Fairy Tale Cottage

Is Painting Faces Like Painting Furniture?

2011-12-09T21:57:00.001-07:00

I didn’t want but had to anyway. It was apparent that I needed an income but I loved having a schedule that allowed me to be available to my family, friends, crafting and decorating and whatever else needed my attention.

But, money was needed and with college payments starting up this year. medical bills a-mounting, and economic issues that are familiar to most Americans, convinced me I needed to find a dependable source of income.

I worked for the cosmetics departments of major department stores in my early 20’s, before I committing my life to my husband and raising and loving 5 children. I sold Lancome, Shiseido, Halston and Calvin Klein, the last 2 which no-longer exist. It was an exciting and wonderful time in my life. I got to be part of a trendy and dynamic atmosphere. I had access to all the best fragrances, skin care products and latest colors. I supported myself pretty well, in this way.

I wondered; would the industry want a 50 year old grandmother of 2?

Could I swap out my paint pots for make-up pots? Fabric swatches for lipstick swatches?

Apparently so and now I will write of my adventures returning to the world of beauty. Hopefully, I will still be able to put color to furniture but this is a season of putting color to faces.

Pink Saturday Random Pinkness

2011-04-15T18:21:00.001-06:00

Pink Saturday in the middle of April! Go visit for a plethora of pink goodness. Thank you , Beverly, for for hosting this enduring and endearing event. Pink Saturday

Yes, I am the grandma so please indulge me: Is she not pink precious beyond belief?! Tutus and headbands for baby girls is just so much fun!

A friend of mine makes these sweet little sheep with the pink frocks faster than ewe can imagine.

My other friend, Debbie, creates mosaics and sells them along with pretty antiques.

Spring blocks, which I hope to try my hand at making someday.

I went to an antique auction and won a huge lot of linens including these delicious dresses from the 1920’s. They are so pretty that, even today, the right person could totally rock them. Some Easter sweetness.

That’s all for now. Thanks for stopping by!

Pink Saturday Rose Tea Room & Introducing…

2011-03-04T15:42:00.001-07:00

Visit the best group of Pink-o-philes at the Pink Saturday event hosted weekly by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.

There is a a lovely tea room in our city called “The Rose Tea Room”. It is decorated in Victorian-Shabby-Chic and has so many pretty things to look at. I love how nothing is the same but it all goes together.

Of course there is a lot of pink seen in the vintage linens, china and glasses. The serving platters are the hand made type fashioned by people all over Blogland.What a cute idea for a lamp. I think the owner took a silver tea pot and added the electric lamp apparatus and shade. I heard it is easy to do but I haven’t tried it yet.

Next time I hope to get pictures of High Tea in action. I never get tired of “Tea-Faire”: Cucumber Sandwiches, Scones, Petit Fours, Strawberries and Devonshire Cream…

Now, the best is last. Introducing my new grand daughter, Liliana. She is precious as can be and I am in crazy-love with her! Being a grandma rocks, I tell you!

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Happy Pink Saturday to you all. I hope to visit as many of my Pink Friends as possible this weekend!

Anthropologie Inspired Fabric Strip Net

2011-01-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

Click on the buttons to join the fun! These are inspirational events that show you that you can, indeed, do it yourself and whip it right up!

and My daughters and I always stop into Anthropogie when we get over to the mall on the other side of the city. Last time we were there, we saw a beautiful bed flanked overhead by a net with dangling, random strips of fabric tied all over it. I didn’t have a camera with me so I can’t show it today. Not sure if the “Powers that Be” let you take photos in their store anyway???

Not to worry, my 15 yo, Lilly , was completely inspired to make her own for her bedroom. She bought a fishing-type net for crafts at Hobby Lobby. At Joann Fabrics we found something I’d never heard of; a Jelly Roll of coordinating fabric strips commonly used for quilting. She felt like the designs matched too much so she bought a fabric square in a pop of bright coral for contrast.

She made a nest next to me on my king size bed and got to work. She cut strips in half length-wise to double her supplies. Every once in a while we would ooh and ahhh at the fabric designs. She tied and tied until all the fabric strips were tied on; completely randomly placed.

Then she screwed in some hooks, stretched out the net and hung from the ceiling over her bed.

It is soooo Anthro and so cool. I’m not sure if these are for sale at Anthroplogie or what they must cost. But it sure wasn’t as cheap as Lilly’s design and we all love it!

Her friends call it a giant dream catcher-haha!

Supplies:

Fishing net from Hobby Lobby 4.98 (half price)

Jelly Roll Fabrics 12.99 X 2 (Forgot my coupon ;( ) You can use any fabric you want, just tear into strips about 18” long and 1-2 “ wide.

Fat Quarter 1.50-torn into strips.

Scissors

Pink Saturday Valentine Subway Art & Garland

2011-01-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday! Click on the Beverly’s Pink Saturday Button to join the crowd. Pink Saturday is the sweetest event of the week!

Sometimes I feel like I have used up all my pinks so I am glad Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. There’s pink there for sure and I pulled off a couple of pink projects,

Just a few days ago I came across this cool and hip Blog called: 1825, written by 3 sisters who grew up at a house with 1825 as the address, and still reside in Las Vegas. They create Subway Art and this is their latest feature.All you do is download the file and order online at Costco. They are 16 X 20 prints and cost about 6 dollars each.

I wanted to keep it cheap (that’s the whole idea) and found frames at Hobby Lobby for 9.95 and they were 50% off. Great deal! Frames can be so expensive, especially this size.

Not too shabby and quite substantial for about $11 each.I think they will make great gigantic Valentine’s Day Gifts for some Sweeties out there :D

I framed both color versions and am so pleased with how they turned out. I am picturing the framed Subway prints in homes all over Blogland!

My other project is the sweet and simple Ragamuffin Garland. This time I used Valentine ribbons with hearts and messages of love, red burlap strips, strips of fluffy white tulle and pink and red strips of whatever I had around.

I tied 4 to 6 inch strips onto a piece of twine as long as my arm. I watched TV and worked on this for about 3 hours. You have to stuff it really full so it doesn’t look scraggly. You would get crazy-bored sitting, ripping strips and tying for so long without watching TV. I watched TV guilt-free because I had a project going.

I know lots of folks have made their versions of these garlands and they’ve been around for awhile but I still just love the way they look, And, they are very inexpensive to make!

Thank you for dropping by today! I always enjoy your visit!

Purely Delish! Peppermint/Chocolate Mousse

2011-01-13T23:27:00.001-07:00

It is Foodie Friday and I will be searching the list of all the participants for some meals I will prepare this weekend. I just love seeing what others are up to and trying some new recipes. You will definitely want to click on the picture above to link over to the Foodie Friday Fun!

Bonus: Besides all the recipes and stories that accompany them, there is a giveaway for copper cookware! In my dreams I have copper cookware, not in real life, so far, but some day…ya never know.

I am not a Cool Whip gal. I am a pure cream gal; a natural unsalted butter and not margarine gal. So when this recipe for chocolate peppermint mousse received 5 stars for taste, ease of preparation and maximum “Impress your friends-ability:, I broke down and tried it.

This looks like 2 cups of chocolate covered espresso beans but it is actually 2 cups of Junior Mints.I doubled the recipe.

In a saucepan, combine cocoa and milk until smooth. Add mints and butter; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Cool for 15 minutes.

Call for a teenager to come help you since it is so fun and smells wonderful but let her sleep and snuggle with the furry creatures.

Fold in the Cool Whip, even this is beautiful! That’s it! That’s all you do!

You can scoop it into individual cups or place in a large bowl. You certainly don’t need to pipe it in to the cups but the teenager piped up and wanted to do it this way. So fun!

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How could this creation occur with so little effort! The white stuff on top? Yep, real whipped cream; just had to use the real thing! I bashed up a lingering candy cane and sprinkled the candy on top. A garnish of mint leaf completes the look.

This was so delicious and rich; small portions at a time is just enough and we all loved it!

I am judging myself for using Cool Whip but I can’t deny how easy and delish this was. I’m thinking this would be a great Valentines Day treat.

RECIPE

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup junior mints

2 tablespoons butter or margarine I used butter!

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped

topping, thawed, divided

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh mint and additional whipped

topping (optional) Real whipped cream!

Easy & Best Gift Every Year

2010-12-21T20:48:00.001-07:00

Lilly and I have been cranking out these corn packs and delivering them to friends and family all over the place. The following is a repeat post from a year ago: The pictures are current but the instructions are from Dec. 9, 2009.

It is 2 frigid-degrees out here which reminded me of one of my all time favorite things: the corn filled heat pack. I have sent these to many people; my sister and her girls, my mom, my son-in-law, who took it out to sea on a 4 month naval tour in the Middle East(the other sailors wanted it!), my niece and her room mate at the University of San Francisco (they said they are surprised their microwave hasn't exploded from non-stop use); some seriously ill friends, whom these gave non-stop comfort. This is, by far, the most used and appreciated gift I have given.
If you can make a pillow, you can make a corn filled heat pack. Use whatever fabric you desire or cut up an old sheet,towel or table cloth.I found the darling vintage-style Christmas fabric at JoAnn's for half price. Make whatever size you desire as long as it will fit in your microwave.I have often wished I could make a body-sized heat pack that I could lie on but I still haven't found a big enough microwave. Stitch right sides together and leave about a 1 inch hole to pour in the corn. Use a tight stitch or zigzag to hold the corn in better. Turn right side out.
Haul over a 10 or 50 lb bag of feed corn and load up your "pillow". I pay under 10 dollars for a 50 lb. bag and I manage to use it all. You can get 10 lbs for a couple of bucks and the ability to carry it yourself. Don't use your Orville Redenbacher corn kernels; they will pop all over the place and burn up your bag. Don't accidentally take home dried corn cobs like I once did; not comfy. Be sure you ask for FEED CORN.

When your bag is pretty full of corn, yet flexible, whip stitch the opening to close.Sometimes, I sprinkle in lavender flowers for aroma-therapy.
Put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. You will learn just how long you can leave it in the microwave, to the second, before it gets too hot. My corn heat packs stay warm most of the night; better than a water bottle, better than a rice-filled bag.
Put it on your ice-cold feet, rather than putting your ice-cold feet on your hubby! This is a necessity for cramps; along with chocolate, of course.
I have never done this because I love the warmth and haven't yet needed an ice pack, but, put the corn bag in the freezer for a re-usable ice pack; works like frozen peas but better because it doesn't thaw and drip all over you.
Make a few of these for gifts. I guarantee you will have thankful and warm recipients!

Such a look of concentration! If you want to be super-fancy, you can sew a muslin bag to put the corn in and the decorative fabric on the outside.

Pink Saturday~A Caroling We Go!

2010-12-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

It’s Pink Saturday once again! It is hosted by the dear Beverly at How Sweet the Sound Blog and is always a day of sweet pinkness.

Of course we normally feature anything pink, we have been given a bit of leeway by doing themes, if we’d like. Today’s theme is: Share your favorite holiday music.

My favorite music is the traditional Christian music celebrating Christ’s birth. These are the ones that I grew up singing in church and bring nostalgic tears when I hear them today.”

No thank you is what I say to newer jingles like: “Hey Santa” or “Please Come Home for Christmas”. I heard a ridiculous version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by the Muppets the other day. I can hardly stand it under normal circumstances! Please don’t hate me if it’s your favorite; that’s ok with me! “Everyone likes different things, it’s what makes the world go around”; that’s what my mother-in-law always says! This group of children is singing “ Silent Night”. This group holding hands around the Christmas Tree are singing “O Tannenbaum” and "“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. My daughter insists the kitty trio is singing “Away in a Manger”, yes, with an accordion.

“Go Tell it on the Mountain” “Little Drummer Boy”

“The First Noel” “We Three Kings…”

“Joy to the World, the Lord is Come…”

Teaching Daughter the Important Things

2010-12-16T21:53:00.001-07:00

Today is Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest and I’m at the party! I love seeing all the creative ways people use inexpensive or free items; I always leave the party with new projects I just have to try!

My best friend is spray paint. I buy several cans at a time of Heirloom White, Colonial Red and Harbor Blue at Home Depot.

Each one of my children has seen me blast away at my targets with a can of spray paint. My youngest Lily thought it looked like fun and, indeed it is! I know how important it is to teach our children the important things in life: a relationship with Jesus, respect, manners, kindness, healthy eating and exercise…..and what one can do with a can of spray paint.

It was 65 degrees in Denver (crazy warm for this time of year). At a time when normally I could not be outside due to freezing temps, I dragged out the table and Harbor Blue spray paint.

