OMG...

I have TWO teenagers now! My handsome son, Adam, just turned 13. I couldn't ask for two better teenagers though. They have their moments...but they are really good kids. Adam is respectful, thoughtful and wise. {That's why I call him my buddha...and because when he was little he had a cute little round belly}He is the best big brother. The Princess adores him and he's very protective of his big sister...The Drama Queen. Happy Birthday Buddha!

To Immunize or Not to Immunize...

Since The Princess starts preschool next week I had to update her shot records. I have to admit that I was behind on her shots because of the controversy surrounding immunizations. It's scary to think about what those immunizations are made of. What's even scarier is that they might be linked to autism. She already had most of her shots, but I guess I was just trying to decide if I should inject her with even more harmful chemicals. It's stressful trying to make all the right decisions for the kids. My mom really helped with my decision. She reminded me that our generation has been really lucky that we haven't had to see children suffering from horrible diseases like Polio because of the vaccines. That really made me appreciate being so lucky to be in this country where my kids have access to life saving vaccines. I know there is another side to this...so many kids have a horrible side effect. I hope they keep working towards safer vaccines and I do admire the moms who choose not to have their children vaccinated...more power to you ;)
Anyway...The Princess was so brave. She had three shots and she didn't cry {until we got in the van...then she let it all out} She slept for about 2 hours after we got home and she had a small fever for the rest of the evening. I chose not to give her tylenol...her little body has had enough for one day.

Lessons from a drama queen...

The weather has finally been cooling off a bit...perfect for a walk in the park. The drama queen didn't want to go. {it's not cool for a teenager to be seen at the park with her parents} She also wants to go trick-or-treating with her friends instead of us this year. I keep insisting that we are very hip parents and she'll have the most fun with us. But the drama queen says that if we were really "hip" we wouldn't use the word "hip"....imagine that ;)
The Princess starts preschool next week, October 1st to be exact. She is so excited. She promised me that she won't cry when I leave. I, however, can't make that promise.

Not a baby anymore...

Has it really been since May since I last blogged? This summer has gone by way too fast. The princess is bored of staying home with mom. She keeps asking me when is she going to go to preschool. I went to look at preschools in our town and we both liked the same one. She is going to start soon and she is so excited. As for me...I'm sad that my baby is not a baby anymore...but I am happy that she already loves learning, books and school. (I hope it stays that way)

The heat is on...

It's been over 100 degrees here in my neck of the woods. I love summer so I don't mind. I know I've been a bad blogger lately :( I've just had to deal with a few unexpected things these past few weeks. We had a leak in the kitchen that caused major damage to the floors. The wood panels started to curl up and the whole thing has to be replaced. Two weeks ago I fell down the stairs and sprained my ankle and my knee. I've been in slow motion ever since. My ankle is fine now, but tearing the ligaments in my knee hurts really, really bad. I've used my down time wisely though...I got some projects done for my etsy shop and I've been reading those books (finally)!
In case you haven't heard...there's a $1.00 clearance sale going on at Princess Tatiana right now. There are some changes coming soon including restocking the store and a fresh new look!

Old Sacramento

My mom (pictured here with The Princess) moved to Sacramento in January. She is only five minutes from Old Sacramento...so we spent a nice morning there last week. Most of the buildings there are original. There is even a replica of an old school house. The Princess wouldn't have lasted a day without a lashing. (The discipline rules were posted on the wall)
It was fun imaging what is would have been like shopping in Sacramento over 100 years ago. I love the dresses that women used to wear, but it was a very warm day and all I could think was...thank goodness we don't have to wear those heavy dresses now!




Here's The Princess struttin her stuff in Old Sacramento!

My baby is 15 today...

I know parents always say that time just goes by way too fast. Now I know what they mean. My drama queen, Yasmine, is 15 today. It seems like she was just a little baby. I am so proud of the young lady that she has become. This is a fun time too. We have so much fun shopping, getting our hair and nails done, talking about teenager stuff. We have the same taste in movies and books. She wants to study photography and dance in college so I'm really excited about that. Happy Birthday Yasmine the Queen!!! We love you so much!!!

