Winter Wonderland!

It's beautiful! It's amazing! It's different!

The backyard... hmm maybe it's time to go in the hot tub!

Suddenly my laundry room feels like a warm coat room in a ski lodge.

The weather outside is frightful (yay) and the fire is so soo delightful!

Neighbors are saying "hi" and everyone is a kid sledding down the biggest hill around.

My mom made home made cinnamon rolls.

The nights are silent with falling snow.

B makes a wicked vodka tonic with tons of lime around dinner time and we chill out.

We have a mini piano (pictured behind Muppet here) that plays carols and D presses the button and dances around the tree. She can't stay away from the Christmas tree. She knows she's not supposed to be in the living room by herself (sorry Elaine, your gift is almost unwrapped!) so when I go in to get her, D hops over to her child-sized piano and starts pounding away. We sing to the mini piano and we look at the ornaments and lights on the tree. Last night Dahlia snuck behind the tree and scraped her face on a branch. The battle scars of Christmas.

The snow smells cold!

The Christmas shopping has grinded (ground?) to a halt, but since I'm a planner, I'm set. B is risking a drive into town for gifts to put under the tree. Even if he makes it in his FJ, the stores will probably be closed. Our Starbucks up on the hill never ever closes and it's closed today. Lucky for us, the QFC has a Starbucks inside. Our lives are simple and getting coffee is an important part of B's routine. I just like caffeine. While we were at QFC, we watched as people tried to plow their grocery carts through a foot of snow. I wonder how the Eskimos bring their groceries in.

My beverage du jour is a grande, split shot, light whip, peppermint mocha. It's like drinking chocolate toothpaste, but I like to mix my drink selection up.

I've cleaned the house, prepped the guest rooms for Brody and Em. Brody was supposed to arrive tonight at midnight, but we're not even sure if SeaTac is letting planes land. He said that if he gets in by Wednesday, we'll be good.

Since I've started writing, the snow has started falling in flurries again. I am so mad at myself for not having a sled! D would totally love to go sledding! So much for being prepared. We have tons of groceries, I've been feeding the adorable little birds out in the yard. They hop right onto the feeder while I'm filling it now. Must be the only game in town.

I got an email from my auntie Pam on Vashon Island and she was filling a hummingbird feeder and a hummingbird came right up to her.

Hungry Hummingbird and my Auntie Pam

Emelyn arrives on Tuesday. This girl is from Seattle and moved to Colorado for college. She loves mountains, outdoorsy stuff and said she'd never live anywhere she couldn't see the mountains. Then she got a job in Texas. Houston, we have a problem, there aren't any mountains (that I know of) in Texas. So, when Em heard that we have over a foot, she was jealous. Don't worry Em, it will still be here if you can be home for the holidays. Looks like we're having a whiiiite Christmaaaass.... just like the onnnnes we used to knowwww...

The house is ready for visitors and I don't have anything else left to do. I guess it's time to work on one of the many projects I've been procrastinating, scrap booking.

I am still thinking of getting some chickens in the spring. What a riot that would be! D would dig it. Mups would be on full terrier alert and B would want to kill me.

Chickens, cuddly and delicious!

Making Cookies at Granny and Papa's

Last week, Dahlia was invited to make Christmas sugar cookies up at Granny and Papa's house. Elaine does this annually with her grand kids.

At this point, D doesn't have any cousins to speak of, so it's nice to "borrow" Elaine's grand kids.

The big girls made the cookies and we arrived just in time to frost some (eat some), play out in the snow, read a book on Granny's lap and drive home safely.

Frost some cookies. Eat some cookies.

The big girls.

Me and Dahli "Brrr"!

Play out in the snow!

Thanks for the awesome playhouse Papa!

Thanks for the sugar cookies Granny!

December Photos

Teaching Dahlia about Christmas has been a lot of fun.

We put a tree in the living room, hang socks by the fireplace and dress the dog in a sweater and she doesn't question our sanity.

This is D fake smiling in front of our tree.

"Train"

I pulled a bunch of "new" Christmas toys from smelly storage boxes and D got right to work.

Thanks to my Auntie BJ in Atlanta for this awesome advent train. For now it's decoration, but someday, we'll add chocolates in each drawer.

Muppet being a good sport. She despises clothing.