This little white secretary table was a cheap Craig’s List find; $20. It was in perfect condition but I’ve never seen a piece that couldn’t be re-painted needed or not!

Here Lily gets a start on the spraying. You really can’t mess up a shabby style.

It’s starting to show it’s new color. The knobs are fine but it would be fun to switch them up.

Guess who got the table? Lily loved how it turned out and I think she was proud of finishing it herself. She had her brother deliver it to her bedroom and set it up will all her girly things; mirror, make up, hair brush and curling irons... She loves it and I do too!

Boy Likes to Cook~Christmas Breakfast Casserole

2010-12-16T20:28:00.001-07:00

This is the very first time I have joined in on Foodie Friday. Oh, I have often visited and have gotten great ideas and inspiration, but never had something to share until now and it features one of my sons, Christian!

Original Recipe Yield 6 servings. I tweaked it for 10 servings because, at our house, we always aim to have leftovers!

My son’s notes about this recipe:” Be sure to whip the eggs good and frothy. This helps get the eggs fluffy and avoid sogginess. It puffs up like a souffle.”

Ingredients

11-1/2 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed
3-1/3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
10 eggs
5 cups milk
1-3/4 teaspoons ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

In a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish, combine the bread cubes and cheese. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper; pour over bread and cheese. Top with bacon. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Art by Goodwill

2010-12-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

Today I am linking up to the inspiring Thrifty Thursday party with Leigh at Bloggeritaville. Click on the button above to check out the great deals from all over the place!

Who would have thought in a million years that I would find wall art that I love at Goodwill?! Not, I-that’s for sure but this is exactly what I have found to be true. The other day I found these sweet framed bird prints. The cost was 2.99 each. The frames were brown-stored –in-a-pile –in –the- garage scratched up. This is never a problem. I ALWAYS paint my frames anyway. I chose this light blue color and shabbed them up a bit with sand paper.

But I loved the birds and the vibrant colors used by the artist. And who is this Jacob Bates Abbott? He has a beautiful style. As it turns out, he was a celebrated artist that is especially famous for his illustrations for the Audobon Society. Robins with their nests of blue eggs always warms my mother-of-five children’s soul. I also found this nostalgic small town Christmas scene for 1.99. I did the same treatment to the dated gold frame.

Love this country Christmas scene for 2.99. The frame was a shiny-bright gold-yikes! In 2 minutes it was Colonial Red by spray paint. At the moment it is propped up next to the red iron cat food dish for Emmett and Reeses’ viewing pleasure.

Don’t judge the look on his face!

Rednesday~Perfectly Imperfect

2010-12-14T18:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Rednesday! I am so happy to be in this event today. I haven’t had a speck of Rednesdsay-Worthy red for too long! Click on the button to visit Sue at It’s a Very Cherry World. You will see tons of red lusciousness!

A couple of weeks ago my family went to downtown Denver for the annual parade of lights. Lily and Christian had never been for due to a wimpy but true reason: I don’t want to sit in sub-zero weather with snow making us into a really life snow family. I did it when the 3 oldest children were little and never forgot how miserable it was. Yes, wimpy.

Unseasonably warm weather convinced me to take a chance and it wasn’t bad. The parade was jolly and sweet and we were comfortable. This post, though, is about the little girl in the red dress that I’d have never found had I stayed home.

We had time to walk around the shops on the 16th Street Mall where there is a darling independently owned shop that has a fun and fetching combination of old and new. She was on the clearance shelf because she is missing a chunk of her arm. She is chalkware which is highly collectable if perfect. I thought she was so sweet holding her dolly. She looks Christmas-y and caused me to feel nostalgic.

The shop had a another chalkware figurine in perfect condition for $68.00. I have never priced chalkware so I have no idea what it goes for normally.

I wouldn’t pay $68 for the perfect piece. But, I would pay 9.99 less 10% for this sweet broken girl. The funny thing is that I don’t mind the imperfection at all. I like her better this way. Really! And, she looks great on the side table with the aqua Christmas tree. I am enjoying every moment with her.

Do you have any chalkware?

Pink Saturday~Pink Metal Shoe

2010-12-10T22:01:00.001-07:00

This is Pink Saturday and it is special because we have been asked to state our favorite Christmas movie. I should say it is one of the classics like Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Beautiful Life. All are great and are a part of many families holiday traditions. But, do I ever like to laugh! Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase never fails to bring on the shrieks of laughter even when I know what is coming. Another favorite at the moment is Elf. My children and my teenage nieces can pretty much recite the the movie line by line and we laugh and laugh; great bonding and stress relief!

Today I am showing my pink, scrolly, metal shoe. I have this wood-framed box that kind of-sort-of acts like a cloche but upside down. At the moment I have my sparkly, yummy scented aroma beads and pearls and my shoe!

It seems a bit magical; fairy-tale like…Cinderella shoe with a sensible heel.

I am thinking I can dress the shoe up a bit, perhaps with some vintage jewels and ribbons.. another project is coming on!

Thank you for taking time to visit me this Pink Saturday. I know you are all really busy and it is so great to hear from you! Check out all the other Pink Saturday participants with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

2010-12-09T18:19:00.001-07:00

I am participating in the Friday Blog Hop; so fun to hop along and see new blogs. Click on the button to hop along with us!

Ugly Christmas Sweater events have become quite trendy in recent times. There are ugly Christmas sweater contests at places of employment, ugly Christmas sweater parties. There is even a web site dedicated solely to Ugly Sweaters: http://www.myuglychristmassweater.com. My daughter wanted to participate in Ugly Sweater Day at her school. We didn’t happen to have any so we made a trip to Goodwill figuring we could find all kinds for cheap. Apparently this fad caused crowds of sweater seekers because there were exactly none!

Lily found a green sweater and I found a fabric stuffed Santa head with a thick white beard. Lily broke out the glue gun and safety pins while Emmett our rescue cat jumped up on the counter to supervise. Emmett suggested that Lily reinforce the glue with an old fashioned safety pin.Lily thought it was pretty ugly; I think it’s kind of cute! Especially after looking at the examples below. I believe that is a miniature goat on the the woman’s lap-haha. Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater? Any competitions where you live?

White Wednesday Vintage Lace & Sparklies

2010-12-07T22:01:00.001-07:00

Hello this White Wednesday! Head on over to visit Kathleen at Faded Charm to see an especially breath-taking display of whites from Bloggers all over.

I have really been loving white lately; all shades of white! I have used aroma beads added with scented oil in containers around my house and for gifts. You can see a previous post on these fun little nuggets by clicking here.

To the aroma beads I added Creme Brule scented oil and it sure smells edible. I blinged it out by shaking gold glitter glass and dropping in some vintage pearls from the same strand wrapped around the neck of the bottle, The bottle was a Goodwill find for a buck. I have seen them for cheap at Hobby Lobby, as well. I dug into my stash of trim and decided on this off-white piece of vintage lace trim. The jewel hanging from the center of the bow is an old dangly earring I had.

I had so much fun and instant gratification because I put it together super-duper quickly. I put together another using other bits of lace and jewels. I can’t help but be reminded of what the Wisemen brought to the new baby Jesus. Beautiful fragrance and “Gold”.

Hope you are all having a beautiful week and an especially great White Wednesday!

Craft Swap and Blue Monday

2010-12-06T08:24:00.001-07:00

Such a beautiful day; the sun is shining in Colorado and that makes me smile!

Another reason to smile is that I am enjoying the treasures I received from Ashley in Craftaholics Anonymous’ gift exchange. I am also participating in Blue Monday since I have some new “blues” I can feature. Be sure to hop over to visit Sally for the Blue Monday party and Craftaholics Anonymous to see all the handmade crafts. You will be inspired to make some new things! Click on the buttons above to instantly transport to those sites!

Ashley sent this darling rag wreath ornament. Isn’t it just so cute? What she didn’t know is that light/ice/aqua/turquoise-y blue is my favorite color combination!

Look at these button embellishments.

Ashley also sent these matching cards and tag. I won’t want to use these because I like them so much! Ashley is a “Stampin’ Up” demonstrator. It sure would be fun to have access to all the cool ribbons, papers and other embellishments. You can check out Ashley’s site at www.allicreate.blogspot.com.

As a side note, Ashley lives on Oregon, my home state and attended a nearby high school which my high school played sports against-RIVALS. Talk about a small world, huh?

Welcome Liliana~What’s In a Name?

2010-11-17T10:33:00.001-07:00

I am participating in Welcome Wednesday for the first time!

Click on the welcome sign to head over there. Also, visit the 2 featured sites below!

I am absolutely ecstatic to be with my oldest daughter and her family for the birth of my second grandchild; Liliana. I am in San Diego and staying at the their house, holding down the fort and loving on my 2 year old grandson, Philip.

The hospital staff in charge of birth certificates came by and asked the new baby’s name. There were 5 new baby girls named Lily that day! Lily, Lilliana, Lillian, Liliana.

We think it might be le nom du jour. Like Brittany, Jessica, Emily, Tyler; you can pretty much guess how old they are by their names!

When my mother named me Cindy, 50 years ago she thought she was being very original. There are 7 Cindy’s that I know of on my block today!

Does your name plug you into an era?

Here is Philip meeting his sister for the first time. Such a beautiful baby girl!

Philip touches the new baby very gently.

And gives kisses.

Beautiful family; Mommy Danielle is very, VERY tired!

God Help the Person Who Gets Between a Mama Bear and Her Cub

2010-11-12T20:35:00.001-07:00

Ron and I were on our way up to the Health One medical office at 12207 Pecos. I had gotten a call from Adrian who was scalded with hot water at work and a manager was driving him there for treatment. I told him to hang tight and I would be right there. We got there pretty quickly but when we walked in, Adrian had already been taken back to the room.

Us: "We are here for Adrian can you please show us what room he is in?"

Office Worker: " No, you can't go back there".

Us: " Excuse Me?'

Office Worker " It's office policy. No family members are allowed back with the patient."

Us: "What? why?"

Office Worker: “ It’s for the protection of the patient. The patient’s safety is our first priority”.

Us: “ Oh come on, you are saying YOU are protecting our son from US?”

Right now my anxiety level was skyrocketing. From the minute my son was conceived I did everything in my power to protect, love and keep him safe. I wanted, needed to tell him we were there for him, to comfort him and let him know he was not alone.

Office Worker: “ He signed an agreement saying no family members would be allowed in the room.”

Us: “ Let’s see it.”

Officer worker hands us a treatment agreement with no signature.

Us: “This has no signature.” And then, trying to appeal to office worker’s sense of mothering; “ Please try to understand, how would you feel if your child was injured? Would you want to be there for him?”

Office Worker: “This isn’t about me, I am not in that position.”

Us, getting more desperate: “You didn’t answer the question!”

Office Worker: “ It is office policy for the protection of the patient.”

Us: “Our daughter, also a young adult, was in this office 2 years ago when she cut her hand at work. They let us go back with her.”

Office Worker: “That was different, she was bleeding.”

Us : “ So you have a policy that no family members are allowed back with their children, for the patient’s protection, except when they are bleeding?”

Then the doctor walked out to talk to us.

Doctor: “Do you have power of attorney to make decisions for him?’

Us: “ Well no” , he is a young adult. None of this had anything to do with us just wanting to see Adrian . I don’t think it is rare for a parent, or any family member to be with another when one has been injured. That is the human way. To be with and comfort your child is something that comes out in a fierce way, naturally; it can’t be can’t be helped nor would I want to stop these feelings. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone where nothing makes sense and people have crazy-distorted ideas but they treat you like YOU are the crazy one.

At that moment my mom called and I started crying and sobbing into the phone about what was going on here and how they wouldn’t let us see him. I said I was going to file a complaint. I said I need the number where I submit a complaint. I said I was really pissed off and upset about it; I couldn’t believe it!

Doctor: “You must not use foul language in this office building!”

Us : ”I/she have/has not used foul language!”

Doctor: “Some people would disagree with that statement”. Then he walked back to the treatment room.

Office Worker: “Adrian hasn’t asked for you”. (provocative statement)

Adrian knew we were on our way and he knew we would come to him when we got there.

By this time, I was so upset I could hardly breathe. Maybe by this time they started to become concerned about the commotion because Office Worker came out and said one of us could go back with Adrian!

We both went back and they didn’t argue about it. I think they wanted the ferocious sobbing mother out of the waiting room.

We enter a very large treatment room which debunked the possible explanation of a tiny treatment room where loving and concerned parents could be in the way.

Nurse : “ It is wrong for your son to see you crying”.

I started crying harder. It is my experience in life that when I am super mad and frustrated at a lack of mutual understanding with someone, I cry. I wish I didn’t. It is a rare event for me but that’s when I cry.

