Feels Like Home to me

Changes

2012-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

So how personal do you get on your blog? Do you just let it hang out there indiscriminately or do you edit edit edit and keep it unemotional? I have been debating this for a long time. I have friends and am a fan of several blogs that are more personal about their lives and that's probably why I like to read them. But then again I do like the other blogs that show their interior talents in and out doors.

Our family is going through a major change in location. After living and enjoying our home

for 12 years we have moved. We are in escrow right now with our former home and

I am so happy for the family that is moving into our home. They are actually the daughter

and son-in-law of our neighbors. They have a 3 year old daughter and 4 1/2 month old

girl and boy twins. It's a new adventure for them to have their first home and

its a new adventure for us. We have been very blessed and that is an understatement. I firmly believe to my very core that we have a Heavenly Father that knows us individually and loves us as a Father loves his child, so much that he knows our needs. I believe that

if we are obedient to his commandments and strive to do what is right, He will bless

us, I can't stress this enough. I am not kidding when I say that I wake up

each day thanking him for my many blessings. Sometimes, (scratch that) I have been

thinking very recently that I can't believe the blessings that our family has been blessed with. It's like a dream that I'm in and I can't believe it's happening or I'm in disbelief and I hope that

I am worthy of them. I want to be. I will work my darnedest to make sure that

I am worthy of them. Do you ever wonder when a blessing comes out of no where, it just floors you?

And another thing, Last year I took up the "Face Book Read the Book of Mormon Challenge" so I made a point every morning before work to read aka listen to the scriptures. I

finished Christmas Morning. I feel that by making that effort, I felt so blessed and at peace because of it. This year I know that I need to

do the same. It's a new year, new challenges, new opportunities and blessings await.

The EFY theme for 2002 was this song for the youth:

Stand in Holy PlacesIn a sea shifting values

Tossed on every wave

While the winds wail around me

I will not be afraid To call out for my captain

To calm the waves in me

When I stand a little taller

Its only then I finally see

Chorus:

I stand in holy places

Protected from the storm

Anchored safe in harbor

Tough my sails are ripped and worn

I stand in holy places

And I will not move

Until the Lord has come

And says Well done

He is the hope

I hold on to

In holy places

There is a harbor in His holy house

An anchor in His grace

That steadies in the waves of doubt

And in every holy places

No matter where I travel

His spirits guiding me

With the Lord as my captain

There is a peaceful port in me

I hope I can do the same.

Wrapping up 2011

2011-12-23T15:37:00.001-08:00

So this year I tried to go all natural in my wrapping and not spend any money on paper or
ribbons and bows. I first started out taking some of my old wrapping paper
and reversing it and using the white side. As you can see just below a small peek
of color on the present on the right of what it actually is. But then for the rest I used
packing paper that I had bought from Walmart. It's kinda off white and I think it looks better. You can get packing paper for so cheap and it comes in large squares. I think you can get like 140 really large squares for $9 bucks that's more bang for your buck in wrapping.

We had a wedding this year and burlap was the trend so I've been using up my burlap and hemp twine as ribbon. As for the gift tags, I got this idea from a shop we visited a week ago. They were selling vintage type gift tags for $4.00. Yep one gift tag for $4.00, okay so
I caved and bought one, thinking I'll use it on my mom's gift, she deserves something
special. But I got to thinking, how hard would it be to make my own? I'm always doing that.
I may not come up with the original idea, but I love to duplicate it for cheap or rather nothing.
And that is what I did with all my gifts here.

At first I just went on Yahoo, yeah I'm still using Yahoo, and just typed in Vintage Christmas images, and then 1910 or 1920 girls black and white images. I just copied and pasted them on
word and then cropped them to fit, printed them out on regular paper and
used some of my cardstock, embellished them a little with glitter, stamped a hole on the
top and waa la, gift tag.

