The Circle of Life

This is the week of goodie bags, last minute RSVPs and a cake from Costco. My daughter turned three and yesterday was her first birthday party with friends joining the fun. But the art of preparation took two tracks after a phone call Tuesday. My grandmother died. Her name was Dorothy. Our family called her Dodo. I was not only her granddaughter, but her power of attorney.

So after the tears dried, I was suddenly in charge of planning a funeral, one plotted out years ago to take place in Dodo’s beloved old home of Chicago. She would travel one last time back to the Windy City, where she left for Arizona.

Who knew a permit was needed to plan her trip back? Who knew even though she prepaid for this day, the prices of “third party services” increased with inflation and a check for the differences needed to be overnighted to the mortuary? I needed to find a rabbi and gently handle relatives who had their own two cents on how things should be handled. There was the call to stop Dodo’s BlueCross coverage. And arrangements must still be made for her things in her room at her group home. My brother? He lives in Tokyo. Tough for him to help several time zones away. Settling Dodo’s finances is a task for a future day. After faxes and phone calls, the service is settled for Monday. And I can’t even go. I’m eight months pregnant.

But before the new week begins, I plan to take a breath. New toys must be assembled. Birthday party pictures must be uploaded. Two emotionally opposite events in two cities … and all in one week.

Dreaming of Dishwashers

On the everyday list of what's important, the following isn't: my dishwasher. But this week, it opened up a little reality. People pushed themselves out of bed at six in the morning to not miss Arizona's rebates for appliances. The government program is rewarding with rebates those of us who buy new, energy saving products.

By mid-morning if not earlier on Monday, the early birds exhausted the state's available money for the program. Wake up too late? Too bad. With the economy in slow motion, I long ago washed away spending money on a new dishwasher. But hearing stories of couples saving hundreds of dollars on washers and dryers and more, I wondered if resetting the alarm clock should have come the night before. That's when reality hit, the oh gee about getting a new GE. Did I fall off the top rack?

As a mom staying home to grow two small businesses, waking up along with the sun is a bit insane. Taking care of a toddler with number two soon on the way, sleep is something I only dream of. Each hour under the covers is coveted, and hearing the harsh sound of a six o'clock wakeup call for a dishwasher is not on the daily agenda. Good for the early birds who hooked themselves up. For those moms out there like me who need more hours in the day just to grab some zzzzs, we'll keep our GE. Let it hum, rattle and roll, my old dishwasher. I don't mind just dreaming of a new one.

Cool Retro from Fishbone Deco

I came across this very cool Etsy shop, Fishbone Deco, that sells unusual vintage items. Each one is handpicked. Here are some of my favorite items.

A Charming Floral Affair for Spring

I have a weakness for carved beads and floral beads that add texture and color to designs. I've been collecting them for some time. Now, I've decided to put them to use in charm necklaces and bracelets in time for spring. These pieces use a combination of vintage and new beads (but mostly vintage). I will be adding more to my shop soon so be sure to keep checking back.

Dress Up Your Cupcakes

My gnawing late afternoon hunger and my sweet tooth brought me to a sweet little Etsy shop called Two Sugar Babies where you'll find fun and creative fondant toppers you can use to decorate cupcakes, sugar cookies, cakes or other baked goods. Two Sugar Babies has really fun Halloween fondant toppers and monogrammed ones that are perfect for a personal touch. What wonderful party decorations or a simple sweet gift!

The Fabulous Life of...Part Deux

In an earlier post, I shared some photos of old brooches and findings and promised I would do some before and after features so you can see how I upcycled them. Here is one example of an Art Deco era piece that I transformed into a glamorous necklace. I don't know what this piece was in its former fabulous life - a brooch, a dress clip or a pendant - but its new life is one of a pendant mixed with new but Art Deco style Czech glass beads. Perfect for a formal event, a wedding or Holiday time.

Dear Lillie Does Flowers Right

I have a weakness for flowers both in jewelry and clothing designs. A picture of a ring bearer's pillow with a beautifully handcrafted pink peony flower caught my attention on Etsy's home page. It led me to Dear Lillie's shop where I found amazing tanks and tees embellished with huge flowers. So feminine. Dear Lilly also has adorable baby clothes. Definitely worth a look!