Nurse: “ Now you need to sign the consent for treatment papers, remember, the ones they said he already signed.”

Me: “Adrian, don’t sign those papers until you read over them carefully”.

Nurse: ‘ He is my patient, Adrian you need to listen to me, you are my patient not hers, You have to sign these papers.”

This is when I looked at her straight in the face and told her to shut up. Yep, I did and I am ok with it.

Nurse: “You will not speak to me like that!”

Me: “You people need to learn how to work with people, your “bedside manner” is shockingly horrendous.

You would think they would learn how to be sensitive to worried family’s needs. I know that is part of medical services training. So much of it was in their delivery. It was if they were reading a bad script, word for word, “It is office policy”. They were unfeeling, unsympathetic, unhelpful, condescending, power-hungry employees at Health One, 12207 Pecos St.

Nurse: “We have great bedside manners. “

So, Adrian is going to be OK. He has 2^nd degree burns on his hand and lower arm. The dressings need to changed every day. It is very painful right now. He is worried about missing work as he has rent and other bills to pay. Hopefully, worker’s comp insurance will help. Hmmmm, this was the medical clinic that is under contract to workers comp insurance. It’s starting to make sense …..

Is this typical behavior for workers comp cases? Have you had any experience with this kind of communistic behavior? Did they want to keep us away from Adrian in case we were to help him make up a story as to how the accident happened?

I feel, maybe, a tiny bit bad that I lost my cool and said I was pissed and told someone to shut up. But, no one and I mean no one can get between a mama bear and her cub. I will stand up to that person or thing anytime. When it comes to my children, that’s when I am strongest.

White Wednesday-Glittered Birds With Crowns

2010-11-09T20:03:00.001-07:00

Please click on the button to go see hostess Kathleen and her wonderful party. She is showing some fabulous faded and chippy architectural pieces. It is White Wednesday and the snow is falling in Colorado. It sure is pretty and makes me want to get all cozy with a book and some hot tea. Have you had snow yet this season?

I am showing some some pictures from a wedding our family attended. All the bouquets and centerpieces were made by the brides mother and grandmother. Every glittered and feathered bird was adored with it’s own jeweled crown. White feathers were prominent in the centerpiece displays. Luminous Mercury glass candle holders looked dazzling amongst the branches and birds. I can visualize a Christmas tree loaded with these sparkling birdies. I sense another project coming on!

The bridal bouquet is stuffed with white fabric rosettes, feathers and vintage jewelry sparkles.

Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy your travels through White Wednesday!

Blue Monday More Beachy-Theme

2010-11-07T20:45:00.001-07:00

It’s another Blue Monday; my favorite way to start the week. Click on the birdie button to attend the Blue Monday party hosted by Smiling Sally. You will see lots of great Blues and get some great Blue ideas.

My first picture for Blue Monday shows one of the reasons I had to take a blogging break. Lilly , 15 years old, dislocated her knee at Softball. She swung the bat really hard, her cleat stuck in the grass and her upper leg kept going. I still get the shivers when I think of how it happened and how hubby and I arrived at the field to see her surrounded by paramedics; an IV drip, an oxygen mask and, worse, the unmistakable incorrect placement of her kneecap, obvious even from a distance.

It didn’t get better;she still had excruciating pain. After doctor appointments, x rays, an MRI, and physical therapy, we learned from a wonderful doctor at Children’s Hospital that her meniscus was torn, there was several small fractures and a chunk of cartilage was floating where it shouldn’t be. The picture below shows Lilly looking good and ready for her surgery. Her dad and I are looking smart in our blue paper suits we had to wear into the operating room. The pictures post surgery are much sadder looking. Knee surgery, no matter how well done, really is painful.

The surgery went very well and she is recovering with a leg brace that keeps her leg straight while she walks.It’s a huge contraption she calls her “Bionic Leg”. We are all hopeful that she will recover well enough to play softball again next Spring.

Moving on to the blue in my home. I love the colors of the beach and sea and here is a display on my mantle of a very soft blue vase with floral stems that have sea shells attached. I have an empty white frame that showcases different things all the time. Right now there is a lace doily and a jar of blue, green and white sea glass.

Another blue vase holds some more green stems with seashells attached. Did you know it is easy to glue little shells to any stems or branches you may have. I stuck a few berry springs in as a way of bringing in some Fall color.

I have had this framed print of the little girl at the beach for about 17 years. I also have a little boy from the same series. They had the dated gold frames that had to go. I painted this one white and just need to get to the other. I always seem to run out of time, but, little by little, my projects get done.

You may notice the frame is a bit battered and scraped. That is OK! I am all about the weathered –shabby-beach cottage look. A bowl of luscious smelling flowers; gardenias(?) I believe. They don’t grow in Colorado. I found these at Pottery Barn on clearance for just a couple of dollars.

The other end of the mantle has more lacy doilies, beach glass, seashells and an ocean blue candle on the white and blue-washed candle stick.The framed picture is my Lilly at the beach in San Diego a year ago.

I sure appreciate that you stopped by. I hope you enjoy all the Blue Monday posts and I wish you a week full of joy!

Pink Saturday Fabric Rosettes, Feathers and Vintage Jewels

2010-11-05T19:54:00.001-06:00

Many pink greetings from someone who has been missing in action for 4 months! Life happened in various forms and I had to take a break from blogging. Nearly every event was written into a blog post in my head but that was a far as it got.

One of the potential posts was the gloriously beautiful wedding of my oldest daughters good friend from childhood. I literally gasped at the beauty of the handmade bouquets. Each rosette was crafted of satin, silk, lace or tulle. This is a picture of one of the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Delicate wisps of feather were tucked between the flowers. Pearl beads and vintage pieces of jewelry made each bouquet unique.

The bride’s bouquet was larger and elegant. Perfectly suited for the princess on her special day.

My daughter’s bouquet even looks amazing in her purse.

Have you ever seen anything so delicious? It makes me want to have another wedding just so I can have one of these for myself!

Even the bride’s hair piece was a bejeweled, feathered fabric rosette.

Each guest received a sweet “nest” candle holder. Mercury glass in shades of silver, gold , copper and pink cast perfect light at the dinner and reception. Jewel and glitter encrusted birds adorned every table.This one has a blue crown but others had pink crowns.

It was a most magical and dreamy occasion and I am so very happy for the couple and their future together.

Thanks for stopping by my little place in Blog Land. Go see the other magical pinks at Beverly’s How Sweet the Sound. This is the place to be on Pink Saturday!

Blue Monday Sea Blues

2010-10-31T22:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Blue Monday, November 1st! I am happy to be back and playing along. I took a good chunk of time off but have missed visiting you all! Blue Monday is always a fabulous way to start the week. Click on the picture of the bird to visit Smiling Sally, the hostess of this weekly event. You will see many other party-goers and it’ll be a grand time!

I do love the ocean and the tranquil colors of the sea. I have been incorporating the faded, sea and sun bleached colors into my home decor. Of all my decorating “phases”, I have loved this one the most. I feel the soothing, peace of the sea; even a spa-like feel with these soothing tones.

I always have jars and bowls of sea glass and shells. The blue sea glass is my favorite. A few months ago, I brought home another project from Goodwill. It was the old golden oak color that dominated the 90’s. There sure are a lot of these to be found and usually for 2.99.

My sweet Lilly, who has been feeling pretty blah due to knee surgery, needed a project. Out came the golden oak magazine holder, Aegian Blue paint by Martha Stewart, my jar of shells and sea glass and the glue gun. A pretty simple project but it sure helped update the holder and any magazine would be proud to call this “home”.

Notice the clothes pin. Lilly, such a free spirit, decided that a pin should be added to each side, : “for notes or pictures”.

Happy Blue Monday to you all. I hope you have a chance to stop by and say “hello”. It has been way too long :)

Drop Cloth Window Treatments

2010-10-30T22:30:00.001-06:00

I had been wanting to do these drop cloth window treatments that have been all over blog land.I wanted to do these because everyone said they are easy and inexpensive and that is language I understand.

I bought a 2 pack of drop cloths from Home Depot. They cost about $10 for the 2 of hem. They are huge! Since I am impatient, I could not face the job of ironing these so I didn’t. I folded about 2 feet of the cloth over the top. It was either that or let 2 feet of cloth pool in the floor in a high traffic area.

I am totally in to beach cottage decor so I brought out a bag of shells that I had on display in a bowl and a low-temp glue gun. My girls glued a border of shells all the way across the edge of the folded cloth.

This picture shows the ring clips I used to hang the curtains. These hang at our patio door with southern sun exposure. It works surprisingly well at cutting the brightness when needed. I imagine the picture quality would be better if I shot the pics at a different time of day.

The really cool thing is that the wrinkles have worked their way out by just hanging there. I sure am glad I didn’t waste time ironing!

Hope everyone has had a nice 4 months; that is how long it has been since I last blogged. I sure missed my blogger friends and am happy to be back. Sometimes a girl just needs to take a healthy break and focus on her family. I am excited to visit you all and get a fresh dose of inspiration.

Blessings to you!

Cindy

Blue Monday~Still Patriotic on the 5th

2010-07-04T22:46:00.001-06:00

Happy Blue Monday! Click on the Birdie to visit Smiling Sally and all the Blue Monday folks. It’s a great way to start the week.

I am liking this Monday because it is a holiday; a long weekend for the 4th of July. Since I am featuring decor for the holiday, Three cheers for the red, white and BLUE!

You can never have too many pillows. This is a quick way to jazz up the room for the celebration.

You can never have too many quilts and throws. Simple to throw around and easy to pack up again. My friend Connie has a family room that is ALL Americana; she leaves it out year round :) Placemats and potholders. A “Freedom” accent pillow, too.

A primitive wooden flag and a framed print for Independence Day.

The bottom corner shows a small blue star; well part of it.

Thanks for stopping by and if you have the day off tomorrow; have fun!

Happy Birthday US and Philip!

2010-07-04T22:19:00.001-06:00

My grandson was born two years ago on the 4th of July, He was 5 weeks early and his daddy was on a ship somewhere in the Middle East.

It was so beautiful that while Daddy was serving our country, his son was coming into the world in Colorado.

Our little cutie actually asked for a Mickey Mouse themed birthday party.

What cake doesn’t have finger- swiped-frosting?

Daddy happened to call Mommy at the few minutes before baby was born, so he got to be there; in a way.

Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday!

A Special Pink Saturday

2010-07-02T21:03:00.001-06:00

Please click on the pink lady to visit Beverly and all the Pink-Loving Bloggers for Pink Saturday!

Apparently, it has been a whole month since my last post. Too many things were going on during busy-June, but I missed you all and thought of you often! I wrote so many posts in my head, that is for sure! Trust me; the PINK is coming! My oldest daughter and her husband have a darling little boy that will turn 2 on July 4th. He is my first grandchild and the delight of my life. I had no idea that I would love being a grandma so much.

I was able to visit their dear family last week in San Diego. Here are a couple of pics of Philip on the shoulders of his Mommy and his Daddy. Way up high is the best way to see all the animals at the San Diego Zoo

Danielle and Tom are expecting another bundle of joy in November and they happened to have a doctor appointment with ultrasound on the last day of my visit.

They asked the ultrasound tech to put the sex of their baby in a sealed envelope and when they returned home, they handed the results to “Yours Truly”.

“Yours Truly”, AKA Moi, tried to show no emotion upon reading the results. I ran to my favorite children’s clothing store; Gymboree, and purchased some darling layette pieces in an obvious color. The clerk packed the obvious colored items in one of their cute polka dotted gift boxes with a big “?” sticker on the top.

Did I mention that it was also Danielle and Tom’s wedding anniversary? The expectant couple went out to a charming Moroccan restaurant to celebrate the day and to open the “?” box together.

SO, we will be decorating like this.

It sure is different how we plan for a baby these days. Nearly everyone I know finds out what baby is expected before it is born. I found out with my last 3 but ultrasound just wasn’t done routinely at the time I was expecting my first 2 babies.in fact, ultrasounds were ordered by the doctor only if there was a health concern for the mother or baby. Now, there are businesses specializing in 3-D and 4-D ultrasound photography packages.

It was exciting and wonderful to be surprised at birth and it was surprising and wonderful to find out half way through the pregnancies.

Did you find out early or wait until your baby’s birth for the great announcement?

PInk Saturday Crystal Wind Chimes

2010-06-04T19:36:00.001-06:00

Thank you for stopping by my little place for Pink Saturday. Beverly at How Sweet the Sound is the host of this fun event. Folks from all over show their pink treasures. I have been “at it” for nearly a year and it’s as fun now as it was then.

