Linens & Lace Pink Friday & Friday Flea Market

You could say we are addicted, and that description would be just about on the money! We’ve been buying, collecting and yes…even selling Vintage linens for several years. We love their histories, time worn stories woven into each design. Can’t you just picture a joyful family celebration, a holiday, birthday or treasured anniversary all gathered around the dinner table? A piece of beautiful lace or doily perhaps used on a christening gown, a dresser scarf or even on a special occasion dress or wedding gown. The stories these pieces could tell. We love the connection of past to present collecting and using our vintage linens in our homes and on our projects. Please join us at Forget Me Not Dreams this week for Pink Friday in celebrations of Linens and Lace. Just click on this link to go straight to our Pink Friday category. Be sure to visit all the participating shops at Make Mine Pink.
We also just joined Friday Flea Market! We've added a Friday Flea Market category to our website, so use the above link to check out our sale! Use the link on our sidebar to find all the great sellers.

WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAYS- BACK HOME AGAIN

We're home. Back to the grey skies and rain, feeling "chained" to the washing machine, vacuum and everything else that has fallen behind. It's that overwhelmed "Welcome Home" feeling. Little by little it all gets done!

Big surprise hitting the scale this morning. Two pounds lost! Yippee!! Actually amazing! My appetite wasn't the best over in Hawaii, thankfully, and I really concentrated on eating their wonderful fresh fish and fruit. The lounge chair didn't provide much exercise... huge thunderbolt... but it did get rid of the bronchitis. Magic! Back to real life now!

Karen

Growth

I love the growing process! It’s exciting when goals are set, plans are put in place and progress is measured. It’s the moment when the hard work of the past is realized in aha moments that become stepping stones to the growth of tomorrow. Behind the scenes we have been working on taking Forget Me Not Dreams to the next level. Our new graphics are ready to go, and a site re-design is on the horizon. We have new categories and styles planned, new projects and supplies ready to go. And although we could use a few more hours in a day, we can feel things starting to fall into place. With continued hard work, and a bit of luck we’ll be launching our new look is a few short weeks! So armed with optimism and a prayer of hope we keep an excited eye on the future. We hope you'll stay tuned and enjoy the journey with us!

All Dressed Up!

Did you happen to catch the Academy Awards last night? I just love watching the red carpet, all that glam! So who’s dress was your favorite, your least? I have to watch the after interviews today to see if my guesses were right! Although I don’t usually get into the who’s who of Hollywood , I love watching the stars get all dressed up in their finest in celebration of their finest. And although there is plenty with that industry that I can’t buy into, still I am grateful for the opportunity they provide to escape reality for a bit, laugh and be entertained. I loved Hugh Jackman’s opening act! Who new he was so multi talented! I loved the tactile way the show was presented, the typeset presentations, the authentic displays done for the costuming awards. How is it they keep coming up with something new every year to keep it fresh! Hmmm, I guess when you think about it, that’s exactly what our industries have in common; the ability to keep re-inventing itself and putting it’s best foot forward. I love that!
Photo & more story at:http://www.blogginginamerica.com/2009-academy-award-oscar-nominations-list/

PINK FRIDAY WILL BRING FRENCH FARMHOUSE

FRENCH FARMHOUSE WILL BE THE THEME OF TOMORROW'S PINK FRIDAY SALE. THESE PHOTOS ONLY GOT AS CLOSE AS AN ENGLISH FARMHOUSE AND GARDEN ORCHARD, BUT FORGET ME NOT DREAMS WILL BE OFFERING VINTAGE MILK GLASS, AZURITE FIRE KING ORIGINALS FROM THE KITCHEN, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE FINDS FOR THIS HOT NEW HOME DECOR TREND! BE SURE TO STOP BY FORGET ME NOT DREAMS AND SPEND A BIT OF TIME WITH US! ALSO, CHECK OUT THE OTHER BOUTIQUES AT MAKE MINE PINK FOR PINK FRIDAY.

SUNSET DINNER, WEDNESDAY WEIGH IN

We had a wonderful sunset dinner last night with a beachfront table. The whales were out again playing, breaching and making huge splashes as the sun went down in an explosion of pinks and coral. I ruined my potential weigh in (thank goodness there are no scales in Paradise) with a scrumptious ice cream sandwich dessert which I graciously shared with my husband. ...fudgy chocolate brownie sprinkled with my favorite macadamia nuts all sandwiching creamy vanilla bean ice cream. the piece was all topped with pureed raspberry sauce and finished with whipped cream on the side. Easy summer dessert actually. But oh my, the scales must lie next week! We managed to finish it all.