I started thinking, hey I can really personalize these by copying my hubby's and daughter's pictures in black and white and making them into gift tags. So That's him above from a picture on our honeymoon in Mexico 22 years ago. He was a cutie, or I should say he still is.

This gift tag above is how this whole thing started, can you believe I paid $4 bucks for that thing? And I ended up using it on my daughter's gift instead and made an original one of my own for my mom.

This gift tag is of my daughter Cece, she was Audrey Hepburn one year for Halloween and it was already black and white. I decided to just plant it directly on the wrapping paper and embellish it a little with glitter and the ribbon is just raffia I had laying around.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I have so much to be thankful for but most of all I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, the son of God. He is our elder brother. He loves us more than we can ever appreciate. Remember to keep Christ in your Christmas.

many blessings

'georgie'

Paying it Forward I hope.

2011-12-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Every day should be a day of thanksgiving and taking the time to do something for someone, at least I try to even if it is a small gesture. We live in beautiful Apple Country and every fall everyone in the world, (at least it seems so) migrates up to the foothills where we live to come for apples and everything and anything made with apples. I love it. Our town gets gets busy, people seem
to be in happy moods.
Some time late October is was another
great Fall day, the sun was shining, the air was crisp, perfect for a
Hot Chocolate. I convinced my hubby to go to Apple Hill (I know normally us locals do
the Hill during the week, cuz it's usually crazy busy on the weekends, with
all the tourists. ) but before we did, I wanted a Hot chocolate, so we went through
the drive-thru at Starbucks.
There was a pretty good line so after we placed our
order there were still two cars ahead of us waiting for their order. As we sat waiting,
Hubby said " you know I've heard of people paying for the order of the person/car behind them
before, just because. " Well you know me, I quickly chimed in and " said, we ought to do
it, I mean instead of just talking about it, let's do it!" So as we got up to the window
Hubby and I kept going back and forth, should we? shouldn't we? And of course
I kept saying, Yes! Come on, it will be a nice surprise for them, whomever they are.

Of course I looked back through my mirror to see who we were surprising. They looked like a
nice little family, a dad and mom and I could see there was a child in a car seat
in the middle of the back seat.
Hubby would make up conversations that he thought they
were having, and he even thought maybe they were fighting, he was joking of course.
Side note: does your hubby when people watching, make up conversations that he thinks they
are saying, with different voices?

Any whoo,
We got up to the drive-thru window and as the young girl took our money
and was handing our drinks, we told her that we would like to pay for
the car (suv) in back of us.
She went "awe" that's so nice. And ran their
total, it came out to be $9 and some change, It was more than our order.
What!?
No, just kidding, that's okay, it felt good. As we drove away
hubby wanted to sneak around the corner and watch their expression, but
I told him "no, let's just get going and be anonymous."
So we
left the parking lot and headed up to the hill. As we were driving away
I said, maybe they'll pay it forward for the next car, and so on and so on,
creating the whole domino effect. Who knows.
I have to say it felt really good!

p.s. today would be my father's Birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!
I love you!!

"georgie"

Giving Thanks

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

"Welcome to our home".

A couple of months ago I planned to have an early
Thanksgiving dinner with our family because we all couldn't get together
on the actually day due to some of us going in different directions on the actual date.
So out went the invitations in the mail, giving everyone plenty of time to respond.
The date November 19th.

This was the morning of. Our newly married daughter got up and grabbed the camera and went about taking pictures of the beautiful morning. It had rained the night before which left everything so fresh and clean. This is our driveway as you come up to our house.

I love living in the foothills the colors are spectacular, the reds and oranges on the trees are so vibrant.

An hour before our family arrived I enlisted my hubby to help me with making some arrangements for the tables. Mind you this is not my forte. I don't know if you remember a while ago I was under our
little house doing some plumbing work, and while I was there I found a whole bunch of large jars in a box, the newspaper that was in the box was dated 1986, I think it was. I love old things. I know that 1986 isn't that old, but the jars were. Apparently who ever lived there used these large jars to store things like alfalfa, tangerine, rose hips and mint leaves things like that. I washed a few of them thinking they would come in handy, such as this day.