Fragile Indeed.

Lots of bubble wrap, tissue and peanuts.The individual crystal prisms were individually wrapped.

There was no “tearing in”, to this package. I had to practice patience while carefully cutting each piece free.

Yep, that is a pink crystal drop.

Here is a floral embellishment. How lovely! It reminds me of Italian Tole; perhaps it is. Does anyone know their Tole? If so, do tell me. It’s ok if it is not. I still love it!

My kitchen window has a southern exposure. It makes it easier to get going in the morning after the sleep walk to the kitchen for coffee, when colorful rainbows from the crystals are bouncing around the room. When I open the kitchen window, the wind chimes play their songs. A crystal wind chime wins over all the other wind chimes for it’s delicate and clear tones.

If you would like to see more crystal wind chimes, as well as other glorious creations, check out Sheri’s Crystal Designs. Sheri is one talented gal; she has the knack of putting pieces together that are swoon-worthy. There are stunning and luxurious on so many levels; colors, shapes, tones.

Have a great Pink Saturday and stay cool. Today, was the first day it was so warm, in Colorado, that we had to hook up the swamp cooler. Today was the first day my roses peeked at me, too.

Take the Plastic Off the Lampshade

2010-06-02T14:24:00.001-06:00

I have an ongoing obsession with beach colors; sands,shells,shabby whites, blues and greens.My daughter also needed a new lamp for her bedroom. She was using a floor lamp from Target but the light bulb globe –cover-thing broke off. All she had was a light bulb on a floor stand. Haha. I stopped into Marshall’s and found this luscious light aqua lamp and shade on clearance for 19.99. Not bad! The sticker on the shade says to remove the cover before use. I had a flashback to the 1970’s when I has in high school. I went home with a girlfriend after school. Her living room was very fancy Victorian with gilded accents, and velvets. That’s all I really remember, and I hadn’t thought about it again until now; 30 years later.

Every lamp shade was covered in plastic. Every piece of furniture was zipped in to these clear vinyl covers. Of course I don’t have a picture to show. Back then, one didn’t carry a digital camera or cell phone everywhere; they didn’t exist!

But I did find a picture of the best example I could come up with.

Did you or do you now know someone that has vinyl-encased furniture. Is the plastic wrap off your shades? I’m pretty sure there is a sub culture of furniture wrappers out there.

If it is wrapped up, it will stay nice forever but it’s not very cozy. Especially, on a hot, sweaty day.

Giveaway Winner~Simple Southern Happiness!

2010-05-28T23:07:00.001-06:00

Click on the buttons to go directly to the festivities!

The winner of my pink party favors for the 4th Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway AND in celebration of the 2nd anniversary of Pink Saturday is:

Simple Southern Happiness

The funny thing is…I searched the blog and couldn’t find the blog author’s name, so, please contact me with the info. and I will get a box of Pink Goodness off to you ASAP.

These events were so much fun. I am still trying to visit many of my new blogger friends and I promise to stop by soon.I appreciate the comments from each person who stopped by. It sure made for a fun time!

Be sure to stop by Twice Remembered Cottage and say “hi” to our hostess; Kim, and How Sweet The Sound, hostess; Beverly, for all of the festivities!!!

Shell Chic and Giveaway

2010-05-25T20:27:00.003-06:00

Helllllo!

Today I am linking up to Faded Charm Cottage for White Wednesday. My project has a lot of white; mostly white and at different points a long the way was all white.

You will want to check out all the whiteness. If it's your first visit to White Wednesday, prepare to be amazed!

There is something about white that soothes and calms, unless your little doggies are gnawin' on bones atop your vintage white chenille bedspread.

They are looking all innocent at the moment!

I am really into the shabby-coastal-cottage look. I have shells and sea glass; so far, just as bowl fillers.

A few weeks ago my children indulged me with a trip to the flea market after church. They really don’t enjoy thrift stores or flea markets but they were kind enough to tag a long. I found this wood doll house for $15. It was the ugliest, stomach churning crackle-brown finish stamped with mustard yellow country stars. It was soooo ugly that I didn’t even take a picture; I should have, but I immediately sprayed it with the famous Heirloom White to ease my nausea. It was all white for a couple of days until I glazed the roof with ocean blue.

I had no business starting this project tonight with so many other pressing needs; like dirty dishes, dusty furniture, weeds to pull-you get the idea. But sometimes you just have to do it and when you do, you end up feeling so much better. You’ve got to be creative to survive!

Grabbed my glue gun and bag of Goodwill shells. I used low temp glue sticks and attacked the roof with shells. I tried to apply the shells somewhat equally. If I put a shell in the upper left corner, I put the same on the upper right.
I remembered my collection of shells in the glass jar with the candle and dug into those, too. By the way, low temp glue bonds the shells to the wood super fast. Once you squirt a little glue on the shell and place it where you want it, it is there to stay in 1 second. I kept adding more shells and sea glass. It worked to place the larger shells and fill in the gaps with the smaller shells and sea glass. This was a lot of fun, easy and super fast. I think it looks best with all the spaces filled, so, I will be adding even more shells and sea glass in the tiny places.

Now, I am looking at picture frames, trays, plates; whatever I can use to create my shell chic decor.

Click here to get the details of my combination Pink Saturday/4th Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway. The 3 stamped bracelets are just a part of the loot!

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday Debut & Giveaway

2010-05-24T22:23:00.001-06:00

I am soooo happy to be joining Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm. This is my first time, but, it is a perfect party for me. I am constantly on the look out for great deals. There is nothing like the thrill of the hunt and when you score, there is nothing like it!

Just yesterday I stopped into my favorite Goodwill store and found this set of 3 hand painted vases for only 2.99! The cottage-y designs and pretty colors are just my style. Somebody didn’t like them as they had never been taken out of the sealed box until I got them home. That works for me! The doilies underneath were a quarter for both at the neighborhood garage sale. At the same Goodwill, I found several cottage style framed prints. I am wondering if the same person donated the vases and each of the pictures! I liked them all! They all had the dated gold-ish or light oak frames. In record time, I whip out my white paint and slap it on. It’s ok if it gets on the glass; it comes off pretty easily with a teflon scrubbing sponge and a knife to scrape around the edges. I used to tape off the glass and be all careful but, now, I like fast and easy shortcuts. I always have some sandpaper handy to rough and shab up the frames. Just buff along the edges until you get the look you want.

Here is another print I got at the same time. Istill need to clean up the glass a bit. I have loved pansies since I was a child and my great grandmother showed me their sweet “faces”. Of course the frame has the gold-ish finish. Bt tomorrow it will look shabby-cottage fabulous. All the pictures were a total of $6. Not too bad, huh?

I am having a giveaway! Here is a preview of the goodies to be won. Click on the picture of the paper roses to see the rest :) (Lot’s of pink cottage goodness!

Blue Monday~May 24th~Give Away!

2010-05-23T20:21:00.001-06:00

Smiling Sally is a darling lady who hosts the weekly Blue Monday event. Click on the Blue Monday button to fly over to Sally’s site to see a list of Blue Monday party-goers.

Don’t you just love blue? All my life I have adored blue; baby, sky, delft, navy, marine, and lately a “shabbed up” aqua or turquoise. These tin birdies are may latest shabby blue addition. They stand tall together in their home atop the piano. I think they’d be happier if someone actually sat down to the piano to play!

They sure are a sweet couple! My youngest daughter and I sampled this cake at a smart little gift store and decided we had to bring home the mix to treat the rest of the family. Luckily, all 5 kids love coconut. Over the years I have met a number of kids and adults that don’t like coconut at all! Hard for us to imagine!

An Estate sale in my neighborhood is where I found this soft, sky blue Damask table cloth and napkin set. It is vintage, I don’t know how old, but it was in a box that looked like it was a style in the 60’s. It was never used and I thought $4 was a steal. I love finding bargains!

I am having a little giveaway! Click here to see all the party favors.

Here is a preview:

And there is more :)

All you have to do is leave a comment on any of my posts this week. You get 1 chance per comment. If you decide to follow, I would be delighted and you get 2 more chances.

I wish you a happy Blue Monday and a wonderful week!

Pink Saturday Party Favors!

2010-05-21T22:45:00.003-06:00

I am linking up to the 4th Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway at Twice Remembered. This is the most exciting event; fun and prizes from so many Bloggers. Check it out!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Pink Saturday! I am delighted to be part of the festivities. Pink Saturday is always fun but today is birthday special! You will not want to miss this occasion so click on over to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound and share in all the Pink Saturday birthday- goodness.

I intended to have a 100th post giveaway but the time got away from me. SO, I have pink party favors for the birthday party.

If you’d like a chance to win the box of party favors; just leave a comment. You don’t have to follow but if you do or already are, let me know and I’ll throw your name in the pot 2 more times. I’ll ask one of my daughters to draw the name of the winner in time for Pink Saturday next week.

First of all a lovely bouquet of pink roses. They look so real but are actually made of delicate paper! Faith, Hope and Love; 3 stamped bracelets. Of course they will arrive in pink organza bags. You can wear 1 at a time or all three…

A pink creamer with delicate rose blossoms, (they remind me of moss roses) and polka dots.

A Rose Quartz Rocklet; handcrafted soap that looks like it just came out of the mine. It is claimed that the soap is infused with healthy and beneficial minerals. My home made bath salts with rose petals and lavender. This is also nice as a sachet.

I had Kewpie dolls when I was growing up. I still think they are adorable and when I saw this book, it brought back some sweet memories. Did you have a Kewpie doll? The Kewpie Primer was used for learning basics such as reading and counting. It is chock full of “pink” Kewpies.

I would like to introduce a new-to-me blogger: Lynn at TeaCup Stitches. She has a great style and I adore her pinks today. I will be on the lookout for her darling pink wall pocket; it is so cool and I have never seen one before. Lynn is also having a Give Away so stop on by and say “hello”.

Blessings to you on this beautiful Pink Saturday!!!

Spring Floral Bath Salts

2010-05-07T22:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and happy Pink Saturday! I am linking up with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for the weekly Pink Saturday event. Stop on over to see Beverly and all the other pinkies.

This week I decided to make luxurious Bath Salts for Mother’s Day gifts. I had all the ingredients on hand. I had chunky sea salt, red and pink rose petals and lavender buds. I, also, had some pink/red liquid dye. (this stuff is potent, use only the tiniest drop). I also had Spring Floral scented oil. There are lots of supply sites online. I like San Francisco Herb.

In a glass bowl I dumped the sea salts and added the dot of liquid dye, then mixed thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the white salt turned pink.

I poured about a teaspoon of the scented oil and mixed it in, as well.

After that, I dumped in random amounts of red rose petals, pink rose petals and lavender. That’s it! Done!

I poured the entire amount into my apothecary jar. I plan to put some in some smaller gift jars, and little organza bags to give as gifts on Sunday. I need to make some more to keep in the jar in the bathroom.

I am giving a shout out this week to Bella at Bella’s Rose Cottage. She has the prettiest blog and wait til you see what she has done with her pinks; gorgeous! She sure has great flair for beauty!

Toile-Can You Have Too Much?

2010-04-30T13:08:00.002-06:00

I am linked up today with Cindy at My Romantic Home, for Show and Tell Friday. Stop by to visit Cindy and the many others who are showing and telling about some really great things in their homes!

I love toile. Always have and I always will! I have red toile sheers. I have pink and white toile pillow. I have a blue and yellowish toile loveseat. Actually I have 2 matching blue and yellow toile loveseats. I have a black toile pillow.

I have a red and yellow toile seat cushion on my old wicker chair.I have a swatch of Waverly toile that is a discontinued pattern; gonna make another pillow out of it.

I already made this pillow cover from another Waverly toile pattern from another discontinued pattern. I still need to stuff it!

Sue, from Collectin Texas Blogspot, didn’t even know how much I love toile when she sent me this gorgeous purse in my Bunny Swap package.How cool is that?

And, now I am being tortured by this Ethan Allen sage green toile chair and ottoman , in my favorite cottage style design. It is posted on Craig’s List for 250.00 and was originally almost 2,000. (seller has the original paperwork to prove it). So, do I have enough? Is it too much, as in overkill? I can’t stop thinking about it!

Red and White

2010-04-27T22:17:00.002-06:00

Today is a banner day for me as I am attending 2 parties at the same time! I am linking with Kathleen at Cottage Charm, for White Wednesday. And, also, with Sue at It’s a Very Cherry World for Rednesday.

Be sure to stop by both to visit people who love red and people who love white!

Welcome! Yes, that is what my red, cast iron sign says.

