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we hope your holidays have been going great so far. Now you might have some downtime with the extra family members that are still milling around. We have some ideas on what might keep some of the kiddies and even adults entertained. Above we discovered what great press-on earrings our epoxy stickers can be for playing dress-up. It's great for those girls who are wanting their ears pierced but aren't quite at the age to get something permanent. Our little cousins loved them and changed out their Dill Blossom 'earrings' numerous times throughout the day.

We were testing out some of our new rub-ons from a few of our different lines. The Kitty's Place line has some rub-ons that we used for our own homemade tattoos. **We do warn that they don't wash off too easily, so that could be a good thing or a bad thing. They worked great on fingernails too. And if you add a clear coat it just prolongs the rub-on that much more.

The other rub-ons we used were from our Poppy line. We had a boring old calculator that got beautified. Some other employees said that their kids individualized their hand held PSP's that they got for Christmas!

Coyote

(On the Left: This is a squence of photos from Rocky Mountain National Park. They are ordered in time.) Colorado has gone to the dogs and I don’t mean rover! The Coyote (Canis latrans subsp.), a member of the dog genus is ubiquitous around the state and throughout North America for that matter. Unlike other species, which have felt the pinch of encroaching humans, the Coyote has adapted and expanded its range. It now roams from Oregon to New Jersey. They thrive in the burbs as well as the wilds.

Coyotes are carnivores. Their primary diet consists of small mammals like rabbits, mice, and Prairie Dogs. They will eat carrion but prefer a fresh kill. There is a great deal of controversy over how much livestock and domestic pets are affected by the coyote. Whether myth or fact, just the idea makes the Coyote the target of ranchers and farmers. Interestingly, Coyotes are afraid of Mountain Lions and some communities have learned to keep Coyotes away by projecting the sounds of Lion.

The Coyote to the left smells something in the snow

Now it is digging in the snow.

Nothing comes of it.

I have lost track of the Coyote sightings I have had. What is unique about his sequence is that there were three Coyotes traveling together. I have only seen them solo despite the fact that they do usually hunt in pairs. I observed this group in Rocky Mountain National Park the day after Christmas. I only had a 200mm lens, so the photos are distant but the sequence does give you an idea of their color and behavior. Coyotes usually have a hunting circuit three to four miles long. The tracks you can see in the photos imply these three had cruised this ground before.

The group begins to move on.

I have been spotted and they begin to head over the hill.

I am being observed.

Coyotes can interbreed with domestic dogs. Sometimes I wonder if my new puppy is not part Coyote. She is a trickster for sure, just like prevalent Native American myths. Next time you see a Coyote or hear its lonesome song, take a moment to appreciate the rare success story of a species that is actually thriving.

The last shot before they bolted over the hill.

if i am super rich...

i will blow a cool half a million singapore dollars on a gorgeous Cranchi Atlantique 40 and spend 4,000 monthly on docking fees alone.

dreams...







i have been so so good at doing nothing-ness, and the weather and perfect clear skies were too good to be true for my little getaway last week... looking forward to the new year eve's party and get-together, and yet another sunny salty sea paradise rendezvous before the new year's work begins :)

and as of now, i have 587 personal pics and 231 new product pics.... waiting to be edited........

Elk (Cervus canadensis)

This herd was located across the street from the visitor's center snuggled down in between a bunch of houses.
Welcome to the herd! Think we “advanced” primates are above such behavior? Try taking an intercontinental flight one of these days and you will change your tune. I can hear the cattle braying as the line winds around and around the tape at the security checkpoint. All I see are backsides and I shuffle ignominiously onto the plane. Ever been to a professional football game? Doesn’t that remind you of the annual rut in which thousands of Elk gather in Rocky Mountain National Park’s two large meadows and congregate around the largest and loudest Bull with the showiest physic. Herd indeed!

This herd was on the side of the road between Moraine Park and Horseshoe Meadows. It was about 16 degrees out and the Elk were all laying in the grass.

