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Monday, January 3, 2011

Really Sweet Things this week


I can never resist showing you any painting by Karen Appleton. Remember how excited I was the first time I ran across her gift wrapped creations painted with such passion and talent, how happy to find someone else who loves bows and ribbons? Doesn't this painting make you want to indulge in chocolate? Sweet Tooth is Karen's recent creation and her luscious chocolate bow isn't helping the sweet tooth that I re-developed over this past holiday. This chocolate "thing" has to end, specifically those Hello Dollies I make for my niece and brother each year (obviously some stayed here). Over the past 6 months I have lost 32 lbs. and the minute that scale moved up a few lbs. today I immediately did two things. Threw out those tasty temptations, then got my bike set up on blocks for indoor cycling. Which reminds me, I just happen to have some really sweet things to show you this week, a most extraordinary cake designer, and the sweetest little puppy ever. Miss Daisy is almost ready for her close-up. 






Photo of painting from Karen Appleton
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19 comments:

  1. AnnJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Gorgeous...and love its chocolate color...can't control my sweet cravings even for things that just resembles chocolates:)

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  2. StitchforkJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    That painting looks good enough to eat!
    Cathy

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  3. à la parisienneJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    This painting is beautiful!
    When the weather warms up and you start cycling outdoors, I wonder if this (little?) doggie will "take a walk" perched in a basket on your bicycle?

    Mandy

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  4. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    What a lovely painting.. that bow is so luxurious!

    Wishing you wonderful rides on that indoor bike.... and the joy of finding those extra lbs have flown out the door right behind the 'Goodbye Dollies'!

    Looking forward to more of your beautifully gift wrapped postings in 2011. Happy New Year!

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  5. designchicJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Luscious indeed...

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  6. pve designJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    congrats to you for making a sweet choice and for losing all that weight.
    That is wonderful....and for staying healthy.
    Happy 2011.
    pve

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  7. GinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Dear Sande, Congratulations, 32 pounds lost is a huge accomplishment. I also love chocolates so much that I can't have them in the house. My husband hides them from me and surprises me with a piece every now and then.
    You have a brilliant idea; the bicycle on blocks. Why didn't I think of that.

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  8. annechovieJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    I love this painting, Sande! 32 lbs. is a lot! Good for you - that really takes discipline. I need to keep up with my exercise better this year. I spend so many hours in a sitting position because of my work - gotta push myself to stay active. Happy New Year! xo

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  9. quintessenceJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    What a lovely tempting painting! I normally don't even like sweets but somehow have been tempted this holiday as well. I am so impressed with your weight loss - good for you - that is a great accomplishment in and of itself. You must feel - and look fabulous!!

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  10. webbJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    I want to lick the screen. Couldn't possibly have the painting in my house!!

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  11. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Dearest Sande,

    What a luscious velvety cake ready to be devoured! Well, you will enjoy your biking and so will the little new furry baby. That makes me go back to the time that we rode with little Mauzie my pedigree Dachshund in the wicker basket on the back of my bike. She loved it to have her head lifted to the side, letting her ears flap in the wind... MISS dear Mauzie who was quite a traveler, she flew to lots of states and across the ocean, stayed in S.F. in the Hilton Tower with us and in the Marriott at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida... among a few.

    Enjoy your new year and hope you have pleasant results with your biking!

    Love,

    Mariette's Back to Basics

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  12. LPCJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I imagine many of us are kicking those holiday habits to the curb right about now.:)

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  13. Rebecca R. DyerJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I always look forward to seeing your packages -- and now I have fallen in love with Ms. Appleton's work. Terrific color and wonderful humour! Thank you for introducing her work to me.

    May the coming year be filled with joy for you and your family,
    Rebecca R. Dyer

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  14. Dumbwit TellherJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Karen's art is scrumptious and I can't wait for Miss Daisy's first photo shoot. I suspect she's going to be a divine diva!

    Sande sending best wishes for a healthy, joy-filled, calorie free New Year xo

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  15. Karen AppletonJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Thank you so much Sande! I am so excited to see this painting posted on your site!! You are so generous and kind, and your over the top gorgeous wrapped presents are such an inspiration! This painting was difficult to paint without craving chocolate the entire time, and I think I added several pounds myself during the process!

    Thank you so so much Sande! I am honored!

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  16. Exquisite accessoriesJanuary 6, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Wow what a good ainting this is Karen certainly has the eye thank goodness i dont own a pair of scales I dont want to know at the moment y fridge is still full of chocolate!! :)

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  17. l.aldenJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    I absolutely love this painting! Great find! And congrats on the weight loss!

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  18. C.J.January 20, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    the painting is exceptional. what I would really like to have is your recipe for Hello Dolly's. Please please please. if you would be so kind as to email me the recipe I would be thrilled. nygirl47@aol.com

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  19. C.J.January 20, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    btw, your little dog is so so cute.

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Your comments are such a lovely addition to my day. Thank you.