Dreaming In Pink

Have A Seat!

2012-01-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

I’ll explain the whole ‘chair’ thing in just a bit…

First off, our move. The new house – Wow! How exciting, what a blessing, totally loving it, for more reasons than I can list! But, definitely, hands down, such a blessing!!

Best of all - Joey finally has a ‘Man Cave’ that any man would envy – it is so totally him! NEW everything, just about! Officially dubbed Joey’s Grotto, HA!! All his beautiful F1 ‘car wall art’ is up, models, memorabilia… It’s really quite nice – almost museum in style. And, yeah – his space has the fireplace! No longer does he have to decide what to do with all his great stuff – BAMM! It goes in the Grotto.

Well, along with the new house is space – Wow! Space to stretch out it, relax in - really cool!

We have a nice small, second living room that is directly off of our main dining room, it’s a living room to me

because, well, it’s small but we could still probably fit a full size sofa in it. Our older living room set is in the main living room area, which is where the main entrance is. So, the smaller space is now referred to as the Sitting Room. THIS is my dilemma though, it’s such a nice space but it’s a bit empty. We’ve placed

a comfy sage green sofa chair, which is part of the newer set (now residing in Joey’s Grotto, downstairs). It’s such a pretty soft green and is Oh, SO comfy. But, there it sits, all alone. I have envisioned a lovely country French style chair (maybe even a pair) and a tea cart. It has great lighting from the sliding glass door that leads to our back deck.

It’s a great, intimate, sitting area. The perfect place to sit with friends (I hope someday to sit with my sisters) and enjoy tea!

That’s my plan – it’ll take a while. It’s a vision in my head, not yet materialized and will take time to find the perfect pieces. I love ALL these chairs, they’re amazing!! I’ve always loved the Louie XVI style, because the seats are deeper and wider, very comfy, I have to be able to pull my legs up and curl up.

Creating my new Sitting Room – a project, in process…

Happy decorating everyone!

Annual Holiday Ode to Le CupCake!

2011-12-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Every year I am just dazzled by the beautiful christmas cupcakes. Absolutely NO need to wrack my own little 'worn out of it's mind' brain, trying to come up with something snazzy - I just go to the Web!

Wow, and YIPPEE!! All the creativity in the world at my fingertips - all I do is copy, then, simply gobble up all the credit & praise for ALLLLL my hard work - LOL - well, I usually always admit to having nabbed the idea from someone else (Darn!)

So, enjoy the parade of YummyDom - and Diana, the Cake Cupcake (up at the top) is all for you! You know you want to make this one, it's calling to you.... :)

Okay - these get my vote for the most 'elegant', love the raspberry and twig of fresh mint, Tre Lovely!

Thes get my vote for the most labor intensive. Obviously, there was a lot of thought put into this one, and the outcome is really great & fun. Extra Yummers because of the layered buttercream frosting!

And...the best for last, the beautiful and lovely winter white - so pretty!!

Cheers!

J.J.'s Merry Red Tree

2011-12-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas red & white is what my son choose this year. Just turned eleven, and he was actually very involved in putting the tree together. We had to do our tree this year in stages. Recently moved into our new home, so not all my holiday boxes were where I thought they'd be, it was like a scavenger hunt. What fun! (I jest!!).

His most fun part was "tossing the tinsel!!". We were finally able to coax dad to join in, and J.J. was very glad to instruct him in the finer points of tinsel, "...don't just throw them in clumps, Daddy! you have to gently toss them, so they fall nicely!" OMG - too funny - I let them go at it. Later, J.J. had to comment, "Mommy, I went around and fixed some of Daddy's tinsel" (hee, hee). That's my boy!

Well, she's all dressed in her Christmas red, and our new home is finally coming together, and looking in order and dressed for the holiday's.

From our family to yours, to my beautiful friends and my amazing, loving family (near & far)...

...Feliz Navidad!

Reason for the Season

2011-12-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

As I drove home the other night, admiring ALL the beautifully lit homes in my neighborhood, they were amazing and colorful - so cheery!

I began feeling just a little irratated as I was reminded that we still hadn't put up our lights...then I happened along one house that spoke to me.

There is was, beautifully lit, very understated and elegant. Simple white lights cascading all about, the trees were all lit with white lights as well and there on the front lawn was a beautiful sign. It was crafted as if it was a large musical scroll, lit around the frame, on a pretty looking parchment type panel. Musical notes were on the background and in pretty red script letters it read, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season...Let's Rejoice!"

I was instantly a bit humbled, as I thought about my tedious, inconsequential thoughts regarding our "lights". It was suddenly apparent to me that my focus was totally askew! Obviously, I was focusing on the wrong "lights" and should be concentrating on He who is the Light of the world.

As I continued driving, I began thinking about where I would be without our Savior, and I was instantly overcome with such joy and gratitude that God loved us all so much and sent his son!

Blessings and Christmas cheer to all!

Autumn, Wonderous Fair

2011-10-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

The colors of Autumn - one of my favorite season. Halloween, can't wait to decorate... Thanksgiving, can't wait to cook.

8 Little 'Ol Months!!

2011-10-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that it's been eight months since I sat and visited my favorite blogs. Since I stopped to smell the virtual roses that is the Garden of My Mind!!

Let's review, shall we?
1) I turned 50

2) My eldest turned 21
3) I surprised the BeeGeebers out of my older sister, by completely SURPRISING her with my presence just after her birthday. There I was, there she was, there we ALL were...it was a wet,

wheeping scene that everyone participated in. Kleenex's all around!
4) I found out that I was losing my job...
5) I got ANOTHER job!
6) I was indoctrinated into FB - Wow, who knew? What fun!!

7) My youngest turned 11 (is there anything as fun filled as a household full of 11 year old boys, playing war games with an arsenal of Nerf weapons? OMG!!! Dinner & a show, it was hysterical... INCOMING!!

8) And, the best being saved for last... I'll be moving on, and into a new place...News to follow
...well, I could go on and on, and on.

Seriously though, I love being back. I guess what my absence teaches me is that life doesn't sit still for anyone! I still love PINK. I still love a great cup of English Earl Grey tea. I still love my scones and jam, I still love tulips, roses, yard sales... and while the earth spins, and the day's whiz by... I am still me.
Ciao!

L' Amore Se Bon

2011-01-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

Love is good. It's all we need. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things... "...the greatest is LOVE".

Like many of you, I remember holding my infant sons in my arms and being overwhelmed with an instantaneous and all encompassing love. A love so great, that kind of love that makes you break out in laughter, makes you smile uncontrollably, love that causes you to inhale because it takes your breath away.

I think our children teach us to love. They smile their little smiles, they drool, they giggle, they snuggle. They thrive and are nourished by our love & devotion. They share and display it without hesitation and without pretension. They are bold, unashamed and unafraid to display outward public displays of affection.

So, when does it change, or rather, what changes in us? I really try hard to remember what Paul said, "if I have faith enough to move mountains, but have not love, I have nothing". Wow. Big stuff!

Valentine's Day may represent the Day of Love, but for me is just a fun and frivolous way to celebrate a special day with my boys. I love baking something neat and different, and I've always tried cooking a special dinner by incorporating "hearts" into the meal. And since I'm mad about tea ANYWAYS, it's always safe to assume that I'm going to work a tea party into the weekend, somehow.

Another thing I love, because the artistry is so beautiful are old Victorian Valentines.

When I can find them I'll snatch them up, they are so lovely. There is a little antique shop downtown that I couldn't wait to take my sister to, during her last visit. Well, the shop owner makes the most incredible Gift Tags that easily pass as Valentine's. I'm going to be sure to pay her a visit and check out her stock before VDay. And of course - what women would pass up roses, so beautifully arranged? Yep, I'll take it!

Here is a neat little, fun dinner time treat that is sure to please everyone, and they're SO simple!

2 Packaged Frozen Bake & Serve Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold

INSTRUCTIONS

Roll each roll into a 4-inch drumstick shape (skinny on one end and fat on the other). Cut into the fat end about 1 1/2-inches. Place on a sprayed baking sheet pulling the cut pieces apart and laying them cut side down on the baking sheet to form the top of the heart. Slightly flatten heart shape. (The shape you originally create will fill out and distort while rising so defining characteristics should be emphasized.) Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise until double. Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 15-20 minutes.

Enjoy your day of love - everyday!

The Reincarnated Life of a Teacup!

2011-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

I recently broke one of my most cherished tea cups, I don't even know what cause it to break? How many of us stack our teacups, one nestled inside the other. They sit stacked there in a lovely leaning tower of china glory and never once have any of my little towers ever had a mishap. Until now. I gently placed one cup inside of another, gently, I mean I didn't toss the little lovely, haphazardly into the other. I placed it, gently and it just cracked, it came apart - just like that. Oh the sadness. I haven't been bargain shopping for any teacups lately, I can't even remember the last time I bought a teacup (well, not for me anyway) and now, I've just lost one. And it was one of my beauties, BUT Of course it was. Not like I'd break one of my "replaceables". Ah well, enough of my whining, soon you be wanting cheese!

Originally I had thought that I might use it in some type of birdhouse creation, you know, buy a little wooden birdhouse and paint it white, then cover it with my little beautiful china pieces, but then I thought. It would sit outside, or on my patio table and I'd never really see it. Hmmm, think, think, think...

I happened across this lovely post from http://lavenderhillstudio.blogspot.com/ and it gave me the most wonderful idea of how to repurpose my little cup. Here is a lovely photo of Lavender Hill Studio's Mosaic silver tray. I'm hoping to get instructions on how to go about creating one of my own.

Okay - well, I hope that you'll all visit Penny at Lavender Hill Studio and look at her many beautiful and fantastic creations. Here's another one.

Cheers!

Scones and Crème Fraîche

2011-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more lovely, more refined and tranquil, so wonderfully civilized as afternoon tea? I mean really, it's just emotionally impossible to NOT feel ever so pampered & special when you make time for tea.

I love scones, high tea, tea parties, late afternoon tea and really just any ol' reason at all to bring out the pretty teacups, tea pots, bake scones and eat yummy little treats!

Here is my own little Creme Fraiche (fresh cream) recipe, which is ever so delicious dolloped on top of a freshly baked and still warm scone.

Crème Fraîche

1 cup heavy or whipping cream, room temperature

1 tablespoon buttermilk or 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

In a jar with a lid, place whipping cream and buttermilk (or sour cream), for Sweetened Crème Fraiche: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered (confectioners) sugar. Close jar tightly and shake for 15 to 20 seconds. Set the jar aside at room temperature for 24 hours or until very thick. Stir once or twice during that time. NOTE: Cream will thicken faster if the room is warm. Stir thickened crème fraiche well. Refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving. Cover tightly and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For an added treat, stir 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract into crème fraiche just before refrigerating.

My boys would hear the tea kettle whistling and they knew mom was fixing to make English Tea.

In just the few moments that it would take for me to, remove my kettle from the stove top and to pull out a pretty tea pot, my 10 year old is running into the kitchen asking...

Are you making English tea?

Did you make scones?

Can I have some?

Can I pick out my tea cup? - LOL!!

For an everyday weekend treat, I rarely do more than the scones and tea with jam. I save presentations like the ones below, for those times that I can share it with my friends.

Hope you find time to have tea soon.

No excuse needed.

It's Monday, it's rainy, it's 2 o'clock, the Mail is here... no excuse needed!

The Others

2011-01-19T23:29:00.000-08:00

Do you find yourself appreciating furniture or home decor that is chipped, weathered, faded, aged and shamelessly flawed with imperfections? Do you ever question your instincts eventually talking yourself into purchasing, instead, a piece hot off the "assembly line" that is cookie cutter perfect, rationalizing that it's new and therefore must be better? Our society in general is plastered in non acceptance of anything flawed. Imperfect cosmetic traits on our fabulously over paid and heavily accoladed stars of the big screen or those socially steriotypical and dramatic persons that frequent our new stands is not what sells - non aging sells. Our favorite "peeps" are the antithesis of aged and imperfect.

God forbid they should have a flaw!! Being flawed is apparently NOT a good thing.

Ha! Not in my book.

Do you find yourself drooling over a yard sale, black rod iron pair of lawn candelabra that have more rust than rod iron? Do you stop and idle over a weathered little, once upon a time white, watering can? Oh the joy of finding a long forgotten 25lb, faded guilded, 4 ft tall mirror that was once upon a time the centerpiece of a lovely dresser or buffet - but only now it's a sad and forgotten, underappreciated piece that is taking up space in some guys garage?

Well - then you are in great, and may I say STYLISH, company! You have taste, you have a bold individualistic, imagination. You see pink when others see beige, you see what can be, what "it" will become, with some elbow grease and a little ingenuity. And, the world is in need of your gifted interpretations. This is for all those little beauties that are imperfect and flawed to the masses - but perfectly aged and artfully unique to others. Flawed is that aged little piece that has lived, was loved, was used and now lives as a thoughful memory to someone, somewhere. Then as chance would have it, you came along, you saw it there, forgotten and waiting to be loved in it's abandonment. It now enters a new life, it soon begins building new memories. It has now become your treasure!

Are you part of the masses? Or, do you live with the Others? Do you see the flaw or the promise of beauty?

I'm an Other, and proud of it!!

It's All In The Lighting!

2011-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

Crystal illumination - how beautiful it is!

Like many other ladies, I totally adore chandeliers. If I could, I'd have them everywhere and in many, many designs.