Tomorrow we head back to the cold and rain, so I have to pick up last minute surprises for my kids at home. There isn't enough to thank them for taking care of our dogs. The last photo is of our granddaughter sitting with Barkley, our sweet golden that was left behind when her sister had to be put to sleep on Tuesday. It will be a bittersweet homecoming.

Aloha!
Karen

PARADISE LOST, FOR A SHORT WHILE

It is our first overcast day along with the wind, here on Maui. Seems to match the color of my feelings right now. Yesterday I had to give permission to a vet that I didn't know, to put my 13 year old dog to sleep last night. She was healthy when we left home, but had been hiding a tumor in her heart until it was too late to help her. She was a magnificent dog, giving unconditional love always, protecting our home and us, nearly giving her own life once to save mine, chasing coyotes with me or without, wagging her tail when she ate and smiling when she was so happy she could no longer contain it. I have had 6 dogs in my lifetime and only my first dog and Beamer have been this close to me. Last night I was sitting in my tears trying to think why it was that I could love a dog so much, so deeply. This morning it came to me, after dreaming all night, she was the free spirit in me, my spirit with the human inhibitions taken away. Chasing coyotes with her was like running in the wind but not being earthbound. Crazy, how many of you have chased after coyotes?! We would lay on the grass afterwards grinning, I would talk about the excitement and she would do her deep purr of contentment. Dog and human Heaven intertwined. Beamer also leaves behind a sister golden retriever, not by blood, but the same age, growing up together. She is with my son and his precious family as she is so distraught. We couldn't leave her at home for the neighbor kids. Barkley is refusing to eat or drink, so my 4 year old grandson is sitting vigil with her, making bread balls for her when she decides to eat. He will be there for her. Their 2 Goldens died 6 and 8 months ago of lymphoma at 6 years of age. Cancer tends to take the ones I love, human or not.

Thank you for listening to me. Some will understand this, others will think me crazy with all that is going on in the world. Pets, no matter what kind, seem to be God's gift for companionship and an example of His unconditional love. If only we could all love each other in the same way.

POST VALENTINE'S DAY IN PARADISE

We spent a romantic Valentine's Day walking along the ocean on Front Street in Lahaina with our youngest son, his wife and baby son to be. Dinner was out of this world... so much like home...LOL!





Our resident Monk seal departed today after resting on the sandy beach for 3 days. You do have to wonder what goes through a seal's mind to sit on a beach for 3 days, barely moving, and then just look around and swim out to sea! Hungry is my hunch!! I dubbed this little sweetie my swim twin. Just put a suit on her....





I have spent some time walking through the grounds here, looking at the different plants & flowers, comparing them to what I see in the deserts of Arizona. So different! Still lots of color in the blooms but these are built more with a waxy surface to avoid absorbing so much of the moisture here. I always marvel at the way nature is so able to adapt and how quickly man can mess it all up!

Aloha!
Karen

Let There Be Light!

Nothing sets the mood quite like twinkle lights! Saturday I'm decorating for a Valentines Dance at the church. I love taking a gynmasium and transforming it to a magical place. Anyone who's in the biz, knows that lights will do the trick!


GORGEOUS!

Pink Friday Shades of Roses

It's that time again ladies! Time for PINK FRIDAY! This week's theme is "SHADES OF ROSE" For the love of roses and all their hues. We are listing more new products this week so be sure to visit Forget Me Not Dreams and the other participating shops at Make Mine Pink. See you on Friday!

WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAYS

Hey, this is Paradise, no scales to be found! I am loving my anti-biotic since I have no appetite, but still no desire to do too much either. This morning we are watching the whales again. We are on the main whale channel where they swim back and forth, playing, mating and then turning these waters into a giant whale nursery. Yesterady they put on a real show breeching (coming straight up out of the water) and then down with a huge thunderous splash. Then just a flipper would jut up and slam down, shooting water like cannons. Such a delight. Beyond words actually. Sorry, no pictures, I'm saving for that super zoom lens.

Aloha!

PARADISE FOUND!!