Here are a couple of large molded plastic rose bangle bracelets. They are fun, for sure!

My heavy garden kitty is white.All white, even his eyes!

Here is my red mantel clock. The wall behind it is white and green. I am playing around with different colors of paint, so the paint job is still partly done. I’m embarrassed that I have, probably, 5 or 6 or 7 partially painted walls. I will try a new paint color on part of a wall and then not get back to it for a loooooong time. Some people take a couple of days to test out paint colors and how they look on their walls, morning, noon, twilight and after dark. I have been known to take several seasons to decide, because I ambitiously start and then have no time to complete the task. Here is my set of red Costco candlesticks. I have this old window with chipping white paint hanging on my wall. It seems pretty dull, like it could use some dressing up.

I have white shells all over the place and sea glass in all different colors, including white. Where’s my glue gun? I think I’m going to decorate the window frame with shells and sea glass. That would be a fun project for tomorrow. Or, perhaps, I should finish painting some walls?!

Blue Monday Ceramic Spring

2010-04-25T21:16:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday and it is a blue one! Smiling Sally hosts this weekly event where participants add their links to show the “blues” they are contributing to the party. Click on the picture of the bird above to view the complete list. It’s a lot of fun!

I am showing this little bird couple in blue crackle finish. They are so sweet together :)

You can see their light blue color much better in this picture. I had to use the flash as it’s a rainy day and I can’t get good natural light, even by the window.

And here is my ceramic rain boot planter in soft blue. I had been seeing these boot planters around at different places; all different colors but I decided to buy when I found this color. I hope to plant some trailing petunias in this boot; some pink or red would be pretty. The annuals should start showing up in the stores and nurseries by Mother’s Day.

This last blue I am showing is this hand painted spoon rest from Poland. Polish dishes have a lot of blue paint used on them. It is a deep cobalt blue; very rich. I have some other pieces of Polish pottery; all with blue and lots of brown. I like how this piece has green and a bit of yellow; works better with the springier pattern.

I wish you all a happy Blue Monday and a happier week ahead!

Thrifty Thursday~Estate Sale Finds

2010-04-21T22:02:00.002-06:00

Yay! I finally found some thrifty goodies, after a dry spell, so I can play along at the Thrifty Thursday at Bloggaritaville party. Click on the picture above to transport over to the list of party-goers. It is a fun event; that is guaranteed!

There were signs up in our neighborhood pointing me to an Estate Sale. I dropped in on the second day and it was still pretty busy. I found it to be kind of odd, in a way. First of all, we live in a neighborhood that is not very old, so I wondered “what could they have?"”.

The sale was extremely well laid out and organized. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in every room of the house was for sale. The kitchen cupboards were open with boxes of crackers, cans of soup, automatic dishwasher tablets and common medicines, like Tums. I found that to be kind of creepy; maybe it’s just me, but, how old are those crackers? Are those Tums expired?

There were some very nice things, too. I grabbed this heavy multi- heart muffin pan for only $2. It has never been used. I googled the John Wright Cast Iron CO and this is what I learned:

The original Wrightsville Hardware Company was founded in 1880 near our present location in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. Along with our foundries, we have a retail store and outlet in a converted turn-of-the-century warehouse on the bank of the lovely Susquehanna River. If you are ever in the neighborhood, be sure to stop in – you can even enjoy a delightful breakfast or lunch in our Riverside Restaurant!

John Wright remains America’s oldest continuously operating manufacturer of cast iron products!!

John Wright has all types of specialty muffin pans. Their are flowers, pineapples, alphabet letters, corn cobs and a ton of others. Have you seen these muffin pans? Do you have any and do you use them?

Here is my other purchase: a cotton Damask tablecloth and napkin set in a dreamy soft blue.The table cloth is 62 X 104, which will be perfect for my dining room table. This set has never been used.

The tablecloth picture is in “just unfolded after 30+ years”- shape. I will try to post a picture of it after I wash and press it and set it on the table, which I am excited to do.

All in all, it was worth the stop and I only had to go 3 blocks away.

Good Bye Faithful Buddy

2010-04-21T09:11:00.001-06:00

The last couple of days have been painful for us. Our lab/mix Homer, has been failing. After a late night at 2 different animal hospitals, we were forced to accept that nothing can be done. Homer has thyroid disease, tumors, a shrunken heart, fluid in his chest, diabetes and is ketotic (sp). Homer’s best friend, Coney, has been glued to Homer’s side. We have been told that it is a good idea to allow Homer’s best friend to see that Homer has passed, so that Coney can process the event in his “doggy” way. Otherwise, Coney will continue to look for him. Christian gathered Homer’s favorite toys around him. He gave Homer his “Best Friend” necklace.

And, made a nest on the floor so he could sleep next to his buddy all night.

We have cried and cried. This is something we have never had to do and our hearts are totally broken. In a couple of hours, our 4 children, Coney, DH and I will surround Homer with love and he will be released from pain.

Blue Monday~Music Stand

2010-04-18T19:59:00.002-06:00

Happy Blue Monday Everybody! For all of you who love the color blue,( Is there anyone who doesn’t?) Smiling Sally has a weekly event where the party-goers post their blues and hop to each blog visiting the others. Click on the picture of the bird to get to the party.

I found this music stand at a little shop for 44.00. It is an older piece and was originally a dark color. I thought it was an interesting piece with 3 different shelves, a drawer and a lip on the lid to hold your music up. The lid can also lie flat. I grabbed my can of aqua spray paint and went crazy spraying. After letting the paint set for a bit, I took some rough 60 grade sand paper and rub off some of the paint on the edges. This was a quick and slick transformation and I really like how it turned out. I just put one of my books on the stand because I do not play any music. I guess I could put some old music books on the stand anyway; now I have to look for some! This view shows how the lid props up. Here is a picture I’ve had since my children were little. It had the dated gold frame which I just painted a crisp white and distressed slightly. That helped freshen up the style but now I see a shiny gold trim under the glass framing the picture.(Ugh). There is a good bit of blue in this picture. Thanks for stopping by; I sure love having the company and I will be visiting as many of you as I can as well. Have a wonderfully happy and joyful week!

Pink Saturday~Jewelry and Tea Party

2010-04-16T20:27:00.007-06:00

Happy Pink Saturday to all you Pink Ladies! Stop over to visit dear Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to visit all the Pink treasures.

I don’t know what bird these feathers come from. Maybe they don’t have this bird in Colorado! Ha! Very sassy! Feather jewelry is pretty trendy out here, especially peacock feathers. I have noticed that Colorado is a bit behind in fashion trends. Styles on the east and west coasts take a bit longer to travel cross country, across the prairie and over the Rocky Mountains. Now, don’t anybody get mad at me for saying that. I am speaking only what I have observed and only in generalizations. Colorado has a lot of beautiful and trendy people. My family in Oregon says that feather jewelry is so 2008. My girls and their friends out here have just discovered the feather jewelry and are having a lot of fun with it!

How about these spring/summer colors with sparkly bling? Great bracelet for fun. I have some classic pieces that I wear most the time, but it is fun to buy trendy pieces that liven your life for not too much money

This is a miniature tea set. I so loved playing tea party as a child with our miniature dishes. I was always the hostess and got to serve my sister and our dolls.

My sweet little Easter Bunny grandson. It’s always fun when toddlers keep their cute hats on. Most of my kids would tear them off before I could even get a picture! And here is some sweet children drinking tea.

Today I am giving a shout out to Gwen at Gwenny's Place. Gwenny is a new friend in blogger land and is a Christian Biker Chick. She is sweet and funny; you are guaranteed a laugh by stopping by!

Pink Saturday~Pink Roses

2010-04-09T21:24:00.001-06:00

Greeting to those who have an affinity for pink! There are a lot of us and you can see them all by visiting Beverly at How Sweet the Sound Blog for the Pink Saturday event.

I am happy to be back. I took last week off to be with my family for Spring Break. :)

Last week I found these vintage looking PINK roses with French words painted on shabby painted wood planks. NO! They are canvas and they looked so real, they totally tricked me. They were 14.95 each; more than I normally pay, since I’m a thrifting maniac, but they made me smile and I love the colors and design, so I splurged. These were my Spring Break consolation prize to myself since we didn’t go anywhere this year.

They are in the front room near a pink toile pillow.

And near my vintage hankie with my favorite pinks, reds and blues.

Thanks for stopping by today, I love when you are able to visit. I wish you a happy Pink Saturday and a happier Pink Weekend!

Bunny Swap Reveal & Friday Follow

2010-04-07T22:04:00.004-06:00

I am linking up to the waaay coool Friday Follow Party for the first time. It's new to me so I'll let you know how it goes. Basically, I expect to meet a bunch of new blogger friends. I just love meeting new sweeties in Blog Land, don't you? There are a whole lotta neat people out there who inspire me everyday.

This was crazy-fun. It was , also, the first swap that I’ve participated in. It was the Bunny Swap hosted by Miz Mollye! You can hop on over for a full list of partiers. This swap was a great time and Miz Mollye says she’s doing another swap and will give details on April 12. Those of us who wanted to participate signed up and were matched with a blogger who also signed up. My partner was the wonderful Sue from Collectin Texas Gal Blogspot.

I could hardly wait for my Bunny Swap box to arrive in the mail! I think the reason I was extra-excited was the fact that the treasures contained within would definitely be a surprise. My hubby and kids get me presents for special occasions, their gifts are always perfect and I , almost always guess what I’m getting. Since I didn’t know Sue before the swap, I was intrigued by the idea of a true surprise. What would this dear lady from Texas put in a Bunny Swap package?

The entire street on which we live must have heard me squeal; “ My Bunny Swap box is here!!!”. I couldn’t wait to tear into it.

The first peek into the box made me giddy. Doesn’t it look like a fun party going on in there?

Look at this sweet heart with a perfect saying.The purple flowers are so pretty.

An oval frame made of complimentary fabric, nested in a matching fabric box. I could add my own picture but I am enjoying the Victorian photo for now. Tea in a Talavera box! What a sweet little tea packet holder! How I love Talavera tiles. I fell deeply in “want” for Talavera tile everything, after a vacation to Puerto Vallarta a couple of years ago.

Each side of the box is painted a different flower design-love that!

Oops, I need a better picture of this little bunny that is hiding in the background. Sue just knew I was a Collectin Gal from Colorado. This little bunny holder is old and a true treasure. It has a “Japan” sticker on the bottom.

Delicate hankies from Paris, ooh la la! How did she know that I am obsessed with antique and vintage hankies?! These cute little bunny and egg confetti shapes sprinkled out along with the goodies.

Are you kidding me?! The hits just keep coming :) I am a collector of purses and swoon for any toile I can get my hands on. A purse MADE with a toile fabric? Hold me up! To make the design more spectacular, the purse is decked out in a chain and jewels.

So how about that? Someone I just met through blogging and the Bunny Swap, chose items that someone who has known me for a long time, could have chosen. How totally cool is that?

Thank you, Sue, for putting together a perfect box for me. I have been delighting in the treasures daily since they arrived. Many blessings to you my new friend!

Reeses, Finally!

2010-03-28T17:31:00.001-06:00

I found this really beautiful calico cat through Lucky Paws Cat Rescue. I had been looking for another rescue cat because of Emmett, our other rescue cat. Emmett is the best cat anyone could ever hope for and I imagined a companion for him. I imagined the 2 cats snuggling together, chasing around and wrestling each other, posing in a sunny window together.

So we brought this pretty 3 year old kitty home. The kitty, who 10 minutes earlier was cuddling and purrring loudly in our arms, shot away from us the second we put her down in our home. We didn’t see her for 3 days. We had search parties with all our kids and their friends. We scoured every nook and cranny; it was if she evaporated into thin air. I thought , maybe ,she got out of the house and was on a journey back to her previous family, because she missed them that much. Her previous family adopted her as a kitten and when they had their own baby 3 years later, they lost interest in her. How sad is that? Worse, I was afraid she was going to die in our house and how would we deal with that tragic event? How would we explain that we rescued a cat to have her die in our home?

I guess hunger eventually causes the most timid to surface. She has been showing up once in awhile for some lovins and kibble. She hisses at poor Emmett who really doesn’t understand why the lady cat doesn’t find him as charming as we do. I guess we’ll just keep doing what we are doing and hope that she will grow to love us and be comfortable and cozy in her new home.

She looks so serious, doesn’t she? I hope she smiles soon.

Pink Saturday~ Pink Easter

2010-03-26T21:00:00.001-06:00

It’s another Pink Saturday and, since Spring Break starts today, of course it is snowing in Denver. We are practically guaranteed a huge snow storm as soon as Spring Break begins. It has become a tradition! Spring has always been my favorite season of colors: all variations of pink,yellows, soft greens and blues.

