The Woodworking Show

When I found out the subject of the Martha Stewart Show was woodworking I got excited.   I fashioned a protective sleeve for the coatrack shelf I made a few years ago and -- with Eileen's help -- managed to get it through the train and to the hotel without a hitch.  It was all worth it to be in the audience with my woodworking project!!

All 14 woodworkers in the audience were happy to have a picture with Martha and their prized piece. 

Each one is showcased on Martha's website, along with their contact info ...

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/web-exclusive-woodworking-projects

But this is my favorite picture EVER!!!

More Martha

Such a lovely lunch!......

Cider Glazed Chicken

Lemon Dill Salmon

Potatoes Gratin

Brussel Sprouts with Sage and Pancetta

Mixed Greens with Beets and Goat Cheese

Yummy Desserts ...

Petit Fours, Mini Cupcakes, Cookies

Rocky Road Brickettes, Pecan Pies, and Cheesecake Pops

WOW

Terri J. Shapiro

Executive Director, Brand and Media Relations

Deluxe Corp

Eileen Smith Dallabrida - Writer, Editor - Philadelphia area

Tasha Oldham - Filmaker, Storyteller, Entrepreneur - LA area

 
What a treat --- mini makeovers and cocktail party!! 

Amazing make up artist from Jane Iredale Cosmetics

Kate Sanner - CEO, Vivacity, Westminster, Maryland

Debbie Maddy - Calico Carriage Quilt Designs

Dawn Dnyprowsky Mohrmann of Hydrangea Home Designs

It was a thrilling day!   Thanks, Martha...

Dreamers Into Doers 2011

I just got back from a great two day conference at Martha's MSLO ---- come on in, I'll share my trip with you ...

Of course MSLO served our coffee from silver urns .....

......The cutest breakfast parfaits I've ever seen -- and yummy too!

Dreamers sharing breakfast

Waiting for the first speaker ...

Dreamers with the Etsy representative, Danielle (second from left)

Rachel Gaffney

Martha arrives..... how exciting!!

And.. the WINNER is ............

and the winner is......... comment #3

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2011-01-12 17:12:12 UTC

that means Ginny is the winner -- send me an email with your address

Stay tuned for another giveaway next month!!

January Giveaway!!

New Year - new ideas ....    So here's my first idea of 2011 --- a give-away!!   Everybody likes free gifts, right?   Here's a picture of a beautiful little stained glass bird which is also a night light.

  If you like him, and wish to have him, its very simple.   You can win in one (or all) of 3 ways............ 1) leave a comment HERE ON THIS BLOG, 2) become a follower (or already a follower) and leave a comment to let me know HERE ON THIS BLOG,  and 3) share my post on your facebook page - then come back and let me know by making a comment HERE ON THIS BLOG.   The drawing will take place at noon on Wednesday, Jan 12.   I'll notify the winner, and then make a blog post --- good luck!

Better late than never???

In October I was lucky enough to set out on a truly great adventure!!  I won a great prize when in the audience of the Martha Stewart Show and my travel buddy, Eileen, and I set out for a 13 day excursion.   We started at JFK, where Eileen got us invited into the VIP lounge of Singapore Air.  That was pretty nice - we toasted the start of our trip with wine and nibbles in a plush, chic setting, looking out to majestic airbirds coming and going.  Our first leg took us to Frankfurt.  As we strolled the city on the way to dinner, we happened upon the Opera Hall ...

The next day we took the train and had a guided tour of Heidleberg - the city and the castle ..

The Captain of our solar boat ride posed for pictures ...

Couldnt go to Germany without a sample of food and drink ...

and ... of course, dessert!!!

Two days in Germany -- 12 hr flight -- and here we are in Singapore!!  At Raffles Hotel everyone gets Singapore Slings upon arrival!! Nice ...

We were treated to many wonderful meals, sightseeing, massages, and high tea -- but a definite highlight was dinner at The Wild Rocket - where Chef Willin Low made a 6 course dinner just for us!!!

While shopping on Arab Street we met Moe, a fashion designer searching for fabrics for his next collection!!

As we said goodbye to our grand aventure the doorman from Raffles wishes us safe travels.

But ... we're not headed home just yet.   We are on our way to Bali ...    a relaxing retreat at the Four Seasons in the jungle ...

A few days in the calm, spiritual surroundings of Bali and we were ready to brave that long 24 hr flight home -- did we really travel 3/4 around the world?  or was it a dream?   It was really a dream come true!!

Resolutions

Although we had a wonderful Christmas at our house --- the New Year is here and it's time to put Christmas behind us and look toward 2011....

I was inspired to start this blog last year after the great experience of visiting New York with a fabulous group of women called Dreamers Into Doers - sponsored by Martha Stewart's website - because while I was there I won a trip to Singapore.  So exciting -- but even better than that (and THAT was pretty great!) - but even better was the community spirit, encouragement, support and love of the women in the group ...

And the best news of ALL --- we are going back again this year!!   I am excited to see so many of my Dreamer Sisters - and meet lots more, because this year our group will be twice as big.  MSLO has organized two days of workshops to help us all grow in our business and personal lives - and Martha is one of the scheduled speakers!      As I looked back over the year I see I made 37 blog posts -- so my resolution for this year is to post at least once a week --- I hope you all will stay tuned and travel with me this year as I focus on my artwork and creative side.    Happy New Year!!

sitting pretty

I recently had the pleasure of offering a donation for the fall fundraiser of St. Martin's Ministry.   Here's my chair, which will be presented for auction on October 8.

and .... just look at those flowers I found at the market   ---- aren't they a perfect match?

time to rest .....

Sun, Sand & Art

It's never too early to plan for great opportunities in art.   Some of my favorite days are spent in Va Beach painting with great teachers.  There's still time for you to sign up for March with Beth Wagner.   On March 5th and 6th Beth will give a furniture workshop -- where you can customize a small piece of furniture to match your home's decor -- she can bring out our best creativity!!  Everyone goes home with a treasure!   From March 7-11 we'll have four fun filled days of Fabric Painting, Roses, Lettering & Backgrounds, and learn prospective with a scene.    The theme for 2011 is still a secret - but 2009 class was a Seahorse theme, and 2010 was a Mermaid theme -- what could next year be? Come join us and find out ..... Look for lots more information and registration forms at http://www.brendastarstudios.com/   

There's a lot to celebrate when you are with a group of friends -- painting, learning - and having fun at the beach.

sometimes there are even gifts .....

Beth gives us lots of individual guidance

Va Beach givuse us great sunrises

and a chance to see old friends -- and make some new ones ..

I Pledge Allegiance ....

I have a patriotic heart ...   I grew up surrounded by all branches of Military... in my community and my family.  We were taught by example to respect and appreciate the service and sacrifices of  our soliders -   and the price they pay for us to enjoy freedom. 

 This year we spent July 4th with dear friends at their new home in South Jersey.  

 

It was a real treat to see this community's Bike Parade.

 American pride - from head to toe!!

Future Uncle Sam ??

                                               

       or Future Miss America??

with liberty and justice for all ...