I think their fun & fanciful - terribly dreamy and "other" world like. It brings out an old world charm and they reminds me of a bygone era, when we spent much more time sitting and visiting. Back years ago when our lives moved along at a much more relaxed pace. A time when artisans designed works of art and fancy, simply to light a room.

Light instantly takes on a special glow as it twinkles and glitters, hanging magically, dressed artfully in crystal array. And whether it's in a living room, dining room, bedroom or bathroom, the room is transformed.

And since I love anything with a tea theme, here are a few whimsical and incredibly creative chandeliers ready to adorn your next tea party!

These two are amazing! I especially love the striped pink tea set below - just LOVE IT!!

This little beauty makes such a charming and lovely statement of elegance! Really, too pretty!

So here's to the glimmer, crystal refraction, the charm, and the dreaminess that is Le Chandelier! Let's conclude in Pinkness.

Silly Ol' Bear!

2011-01-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

On January 18th a most monumental event will occur. It's one of those happenings that occurs with little fuss and very little muss. It can make you pause, then you wonder at it all, and finally you facsinate about the little marvels and lovely simplicities of life.

For me, it was an event that happened quietly and most unexpectantly. I opened a little book 41 years ago and was introduced to a very short and stout, pudgy, full of wit and laughable wisdom, little stuffed bear. Edward Bear, to be exact. Otherwise known as Winnie the Pooh. I've loved him ever since, and on January 18th it will be his birthday!

And like Pooh, what better way to celebrate the birth of this wise little stuffed,bear, then to "...think, think, think" on some of his silly little whispits of wisdom. It's an amazing feat for a bear full of nothing but a little stuffing. But with nothing but stuffing even Pooh could surmise that "if you can't tell which is your left foot, and you happen across your right, then it's all very likely that the other one has to be your left"

I've read just about all the many Pooh stories, I've seen the artwork evolve, and compared to the lovely round little golden bear that all our children today know & love, my favorite drawings still are the old originals. So, I've decided to celebrate the day by making special Hunny Pot cupcakes for my family, and trying to make it a Hunny of a Day! Sis, if you were here, perhaps we could share this lovely cake with the kids!

So - who was it that made a small and lovely impact in your young life. Think on it and marvel at the lovely little simplistic joys it brought you.

Cheers.

Glimpses

2010-12-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

The Angels in my life at Snowflake Lane, as we all enjoyed snow, a holiday show, drummers and really great holiday music.

I'm crazy about snowmen & this little lady is one of my favorites because she's a Snowman Angel. How sweet is that?

My favorite song of the season has always been The First Noel - which is why I bought this ornament and I'm little sad that it'll be time to pack them all away. So, till next year.

And, as I put the last my Christmas treasures away - I can't help but think of our loveliest Angel, FXB - I am filled with bittersweet joy that he's in heaven, and that we are left with memories of what a treasure he was and will always be. Fernando, I still have that lovely little glass snowman ornament and it will always be you - to me. XOXOXO

Ribbons & Ribbons

2010-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl I was quite facsinated with ribbon candy during the holidays. I don't know about other children, but for me, it almost seemed too perfect and none candy like - to eat! Let's go back in time and remember those simple childhood treats - how magical they were for me, so simple, so pretty. And maybe this will spark some childhood memories for you too.

The little square candies looked like little miniture pillow box presents, and at the age of 4 or 5, I almost couldn't tell if they were just for decoration because they were so pretty?

I thought that they were so cheery & colorful, and they melted so neatly in your mouth. The twisty ribbons were amazing. I remember my grandmother used to put out candy in crystal bowls in her house during Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Noir Noel!

2010-12-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is for Corbin

Being Green!

2010-12-13T15:14:00.000-08:00

The boys and I have had a tradition for years. Each Christmas we take turns deciding how our Christmas tree will be decorated. It will either have a color or a theme, or both. When my youngest was 6, he decided that he wanted a tree with lots of red and green. We began with very large glittery velvet poinsettias, lots of red bows

and lots of great big red & gold ornaments that looked like Faberge eggs.

We had red & white candy canes, large sized red & green lights, I had "Peace" in gold and "Joy" in red. And lots of red and gold stars…well you get the picture.

The next year my eldest wanted the tree to look like an Icy Blue “Frost” Christmas. This really challenged my creative juices. It was covered in big silvery ornaments, glittery blue balls of different sizes, glittery white balls, silver bells.

I found a bowl full of the most beautiful faceted crystal chandelier crystals at a local antique mall and so I strung them all up with shiny silver ribbon. I found really neat little shiny silver & blue ornaments that were shaped like Christmas lights and the boys and I made up about a dozen or so big silvery blue bows.

I couldn’t believe my luck that year when I came across these big branch sprigs covered in light blue glitter, they reminded me of giant frosted branches.

We stuck them all over the tree. It was definitely a very cool, frosty look, not so much blue as the one above, more silver, crystal, frosted white and silvery blues. He had his Blue Frost tree – it was pretty cool!

Well, this year my eldest is living on his own and I gifted him with my little 4ft tree, which he and his girlfriend will decorate for their little studio apt. We finally managed to purchase our tree on Saturday, in the pouring rain. We left it in the garage all day to dry out and drain!! We set it up in the house yesterday late afternoon and last night my 10 year old and I decorated it. This year mom went for a glittery green theme, but not just any green, an Anjou Pear green.

In July I had attended a Christmas in July - Tree Designer Yard Sale. For $30.00 I bought three big bags of “green” ornaments & giant bows. There were lots of glittery, floppy leafy sprigs and other sprigs that remind me of Weeping Willow branches covered in glittery tiny green beads. I have these big green flowers with glittery petals like the one below, but mine are all green, no bluish aqua in them.

We had bunches of green balls, we accented it with silver everywhere, etc… Of course, you know who, did 95% of the work, so when I say "we" I really mean me LOL! But, by the time J.J. and I were finished applying the tinsel, this tree looked like something out of a book! It is magnificent to look at, simply the prettiest tree we’ve ever done – we had a lot of fun creating this one. J.J. covered the tree with tinsel - what fun! But, no sooner had I sat down to gaze at the beautiful creation and rest my aching feet and back, when boy piped up with, “I get to pick the tree next year and it’s going to be an Arctic white tree, Christmas in Antarctica!”. After over two hours of putting the tree together – all I could do was moan! LOL!

Pooh & Tea!

2010-10-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

I guess there truly no better time for a good cup of English Tea, then when the weather begins to turn, in the words of my favorite bear (Pooh) “Blustery”.

And what a more lovely time of year to bring out your beautiful warm brown, gold’s and yellow accents. The earth turns it’s colors to rich hues of pumpkin orange, cranberry reds, golden pear yellow and chestnut browns.

It’s a richness that reminds me of the fact that Mother Nature is the ultimate artist!

Residents of the 100 Acre wood knew a thing or two about hospitality. Rabbit loved nothing better than to treat his friends to yummy veggies and, you got it, carrot cupcakes!

Kanga was always ready to serve something warm and yummy, fresh out of the oven for guests – Pooh’s favorites were Kanga’s Hunny Cakes – of course!

(see receipe down below)

POOH’S HUNNY CAKES
Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• zest and juice of one orange

• ¼ tsp orange extract

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ cup butter, softened

• ½ cup honey

• 2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and sea salt; set aside. In a small bowl, combine orange zest and juice, extract, sour cream and milk; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Add honey and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time. Add half of the reserved dry ingredients to the butter mixture; mix on low until just combined. With mixer running on low, slowly add the orange mixture. Add remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting. I got exactly 12 of these and they were mighty delicious. Light and airy with a different kind of sweetness, not too overpowering. These were sweet without being artificially sweet, and you can really taste the honey.

I fell in love with A.A. Milne’s pudgy little bear when I was about 9 years old and I’ve loved him no less, ever since. Pooh had a unique way of looking at life – life is simple, of course, for a bear full of “fluff”. He had the unique quality of getting to the fact of the matter – quickly and without lots of words. Such as, “A day without a friend is a lot like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside” or “When looking at your two paws, as soon as you have decided which of them is the right one, then you can be sure the other one is the left”. I love it, so simple!

Well, in honor of that Silly Ol’ Bear, I’m sharing some recipes that I found, just perfect for in impromptu tea party or anyone who may come to visit! How pretty these Vanilla Chai cupcakes look served in these white oven safe tea cups!

(receipe down below)

Vanilla Chai Tea-Cup Cakes

2/3 cup milk

4 chai tea bags

1 box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mix

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons crystallized ginger, minced

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottoms of oven-safe tea cups with non-stick cooking spray. Make sure to use tea cups that are heat-proof, up to at least 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over low-medium heat. Add tea bags. Remove from heat and steep for 5 minutes. Cool completely. In a separate bowl whisk cake mix, cinnamon, minced ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. Using electric mixer, mix softened butter, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with two additions of milk, and beating until combined after each. Fill tea cups half-way and place on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, and until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 12-15 minutes. Transfer tea cups to a wire rack and cool completely

And, just remember, “It’s so much more friendly with two”. Pooh wisdom. I love it!

If I Were A Cake...

2010-10-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

…what would I be?

Is it possible that my favorite cake can be a description of who I am?

For instance, a chocolate 3-layer cake, with a chocolate mousse filling and rich fudge frosting, topped off with chocolate shavings. To me, that describes someone who rarely indulges, but when they do, they dive in head first, all the way – and they’re Darn proud of it! They are stylish, they have grace and will drink champagne if it’s available. They are deep thinkers, vivacious and fun. They are strong and they know what they like, and the chocolate cake say’s no fuss, no muss.

Then there’s the classic carrot cake. Oh boy! It’s filled with spicy nuttiness. Shredded carrots, mixed in with sweet raisins and nuts. Covered in a rich, cream cheese frosting, usually topped with pretty little frosting carrots! This is a fanciful, fun cake. It’s full of flavor, mixed all up with a little bit of healthy veggies. This to me say’s, deep down I’m practical, I’m energetic and sometimes a little on the goofy side! Perhaps it’s a cake for someone who doesn’t mind taking chances and can be unpredictable and Whoa, what a sense of humor!

Now these are just my takes. No marketing studies, no consumer surveys – just how I read people. But, I’m not done yet. I’ve got a couple more to go.

The Red Velvet Cake, now here’s an avant-garde, I don’t fit the typical “mold” cake. I mean is the red cake just a little “strange”, or is it just me? When you finally get over the red strangeness, what a yummy treat!

Red, racy, out there, BOLD. Paired up with a traditionally delicious cream cheese frosting. Can anyone forget Shirley MacLaine as she HACKED into the Armadillo Grooms cake in the movie, Steel Magnolias?!! OMG. I will never forget that cut up Armadillo with blood red cake – it was the weirdest thing I ever saw. But, one taste and I was hooked. And, who knew – it has cocoa in it, a hidden treat. This is for the daring, the different, or perhaps that out of the box type.

Well, this is a unique cake – for those who like living on the edge.

Who’s next? Aaaah, the white, terribly traditional, vanilla cake. Angel white vanilla cake, with light as air vanilla filling, frosted white and perhaps, sprinkled with white coconut - if you dare! Does it scream – look at me, I’m white!

No color, no drama, no bells or whistles. And, yet, at the same time it’s full of quiet, dignified style. Simplistic elegance!

A cake for the conformist, the traditionalist, the predictable Jane’s that live amongst us. They drink vanilla shakes, they drink coffee, not lattes, and they prefer low-fat or non-fat milk, not whole and NEVER soy or rice milk. They are creatures of habit – 3 squares a day types. They are so methodical, that they don't want to waste time with flash!

If it wasn’t so delicious, I’d say it was boring.

What kind of cake are you!

Kick Up Your Boots!

2010-09-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Boot season is on it's way!

And, if you’re like me, you may have more than 3 pairs of boots in your collection. And while many women may have several pairs, there is that one special pair, the boots that she loves the best.

I used to have a favorite pair - they were sharp! But, they went to boot heaven about 2 years ago. I originally purchased them in 1993. They were a beautiful butter soft black, tall riding style boot. They had a small heel, only about ½”, and they were the best. They served me well, and I haven’t replaced them since. Mostly because when I bought them, they were quite a steal from Talbot’s for $70.00, marked on clearance from $279.99. I don’t think I can ever find a deal like that ever again. At least not without some serious hunting!

Truth be told, if I was not restricted by an “office dress code” and I could wear anything I wanted, to the office, well I would likely live in nice jeans, a few black pair, boots, comfortable tops and sweaters. Okay, yes, my closet is stuffed with dresses, skirts, slacks, tops, etc… Office wear bonanza. But, I’d give it all up for great jeans and cool boots.

With fall in the air and the cooler weather that is subtly making its seasonal debut, this is my tribute to great boots and great boot outfits! I adore these black riding boots with the dark brown tops - beautiful!

I love high heels, adore them, but – when it comes to boots, I actually like them with minimal heels. I think that high heel boots look their best with sassy little skirts. Okay, who am I kidding, I love boots period, tall or low – they always make an outfit better

I love the way tan/soft brown boots look with black. I have a great pair of pretty soft brown colored boots, their a bit western style with a tall wood stacked 3-1/2" heel. I don't wear them as often as I would some of my others. A day in those puppy's and my feet are screaming!

Well, just keep walking pretty, in your boots!

Too Soon Gone!

2010-08-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

It's starting to cool down, I'm mentally planning new fall wear for our 4th grader, we'll be shopping for school supplies - does anyone else love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils? I don't know what it is, but it brings back childhood memories. Going back to school was always so exciting for me. To see my old friends, maybe meet the new kids in town...