I confess that I am immune to the charms of the Elk. It is sheer ennui brought on by too much familiarity. Visit the Estes Park and you will see them…everywhere. They are on the golf course, huddled around the large bronze Elk statue at the edge of town, or wandering around the meadows of the park itself. In contrast, last summer I ran into a herd of Mountain Goats and practically had an epileptic fit. Isn’t it amazing that you can live in a place where such amazing animals are as common as the tourists who clog the roads to ogle them?

Many of the Elk had tags and radio collars.

(On the left: This young bull was watching us closely as we got too close to the gals.) I have another confession…whenever I see an Elk I also think of dinner. I like the taste of it and wish I could get some hunter to bag one for me. I don’t think I could ever get up the nerve to do it myself. I like my protein dressed and sauced on my plate. Hypocritical in the extreme I know but not an uncommon attitude. Since the days when we could hire out our husbandry, the human species has become sensitized to all the carnage.

Elk are Colorado’s largest species of deer. They can be seven to nine feet long and over four and half feet high. The antlers of the Bull Elk are impressive indeed. These antlers grow in the spring and can weigh up to 40 pounds. They can grow up to an inch a day, protected by velvet, a soft skin that is scraped off on trees by summer. By early winter, the antlers are shed. Interestingly, the number of points on the antlers has nothing to do with the age of animal.

Elk are vegetarian browsers. Their diet consists primarily of grass but in winter will augment this with the bark of trees. Much of the scaring on Aspen trees is from Elk.

The snow was softly falling. You can see the flakes in the photos.

Finally, experts are trying to get us to use the term Wapiti for Elk because in Europe the term Elk refers to what we would call a Moose. Somehow, I don’t think Wapiti is going to catch on. The herd may just have a mind of its own.

Ok, Christmas is over....

and I didnt post any photos of our tree. I know most of you will not be feeling "Christmassy" after the event but I thought I would share these anyway.




A heavily laden tree.


Only one left of this set I bought in the US. I love the simplicity of the red cardinals fluttering around the winter branches.


We always have lots of "nature" on our tree whether it is a winter creature or not!


Goofy owl which I love.




Beautiful Merry-go-round which my Grandma bought me a long time ago. It moves around and plays a song but due to the different electric system is does not work here in the UK. Still it is so pretty!


If you visited this blog last year you may remember that we often try to make a gingerbread house at Christmas. We were doing alot of baking this year so we took the "easy" way out and bought a gingerbread house kit which comes with the pieces already cut. You stick them together and decorate it yourself.

Sounds easy right? I followed the directions for the icing exactly as it says but it was so hard to decorate with. I bought a new icing kit and was excited to use it but as soon as I gave the icing bag its first squeeze, the side split open. I resorted to my vintage tin Tala set which worked but as the icing was so thick I thought I had suffered serious damage to my hand by the time I finished it. Im making my own next year, no short cuts!







A couple shots of festive decor!







My grandma made this Nativity set in 1969 at a ceramics class. She has her name and the date on the base of the pieces. It is a truly gorgeous set and something I really cherish.


This is a little shot of our Christmas table. I love these honeyglaze dishes. I used our vintage pale pink 30's glasses, grandma's vintage cutlery and the Limoges candle holders Paul bought me for ny birthday.


Jet hiding behind the computer chair when the crackers were being pulled. What a big baby!


The tree at night.

I do sincerely hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Despite some difficult times that many are experiencing, so much joy is to be had in the simple things in life. I hope you were able to experience that.

With much love and best wishes,
kelly

NEW YEAR PARTY STYLE GUIDE - must haves

New Year is all about dressing up and having fun. These are five party must haves to GET READY FOR THE BASH.

1. DRESS 2. JEWELLERY 3. HEELS 4. HAIRCUT 5. CLUTCH

Read on.....

1. DRESS IT UP
Elegant and feminine, DRESS is a MUST-HAVE for this NEW YEAR PARTY. A fabulous dress will make you feel a million dollars instantly. So add glamous and sophistication to your special occassion dressing with YOUR DRESS.
Styles you can wear:
- Look out for shape and opulence in fabulous jewel-encrusted satin and silk dresses or cascading frilled one-shoulder numbers.
- For a more girly and glamorous look pick cocktail dresses or prom dresses, they are especially popular with the younger party-goers.

