Thermal Snack Jar...

Thanks Jenni! Little c is taking spaghetti from home today in her new Thermal Snack Jar (dishwasher safe people!). She is so excited. This thing opens up all new lunch possibilities especially for kids who actually like leftovers.

Happiness For Two...

Alexandra's new book is scheduled to be out December 26th. Don't you love the new cover? Also, the September Newsletter has posted.

The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens..

Here is an illustration of Sydney Carton going peacefully to his death as he remembers some versus from the New Testament, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:26). Then he says, "It is a far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
I favor books about love and redemtion and this is one of the best. I've learned something more every time I've read it. I think it is a perfect novel. I have made it a newish tradition to read it just before school starts. It makes me feel like I am still a student (which I hope that I am, self taught, but still learning) and sharpens up the old brain a bit for the coming year.
This book, like all of his books that I've read.. but especially this one, is truly a gift to the human race.

Colonial Dames Vitamin E Cream...

The best thing that has happened to my face ever. I love this stuff. How did I not know about this stuff? They've been making it since 1886. I have really dry skin and live in Utah on top of that, so this might not be for everyone. And get this... check the price on this miracle in a jar... Not too bad... The only thing I don't like is that I wish it was unscented, but the perfumey smell fades quickly.

Granny Chic Present...

I have always wanted one of these colanders and my mom brought me back one as a gift from her last little trip. I think this shade of pink is so pretty. I just painted a box this color last week. Thanks Mom, I just love it. (C grew all of this stuff in his garden except the orange... it's really good too. I love garden tomatos!)

Becoming Jane...

I loved this movie. It was perfect.

New Monogram Custom Boxes...

I'm going to make these custom monogram boxes available for awhile and see how it goes. Thanks to Lindsey for a great idea..

Fat Cat In Turquoise...

I think I like my skinnier version better... hmmm...

Chubby Kitty will be joining the other Love BoXes

in

THe LoVe BoxeS ShOp

this morning...

Meow!

HaNd PaiNteD LoVe BoXeS ShOp

More Spin Tops...

HaNd PainTeD LoVe BoXes SHoP

Spinning Tops & Other Stuff...

Shop update tomorrow...

Hand Painted Love Boxes

Earrings...

See them in...

The Hand Painted Love Boxes

Etsy Shop...

Vietnam...

I absolutely believe this to be true. Another reason why careful study of our own history is so important. (Thanks C for passing this on.. you should have your own blog. You'd be great! Love you anyway though!) Bill Kristol nails it again.

BZZZzzz...

I only have one left of the last tray that I made of these beehives..

so I made some more.

This time I did some different fun quotes in them. So, if you want one you can choose the quote you like

..until it's gone that is...

These are the quotes to choose from & I did them in blue & pink..

Land of the mountains high, Utah, we love thee!

Evan Stephens

To Labor is to Pray.

~ Motto of the Benedictines

Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers.

Robert Ingersoll

...and the only reason for making honey is so as I can eat it.

Pooh Bear

ThE LoVe BoXeS ShoP...

Short-Sleeved Hoodie...

Some years it's the pancho, some years it's blah, blah and blah... and I don't usually want those things, but I've wanted one or two of these. It actually is much cuter in person with more shirt underneath... you know.. the layered look. Found one at Target (hooray!) I am, of course, still searching for one in pink... I love this one though and it's so soft and making me dream of a nap near the air-conditioning vent... not going to happen. School starts in the morning!

Bernese Mountain Dog...

I'm not ever getting a dog... A .. Aaahaah CHoooOOO!!! I'm allergic. But, if I wasn't... I would get this dog. He's a Bernese Mountain Dog. Cute, don't you think? The problem with these dogs as I have learned (I think this is a problem with a lot of dogs) is that they are breed to be working animals. These dogs pulled heavy milk carts and worked as rescue dogs. They do not want to sit in a run and be ignored... My dad's Collie got walked 3-4 times a day and some family members (mom) still had dog run guilt. I can't do it. I know that I would never walk the dog and that walking therefore would not happen. So, I admire them from afar, (a very far.. I'm a bit terrified too). Little c is getting the stuffie version for her birthday. I hope she'll like it and I hope she doesn't faint from the lack of real dog. I wonder some times.

The Lost Prince...

When I rented this I thought that it was something else. Hooray! the BBC has made a film of Frances Hodgson Burnett's (best book in my opinion) The Lost Prince... Nope. You'll have to read it still as far as I know. This Lost Prince is about the family of George V and their sweet son Johnnie who is shut away from the public and largely from the family because he suffers from epileptic fits, which is considered disgraceful. Johnnie is raised by his devoted nurse Lalla, played by the brilliant Gina McKee. The year is 1910 and Europe is broiling in the lead up to WW1. This is a really great program... not to be missed.

Baubles...

Big news... it the middle of August I became a great Aunt... not an Aunt a Great Aunt! That is why the renewed interest in jewelry making... my new little niece needs some sparkly stuff to complete her beautiful pink wardrobe. Anyway, some of these things will be in

The LovE BoxEs SHoP

today...

Bonza the Horse...

Please don't see any Godfather imagery here... Little c wants to be a cowgirl for Halloween and she is making a painted pony like those in Hidalgo to go with her costume. Bonza the horse looks a little holstein cow at the moment, but she won't once little c gets her mane and her long black yarn tail.. She is looking very cute. Little c has actually stuffed the head already. She is doing such a great job. This is one of those projects that she has done that is amazing to me.

Under the Tuscan Sun...

With the exception of a few secularist rants that detract from the loveliness of the story, I really enjoyed this book.

While it alludes to the story of a life, the book is about beauty and how in Tuscany the sun goes to the soul of everything until it is lit within.

(nothing like the film really..)