by Cindy on August 28, 2008

Hi all!
Thank you for dropping in! It’s been a super memorable week around here. On Monday evening we returned home from Florida….we visited DISNEY WORLD for the first time! I went with my parents and the kids, and we stayed in a wonderful Armed Forces resort, Shades of Green. I can now understand what all of the Disney hype is about: so many over-the-top attractions (and lines), non stop entertainment, more to see and do than possible, and great customer service from the Disney staff. The weather extremes from total downpour to heat and humidity didn’t spoil the fun. By the end of our trip the kids were really getting in to the Disney pin trading phenomenon as well. I would like to return again very soon. Here are a few pictures:


Once we returned from our trip, we had to hit the ground running. Summer came to an abrupt end with school starting right away for my older two. Meanwhile, my youngest turned 4 and we celebrated his birthday with a trip to the Reston Petting Zoo and another pirate party celebration.

First Day of School

Happy little birthday boy!
Hard to believe we started the week walking around Animal Kingdom and we’re ending it packing lunches and back to our loooong commute! What a week to remember.
by Cindy on August 19, 2008
We just returned today from another trip to the beach. It’s been a great long weekend filled with beads and adventure.
Before leaving town for the weekend, I stopped in to the Gem and Jewelry show that comes around 4 times a year. I did bring all 3 boys, but had no choice if I really wanted to attend the show! They were really well behaved…it helps that they like to search for minerals, crystals and cool carved stones. We picked up some adorable carved stone crabs and a fossil that is supposed to be 500 million years old. While there I visited the booth of fellow jewelry designer, Lori Anderson. I’m always impressed by the variety of design styles that she can create.
Here are a few photos of my latest bead stash. As you can see I’m trading in my favorite summer blues for Fall browns (also a favorite).

Fall stone beads

Bronze pearls

Bali and Thai silver
While at the beach, we took part in an amazing treasure hunt adventure! My youngest is super-duper in to pirates, so we went in search of Captain Scott’s long lost treasure from the early 1800’s. Thanks to a cryptic treasure map, and after much exploring and digging (and the use of a metal detector), we were able to uncover the buried treasure chest. I had a photo of the treasure chest and it’s contents, but my oldest son (very wisely) suggested we not show that photo on my blog…too revealing! The ancient coins and secret key we found within must be kept under wraps!

We found treasure!

Celebrating an early 4th birthday with "Captain Babycakes"
We’re off on another adventure this week….actually flying out of town. I’ll be back at the end of next week for an update.
~Cindy
by Cindy on August 12, 2008
Many of you are quite aware of the wonderful world of handmade called Etsy. I’ve mentioned this website before, but it’s been some time. If you are ever looking for practically anything handmade….pottery, jewelry, children’s clothing, decor, stationary…..something totally hand crafted and one-of-a-kind, then you’ll have to pay Etsy a visit. Many of us visit regularly and can’t believe the talent and creativity out there.
I thought I’d share my Etsy finds with you a couple times a month. It’s like a game of “I spy”….here are a few cool things I spied today:

Lampwork glass beads by Melissa Vess

A little clay dish by Mud Hutt

“Unleashed” fine photography by A Celebrity Experience. (I absolutely adore little Scotties!)

A beautiful metalsmith pendant, “Mama Bird” by Modern Bird
….our game of “I spy” to be continued….