She's alive!

Yes, I am still alive and kicking! Just buried under a ton of last minute work for school, and Finals next week.  I promise I will post more often next week when the pressure recedes a bit.

This is a great reminder for all of us - we cannot do everything at once, and we cannot do everything at all.  If you are feeling stressed this time of year due to commitments, overloaded to do lists and exploding gift lists - just breathe.  Think about what you can chop off the list. No one will really notice if everything doesn't match perfectly, or the bows are a bit droopy. If they do, and mention it...they aren't a friend worth having.  Take a breath, have a nice cup of tea and simply RELAX. Enjoy the holidays for what they are - time to treasure friends and family.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Collections, collections

I am super honored to have a Christmas bandana included in an all-Texas ArtFire collection! 

It's always an nice pat on the back when your fellow crafters and artisans appreciate what you make. SonoraKaysCreations has put together an awesome collection of handmade gift ideas for under $20 - check it out here. 

Take a look, rate the collection - you might even find a perfect gift for someone!

Now its back to my English paper....wish me luck!

Holy cow where did November go?!?

Sheesh, I can't believe it's almost December! Mainly because I have a paper due on Dec. 3rd, and it was stuck in my mind that is NEXT week. Not 4 days from now. Oh well...the end of the semester is always a bit hectic. I'll get through it somehow.

Today's Spotlight on Handmade is a clean one!   Adorable Christmas soaps with a lovely mosiac of greens and reds will look beautiful in your bathroom or kitchen.

 

They are a blend of spearmint, peppermint and eucalyptus oils, and to make it even more awesome they are on sale right now! Run and open Belle Journee's store right now!  These soaps are also vegan friendly, so if you need a gift for a vegan co-worker, hairdresser, etc take a look at all of the goodies in her store.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Safety tip on using a dremel to trim nails..

I was talking to a dog groomer at the dog park the other day, and I mentioned that I was scared to use a dremel on my dog's nails. My guys have furry paws and legs, and I'm always worried that the dremel will grab some hair.


She had an awesome solution - old pantyhose! Slide it on the paw, so the nails stick out but the all the fur is contained. Absolutely brilliant - I will have to try this once I get a dremel.

Of course, you still want to go very slowly and take just a little at a time off. Can't wait to try this out though. If I am not nervous, then the dogs won't be nervous either.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Sweet Santa Stocking!

Here is the first of my Spotlight on Handmade series!  I seriously adore this sweet Santa stocking!

 It's perfect for a funky retro vibe, classic Christmas or any Santa lover on your list. Best of all it's handmade by a fabulous craftsperson on Artfire, Bebe Sniklefritz! See this stocking and the rest of her lovely goods at 

Sweet handmade Santa Stocking! 

<3, Michelle & Dougal