A few weeks ago our youngest daughter helped me make these name cards. I have some scrap book paper and we just went through them looking for colors of the Fall that would go. We kind of made it up as we went, coming up with this idea. Believe me very simple. All of the supplies with things around the house. It didn't cost us a thing, I know my hubby would like that.

16 Servings.

Back to our table arrangements, just some

apples we picked off our tree, some pomegranates and of course the vibrant cuttings

from our Maple and Apple trees. I can't get over how beautiful the colors are, like red on fire.

I had to add a little surprise of Christmas by adding an ornament to our water carafe of course "C" for our last name.

The burlap fabric I picked up a couple of months ago from Walmart. I just took the fabric and cut it in half length wise, no sewing, yeah!

The "Special guest" of our dinner, Mr. Tom Turkey himself all 22 lbs of him. At 325 degrees and 5 1/2 hours he was just right.

From our family to yours, I hope you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

georgie

Oranges and Pomegranates

2011-11-14T08:21:00.001-08:00

When I say Oranges I don't mean the fruit.

Check out those Orange couches,

my daughter's find at a local 2nd hand store a few months ago.

They are acutally pretty comfortable and were barely used.

I checked the tag, and yep straight from 1980. They must have been in an

extra room and the former owners must not have had kids because the cushions

aren't broken in. Score!

We've been moving them around a bit, first had them together and now to

change things up, we have separated them. And the white" trunk was

formerly green that I dragged from the basement. It use to house the kids games years

ago, then it was storage for sleeping bags. A couple of months ago

I decided to paint it white and use it here.

This table has served us well. We bought it from a local antique store

11 years ago and it has 2 extra leaves so it fits 10 for dinner

very well. They are hard to come by.

My Ikea dining chairs, I have been acquiring a little at a time. I'll

buy a few, My sweet hubby will put them together and wait a couple of months

till I can afford them again and get a couple more. I have 6 now, but

ideally I would love to have eight. Maybe next year.

Take care

"georgie"

Thank a Veteran!

2011-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

I am thankful today for all those who have fought for freedom on my behalf.

I am grateful to live in a country that gives me the freedom to worship who and how I please.

Next time you see a Vet, thank them.

11/11/11

"georgie"

Family is everything

2011-11-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

One of the best days of my life. All of us together, I couldn't ask for anything more. I wish we could be together all the time but alas they grow up and have their own families and move away.
I'm feeling a little melancholy tonight.
Maybe it's because of the season, I don't know. I do know that I miss my grown up kids and especially the little ones.
I have a picture of my grandchildren on my desktop at work and here at home just so I can see their cute little faces every day.

I am so thankful for my family, for my children. I love them dearly. The best role I ever had was to be a mom. Nothing tops it.
My children have brought me so much joy. Don't get me wrong, they have brought me to tears too, but it's all been worth it.

I love you Luke, Cheri, Mackenzie and Cecelia.
I am also very thankful for the great people they have chosen to be their mates. Maya, (Luke), Chris (Cheri) and our newest son-in-law, Jared, (Mackenzie).

I would be remiss if I didn't thank my dear husband, David. He is the love of my life and the level head that the kids go to when their mother is not. Thank you David for sticking with me through it all.

"georgie"

Fall Mantel

2011-10-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Remember the frame I was talking about? This is her, mirrored and all.

I think "she" looks great if I do say so myself. Just think, I found her in the back of

a second-hand store collecting dust. Total cost frame, mirror and labor from our

local Glass store, $35.

Here's my Mantel now in honor of Fall.

White pumpkins have been hard to come by due to the shortage back east.

I have found other blogs where some very creative she-ladies are painting their pumpkins

all sorts of colors, like white, blue, copper, even polk-a-dots.

In keeping with my coastal theme I kept my shells and small bits of drift wood

in the scene.