I digress.

Well, alas - we must say Adieu to the beautiful colors of summer. The evergreens will take over soon. Those vibrant colored beauties, temporal and made more endearing by their seasonal, fleeting existence. I bid farewell, as they are no longer in such abundant bloom and I think about what my garden will look like next year, after they all have a lovely slumber during the fall and winter months.

These fragile and soft little beauties (above) are called Flocks, and when you see them in white, their bushes filled with flowers, they look almost like snow.

I hope that everyone has the chance to enjoy one last colorful garden get together, a tea, BBQ, ladies night out, to celebrate the last of natures summer colors! I found these totally cool garden planters in the shape of tea cups - How creative - and now I want some in my yard...the hunt is on!

But wait, will Mr. ever go for it? Hmmm!

Dahlia's, one of my favorites. Didn't know very much about them till I moved to Washington. They are abundant here.

My ever beloved pink roses

Hydrangeas - what great flowers, I really love these great big, bushy green plants full of big round blooms. What a truly marvelous plant!

So as I look at this marvelous vase and think of the passing summer season, full of brilliant color, I look forward to the fall.

Fall, filled with it's burnished rusts, warm golds, browns, deep mossy greens. Soon the white vase will be filled with eucalyptus, deep red dahlias and Autumn orange lilies.

May your vase, never be empty!

Bag-o-licious!

2010-08-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

What does your purse say about you, if your purse could talk?

Well, mine would probably scream in agony. It’s disorganized. Hopeless, tired, overworked, under appreciated and generally tossed about with careless abandon! It’s littered with wadded up chewing gum in little wrappers, given to my by my 9 year old. It has crumbs at the bottom, from countless half eaten Starbuck’s scones, that I shove into it while rushing to work. It’s got pen marks, from all the pens I forget to cover or retract. It’s either bulging from too much stuff that I try to cram into it, or it’s sagging when I organize and then consequently, everything inside floats around at the bottom, totally lost in a cavernous wasteland. Sadly, I actually wouldn't have any lovely handbags if it wasn't for my older sister - she's got fabulous taste and graciously sends me lovely bags on special occasions. I adore them all.

My fav is a green bag, same color as this Jimmy Choo above. I've loved green ever since. Thanks Sis!

This pretty white bag is an Italian Moni Moni, which actually retails for only $425.00. Wow!

White seems to be a fashion statement this season. And, like Mother, like daughter - too cute!

I remember the days when I was toting around a little guy and the subsequent diaper bag. I used to search high and low for an appropriate looking, fashionably acceptable "Big" bag that I could dump not only all my baby accoutrement into, but all of my own stuff as well. I was far more creative in those days.

I adore purple - it's a jewel of a color and I simply do not have enough in my closet to suit me. I love this Versace croc embossed purse - it's truly lovely!! A totally cool bag.

I often am amazed at the waif, size 2 celebs as they walk around with GI-normous handbags (satchels really) and I wonder, “Oh God, what must they have inside?” If I carried around a 10 liter size bag I’d give myself a hernia! But, oh my Gosh, they are so Darn pretty. Yep, they are, which is why we all love them so. I sigh in envy, when I see Posh, carrying yet another gorgeous purse, she loves big bags. Thank goodness for knock offs, TJMaxx and Ross stores!

I continue to talk myself into smaller bags, believing that I can actually carry all that I could possibly require, only to feel frustrated when the poor little darlings don’t perform to my liking. I mean, what do I expect? Buy a small bag, get nothing in it, right? Should I simply resign myself to a billowing, behemoth of a bag? Probably. Hmmm. Well, moving along. Here's a terrific color. I love a great big yellow bag. I mean, it's such a fun color and yes, you'd probably only use it for a few outfits, but what a GREAT color! They remind me of southern California.

Prada - who doesn't love Prada?! Beautiful, classy, simple - wow!

Check out this lovely butter soft lambskin purple bag - stunning!

I thought I would end with some pink...can't have a purse-fest, without pink! Here's a beautiful Ralph Lauren Ostrich pink and a soft pink, patent leather Fendi.

Lastly... the famous pink Ostrich Hermes bag. Posh knows how to pick them!

Polo Hats, Ponies & Roses

2010-08-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just last week I created a fun & lovely hat for a coworker friend of mine. It turned out to be quite the pretty bonnet, perfect for an Inaugural Charity Polo Classic that she was attending over the weekend.

She thought her hat was by far one of the prettiest, alas she didn't win a prize in the "Parade of Hats", maybe next year after I've had plenty of time to plan a super duper hat and draw inspiration from all these gorgeous pieces!

I have long loved beautiful hats, and to be honest, I was so pleased when I discovered Anya at http://www.couturemillinary.com/ , her blog is full of couture, color & beauty. I live vicariously through her marvelous artistic creations and imagine myself surrounded by couture hats. Ah, sie la vie!

So this is my tribute to those gorgeous, unadulterated feminine bonnets. And, who of us really needs such a wondrously elaborate Chapeau? Oh, but how beautifully special we look and feel in them. We are instantly transported to another time, another place...

What an incredible & spacious creation this is!

And, who can forget that famous Ascot scene and the beautiful Cecil Beaton creation worn by Audrey Hepburn?

Here is Ms. Hepburn during a photo shoot with Mr. Beaton.

Well, I'm not sure that 2010 fashion would ever really see that type of creation again, but, we sure can come close.

A fabulous hat is glamour, with a big fat 'G', at it's best!

Dashing Off!

2010-08-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

We had the most simplest and glorious of weekends. Joe and I spent a day and a half and evening away, due to an impromptu “sleep over” for our little guy. He would be having fun at a birthday party, so Mom & Dad high tailed it out of town! Our son named his Dad's car Spirit, after his favorite animated movie, and his favorite CD by Bryan Adams. She doesn't get out of the garage very often, so he tries to take advantage of clear, sunny days - when they happen.

There we were, driving down a beautiful southern Washington road, trees all around, almost like a canopy, with the sun peeking through above us, yet at the same time, keeping us softly shaded. Off to the right of the road was a beautiful inlet (I thought it was a lake). The most beautiful deep blue and through the cracks in the trees, you could see docks and boats. It was a very hot day in WA, upper 90’s and so we were taking full advantage, the Porsche top was down – thank goodness for air conditioning though – Ay Chihuahua and Hot Tamales!

So we arrived at our destination and upon parking and unloading the car, I was immediately reminded of Palm Springs, "Wow - who turned off the air?!" But, I could see the beautiful pool and we wasted little time getting comfortable in our room. It’s probably been a year since I lounged in a pool.

It was heaven! A pretty property with cabins all set around the pool, in the trees, very woodsy. Later that night, after dinner, we went back out to the pool. I still couldn’t believe how hot it was. But it was an out of body experience, floating in the pool, staring up at the stars. The sky was like a velvet tapestry with sparkling rhinestones, it was the most amazing site. Being so far from any town, there are no lights to get in the way of the stars in the sky. They were just so amazingly brilliant! One beautiful night, and a few hours in the sun was the perfect therapy for this tired, overworked, and slightly burnt our lady to feel rejuvenated! And, even with 50+ sunblock, I still made great progress on my summer tan, amazing. I remember when I was a kid and I didn't wear any sunblock. Now I wouldn't dare!

An especially nice treat was getting to wear a pretty little, bright yellow pair of sandals that I purchased last year at my favorite consignment shop. Okay, yes, they were SO totally and unabashedly an impulse buy! I mean, they’re shiny yellow patent leather Ralph Lauren wedges. Too pretty. I fell in love with them the moment I saw them, and even if I didn’t have anything to go with them, I would find something!! Well, I felt quite stylish, not to mention I was color coordinated with Joe’s car – LOL! No, mine don't look anything like these flashy little things, but I certainly do like these little numbers too.

And I managed to fit one of my own designs into my summer outfit - to go with my pretty yellow shoes.

Did I mention that they had a really cool firepit, right near the pool?

This was really great, to sit at night, by the fire, with the pool softly lit off a ways. No smores, but I did get treated to some great Cosmo's, Yum!! And, it was totally cool, till the mosquitos began to attack.

It was hard getting back to real life, after such an indulgence!

Wow. I can't imagine what I would feel like if I was away a whole week.

Although, given the opportunity, I certainly would like to give it a try. Only this time I'd like to try the little Bavarian town of Leavenworth!

What's On Your Bucket List?

2010-08-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you have seen this great movie. It's comical, it's moving, it's sad, it's happy - it's a major tear jerker!! And, it's a movie that will touch your heart. Personally, before I saw this movie, I never gave ANY thought to my own "Bucket List". And so, now I have. I'm not sure what a person's Bucket List says about them, but I'd venture to guess that many of us would be hugely surprised if we were privileged enough to view the Bucket List of our family and friends.

I'm sharing mine and hope that you will play along.

Ice skate in Rockafeller Center at Christmas
Visit the island of Bali and get a Balinese tattoo
Visit Princess Diana's ancestral home, Althorp where she is buried
See the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Swim with Dolphins
Visit St Basil's Cathedral and tour Moscow during the winter
Stomp grapes in Italy and make wine
Build a sandcastle with my grandchild
Spend a week in NYC with my sisters and best girlfriends
Learn to speak perfect Italian
See the Declaration of Independance
Jump in a fountain, in Paris
Go on a motorcycle tour with Joe
Learn to play the base guitar
Go to Hawaii and learn to surf
Tour the Outback on horseback
See my sons fall in love with their children

What's on your bucket list?

Dots that Dazzle!

2010-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

After seeing a recent photo of a friend in a really lovely pink polka dot cocktail dress, well, it just got me thinking about those snazzy little dots! Personally I think polka dots are pretty Chic. In black, pink, red...

So, here's to girly-mania and hoping all you beautiful ladies enjoy the fashion show. So, let's start out with a big ol' BANG! Wow, couture perfection!

I'm REALLY loving this look, how pretty is that big pink bow, when paired with such a lovely flowing dress? Wow! Just gorgeous!

Fun and classy pink dress, very nice from office to cocktail party and sassy red polka dots!

One of my favorite ladies, who I think has a pretty right on fashion sense. Who else could pair off such a neat little number with those red stilettos? None other than Demi, this is such a pretty look.

I fell in love with brown and white after this Pretty Woman dress!

I love this swirling, breezy little chiffon number, soft and frilly, perfect for dinner out. And, I love the flirty skirt on this fitted dress, what a nice look for a night out dancing - heads will turn.

And lets not forget those fun little bags.

Cherries Jubilee!

2010-07-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Many trees all around town are still full of blossums, and they are SO beautiful, like clouds of pink!

Cherries are everywhere here is WA, I mean, neighborhood trees, farmers markets, grocery stores - I love it! But, my love of cherries extends to the whole realm of cherry-Dom.

Nothing quite like the perfectly rich, cherry cheesecake!

Black bottom cherry tart.

I love cherries in art, clothing, jewelry - it's so much fun, and when paired with black, it's positively styling!!

Love these little vintage hats!

Just what you need for strolling in your garden on a damp day.

And of course, washing so many dishes is murder on any manicure! So, protect those lovely hands in style!

How cool is this lovely tall tea pot, in black & red - the perfect match with a platter of cherry tarts! And, of course, you should have a variety to choose from...

So, here's a great big thanks to that little bulbous, juicy little bite size fruit.

Finishing off with the perfect art piece for a Cherry, I mean, Cheery kitchen!

2010-06-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

There are all kinds of vivid memories and visions in my head when I think of America, the 4th of July and just that red, white and blue spirit!

I love lemonade on a hot summer day and running through sprinklers and backyard slip-n-slides!

I love a good old fashion American Classic car, like the Chevy Camaro – which also reminds me of my beloved brother. His first car was my older sisters white Camaro. Nothing say’s American to me more than a classic muscle car!

Pot roast, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, green beans, chili dogs, potato salad, fried chicken, Dodger Foot Long Dogs, BBQ potato chips, Jell-O fruit salad, and that really cool red, white and blue Popsicle rocket ice cream bar from our neighborhood ice cream truck.

Picnics in the park, sitting in the shade of a big back yard tree with my very own Root Beer float.

Front porch swings, front porch flags, front porch flower pots, red, white and blue petunias growing in neighborhood flower beds, water balloons, fire works and flying kits!

Riding a bike, riding a skateboard, surfing, beach volleyball, playing crochet on freshly cut grass, freshly cut grass, avocado trees, bowls of green apples, bowls of cherry’s, bowls of grapes, peaches, apricots and nectarines!!

When I was a child, in the house that I grew up in, we had the monster-mother of ALL avocado trees in our backyard. My big brother and I built a tree house in it. During the summer when it gave fruit, we would sometimes sneak up there with a plate of butter wheat bread, peel open an avocado and just smoosh it on the bread - it was one of our favorite little treats!!

Strawberry shortcakes, blueberry cobbler, deep dish apple pie, boysenberry pie ala mode, rainbow sherbet, banana splits with cherry’s on top, and Carnation Company vanilla shakes.

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor, 1:00a.m. runs to In-n-Out Burgers, Carl’s Jr., Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Dairy Queen, A&W, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Six Flags over Texas the Grand Canyon, Goldengate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty!

The Wonderful World of Disney, Old Yeller, Meet Me in St. Louie, South Pacific and In The Good Old Summertime. Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Steve McQueen, James Dean, Judy Garland, Clint Eastwood, Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall.

That was my walk down memory lane. I hope you all have a blessed 4th of July enjoying family times, great food and saluting a flag, or two!

