So, having a baby around sure makes the time fly.

Especially when it comes to haircuts!

I finally couldn’t stand myself anymore so I left the family to fend for themselves, and went to see my girl, Heather.  All the way to her shop I thought about exactly how I was going to describe the cut I wanted.  And, true to form, I got there, sat in the chair and said “You decide!” And walked out feeling fabulous!

While I was there I decided to treat myself to some frou frou hair stuff that smells wonderfully like vanilla.  I’m usually a pretty practical kind of gal, but there’s something about smelly hair stuff that can lift one’s spirits on a grey, drizzly day, so I bought myself some fancy hair goop.

Little did I know until after I got home…..

Do you see that?!?

“FOR WIZARDS” you guys!

I’m not sure what that means…. but if Hairy Potter (see what I did there?) stops by the house – I’ll be sure to tell you guys all about it!

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And while I’m chatting about hair…

Have you ever tried a shampoo bar?  Well, I hadn’t.  But I recently took the plunge and got a sample assortment from Soap Lady Oregon .  For a very reasonable price I received 8 good sized samples of organic shampoo bars.  I’ve gone through 1 already (the sample size lasted about three weeks – and I have thick, shoulder length hair).

My conclusions:

1.) These smell terrific!  I keep them in a pretty dish in the bathroom and it smells lovely in there.

2.) I like them.  They do make my hair feel alittle different than regular shampoo, in a good way.  And my husband told me last week that my hair looked great.  He even asked if I’d gotten it cut again!  I’d say that’s a pretty good incentive to keep using these.

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Have you’ve tried something new with your hair lately?

Have a funny hair story you could share?

Tell me about it!

Jenn : )

So I was at the grocery store today and the clerks were passing out fortune cookies to celebrate Chinese New Year.  I’ve just Googled Chinese New Year 2010 and so far everything I’ve read says that on the western calendar it begins on February 14th (Year of the Tiger). Today is the 5th….

…so, thanks to the local grocery store I am finally ahead of the game on something!

Hurrah!!

I still have Christmas gifts to mail, but by God, I’ve got the Chinese New Year covered!

What, you guys haven’t celebrated yet?  Well, GET ON IT!

Martha Stewart and I will be sitting back with a cup of tea.

(Cause I imagine that Martha probably has the next 10 Chinese New Years all mapped out already.)

Happy Chinese New Year to you all!

Jenn ; )

Josh bought me this beautiful handmade doll and it just arrived today.

(I’m a big fan of Mimi’s dolls – I have this one, too!)

It reminds me of Madeline, all swaddled for a nap.

Thank you, Josh!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I’m working on some new additions for the shop.

I hope to share those with you soon!

Jenn : )

Woolfelt dots for decorating my next round of pincushions.

And more dotty goodness:

Key Lime Dot Scarf made by Mountainavenbaby

Elephant Stuffed Toy made by SewnNatural

Stuck On You Card made by Michellenstamps

Jenn : )

From Cotton Time:

These photos are from the Nov. issue.

The Jan. issue is on its way!

Jenn : )

This is one of the new favoritest books in the Maruska house:

Scaredy Squirrel!

Adorable illustrations, great story and fun to read.

Scaredy Squirrel leads a predictable life, planning for any emergency.

Until one day, when something shocking happens!

Without giving away the dramatic ending,

I will say that Scaredy Squirrel’s world will change…

forever!!!

I’m pretty sure Scaredy Squirrel At The Beach,

Scaredy Squirrel At Night,

and

Scaredy Squirrel Makes A Friend

will be joining us SOON!

Jenn : )

… a message to Paula Deen.

Hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Our plans fell through when our friends called to say that they had the flu.  We decided to keep Madeline at home, so we celebrated with a quick roasted chicken, just the three of us.

I hope to have photos of our newly renovated upstairs, soon.  We have a few minor things to finish up and we’ll finally be done (we started this renovation all the way back in June!)  I’ve started slowly moving my studio upstairs, out of the dark, depressing basement (did you hear the champagne pop?) and we’ve already spent a few nights in our new bedroom.

Madeline keeps me very busy, but she and I are working out a routine, and I’m getting better at multi-tasking and doing things one handed.  I have a new respect for all you moms out there – this really is the toughest of jobs.

I have very little reading time lately, but I try to do a little here and there, while I’m feeding the baby.  One of my recent reads, is this issue of Food Network Magazine that my friend Christina sent me.

It has several recipes that I’d like to try, some great gadget ideas and lots of delicious photos.  I read it straight through and then set it aside, in a spot where I see it every day…

… and the more I look at it, the more I chuckle and think to myself:

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Dear Paula Deen,

You seem like such a nice lady.

What is going on with your hair?

My great grandmother had a silver Christmas tree that spun around and had four different colored lights that shined on it.  I’m pretty sure it was made before lead testing was popular.

You should find a new stylist.

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(Stay tuned – my next post involves a squirrel!)

Jenn : )

We have a GIRL!

Baby Madeline has been keeping us very busy.

We’ve had some very late nights here.

Thank you to all who sent their well wishes!

I hope to be back to blogging soon.

I just have to kiss her little noggin one more time…

Jenn : )

Big…

(or should I say “Little”)

news coming!

Jenn : )

Josh and I have been super busy over here.

We’ve got lots of projects going on these days.

The renovation of our upstairs is moving along quickly.

Here are a couple recent photos:

Our new railing!  There used to be a wall there.

This loft space will now be my new studio area,

instead of a cramped, neglected guest bedroom.

And we have new tile in the bathroom.

Josh has been working on several freelance design projects.

My latest custom order was for a large sized needlebook.

I tried something new with the cover and scalloped the edges of the embroidery. My customer was very pleased and so am I.  I think I’ll be doing more decorative edges on my needlebooks from now on.

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I was thrilled to learn recently that I’d been featured over at Evergreen Moms.

Evergreen Moms is a great blog that features items made by Northwest artisans and small businesses. You can sign up for their newsletter and receive a short message about their latest finds!

Thank you Heather, for including my items on your fun blog!

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And just this past Monday one of my taskets was featured in a Plaid Happy Collection over at Indie Icing!

Check out Indie Icing for gorgeous photos of cool handmade items!

Thanks to Jessica for including my tasket! : )

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I think the carpenters have left early today, so the cats and I are going to enjoy the quiet and the afternoon sunshine. Have a great day!

Jenn : )