Muppet was stinky and I like to have her groomed before Uncle Brody gets here for Christmas, since he's allergic, so she was rockin' a fine haircut when she begged me to put the sweater and scarf on her. She posed in front of the Christmas tree for hours, put the camera on remote and took this shot of herself. I think it's so great, I'm having an 8x10 made. So holiday! I can hear the Christmas carols in the background now...

"Hi!" from us

You can see my bruised chin where a soccer ball made my face into a pancake. It's almost healed now.

Since Dahlia is learning several words every day, she can name lots of different things on the Christmas tree. My favorite is when she says "tiki". We have a tiki ornament from Hawaii and Nanny Brenna taught her what it was.

D learns really well with flashcard-type books. I think it's how she learned the word "cookie". Among many others, she loves to say "potty" and "poo" too. Other favorites are "ut-oh" and the old baby classic "bye-bye!"

SNOW! 12 inches and counting

Yesterday, Seattle and the surrounding areas were paralyzed with the threat of a huge snow fall.

Everyone stayed home, but the snow never came. I went out and ran my errands as usual, finished some Christmas shopping, had a facial and still, the snow never came.

I spoke with my dad, who lives an hour north in Stanwood and he had a different story to tell. Snow was falling like crazy up there and wasn't slowing down. He told me that once the snow hits my house, I should be ready, because it isn't stopping. I was giddy!

Around 5pm I was excited to see a few flurries. 20 minutes later we had ice balls tapping on the roof. Not nearly as fun as snow. I went to bed feeling disappointed, but hopeful.

B left this morning for work as usual and I assumed that once again, the Seattle weathermen were off their rockers. Today would be just another day of rushing around.

A while later D woke up. I dragged myself up and opened our blackout window shade to find a whiteout! Yay! Not only did we have several inches of snow, but it was coming down steadily! The day was cancelled!

B returned from his optimistic journey to work. He made it as far as Starbucks, two miles away, noticed that several cars were totally unprepared for the road conditions and decided he didn't want to spend his day driving behind "dumb asses".

After D had breakfast, we all bundled up and ventured outside.

Igloo

Mups, there's something on your nose.

Snow slide!

Snow suit!

Playing on the driveway, can you tell?

Afterwards we came inside and I made D snow ice cream. The recipe is top secret, but I'll share it with you. Just promise not to tell.

Take a bowl of pure, white snow and pack it into a bowl. Drizzle maple syrup over the snow, add a spoon and eat.

B and I also made hot chocolate and let D try some for the first time. She mixed it with her snow ice cream and seemed to have a great, but messy time.

Tonight the temperature is supposed to drop again and we have snow fore casted through Christmas.

While sitting at my desk, I have seen a cross-country skier glide by my house, a farm ATV on the road, kids pulling sleds, the mailman and one truck drive by.

Snow Inspired Haiku

To the ground it falls
melts silently on the earth
leaving me alone

Cheesy/Peppy Quotes

Take 'em or leave 'em, but here are some cheesy inspirational quotes that struck a chord with me today. I'm posting them here so I can throw the equally cheesy photo calendar away.

Your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.

Set your sights on the potential, not the problem.

Give your ideas time to take hold. Keep your dreams alive.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, make your own opportunities.

What Happens if the Phone Rings?

OMG OMG

My PR guy just sent a press release for my business to the following newspapers, magazines and TV stations.

• The Seattle Times P.I.
• Seattle Magazine
• Seattle Metropolitan
• 425 Magazine
• Seattle Homes and Lifestyle magazine
• KIRO
• KING
• KOMO
• KCPQ

The goal is to get some press and thus, clients, but I'm all nervous that they're actually going to call me now! I'm such an idiot on the phone!

PR guy's advice:
Just be Alyssa. You've read what I wrote (the press release) and it's easy for you to be smiling and gracious. Tell them some anecdotal stories about one or two clients that you did something normal for, and maybe one or two that the request was a little fun and unusual. A writer or reporter will usually ask you some questions to take you there. That's about it. And remember, this isn't the last Press Release we'll do. It's only the first. No matter what, eventually one of these guys will make contact and a story will get done!

2009 is the year of The Concie... oops, still trying to make sure my personal blog doesn't pop up when my business name is put into a search engine.

Spring Fever Wardrobe Stylist Party?