July 4th Cupcakes

2010-06-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

1 box of white cake mix
Wilton red (no taste) gel
Wilton royal blue gel
Butter cream icing (see below)
Sprinkles

Follow the directions on the box to mix the cake batter. Divide equally into three bowls. Leave one bowl white, and add gel colorings to the other bowls to get red and blue. Layer the batters into your cupcake liners by the spoonful. You can be neat with flat layers or just goop it in for a more swirly effect. Follow the box’s instructions for cupcake baking time.

Vanilla Butter cream Icing

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
4 1/2 c. confectioner’s sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
5-6 Tbsp. milk

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in confectioner’s sugar and vanilla. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Yields about 3 cups

For All Us Hopeless Romantics!

2010-06-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Diva Au Chocolat

2010-06-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

My biggest nemesis is chocolate. Well, chocolate cake to be precise. Or, fudge cake. Chocolate cake with fudge sauce, covered with chocolate sprinkles. Okay, you get the picture. It’s the greatest lifter-upper I know. Feeling sad? Chocolate cake. Feeling tired? Chocolate cake. Broke a nail? Chocolate cake. Big cell phone bill? Chocolate cake. Mad at the hubby? Chocolate Cake. Works for me! I really can’t imagine any problem, any situation that chocolate cake can’t fix, seriously!

And, I was happy, living in my little chocolate world, being the only one in my household that is a chocolate fiend. It was a safe and cozy little existence, until recently.

In times past I had always marveled at the fact that baby boy didn’t like chocolate. I didn’t know that was genetically possible, given Mom’s almost addict type preponderance! I mean, this little boy wouldn’t touch a fudge brownie. And who can resist freshly baked chocolate cookies?

He could. Fudge, nope, snubbed his nose at it. My vanilla child was all about vanilla shakes, white cake with white frosting, white cupcakes, etc… If it had chocolate – he shunned it. M&M’s? Nope. He was all about Skittles and Starburst. He’d suck on a Tootsie Pop, till it got down to the chocolate center, then in the trash it would go! Weird, I know.

Friday, I brought home my usual little 2 for $3.00 individual little cake pieces, one chocolate and one German Chocolate. Usually I would bring a white cake slice, but Dad’s been getting on me about the whole “cake” thing. Oh, did I mention that Dad is the big Vanilla guy? Well, this weekend the chocolate gene kicked in, exploded on the scene and pretty much reared its ugly little head. Buttkus decided that he’d try a bite of my fudge cake and by Sunday, he was all, “Mommy, Mommy, next time you go to Safeway, buy me my OWN fudge cake, okay? I LOVE chocolate, it’s wonderful!!”

From now on, I’ll have to guard my goodies. Will my chocolate ever be safe again? What security measures will I have to take?

Alas, no more Chocolate Diva.

God's Pallet of Flowers

2010-06-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

What is it about "Pinkness"? Is it just me, or is it a color that brings to mind, peace, calmness, joy - smiles?

I have totally fallen in love with Dahlias, I hope to grow a variety of plants in my garden next planting season. They grow so beautifully in Washington. Purple is one of my favorite colored flowers, so rich and jewel like.

Thnking of beautiful summer colors and longing for the lovely warmer day's and flowers blooming in the sun.

In my favorite neighborhood market, the first thinou see as you enter the store, after you pass the lovely little latte stand and seating area, is the flower "market". Steel buckets filled with beautiful tulips, roses, lilies...I just love it!

This would be one of my favorite things to see on a beautiful day, a perfect, delicate butterfly perched on a bright, beautiful flower.

The glorious reward of a garden lovingly tended, is having a beautiful bouquet placed on your table. Nothing makes my day more than fresh cut flowers. Any room of the house will do, even the bathroom.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2010-06-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I consider myself a fairly optimistic, positive type. Mostly I try to think on good things, keep my attitude and thoughts on the brighter side of life, when at all possible, given life's unexpected upsets...

BUT, enough with the water works, I would love for the summer sun to make an appearance!! Gosh Darn it all, practically the end of June and we woke up this morning to a rained out baseball game on top of everything.

We worked hard all week planning for a yard sale, organized, pulled out stuff (where does it all come from?!), set up tables, an awning, bought bright balloons, mowed the yard, weeded... RAINED OUT!!

What a Bummer, I mean, seriously - I'm running out of Rainy Day Things To Do. So, I'm posting, or venting, my rainy day blues. JJ-inskey is watching Phineas and Ferb, I'm on my laptop, surfing the net and posting, the Big Guy is stomping around, mumbling under his breath about this "Damn wet state, what the F..." I won't regale you with his more colorful disparaging remarks. On a neat little side note though, we discovered that a racoon had made a home under the house, as we discovered what was probably a mother making a quick getaway. She scurried away and whoose, over the fence she went.

Guess she figured what with all the rain, the humans wouldn't be out and about. Ha! There we were, putting stuff away, soaking wet as I turned and watched, she scurried away. It was kind of a cool thing.

Getting back to the dampness and feeling a lot like moss, my feet were so cold, I had to put socks on when I got inside!! But, it's summer, isn't it? I guess it's summer in Arizona!

Okay - so, we're heading to the movies and hoping for sunnier skies tomorrow and even though it be Father's Day on the morrow, if the sun makes an appearance then Garage Sale it is! But, it's not looking good. Stay dry - and may the sun shine where ever you are, cuz it sure ain't breaking through the cloud cover in Tac Town!

Gatsby Anyone?

2010-04-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Care to take a leisurely drive? Let's cruise on back to the beautiful 1920's and visit a time when cars were elegant chariots in buttery yellows and creams, vibrant red, etc... Ladies and gents dressed "up" in casual afternoon whites and everything was Roaring!

Aah, breezy summer whites in linen, satin, silk lace and pearls to set the mood.

Let's drop on by and visit with the neighbors for an intimate and fun afternoon BBQ, shall we?

A beautiful pink felt, satin and silk cloche!

Stylish ladies ala Vogue!

And the perfect satin dress for a night out at the Cotton Club! Raz-A-Ma-Taz!

The whole Gatsby era was probably one of my favorite! I adored the clothing, the linens, the lace, yards of pearls and those beautiful cloche hats, all of which were almost a work of art! The big brimmed straw hats with delicate silk and satin ribbons and roses. It was an era to remember!

Cake Anyone?

2010-04-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Back in the 80's when I first got married, cakes were a whole lot different. It seems that nowadays, the cake is not just cake, it's ART! I am constantly amazed at what is out there. On with the Parade - Now, for all you lovely ladies who love tea, tea cups, tea pots, pink roses & tea and maybe have a little "Alice" in them, is this just the most amazing wedding cake or What?! Incredible and WOW! My question is, what did the bridesmaids dresses look like? Hmmmm?....inquiring minds want to know.

Now this one is so amazing because it looks like the back of a dress, see how the pretty little "buttons" go down and how beautifully the bow seems to almost flutter? How incredibly creative, pretty, elegant and almost WAY too beautiful to cut into.

This next one is very elegant and gets my vote for all out Pretty-With-A-Bow-On-Top-Chic-Cake-Ness! I had to laugh a little at the initials. I wonder if the other side say's ELA? Too funny!!

This one is such a pretty use of spring colors, I love the fun mix of the flowers and the dots (it's just missing a butterfly). But, what is totally awesome is if you look really closely, you'll notice that they're all Hat Boxes and the top one is a tuffed hat box. Incredible!

I saved the best for last, in my opinion. This one is my favorite because it's just so elegantly simple. What actually dresses up the cake are the fresh roses and grapes. It's amazing how pretty the soft green grapes compliments the pink! This makes me think that the wedding took place at a beautiful winery. Very, very pretty, creative, unique - one of a kind. The only thing I'm wondering on this little beauty... How the Heck do you slice into the 15" top? "Hello, HELP the knife is too short!!"

Café Au Lait

2010-04-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Coffee with cream, or brown & white. The color combination brings to mind a feeling of richness, warmth, depth – class. I have loved deep rich brown woods, ever since I was a little girl. Most likely I owe it to the many hours of polishing my grandmothers victorian mahogany furnishings.

Many years ago I was in an “atrium” patio room. It had two sets of French doors, big windows and the room was basically all crisp white with lots of green plants and comfy furnishings.

The main sofa was actually a sleigh daybed in a rich deep brown mahogany, covered in a huge assortment of creamy white and blue toile, damask and heavy satin pillows. There was a seating area with large white Adirondack chairs. They had smooshie, overstuffed pillows in blue & white. I remember two very dark wood Louie XV style commodes (like below, notice how they've accented the wood with blue & white).

One had a huge vase of flowers, the other was being used as a breakfast buffet. Well it was the loveliest room I’d ever been in. It begged for any visitor to curl up and have a cup of tea. It was a B&B in Victoria Canada, and that picture has stayed in my head. I have loved white with brown, accented with soft blues ever since. I found it to be unbelievably the most peaceful room. It was elegant without being austentatious, it was friendly and comfortable.

Just recently I was gifted with the most magnificent cherry wood bedroom ensemble (TY JPA). My bedroom walls are bright white, which actually presents a really crisp contrast against the rich brown. I'm really leaning towards changing my room theme to blues & whites, like above, to compliment the dark brown. The Highboy is identical to the one pictured below although my set is a deeper, darker cherry finish. My bedroom isn't large enough to house all the pieces, so the matching night tables and the Tallboy, which is simply a 6 ft' tall straight dresser, reside in my bedroom and I am totally loving all the drawer space!! Tonight I’m going to try and get the queen bed headboard set up, which should really start pulling the room together nicely.

I saw this photo and just had to share it, because I thought it was a totally creative use of a good frame & toile. I probably would be tempted to place a smaller photo inside, to add a personal touch, or maybe a smaller framed mirror. The brown table is a closer match to the finish of my new furniture.

Here again, I love the toile. This fresh green is such a pretty look. I had a window seat almost identical to this one in my bedroom at my old condo, these pillows would have been great inspiration at the time. Well, I owe my soon to be new bedroom colors to one simple lovely little creamy white lamp that I purchased at an antique shop years ago. I placed it atop the Tallboy lastnight. It's a good size white lamp, the lampshade is a pretty blue & cream toile, trimmed with pretty crystal beads, similar in style to the ones below.

Funny how one little item instantly sparked a whole new theme. Toile in blue, browns & whites – polka dots are in there somewhere!! But, for the moment, it's all just a picture in my head.

Girls Night Out

2010-04-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Ever been to a big Girls/Ladies Night Out event? Well, I had the fun and pleasure of attending one on Friday - what FUN!! It was just a beautifully presented event, the staff & volunteers went all out and what a great way to fund raise for a special cause!

But really, ladies need absolutely no real reason, and little if any pressure, to get dressed up and gather their girlfriends together. Put martini's and chocolate desserts on the menu and you've got a CROWD. I mean, this place was fantastically attended.

This was my first time EVER going to a Girls Night Out thing and while I knew it was called "Girls Night Out", I didn't figure that actually meant, NO guys invited. Okay, I get it, what's the point in GNO if the guys are there, right? Ok, well, I brought along my guy and well HELLO!! You'd think the ladies never saw a well dressed man or something, I mean, Boy HOWDY he was being stopped and talked to, hit on, whatever you want to call it, it was quite a lot of fun to witness so many not so shy ladies stop him and say, "hey, how did you get it in?!" Put a couple of martini's into any well mannered lady and suddenly she's Samantha on the prowl!! We had such fun!

Well, it was the best date we'd been on in like FOREVER! There was no shortage of beautifully presented, really delicious food, great wine being poured, martini's (I only had one - it was a little too sweet for me) and just beautiful surroundings! Did I mentioned the scallops? YUM EEE!!

They served scallops wrapped in bacon, on little skewers that were like melt in your mouth delicious, unbelievable, I think I ate at least 5!! Lots of neat things to look at and if I had more money, I probably would have spent it all!! And, do you know that we never made it to the dessert bar?! It had the most ridiculous line, I don't care how much chocolate there was, I just couldn't deal with the line. Although, I did get a few glances at the 5 layer fudge cake being served up... I just had another glass of wine and it was good.

BUT, I say, why wait?! Why wait for a big fancy GNO to be put on for you! Get all the ladies that you know, pick a house and throw yourselves a bash! Everyone contribute something delicious, pick a theme: Spa Night, 70's Disco Night, Dessert Night, Vintage Hollywood, Wine Tasting, etc... send out those invites, get your coolest outfit and throw a party! I bet it would be a blast! And, maybe you can invite a few handsome significant others to pour wine, serve desserts, etc...

Girls Night Out - What a fun night is was, okay, okay, I cheated...

But, that only made it better! And anyway, how else can I finaggle a night out in the little yellow two seater?!

On Your Mark! Get Set!…ESTATE SALE!!

2010-04-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe, yes, I’ve never been to an Estate Sale. For the most part I was under the impression that Estate Sales were usually costly higher end items, vintage & collectibles well out of my price range. Well, just this past weekend, during a most LOVELY visit from my sister & brother in law, from CA, that I was introduced to the thrill of the hunt, and let me just say, OMG, what FUN!! I was totally amazed. And, let’s add the added fun of driving from place to place, navigating systems at the ready, GPS on the dashboard, IPhones logged into Google Maps. Our little two car caravan, off on an adventure. It was awesome, sort of like the Great Race.

