it's gonna be a good day..

I've had a bit of down spell lately. (Possibly & most likely due to the sleeping issues I've been experiencing. The lack of sleep makes me a bit of a emotional & sad person--yay for Chris!)
However, today I feel a little bit better.

Because today I get to use my cute new scissors: (i love birds! Hence I loved these, plus they are mini)

To make presents for these two young ladies:

(jeni, I totally stole this pic from your blog!)

I have been downloading some ridiculously amazing music, I bought 15 songs on iTunes yesterday alone. Music makes me so happy, today I plan on listening to it as loud as possible.
...some of my purchases yesterday include:

The Kills

anya marina
and of course, Lady Gaga (i know she is a total freak but I still love her...I'm GooGoo for GaGa!)

plus for any of you who haven't already downloaded some Metric, you most definitely should. Two of my friends, whose music suggestions are HIGHLY valued (B & Jess) have both recommended them to me over the past couple weeks-lucky for me I already had 2 songs! But since their suggestions I have bought several more...thanks girls!

& I am going to start laundry today, so I can pack to see these people:

Plus I'm all done with Christmas shopping! I'm happy to say that a lot of my gifts this year were in support of artists--I bought a bunch of stuff on Etsy, at a few markets I went to, etc. --It feels great to be done! Now I can just enjoy the season, and hopefully get to play in the snow!!

I also can just look out my window & see the beach, see my car (yes! a car, finally! I am no longer stranded! RIP Ruby), and see on my front door all the wonderful Christmas cards from so many wonderful people! It's gonna be a good day..

'tis the season..

..to be jolly! nothing makes me more jolly than clothing, and free clothing at that! I am doing a give away on my autumn dame blog, I have some left over inventory & would love to share it with you! Hop on over & check it out!

****AUTUMN DAME HOUSE PARTY TOMORROW
SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th****
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
*Call Courtney for address: 661-312-1649
When: 7pm- 10pm
What: Autumn Dame clothing - Pearl & Pauper Accessories sale! - Mari Elizabeth Couture sale!
Why: Presents for yourself, stocking stuffers & presents for others!
Plus we are having a Buy 2 get 1 50% off all Autumn Dame & headbands as low as $4!
*there will be other clothing not yet featured on my site. Vest, Cardigans, & more!

mailbox presents!

I am a huge fan of all things modern. I practically have my iPhone glued to my hand. I love the internet, I love to blog :), I love keeping in touch with people I love who aren't right beside me. So many things that make my life easier! I mean, what would I do without texting?!

I was thinking about all the old things that are disappearing now, and how they are being replaced by newer & faster versions. Classics that I actually think I'm sad to see go! Not that I want to lose the new ones, but I think there is a certain charm to the old way of life.
Maybe I'm a 70yr old in a 24yr old body...

Things like a good old fashioned letter, hand written and all. Or how about a night of reading on the couch with your spouse instead of a night of So You Think You Can Dance & Dexter (some of our favs!)? I've never even had the chance to have a pen pal! (maybe that's one I wouldn't miss?) Care packages, bike rides, hand made quilts! (haha, oh boy!)

I think certain arts like baking, sewing, and music are being lost- all of which I love! (baking could use some work though..) I don't think I would value them half as much without my mother. She plays the piano & the cello, always cooked a meal for 9 on a dime, and made every prom dress I wore. I am an amateur in comparison. My niece, Kailah, has already begun! My sister has done such a great job showing her how to cook & now she is asking for her own Kitchen Aid! I wonder, will my children catch this bug from me? Or will these fade, just as the learning calligraphy has for me? (I'd even say mine is comical) I know not everyone is intended to sew, cook, or play music..but I do think they should appreciate the good they bring.

Am I alone on this? I think so. Am I an old soul? Is that what they mean when they use that phrase? I am not even sure..

So here's the promise:
I promise to teach my children to bake (or send them to Grandma's to learn)
I promise to teach my children the value of music
I promise to keep sewing, even in the moments I feel intimidated

Hmmm...so I'm thinking mailbox presents! Letters & care packages & cards. I know I am always excited when i open the mailbox & receive something other than a bill! If you'd like one you should email me your address, I'm also doing Christmas cards (eventually), so email me your address if you'd like one of those as well. (missmariliz@yahoo.com)

And I thank those of you who've already sent me some mailbox presents this month, I'm loving all the Christmas cards!

(those little girls are so cute, i don't know who they are but Im glad whoever does posted that cute pic on the internet for me to find!)

dear Santa..

it's official

The new GD&C associates!

being sworn in..

Loved having them there!

Chris can thank these two for raising him right & giving him the opportunities to get where he is! (plus! all the great genes he is blessed with!)

Sweet Grandma Rita has been one of Chris' biggest supporters. She would do anything for him & I know he would do the same.

doesn't he look relieved?

Chris was sworn in this past Friday. His firm had a great ceremony for their new associates and invited friends & family to attend. Chris is one loved man! Grandpa Jack & his wife Vanessa who live in San Francisco flew in just for the event! His parents & Grandma Rita & her husband Glade also drove close to 100 miles to be there too! I know he feels relieved & happy to have passed the bar and to have a job at a great firm. It was a great way to honor his accomplishments.
Congrats babe, you rock.

Autumn Dame

I have been working hard on a new clothing line. Here are some photos to give you a sneak peak! I have about 20 different styles, hopefully all will be photographed soon! See the blog for updates, the website should be up soon (crossing fingers!).
If you are interested in purchasing any before the site is up, feel free to email me: autumndameinfo@gmail.com


Also, all these style + a bunch of new styles are on sale near you this weekend!
I have boutiques in Provo, Burbank, & Salt Lake City! Come check them out!

Provo:
Beehive Bazaar- 3rd, 4th, & 5th
310 w. 500 North, Women's Center Provo, UT
www.the beehivebazaar.com

Burbank: 5th
1711 No. Avon St. Burbank, CA
hiphandmaids.com
hiphandmaids.blogspot.com

SLC:
9142 Falcon Way, Sandy UT, 84093
Annual Holiday Boutique
4th: 4pm - 9pm
5th- 11am - 5pm



My friend Claire made these 3 styles:

she is a very talented seamstress! Look for more of her work at the events this weekend!

I really enjoy design, and have been having a blast making these tops! I wanted something easy & comfortable for my first season. I love to wear tee's but sometimes feel so.. Bleh! when I wear them, you know that feeling? So I decided to make tee's with a little something extra! The Spring season you can expect more fabulous tee's, as well as skirts & more!

Keep an eye out for giveaways & more information on events!