I just returned from my weekly networking meeting and thanks to half a cup of coffee, the rusty gears in my mind are grinding again.

I met a wardrobe stylist today who holds "What-to-Wear" parties. http://www.holobi.com/ I am fashionably inept thanks in part to my lack of interest and lack of funds (which I feel are better spent on home remodel projects). However, I think it would be fun to throw a party and get out of my comfort zone.

The party description is as follows:

This fun and informative seminar can be held at home with friend or an office with associates. Each guest gets a mini-profile to define their body shape and they learn how to dress for their individual shape. 1.5 hours for $25 per person.

I think it would be fun to have a Spring Fever/ Fashion Show party right around March 20th. I met a winery owner a couple weeks ago and she could provide the wine.

I would have a cheese plate (of course) and kick ass gift bags. Maybe it could be a benefit for CASA... hmm.

I'll have to think about this some more...

Support Independent Artists!

I read house and garden magazines. If I find one inspiring idea, I consider myself lucky. I've read so many cutesy cottage mags at this point, it's all white noise... and yet, if I happen to walk by a magazine that's remotely cottage, or french style, it's in my cart. I have half a heart attack if the cover has any aqua or light yellow colors.

Artists who advertise in my mags, which also include scrapbooking, tend to price their wares in the high range. They're licensed, well known, and have cards in boutiques all over the country. When I find local artsits who have the same aesthetic and talent, I take every opportunity I can to support them.

I have been using Maren's art for my business newsletter. http://www.saisaiarts.com/ Maren uses illustrator and hand paints. She is also an excellent writer. Check out her blog if you visit her site. Maren prices per project and also has an hourly rate.

Maren's "Hostess with the Mostess"

This weekend I visited a craft fair where my mom was selling handmade jewlrey, cards and an updated version of the cocktail apron (super cute).

I happened on Emily of Emily Ann Designs and had the aforementioned "half a heart attack". I bought this card and this card (the Space Needle wrapped in Christmas lights). If I send one of these cards to you, please act surprised.

Emily also prices per project and I can't wait to have her make a drawing for me to put on notecards for my business.

My friend Christy is a local photographer who meets her clients anywhere in the Seattle area, takes informal, natural pictures of you and your kids/ dog/ garden... whatever, makes the edits and sends the CD to you! I am a bit of a photo-hog, especially when it comes to my kid. Christy charges one flat fee and I get to manipulate the photos and order prints in any size I want. I recently did this for my Christmas cards (check your mailboxes, people) and the result was awesome. Christy Trotto Photography

Dahlia running at Heritage Park in Kirkland

I email my photo prints to http://www.ritxpix.com/ and pick them up in an hour. Ritz will also mail them to you.

This is me on my soapbox:
Original art is not that expensive and it's super fun to support independant artists! You get a custom project that you love and others appreciate the thought that went into the project.

Custom:
Christmas and Birthday Cards

Original art for a friend

Portraits

Invitations

Thank you cards

I don't have time to list all the things you could do. For around $35, you can get a custom drawing and put it on a card.

Let me know if you need a printer. I can refer you to one who makes custom, printed cards.

Hmmm, this is an interesting Chrismtas present idea...

Thanksgiving and November Photos

I finally unloaded my camera in order to sell something on Craig's List for a client. Lo and behold, I also found some family photos.

D seems bigger to me every day. She's saying the funniest things; identifying objects. Tonight she was bouncing on the couch and hitting a lamp. I said "Dahlia, don't hit the lamp." and she stopped and pointed to the lamp and said "lamp". To non parents, this wouldn't seem like rocket science, but to me, when D responds to things I do or say, or predicts the next sequence in a routine, it blows my mind.

These boots are made for... clomping carefully through the kitchen, so as not to lose them. The last time she tried on my boots, she peed in them.

Yay! The cutest mullet on the Eastside is good for something... pigtails! Dahlia started rockin' the pigtails last week and I think I'm going to have her in pigtails for her Santa picture tomorrow. OMG she's going to bawl her eyes out at the sight of that big, red man.



Chillin' with dada watching Charlie and Lola.

Lounging and relaxing before bedtime in the world's softest pajamas.

Here I am with my pride and joy, the Thanksgiving turkey... oh yeah, and my daughter. Her shirt says "I woke up on the cute side of the bed."