Carmen Leigh

McKinney, Spoons Cafe, Cotton Hearts and New Moon

Thanksgiving rushed by with a flash and now we are in full Christmas mode at the Donowho household!

The boys and I spent the week in our hometown of Denison, Texas.  While there, I had the opportunity go shopping with my friend, Kimla, who I met at Silver Bella a few years back.  We had a blast while visiting some super cute shops.  If you go to McKinney, you must check out "Smitten", "Swanky Boutique", "Spoons Cafe'', and "Cotton Hearts".   Of course, we both forgot our cameras, so I went back another day to take some pictures and, of course, shop some more.

Kimla and I actually spent hours at Smitten.  Sorry guys, can't divulge how much I spent - my husband reads this as well. Found some to die for boots at the "Swanky Boutique" (my Xmas present from Scott) who says I have to wrap them and place under the tree - whatever, as well as some great shorts at "Cotton Hearts".  Nicest people that work there and what a cool little shop.   Spoons, what can I say, the food is always great - nice hometown feel (absolute must try - the tomato basil soup). 

Lastly, I have to say that I made my husband see "New Moon" after a 10 hour drive, then drug him back two days later when I met up with my old friend, Lee Ann.  The movie totally rocked!  To celebrate the opening, I made a few bracelets with a Twilight theme.  What can I say, I love the books!

Tomorrow, its off to Canton, Texas with some friends!  Can't wait to find some great things to bring back to south Texas. 

Have fun Xmas shopping.  I will update you on my great finds (cross fingers) in Canton.

Carmen Leigh

Pictures (McKinney finds and bracelet)

 
 
 

Rusty Key + Coca Cola = Welcome Home Honey!

Today has been crazy. Let's just say that when my husband came home, he had to take apart the garbage disposal to get one of my vintage keys that somehow made its way down there.  No clue how that could have possibly happened.  Well, I worked on getting a lot of jewelry ready and sent it off to my sister, Katrina, in Tucson.  She has a booth at a few art shows over the next week, so I figured I would send some her way and see how it sells.  Of course, since she is my little sister, she is being paid in "bling" and TWILIGHT Barbies, but I will leave that story for another post.

Here's a peak at some of the items and of course, the "key"!

Tip of the day:  My trick for getting just enough of the rust off of a rusty key to make it look old, but not nasty, is to soak it in a bowl of good ol' fashioned Coca Cola.  Imagine what that does to your stomach - wow.

Tucson bound!

It's Time To Jump Off The Cliff!!!

Okay, I have been told I need to do this for years - so hear goes nothing! 

I am super excited to finally get started.   First of all, thank you to all my great friends and family who have supported me over the years.  I have been an artist all of my life -  drawing, painting, making jewelry and all sorts of fun stuff for years.   I have mainly done this for myself and friends; however, I have also been selling items on my website, carmenleigh.com, as well as some local stores in the McAllen/Mission Texas area.   

To give you a little background, I was born in Denton, Texas, but spent most of earlier years growing up in Denison, Texas.  I met my husband of 21 years in high school (I know, high school sweethearts!!) and then headed off to Baylor University.   I have lived in Denver, Colorado (3 years and two knee surgeries later - not so good at skiing), Harrisburg, PA (1 1/2 years), then headed out to Sherman Oaks, California (L.A.) for 5 years.   Since 2001, I have lived in Mission, Texas where my husband and I raise my two boys, Tristan (age 11) and Logan (age 4). I also have two cute Dachsunds, Max and Scarlett.

I feel truly blessed to have such an incredible group of friends, a loving family and an inspirational little sister!   I look forward to posting some great stuff and meeting others online who share my passion for art.

Thanks for visiting my blog and don't forget to check out my website.  I look forward to hearing from you all!

Talk soon, 

Carmen Leigh