These little albino pumpkins are sooo cute.

Have a great day. I have another DIY project in the works, can't wait to show you.

"georgie"

More DIY

2011-10-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is but I can't do enough DIY projects. A few weeks ago I bought a large frame from a consignment store in town. I really liked the frame and I knew I could do something with it. The Picture/Framer store in town didn't give me a good vibe, he said that he couldn't really use it if I wanted to mat a picture, so I went on my way. Then as I was "blog hopping" the other night I saw what this gal did with her mantel for the "Fall" and it gave me the idea to put a mirror in my frame. So First thing this morning I dropped it off at our Local Glass place and they're putting a mirror in it as I speak. I can't wait to see it and show you'all.

Stay tuned............

"georgie"

p.s. if you would like to learn more of what I believe check out

this site:

http://mormon.org/

Harvest Holla!

2011-10-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Have a great day!

"georgie"

Keep Calm

2011-10-07T12:48:00.001-07:00

(this one is now in my living room)

So there's this flower shop in our town that I just love and every time I would go in

I would always admire this one picture with the caption "keep calm and carry on" I asked if

she would sell it and she then proceeded to tell me all about it, but no it wasn't for sale.

Bummer. So I a couple of months ago

I went on line and found a business in London, England that

http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/

have all sorts of inventory on this. I ordered 2 poster prints one in Sea green and one

a pale pink. They were so affordable $8.00 us each. They came about two weeks ago and

I couldn't wait to get them out and frame them. I wasn't sure

what to do with the other one and then.....

I was having a conversation with a friend and she was sharing

all the things that she was going through and the light bulb went off in my head, "I'm going to frame the second one and give it to her". I think she would appreciate it, and hopefully

love it too.

Framing both of them wasn't as easy as I thought, but it was worth it.

I just love the saying, it can apply to anything that is going on in your life.

The other night we had some company and one of them pointed to the Print and
said the "saying out loud". She remarked "yep" we all could use this.
I'm now ordering a larger Print because I don't think the one I have is big enough.

Last night our nephew was over and as he was passing the picture, he too read it out loud.
It's a great reminder that no matter what trials we
may be facing, we need to carry on. .......

I love this door mat!

Don't you just love it?

Have a great weekend everyone....

"georgie"

M&J's Wedding day

2011-10-06T02:50:00.001-07:00

After just four months it all came together. Mackenzie and Jared Wood married.

These next few pictures were some of Mackenzie's inspiration for her
Lavender Vintage themed wedding. She always knew she wanted her reception to be outdoors. She wasn't sure where and after scouring the foothills the venue was right in front of her. Outside on the lawn of her family's Ward chapel.

Below is a sample of how beautiful the table scapes turned out. Vintage bottles and jars sprinkled with blues, yellows and cream flowers, with local grown Lavender flowers that her mom (me) bought in May and hung and dried them for the four months for just this occasion.

The day was beautiful with the sun going in and out of the clouds.

Sticking to her vintage theme, were old books,antique bottles, perfume decanter, various heirloom flowers and a retro suitcase that was used as a desk to hold Mackenzie and Jared's custom guest sign in book.

Above, notice Mackenzie's velvet green flats, she ordered them special to compliment
her 40's vintage gown.

She didn't want to fuss with a veil so she opted with this gold-leaf hair band that accented her hair nicely.

One thing that Mackenzie wanted was to have some pictures taken at the family home. She always loved the front porch because of the great view of her hometown.

This is how I felt on this day and I'm sure everyone did as well.

Mackenzie didn't want a large entourage of brides maids. In keeping with simplicity she chose her good friend Lauren and sister, Cecelia. Each bridesmaid wore a different color of the Bride's bridal colors. Beautiful!

The wedding cake was so beautiful and so delicious. If you ever want the best tasting cake in the world, then Jessica Smith is your cake maker. There wasn't one morsel left after the cake was cut.