My husband and I have arrived here on Maui, at my Paradise, my Heaven on earth. I was so in need of this physical, emotional and spiritual rejuvenation... just wish that Eileen was here to share in the rest and recuperation. The first photo is of the view from our balcony. When emotions are overwhelming, pain from fibromyalgia is too much, this is the picture that I return to in my mind. I close my eyes and try to feel the soft breeze blowing, cooling the warmth of the beating sun accentuating the sound of the waves hitting a coral reef beach.





There is a wonderful big koi pond in the center of the "play space" on the property. Beautiful white and pink lotus are scattered around the pond with the koi taking shelter underneath. Lotus umbrellas!! Many times, my sons added excitement to the fish habitat by falling in.... accidentally of course!





I watched this kayaker paddle by yesterday. She would throw out a fish net occassionally and keep her catch in a bag on the opposite side of her boat. This island is all about tranquility, rest and making/taking the most from life. I am so thankful to be here, surrounded by my water, blessed by the love of God.

Artist Kimberly Poloson

It's always hard to write a blog that does justice to Kimberly Poloson’s art work. It's been such a thrill to know her and watch her success grow over the years. From the first time she walked into my show, I knew she would become a huge success.

Her artwork is sought after by many wanting to reproduce her images. Kimberly cleverly uses beautiful ephemera, embellishments and her love of Old World Europe to create her unique style. Her prints have been transformed into home decor accessories, wall décor, tabletop collections and now a stamp and paper line just to name a few.

We are excited to carry many of her products at Forget Me Not Dreams and will be listing more in the next few weeks! Of course having the rooster fetish I do, her roosters are some of my favorites. I’m even lucky enough to own a couple of her signed originals! Lucky me! Were so proud of you Kimberly and wish you tons of success! Love ya girl!
Eileen Daniels
Forget Me Not Dreams
(photo source;www.robertkaufman.com)

Home Again Home Again!

There's no doubt about it...there's no place like home!(by the way, this is not either of our homes...but I can dream!) We are back from our travels and although we love the hunt for new ideas and products, it feels great to be back! We're getting back in the swing of things with a Pink Friday celebration!
Join us at Forget Me Not Dreams and Make Mine Pink for Be My Valentine! If you'd like to receive our exclusive Preferred Customer discount, use this link to sign up for our weekly newsletter. See you on Friday!

BELATED WEDNESDAY WEIGH IN !!

I gingerly crawled onto the scale this morning, assuming that my head alone would weigh 150 lbs. This cold/flu is a wipe out. Could be a big mess if we both explode on the plane. Anyway, I would have screamed if I hadn't been thrown into a coughing spell.... down another 1.4 pounds. This is too good to be true. I'm down a titch under seven and can really feel the difference in my favorite jeans. Soon, the favorite jeans will be too big!! Yes!! I don't know where that big wall is that everyone hits, but I will keep running until I run into it. How are all of you doing? Struggling, having success a little bit at a time like me? It's no Biggest Loser Show, but I am thankful to be meeting my "anticipation" every week and feeling good about it. Have a great week until next Wednesday!

Sincerely,

Karen

Day 3 at the Tucson Gem Show

We finished our third day shopping the Tucson Gem show, dragging our aching bodies through booth after booth of beads, spreading our blossoming cold/flu virus that we acquired on some plane. Chances are it was the one to Anaheim, packed with anxious kids ready to meet Mickey! We feel like Mickey stomped the heck out of us with those big black shoes. Mickey, stop already!!

There are incredible things to see here... beads from every material and every country around the world, hand carved, mouth blown, formed from clay far away and plastic polymers closer to home. Metals punched, hammered, pierced, rolled and shaped. Stone and bone, chiseled, carved, sculpted and buffed. All beautiful and the talent showcased from around the world is incredible.

We head home Tuesday afternoon. Can't wait to get started on the new ideas we have in mind. (Yes, we have written them down due to severe memory impairment and dysfunction!)

Fondly,
Karen & Eileen

Now That's A Show And Tell!!!

Karen and I are attending the Tucson Gem Show this week. We've had such fun hunting for beads, charms and findings for our new jewelry line. The show is made up of many many shows located in numerous locations. I've never been to anything like it before! Talk about a treasure hunt! Everything size and quality is here...somewhere! Can you believe the size of this Amethyst! Not that's a Show and Tell!
Eileen