crystal | Bead Happily Ever After

7 Everyday Things That Make Me Smile

Posted on July 17, 2012 by crystal

The temperatures have been soaring and the humidity won’t quit.

Instead of letting the weather make me grumpy, I decided to think of things that make me happy! 😀

So Kids, today’s edition of Lucky Seven (and it’s been a while since we’ve had one!) will feature:

Seven Everyday Things That Make Me Smile

1.) Laughing out loud with Sir Beads
He has a delightful sense of humor and has kept me giggling for over 40 years now.

2.) Finishing the laundry
It doesn’t last very long but oh how I love to see an empty laundry basket!

3.) A new pen
It’s the kid in me, I guess. I just got a multicolored set of ultra fine gel pens (including purple and turquoise!) They are so much FUN to use.

4.) A nice bar of soap
In the last year or so, I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to use a really nice bar of bath soap – not the standard supermarket fare. Right now, it’s Caswell-Massey’s, “Freesia” – so rich and fragrant. I love how it makes my skin feel and I’ve decided I’m worth it! 😉

5.) Something to make
I get so much joy from working on a new project. Whether it’s beading, crochet, sewing, or paper crafts, I’m a happy camper when I’m blissfully working on something pretty.

6.) Finding a great deal!
When I buy something that’s on sale, the thrill is magnified if it rings up with an additional percentage off at the check-out! Now, that’s a smile-maker. 😀

7.) Settling in a comfy chair and cracking open a brand new book (or magazine)
Relaxing, inspiring, and fun – all in one package!

Hey, I’m feeling cooler already! 😀

What makes you smile?

Hugs,

Little Things

Posted on July 9, 2012 by crystal

Are you charmed by little things? I am.

For example, if I’m in a gift shop – I’m much more likely to be attracted to a tiny doll than to a large one.

When I am making things, it’s the same story.

A couple of months ago, I made a little purse and a tiny rose to adorn it . . .

and then I couldn’t stop!

I made some more purses.

And then some more roses.

I thought about which rose for which purse . . .

Then I wondered if I should ditch the rose and try beads instead for embellishment.

I have a dozen ideas for these. They’ve been quite a welcome distraction during the incredibly sultry weather we’ve had here lately!

What do you like to do when it’s just too hot to move?

Hugs,

The Shopping of Yesteryear

Posted on July 1, 2012 by crystal

It’s no secret that the economy has been in a state of uncertainty for quite a while. Empty shops and going-out-of business signs are no longer just an occasional sight. Now they’re pretty much the norm.

Stores that are still in business have had to cut corners – eliminate the niceties – which is understandable, but somehow a little sad.

We’ve probably all become used to mall shopping trips where our carefully selected purchases are rolled in a ball and absent-mindedly stuffed into a plastic bag, but I’m old enough to remember when shopping was an “event”.

In those days, we couldn’t make purchases willy-nilly; we had to budget for them, so a little extra flourish at the store counter helped to magnify and enhance an experience that didn’t happen all that often.

At that time, clerks in even the moderately priced stores would carefully fold your garment and wrap it in tissue paper. If you were buying a dress or a coat – it might even be placed in a box. Sometimes the box would be tied with string and then a little wooden handle would be attached to make it easy to carry.

Recently, I was shopping at a local mall. The 60% off everything signs in the window of this old-time retailer caught me eye and I ventured inside to browse.

I found something I liked and as I was paying for it . . . I experienced a bit of déjà vu. The clerk handled it very carefully. She wrapped it in tissue paper and sealed it with a sticker carrying the store’s logo.

During those moments at the store counter, it seemed as if my purchase was, well, important. My hard-earned money was appreciated. I bought this multi-colored summer shawl/scarf. It’s a wonderfully generous size (72″ by 40″) and the colors drift into a palette of pastel stripes.

It seems to me there’s a thrill in buying something pretty and then having it presented to you with a little fanfare. As I left the store, I felt a bit nostalgic for the days when a purchase was a big deal.

When you stop and think about it, there are probably many reasons why “event” shopping went the way of the telephone booth . . .

Besides the fact that stores are cutting costs to keep competitive, customers often own and buy more than they really need. The proof? Well, the internet is awash with advice on how to downsize, donate, and recycle. In this climate, I suppose it’s no longer practical nor environmentally friendly to have every purchase wrapped nicely.

But I can’t help thinking that things were more fun when shopping was an experience!

Your thoughts? 🙂

Hugs,

Part 3 – Fun in the City – the Conclusion

Posted on June 24, 2012 by crystal

~Boston Getaway~

There’s so much to see in the city of Boston in terms of history and the arts.

But for this trip, we had a narrower focus. We were in “40th anniversary celebration” mode, so our goal was to relax and enjoy our accommodations, have a couple of great meals, and shop at some of our favorite places.