Black is always glitzy, but Look out for colours for this new year eve - purple, yellow, silver, red (is the new black this season), blue, gold and their variations.

Below are some Hot Dresses for New Year Party

- One-shouldered Dress
These dresses are one of they key trends this season and was a favourite on runway with Lanvin, Valentino, Missoni. This style works well with women of all sizes and are flattering on both petite and plus sized women.
.

ASOS Satin One-shoulder Pleat Dress

This dress will emphasize your figure. Don’t forget about accessories: earrings, bracelet, cocktail ring and clutch and choose comfortable and right colour heels.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £37.20
.
- Halter Dress
Halter is one of the most flattering style. Pick a dress in halter for turning heads.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Halter Tiered Dress

This dress is sophistication to the max and I just adore the satin fabric and ribbon layered style which makes it that extra bit special. Echoing Herve Leger's signature bandage dress, at $200 it for sure would make a statement on the NYE. This halter number will look stunning teamed with a smart clutch with matching shoes (in colour) and chandelier earrings.

A similar styled dress is also available at Lipsy for £34.25, click here to view and buy.

- Lace
Lace is very popular and is the one of the hottest trends of this season. The age of romance comes alive in a lovely silhouette and delicate lace.

The Black and Gold Lace Dress is perfect for the New Year Evening, whether you're going for a dinner party or clubbing. Accessorize it with gold earrings and bracelet and a nice pair of gold stillettos to make a glamorous entry.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £28

.

.

L- Lace Dress from Forever New; R- Lace Corsage Dress from Oasis

.

Forever New: Lace and Ruffle are the trend this season, they look feminine and flirty. This style works best on skinny girls. The Victorian lace rufle detail dress from Forever New will make all the heads turn to you.
Stockist: Forever New available in Australia and India (Mumbai, Bangalore and Ludhiana).

Oasis: So romantic, black colour in lace. I think you'll look absolutely fabulous in thuis strapless dress. Click here to buy Oasis Lace Corsage Dress
.
- Tafetta Dress

Glamour at its best: iridescent taffeta finds itself in a flattering silhouette with soft pleats and a cinched waist.
Stockist: Banana Republic; Price: $99.99

Whatever you wear, make sure you have a great one!


2. JEWELLERY THAT ROCKS
Bling on, jewellery is a must – add chunky metallic and jewelled cuffs, chandelier earrings and droplet necklaces (though not all at once – less is more).


3. HIP HEELS
High enough to make a statement but comfortable enough to party all-night the choice of shoe is crucial. Choose platform stilletos for a sleek sexy look and they would be comfortable .


4. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN
Complete your party look by letting your hair down. So what is the difference between party hairstyles and other formal hairstyles? Party hairdos are generally a little more cute and fun, a little less serious and formal.

Blow-dry them to get flirty waves or thick bangs. If you are looking for a significant change in your look, go for a bang or fringes, the hottest this season are long thick bangs that go passed the eye brows.
.

Ashlee Simpson and Sarah Michelle Giller in bangs

Bangs - they're in and they look hot. Long, sideswept bangs, heavy curtains of bangs....there's no hotter trend right now.

Choose from side sweeping bangs (like Mughdha Godse, below), straight bangs (like Sarah Michelle Giller above or Ira Dubey below), wavy bangs, choppy bangs or heavy bangs with layered hair (like Ashlee Simpson, above). Check with your hair stylist what kind of bangs will suit your face shape the best.

Mughdha Godse

.

Ira Dubey

.
5. CLUTCH
Clutches are a quick, one-accessory way to make your outfit pop. Oversized Clutches are hot and will give some extra space for all your goodies.


Related Posts and Articles:
Oversized Clutches
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
FASHION’S HOT TRENDS
Avoiding fashion no-no’s on New Year’s Eve

.

NEW YEAR PARTY STYLE GUIDE - must haves

New Year is all about dressing up and having fun. These are five party must haves to GET READY FOR THE BASH.

1. DRESS 2. JEWELLERY 3. HEELS 4. HAIRCUT 5. CLUTCH

Read on.....

