Phewey! Talk about celebrating my birthday way too much! It was great fun, and I brought you a piece of the most unreal outrageous cake (from Mom & Dad) I have ever tasted in my entire life. It was not too sweet, which I think made it extra amazing!
White chocolate curls…
Mascarpone Cheese, Real Raspberries -Moist cake. The most unreal (even for a salty savory girl) treat I have ever tasted, ever. Did I say that already? ;)
I also brought you something more tangible. 2 sets of printable gift tags. One includes my current obsession of pink and red & frilly & mushroomy love.
Print them on cardstock if you have it, punch a hole in a corner, add a ribbon, and voila… Or just slap them on your gift with tape ;) Whichever way you fancy will work out just fine ;)
Click Here for printable PDF (give them 30+ seconds to open)
And a second set, for any occassion really, where the gift is handmade. I was so inspired after listening to "Reconsidering Crafts" on NPR today. It really made me proud to be an artist and crafter and handmaker of fun, happy, and pretty things… I so dig Handmade Nation!!
Anyhow, here are those free "handmade inspired" gift tags I whipped up this afternoon…
I am working on cutting mine out. I find this part of gift wrapping to be so much fun.
Print as many as you'd like of which ever ones you'd like, they are free!! Also, they will be uploaded, into the Free Treats section in my right hand side bar. Where every free printable item I have ever shared can be found…
Next on the list are the names drawn from the Birthday Christmas giveaway. I have to tell you a little secret first. You see, I have this really serious idea about these giveaways. I believe that the name drawn is drawn because that is entirely who the item is meant to go to. Kind of like magic. Whoevers name is drawn is meant to have that giveaway item… I know it is a tad silly. But I do feel passionate about this sort of thing…
So, when Mr. Lovee drew names, I had to chuckle, and, my idea of giveaway magic was reinforced…
The first name drawn, for the dollhouse, was Miss Sarah Paperfoxling. It took every bone in my body not to tell her via e-mail before posting this!!!
Miss Sarah is a super sweet girl. I have never met her in person, but we have been blogging buddies for a very long time. And through getting to know her and reading her blog, I actually teared up when the Mister drew her name. Miss Sarah has had a bit of a tough year. She and her husband are trying to have a baby, without the success Sarah has longed for… She is loving and caring and sweet and crafty and artsy and would be an amazing Mama.
I took this quote from her blog…
"And then… well, I guess we'll see. It's really hard for me to think about all this. Having a baby is just something that I'm supposed to be able to do. I feel broken. Or like a failure or something… I look around me, at all these people who have children they pay little attention to, or treat poorly and I wonder why they get to have kids and I don't. I'd be a good mom, if someone would just let me have the chance."
So, you see, I think this little house, which I know will make her smile from ear to ear, was truly meant to bring some holiday cheer to sweet Miss Sarah… Yipppeee Yay Lil' Sarah!!!
The second Name drawn was Miss Geri. Who is a lovely lady! Her daughter and grandson have just moved in with her, and her grandson is tickling her no end!! She is loving and caring, and is a Christmas baby too!!
I think, Miss Crumpet Dilly Spoonface knew all along that she wanted to be best friends with Miss Geri, and keep her company while she plays with yarns and fabrics. And I bet they will even have some wild tea parties 😉 ;) Yay Miss Geri!!! We want details 😉
The next name drawn for the ring was Miss Kristin Guillory.
Miss Kristin is a charming girl, who loves stories (about romance too)! She is busy studying for finals, and could use some ring magic me thinks!! Maybe the ring will help her ace her finals? Sadly, she just found out she lost a friend from highschool. Miss K, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Collin. I am so glad the magic ring will make its way to your finger…
After I drew three names, I just couldn't help myself. I drew 2 more names, who I will send some fun prints and treats from my shop to.
So the fourth name drawn was Sweet Miss Erin Glee!! Yipppeee Miss Erin, a late birthday gift and you don't have to share it with you brother, hee hee ;) ;)
And the fifth name drawn was Miss Gina V!! And hey, maybe I will drop out of your ceiling? hahaha!! Such a fun gal!!
