hop to it

One of my favorite holidays is Easter. Spring is in the air, eggs dyed pretty colors and it symbolizes time to don a new hat or new ears. Lately I have been spotting rabbits in my garden with the sweetest ears. I have often longed to have a masquerade ball and wear a mask like Candace, with bunny ears. Hop to it and leave a comment here, what sort of hat will you be wearing this Easter Sunday?

road trip

On the road, going down south to visit the folks. We are loaded and ready for the drive. Found this vintage woodie which looks like lots of fun. This week, the children are on "Spring Break" and visiting family and seeing the Grandparents is long over-due. Enjoy the week. I will be on the road and taking a brief blog break. I will be back soon with lots of goodies.

Sunday shelf- daily bread

"Give us this day our daily bread" - image from emma, norway bakery

I was raised in a home with freshly baked bread. My Mom went through many phases and bread kicks, whole wheat, sunflower and oat bread, french bread, parmesan pull apart loaf, raisin bread, banana bread. You get the idea. Well, there is one thing that continues on in my home, which is the love of really good bread. Do you allow yourself a little daily bread? What kind is your favorite bread?

I love seven grain from black cat Bakery which can be found at our local whimsical bakehouse.

kitchen stew

Pardon me, while I am in the midst of a kitchen quandary for my "new" kitchen. My kitchen ideas run from light to dark. We will have an island with a sink. The other side of the room will have an area to "lounge." There will be a copper bar sink, and I am planning a copper counter.
I love the light counters with a bit of sheen. The island will be used as a breakfast bar of sorts since we all seem to be on different shifts. I will also use it as a spot to serve from.
Although I do love the look, no to wood floors. I want something easy to wash, porcelain tile in a modern neutral. I have seen some awesome tile with subtle textures.
Love a bit of lucite, white and some soft color. I cannot wait til the fun begins. Even though I know there shall be dust and lots of take-out during the construction, I am excited to be in the

phase of what I call "kitchen stew." I know that taking care in each decision will alleviate any sort of "stew in one's juice" sort of quandary. What would you add to my kitchen stew?

please pardon me, the collection of kitchen photos were gathered and my lack of noting the image source is in no way shape or form to the copy the designers. I just need to thank them for fueling my stew.

little squirt

This is an oil painting that I did a few years ago. I call it my "little squirt." There is something about just a little squirt of lemon that can add a certain zest to my day.

What sort of patronizing little squirt adds a bit of zest to your day?

Congrats to Laura Casey who won the "little cakes" book from The Riviera Whimsical Bakehouse.

I know Laura will enjoy baking with her little squirts, oh, I mean her adorable little ones!

(My daughter randomly selected number 29.)

little dippers

The Beach Boys

pve design illustration, little dipper, the surfer girl

There is something synonymous about Spring Break and some sort of surf. That first plunge or "dip" into the water is so luxurious. As Spring Break approaches, my mind is full of images of little dippers running towards the sandy beaches with boogie boards or surf boards to ride the wave and watch the stars.

What are your plans for your Spring Break?

little blossoms

Artwork done by a student of pve

This artwork was done by a student that I am currently teaching, privately on a weekly basis.

I love teaching little art lessons to people of all ages.

My student has gained so much confidence and is truly remarkable, in only a few lessons, she has opened up and blossomed.

We have worked with pencil, prisma-colored pencils, micron pens, and water color wash.

Please leave a comment for me to share with my student about the artwork titled -

"little blossoms."

*Remember to leave a comment for the "little cakes" book giveaway in the previous post from yesterday. Winner shall be randomly selected and announced friday March 26th.

little cakes (book giveaway)

This week, I am all about finding joy in itsy bitsy, teensy weeny things and fortunately live nearby this wonderful bakehouse, full of whimsy and sweetness.
I know that many of you have given up sugar for lent, so as a reward, today I am having a giveaway of a very special book, "Little Cakes" which is from the whimsical bakehouse.
How sweet are these little cakes for Spring, for a birthday, a special class or just because joy can be found in little things. After all, it is the little things that bring us happiness. What little things make your life sweeter?

Leave a comment here and you will automatically be entered to win this book. There will be a little treat included in the package too, a little sweet surprise.

(Winner will be announced friday. Comments may be left til midnight thursday, March 25th.)

itsy bitsy

Long ago, I illustrated this wee shop. I have always been attracted to small shops. On Saturday, my youngest needed a flesh colored leotard for an upcoming dance performance.

I immediately remembered a small shop nearby. We went on our mission with a list in hand.

The sales clerk was itsy bitsy, full of smiles and so thrilled to help us procure 2 leotards and 2 pair of footless tights.

At the check-out, I made a remark of how much I loved small, wee shops and we each made a quip that in the large shops, the only people who seem to work there are the cashiers. Is it me, or do you have a wee thing for small shops too? I just love the service small shops offer.

What is your favorite eensy weensy shop?

spring is hope

Quilt by Denyse Schimdt

HOPE market tote from dsquilts

"Hope" springs eternal! We have been enjoying some glorious snippets of Springtime weather.

A client told me about this wonderful site for quilting and I stumbled upon this tote. (free downloadable) pattern for making your own tote. This would be perfect for Springtime along with a nice new quilt in Spring patterns. Denyse has some incredible designs!

Enjoy this weekend and I am in hope that you have some signs of Spring~