Spirit of the Season

Last week was a little rough. I was on balance overload - mommy and working woman had collided head on Wednesday morning. Then my Christmas "angel" appeared at the perfect moment.

I was hurrying into the grocery to buy enough turkey for the kids and babysitter. I quickly rushed to the deli counter where I placed my order. I spoke briefly with the woman waiting on me and she asked me if I worked weekends...I work from home, a little all the time...do you like the Nutcracker?...yes, are you selling tickets?...wait one minute...I waited, confused as to what was coming, but interested all the same.

As she returned from the basement of the store, Rose presented me with an envelope. You take these tickets and promise me you'll go to the Nutcracker. I bought them for my husband and I the day they went on sale and we can't go now. Will you go? I didn't know what to do or say...can I pay you for them?...no, they are a gift to you...but you don't know me, are you sure?...take them, I want you to go.

I walked away from the deli counter with tears running down my face. I stumbled through the aisles, forgetting anything else I had intended to buy. What I didn't tell Rose was that I had wanted to take my son, but didn't think I should spend the money...I didn't know if I had the time to take him...the business woman had been overshadowing the mommy a little too often. Rose stepped in and reminded me of the importance of family, traditions and holiday spirit. She will never know the impact her gift had on me. I only wish she could have experienced the pure joy in my son's face as the music began and the curtain went up. Rose gifted me the most pure random act of kindness. I plan to pass it on as often as possible - thanks Rose, you are an angel in my book!

All decked out in his Sunday best - had to bring Blankie for the show too!

Reading up on the Nutcracker before the show began.

Christmas card photos

My mother had so many amazing qualities. I hope that I am fortunate enough to carry on some of these qualities in my life. However, one thing that always irked me was her constant quest for the perfect Christmas card photo. My brother and I would pose for photos in March and say, "Mom, that'll be the PERFECT Christmas card pic!"...in hopes that that we were done for the year.

Now that I have two kids, I get it. I get that you have one chance a year to connect with all your near and dear family and friends. I get that you want both your kids looking at the camera, preferably looking as though they like one another and maybe no snot or tears visible. Now I get that she started at the beginning of the year, because it could quite possibly take 11.5 months to get that great shot to show off. Well, I gave myself 1 weekend. More specifically, one day. Here are some real "keepers" that I know I will laugh about in years to come. Right now, I'm just slightly annoyed that I couldn't accomplish just one! Enjoy a good laugh on me...those of you getting a card, just wait to see what arrives next week!

So I started the photo shoot early during bathtime...I know it may be my only chance at happiness x 2.

Yes, I dress them in matching outfits for photos.
We tried to bribe with a Jayhawk, but a fight broke out.

Things got worse, instead of better...

I decided an outside shot might be more fun for them...not so much.

We moved to the front yard and added a wagon, not much more fun. They simply look like their mother has lost her mind, pulling them around in 10 degree weather...at least I could break out the coordinating coats!
Happy Holidays!

Cakespy addiction!

Here at La Plates we are always looking for fabulous things. We like to share our experiences with you and let you in on little treats we find along the way. In one of our searches for the perfect dessert, we came across the Cakespy website. Jessie has a terrific sense of humor, an amazing eye/taste for all things sweet and a real talent with the paint brush. We've had a little exchange of ideas this Fall and sent a Cakespy plate her way.In return, Jessie created the most precious painting of me and all my boys on the golf course. Those of you who know me, know I don't stand a chance when it comes to golf! This is going to be a precious piece of art in our home - I will enjoy it for years to come. I consider it an early Christmas present to me, thanks to my new friend Jessie, the Cakespy!

Here's my painting and note from Jessie sitting in my snowy kitchen windowsill - what a sweet treat!

American Music Awards

Our friends over at The Silver Spoon recently asked if we could design a few La Plates for the American Music Awards. We love the opportunity to share our products with a new audience. Coca-Cola was the sponsor of the event, so we went with a variety of designs, using the Coke colors. Although we couldn't attend the event (holiday craze), we hope everyone loved what we designed for them!

Customized a plate for our friends

Rihanna's zebra plate

Mariah's bamboo plate

Taylor Swift's paisley plate

Carrie Underwood's squares plate

Alicia Key's chevron plate

Jordin Spark's modern plate

and we couldn't forget the Coldplay kiddos

Holiday Shows

As a business owner, in this economy, I am thankful for all my loyal customers. I thought I would just humor you with a few shots of our living room today...


I was hopeful to have a clean house for all my guests over Thanksgiving. Now I'm re-evaluating and thinking I will use them as my delivery team! Thanks to all the women who came to La Plates Girls' Night Out - such fun! Next week we'll be at the Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour - Homestead Country Club, Prairie Village, KS. We'll be showing many of our 2009 Collection items and a special fleur-de-lis design. Hope to see you there!

Holiday Craze

My lack of writing is not due to lack of love for our readers. The holiday season is in full swing around here and there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done! While I would love to share details of everything going on at La Plates...I must spend any extra moments with my family. As soon as we get a free minute, we'll scan the latest PR...Lucky, Chicago Home & Garden, Self, Cookie - all December issues.

Sunday Funday

We're always looking for a little fun on the weekends as a family and Costco fits our criteria! A few weekends ago, we ran into our friends in the "toy aisle", have you seen the loot Costco carries?! The fav of the kids was the lifelike horse and dinosaur that you can feed. And the prices are amazing! Seriously, I could do all my holiday shopping there - including my husband's list. He found jeans that are usually $170 for $39! I saw a pile of cashmere...maybe in this economy Costco is the answer for my Christmas cashmere!

Even though we took full advantage of the free samples (thanks ice cream lady who pretended we hadn't been by twice already) we decided to be adventurous and head to the "cafe". Talk about a deal - a hot dog and drink for $1.50, are you kidding me?! Pizza broke the bank at $1.99, but it was awesome! I highly recommend a trip to Costco. If you don't have a membership, tag along with a friend that does!

A first date at Costco