So, there you have it!! I will have more drawings as long as I keep finding treasures on my thriftventures ;) And if I find another dollhouse, I will share it in a giveaway 😉
Now, if you 5 girls could e-mail your mailing addresses, I will get your treats to you ASAP!!
THANK YOU all for sharing your kindness in my birthday week!!! I wish I had a giveaway for each and every one of you!! Maybe if I win the lottery?
(leaving my birthday party with lots of balloons and a full moon)
I have been to so many holiday parties in the last 2 weeks I can't even tell you. Getting dressed up for party events 3 times a week, is something I have not done since my discoteque days ;) Funny enough, at last night's event, I could not muster up the courage to boogie on the dance floor. I just couldn't do it…
I feel like I am always busy. So, I am still waiting for a sloth ladden day off to veg and relax. Just one day. Maybe I will get one this week ;) I also have not decorated for Christmas as I would have liked (yet). And look, it is like, what? A week and a half away???? How did this happen? Where did the time go? (although I like staying busy, it keeps me out of trouble 😉
Below are some birthday photos including, balloons and dinner, and dancing (not me), my beauteous brunette sister (at the bottom), some madness I have been conjuring up in following critters around the yard with my new INCREDIBLE zoom lense and my bored dog. Oh and lots of lemons gifted to us by our teeny tiny lemon tree. Love that!!
I even caught a mouse on camera!! The critters will never be safe from my lense…
So, I am going to bundle up at this late hour, and walk down the street to look at Christmas lights. I could be a lone caroler ;)
See you in a couple of days!!
🖤 V 🖤
PS: Goodness me, I keep forgetting that many of you asked for this!! The Cranberry Trifle Recipe from Thanksgiving!! Here is a photo of my Mammie's it was unreal!
And here is the link… I had not realized that it was a Martha Stewart recipe… Although my Mom made candied orange peels instead of just zest. That added such delicious freshness!
this is my crazy week Vanessa, and after its over I will need to sleep for a bit!! Glad to hear you had a great birthday as well as you should. Have a great time relaxing!!
Congratulations to the winner! It looks like you have been very busy!
Hi Vanessa!!!
How are you?
I have been busy working and really behind on visiting my favorite blog:)
Hope you are enjoying the season…sure looks like you are from the lovely photos!
Trying to finish up shopping for my teenagers.
Hugs to you! I am really loving those 2 teacups!!!!Beautiful!!!!
Hugs,
K
Squeals! I love the tags! You know I was needing those homemade ones, course I love the others so much I will have a hard time choosing! So glad you had a lovely birthday and happy for the sweet Miss Sarah too!
Congratulations to all the lucky winners! I totally agree with you on the “meant to be-ness” of the winners. I felt that same sort of sacredness of the occasion of drawing the winner of my recent giveaway. It’s always such a joy to read your posts and see all the lovely photos that go along with them! And now, as I get ready to go to bed, I (who also have a salty tooth, rather than a sweet one) am having a massive cake/pie craving, thanks to your photos. Good night and sweet dreams! Serena Pia
You are officially my hero- I needed some tags for handmade stuff. I’ve kept meaning to come up with some but never got around to it. But do I detect a bias for crochet over knitting? ;o) No matter, it’s nice to see crochet get some air time (paper time?) too. And they’re very cute tags, to boot. :o)
(Heh, I should confess that I’m browsing your blog when I SHOULD be actually making those handmade presents that I will adorn with your tags. *sheepish grin*)
Hey Vanessa,
thanks for sharing such beautiful tags, LOVE them!!!
Happy Holidays!
Simona
Looks like a lovely birthday!!!
Adorable, fun gift tags – thank you! I bet lots of people around the world will be using those…
hey sweet girl – i want to come and have tea parties with you!!!
lots of fun at your place…is that your sis I spot in the pictures – give her a big hug from me!
Thanks for the recipe! I just bought a trifle dish, mostly cause I thought it was cool, but now I can make something in it!! 🙂
I’m very glad you had a wonderful birthday!
Vanessa,
Oh, thank you for your generous gifts. I love your cards. That truffle looks so yummy, you are always filled with such inspiration. So, I guess the theme for today’s post is to spread Vanessa love all over the world. You are the best.