With a brief stop to refuel at Starbuck’s, we wrapped up our Saturday late afternoon down at the waterfront at The Ram. The guys shared a nice micro brew in the lounge, while we waited for our table. Fun was had by all. One of our coolest finds was something that Joe purchased, a complete 8 place setting of silver flat wear, circa 1939 for $30. Once we got home, he and my sister were on their laptops lickety-split, researching… like a pair of sleuths, the intensity & excitement clearly written on their faces. It was such fun to watch them. Well, as it turned out, Joe bought a set easily worth $200 or more. He’s undecided as to whether he will keep it…I’m kind of hoping he will. Sis purchased the most beautiful vintage quilt and I am anxiously waiting to hear what she finds out about her little treasure. I’m guessing that her quilt is worth much, much more than what she paid.

Sunday, there we were again, driving around like one big crazy family, my 9 year old, well, he was totally beside himself, when he found a You Sank My Battleship in near mint condition for $3. He wasn’t home 10 minutes before he and big brother were setting it up.

It was so hard (very sad) to see my sister & brother in law go after such a short, but wonderful 3 day visit. Boy Howdy! we sure packed those few days full of fun!

Late Sunday night as Joe and I were sitting glassy eyed (completely exhausted!) on my sofa, he expressed that he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such a fun! It was a most unexpected treat to witness his genuine, I mean, this guy was totally into it, enjoyment. What a wonderful time we all shared. He and I have been together for almost 15 years now, married, divorced, talking, not talking, getting along & not getting a long. I think we’ve finally reached our individual paradigm shifts… Never during all our years together have we ever had a more enjoyable family time together, this was just the best. And my sister is convinced that she created a MONSTER. Joe’s already planning his next weekend Estate Sale adventure, OMG!!

Happy treasure hunting everyone!

What Do You Mean, Shabby?!

2010-03-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

This was a decorating phenomenon that hatched back in the 80’s by decorator Rachel Ashwell. One woman's love amazingly and quite literally exploded into homes and dwelling places throughout the US. They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, well, her style has been officially Flattered!! It’s definitely one of my favorite looks, it reflects, clean, bright & light, chic, simple, lived in, welcoming and comfortable. It defined a new era in design. A new attitude, a relaxed and unpretentious mood. Some say that the look is now in the past, but I continually see it thoughout decorating magazines. In my oppinion, it's a look that can evolve and be modified but will never really go out of style.My bedroom is bare bones Shabby, a definite work in progress, not quite where I want it yet, by ANY means. I was trying to respond, when asked “what is Shabby Chic?” and while just about every women in America seems to get it, try to describe “Shabby” to a guy. My attempted just wasn't working for me. Lets just say it’s like me trying to comprehend what the Heck an Intake Manifold Gasket is! So, this is what I came up with to best answer the question, and as they say "a picture is worth a thousand words"…Enjoy my pictorial of a Shabby world…And, isn’t it refreshingly, clean, uncomplicated, comforting and bright?

Very clever use of a Shabby armoire - Instant bar service! So pretty and functional. Very cool!

Functional storage armoires.

I particularly love this room, specifically for the large shabby, farm table in the dining area. While the table is "shabby" the beautiful white cane back chairs give it a touch of elegance and Chic-ness, it all blends together nicely without being too fancy or too shabby.

Another beautiful Shabby farm table. This one has a really great country bench on one side. Everything about this setting is really understated and simple, it's the beautiful chandelier that adds the Chic. Pretty white cushions - and it's all about comfort.This is great, two big sofas and a great low shabby sofa table. A very comfortable seating area where everyone can congregate and visit.Here is a bright Shabby living room with touches of French country. The bright yellows are a great compliment to the large windows that let in light. If it were my room, I'd probably accent it with cooler Cape Cod blues. What I love best in this room is the big comfy sofa. Boy, could I snuggle up it that!!These two bedrooms are my idea of dreamy, Shabby master suites! White, light, airy, clean, elegant and COMFY!!

Shabby interior accessories. I adore great big mirrors and I would love to have one like this in my room, above my bed!

This is a really creative Shabby little space. If you'll look closely, the mantel is simply a wall accessory, it is not part of a fireplace. This corner space is beautiful and elegantly cozy!

Shabby workspace.Let us not forget the Shabby bathrooms. These are great photos filled with creative uses.

I hope that if you had any question in your mind as to what Shabby Chic is all about, maybe this photo tour has answered them all for you. It isn't all about white. It's about comfort, new & old, chic and country. It's airy, simple and makes you feel like "home".

Bonnets & Bunny's

2010-03-29T17:29:00.001-07:00

It's time to dust off that spring bonnet ladies, Spring has sprung and Easter is hopping up that trail!

There’s just something about planning for a special meal. And, yeah – you’re a bit tuckered out by the time you actually sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But, it sure is the neatest feeling to sit at a lovely table, place settings & flowers setting the mood - to enjoy a great meal with people you care about. I get the biggest kick out of watching my sons devour – ah, I mean EAT, yes eat a great meal, I love it! Bottom line, no matter how hard I work at a meal, watching everyone eat is a pleasure that makes it all totally worthwhile.This year I’ve decided to do a leg of lamb for Easter, because I LOVE lamb. Fixed any old way, I just LOVE it! It’s the dessert aspect of every meal that always stumps me. Dessert is not in my comfort creativity box, it’s usually almost too much pressure. My older sisters are both gifted and extremely patient when it comes to the most beautiful and yummiest desserts. And when I say talented, I’m talking, little works of art on a crystal platter, desserts. Oh, no. No boring, average looking desserts will do for them! They’re usually so beautiful you almost hate to stick a knife into it. It’s quite apparent that the dessert Genie didn’t bless me. My sisters were standing in line – they were in the right place at the right time (unlike me) BUT, let’s not open up THAT can of worms!I digress. Well, anyhow, knowing me, I’ll end up at a bakery at the last minute – desperation written clearly across my face. History has proven that the only way I can really do a great dessert, is if dessert is the ONLY thing I’m doing. I’m not the kind of person that can divide my time between two culinary projects at one time. Total overload – eventual Fritzville! But, whatever my dessert dilemma, I decided to share these yummy photo’s to whet your appetite and inspire your culinary adventures.

Out of all these lovely desserts & treats, I'm loving this simple soft vanilla bunny cake. This is something I could do, pretty, simple and you get three treats in one. Cake, a cookie & a chocolate egg. It would be a great big hit with the kiddies!

I hope that your Easter/Spring meals are full of delicious beauty, creativity, fun & family. And, don't forget those lovely, little bunnies!

Spring Yellow & Jello Green

2010-03-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

The days are simply too beautiful with flowers blooming. Of course our days can't make up their freakin mind, it's raining, blustery & sleety one day, followed by two days of sun, blue skies and bliss.

This little beauty is one of mine, a set that goes with a pretty matching cake/salad plate. And, remarkably enough, not only did I buy them separately but, in different states even, HA!I know I've morphed into a true Washingtonian when I can exclaim what a wonderfully warm day it is, and it hasn't even hit 70 degrees! Yes, as we are all busily driving to work, latte securely stabilized in our cup holders, we squint through our sunglasses and smile as the voice over the radio informs us, cheerfully, that temperatures will reach 67 degrees! WOOWHOO!Wow, my southern California barometer is screwed if 67 degrees is considered "nice"!

I really love this idea for a center piece. I never would have thought of placing sliced lime in water like this, this is a really cool look, very cheery and bright!

But, with the sunnier days come the colors and with it, those bright colors bring to mind all the pretty things that I love and make me smile. While I can't redo my home every time the spirit moves me, which is often, I can at least dream IN PINK virtually.

I have a set of pretty green dishes, about the shade of the ones above. This polka dot set would go so nicely together. And I love the bright green down below, an excellent color for my wash room area. But first, my wall divider has to go up so that it's all invisible from the kitchen. Not impossible, just tricky and will have to be done, in the famous words of one wicked witch, "...these things must be done Delicately..." (any guesses as to what movie?)

And this is possibly the coolest bathroom sink I have EVER seen!! And, the beveled edgeless mirror is really, really sharp!

Here's hoping that I'll get a couple of nice day rides with the top down, in one of my favorite straw hats... I'll have to fight little Mr. Butkus for shotgun!

Time and Tide

2010-03-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

I can’t deny it, won’t try to dispute it…I’m a hopeless romantic. Although, I’ll be honest, I’ve never really understood why the those two words in particular have been paired – Hopeless and Romantic? What does hopelessness have to do with romance or love? I mean, if you love and have romantic feelings about someone special, what can be hopeless about loving? Is it possible that the “hopeless” part stems from the idea that love will not be returned and so a person goes on endlessly hoping for love? Well that’s just silly, because love given is never lost, simply because it’s not returned. I once read that “the most powerful healing energy of all is triggered when the mind experiences the radiant warmth of love. The maxim ‘love conquers all’ applies as much to romance as it does to human health and healing, war and peace, and other human relationships.” No matter that it can’t be quantified in the physical sense. Yes it’s an emotional response, it’s what stirs your soul, that inexplicable, spiritual thing that pushes and pulls you. Love just makes sense. Well, what I mean to say is that it makes sense TO love, but often times who we love and why, may not compute. Don’t equate love to that happily ever after, fabled picture perfect romance. And while I’m at it, what is happily ever after anyways? Does it happen immediately? Is there a time table? Is happily ever after more of work in progress, eventuality, growing as you go along, kind of thing? And, is it possible that true HEA occurs after years of emotional growing pains, occurring sometime in our 40’s or 50’s? Then there’s the question of when exactly is it that we grow up emotionally? When do our hearts mature? When do we put to rest the restlessness and uncertainties of youth and grow into the quiet and thoughtful, soulful adult? When are we ready to accept a love worthy to be cherished, nurtured, protected and valued above all other things?I believe that true love is never lost or late. It’s probably always right on time, arriving in our lives at the precise moment that we are ready to accept it, and more importantly, in return, give it. Perhaps it merely waits for our hearts to grow up so that we may understand it fully and through maturity is it made complete and powerful.Possibly you loved someone and the storms came, the winds blew and time and tides pulled you apart. Was all really lost? Shattered and battered, left in broken pieces on a cold and lonely shore of regret & despair. We may experience painful loss, divorce, court battles and years filled with discord. It truly is one of God’s wonders that love heals our souls, in time. My mind can hardly fathom it. A heart healed and love once again found, is like steel forged in fire. Have you ever seen an old time Smithy, as he’s beating a thick, shard of metal into what will become a beautiful, solid, sleek and unbreakable sword? Likewise, the heart is stronger, resolved and better able to love and experience life more fully. When we suffer the loss of someone because we didn’t appreciate & fully understand what we had, it's sad, painful and in most cases, irrepairable. But, it’s a true testament to what is meant to be, when tides turn & with the help of time you now comprehend, to your core, how great was your loss. You hold it once again, tightly, with both hands and it's good. Love is what God wants for all of us. "The moon will follow the sun" (African proverb).

This is for Joey, because I guess with God and the heart, it’s never too late...even for an old dog.Buckle up, cause it's all Pink!

State of GRACE

2010-03-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Grace is a wonderful thing.It is a gift, we don’t earn it, we do little to deserve it and yet it is given freely. It’s almost too much for our human minds to comprehend, we have trouble understanding how it all works. Because all of us know that you don’t get something for nothing, right? I mean doesn’t it make more sense to get that only which you EARN? You work hard and you prove yourself worthy of the prize, that's how it works. What’s even more maddening is, if we are freely given grace, it’s simply inconceivable to comprehend that the not so good, and just plain rotten are equally as eligible as people who are truly & consistently good & kind, right? Again, it just doesn’t add up.Do we practice grace with our children? You BET we do! They receive gifts from us in varying degrees, not strictly based on whether they earned them, but also because we love them. We want to see their pleased, happy little expressions of joy. We are made happy by their joy. So apparently, in our imperfection, we are obviously capable of performing acts of grace. Unfortunately because of our human nature, it’s much harder for grace to flow to those we perceive as UNdeserving. That’s when it gets sticky! Grace. The perfect gift, for the imperfect.Now, go one step further, beyond forgiveness to redemption. When someone has hurt you, forgiveness is not usually an easy thing. Long lasting forgiveness takes time, time to heal, time to understand and time to be released from the pain. When a person, who has hurt you deeply, finally comes to a clearer & undiminished perception of what they did, it is actually not difficult to rescue or “save” them from where they’ve been. When we hurt someone we love, we actually hurt ourselves, and we begin living in a prison of solitude & sadness. We’re trapped by pain. We're prisoners to turmoil & unrest. We need to be rescued from that painful dwelling and live in Grace again.

Have you ever been criticized for having a forgiving nature and for wanting to grant grace to someone? We each of us have to walk our own walk, forgive & love as our hearts tell us, no matter what we have endured in the past. When we stand and answer for ourselves in front of God, we can't say that it wasn't convenient to love or forgive. We can only do, and let the rest take care of itself.

So I say, rescue someone! Share your grace and change the outlook for someone in need of healing. Change lives. You don’t really need to know where they’ve been, you do not need to experience it. Dig deep and try hard not to doubt whether they're worthy of forgiveness, because what if our own Father looked to our “worthiness” and doubted the motivation behind our plea for forgiveness, where would we be?When you pray healing for someone, when someone has been in your prayers and you see a change beginning. Help that change. Step in and be prepared to be a tool of grace & redemption.

Live in that STATE of Grace!

Make Time for Tea

2010-03-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Recently I visited a Blog which instantly inspired me with it’s variety of pink loveliness. More specifically – TEA. I started this post last week, been busy, lots going on, and so I'm barely finishing it today.I am admitting to being completely UN-genuine and UN-original in this post, which is dedicated to English PINKness, teapots, tea cups, flowers and all things tea.

