, emails, messages, songs, gifts, cards, and all around well wishes! Hubby surprised me with a fabulous dinner out with friends at a wonderful spot a top Mount Washington...the view was amazing, the dinner sooo tasty and in abundance, the company of friends was treasured, and to top off the night our dinner ended with a surprise dessert, the birthday song sung by friends, and a fantastic fireworks show as the downtown view erupted in cracks of colors! ...a fabulous night!

{ nick:kristyn . shea:joey:us . meghan:andy }

{ fabulous dinner at the Georgetowne Inn }

gifts...

Ever since my sister came a few weeks ago there have been gifts in the guest room with my name on them, they keep coming and with each delivery I am reminded that they are piling up in there! I am so overwhelmed each year by the amount of thoughtfulness on my birthday and enjoy seeing the pretty packages. With gifts being in there this long this year though...I am also really wondering whats in all those pretty packages? when will I get to open them {today I hope!}? what will I do with the treasures inside?

I think God thinks the same thing about our gifts...

Not our birthday presents, but the presents He presented to us at birth...the talents he gave us the day we were born and the spiritual gifts we were blessed with the day of our rebirth.

He has given us talents and spiritual gifts...many of which we may have untapped or unused. I wonder how often He feels...how long until they open and use what I have given them? How long until they unwrap, discover, and use what gift I have blessed them with? How long are they going to stare at the pretty package of that blessing before they use it for the good of my kingdom? {...although...He is much more patient than I!}

I am still reading the Purpose Driven Life {remember it takes like 40 days!} I am learning and remembering pearls about walking, living, and being with God's purpose every day...I highly recommend you taking the time to pick up this gem and read it. Actually, if anyone would like to begin reading it, but doesn't want to go at it alone...I would be more than happy to read it along with you starting from chapter one.

Each chapter is relevant. But amazingly each chapter seems to be relevant to my needs that day or week. For example, the Monday after we visited a new church on Sunday...that day's lesson was on finding a church home. {wow!} Today was no different. I have been reading this week about how God shaped us in His image and for His image. So I am learning why I was created...perfect timing...because I was born 26 years ago today!

Today's read discussed shape...nope not physical {that was yesterday}...yes I have red hair for a reason! Some days I think it might be just to give strangers a smile...not a touch {as mentioned before I draw the line when they want to touch my hair}, but a smile because they always seem so in awe of its color!

Anyways, sidetrack...shape.

We were created for a purpose {we've been told this forever}, but did you know that if we don't fulfill that purpose...it goes unfilled. No one else is going to come along behind us and fill it...it won't be filled. Now I realize that finding one's purpose isn't an easy task...but there are things I know about myself {and don't know about myself} that are clues towards finding my purpose in life. God gives us "clues" about our gifts...what do we enjoy doing? what is our passion? what are we good at? Good thing God doesn't want me share the gift of song...I can't carry a tune!

Not only does our shape consist of our personality, but also our experiences. I hope that as I live this next year that not only my personality moves more in tune with God and the gifts He has given me, but I also hope to have the oneness and ability to share my experiences and the ones to come to use what He has created me for. So I too encourage you to realize that you too are blessed with gifts today {not my birthday presents...sorry}, but the presents God has given you...some you recognize and some are waiting to be opened.

On my day of birth...I thank God for breathing life in me. I thank my parents for showing me life. I thank hubby for choosing to share this life with me. for I am blessed.

aaahhhhhhh!

{sorry...hope your ears were closed!} It finally arrived!!! T&T was featured in the editor's pick of T*ddler Magazine this spring. It was such a treat and one that has been in the works since the editor first contacted me last summer. She loved the nap to go sets and wanted to feature them in her picks! I was over the moon!!! After a pushed back issue, the busi-ness with our move, and unable to get my hands on my own copy...I was finally able to see the feature yesterday! I can't begin to explain how it feels to see your dream in print. It has to be close to what a parent feels when their child's name is in print...the child accomplished it, but the parent birthed them and gave them their name...it is such an amazing feeling! One I don't think I'll ever be used to. I am more than humbled, incredibly grateful, and find myself so amazed at times that my little web boutique reaches past my front door and into the homes of so many treasured customers and their littles!

For all you mommies of toddlers this is a good read...written just for the niche of littles on the run...aka toddlers!

{ click on image to zoom and read article : veronica is the style pictured }

fresh look...

Hope ya'll have had a lovely week! I spent it marking one large item off of my to-list {that grows faster than it weakens}. I have finally given T&T a fresh new look just in time for back to school...I won't tell you how long its been since I updated my homepage {too embarrassing}, but if you are a faithful shopper I'm sure you will be glad to see that yes, those darling girls have finally finished those popsicles!

I am quickly trying to update the catalog as well with some fresh new goodies...so far...nap to go sets, crayon rolls, backpacks, these new adorable pirates have joined the listing...

I have restocked the lunch totes with old favorites and fresh styles too...just in time for back to school...LOVE THESE!!
...and these new burps are sure to keep the babes in spitting style!

There's even more to come and I hope to get them listed soon. I'm off now though...we might be having company for the weekend so I best get back to my cleaning list...since I didn't even attempt it yesterday! Hope you all have the loveliest weekend!

across the ocean...again!

I am always amazed and quite humbled by everywhere in the world T&T customers come from. It is a wonderful feeling to mail goodies from my little o'le shop to mommies and littles around the world. The newest international order is from...Israel!!

I am on the hunt for an old map that I can use to mark each of the countries of the doorsteps where T&T goodies have landed. I think it would be fun to track and see.

{ image borrowed from worldtravel.com }

roastin' somethin' good!

It doesn't matter the time of day...anytime you are at my grandfather's house he is sure to offer you roasted pecans and a cup of coffee. Now...his version of coffee involves just as much cream as mine does flavored syrup so I don't usually take him up on a cup...but his pecans are surely to be savored!! He roasts the pecans himself and usually does this daily. Well...a birthday treat arrived on Thursday...a huge bag of pecans from my grandfather...complete with his signature "hand writ" note...

I popped open the bag and called him again for the special "recipe" on how to roast the pecans...I did and boy were they a treat! I also promised by his request to "save mom just one for when she visits"!