Karen
Dearest V, Your birthday cake sounds like the perfect creation! Lucky you. As for you and your tags, you are so good to us! They are fab, just like their creator! Congrats to the lucky winners of the giveaways. Your photos with the new lens are fabuloso! That Mr. Lovee comes up with the best gifts! xoxox
Congratulations to all the winners!!!
You are a lovely and generous person thanks for the tags…they will go on the presents that I am taking to Denmark.
The Christmas Elves on my site are waiting for a visit from you 😉 I told them that you are very busy…but they would not listen.
For some reason, I’m now hungry! What a colorful, fun week you had! Love your cute dog! Have a happy holiday with your family~
So glad you had such a wonderful birthday week Ms. V!! CONGRATS to all of the winners of your magical things 😉 It does seem like these things went to the ‘right’ home…I agree, hehe…how sweet that the dollhouse went to Miss Paperfoxling…maybe it’s a sign 😉
Hope that you do get some relaxing in this week and decorate for Christmas like you wish! Happy day to you,
Jamie
Thanks for the freebies and recipes! And so glad you had a wonderful birthday!
I love your tags! They are always such a treat.
Karla
No. Freaking. Way!?! Seriously? Me? Dollhouse? I think I might faint. Also, I love you. Thank you. But you made me cry. For real.
YUMMY recipe and gift tags!
Hard to believe X-mas Eve is only 9 days away!!! ‘=)
XOXO
SpOOky CK
YYYAAAYYYAAYYYAAAYYYA!!!!! oh Im sooo excited and happy about the ring…thank you thank you thank you ms. V..you have truely made my holiday happier..!!!!
ps:lovely pictures, your sister looks so much like you, its uncanny..;p both beautiful women..I hope you had a WONDERFUL birthday!!
Good morning! I was looking through my compilation of last Christmas freebies from various blogs and websites and there your tags were. So I thought, “Gosh it’s the 12 days of Christmas…” Remembered how much fun mom and I had last year… So I had to come over. And what to my wondering eyes did appear? More free tags! I love visiting here. I wish I had more time today to sit and go through every post. But alas there’s work =) and kids =)
Hope you have a beautiful Christmas! Blessings… Polly
OH yes and a most happy birthday ever! =Polly
Thanks for free tags, Vanessa; thanks for YOU!! you are a marvel!
marie neige
Thanks for the tags, Vanessa. I actually JUST GOT BACK from the PO and mailing all our gifties out, so I’m going to save your tags for next year!
Lovely Birthday Photos – you have such good critter-scoping skills Missy!
Hugs,
Kate
Hope you get that day to rest soon…
The gift tags are adorable!! And that trifle looks quite wonderful!! 😉
I just love all of your critter pictures! We actually had a hawk in our yard this weekend…….a bit rare considering we live in a pretty busy area!
Thank you for the darling tags! I will enjoy adding them to some treats for Christmas 🙂
and it looks like your Birthday was as magical as you are!!
You have now made A Small Fox reader out of me!
I’ve been going through the exact same thing for a little over a year and a half now and I know EXACTLY how Sarah feels.
I’ve felt broken and I’ve felt like I’d failed at what I was supposed to do in life. And I, too, find it ever so frustrating when uncaring, mean people get kids and I do not. So Unfair!
Blah. Enough yuckiness.
So glad that you had a wonderful birthday! Now how a Merry, Merry Christmas, too!
Hi Vanessa!
Muchas gracias por las tarjetas para imprimir son realmentes bonitas como todos tus trabajos.
Mmmm el pastel parece estar rico…te quedo una porcion???
Un saludo enorme
What a joy to read about the winners….I feel so sad about the motherless ladies. I will pray for their babies to be…
So glad you are loving your lens, as I am so loving your photos…take that day of rest… if you have time, drop by my blog and see my trees and stars. I finally got a few photos of my dollhouse. I’ll have to think of a good give-away soon!
I am too excited for the “handmade” gift tags1 I am making my family their gifts, so these are too perfect!! thank you 🙂
So glad that Sarah won the doll house. I hope magical things come her way and she will be able to have a child someday.
