La Mia Vita, La Mia Musa

a Happy Birthday.. and..

are you busy?...like all of us...our weeks are packed now with Christmas programs...shopping..family get together... work..basketball...

But my #2 son turned 13 this past Thursday...

  a Birthday... isn't that what this season is about anyway?

  as I added the candles to his cake... I remembered each year..when he first walked... when he learned to throw that killer curve ball.. oh yeah, when he first began to read! {I had the privilege as a stay at home mommy..to home school my babies for a few years..}.. when he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized....

{my handsome #2 and his bestest friend... #2 is in the green shirt..and bestest friend lost a tooth thanks to those milk duds!looong story..lol...}

 I am still recouping from sleep deprivation..anyone who has a young man and his friends over for a sleepover knows where I'm coming from..lol...

I do want to remember what this season is about... it's not about 'fashion'...or if the house is the envy of all the neighbors for it's  wonderful decorations...or if our outfit will make everyone stop and drool for that Christmas party.... it's about a Birthday of a King.... the gift of peace, salvation and joy He gave us!! 

... I just opened my present from my wonderful sister in law...scratch that...my sister in heart..she thought of me and sent me something to keep my toes warm during this Wisconsin Winter...Thanks Pam!! You have reinforced in me..what it's about...you rock my Vintage Sista!!!...

Blessings Friends...

XO

   

Buon Natale!!!

I wish everyone a Buon Natale! Some new creations... two sweet charms that have the sentiment on the back..

 
..and St. Nick on the front as well as a happy snowman..not really a happy snowman here!lol..it's now -8!! The snowman's buttons are glitterfied..

..I had this bracelet that broke on me, and I just couldn't part with it..so I made this little button and soldered it to the top! The inscription on the bracelet says " A mother holds her children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.."  I love that bracelet! I reminds me every time I wear it that "Mother hood" is a gift, a duty that I've been entrusted with and shouldn't be taken lightly..

Sooooo.. are you done with your Christmas shopping? Cookies baked?.. gifts wrapped?... as for me? NOPE! Still got lots to do. But this past weekend was such a blessing, I just stopped and created! It's amazing when there is no stress..no self imposed deadlines how creativity can flow. I haven't been able to create for "Bella" like I used to, it makes me sad..but maybe the good Lord is having me regroup and get grounded on what BellaColle' is all about..

we actually have two trees this year...#1 son really wanted to have a big 'ol tree...I resisted at first..'but mom, it would really make me happy..' how could I say no..and #3 wanted a little tree. #3 says that 'little trees are less worldly mom...' what's a mom to do? So, I got the big tree for the living room and this little one for the hallway..it makes the hallway soo cozy..

..Tracie from My Petite Mason is the only lovely soul who responded to my prior post soo..made my job easier! She wins!! Tracie is such a sweety..visit here...

so Bellas! Wishing you all a happy Monday..and Buon Natale...

Ciao!  

get a glimpse...

 want a glimpse into what it's about?...I'm having a little give-a-way...

  Quick ladies... I've got a sample of the glimpse skin care system for dry skin..it's wonderful..

glimpse is a natural 'intuitive' skin care system that contains mangosteen..

 
 The company has signed the 'compact for safe cosmetics'... Read more here..

...All you gotta do is leave a comment here what you think about safe cosmetics.. we will have a winner picked by Friday...

Take care!

XO

slaughterhead...

wow! what a wonderful Thanksgiving we had... DH was able to take some time off and go hunting... he took #2...#1 son & DH helped me in the kitchen for Turkey day... and just some much needed family time...ahhh..

I haven't been able to post till now, but over the Thanksgiving holiday, I received my one and only item for the art exchange I had taken part of awhile back... This is soo cool!!

  This is a fun and functional wallet that I received from Jessica Head...

 I visited their web site..slaughterhead... and I am a fan! These unique creations are made to order from re purposed and up cycled items...how cool, we need more stylish up cycled fashion accessories..

  I love the colors!!

Well, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Ciao Bellas!
 
 
 

Happy Thanksgiving...

Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!! 

 I am thankful for God, my family and YOU! My blog friends... sooo I'm off to brine the turkey..and prep the veggies... Take care.

XO 

Christmas count down...

  Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.. I am finalizing store shopping for Thanksgiving.. I found some fun decorations for Christmas..some chestnuts for our dressing for the turkey bird..

  I wanted to share some inspiration for the season. I pulled out my Mary Engelbreit collection of magazines! I have everyone since day one..I'm actually sad that Home Companion isn't around anymore.

  So, I'm paging through and just had to share the many pages of true home decoration..art inspiration JOY!! 

 These pictures all came from my December 2004/ January 2005 issue of Mary's Mag....

  anybody notice the theme I have found? Wonderful bottle brush trees!! I love the collection of the ones on the mantle with the warm fire and mirrors..oh and how about the ones on the table..they make a fun center piece!

.. I will be sharing more pictures from the pages of Home Companion... stay tuned..

Ciao.
 
 
 

be true....

Authentic: adv. worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality: trustworthy: not imaginary, or false or imitation....

I have a tidbit from my 'Ladies Who Launch' Daily tip. This comes from November 3... " Being a mom has its challenges that extend far beyond the obvious. I spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what my role is exactly to ensure the happiness of my girls. The process is constantly evolving but here’s what I’ve come up with and why it matters: Parenting is not about excessively influencing your children, but rather about protecting them from the influences that could threaten their authenticity. In fact, preserving their authenticity is probably the single biggest thing we can do for our children. When we launch a business, especially one rooted in passion, we open ourselves up to rediscovering our authenticity; the more we do so, the more successful we are. If you can find ways to protect your children from the loss of their authentic selves, you are positioning them for success, setting them up to get ahead, and offering the possibility of their being able to ultimately create a life that is truthful and fulfilling. And that makes all the difference when the ultimate goal is happiness"   - Victoria Colligan

  It's so hard to remember to be authentic sometimes.. One wants to fit in... but do you change who you are to bring in more customers? I think you have to have fun in your own skin... and people will follow!

 I admit.. I'm not always authentic sometimes... I don't want to offend anyone in our little town here...people are so quick to judge and 'presume' incorrect ideas about people and I want to protect my children from that! But I don't want to quench the spirits God had given them... I am so thankful for this nugget of inspiration for today, I just had to share it..

So Bellas! Be the Authentic Bellas that I know you are!! Ciao....

oh yeah..

Go Phillies!!
 
 

time jumper...

ever feel like time is your friend..or your enemy?

  I feel like time is my enemy lately..like I can't seem to get things done..I guess it's just this time of year.. school mixed with work..mixed with extra curricular activities..mixed with the gloomy weather...oh..you name it!

Well, I am thankful IT's Friday..and things can slow down..{NOT!}.. Thought I'd share tonight a fun company where you can design your own note cards..stationary..Christmas cards!..It's amazing! I love it... Expressionery.. Ciao Bellas!
 

awareness...

yes, it is time to think about it...I don't like to.. but It's Awareness month..Breast Cancer awareness..

Lost somebody extra special cause of it... We can do this.. we can be empowered! We can overcome..

I have to get my 'base line' mammogram this year... ugh..but I have family that love me and are counting on me.. so..I'll find a way to get it paid for..

detection would have saved her I believe...
Be empowered! Be proactive!

Can't read that address, it's ... www.pinkribbon.org... Thank you to everyone who is making a difference for the fight against this horrible disease... here is my little contribution..

 if you would like me to make you one, just email. 1/2 of the proceeds go to the Susan G Komen foundation...

Ciao My Bellas!!
 
 

well now...

1. Fall Colored Vintage Thread, 2. Vintage Halloween Die Cut, 3. mmm, orange..., 4. Vintage Photographer's Trade Card, 5. Colors of Fall, 6. Autumn, 7. "A Thought Like Light", 8. 9.09ND.048a VIntage Kodachrome, 9. Identity, 10. Chandelier Ribbon, 11. Halloween blowmold, 12. Black Georgia-chandelier, 13. brooklyn baby, 14. sparrow 5 arm white, 15. Autumn Beetle, 16. Out of... Season! I found these lovelies..these tidbits of inspiration..as some of us have been thrust into the cruel ice cold lake of the world.. having to go back to work..children..debt.. responsibility... I would love to create and share like I used to but alas..I can only watch on the sidelines..cheering those ones who continue to inspire us all in blog land! bravo.. bravo..