1. DRESS IT UP
Elegant and feminine, DRESS is a MUST-HAVE for this NEW YEAR PARTY. A fabulous dress will make you feel a million dollars instantly. So add glamous and sophistication to your special occassion dressing with YOUR DRESS.
Styles you can wear:
- Look out for shape and opulence in fabulous jewel-encrusted satin and silk dresses or cascading frilled one-shoulder numbers.
- For a more girly and glamorous look pick cocktail dresses or prom dresses, they are especially popular with the younger party-goers.

Black is always glitzy, but Look out for colours for this new year eve - purple, yellow, silver, red (is the new black this season), blue, gold and their variations.

Below are some Hot Dresses for New Year Party

- One-shouldered Dress
These dresses are one of they key trends this season and was a favourite on runway with Lanvin, Valentino, Missoni. This style works well with women of all sizes and are flattering on both petite and plus sized women.
.

ASOS Satin One-shoulder Pleat Dress

This dress will emphasize your figure. Don’t forget about accessories: earrings, bracelet, cocktail ring and clutch and choose comfortable and right colour heels.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £37.20
.
- Halter Dress
Halter is one of the most flattering style. Pick a dress in halter for turning heads.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Halter Tiered Dress

This dress is sophistication to the max and I just adore the satin fabric and ribbon layered style which makes it that extra bit special. Echoing Herve Leger's signature bandage dress, at $200 it for sure would make a statement on the NYE. This halter number will look stunning teamed with a smart clutch with matching shoes (in colour) and chandelier earrings.

A similar styled dress is also available at Lipsy for £34.25, click here to view and buy.

- Lace
Lace is very popular and is the one of the hottest trends of this season. The age of romance comes alive in a lovely silhouette and delicate lace.

The Black and Gold Lace Dress is perfect for the New Year Evening, whether you're going for a dinner party or clubbing. Accessorize it with gold earrings and bracelet and a nice pair of gold stillettos to make a glamorous entry.
Stockist: ASOS; Price: £28

.

.

L- Lace Dress from Forever New; R- Lace Corsage Dress from Oasis

.

Forever New: Lace and Ruffle are the trend this season, they look feminine and flirty. This style works best on skinny girls. The Victorian lace rufle detail dress from Forever New will make all the heads turn to you.
Stockist: Forever New available in Australia and India (Mumbai, Bangalore and Ludhiana).

Oasis: So romantic, black colour in lace. I think you'll look absolutely fabulous in thuis strapless dress. Click here to buy Oasis Lace Corsage Dress
.
- Tafetta Dress

Glamour at its best: iridescent taffeta finds itself in a flattering silhouette with soft pleats and a cinched waist.
Stockist: Banana Republic; Price: $99.99

Whatever you wear, make sure you have a great one!


2. JEWELLERY THAT ROCKS
Bling on, jewellery is a must – add chunky metallic and jewelled cuffs, chandelier earrings and droplet necklaces (though not all at once – less is more).


3. HIP HEELS
High enough to make a statement but comfortable enough to party all-night the choice of shoe is crucial. Choose platform stilletos for a sleek sexy look and they would be comfortable .


4. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN
Complete your party look by letting your hair down. So what is the difference between party hairstyles and other formal hairstyles? Party hairdos are generally a little more cute and fun, a little less serious and formal.

Blow-dry them to get flirty waves or thick bangs. If you are looking for a significant change in your look, go for a bang or fringes, the hottest this season are long thick bangs that go passed the eye brows.
.

Ashlee Simpson and Sarah Michelle Giller in bangs

Bangs - they're in and they look hot. Long, sideswept bangs, heavy curtains of bangs....there's no hotter trend right now.

Choose from side sweeping bangs (like Mughdha Godse, below), straight bangs (like Sarah Michelle Giller above or Ira Dubey below), wavy bangs, choppy bangs or heavy bangs with layered hair (like Ashlee Simpson, above). Check with your hair stylist what kind of bangs will suit your face shape the best.

Mughdha Godse

.

Ira Dubey

.
5. CLUTCH
Clutches are a quick, one-accessory way to make your outfit pop. Oversized Clutches are hot and will give some extra space for all your goodies.


Related Posts and Articles:
Oversized Clutches
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
FASHION’S HOT TRENDS
Avoiding fashion no-no’s on New Year’s Eve

.