Swap goodies

The snow has melted almost completely, though there are still a few sad little patches here and there. Today was sunny but quite windy, and that wind was cold! Tomorrow for Halloween our high is only supposed to be in the 40s, and by Trick-or-Treat time it will be down into the 30s. Brrr! I wish I'd checked the weather forecast before I bought candy. I'm afraid the cold will keep the kids away and I really, really don't want to be left with extra candy around this house. The lucky ones who brave the cold to ring my bell will be getting sweets by the handful, I believe.

I took the weekend off from blogging so I am a little late in posting that I received my craft swap from Lisa-Gabrielle over at Jungle Dream Pagoda. She sent me the most delightful box! It came on a day when I really needed a lift, and her box most definitely provided the boost my spirits needed. Lisa-Gabrielle included 4 absolutely adorable outfits for Maren. Let me tell you, her girls must be little fashion plates if what she sent is any example of their wardrobe! You can see the little outfits in the top row of the photo. My favorite was an adorable little smocked dress with a squirrel and fall leaves--Miss Maren will be wearing that one for Thanksgiving dinner! She also included the cutest little ponytail holders! Love the little deer!

Lisa-Gabrielle also sent me a fall tablecloth, which is just what I needed! I was actually thinking earlier that I have a Halloween tablecloth but no general 'autumn' cloth to use in September and November. Now I do, and somehow she even knew I have a rectangular table so it fits! Yay! Lisa-Gabrielle included a huge stack of vintage embroidered and appliqueed linens, so I am going to get up all my courage and actually CUT THEM UP (eek!) to use in other projects. First I think I'll just admire them for a while, though. :) She also sent a cute little Chinese pincushion and a huge pile of ribbons, thread, rickrack (my fave!), sequin appliques, buttons, and all manner of bits and bobs that I will squirrel away like the little raccoon that I am until I have the perfect projects for them. Lisa-Gabrielle sent such a wonderful package, and I am thrilled to have taken part in Rebecca's swap! Thanks for organizing it!

Speaking of Rebecca, I got a package from her on Friday! Two good mail days in a row! Rebecca sent me a fun package and included wonderful vintage linen tea towel, a table runner with leaves (this matches my bedroom, so I may use it there), a darling pillowcase which will be perfect for a pillowcase dress for Maren, a pretty pink linen hankie, wonderful buttons, cute ribbon with oranges and lemons, and a stack of really neat origami paper (how ever did you know that I like origami)! What a fun package it was to get, especially since it was "just because"! You're right, Rebecca--we definitely do have similar tastes! :) Thank you so much!