With longing, I look forward to the warmer weather, when we can venture out with less fear of dampness, puddles, the inevitable splatters and general water from above. Because, after all what completes an afternoon of tea more, than a great summer outfit and perhaps (perhaps) a pretty hat?! Impossible to get in the mood with rain looming. But, soon the sun will be spreading a steady stream of warm & beautiful sunny days with opportunities to sit, chat, relax and visit with friends while sharing tea and yummy goodies.With beautiful Spring & Summer weather comes the chance to bring out collections of treasured pieces. I look forward to this every year. Beauty is best appreciated when shared – true? I mean, we can all of us have the most beautiful of collections, but if they sit up in a cupboard or displayed in a hutch – only to be looked at, behind glass what’s the joy in that?It’s really little wonder that women easily embrace the tradition and loveliness of afternoon tea. How wondrous it is to share great conversation, laughter, pretty china, relaxation and delicious food. Isn’t it just an instant smile, when standing in front of a table or buffet with beautiful flower arrangements, pretty dishes, and an array of deliciousness? It’s like going shopping… “Oh, which one to choose?!” Actually, it’s better than going shopping – you’re not spending any money! HA! It’s a Win-win! Your only mission, your objective, is to pick your cup and fill a beautiful china plate with tiny tea sandwiches, fruit, cheeses and bite size sweet morsels, find a cozy seat and begin to share a great afternoon with friends. TOO much fun!Beautiful, delicate, bone china is in my opinion an incredible work of painstaking art, each piece unique in its detailed beauty. What patience and time it must take to create just one perfect little cup? And so, to close, I'm sharing this really pretty, pink heart china tea set. Isn't it just awesome?! A perfect soft petal pink color, it would be a lovely addition to any tea lovers collection.

Have tea, be pink, love & laugh! And, Cheerio!

Do Over!

2010-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining, warm weather is starting to emerge and it’s that time of the year when we are reminded of “Re-birth” and renewal.Spring brings Easter and Passover, which of course reminds me of the ultimate gift of love and sacrifice and what it means to forgive, start over and to be reborn.Reborn, for me can be such a release. With rebirth, we cast off what has been done, we push off and away from the past, looking forward and being rejuvenated in new opportunities.The wonderful thing about renewal, is that our bodies go through the process the minute we fall asleep each night. We close our eyes, we wake up and it’s a new opportunity. An instant “do over”. Overnight our bodies sloughed off the old and dying, to embrace new growth.I love spring, I see the color as it begins to emerge from small brown shoots on branches, stems of plants, budding out of the dirt. In the morning sun it’s remarkable how inspiring it is to see the simplicity of nature and I’m reminded that my life too can emerge and renew just as easily, if I open myself up to what God is so willingly and freely giving.Renewal is a wondrous gift of freedom. Freedom from worry, freedom from sorrow, freedom from what was to what can be. We can’t escape change, planned or unplanned. Regardless if it’s good or bad, change can uproot us, unsettle us and generally turn our lives inside out. Fighting change, and what is basically outside of our control, is pretty much like telling the petals of a flower not to open. It’s going to happen, best to step into the flow and follow it to its conclusion. The not knowing the conclusion is what disturbs our peace. But if the natural order of all life is renewal, wouldn’t it make sense to accept change as the moving away from into something “reborn”? It’s not easy dwelling in the midst of what once was order, to what appears now to be total chaos. But rebirth is slightly chaotic and riotous in its transformation.And yet in the end, aren’t we stronger, more resilient and wiser for the journey? And if we want peace and joy to dwell largely in our lives, then the journey of change should be embraced because of the opportunity to be more than we once were. It gives me tremendous comfort to know that God guards my life, much like any fierce and loving parent.I hope that the days become sunnier for you and that as they do, you too are reminded of how you can be re-born, renewed along with the earth around you.

OCEAN Therapy

2010-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

For all you Twilight fans I had the pleasure of visiting the one and only La Push beach right off the Quileute Reservation.Yes, I saw the town of "Forks". Since moving to WA in 96 I have been to a couple of coastal “tourist” beaches and I was, well, not impressed. Even during the height of the summer months, hoping beyond hope that the sunshine would be bountiful at the coast, it usually was not. My forays to WA beaches had me covered up with hooded sweatshirts and shivering in my shorts. The sky was usually covered with lots of fog and I never lasted very long other than to say “well, I think that’s the water…out there, somewhere?!”La Push was breath taking, spectacular! And while these photos of La Push don't seem very sunny, WE had SUN. Glorious sun. It was shining bright, in a clear blue sky. What an experience, one I will never forget. You can imagine that I was jazzed about going to the coast, but I can’t say that I had much hope that it would be much different from all my other experiences. Well, I walked (or hiked) up and over a ridge, sand dunes littered with enormous driftwood (big ol sequoia size trees!!) and as I crested the top of the ridge, I heard it!! The crash and roar of the water and there it was, the glorious surf, shining bright and foaming white in the warm, bright sunshine. It stirred my soul reached inside me and all I could do was breath deeply and stare. I exhaled as if I had just awaked from a winter’s hibernation. The smell of the sea, the misty spray of the ocean – it was positively nirvana! It didn't take me long before I got up the courage to get wet, only up to my knees, but that’s about all I could stand. Needles, needles I tell you, little ones, stabbing your feet!

Growing up in southern CA, I never truly realized how much the ocean had played a part in my life till I moved away. Not thinking too long on all those typical childhood, near death experiences, wipe outs, rip tides, boogie board crashes, etc… my mind is etched with memories of sun & surf, beach volleyball, frisbees,flag football, sitting on the back of a friends motorcycle driving down Hwy 101, late nights around a fire pit. The innumerable bastings of baby oil, followed by the inevitable dreaded red skin that hurt to the touch, the tubes and tubes of aloe Vera gel & the subsequent peeling. It was a ritual, it was the stuff of dreams! Pacific Northwest beaches don’t exactly make you want to dive right in and frolic merrily in the water. Water frolicking is basically at risk of hypothermia (hence the heavy layer of neoprene wetsuits!)and even if you can stand the initial stabbing, and numbing of your limbs. Too long in the water and it’s just plain painful! But, even frigid glacial fed water might not be totally unbearable if the temps were in the 90’s and the sun shining hot & bright, unhindered by thick marine layer.

The 300+ mile trip was made more perfect with 2 eagle sightings. There they were, tall, huge (really big!) sitting regally on high branches, looking over Lake Crescent. Amazing!! Just a totally great Washington BEACH day! The cycle is complete.

Days of Red and Roses?

2010-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s has not been a great event day for me in a while, with so much of the focus on “couples” and “love”. It’s lost its romantic appeal, with each passing day I feel more and more like Carrie when she goes out to dinner with Miranda at a restaurant that’s drowning in helium filled pink balloons! Society’s subtle pressure, the hype, the marketing is almost unbearable!So, instead for years now I have focused on showering my boys with special treats, baked goodies and surprises to show them how much I love them. They are the “Men” in my life, have been for a while. I use the day to let them know how special they are to me and at the same time, I have a ton of fun trying to come up with a creative and not too “fluffy” expression of affection. They are after all, boys. This year instead of trying to think what to get them each, I opted for a basket filled with a variety of goodies. Son number 2 doesn't like chocolate ANYTHING! I didn't know that was genetically possible?!! Son number 1 is ALL about chocolate, so mixing up a basket made it easy for them to grab the goodies that they each like.It’s my hope that by example, some day they will know how to make a lady feel special. My 19 year old to this day, still has a huge red plushy stuffed toy lobster that I bought him from FAO Schwartz. I remember wanting to get him something red, but what do you get for a little boy, no longer a “baby”, that won’t end up in the closet? Well, I bought him this giant red lobster, complete with two Velcro baby lobsters that sat on her back. He LOVED it instantly, it was a hit. It actually became his body pillow for many years, he named her “Lob-entine”. That big ol thing has followed him all these years. My 9 year old is TOTALLY into Valentine’s and he goes out of his way to create cards and artwork for me. He’ll secretly stash them away and surprise me that morning and present me with one of his creations. He’s very sentimental. We made heart shaped pancakes, with peppermint sprinkles and whipped cream on Saturday, they were very pretty and very yummy!The woman in me has decided to fantasize about what I would wear on the ultimate romantic evening out, so this is my ode to the Lady In Red! I have every hope that the day will come that I will render a special handsome and lovely man both tongue tied and dumbstruck, as I sashay out in a little red number. Something to hope for.

This one is fun and flirty, but I'm thinking it's more suited for a women who actually has, well, boobs... but, I still love it! And, here we have the Evening dress and I am totally loving this pretty, feminine dress flowing in chiffon! Look how it flutters as she walks...GORGEOUS!

I love Chiffon anything, and these layers of chiffon ruffles are so pretty!!Love it, love it!!This one's my FAV! I adore the neckline and belt on this dress, what an elegant little number, hmm?

Last but not least. I love this off the shoulder dress. I love how it meets in the middle, a good look for the not so "endowed", and then it drapes down. Very elegant.

Well, there is my Fashion Eleganza a la Rouge! I hope that you enjoyed it. And more importantly, I hope that you at least have one beautiful red dress in your closet and that you have a lovely man to appreciates the lovely Lady in Red, when you step out!

The Closet BLAHS!

2010-02-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

I settled in last night, after a productive weekend, to watch my Sex In the City DVD. It never fails to make me smile! I never really watched the series, only caught a few episodes, here and there, but I totally love the movie. I love the characters, I find them all stylishly gutsy, spontaneous, caring, loving and gorgeous. They’re fun, honest and most of all, they’re such good friends to one another and in many ways, they remind me of my own good friends. It’s no wonder the series was such a success. And, I'm sure all the glam and clothes didn't hurt. Their fashion says “Hey, I know who I am confident enough to wear what I love!” (love the pinks)My favorite Carrie outfits are 1) the green and white (looks vintage) dress ensemble she wears when she meets up with Big to view an apt. I totally love the matching coat. And, 2) the pretty red flowered summer dress she wears the next day when she tells the girls about there new penthouse apt. Love the flowered red dress (see middle pic)!I LOVE pretty clothes, like most females, BUT somewhere along the road MY everyday work wardrobe became a putty & melancholy, pin striped suit. Blah!!It doesn’t help that I live in a cold rainy, climate, I mean I can’t go traipsing around in lace up strappy sandals and linen pleated skirts! I will admit that when I lived in L.A., my clothes were much more reflective of my true personality. So, I went through my closet last night after the movie and counted 3 black blazers, 4 blazers in various shades of blue, 2 red blazers, 1 pink blazer and 3 blazers in shades of grey… Do you see a sad little trend? I have a wide variety of skirts and slacks, all of which match with any and/or all of my blazers. I’m a little ginger bread, cut out. Maybe it’s all the rain and clouds, because the colors in my closet were definitely on the drab grey spectrum of the color palette. Not a whole heck of a lot of “pop out at you” color to be had. The only thing my wardrobe has going for it are a few great shoes and some not too shabby accessories. Otherwise I might actually be completely unremarkable! But I've definitely noticed a trend with styles these days, it seems that in a lot of cases it's about the shoes, the bag, the belts and the jewelry.I love this brown little number, but I'm not brave enough to do the outfit with boots.Okay - I so Totally love all three of these suit outfits. I'm sure that I couldn't afford them, but I love the look of them! And, see what I mean about the belts, bags & jewelry?Love it! Especially the splash of purple, I think that these purple shoes would be great too. Before too long, I WILL have a pair of purple shoes in my closet!!! It's on my To Do list.Is this the coolest little jacket or what?!! I just recently purchased a bunch of vintage lucite plastic bangles in orange and burnished reds at a little shop that I love. They were like $4 and they're so fun! They would look great with this outfit!!Okay - I could pull this one off. I have a really neat little cropped navy linen jacket and a pink & navy polka dot scarf - wouldn't that make a great combo? I'm loving this pink. I'm just not sure if it's too short? And, those shoes just aren't doing it for me :) And, then here I go again with the greys!! But I love this dress!
Okay - I'm throwing this one in because I adore the red coat and her great sandals. What an awesome and classy look! Almost Jackie O. And below - just a pretty pink accessory!
This one below is so soft & pretty, I love linen anything!
Well. I've got my work cut out for me, it’s going to take a while, but I need to rescue my style before it goes into total matron-ness overdrive!! And, black, OMG black, I have TONS of it! When did THAT happen? Definitely time to break out the color, mix it up, be bold and brave. This year, I see LOTS of color!

Fireplace S.O.S.

2010-02-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

What to do with an unused fireplace?

It’s non-functioning and boarded up, so, what to do? I mean, here you take hours, day’s, weeks to painstakingly arrange and decorate a room, only to have this fireplace with it’s unattractive space boarded up, looking oh so tacky! Eeek!Well, I will need some inspiration from all Blog Mavens and home décor experts on this one, because I have yet decided what to do? Should I simply repaint the entire fixture, mantle and all in a pretty, eggshell white and plop something down in front of it? Easy fix.Well, the curious cat in me wants to open up the space. But my first question would be, is it boarded up only because it doesn’t work? Or, is it keeping out a major draft? I wouldn’t want to invite cold blasts of air, and any kind of outside critters from getting into my living space. So, I guess I’d have to make certain that if I remove the board, the Oogie Boogies wouldn’t waft in!!