What lucky winners and you’re right about the “magic of meant to have them”….you are such a sweet soul! Love the photos….especially of the “critters”. I come to your sight every day for a little smile and inspiration for my day. The stocking I won is hanging in my classroom on my bulletin board…..the kids LOVE it!!! Thank you again for making me feel so special…..it is a treasure to me!
~Allie
Oh! Thank you for the cards! I’ve printed them off on card stock (when I should have been working on lesson plans *grin*) and I plan to embelish them with a little glitter and put them on my families’ packages. LOVE THEM!!
~Allie
Oh VV.
Your birthday cake looked scumpdidilyumptous!!
Thank you for sharing your present with me and all. You are a good sugarplum.
Hope all is well you and Mr. Lovee!!
xox
Constance
I am so glad your birthday was spectacular…like you! All the goodies are fabulous. Thanks for sharing everything!
Happy Holidays to you! :)mendy
Thank you for the lovely tags!
Oh, Ms. V.A. Orange-Variety girl! This is another wonderful post and your generosity is not to be believed. No, I say, I don’t believe it! I’m going to download those PDFs right now before you can change your mind.
The biggest thing I had to say is, it’s such a coincidence that you are giving away gift tags! Can one have too many gift tags? Well… I guess it depends..
And that’s all I have to say about that.
I love it that more people have won some of your gifties! I remember when I got a giftie from you and it was quite lovely. I’ve not only used the giftie, but the giftie transport vehicle, as well. It’s all good!
In short, thanks for the car.
Well, I gotta go, because I gotta print those sweet little freebies! I’m sorry to keep my comment so short this time!
Thanks for the tags! And I love the photos of the little birds!
Hi Vanessa,
I am so glad your birthday week was the best! Thanks so much for including us:)I had tons and tons of fun!
Your cake looks SCrum-Dilly-Umptious!
Congratulations to the winners 🙂
And thanks for the wondeful free gift tag print outs.
~Diane
Now I just have to get ink for my printer, to use your tags. I love how you give beautiful presents away on your birthday. Your birthday cake looks delicious. Glad your birthday was so much fun!!!
Now I just have to get ink for my printer, to use your tags. I love how you give beautiful presents away on your birthday. Your cake looks delicious. Glad your birthday was so much fun!!!
Now I just have to get ink for my printer, to use your tags. I love how you give beautiful presents away on your birthday. Your birthday cake looks delicious. Glad your birthday was so much fun!!!
Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Bithday dear Vanessaaa…Happy Birthday to yoouu.
Looks like it was delicious fun! Hope this year is a happy and healthy one for you full of love and laughter shared with family and friends.
Cheers!
Tammy
Awwww!! So glad these girls won the giveaway! Sounds like they reallt deserve a little treat!! SO glad you had a great birthday week. That cake looks AMAZING!!! Thanks so much for the tags! They are too cute!! You’re the best!!!
Hey Sweet Girl~
The tags are all delightful!
Oh that cake looks so yummy, too.
Donna
Oh! Literally— a delicious post! I need some of that cake, oh pretty please! 😉
Congrats to the winners! They all sound like such sweeties 🙂
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! Thank You!!! I was so shocked to win! What a nice birthday gift to me!!! You are a wonder!
Hugs,
Geri
HaPpy BiRtHdAy dEaR vAneSSa!!!! Looks like you had a fab birthday!!! That raspberry cake is too much…as in just yummy!!! Also the trifle looks tres yumsters too!! My friend always make one for Christmas…looking forward to that!!
Your teacups are divine dahling!!!! Wow, your giveaways are supremely awesome!!! I am stunned by your generousity and niceness, and of course your enchantingly creativity!! You go Girl!!
the cake looks delish!! Congrats to the lucky girls that won!!!