You'll notice that some of these pictures were taken by our photographer Nudrat Owens. She was so great, and fun to work with. Here we are on our front porch the
whole fam. My eyes were open but I look kind of weird. We were rushing here because it was after 6pm and we needed to get over to the church where the reception was. You should have seen us right before, it was a mad rush to set this up and then we were off.

This "Herb" tea for two was Mackenzie's idea, she wanted something different for the guests to take, so she chose two different types of herb tea which they could scoop up and put in the organic unbleached cloth tea bags and take home with them.

The night was just beautiful, the evening cooled off nicely, it didn't rain, everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves especially these two. They are so in love!

"georgie"

Lemons & Meringue

2011-10-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was one of the pictures that inspired Mackenzie in her decor for her wedding reception. So we tried to duplicate it. I bought tons of lemons from Costco. Regular lemons
and my new discovery of Meyer Lemons.

So what to do with all those lemons afterwards? Again, more food therapy.
I decided to make Lemon Meringue Pie, but this time I wanted to make
not only my favorite Traditional Lemon Meringue but I wanted to
try Paula Deen's Southern Lemon Meringue.

I have always loved my Mom's Lemon Meringue Pie I think it is my
most favorite pie in the world. I remember every Thanksgiving she would make them along with the Traditional Pumpkin and Apple pies. There's something about that lemony (if that is such a word) zesty taste, it just makes your mouth pucker.

So again with my Mom's help we set out to squeeze and zest every last one of those lemons. I first made the Traditional Betty Crocker Lemon Meringue, you know the recipe that calls for cornstarch. I have to confess I am not a connoisseur when it comes to making crust. I didn't inherit that talent. My sister, Dawn got that talent. She, In my opinion makes a great crust. So I opted for the Pillsbury roll out crust. Still edible but not as pretty as homemade.

I have to say it tasted mighty good with just the right zestiness. Next I took the plunge and made Paula's Southern Lemon Meringue Pie. Oh my goodness!! It was to die for. It is very creamy and very different from Betty Crocker. Paula Deen's recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk and no cornstarch. The recipe is below. When both pies were done we brought in our unofficial taste testers, Hubby- David and daughter Cecelia to see which one they liked the best.

Before I tell you which one they chose, my Mom had her opinion and stuck with the Traditional. David agreed with Mom and Cecelia and I loved Paula's. They're both scrumptiously delicious I wouldn't turn down either one. So here's Paula's recipe and you can decide.
....................................................................................................................
Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 egg yolks
1 (8-inch) pre-baked pie shell or crumb crust

Meringue:

3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream or tartar
1/4 cup sugar

Directions

In medium bowl, combine milk, lemon juice, and zest; blend in egg yolks. Pour into cooled crust.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks from. Gradually beat in the sugar until stiff. Spread over filling; seal to edge of crust. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
* Raw Eggs

*RAW EGG WARNING
Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs due to the slight risk of salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly refrigerated, clean grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Total Time:
25 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min

Yield:
6 to 8 servings

Level:
Easy

Food Therapy

2011-10-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

After our daughter's wedding I needed some much needed food therapy.

We have 5 plum trees and I have never made plum jam since we lived here. My mom is visiting us so it gave me the motivation to make plum jam.

I couldn't believe how easy it was and now I'm wondering what took me
so long. I think every one else is wondering the same thing.

Not too shabby. it even tastes good. On to the next!...............

"georgie"

Fall has arrived................

2011-09-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

This year I have lots to be thankful for. Last year our family did the Gratitude jar, I think we'll do this Thankful tree this year and share all that we are thankful for at our Thanksgiving feast.

georgie (aka Patsy)

Four Star Hotwire

2011-08-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

So we had one extra day and night before we were going to be meeting up with our son and daughter-in-law in Seattle. I thought I would book hubby and I a room, but where. Not having been to Seattle since I was 3 or 4 years old I wasn't sure where to stay.