Calgon...Take Me Away

I just thought I'd share with you why I can't get any work done until after everyone goes to bed.

Last night...The Princess decided not to let Pumpkin eat no matter how much he meowed...

My Buddha (a.k.a. my son, Adam) decided to practice break dancing...

And my dear husband decided to give him lessons...

Meanwhile...My Drama Queen (a.k.a. my daughter, Yasmine) is mad and yelling "BE QUIET" at the top of her lungs because she can't hear what's happening on MTV...

I decided to just give in and enjoy the moment. Needless to say, I was up late working again...But I wouldn't trade any of it for the world ;)

2008 To Do List

Since I already broke my New Year's Resolution by eating a piece of chocolate cake last night...I thought I'd make a 2008 to do list instead. It's less formal and I'm more likely to get these things done. I'll blog about each one as I do them. I hope I inspire some of you to do the same!





1. Go to Yosemite - I only live about 2 1/2 hours away and I've never been.

2. Get pink highlights in my hair - Just something fun I've always wanted to do.

3. Buy a bunch of cute canvas shopping bags and USE THEM - I drive myself crazy because I never throw away plastic bags. I save them with the intention of recycling them and then I forget. So I have tons of plastics bags taking up a cupboard in my kitchen.

4. Get up-to-date on my scrapbooking - Wish me luck!

5. Frame my prints & pictures - I have about 10 prints and pictures that need to be hung, but are still waiting for the trip to the framing shop.

6. Visit the Winchester Mystery House - I only live an hour away...no more excuses!

7. Put out a newsletter EVERY MONTH for my business - I haven't been too good about that :}

8. Read ALL of the books I have bought before buying more - I LOVE reading...books are my weakness (right after chocolate).

9. Eat at Chez Panisse - It's on the list of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die. It's in Berkeley which is once again...only an hour away...

10. Begin learning web design - It has sparked my interest lately.

So there you have it...I've posted my list for the world to see. Now I have to follow through ;)

Welcome Baby Gillian

I'm making the favors for my sister-in-law's baby shower next week. I just thought I'd share because they are turning out to be really cute. Inside the little bag is a pink organza pouch filled with candy. Gotta go...I'll be spending the rest of the day getting all those last minute things for Christmas :}

I'm Freezing...

It has been so cold. Ok...I have been so cold. It's been about 43 degrees when I take the kids to school in the morning and then it warms up during the day. Then it gets cold again. I know it's still warm compared to other areas of the country, but I can't seem to stay warm no matter what. Even with a nice fire going and two layers of sweaters. I'm still cold. I try to stay active. I did my workout this morning for 40 minutes. I cleaned house, worked, played with The Princess. I even took a walk with my husband and our puppy...I came back frozen. And it's only going to get colder. So I thought I'd share this picture of one of my garden angels. I took it in the summer so it makes me feel a bit warmer when I see it. Stay warm!

I'm back!

Well...we didn't end up in Texas after all.....but we did move into a new house in California. I'm almost done unpacking & sending off the orders that I received while I was away. Thanx everyone for your patience! I have a great big buying weekend ahead of me. And that means more great stuff for you! Have a fun Friday!!!

Moving Day!

Moving day is here! Any orders received this week will be processed & shipped on Monday, September 10, in the order that they were received. Thank you for understanding!

Look for even more great markdowns this week! Thank you & have a great week!

San Francisco

I had to make a quick trip to San Francisco before I leave Cali. Here are some of the pretty sights I saw today.

Help....

With the big move coming I need to reduce my inventory. The less we have to move the better...right!?! So this week everything is still 35-50% off. Next Monday I will mark everything down even more. So shop now or take your chances & see if what you like is still there next week! Happy Shopping!

We got the house!!!

We just bought our very first home!!! I'm so excited & scared at the same time. We are moving from California to Texas....in 3 weeks. I better start packing : }