me and my shadow

"me and my shadow"

acrylic painting on flat panel

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! My dad drove up to visit and he melted when Bruce ran up to him and hugged him for the first time. He was in tears and didn't want to let go. It was definitely a special moment that we won't forget. :)

Between all the food and outings, I was able to finish a painting I started during the snow trip. (Bruce and I stayed at the cabin with Courtney to paint and craft while everyone went snowboarding.) Courtney chose "snow" as our subject and I finished this painting I titled me and my shadow:

I'm so thankful to be surrounded by friends that inspire, support, and love me and my little Phamily! <3

Lots of Smiles,
Akiyo

p.s. Did you see the sneak peek of the newest My Dear Darling gift? ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

the view from our bedroom at a cabin in Lake Tahoe

Before I leave you for the week to stuff my tummy with food, here's a little peek into what we did last weekend to celebrate a dear friend's birthday:

bruce got to see and play in the snow for the first time!

his rosy cheeks and red nose *love*

my little harry potter

Unfortunately, we had a little accident a few hours before heading to Lake Tahoe. I had walked away for a minute and something had fallen on Bruce's face, leaving a mark between his eyes. :'( I'm so sorry, honey. I hope it doesn't scar.

brucie-bear & my handsome husband

I snuck in a little kiss here and there

brandon showing bruce and me how to make a snowman

brandon's perfectly round mini snowman

my second attempt at making a snowman

Let me tell you, building a snowman is no easy task! My first attempt was embarrassing. It turned out to be a mound of snow, which is why I won't waste internet space to show you. ;) I don't know how people make human sized snowmen! One day... one day, I shall succeed. But for now, my mini snowman was good enough for me to cross off number 25 on my 101 in 1001 list. Yay!

We tried showing Bruce how to play with the snow but he didn't seem too interested. He loved walking around in it though. I mean, who doesn't love walking around on fluffy snow? Oh, now I'm missing all the good times we had. Snow definitely makes me smile. :)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And if you just so happen to play with your food and make a penguin out of it, make sure you take a picture and enter the Fan Food Contest! ;)

Fan Food Contest 2011

niko the penguin on a pumpkin

Enter My Dear Darling's annual Fan Food Contest 2011

From now until December 16, 2011, you have the chance to win a My Dear Darling gift! Create My Dear Darling's Niko the Penguin out of any type of food. Take a photo of your penguin creation and submit to info@mydeardarling.com!

Prizes:

1st Place Prize - Let It Snow Niko Hoodie

2nd Place Prize - Smile & Celebrate Fly High Mug Cup

3rd Place Prize - Let's Get Personalized TShirt

Rules:

* Entry must be a photo of Niko Darling (My Dear Darling penguin mascot) made out of food.

* No entries will be accepted after Friday, December 16, 2011.

* Keep it clean - PG.

* One entry per person.

* Must have a valid delivery address.

* Official winners of previous Fan Food Contests may not enter.

* Fan Favorite winners of previous Fan Food Contests may participate.

* If you do NOT follow these rules, you will automatically be disqualified.

* Contest rules and details are subject to change without notice.

I'm so excited to see what everyone comes up with! :D For inspiration and to see past entries check out the links below:

Fan Food Contest 2009 (more pix)

Fan Food Contest 2010 (more pix)

My Dear Darling Turns Three

niko the penguin turned 3 today

Thank you to everyone that has supported me and My Dear Darling these past 3 years and many more years to come! I'm so fortunate to be surrounded by such an amazing group of friends (in real life and in the online world), it sincerely makes me the happiest of business owners. It truly is a dream come true.

Thank you for all the emails, messages, comments, FB "likes," and fan photos that you've sent my way! They are the reasons why I love doing what I do and the fuel to my creative fire. Lol, does that sound silly? It's okay, 'cuz I like it. ;)

I hope you're enjoying your Monday as much as I will be enjoying celebrating little Niko's birthday!

Lots of Smiles,

Akiyo

p.s. Fan Food Contest 2011 info will be posted soon so be on the lookout!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

this snowman penguin seems to hear something...

can you hear it too? ;)

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?! I still have lots to do including putting up the Christmas decor! I don't know if I mentioned this before but we put up the tree before turkey day to celebrate Christmas with my dad since he's only able to visit during Thanksgiving break. Ahh, all this turkey talk is making me hungry!

But before we gobble up some delicious food, My Dear Darling will be turning 3 on Monday! Do you know what that means? The annual Fan Food Contest time, of course! Here's a look at past the past two contests: 2009, 2010.

Will YOU be participating? ;)

Fly High Mug on Viva la Blogette

What a pleasant surprise when I checked my email earlier today! The Fly High Mug Cup was featured over at Viva la Blogette! :D

Thank you, Heather!

Fan Moments: Cookies & Tea with Niko Darling

This little mug found his way home to some sweet chocolate chip cookies. :D Thank you, Misono for sending this photo!

The Perfect Pair Pear Pillows

pear pillows personalized "b" & "n"

happy one year wedding anniversary to the perfect pair! ;)

Thank You!

Last Friday, I Can Has Cheezburger posted my Fly High Penguin Mug on their Must Have Cute site and I'm so thrilled by all the thumbs up! :D I just wanted to pop in and say thank you~!

Under Your Umbrella for Jason & Megan

under your umbrella print for jason & megan

penguin face cards for the special day

Congratulations to J&M! <3