Sorry for the long absence. I don't do it on purpose. You know how you get into a rut and its hard to change pace? Moi ala winter come January. I make it just fine through December and then January hits and it is just.. gray. I've started a dozen posts this month but run out of steam before finishing any of them. You know how that gets?
So I have been trying to reclaim myself. Gave myself a facial - Skinny Girl from Walmart. I was shocked, it was the best mask I've ever used.
Started a nightly ritual involving a bubble bath, candles and Pride & Prejudice. I look forward to that bath all day.. My favorite body products are by Pacifica.. amazing.
Speaking of which.. have you READ Jane Austen? I mean, not just watched the movies but read the books? I admit, this is my first time through even though I have been a fan for a long time. Wow, she really knew what she was doing.
My mom surprised Dustin and I with a trip to Lolo Hot Springs and we took off on Monday. That was fantastic. Rejuevenation, check.
Did I even mentioned how big of swimmer I am? I adore the water.. I swam competetively and as a diver in my youth. Took lifeguarding training as a class in high school and then worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for several years. I miss it. our quick jaunt in the water has made us decide to run to the YMCA and snag a family pass. Dustin said I move through the water like a mermaid. :)
And then I went all wild and crazy and went straigh haired for the day.
And signed up for Bountiful Basket! I have been waiting for this to come here and was overjoyed when it finally arrived. Have you heard of this? It is $15 a week and you get enough fresh fruit & veggies to feed an army.
I'll take a picture of what we get next week if you are interested and then maybe chronicle what we make with it? Hmm..
There have been crafty adventures going on.. of course! It's just all that dreaded "can't share now syndrome..." But I am guest blogging over at Making it Fun on Sunday with a video tour of the new studio and maybe... you can get a climpse at the new Henna group. That I get constant requests for. Truly, it's being done. Another long awaited return? Claire should be popping up in the website next weekish. If you are interested in a pre-order (we are only ordering about 1000 to begin.. customers request returns of patterns but then sometimes they don't sell that well?) Then leave a comment and if there is enough interest, I'll put together a pre-order for the pattern. Just keep in mind, they won't be here for about 2 weeks.
:)
Sandi
Hi there! Your weekend sounds absolutely wonderful and rejuvenating - good for you. And yes, I have read Jane Austin. She absolutely knew what she was doing.
Looking forward to exploring your site a bit more - beautiful, btw.
Posted by: Lori | February 16, 2012 at 04:50 AM
Sounds so lovely! About this time last year my husband and I took a week away to rejuvenate, I savoured every moment. I'd love to pre order Claire (as you know I was just hunting for it and asking Mel about it on twitter recently) so if you put one up I'll definitely snag it. :) Add me to the list of ppl anxiously awaiting henna garden, can't wait to see the tour of your new studio!
Posted by: Shelley | February 16, 2012 at 06:10 AM
I'd pre-order Claire! Been saving some Christmas money waiting for her return :)
Posted by: Erin Waters | February 16, 2012 at 07:17 AM
Thanks for all the tips! I have found out that Pacifica carries an orange blossom perfume. My absolute favorite! I read Janet's entire works about evey other year...does that make me a fanatic? She was a savy lady! Love her books.
Oh, from someone whose hair is constantly straight. I have Lways loved your curls.
Posted by: Ktquilts | February 16, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Autocorrect doesn't like the name Jane apparently.
Posted by: Ktquilts | February 16, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Ha ha! I was wondering. :)
Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Henderson | February 16, 2012 at 10:13 AM
LOVE your hair straight! Fun and youthful
Posted by: Nancy K. | February 16, 2012 at 10:30 AM
If you like orange flavored scents, I would HIGHLY recommend Tuscan Blood Orange. I have every product they make in that scent!
xo
Sandi
Posted by: Sandi Henderson | February 16, 2012 at 10:34 AM
You are seriously so skinny! What have you been up to? I want to be you!! Please share your secrets!!
Posted by: Dolores McCune | February 16, 2012 at 12:30 PM
LOVE the straight hair shot! You look really pretty!! I'm jealous that your hair can be both beautifully curly and long and straight. Also jealous that you got to escape with your hubby (we're planning an escape for March...can't come soon enough)!
Posted by: heather from arizona | February 16, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Oh, forgot to mention...is you like Jane Austen books you MUST take a look at "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" by Syrie James. Its fiction about Jane Austen and reads like a Jane Austen book, I finished it in one day, just could NOT put it down!!
Posted by: heather from arizona | February 16, 2012 at 12:56 PM
I must say, you look awesome AND rejuvenated! Welcome back.
Posted by: Kelley Hart | February 16, 2012 at 01:03 PM
I will check it out!! And thanks for the compliment!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Sandi Henderson | February 16, 2012 at 02:10 PM
When you are finished reading Jane Austin's books, try Charlotte Bronte. Her books are great!
Posted by: Cindy Farmer | February 16, 2012 at 06:56 PM
Yes..We can understand and thanks for coming back..
Posted by: MBA in real estate | February 16, 2012 at 10:12 PM
It sounds like you had a great time.
I would love to pre-order Claire. I have been anxiously awaiting that one. I would need two - one for me and one for my mom.
Posted by: PN in MA | February 17, 2012 at 04:06 AM
You are looking fantastic!! I get the January blahs too- maybe your tips will help!
Posted by: Jana | February 17, 2012 at 04:20 AM
Yippee! Thank you for the post! You do look FABULOUS! I am so excited about the new Henna coming soon, and I'm patiently waiting on any new patterns, I think I have them all! We have a local fabric store here in Georgia that gets remnants of designer fabric for way cheap, but there's no rhyme or reason and you never know what you're going to get, in fact I have a friend there right now looking for Sandi prints for me!!! My coveted Sandi Henderson fabric is #1 on my list. All my friends know I'm wild about Sandi, fabrics, patterns - you name it!
Posted by: Kara | February 17, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Please please put me down on the pre-order list! I have been searching day & night for Claire!! Actually I would love two patterns...Just incase something ever happens to one! I know how hard & impossible it would be to replace it!! Seriously!! Thank you!!! I have been exchanging emails with Sahra for several months just over Claire!! Hearing this news brings joy to my ears!!!!!
Posted by: Krystal | February 18, 2012 at 10:41 AM
I would like 2 Claire patterns
Posted by: Karen Fortner | February 18, 2012 at 10:45 AM
I would like to pre-order Claire please!
Posted by: Jemima Castleberg | February 18, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Put me on the list to pre-order Claire too!
Posted by: Holly Currah | February 18, 2012 at 11:18 AM
Yes, Claire:)!
Posted by: Michelle Pomfrey | February 18, 2012 at 11:31 AM
I would love to be on the pre order list. Thanks! :)
Posted by: Amber Levinson | February 19, 2012 at 10:47 AM
I would love to be on the preorder list for the Claire pattern.
Posted by: Rakelle Springmeyer | February 19, 2012 at 11:29 AM