Calling Cards

Calling cards were first introduced in France in the early 1800’s and caught on throughout Europe and America as an important social craze. The height of the popularity of the calling card era coincides with the reign of the Victorian Era.


I created this replica of Baby's First Steps once used as the perfect gift for any parent or guardian who wished to preserve the memory of their baby's growth and progress. 



I made the sleeve from a glassine bag and added the stamps and ornaments myself.



I also created one for baby's first tooth.  



And on the back, there's a spot for baby's name and date of the event.  Enjoy!

Magnolia Market/Cotton Palace B&B

It was such a joy to spend some time in Waco, TX this past week, {less than a two hour drive for me} before the Spring Breakers arrived.  

I spent all of Thursday {March 8th} at the Magnolia Market, which has been put on the international map.  Despite its commercial success, I was perfectly content just people watching while sitting on a beanbag chair at the main lawn.  I also made it through the Silos Bakery {there was a line out the door} and enjoyed a Food Truck hamburger.  If you ever decide to visit, I would suggest going on a weekday off-season {It's still crowded then}. 

I had spent some time in Waco in the past and the city has really turned around for the better...it's not perfect but it has a lot of potential. Enjoy!

These old silos are the landmark here at the market.

The temperature was a perfect 73 degrees F.

The popular Silos bakery with all of JoAnn's original recipes.

At the bakery, I got the last Lemon Lavender and a Carrot Cake!

*  *  *

I arrived at the Cotton Palace Bed and Breakfast located on Austin Street about a mile from the Magnolia Market and walking distance to the antique stores. 

Cotton was king in this part of Texas back in the 1800s. When Stephen F. Austin led the first Anglo-American settlers into Texas including areas along the Brazos River, they brought with them their strong agricultural tradition based on cotton-growing.

This charming house is over 100 years old and still retains that vintage but modern Victorian charm.

The Cotton Palace B&B, 1910 Austin Street, Waco, TX.

I stayed in Mae's Attic and got the entire third floor to myself!

 Reading nook #1

 Reading nook #2

 Reading nook #3

Enjoying my cupcake all by myself on the living room sofa before writing a journal entry {Don't forget to write in your journals!}

This rabbit was my favorite piece in the house...I was fascinated by it for some reason.

The house did not have resident cat but one of the antique shops did!  He sat at the door greeting the customers as they walked in.

                      Have a blessed weekend!

Spring has Sprung

The 'ol cliche?  Well, perhaps, but I believe it's still a good line especially when the weather is severe clear and 70 degrees!  It's no doubt, much of the lower forty-eight experienced a brutal winter, even in the south.  Record lows were broken as was snow and ice.
{But do not fret!}
Warmer temps are on the horizon and many {perhaps you} will be taking some much needed vacay or at least some time to enjoy the outdoors.

Here are a few of my favorite items that I dusted off and prepared for travel...perhaps they will give you some ideas on what to take for your journey...

-Gingham shirt, baby blue
-Lace-up sandals, tan
-Skinny jeans, white
-Adjustable belt, navy
-Ivy-league cap, tan
-Favorite magazine
-Favorite book
-Bookmark
-Reading glasses

Vacation {or just time to yourself} is a great way to reflect on the past season. Ask yourself these questions for journaling ideas...

-What did you like{or dislike}about winter?
-Did you try anything new?
-What did you struggle with the most?
-Did you commit a random act of kindness?
-How can you better yourself?

Don't forget, no one is perfect {and we don't have to be}.
Just remember to always do your best...to me, that's success.

Packed and ready to go!  Where will your journey take you?