Hart 2 Heart

Spring is springing!

Thank you all who commented here and on my facebook page about the Faberge cookies. I found out that they were to be given as favors for a special event at the Russian Embassy, to honor a philanthropist who gives generously to the Russian-American community. I'm hoping to get some photos. . . we shall see! It took me a few days to recover from their production, and while taking a moment off, I was able to stop and smell the roses.

This bush is always my favorite. It is the most prolific bloomer and the flowers burst open like flames.

This one's a bit more subtle, but very purdy. I also have yellow, red and purple roses in my garden. I always like the look of a monochromatic flower garden, but I could never do it myself. There are just too many beautiful colors to choose from.

When my dad was visiting in January, we planted these pretty pots. The funny thing is, we did not plant that glorious yellow Ranunculus. It was actually a volunteer, that showed up later. I do enjoy a lovely surprise.

I planted my Calla Lilies when we first moved into our house 12 years ago, and they bring it every year. 

I'm loving succulents more all the time. This basket hangs near my side gate to the backyard. It's been looking good for a couple years now.

And last on my scenic tour is the harbor view we enjoyed for Easter brunch. After baking and decorating cookies non stop for Easter, there was no way I was going to pull off an Easter celebration at home. So I made reservations. The weather was absolutely perfect, as were the mimosas and lobster benedict. yum. 

Hope you're enjoying Spring wherever you are. See you soon!

 

Easter cookie time!

I cannot believe Spring is here! And Easter is so soon. Last year it was on the 24th of April, so when I realized it is on the 8th this year, I went into a mild panic! Not to worry though, the cookies are in my web shop and I'm having a sale!

Get 15% off your entire cookie order when you use the code BUNNY at check out! You can get a dozen cookies (as pictured above) wrapped in a gift box, or. . .

. . . individually wrapped cookie favors! Choose from an Easter bunny with mini carrot,

an Easter egg with mini chick, or. . .

a "Bunny's dozen" minis. They all come wrapped in a cello bag, with a coordinating ribbon. These are great to give to kids, add to the Easter basket, or use as favors at your Easter table.  So hop to it! Yes, I said it. The sale ends on Saturday at midnight! Now if I could just get that Valentine cookie link off my side bar. My webmaster (dearest husband), can't remember how to do it. I can make cookies, not so good with computer stuff. Anyway, go here to get your cookies!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Why not eat something green?

Lanky suggests, your master's favorite Ugly Doll.

Time to order St. Pat's cookies!

"Two Sweet" Giveaway!

So excited to be hooking up with Cynthia Berman of D-Lux 57 for a fabulous Valentine's giveaway! She makes beautiful, high quality, made in the USA aprons, and is donating this CUTE apron for my giveaway!

So along with this lovely apron, the winner will receive my Valentine Cookie Collection.

One dozen assorted cookies in a pretty gift box. So here's the deal. . . there are 2 ways to enter . . . 

• Leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite Valentine's Day memory.
• Go to the Kelley Hart Creations Facebook page and LIKE me! 

I will randomly pick a winner from all entries, so you can double your chance to win!

Hope this is all clear. I'm a bit delirious from all the cookie orders coming in. And then there's my sale at The Corner Store this weekend (see side bar), which I've yet to even mention here. . . well there, I did it. If you get my emails, you know about it, and the free shipping in my webstores (cookies AND clothes), and the gift with purchase. . . 

I need a break. I suggest you take one as well. Can't wait to read all your comments!

 

Christmas glimpses.

I've been having a very relaxing week, hanging out with my nutcrackers, and catching up with friends. Since we have no fireplace (hence no mantel), the tv cabinet serves the purpose.

We put our tree up high, with hopes that Lanky would not mess with it. Well, turned out, he had no interest in the tree, just the presents, paper, etc. We're still missing one gift.

One of the highlights of the season for me is all the wonderful Christmas cards we receive. I made this ribbon display years ago. It always gets filled up right away, so I bought this card display (below) from Southern Living at Home.

The photo cards are the best. Our dentist even made it on the display.

Our stockings, hung by the t.v. with care.

My village, gifted to me by my sweet aunt and uncle years ago. Yes, that's Woody in there. He's kind of like our "Elf on the shelf".

And one of the very best surprises of the season. . . my dear daddy sent us a loaf of the best Christmas saffron bread to eat on Christmas morning. He's made this for as long as I can remember and it is DELICIOUS! I could've eaten the whole thing when it came in the mail, but I restrained myself and shared it with the family. That's what it's all about, right?

