Christmas Recap II

On Christmas Day we left the house pretty early to get to Boyne in time to celebrate with Kyle's family. My list of to-bring items were packed and Murphy was ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's to play reindeer games... or so I thought. It was then that I committed an Alicia-crime. I forgot my camera!! If Kyle's sister sends us pictures of us in Boyne I will post them but for now just imagine us opening presents, eating lots of food and digesting with a leisurely game of ice hockey. Yep, you read that right, ice hockey!

After Boyne we packed up and headed back home to my parents for another Christmas and more great food. I love honey glazed ham! Since Dad has just as many cameras as I do (well almost) I was able to use his camera to take some pictures, enjoy!

Something funky was going on with the camera but that's Kyle waiting to open presents!


Cayman was pouting. He gets very jealous if I don't show him enough attention while Murph is over... how could I not pay attention to him? Look how cute he is!


All the stockings hung in a row by the chimney with care.


Hudson is dressed as a present!


And he also wants to help Mom unwrap hers! Yep, the dogs all unwrap all their own gifts!!


Dad's new hat= J.Crew mailer.


This sums up the evening. Andrew in his tall wool socks, shorts, t-shirt sipping a glass of wine before dinner. Gosh I love my family!

Christmas Recap I

I'm not sure about you all but Christmas totally blindsided me this year... it could be that we had one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas or it could have been the insanely busy time of year! Nonetheless I still managed to get all the shopping, baking and decorating done just in the nick of time.

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love spending time with family and friends playing games, eating great food and celebrating the true meaning of the season together. Here are some pictures, in no particular order, of our laughs and thanksgivings this year!

For outdoor decorations this year we kept things clean, simple and nostalgic. I wanted one tree lit with my parents old C9 lights from our childhood home. It was a great effect pulling into the drive and looking out our patio!


Tina and the girls came over to bake biscotti (our first attempt) and watch Sex in the City. Our gingerbread biscotti was amazing, despite it's appearance!


While we were baking Murphy and his girlfriend Lola were playing in the snow. Murphy likes to bury himself and play hide-and-go-seek!


Santa and her elf on Christmas Eve- we just put out all the presents under the tree!


Ta dah!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Kyle, Murphy and I wish you all the best for a blessed 2009!

For the holiday this year we spent the evening with friends in Boyne City and had a great time... stay tuned for some fun pictures and comments from the evening!

On a side note, we just went to see" Marley & Me" today. About three Christmases ago my mother-in-law bought the book for me and I could never bring myself to read it. Everyone I knew that had read, or was reading it, said how upsetting it was and how much they cried. (A very dear friend, who will remain anonymous even said he even cried! Let's just say he's no leaky faucet.)

The day after Christmas, Kyle, Dad, Andrew, Murph and I headed down to Indy to visit Aunt Sue and Papa. In an effort to decompress I elected to not turn on my computer (the reason for delayed postings) and read a book and a few magazines that are piling up. Jennifer Aniston is one of my favorite actresses. Ever since "Friends" when we shared the same haircut I've felt a huge bond. Owen Wilson cracks me up every single movie I watch him in. I knew that I wanted to see the Marley movie yet it was a matter of preparing myself.

In an effort to curb the uncontrollable sobbing I feared would happen I opening the book and dove in. John Grogan is an incredibly talented author. By far a great laugh-out-loud read... at one point people were making fun of my random giggles when no one in the room I was reading in had said anything funny. My favorite line... "he (Marley) had the attention span of algae and the volatility of nitroglycerine."

Grogan writes with a tenderness and brutal reality that makes readers fall in love with this big loveable beast. His unfailable loyalty and devotion, spastic bursts of energy and truly intuitive nature make Marley a page turning read dragging you along for the ride! As I neared the end I knew our four legged friend was also approaching his. About a year ago there was a great email forward that my Mom sent me. It had something to do with the shortened life span of dogs compared to humans. I don't remember the full email nor could I find it but it was something like this... dogs don't need to live as long as we do, for they have loved greater than any human in a fraction of our lifespan.