My thought, just to be safe, would be to install an inner self, to secure an airtight space inside the fireplace itself. Here are a few photos that I found online and I have to say, they’re all quite creative. Favorite #1 is the “wine bottle holders”, what a neat idea. Gee, I’d have to go out and purchase lots of bottles of wine – Bummer! (hee, hee) I can't really tell what they used, they kind of look like terra cotta cylinders. Fav #2 would have to be the log with lights idea. How easy it would be to find some great fat logs, get creative with some “weathered” white paint and string in some white Christmas lights and Whalaa! A beautiful light fixture, how cool. I'm removing the board though, so anything I do would be reset back into the space. Fav #3 is the large crate storage with plants on top. I have an 1872 steamer trunk that might possibly fit snuggly into the space, and all I’d have to do is paint the interior of the fireplace to compliment my trunk and top it with some beautiful plants.Well, enjoy these photos, and perhaps if you are ever in a dilemma of what to do with an out-of-service fireplace space, maybe these will inspire you!

What a great idea for Christmas decor, or any holiday really. Baskets full of greens and colorful tulips for Spring and Easter! I can see it now!

So, I’ll be moving into my new home at the end of this month and for the next several weeks I’ll be hitting antique malls, garage sales, etc… I’ll be decorating, painting, hanging, cleaning, etc… Oh, what FUN!! I am very excited.

Tip Your Hat!

2010-01-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

It is my personal opinion that every great woman deserves a great hat. Maybe even a few. Heck, lets just say an assortment!

I don't think that there is anything more mysteriously alluring, more feminine and delicately intriguing then a lady tucked under a pretty wide brim hat.

Hat's are not only a fashionable and fun accessory, they serve a very valuable purpose. They save your skin from the dreaded golden skin aging globe in the sky. Yes, those darn sun rays. I mean, freckles may have been all the rage when you were seven and maybe even nine, but in your 30's and 40's, nope! We bleach, we moisturize, hydrate and exfoliate, we chemically peel and basically do everything humanly possible to keep our complexion dewy and unmarred by the sun.

Well, tuck yourself under a beautiful wide brim summer hat and watch heads turn. Now this awesome black straw number is a fantastic hat. Me, I'd ditch the rhinestone accent (save it for something else) and put on a polka dot ribbon and some vintage cherries.

I started wearing hats in my late 20's, with the help of a friend of mine. She was famous for wearing just the right hat with the prettiest outfits. She had a marvelous collection of vintage (20's, 30, 40's etc...) hats and let me tell you, some of them were just gorgeous! I would admire her flair and eventually after much haranguing, she got me to start wearing hats. I thought that I looked like a total duffus. But, I mean, if she looked great, how bad could I look, right?

The trend grew on me. And later I came to the conclusion that women don't wear hats because they too are afraid of the duffus factor - but never really having worn them, you're bound to feel a little strange. It's a bold statement. It says your confident, it says you have style, it says you aren't afraid of making an entrance! Once you get used to them, you are HOOKED!

I've been collecting hats now for years and my favorites seem to be wide brimmed anything.

Now see, this one above is shaped great and the straw makes it's durable and versatile. Me, I'd remove the little frilly, do-hickey-ma-job and add a wide cream ribbon to go around the top, a few creamy vintage roses, maybe a cameo and a touch of lace. This pretty brown straw hat, down below, would look lovely with some rich green leaves, maybe a nice big rustic colored flower as the centerpiece and green ribbons

Flaunt that lady gene and next time you go out in the sun, while your husband is sporting his favorite ball cap, be brave! Wear a great hat with those jeans. Put on your favorite dark sun glasses and just enjoy the reaction. Women will tell you "you look great in that hat" and men can't help but steal a glance. Ladies, men wear baseball caps, fishing caps, boating caps... Women should not get stuck in that rut.

My hat collection has suffered some losses in the last few years and so this summer its a goal of mine to recoup and find a couple or three new beauties to add to my collection. I am particularly fond of vintage straw hats, because of the velvety flowers they often used. The flowers may not always look the best, so I sometimes have to ditch the decor and start over with just the hat, from scratch. My goal is the hat itself, not necessarily all the stuff that's on it.

Anyone can wear a ball cap or a sun visor - women, "snap out of it!" If you are worth a visit to the nail salon to doll up your hands, then invest in a pretty hat and know that it's the prettiest little thing that you can add to your wardrobe.

A bit of mystique and glamour! Go for it!

Want to Play? Name That Shoe!

2010-01-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a new fun activity for all you ladies who know your shoes. So, Name That Shoe! What Movie, What Scene?

PURPLE - Groovy, Yeah Baby, Yeah!

2010-01-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

I was in the check out stand at my local grocery store and I found it a little amazing that there were four leading magazines and each of their covers were in purple. It was very pretty, what a great color!Did one Art Director phone the others and say “Hey, what color are you wearing this month?” As I was standing there in line, I couldn't help but be reminded of that chubby, hefty little eggplant. Years ago a friend shared a recipe with me, and so I am sharing it with you (as follows):Take a nicely scrubbed eggplant and slice it into ¼” slices. Salt & pepper the top sides lightly. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a sauté pan sauté 3 diced garlic cloves, add the eggplant circles and sauté, over medium heat, till lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain. Place the sautéed eggplant pieces onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese and dried chili peppers (the kind that come in those little packets from Domino’s Pizza). Heat in a preheated 325 degree oven and bake just till cheese is very lightly melted. Whalaa – a perfect bite size hors d'oeuvres that everyone will love! Moving along to my next favorite purple food, surprizingly enough purple cabbage. I LOVE purple cabbage coleslaw tossed in rice wine vinager with little slivers of ginger. I also love diced beats sprinkled on spinach salad, dried cranberries and of course GRAPES!!.My favorite purple gems would have to be purple Fluorite and Sucalite (both minerals). I also love pearls that have been dyed a deep rich purple, they really pop with sterling silver. I have a plush, warm faux fur throw that I bring out hibernation every winter, it's my favorite snuggler and looks very much like this one. And is it just me or does this rich, royal color purple make you think of the Renaissance period and Queen Elizabeth? Boy, now there was a queen who knew how to dress.This lovely soft purple stone is Sucalite, the polished gem down below is Flourite
Apparently purple was the reigning color at this year’s Golden Globe awards, worn by many of the leading actresses. So, after reading that, it made sense that all the top fashion magazines were decked out in the same color. Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of purple in the months to come. Now I'm going to guess that these fantastic boots, a cross between a Spanish Bolero and a Pirate, probably would put a sizeable dent in my pocket book. But aren't they the coolest or what?!!
I have a scarf collection to rival the wall at my local TJMaxx store. I just can’t seem to pass up a pretty new neck wrap when the weather turns cold, and frankly it's cold a lot of the time in WA. Purple pairs up so nicely with all my black pieces, it make the very ordinary look posh! I especially love it paired with dark or olive green. Which is why the eggplant looks so pretty in purple & green!I am a total sucker for a great pair of gloves, I have a drawer full of them, different colors, textures, thicknesses...it's just a big, fat, mish-mosh of gloves and even though I do not need any more, I can't seem to pass up a pretty pair.

I totally love this very fun bracelet, just simple glass beads, but what a great design. How cool would it look a great black turtlenect sweater and pair of jeans? Throw on a scarf to match and call it done!!

Purple pots go so great in any garden because they make the greens pop! And how pretty does purple look when displayed in clean white vases. Wow, just beautiful.

Isn't it just amazing how stunning these colors compliment eachother? What a pretty glass vase.

My grandmother had a garden full of gladiolas, so many different colors, and to this day they remind me of her. I love glads!! I think they're spectacular. Big, tall, bold blossoms, I think Gladiolas are a very elegant flower.

With the latest big push of purple in fashion this season, maybe I’ll have better luck finding that illusive, fabulously cozy, purple sweater!!

And, just incase you'd think I would forget to pay homage to my most favorite chandelier fixture... How lovely is this one?

A Penny From Pisces

2010-01-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have never really been a person that puts too much stock in Astrology. However, I will say that there have been times that I find that personalities do often fall under their given “astrological” descriptors. I mean, we all know a few Taurus’ that are stubborn, bull headed, large and “in charge” in their demeanor. I know a few Leo’s that seem to be born leaders, they're showy and love being in the spotlight. Being a Pisces, I've come to learn that we aquatic types do tend to go with the flow, we're pretty easy going - let it be kind of people.The whole "going where the spirit leads you" trait can easily, and dare I say too often, have me changing directions midstream (Ha! I made a Funny!!). I prefer the clean, shiny white of sterling silver to gold. My favorite stones are Aquamarines, Lapis, Sapphires, pearls and Larimar. This (below) by the way is an uncut piece of Larimar, I purchased a ring at a jewelry show last year and I've totally fallen in love with this stone!!And, if you notice the trend, all the gems I like are blue, like the ocean and sky. Weird!

Whether misdirected, distracted or just "feeling like it" kind of a thing, I'm a swayer, which can give a Tauras nothing but head aches, I certainly did. Funny thing is, Pisces' tend to get along with just about everyone. But, according to the astrological book of "Know" it cautions that a Pisces should NEVER marry a Taurus! Well that little piece of Intel would have been good to know, since I married a Taurus. Was he a force to be reckoned with. The Taurus male is an interesting breed. Focused, demanding, intelligent, excellent managerial/boss types, real go getter's. My Taurus' need for perfection made him a bossy, 2000 RPM, testosterone driven "my way is better" kind of guy. A text book Taurus, right down to the types of gifts he liked and didn’t like, the watches he wore, the car he drove, blah, blah, blah.

Me, I have like 12 watches and only two that might qualify as better than average. For me, as long as it keeps time - hey, I'm good. I'll admit that I'm more concerned that it looks nice with what I'm wearing, and of course works. Once upon a time I had a very, very fine watch...but, I won't go there (sniff-sniff) Although, truth be told, I actually do really love this pretty pink Tag Hauer Formula 1 (below). Not only is it a real fine piece (gulp, I just saw the price, KA-Ching!!) but it's pretty too! My ex would have no problem spending $$$ on a good watch, me - I can't wrap my head around that much money - for a watch.

His Carrera 911 Targa wasn't Lapis Blue, but it was a mint condition, precisioned, pearl green little number, very beautiful. I drove a Volvo for ten years and now I'm driving a Caravan.

Ours was an interesting test of wills. And don't misunderstand me, I may be a fish, but ever try to get a fish to go where YOU WANT it to go? I definitely have my own mind set - yes, some people say I'm stubborn.

Who in Hades ever said that opposites attract and can I shoot him/her? There should be a Disclaimer Notice. I suppose it may seem cosmically logical that any human may subconsciously seek the traits in a partner that they themselves are inherently lacking? Theoretically speaking our partner should be our other half, two halves make a whole I.E. we "complete" each other. Really? Well, I completely need a bigger closet - I need a closet just for my shoes alone!He had like 6 pairs, TOTAL and almost all of them either some shade of brown, grey or khaki green. Manly, functional and as expensive as all get out when compared to my pretty little numbers. I've never understood how a simple pair of REI mochs can cost over $100??

So, do opposites attract? Yep! Should they is the $5million question. The constant struggle of wills can be exhausting and possibly more than you bargained for. And regardless of the highs, the lows, on the other hand can be pure turmoil for the female of the species.

Test the waters!!

Dangling Bright!

2010-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, the lovely old home that I grew up in, which was originally owned by my grandmother, had so many wonderful old world charm qualities about it. Beveled paned windows, solid wood 4/5 inch dark wood floor moldings throughout. I never realized how much that big old house affected me, until in my adult years I began to express myself through my own décor.One of the things I have always loved was chandeliers. Now, you wouldn’t think that I would have any care of them, considering that as a little girl one of my chores was to wash, by hand ever single, little crystal that hung on our huge stairwell chandelier. I mean this thing was big! Of course I was a little girl, it might not have seemed very big to anyone else. My grandmother would lower it and together we would painstakingly remove each and every one of those Darn crystals. I would plop them into a big tub of sudsy water, wash, rinse and dry them. I felt like Cinderella, chores, chores, chores. But, I sure loved how beautiful that chandelier would light up, when you flicked the switch at the bottom of the stairs coming into the house at the front door. It was a beauty.The painstaking work in this mesh wire creation is amazing, so much detail! I wish I could find out where to buy one!!

So, while at the time I thought my grandmother must have hated me, because she always choose the most menial, laborious tasks for me. Looking back, how much I appreciate what it taught me. I have a love for antique mahogany furnishings, due to the fact that I was in charge of dusting and polishing our many big pieces of furniture that we had throughout the house. Who knew that a little girl, bored to tears and tired of the same old chores, would grow up with a love and appreciation for the loveliness and stateliness of fine old things?I chosen to show designs that have incorporated tea cups in their designs, I think they are especially imaginative and since I love tea cups so much, it's a perfect marriage!!

And, I've been inspired to try and to create one of my own. I don’t know how long it will take, how it will turn out, how many cups I may crack (oh dear), but make one I shall! I’m torn between a floor lamp style chandelier and a traditional hanging chandelier.

I don't think I have ever seen such a creative use of pots & cups. The floor lamp creation is stunningly ingenious! Truly, it's just too amazing and it has inspired me!

Whichever I choose, I’m excited about the project and will proudly display photos of my design, when I’m done. I’m NO electrician, so I will have to get some help from someone who knows how to work with wiring. I wouldn’t trust myself, lest I give myself a frizzy perm! Bzzzt, bzzzt!

Dreaming of White

2009-12-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

Cheers and almost Happy New Years! Here are a couple of white inspired yummies to wet your whistle and get you in the mood for the New Year!