Enjoy your day!
oh vanessa, im so late. i am deeply sorry not have been able to wish you birthday tidings before now. but nonetheless, you have my belated hugs!
it is a treat to return to your colourful, magical world. long missed!
may your year ahead be filled with wonders and success:)
and lucky paperfox!
xxx
Hello Miss V…really wonderful pictures you are taking with your INCREDIBLE zoom lens! I was not so lucky with the fast-moving basketball shots! Lots of funny blurs, which might be very artsy! Can’t wait to see what else you click! Enjoy the day! Erin, TesoriTrovati
http://treasures-found.blogspot.com
Congratulations to the winners 🙂
And a late Happy Birthday to you 🙂
I so agree with you on the whole “meant to be” idea, I have always believed in just the same… so if you`re silly then I`m quite silly too 😉
that cake looks absolutely delishious! and the tags are… wonderfully cute! i’m gonna put them on the gifts for my kids and i know that this time they will actually not go straight to just tearing the paper apart ;).
looking forward to see how you celebrate christmas *very curious about all the decorations and traditions*.
hugs,
Loved all the photos. Congrats to the winners of the goodies. I also believe as you that things go to the person they should. I hope this is an indication of good things to come to Miss Sarah.
~ What a sweet day long celebration~ week long celebration~
I believe in that happy magic too.The gift will find its way to the perfect person.~
I am having my first give~away~ go join~
It will be so much fun to see where the gift goes~
~Amy~
~ What a sweet day long celebration~ week long celebration~
I believe in that happy magic too.The gift will find its way to the perfect person.~
I am having my first give~away~ go join~
It will be so much fun to see where the gift goes~
~Amy~
Oh wow! I’ve been away on vacation and unable to read your blog. Happy (belated) Birthday and you look so pretty in your tiara. I wish my hair looked as nice in the morning. No such luck. Hahaha!
Also wanted to say 1.) thanks for the cranberry trifle recipe and
2.) mention that your M’s rhinestone-studded flower hair pins are gorgeous, especially the dark violet colors. Does she have a site and link for them?
There was a big envelop for me today …
Yaaay, the print from you I ordered through Etsy !!
the print is really fine and I like the drawing with the elf and the pink tree. It will fit perfectly in my christmasdecoration !
My intention is to put a lot of handmade christmas stuff together that I got or bought and make an “artsy” christmas display….
My christmasdecoration is also not complete yet, but I take photos of my ” winterdecoration ” next weekend and put it on my blog so you can have an idea of it.
Thanks also for the added christmascards ! I won’t send them out… but also use them as decoration !
greetings from Belgium
Inge
Oh. That mouse was sooo cute! I’m happy that you got to celebrate your birthday in such style…and Congratulations to your many winners. I agree with you…the gifts always go to the people they’re supposed to go to!
Oh big happy congrats to those fortunate people who won your goodies!!! So happy for them 🙂 How amazingly thoughtful you are to offer these tag goodies for everyone! Miss Vanessa, you are just the best…and my boy and I were looking all around for tags for the presents and thought last night we would have to go out and buy boring ones (cause I sure don’t have time to make any!!) THANK YOU!!!
Have a lovely pink, red, frilly mushroomey day! xoxo
Happy belated birthday. Great little dolls you have there. Hope no critters were harmed in the making of this post! 😉
Edward and I have been covered in tinsel and chocolate, and are late to the party! But, we did want to wish you a most Happy Birthday anyway! With Many Happy Days To Come!!
ahh! I missed your birthday?! I hope it was super fantastic & all your wishes come true!
I just want to say thank you so much for the tags.I love,love,love them!
very informative! thanks for sharing.
-vee-
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these foods are very good are an excellent idea, thanks for sharing these recipes
Amazing tree cup I love them!
If are you making this as a gift its absolutely adorable so cute i love this. Will certainly visit your site more often now
vee
Lovely lovely lovely! ;0 keep up the good work!
Those little tags are excellent
and your cake looks very delightful.
I might give it a go tonight!
Aanee xxx
Thank you! You posted them 2 years ago, but I found them now! and I’m using them 🙂
Happy Holidays
thank you for the freebies, they are great!!
I just can not imagine with strong your blog greatly that warned me. God bless you “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.†– Plato
Kayli Higgs
I cannot thank you enough for the article post.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Thank you! These are adorable! 🙂
Love, Love, Love the homemade tags. Will go perfect with the gifts I have made. Thank you. Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.