As I finished the last page I wiped my eyes and the snot that was running down my face feeling lucky to know and experience first hand the love that Grogan writes about. My family has had two wonderful Golden Retrievers. Squirt, our first, was the Old Wise One. He never barked and was always the gentle giant helping me get over my fear of dogs. Our second who is five is Cayman. The crazy yet loveable goof who stole my heart the moment he came home with us. And then there is our little angel- Murphy, who has me wrapped around all four paws so tight that sometimes I swear he really is a small, furry baby!

Walking out of the movie was a lot like closing the book. Not a dry eye in the hallway- except the snot that was on my face was now on my scarf (I forgot kleenex). And the best part of all... my strong, loving and amazing husband was wiping his eyes and in such a hurry to get home to see our Mr. Wiggles.

Merry Christ-Murph!

Introducing Glassbaby

I stumbled across this amazing company based in Seattle, Washington one day and I have been in awe ever since. I've been waiting for the right time to blog about this company. Partially because I wanted to keep this hidden treasure to myself but also, I was struggling for the right way to introduce them... to the 5 people that read my blog! .

I would like to introduce Glassybaby. These beautiful candleholders not only demonstrate impeccable talent in glass blowing but a tough battle with a rare cancer and the journey one woman has walked with grace. Founder Lee Rhodes has a passion for life and other people's hearts that she demonstrates through a multi-layered hand blown process producing a Glassybaby. As her husband states, they "give warmth to a cold day, a clam token of busy in the busy world. And just a Lee was navigating her battle ahead, to her they represent "that deep breath that we often forget to take."

I am just in awe of the beauty this company and family exudes. They create a product that I long to have in our home and the homes of my family. They are a reminder of the fragility of life and one's etnernal flame. If you are looking for a Christmas present with a cause visit their site and check out their "goodwill" page. A portion of the sales from each glassybaby will benefit the selected causes.

In the words of MS, "it's a good thing."

Ever since I was old enough to remember watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and he took us on all those cool factory tours I have been intregued with the art of glass blowing. The ultimate for me was when Christina, Lindsey and I were on the glass blowing island of Murano in Italy and we were able to watch a master craftsman at work. This is just as impressive...


What a beautiful decor peice and it does bring a sense of calm doesn't it?


These remind me of our Christmas lights on our tree outside. They just so happen to be the same lights my dad used to hang on our house when I was a little girl. I remember the glow so clearly... nostalgic.


For the cherry on top, Glassybaby has a rental program for your decorating needs- it doesn't get much better than that! Yes it does... you know the flower and wine programs that our out there- sign up for a flavor of the month and they ship you one every 30 days? Glassybaby has programs like this too. I know, phenomenal right?

Enjoy the day and Happy Glassybaby shopping!!

U turn!

I think it is fair to say winter is here in Northern Michigan! We have had a day full of wind, snow, drifting and more wind and snow. We all know how much Murphy loves the snow and how much he loves to play in it, but when it comes close to bed time and he has to "go" it is a different story.



Yes folks, that is what we call a "bee-line to the bathroom!" Murphy walked off the top part of our patio (which was shoveled off 3 hours ago) then onto what would be the lower part of the patio, went potty and then ran back in the house! Now that's what I call a U-Turn- or a "Michigan left" for those familiar with the term. Have a good night and stay warm.

Sneak peak

Before I begin to brag about my amazing 2009 clients I need to thank all of my fabulous clients for 2008! Thank you for all your support and love- you were all a dream to work with and for. I don't think ADIM would be where it is today without each and every one of you all. Thanks Cam & Caitlin, Paul & Kristi, Laura & Mike, Melissa & Nick, Mikki & Jason and Brenna & Jon!

With one season coming to an end the 2009 season has been in full force for quite some time. Here is a sneak preview from a couple of the weddings in progress... I can't reveal too much, afterall I have to have some tricks left up my sleeves!

Enjoy!

This is Jessica and Andrew's save-the-date we designed with the beautiful image provided by the incredibly talented Jen Kroll.


For those that know me I am ga-ga over details, beautiful papers and designs. So, when one of my best friend's Kristin asked me to plan her wedding to her beau Phil I was honored and SO EXCITED. Now this is an ultra sneak peak since this is a preview of their wedding invite however I thought the design came out beautiful. I love the formal yet playful script with the one-of-a-kind monogram!