 

 

It wasn't all about Santa

I didn't really mean to be away from my blog for so long, and yes, I have lots of excuses. Wanna hear 'em? No? o.k.

In between the mountain of classic Christmas cookies I made, were these fun cow cookies. My friend was giving a gift from Heifer International, and thought it would be nice to give some cookies as well. These were my version of a big ol' healthy heifer! What a great gift idea.

Another customer of mine volunteers at the Marine Mammal Care Center here in San Pedro. She wanted to give her friends some cookies that reflect our environment and promote the work she loves. Ah yes, a California Christmas!

And then there was Hello Kitty. These were a surprise for a woman's 40th birthday party. It's amazing how many people, young and not so young, LOVE this cat.

I also put together 45 small boxes of cookies (5 cookies in each box) for a customer to give to all of her employees. And of course there were dozens and dozens of other cookie orders, for which I am truly grateful.

It was a fantastic season for my little cookie business. And after working past midnight for three weeks straight, I was done in time to celebrate my birthday on the 24th.

After living on cookie dough and coffee for way too long, this "low carb" birthday cake hit the spot. Thanks Andy and Emmet! And yes, we did manage to have a lovely Christmas. I'll share the highlights next time. Hope you and yours are enjoying this wonderful holiday season. Personally, I'm spending a lot of time sitting by the Christmas tree, sipping egg nog, and catching up on my blog reading. . sigh . .

Tom the Turkey says. . .

. . . "gobble. . . gobble. . . " 

Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings.

I'm thankful that you stopped by!

 

October in Review

October was the craziest month for me and my little business. Between cookie orders, street fairs and charity boutiques, I'm not sure how it all got done. Actually, I do. I couldn't have done it without my studio helpers, Paloma and Elizabeth, and my family. Andy and Emmet helped load and unload the van, set up shows and tear them down, numerous times, with only a little grumbling. Did you know, Andy designs the custom cards that are included with my cookie favors? He even cooks dinner when I'm too busy finishing an order or sewing on a mountain of appliques. Then there are my awesome customers, who provide endless encouragement, and make the late nights and lack of sleep all worthwhile. So on that note, here are a few highlights of the last few weeks.

 Halloween cookie orders came in early and often.

This was a special order from a customer whose friend was recovering from gum surgery. Kinda funny I thought!

I made 140 of these individual cookie packs for Sweet Gourmet. Not a great photo. I think I took it in the middle of the night.

Another happy customer at my Corner Store sale.

These were ordered as a gift for a newlywed couple.

A special order Fall collection. This was my first attempt at a squirrel. Chubby little guy, no?

This was a really cool order. Our friend Rachana (whose amazing wedding to Erik we were lucky enough to attend), ordered cookies for her family's celebration of Diwali. 

She gave me this reference photo of the Diya, the little oil lamp that is used during Diwali. This official holiday of India is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It sounds like a wonderful festival.

Somehow, between business, we managed to celebrate Halloween. I managed to get the outside of the house decorated in time for a flurry of trick or treaters. There is more to share, but i need to take a break and have lunch. I'm actually taking today off (except for blogging, some cookie baking, and a couple errands.). So maybe I'm not taking today off. Whatever.

 

Sale this weekend!

Did you get my email? No? Well, you can sign up for my list just to the right on the sidebar. If you did get my email, which you see above, though you can barely read it because it's so small, you know I'm having my annual Fall sale at the Corner Store this weekend. I'll have cookies to taste, and Halloween cookies for sale. I'll have my full array of clothing for babies through ladies, set up for your shopping pleasure. Need a special outfit for the Day of the Dead? I've got it! As long as you are between 3 months and 10 years old. And of course for the ladies, I have my very cute A-line skirts. If you can't make it to San Pedro, you can shop my webstore and get 15% off  your order when you use the code fall15 at check out. AND get free shipping through the end of October! What a deal! If you come by the Corner Store in person, just mention this blog post, and I'll give you 15% off your purchase! Does any of this make sense? I'm completely exhausted, so I think I'm rambling. 

Must get back to work. I was all on track to be ready for the weekend, when I got a HUGE cookie order on Monday. I was up until 3 am this morning finishing it, as it needs to be shipped off tomorrow. For now, here's a preview of my Halloween cookies, now available in my web store!