Here are some sweet ceramic birdies. The large one in front is the softest pink, ever.

Have you seen these Easter egg wreaths all over the place? The eggs look like decorated chocolate.

Some folks collect Jim Shore. These Easter figures I found in a little shop sure are cute. I like the way the bunnies create the handle of the basket. This is my large chick busting out it’s pink and white polka-dotted shell. The chick looks kind of puzzled as if asking “where am I?”

Now, a shout out to my new friend Mary at Vintage Comfort. She has a really sweet blog with a good message. She also makes the cutest crocheted Easter bunnies and Easter eggs. Wont you stop by and say “hello”.

Stop by Beverly’s blog too for a link party listing of the sweetest pinks and their owners. There sure are a lot of pink lovers out there! Have fun :)

Giveaway at Faithfullness Farm

2010-03-25T23:21:00.003-06:00

There is a sweet giveaway going on that you really need to check out. Click on the picture to visit an awesome lady who writes about, well, awesome things. She is at Faithfulness Farm and has just made her 100th post.

Thrifty Thursday~Hobby Lobby Frenzy

2010-03-24T20:50:00.002-06:00

I love when Hobby Lobby has their 90% off clearance sale. I have managed to hit it a couple of times this year and always have to be careful and not go extreme-crazy shopping. They had a ton of candle sticks and gold-ish decorator pieces. Here is sampling of the goods that I set all over the table when I got home.

Check out all these killer prices. It’s pretty cool to spend 2.50 instead of 25.00 and 4.00 instead of 40.00.

The crown was sitting by itself without a price. When I went through the check out, the cashier said the glass candle holder that the crown perches upon, came through and was sold earlier, so I could have the crown for $2.

I lined everything up on my work table outside and rapid-fire blasted them with Heirloom White spray paint. The next day, when the snow had melted, I blasted them a second time. I always miss spots, nooks and crannies on the first go around.

They were hauled into the dining room before the snow came back with a vengeance. The thing about Denver is that it can snow like mad one day and the following day the sun comes out and melts it all away with 60+ degree weather. Good thing because I am regularly painting something in the back yard.

I like to decorate with white so much more than the antiqued-gold-ish finish. I may shabby these up with some sand paper and antiquing glaze. Can’t wait to work these into a vignette but I don’t have a plan, yet. Sometimes it just comes together when I start playing around with the pieces.

All in all, I spent about 22.00 including the can of spray paint. For great inspiration, you really need to go over to Bloggaritaville for a list of participants that are showing their Thrifty Thursday treasures.

Blue Monday With Rainn Wilson

2010-03-21T22:11:00.002-06:00

After taking a Blue Monday off last week, I am back and I sure missed this party! I am always thankful to our dear hostess Sally over at Smiling Sally’s Blogspot. Be sure to skip on over for a great way to start the week, by visiting all the sweet Blue Monday guests.

I was scrounging around the house for something blue when my gazed halted on this book on my bookshelf. The series of books about the NO. 1 Ladies Detective Agency are lovely stories centered around Precious Ramotswe and her detective business in the country of Botswana. I have read all the books of this series by Alexander McCall Smith. The stories are amusing, mysterious and full of the culture in this lovely country.

I can’t recall an event in my life where blue shoes brought me happiness but boy did I want a pair of patent leather Go-Go boots when I was in the 4th grade. I didn’t care if they were white, black or brown. At the time, though, I knew a pair would surely bring me happiness!

A couple of weeks ago, I painted this bird cage and shutter aqua. I knew the cage needed some jazzing up and it is now home to a white cast iron bird and a pot of flowers. I think I will be changing it up with other items, fairly often.

Yes, I am star struck and living it through my niece, Claire. Claire is a freshman at the University of San Francisco and took a trip to L.A with some friends. She saw Dwight Shrute, I mean Rainn Wilson from The Office, exiting a Starbucks. Claire has not a shy bone in her body and asked for a pic, which he gladly obliged. The office is one of my favorite shows. Every character is so clearly defined and every character is someone I could have worked with at some point over the years. I can always count on laughing like crazy and cringing like crazy, too, every episode.

And, yes both of their shirts are blue! What about you? Have you ever “run into” a celebrity???

Lassie, Fiber-fill and Burlap Bags-SNS

2010-03-19T23:08:00.003-06:00

This is the first time participating in Saturday Nite Specials hosted by Donna of Funky Junk Interiors. This is a fun party to be at for the weekend!

This is a giant 32oz bag of fiberfil, from JoAnn’s, that I keep on hand so I can sew up some pillows and stuff them whenever time lets me. I don’t store it in this frantic mess. It is the scene I came home to.

My 13 year old little dog is named Lassie. She is not a collie; if she was, she wouldn’t be named Lassie, because our family is quirky that way.

Lassie loves her rawhide bones, (and granola bars) and works very hard to find the best hiding places. They are found in the dirty clothes hamper, the clean clothes folded on the bed, under our bed pillow, under the couch cushion, and now this! I thought about leaving it in the fluff as a prize, like the King Cake at Mardi Gras time: whoever gets the baby in their piece of cake wins. Over on my bed, Lassie kept her eye on me from her comfy spot on the burlap coffee bean bag. I went to Daz Bog’s coffee for a bold, eye-spinning French roast java and saw all these giant burlap bags.They were on the shelves as back drops for displays. Even before the caffeine hit my brain, I was falling in love with the bags that have all different colors in their designs. I’m picturing pillows and shopping totes, without having to apply the design by paint, stencil or iron-on.

Check out this stack of bags and guess how much they cost??? Not a dime :) They said they usually just toss them because they get so many.

Love these colors! This one is from the Santa Felish Estate. I’m not sure where that is so ‘I’ll have to Google it.

Remember the chaotic pile of fluffy fiber-fil? It’s all inside now. (is the bone?)

These make some seriously gigantic floor or accent pillows. The next ones will be cut into thirds and halves.

Emmett thinks this is a new scratching post that I made just for him!

Do you have any coffee roasters in your area? If you do, you may want to check out their bags for no cost yet totally in-style burlap.

White Wednesday-Green Pressure

2010-03-17T09:39:00.002-06:00

It’s White Wednesday! While everyone is focused on green, I am focused on white! Visit Kathleen at Faded Charm for a great list of white enthusiasts. I am late to post even though it has been on my mind; I haven’t had a moment to spare until now. My whites have a theme. I have a cat, lambs and bunnies; all my favorites. Some people collect pigs, dogs or roosters and I like all of those but it seems I always have cats, lambs and bunnies. The cat above is is a big girl and weighs a ton. I may end up putting her outside to keep watch and enjoy some fresh air. I know she won’t blow away in the strong winds we sometimes get in the Spring.

Here is my sweet little lamb. He is a gentle soul and just lays around. These silly bunnies are sharing a secret. I’d better keep an eye on them.

Lamby’s head shot. Pure white rabbit and pure white vases are so fresh and they can be adorned with any color to suit the season.

OK, I surrender to the green! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from me and the green cat!

Monday Thrifty Treasures!

2010-03-14T20:40:00.001-06:00

I was totally shocked and surprised to see that Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is again hosting Thrifty Treasure parties on Mondays. I didn’t think it would come back and I was sorry about that. When I entered this world of blogging, Rhoda’s Meme was the first one I participated in and it quickly became a favorite. I still am a thrifting maniac so I am excited to be back and I am excited that Rhoda’s party is back! Thanks, Rhoda, for making my day!

The vase below was found at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It is a sweet and spring-vase and is a Laura Ashley design. I don’t know anything about it, how old it is, what collection it is from. It was really dirty, like some flowers rotted inside and then the vase was stored away without being cleaned. It cleaned up quite nicely, thank goodness! For 3.00, it was a pretty good deal.

I found 3 pillows at the Goodwill near my home. I love the shabby flower design and the faded colors. Normally, I don’t boy things like, well, pillows because I am afraid of what could be lurking inside. These, however, were pristine and the fabric is top quality. I sniffed them really hard. Other shoppers steered clear of the crazy lady holding pillows in front of her face, sniffing and turning them every direction. Crazy Lady paid $2 each.

I found this tulip print at the same Goodwill. It was still covered in plastic and attached to the cardboard backing that keeps it from bending. The black frame is one I already had. The print was $1.99.

So, I did pretty well. 10.99 for some sweet pieces that I really like and will put to good use.

Thanks for stopping by and go visit Rhoda for a complete list of participants in Monday’s Thrifty Treasures~ Wooohoooooo!

The Best Signs Ever~Give Away

2010-03-14T19:08:00.001-06:00

This really is so beautiful. Paula over at Castle and Cottage Signs is having a give away for this “Bella Cottage” sign. I have never seen such beautiful signs; she really is the best! Hurry over and check out the giveaway details. I hope I win ;)

Click on either picture to go to the contest page.

Pink Bunny Saturday

2010-03-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

It’s another Pink Saturday. This event is hosted by Beverly from How Sweet the Sound, and is always a sweet pink time! Be sure to stop by!

Here is Mrs. Rabbit gathering some Easter Eggs and adding flowers to the giant pink cart.

Spring time always makes me happy with the promise of new life. New flowers, bunnies and chicks and colored eggs.

Shabby Aqua Bird Cage

2010-03-11T19:32:00.001-07:00

Blue Monday, I showed the aqua bird cage and shutter I painted. The cage needed a little jazzing up. So far, it has received a pot of flowers and a cast iron birdie.

I sure am liking this Aqua spray paint from Home Depot. For $3 and some change, 1 can of spray paint gets a lot done and really fast, too!

White Wednesday~Finding Sea Shells

2010-03-09T21:25:00.001-07:00

I love white. I love White Wednesday! Over at Faded Charm, there is such an array of white wonder; I drool over everything. Kathleen, who is the the great host of this party, is showcasing some beautiful, shabby, old windows, that you really need to see!

For my White Wednesday, I am showing the white iron chandelier that hangs over my dining room table. Crystals sparkle like diamonds and throw rainbows around the room when the sun shines through them, just right.

My heart is at the beach and, since I am now living in land-locked Colorado, I have bowls of white shells that sit here and there to bring me cheer.

Finding Seashells ~Author Unknown

Come walk with me
Along the sea
Where dusk sits on the land
And search with me
For shells are free,
And treasures hide in sand.

A sun-bleached starfish stretches out in and on a white frame on the wall.

A sand dollar and his other white shell friends mingle with the sea glass.

Blue Monday~Aqua!

2010-03-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

Thank you Sweet Smiling Sally for hosting the great Blue Monday event. Click on the birdie to check out the participants and all their great blues.

It’s an aqua Monday for me! I bought a can of Aqua spray paint at Home Depot; wasn’t sure what I would use it on. All I knew was that I wanted something “aqua!”.

I went scrounging around my house and grabbed this bird cage. It used to be brown- boring- brown. I love the shabby aqua. I need to finish jazzing it up with a bird (no not a live one!) or perhaps a sweet nest and some eggs.

I used the same aqua spray paint on this shutter panel. It used to be brown-boring-brown, too. I’ve been wanting to decorate with a shutter for a long time. I think it will be a nice backdrop for decorating. It’ll be easy to spray paint to change colors when the mood strikes.

I am a bad blogger because I didn’t take before pictures. I wish I had so you could see how ugly this was before. Rough shadow invaded at this time of afternoon. When I grow up I hope to be a better photographer!

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have an amazing week!

Blue Monday

2010-02-28T22:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Blue Monday! Smiling Sally is hosting this party and she is a true delight. Be sure to take time to drop by her blog to visit her and the other Blue Monday partiers!

I am starting with this picture I took at Thanksgiving when my oldest daughter , Danielle, her hubby, Tom and their son and my only grandson came to visit. It was such a happy time as all my children were home. I haven’t seen them since then, except on Skype, which is the Jetson’s video phone. Who’d have ever imagined there would come a time that you can talk to and see the person on the other end of the line?!

I am glad they decided to wear blue so the picture works for today!

This pitcher with the delicate blue floral pattern cost $3! It is one of my recent thrift store finds. I actually passed on it; couldn’t get it out of my head and zoomed back across the store, wondering why I was hesitating over the $3 price tag! Sometimes you find such great deals that you get used to things being crazy-cheap; like .25 or .50. So $3 seems like highway robbery until you hit yourself upside your head and get thinking properly!

