And Then It Hits You~

Today was an awesome day, we finished our holiday decorating installation at Los Angeles Zoo, YEAH TEAM!

As a decorator I worry a lot about the final product, as a business owner I worry that the Client will like it, and as someone who puts her heart and soul into her work I worry that it won't bring pleasure to those who see the final product. And somewhere between the visions, the client and the end result..........IT HITS YOU! Look what we did and look who we did it for! WOW!

I had one of those moments today when I realized where my holiday decorating services had taken me, I was standing in Los Angeles Zoo and they were loving what I had done. Yes I would have liked to do more, yes I would do things differently next time and yes I shouldn't worry so much but that is why there is tomorrow and today I believe I really enjoyed today.

It hit me hard that what I do now started so many years ago when a client asked me if I could decorate her house for the holidays, "yes" and "of course" were my immediate answers. I remember at the time thinking how fun to be able to do that in a much bigger home than mine, the ideas were just swirling and that is how it began. And here I am today standing in Los Angeles Zoo, who doesn't know what that is, and two days from now we will begin decorating Commerce Casino, the largest poker casino in the United States and when we finish that job we will begin decorating Longo Toyota the largest Toyota dealership in the United States. I guess my point here is not how amazing I am, (because if you notice I always use "we", that "we" is my team of fabulous employees that make my visions come to life, without them it would not be possible) but look where one small footstep so many years ago brought me. I am a believer in dreams and that thoughts are things and I am glad that in this moment in my life I have the clarity to see it.

Today I watched and enjoyed and worried about the Client's reaction and when I received their approval my job was complete and for that I am grateful.

This post is not about the end result, or the final decor product, or the words of praise we received it is about the process and the people who made it possible.

That is my Adam risking life and limb and Christmas Tree!

There is Bruce & Nathan left to hold the wreath while the installation is being pondered.

There is Holly, who I sent over to watch the guys feet while they were installing a tree above her, to make sure they didn't fall through the cracks. Thinking back now what was she going to do if they did fall through the cracks ????? Seemed like a good idea at the time.

There's Jessica (my daughter) the Goddess of wreath making, I love you Jess!

There WE all are, sorry guys didn't have time to go through all the photos
(there are a lot more WE's but these were the Los Angeles Zoo WE's)

Thank you to each and every one of you who made a moment in my life possible. Adam, Bruce, Claudia, Holly,Jennifer, Jessica, Kris, Leslie, Myra, Nathan & Paz, THANK YOU!

~Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day! A heartfelt thanks of gratitude to the veterans of this great country of ours. If it wasn't for their sacrifices we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. God bless every serviceman who has served this country and their loved ones who have stood by them and God bless every serviceman who is currently serving our country. You have and will always have made this world a better place.

[photo courtesy of Pixabella]

~Happy Halloween

Best wishes for a fabulously wonderful and safe Halloween.

~Operation Shower

Taking a quick minute to catch up on reading blogs, I discovered this post by Amy at Stem about Operation Shower that she is involved with and I couldn't resist sharing with you. The following is a copy of Amy's post.

{So most of you here probably know I'm the Chief Event Planner for Operation Shower. Operation Shower is a 501(c)3 charity that provides "baby showers in a box" to expectant moms who have spouses deployed in the military.

You also all know what a tragic week it has been for our military and the numerous losses of life we've had this month. So, so sad.

In the midst of worry and sadness, Operation Shower tries to bring joy to military families that are separated at a very special time in their lives. Imagine being pregnant while your husband is overseas defending our country. It's not political. It's human.
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So, as we approach Thanksgiving, please take one moment and check out my post on the Operation Shower blog here. I'd be so thankful for it.

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I'd also love it if my fellow bloggers could link to the Operation Shower post. Amazing things happen with the power of the internet. I know we can all make a difference. Please, leave me a comment if you post so I can thank you personally.

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Have a safe Halloween and a blessed holiday season.

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Ever grateful,

Ames

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P.S. You can also click on our website for an opportunity to donate.}

~Sweet 16 Sweet Shoppe~

Happy Belated Sweet 16 Ashley ~ I finally am taking a day to catch up on some long overdue things, like sharing some of our recent events that I haven't had time to go through the pictures before now. This is a photo and below a collage of the very Sweet candy bar for Ashleys Sweet 16. The candy bar was delightful and so was the decor, but the decor will have to wait for another post. One thing at a time..........

The adorable "Sweet Shoppe" sign was made by Party Decorations by Marlyss who creates wonderful decor. Ashley's Mom created this Sweet candy bar and I just helped a little I was there to do the ceiling decor but couldn't resist having fun with the candy bar as well. There were so many special touches to this party I can't wait to share them all with you.
{how funny is life, Ashley's Mom just phoned to tell me she was sending the photos from the photographer, so I will leave this as a quick post and when I get the professional photos I will post those}

Until then Enjoy.................

Giving Back~One Child at a time

Aldabella Scarpa............is giving back to American Children in need. For every pair of shoes you buy they will donate one pair to an

American Child in need.

With the holidays coming it is time to buy those little ones holiday dresses and of course adorable shoes to match. Before you go looking any further for those adorable shoes check out aldabellascarpa.com. They have the most wonderful and whimsical collection of shoes all made from Italian leather in adorable color and pattern combinations. I discovered them this past week at the LA County Fair and was wishing I had a little one to buy shoes for. As a mother I was always very picky about the quality of shoes that I bought for my children and if my children were still little I would be their new biggest fan. Their product pictures do not do them justice, too cute! Not only do they offer a great product but they are paying it forward to American children, and anytime I find a charity that is working for the benefit of Americans I become a FAN!