I must admit, as I'm reminded by recent visits to other very lovely blogs, how very much I love winter white! What's not to love?!

These gorgeous cakes are such a delight and inspiration! How cool is it to have a winter wedding and indulge in something that looks very much like a snowflake?I think all the details, the whole presentation, the table setting, wow! Too cool!
And while I was really hoping that we'd have snow by now, it just doesn't look like it's going to white this Christmas... Cold yes! White, no. But I can still dream about big white Christmas trees.

It's always been a dream of mine to have a totally white bedroom, a blend of shabby French country, or beautiful Louie XVth inspired chairs, lots of white linen and breezy, airy window dressings. A frilly white vanity and maybe an elegant writing desk tucked in a corner with an oversized lounging chair to wile away the hours on a frosty afternoon, with a good book and some tea!The holiday's for some reason always brings "white" to mind. A beautiful white table, white linens accented with silver and shimmering candles & crystal... aaaah, how soft and lovely.I think this set up is amazingly imaginative and magical at the same time. How could anyone not enjoy dinner with this kind of dining experience? Wow, very beautiful and probably requiring a good size dining space - otherwise it would wharf any room. Very cool, loving this look very much!I hope you enjoyed these lovely images, my prospective of beauty and loveliness a la blanc. With spatterings of color for effect. But, as we all know, white it simply, it!Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, I hope that Santa and the elves visited your families with blessings, health and joy. And, I hope that we all have much to look forward to in 2010!

An Apple A Day

2009-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

The beautiful and luciously, crunchy apple. One of God's most delicious natural treats.I can remember the many church summer picnics as a kid and those great Dunking for Apples races. Head down, body almost completely upside down, a ravenous peranna child in a mad dash to come up first, victorious with an apple clutched in my teeth! Who cares if I nearly drowned myself in the process or was drenched afterwards, the braids that my older sister worked so hard to get just right, ruined and dripping, ribbons, drooping. The only thing that mattered was that helpless, red apple!!

This centerpiece setting is beautiful to me and I actually can't tell if they're real or ornamental apples. In any case I love it and just had to share. However, I digress...back to apple treats.First there were the ever child friendly, eagerly anticipating summer picnic and/or carnival shiny candied apples, slatthered and dripping in their cinnamon red coating. Later in the fall came the thick and gooey caramle apple treats. For a flair, some would add chopped peanuts and wow! that was REALLY neat if you got one of those! Well, these ain't your Mama's apples anymore, well, 1960's Mama any ways. Mom's nowaday's are MAD with creativity! I absolutely love these babys! So much so that I've decided that I will surprise my son's 3rd grade class with treats next week (of course baring the "child proof" legalities!!)Ladies I know you're there with me on these chocolate lovelies, right? Can I hear an "Amen"?! Yum!!Pour a little Amaretto or Irish Cream in these chocolate puppies and we have a PAR TAY!! Use one big one as a center piece and slice other's, laying them out nicely on a plate for those of use who really don't want to make big dirty fools of ourselves. Let's just be genteel, shall we and use a fork and knife? Perhaps a lovely pedestal cake plate for added presentation?Then of course we have these sweet little Boo Apples which are so fun, the possibilities are endless. Some purple & black sprinkles on a neon green colored, white chocolate apple would be so cool!!To end this drool fest, I finish with the favored camp fire smores apple, followed by the caramel turtle apple.Any way you slice them, you're following Doctor's orders.

So have your apple a day, or two or three!

Autumn Splendor

2009-10-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mother earth is changing her apparel, donning her lovely golds, russets, burnished reds and warm amber browns.The textures change from bright soft petaled flowers to fallen tree seedlings, pods of fall nuts, pine cones, shafts of wheat and stalks of corn husks.You certainly don't have to go very far to become an artist in your own home. You only have to look to the wondrous array of natures pallet for inspiration.

Gourds of squash, wondrously round pumpkins, beautiful deep red pomegranates.It's a slow transformation, gradual at first. Then in one fell swoop, one blustery day with great gusts of wind, suddenly trees are stripped bare leaving the ground littered with a veritable rainbow of fall leaves. I often wish I could take the leaves and string them together, in great long garlands. Of course they would dry up much too soon. And so, somewhere, some creative women invented the leaf stained glass window using only two sheets of clear contact paper and her imagination.

So, I have a date tomorrow after work with my little guy, we're going leaf hunting so that we can create our own window treatment, something we learned when he was in pre-school and I've loved it every year since then.I hope that your Fall is full of beauty, pies, warm chowders, the smell of baking bread, casseroles & stews. And as you swap out your lighter linens for your heavier, deeply hued and rich textured window dressings, table coverings, velvet throws and warm blankets .comfy pillows, sweetly scented candles and mugs of spiced cider.

Remember to give thanks for our wondrous earth for it's beautiful changing seasons.

God bless!

What's Too Much?!

2009-09-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

While we all know, of course we know, and history is full of examples, that men throughout the ages have done some pretty incredible things, in the name of love for a women. We know that they can become dumbstruck in awe over a beautiful women, or should I say, the "package" can sometimes have the most devestating affects.And so it may be with a degree of dissapointment that we admit to ourselves that they probably rarely really understand what makes us tick? Or, perhaps to give them credit they may and if so, what are they willing to accept after realizing what motivates and inspires us? What are the degrees, what man is secure enough to accept the "fluff" that comes with the Venus of the species? I have often times asked myself (just for example) "what great guy could accept & live with a bathroom like this? Or, what do I have to give up so that he wouldn't feel like a pansy and are these lovely decor ideas only for the single woman? To what extent is a man able to live peaceably with the soft creativity in us, where do they draw the line to avoid that horrible stigma of being "whipped"? Lets be frank, we can't both of us get what we want.So, which room would you choose?

Summer Brights! Move Aside

2009-09-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true.

Fall like a great and elegant slumbering, finely feathered owl is spreading it's wings, giving them a good shake and getting reading to take flight.Which of course means the bright yellow, warmer days of summer are "Hasta la vista Baby!" And when I think of fall, it brings to mind the warm golds, russets, browns, deep rich Tuscan jewel tones, I can't help but enjoy the lovely, warm and inviting styles of Tuscany Aside from the obviously romantic Under the Tuscan Sun movie which I instantly fell in love with the first time I saw it. That movie was responsible for changing me somehow. WOW, did I ever want to run away to Italy or southern Spain, fix up a house (villa) that had been forgotten, become slightly dilapidated in it's semi-antiquated rustic-ness and recreate a life far away from the commercial, fast paced urban quasi mega metro rat race! So how do we paint a life less complicated, a life of beauty and quiet older world charm? It's those little touches, the burnished, gently weathered, other world charm colors... Mixing textures of rod iron, pottery, tapestries and brocades. . Now this doesn't by any means require a major investment, rather, it's the mingling of pieces, touches here and there. It's one of my most favorite looks, I love the richness of it, I love that the browns, golds, wines & russets just sort of make you feel enveloped in warmth and elegance. My sister and I share a love for this look, she has the most elegant and warming touches throughout her home. She is a constant inspiration to me, she has a flare for beautifying her home and makes it look SO easy.
So, this post is for her!

What A Difference A Year Makes...

2009-09-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Has it been a year?!! Wow, WooWHOO!

Aside from the very obvious, "Oh Gee, oh Heck, another year older" or the "OH GOD, Really? You've got to be kidding me!" tired morning mumble as I stare unbelieving back at my reflection in the mirror at 6freakin a.m. after only 5 hours of sleep. Followed by the in the shower grumbling of, "if I won the Lotto, I'm getting a body lift!!" But, by the time I'm dressed and slipping on a pretty pair of shoes to go with my obvious business togs, I'm back in check. With moderate effort, OH, hold the phone, don't I have to play the Lotto before I can win said Lotto?

Moving along.

What do you do with one more year under your belt? Well, here's what you do. You marvel at the miracles, the tribulations, the hassles. You give yourself credit for suffering the "will they ever just go away?" morons that linger on the fringes of your life because of past choices (those ex's we just won't talk about). Give them credit because apparently we owe our newly acquired quiet, inner strength to them.
Appreciate the fact that you still have a God Blessed sense of humor only now you are sporting an older women "who gives a Crap and yes, I did just in fact express my thoughts...can you Dig It?!" attitude. Be glad that the thought that someone might not agree with what you have to say no longer causes you wasted hours of worry.

A little more grown up, a little finer, more seasoned, more discerning and yes filled with a stronger self confidence. Not a really "bug off" attitude, more of a I don't have time to bother with the small stuff. And you really know what small stuff is, due to the fact that you've been dealing with whole lots of BIG stuff!

As the times grow a little quieter, and they will - trust me on that, you enjoy things with a greater sense of appreciation. You appreciate the smaller, seemingly insignificant moments, with the new realization that our lives are filled up with them. Those smaller moments and experiences are the gems that we used to miss. Only now you value them, nourished by their simplicity. Time spent in the park on a clear, brisk day. Sitting on a worn bench on a wharf, watching the ripples across the Sound and listening to the seagulls. Filling up with what is real, not bought or acquired, it's just there.

So, welcome your "another year" and think with wonder and anticipation of where you will be another year from now.

Me? Well, if the last 11 months have taught me ANYTHING, it's taught me that I'm a Hell of a lot more resilient than I ever imagined. I learned that I sure as Hell do have a great sense of humor, according to my almost 9 year old son as he's rolling on the floor laughing at something inane I just came up with, "Oh mommy you ARE funny, you crack me up" he gasps, trying to catch his breath and NOT pee his pants! Did I just say that out loud? Oh dear.

I've learned that pain won't actually KILL you, it sure as SHI...ooting may feel like it, but NO, you don't die from heartache or loss. I've learned that stress will give you grey hairs, but it will also jump start a major bout of weight loss!Yeah Baby, Yeah!!

Inevitably as the years pass, my eyesight has become a challenge. I can't seem to reach for a good book without reaching for my reading glasses. HOWEVER. There is one lovely little caviat. Just the right pretty pair of reading glasses, how sexy are you now in that, older women, intellectual sort of way. Ahem...you know what I'm talkin bout!

Peace!

In CELEBRATION of my Son's 19th BIRTHDAY!!

2009-08-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Tea That Travels

2009-07-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

THE TEA CART!

It's rumored that years ago the Tea Cart was born out of necessity to accommodate guests at patio and lawn parties. It was the height of etiquette to serve tea out of doors in equal finery, presenting your most precious family china heirlooms elegantly. And so what otherwise would have been presented at a buffet or table, became a mobile work of art. The Tea Cart was born .They were basic to start, a mobile utilitarian furnishing. Later becoming artistic expressions from all around the globe, reflecting cultures, eras & social standing.

Today I love it when I come across one in an antique mall, thrift store or flee market. They never cease to intrigue me, just how uniquely beautiful they all are. They are a lovely display of both function & decor. From simple classic carved wood, a beautiful cherry or polished mahogany. To artistic and glamorous, some with intricate inlaid floral designs & removable trays, some with beveled glass shelves.

With so much beauty, how can you just settle on one? So, don't. With so many styles & designs, you can make them work in a dining room, living room, patio or deck. Because now a days, they are also, not just about tea

All this only goes to prove that it is possible to own such a lovely, statement of a bygone era to display your cherished porcelain while serving a practical purpose! Ah ha! Beauty & Brains, I love it!!

The Dahlia

2009-07-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

A woman brought in a bouquet of flowers to our office last week, the most magnificent arrangement of Dahlia's I have ever seen. I was never that familiar with the Dahlia, sure I guess I've seen them mixed into arrangements, but truly had no idea that they could grow so large, they were stunning, almost so beautiful & perfect, they looked fake. So, I've planted a few of them in my patio beds and I'll wait to see how they develope. You never really know how your flowers will take. Will they like the soil, will I water them too much, not enough? Is the sunlight in appropriate amounts? Lots of variables. But, I'm giving it a shot in the hopes that I'll have some nice looking blooms shortly. Now obviously you can see from these photos that Dahlia's come in varieties. From the tight round blooms, to the looser, almost lace edged like feathery type. I love them all, they are a joy to see when they're in flower beds.Often times I look at beautiful flowers and I can't help but think of God's pleasure in variety. Everything in His creation is about variety and color. Surely if He is pleased by His handiwork in flora, how much more do we please Him in our variety as people. The flowers have no control over how they bloom & grow, the variables are out of their control and as God said, "...they toil not".We however do have control, we do toil, but toil how & doing what? Do we toil to do good, to smile instead of frown when our child is interrupting our movie viewing pleasure with his latest art project in crayon? Do we determine to answer yet another "Mommy why is...?" question with a "yes my love, what is it?" rather than, "can't you see I'm reading?!!" Do we toil to breath in deeply of the precious moments that make up our life, seeking excellence in the efforts of our daily lives.Next time you think of the troubles and difficulties, when faced with the traumas and the trials, when you are faced with choices that have you seeking refuge in prayer. Remember when you are pruning, watering, cutting and arranging your beauties in a cherished vase. Remember that as we find pleasure & joy in such beautiful flowers, they will never be as beautiful as we are in the eyes of our Father.And we show our own special creative gift, in recreating, our beloved flowers into edible and delicious baked creations. How we must please Him in our simple act of baking and frosting, toiling to create something so beautiful to look at and equally beautifully delicious to eat.
Enjoy!

It Had Better Be Tonight

2009-07-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Kissing A Fool

2009-07-03T09:45:00.000-07:00