I don’t know a think about it except I know I just really like it. It seems old but I don’t know. In my dreams, it is a rare collectable worth thousands :)

Finally, I am showing one of my vintage hankies that I am using as a table mat, at the moment. I adore the patterns and colors of vintage hankies and this aqua blue shade is my favorite.

Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy the visits so much and I am wishing you a joyful week.

Burlap and Silk Screening

2010-02-28T20:43:00.001-07:00

This is my first time attending the Make it for Monday party hosted by Cindy at Cottage Instincts. She has such a funny and great way of creating and looking at things, so you need to stop by for a great time of inspiration.

I love creating things. I love seeing what others do and gleaning information on how I can, perhaps, try it myself.

I do not have skills or talent, but, I keep trying. My criteria for attempting a project is that is be:

Cheap

Quick

Easy

Super Easy

I have been coveting the projects made from burlap. When I saw large burlap pillows at Pottery Barn for $$$$$$, I decided I had nothing to lose by giving it a whirl.

I bought 1 yard of 2.99 burlap from JoAnn’s and this silk-screening crown stencil kit for $10 with my half price coupon. I also bought some black fabric paint for a couple of bucks.

This stencil is pretty large and has adhesive on the back so you can lay it down and reposition as necessary. You can use it over and over.

Since I work on my kitchen island, I grabbed the giant thick envelope that covered the cute kitty calendar my hubby got me for Christmas and smoothed a hunk of burlap over it. After peeling off the stencil, positioning it on the burlap and smoothing it out, I spread a thick stripe of the black fabric paint right above the crown design. You can’t really see it but the crown has a fine mesh screen in the cut parts of the design. I learned that you need to put on a really good amount of paint so that there is enough to spread all the way to the bottom of the crown.The stencil kit came with this hard plastic tool for spreading the paint. You drag the paint straight down with the stencil. At this point, you will be pretty sure you have ruined the whole thing. Then you peel back the stencil and there is a design that really looks like a crown. I repeated this process 3 times in a row. I put a single panel in this thrift store frame that I painted red. And, I made 2 pillows, which I just stitched together on my sewing machine and stuffed full with fiberfill.

It’s kind of bumpy and wrinkly but I figured it was a practice run. I won’t be punishing anyone by making them sleep on them; they are for decoration and are good enough. Actually, the wrinkles managed to work themselves out over a little time.

Pink Saturday Delights

2010-02-26T22:40:00.002-07:00

It’s a yummy Pink Saturday! For this special day of pink hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound , I am contributing a pink cupcake for everyone. One each to start with and seconds if there is enough. My sweet friend , Ana Helena, who moved here from Brazil, did a terrific job, baking and decorating them.

Grab a few cookies to eat now and take a plate home with you. These are out of this world; creamy, buttery; melt in your mouth delicious.

To offset the sweetness; I have some bold, eye-spinning French roast coffee made in my pink French press.

If tea is your preference, I have some fresh tea ready in the pink tea pot.

Hope you enjoyed the little treat and we’ll have to do this again soon!

Beverly challenges Pink Saturday paticipants to find someone we haven't previously met and feature them on our PS blog. I am pleased to introduce: Barb from Dogma Diva, she has a great style and vibe; a sweet lady. Drop by for a visit!

REDnesday~Did it!

2010-02-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

Yes, I did! A couple of things, actually.

This used to be a pretty red-framed mirror until it tragically fell off the wall. For 10 months, it has sat lonely and naked in my garage, waiting for me to find a place that cuts mirror for replacements.

I have seen really cool blackboards created by creative people all over blogland and thought I would give it a try someday. Finally a light bulb went on in my brain to use lonely-naked frame. I set up shop in my work space/kitchen island.

I tell you, this chalk board paint went on really slick and easy. One coat was enough but I was on a high so I added another. I am one who loves to create but feels like I am lacking in the talent and skill department. That’s why this was a perfect project. It took 5 minutes and I wasn’t able to mess it up! If you want instant gratification and to feel really good about yourself; buy a can of chalkboard paint, grab a frame of some sort and 5 minutes and that’s it!

You see a roller in the tray. I didn’t use it. My daughter Lilly painted a wall in her domain at the same time. It turned out awesome and I’ll have pics later. There is still a ton of paint left in the can and I am scanning my home for another piece to convert. This was a banner day! I did a project I always wanted to do and I went to the Rednesday party for the first time :)

Check out the party at It’s a Very Cherry World. It’s a ton of good fun for us red-lovers!

A Green Giveaway!

2010-02-23T06:25:00.001-07:00

Mary at Vintage Cottage, is having a really cool giveaway. To celebrate March and St. Patrick’s Day, she has some specially selected goodies; such as this:

and this:

Do you have the Luck o’ the Irish?

Come on, you can stop sewing for a second.

Click on the Leprechaun at the top of the page and try your luck!

Blue Monday~Creative Daughter

2010-02-21T22:15:00.001-07:00

Click on the picture of the bird to visit Smiling Sally and her guests for Blue Monday. It is a great way to start your week, I promise!

My youngest child, Lily, and my middle child, Monica, noticed, last week, that they were wearing old sweats, t shirts, miss-matched socks , crazy hair and freshly- scrubbed- no- make up faces, as they settled into bed. I confess that I am in the same condition by bedtime. The constricting day-time clothes are peeled off as soon as I am sure that I’m home for the evening and that no visitors are expected. If, I happen to have a work-at-home day, I may be found in that condition at any moment. Even more so, as I will have paint on my hands and in my hair. The entire front of my shirt will probably be drenched with dishwater, too. At the very least!

I’m not sure who said it first, but, “We look like Ragamuffins”; certainly the expression is from old stories we read together, is what the sisters agreed upon.

The next day, this is what I found in Lily’s room. One busy girl creating art, freehand. No stencils, no tracing; just acting on the urge.

No trendy quotes such as :” Keep Calm and Carry On”, or “Always Kiss Me Goodnight”, or even “Princess”.

And this is my contribution for Blue Monday. Lily’s room is a soothing spa blue, with ocean-inspired decor.

And, now it has it’s newest accent piece!

How often do you just “go for it”? Do you ever or do you need to plan it out, take measurements, obsess about the color and placement…? I wonder if Lily will always be this free-spirit that will just make it happen?

I wish you all a Happy Blue Monday and a happy Blue week!

Pink Saturday

2010-02-19T20:39:00.001-07:00

I look forward to Pink Saturday all during the week. There is just something about this day and the pink-lovers that participate, that warms my soul. And my soul can use warming on these cold, snowy days. I have found that the pink party-goers are the sweetest of the blogging bunch. How could one love pink and not be full of sweetness?!

Zip right over to Beverly’s site; How Sweet the Sound, to attend the Pink party. There are a ton of friends on the party list that would love for you to drop by and say “hello”.

Does this mid century dishware look familiar? I recall seeing this and similar types at my friend’s homes while growing up.

My friend, Debbie, sets a beautiful pink table with pink flower placemats and pink rose china.

This pink crystal or glass, footed bowl is lovely as a centerpiece.

The pink and gold striped glasses are, well, um, happy, is the word that comes to mind.

Debbie is , also, good at creating mosaic pieces. You can see part of the mosaic picture frame she created on the left. Mosaic is an art that is on my “bucket list” of things I want to do. It is in my heart and my head, to create mosaics and I dream of being to the point of actually being able to try it. I have the feeling that I’ll just have to answer the urge, plunge in and just do it. If I keep waiting until I am caught up with everything else, it may never happen!

A row of pink topiary trees create a garden on top of the hutch. Finally I have these embroidered linens with pink flowers and crocheted trim in pinks from light to dark. I love these vintage linens made with such care. It seems that it is a skill of the past. Young ladies always learned this art. I don’t know anyone of this generation who does this; sad really. I never learned and so I haven’t been able to pass it on to my children.

Do you embroider? Do you have embroidered linens that someone in your family made?

Thanks for stopping by! I love the company :)

Pink Saturday Cat’s Meow

2010-02-12T18:43:00.003-07:00

To enter a Pink Saturday Party, click here. Beverly, I hope you are doing well and will have the chance to enjoy the party. We’ve been praying for you!

Happy Pink Saturday! Welcome friends and thank you for coming by because:

Emmett was my Valentine’s Day present from hubby, exactly 1 year ago. He is a rescued kitty and is purrrr love! He is slightly pink, just for today :)Lovely pink wedding! J’aime les chats. I am a cat person. I love pictures of kitties and the vintage prints of kitties are so precious. For Pink Saturday, I tried to find pics with at least a little pink. The kitties are playing so nicely together. London Bridges is one of their favorite games. There is a smidge of pink on their noses!

Happy Valentine’s Day Dear Friends and Family!

San Francisco Spontaneously

2010-02-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

My mom has been a jewelry wholesaler for about 40 years. She provides great jewelry to stores all over the nation. Last weekend she set up her booth at the San Francisco International Gift Show. This is the place that store owners and buyers come in hoards to get the latest wares to resell in their shops. On the spur of the moment, I managed to get a great deal on an airline ticket from Denver to San Francisco. Let me tell you how much I love Southwest Airlines. They always have the best deals, even without advance purchase, and your bags fly free. There is nothing more aggravating than to buy what you think is a great price on an airplane ticket and then find out that each person in your party has to pay another 15, 20 or 25 dollars per bag, each way.

Anyhow, I had 4 days in San Francisco to visit and work with my sister and her daughter, Claire,who is a freshman at the University of SF. Food choices are abundant and expensive, so it was Claire who showed us the best deals on dining. Here is a little mexican restaurant, Popolote’s, within walking distance from USF. We ordered fantastic vegetarian burritos that came with a side garnish and home made chips and salsa for about $6. They were very, VERY tasty and, as it turns out, a “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” with be featured on the Food Network on Feb. 17th. I will be very surprised if Popolote’s doesw not win! The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit College. I snapped this amazing exterior of what, I believe, is a Catholic church on campus, out the car window at a stop light. My niece and I on a walking tour.

This is the view from our hotel window at the Sir Francis Drake.

We shared dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on the 9th floor of Macy’s. There is dining patio, along the edge of the building, with breathtaking views.

One giant chocolate, coconut cheesecake was enough for 4 of us to share.

I will show some great finds from the gift show; architectural pieces and jewelry, in particular, in my next post.

Thrifty Thursday~Toile, Candlelight & Crystals

2010-02-03T21:59:00.006-07:00

For the first time, I am partying with Leigh and the others at Bloggaritaville. This is the place to hurry over to and find out the great thrifty deals that have been found.

The sheer toile window panels made me gasp with delight when I saw them hanging amongst the "uglies" at Goodwill. I figured they'd be stained, snagged and/or smelly. I figured wrong. I have become a believer. Thrift stores are a great place to find wonderful things at unbelievable prices.

They are perfect, as is. They are made by Waverly; are my favorite red and white combination and the toile design is a romantic,, vintage-Valentin-y theme. They were only 2.49 each!

The heavy iron candle holder was another Goodwill find. I actually had to decide if I wanted to spend 4.99 on it. If it lasted until Saturday, I could get it for half price. I've played the price-game in the past and have lost, so I broke down and paid full price.

It used to be that common natural brown color with hard melted wax stuck all over it. I scraped it off the best I could. Blasted it with Heirloom White spray paint, and used some dangly crystals that fell off another chandelier that I've had forever. The round red candles were from JoAnn's 75% off Christmas sale; 1.29 each.

So, between shopping at Goodwill, JoAnn's and shopping my house, I created a seasonal, updated look for $15 and some change.

Painting Gone Horribly Awry~White Wednesday

2010-02-03T16:33:00.002-07:00

What happened?

Uh oh! Please don’t walk through it!

Can’t waste half a gallon of my favorite Behr paint with primer. Did you know they have the whitest white?

I think I’d just like to go inside. Looks like I will get this shelf with hooks painted one way or the other.

This is my unlikely and unplanned White Wednesday Post. Check out the party at Faded Charm Cottage by clicking on the link.

Another Blue Monday

2010-01-31T18:06:00.002-07:00

Blue Monday at Smiling Sally's. That’s where you want to go to see all the wonderful blues. I think everyone likes blue; I’ve never met a soul who doesn’t like some shade of blue.

To participate, this week, I grabbed my camera and walk through my house; blue-hunting.

The very first blue I found is in Mrs. Chick’s dress. This is an original painting by artist Linda Norton. Linda has some whimsical designs based on stories; fairy tales, actually (no wonder I love her work!). I was blessed to obtain this painting, perhaps 10 years ago and I really love this sweet picture.

My dear mom knows how much I love birds and birdhouses and got me this tall blue painted one for my last birthday. It has ceramic birds attached, if you look closely you can see them. At the moment, this bird-mansion is in my front room atop my red table.