We spent one whole day walking/browsing through “downtown” – one of Boston’s oldest shopping areas. It’s a bright and bustling place with stores of every kind.

~A Store for Crystal~

I had to visit the Windsor Button Shop.

It’s been in business since 1936. I’m not THAT old 😉 but when I was a kid, my girlfriends and I would take the train (subway) into Boston and stop at Windsor Button to purchase yards of grosgrain ribbon for our hair. It was very “in” at the time to pull your hair back in sort of a low pony tail, and then tie it with a soft bow to match your outfit. Our finances were meager then – mainly babysitting money – but we felt rich as Midas when we stepped up to the counter and announced: “I’ll take a yard of the royal blue please!”.

The shop is most famous for it’s vast collection of buttons.

A picture can’t really capture the magnitude of the display. There are buttons of every description and material – some plain, some a little fancy, and some so intricate and exquisite – they’d take your breath away. In recent years, they’ve added a beautiful selection of fine yarns and other sewing supplies. I bought some pretty yarn, and a crochet hook in a small size that I didn’t have.

~Sir Beads’ Favorite Stop~

For Sir Beads, no trip to Boston is complete without a browse of The Brattle Book Shop

Known as one of America’s oldest and largest purveyors of used books, there are 3 floors inside the building.

And an outside bargain lot.

But, it’s the third floor of rare and antiquarian books that really make Sir Beads’ heart pound.

He could easily spend an entire afternoon there but most of the time – it’s just a couple of hours.

So, by the end of the day our feet were telling us it was time to return to the hotel. We literally flopped on the sofa with a pre-dinner snack and then took the elevator to the 26th floor to watch the sun set over Boston! 😀

~Bird’s-eye View~

The Custom House observation deck is an outside walkway (located above the clock!) which wraps all the way around the building.

The sun was just beginning to wane and the view was magnificient. It’s amazing to see the city from so many angles.

I loved the sailboats…..

And the water view…

Here’s another angle on the harbor…

And some of Boston’s lovely architecture at sunset. Notice how Sir Beads captured the reflection of the Custom House on the building in the center of the photo.

By now, the sun was almost gone but the fresh air was delightfully balmy up there! Suddenly, we realized we were getting quite hungry…

Dinner would once again be in The Italian North End. This time at Lucca. Believe it or not, we enjoyed this meal even more than the one we had the night before.

And regardless of the calories, we did return to the pastry shop one more time. (We decided we could be on saltines and water when the mini vacation was over!) 😉

Before hopping into bed – one final look out the window. Boston doesn’t sleep.

~Short But Sweet~

In the morning, we headed home. We felt incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to make such a special memory together. Thanks for sharing it with us! 🙂

Hugs,

Crystal & Sir Beads

Part 2 – Fun in the City

Posted on June 18, 2012 by crystal

What would you call a neighborhood that has dozens, and I mean dozens of Italian restaurants?

Well, I’d say it’s “a little bit of heaven”, but in Boston it’s called the North End – famous for it’s fabulous Italian food, pastry, and markets.

At the end of the previous post, Sir Beads and I were discussing dinner possibilities. We really didn’t have to think too hard though. The North End is just a short walk from the Custom House, where we were staying. Proximity and the fact that we love Italian food made our decision very easy. On that first night, we went to Al Dente.

He had the Shrimp and Scallops a la Vodka – Large shrimp and sea scallops sauteed in olive oil and served with homemade fusilli pasta in a classic vodka sauce.

I chose the Chicken Venensia. – Melt in your mouth tender boneless chicken stuffed with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, spinach, roasted red peppers and garlic, rolled and pan-seared, served over roasted red pepper risotto in a gorgonzola cream sauce.

Dessert was offered but we declined. Not only were we too full but we had another plan!

The next stop was the legendary Mike’s Pastry. It’s no exaggeration to say that the lines waiting for service are often 4 or 5 across and so deep that they snake from outside on the sidewalk, through the front door, and up to the large showcase counters.

Harried (but cheerful) bakery clerks tirelessly pack box after box of decadent treats for customers whose eyes shine with anticipation. Our mission was to purchase a late night snack to take back to our suite. Oh the choices!

It was a beautiful evening . . . clear with a light breeze. As we strolled out of the North End clutching our box of goodies, we saw our building just ahead. It’s such a breath-taking sight against the night sky. See that green arrow on the left? It points to our room! Click the photo for a closer view.

On the elevator, we met a gentleman who immediately spied our string-wrapped box and asked: (only half-kidding) “What time are you serving the pastry?” (Too funny!)

Doesn’t this look delish? The eclair was for Sir Beads, I had the cookies (macaroons!), and that third item is a light and flaky apple turnover, which we saved for the next morning’s breakfast. 😉

Coming next week: Part 3 – Boston by Day (the conclusion!)

Hugs,