It's Time for a Party!

Boy was I excited to stumble upon the Etsy shop of Favormakers. Florida-based John and Chandra create fabulous boxes that are all their original designs. And the quality is excellent!I'm crazy about these cameo-style silhouette boxes. You can customize the boxes with your own color preferences too. And, they come fully assembled. Aren't they very Laduree looking?
Anyone like the circus? These fun fully assembled boxes are perfect for a party. Fill them with candy, popcorn, or anything! I bought some in pink & white, and let me tell you, they are even cuter in person!

Assorted color combinations of tent boxes...

I don't know about you, but I love polka-dots! The polka dot pattern is created by taking a box with a hole-punch pattern and lining it with card stock of a second color. These are also available in your own color preferences.

Alice in Wonderland Playing Cards Inspired Teacup Favors

So, if you have a party coming up, or just want some fun decorations, be sure and take a look at Favormakers here on Etsy!

photos from Favormakers

The Paris Issue

Every year I look forward to Romantic Home's April issue, which is fabulously French! I'm flattered to be included in the latest issue among these fabulous bloggers who have a love for all things French.



There is Mimi Charmante, whose blog is filled with the most beautiful eye-candy and interesting stories. Mimi's Etsy shop of "lovelies" offers vintage & handmade items, as well as her own beautiful photography.

Leeann of Fabulously French, is based in France (lucky girl), and takes you along on her journeys, from sharing stories of her shopping excursions, to just the simple pleasures of living in France. She also has an online shop, Fabulously French, which is fabulously French!



Tara Bradford of Paris Parfait is an American living in Paris who offers a romantic take on life from the City of Lights. It is one of the most informative, beautiful and interesting blogs for you Francophiles. A must read!

And the fabulous Vicki Archer of French Essence, who lives between London and Saint Remy de Provence in Southern France. You may know Vicki from her books, My French Life or French Essence. Her fascinating blog takes you on an awe-inspiring journey. Rather than me talking more about it, you should go visit for yourself!

What a thrill to be included among these wonderfully talented ladies. And special thanks to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes! There are many more fun features for you Francophiles, so be sure and pick up a copy of the April issue!

A bientôt!

photos from Romantic Homes Magazine

Your Wishes and the Winners...

Whew! I'm 50 now and not feeling too different. Perhaps a little more tired than usual. I understand that I'm part of "the club" now. Wondering if there are some secrets I should know about this exclusive club?

Thanks to all of you for your beautiful birthday wishes. What an amazing group of blogging friends you are!

Let me just say that I was totally blown away by your comments for the birthday giveaway. Your thoughts, imagination and dreams were truly inspiring. If you didn't have a chance to read them, some of the most popular "dream birthday wishes" were about travel, namely Paris (but, of course!) I'd like to share a couple more wishes that were truly touching and imaginative...

Some of your wishes are...

• A kidney & pancreas for my wonderful brother.

•Shopping and lunch excursion with my daughter and then an amazing dinner with the rest of my family. I think the simple things are what I cherish the most.

•Family, friends, and lots of good food at my beach house. I don't really have a beach house, that is part of the dream. :-)

•All my health problems to disappear so I can enjoy life more.

•Shave 30 years off my actual age for about 30 days and see if i couldn't redo some choices a little differently.

• The ability to grant wishes!


Okay, I've left you hanging long enough. After a random selection of numbers, the winners of the Mega Birthday Giveaway are...

Christi (The Ultimate Wedding Organizer & Kai Perfume Oil)

Vicki Archer (IOMOI stationary gift set)

Carol Ludwig ($50 Gift Certificate from Paris Hotel Boutique)

Big thanks again to Mindy Weiss, and Irene Chen & Matthew Grenby, of IOMOI, for generously offering these fabulous goodies! And for helping to select the winning numbers!

Winners, please contact me with your address so that I can send you your gifts!

Thanks again everyone. May all of your wishes come true!!!


photo credits; 1. ozfan22, 2. beth retro, 3. *dragonfly*