This giant blue mushroom was a Christmas gift from my youngest daughter, Lilly. She went to one of those “paint it yourself” pottery places and designed this one for me. The very best gifts I have ever received are the ones created by my children.

A trip into the kitchen found Lilly preparing Italian Meatloaf for dinner; her idea! Way to go Lilly. I love when someone besides me prepares dinner!

Here is another painted piece by Lilly intended for her Grandma and her husband, Grandpa Jack. They live in Arizona and it was not ready in time for Christmas. I hope they will like it for Valentine’s Day! Lastly, I am showing these Talavera crosses purchased on a trip to Puerto Vallarta a couple of years ago.The crosses were small enough and light enough to bring back with me. I drooled over all the pottery found there and imagined doing a complete bathroom out of it; similar to this.

And, for the end, this is only appropriate..

Have a wonderful Blue Monday and a wonderful week!

Sissie's Giveaway~Better Hurry!

2010-01-29T21:09:00.005-07:00

I didn't manage to get my Pink Saturday posting ready for the day. I have recently taken over the accouinting duties that my talented friend and co worker used to manage for our private school. My friend is and was a natural. The uber-organized person who balances accounts to the penny. I am a free and creative thinker; an idea-person who doesn't see how difficult things will be until I've already plunged in to the project. We balanced(pun) each other so well. Have you guessed the hubby does the finances at our house? Last week I was responsible for class payments and paychecks. I got a raging headache but got it done on time. You do NOT want to mess with people's paychecks. After taking much longer than it should have, I finished it and felt victorious. I can't say I'll ever be excited about accounting, but at least I did it and found that you can teach this old dog new tricks.

I am visiting Pink Saturday participants and am already seeing beautiful pink things. I still LOVE pink!

Diana at Sissie's Shabby Cottage is having a Giveaway. She made this darling Memory Pillow; the likes of which I have never seen before. She has a beautiful style; the soothing style that makes you calm and restful by just looking at her pictures. Click on the link and go rest at her soothing spa-like oasis!

Pink Saturday Shower Flowers

2010-01-22T21:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday! Yahooooo, I get to play again after too many weeks off. Beverly is the hostess of the pinks and you really need to stop by her place and visit for all kinds of pink sweetness. I was thinking about what pinks I could feature and was drawing a blank.It seemed like I had used up all my pinks in previous Pink Saturday posts. After browsing my pictures, I found these, oh-so-beautiful flowers. Almost 2 years ago, I attended a shower for a baby girl and these were the table centerpieces. Although the party was in the first week of February, the weather in Laguna Beach, California was so mild that we were able to sit outside. It truly was glorious and I have fond memories of the trip out there from my home in Colorado. I thought I’d add in this ceramic rose petal sugar and creamer set. This was a recent find at Hobby Lobby in the clearance section. I sure love their sales!

I wish you all a wonderful Pink weekend!

Recognize Him?

2010-01-20T21:21:00.001-07:00

I am basking in the knowledge that the Lord cares about me. Really taking it in and enjoying it all day.

I had been feeling overwhelmed and teary about a number of things. I really miss my oldest daughter and grandson. And, I’ve really been missing my children when they were little. When I had all my babies safe and sound, following a- long beside me, I was a content mother hen. I enjoy all the stages of seeing them grow up and I adore them all; my precious blessings. They have friends, sports,school, jobs and other fish to fry. That is how it is suppose to be. I am having to redefine my role in this stage of my life and it is not so easy. I am not bored, by any means. Things are just different.

My hubby and I had dinner with some friends the other night. They can not wait, CAN NOT WAIT, until their youngest child graduates from high school and leaves for college next year. Then they will be empty nesters! WooHoooo! I dread the idea and find their glee, well, I don’t get it.

OK, so a friend I haven’t spoken with in awhile, brought me a surprise. She found this little fella at an estate sale and thought of me immediately. I was so shocked and speechless. This is so ME. It is something, of which, I have never, ever spoken. It is something that I remember fondly from my childhood.My mother loved him , too and even brought home someone , that looked like him, when I was 6 years old and my sister was 5.

Do you recognize this face? How about now?

Yes, it is the RCA dog! I have never seen a statue of him. I love him! My friend was probably shocked at my tearful thanks. Her act was just on time, perfectly executed, to bring a smile and joy to my heart. I am thankful to my friend and I am thankful to God for reminding me that He cares. It is these “out of the blue surprises”, that warm my heart. I pray that I will be tuned in to promptings from the Lord so I will act in ways that will minister to others.

Blue Indeed

2010-01-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

I am delighted and even a bit amazed that I am participating in Blue Monday. Be sure to click on the Blue Monday picture to visit Smiling Sally and all the Blue Monday participants.I am delighted because I have been out of the loop for nearly 3 weeks. Sick kids, sick computer, sick moi and many stresses; typical, I think to the post -Christmas let-down.I am amazed because,although I have faith that things will get better I sometimes find it hard to conjure up the “oomph”. I sure don’t want to be a downer,, I definitely have so much for which to be thankful, so I will move along..

Here is my sweet cat, Emmett on the top floor of his Kitty Condo. This is his favorite spot so he can keep an eye on our 3 dogs.

Emmett is a beautiful grey; a blue-grey. People have asked me many times if he is a Russian Blue and I don’t know. He definitely has his blue coat. He was a rescue cat and we don’t know much about him.

His kitty cousin, Gray C, gave Emmett this condo because she doesn’t like it! Thank you, Gray C, it is purrrrfect!

The rest of my Blue pictures show my dear Grandson, Philip and his Mommy, my oldest, Danielle. I sure do miss them, they live in San Diego, since Daddy is stationed in the Navy. They were able to come out for Thanksgiving, but, not Christmas. Even when you are surrounded by loved ones, your heart always misses the ones that aren’t there. This silly little boy in blue decided he wanted to be a doggy. He crawled right into the dog kennel and shut himself in. I have a feeling that all his little “tricks” are things that grandparents get tickled about. But, oohhhh, he is so darn cute!

I wish you all a happy Blue Monday and hope to stop by and visit as many of you as possible.

Happy New Year Massage and Message

2009-12-31T16:28:00.005-07:00

Hubby and I each went for an hour-long massage and just got back. We have a membership at Massage Envy. It is a spa franchise that opened up near our home a couple of years ago. We pay for 1 massage per month and the hours accumulate if you don't use it for whatever reason. Everyone once in awhile we get 2 hour massages and are practically unconscious at the completion. It truly is a luxury and yet is so beneficial.

I love getting massages. They are relaxing, great for tension, sore muscles and headaches and over-all health and well being. The beds at Massage Envy are heated which was particularly nice on this cold winter day.

Some people are really uncomfortable about getting massages. One of my best friends has never and says she will never get one. She feels like it is too intimate to strip down for a stranger and she says she wouldn't be able to relax. First of all, you don't have to completely strip, you can wear shorts if you'd like. Of course you are covered with a blanket and the therapists are well trained at keeping you covered; exposing just the body part being worked on, like an arm.

There are all kinds of massages, light touch, deep tissue, maternity, Swedish. I prefer a firm pressure and, unfortunately I didn't get that today. If I am able to fall asleep during the session, it is not firm enough!

What about you? Have you had a massage? Or, are you like my friend who say's she will never do it? If not, why not?

In the new year, I am wishing you all many, massages or at least one.

To your health!

Cindy

Simple Christmas Party

2009-12-24T20:44:00.012-07:00

My family is from Oregon and hubby's are from California and Arizona, so we really miss them at Christmas. Most years we have family that is able to come stay with us. I enjoy that so much. Especially with my sister and her girls. It is like we are all the same person; we laugh at, respond to, and say the same things. It is amazing how that occurs since we are not around each other very often.
My husband's sister lives here,so we were able to have her, her husband and 2 boys over for a light dinner and White Elephant gift exchange a couple days before Christmas. They brought Anny and Penny, the mini-dachshund cousins, to enjoy the festivities with us. Christmas day, however , was spent with our 4 kids that are still at home. Very quiet, comparatively speaking...

Christmas Library

2009-12-22T08:59:00.006-07:00

I love my books. Even as a teenager, my hangout was the library. In the last couple of weeks 8 Christmas idea books have arrived at my door. They are presents to me and they didn't cost any $$. I am a member of Paperbackswap.com. People all over the country post books that they are finished with and people that are looking for books get to order. It is just like ordering from, say Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You search and browse for the books you want, click a button and it is on it's way.
Don't let the name Paperback Swap mislead you. Most of the books I received are hardcover in excellent condition. There are audiobooks, too.

Besides Christmas books, I have received gardening, sewing, painting,curriculum, and cultural stories.

If you'd like to start swapping, post 10 books and you will immediately receive 2 credits to choose books. After that, for each book you mail out to another member, you receive 1 credit.

You may be thinking: "Ackkkk, shipping books sounds expensive since they weigh so much!"

Actually, the USPS has a Media Rate, so the books cost , usually, under $3 to mail. Great deal!

Check it out. Perhaps it will contribute to a New Year's Resolution to read more.

Christmas Blessings Everyone!

Bulk Potpourri Equals Many Gifts

2009-12-19T20:57:00.004-07:00

Now this was an easy, can't mess it up craft/gift to make by yourself or with the young'ns. Well, actually, you might be able to mess it up by goofing up the scents you add to the dried botanicals. I used Cinnamon~Balsam for this Christmas blend. If I used the scented oil of, say, Lavender or Pina Colada or Georgia Peach, it could really mess with people's heads. I like to try and match the style of the florals to the fragrance.
Some other scents that would work with this blend are: Apple Cinnamon, Home for the Holidays, Christmas Tree, Cinnamon~Vanilla...you get the idea. I added about 1/2 oz. of scented oil and gentle stirred the ingredients together. My pictures are working backwards, but, all you need to do is grab a large bucket. I dumped some baby toys that I no longer needed, out of this tub; washed it really well and started grabbing my dried herbs and florals.

I buy my labels at www.onlinelabels.com. They have every shape, size and kind you could ever need and they have templates that make creating the labels a snap. I used cellophane bags and whatever ribbon I had, to make 3 dozen fragrant and timely gifts for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, friends and those that you hadn't yet realized you are trading gifts with.

I threw in dried apple slices and dices, too.

I added rose hips, amra pods and mini apples (faux). I threw in rose leaves because they look like Bay leaves.

Mmmmmm, fragrant green leaves.

These cinnamon sticks are 1 inch long. You can use whatever length you have or desire.

Here are some fir pieces. Coco Flowers and Cellulose Fiber. I always add Cellulose Fiber as an inexpensive fixative for the scented oil.

I threw in some pinecones, first. I have Mountain pine cones and Engelmann cones. You can use any cones. The best come from your own yard or park.

Not the Reason for The Season

2009-12-17T18:45:00.004-07:00

I am horrified and after being disturbed all day, I have to vent. I hope you don't mind indulging me.

My hubby just told me that we are invited to an old "friend's" birthday party in a couple of days. I was told I had to bring dollar bills.

"What for?"

For the surprise Santa Claus stripper.

First of all, I am not a huge fan of Santa. I don't appreciate how he has hijacked the true meaning of Christmas.

Secondly, Santa Claus stripping down to a g-string is not a visual I would appreciate.Ewwwwww.
During the Christmas Holidays; Holy-days, this whole idea just seems sad.

Thirdly, if I have extra dollars to throw around, they will be thrown in the direction of worthwhile charities to help the widows, orphans, homeless, hungry.

Someone told me : "lighten up", "it's just for fun", "don't be so judgemental".

It appears that I just don't know how to have fun.

Muslin~Fabric Paint~Stencils

2009-12-14T17:37:00.005-07:00

My girls and I love to work on projects when we get together. Thankfully, my oldest daughter, Danielle, her hubby and son were able to make it out for Thanksgiving. They have purchased their first home in San Diego and love a cottage/beach theme for decor.
The girls and I ran into Joann's and bought a yard of the cheapest muslin they had for 1.49.They had muslin up to 6.99 per yard but we wanted to try the cheapest to see if it was good enough. It was! We found some fabric paint in the color "Fawn" and chose some beach themed stencils. We cut the fabric to pillow-size. The girls used sponge brushes to dab on the paint inside the stencils. We found it easier to cut the stencils apart so the stencil doesn't lay on the wet paint as you move it around.

I sewed up their creations and let the girls stuff them with fiberfil. Danielle stuffed hers really full and Lilly, not so full. There really is no right or wrong way.
The pillows look sandy against the ocean/spa blue bedspread in Lilly's room. This was such a fun and easy project that we worked on and completed within 2 hours.