I asked myself, "self" what would Clark Howard do? You know Clark Howard the Consumer

advocate guy with all the good deals for us consumers. He said, if you are able book

your hotel stay the same week and go through "Hotwire". When you do, opt for 4 Star hotels

because you can't go wrong and you usually get the best deals.

So I did. It's interesting they don't tell you which Hotel it is until you book it. So you are pretty much committed. But it's a 4 Star Hotel, so you shouldn't be disappointed. Well Hotwire

I can honestly say, We were not disappointed. It definitely was a 4 Star.

We stayed at the Doubletree Arctic

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/SEAACDT-The-Arctic-Club-Seattle-a-DoubleTree-by-Hilton-Hotel-Washington/index.do

It is located in the heart of the downtown Seattle Financial district, a Landmark Hotel.

It was gorgeous inside. It is an older Hotel so it has all the stylings of a Grand Hotel.When you walk into the the Lobby you see on one of it's walls a large glass encased bookshelf with old black derby's and tall hats from the 20's and up. The Lobby is very large with many places to sit and visit with other guests.

One area is a pool table.

There was an older couple playing pool. David was itching to play, I told him to tell them he would play the winner, but

he didn't want to intrude. Oooh the best part of the front desk was

Freshly warm cookies 24 hours a day.

So if you had a hankering for a Warm chocolate chip cookie you could come down

to the front desk and they would open up their Magical warmer. Each cookie was in its own cookie sleeve, and you could have as many as you wanted.

I didn't want to be greedy, so I just took two. One for hubby and one for me.

(I know what you were thinking I was going to eat both.)

The Bedroom Suite is gorgeous, it reminds me of the 30's era.

I like the color scheme tans, and rich browns.

They even have a fluffy white robe for your use during your stay.
I checked the price tag, if you would like to purchase this fine robe, it is only $115.00. That's

just about what we paid for the room. No thank you very much. Oh

yeah that's another thing, there were a lot of items in the room that you could

purchase at the front desk. But that wasn't quite in our budget.

Let's talk toiletries. If they have them, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower cap,

whatever and they do, we of course use them. But if we don't use them all up it goes in our bag.

I mean it is for us to use. I can't tell you how many miniature toiletries I have at home

from the various places we've stayed. In fact I brought some from home to use. I was using

my Bestwestern bath gel in my Doubletree Arctic shower which carried on into

our Hyatt Olive 8 hotel the next day. I didn't dare leave

a shampoo from another hotel for the maid. I think it would have been

an insult to the other shampoos. Don't judge me.
If you ever get to Seattle, a must stay here at the

Doubletree Arctic Club Hotel.

p.s. Our last night in Seattle we were upgraded to a two room suite at a great discount because our daughter-in-law works for the Hyatt. That was a nice ending to

our Seattle Wedding Weekend.

Mod Podge

2011-08-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ever since I got my calling as Relief Society President in May I haven't had much time to sit down and Blog. I truly miss it. This evening I decided, that's it. I am doing it. So much has happened in such little time, Funerals, Weddings, Planning a wedding, tenants moving out, lots of cleaning and cleaning, Pest abatement ( the worst)! Still going through this, just had a second spray today. I hope this takes care of it. I don't know sometimes whether I'm coming or going. All in all, there have been some great moments that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Dilemma, how much to say in a Blog? In my short time in this calling I have found a great love (never thought I would have) to want to serve the sisters in my ward, grant it, not all at once and not 24 hours a day, but I truly want the best for our sisters. I wish I could wave a magic wand over our ward that everyone would do their Home and Visiting teaching. Not so much for the teaching but the desire to want to check up on their assign families to make sure they are okay and if they had a genuine need. Not to preach to them but to let their families know they are loved and appreciated, a shared message from the First Presidency or General RS Presidency would just be an added bonus. News Flash: And don't fall over when I say this: but I have come to appreciate the Bishop of our ward. I'm sure I don't have a tenth of a tenth of what's on his plate. I think about the state of our country and of the world and wonder all the time, are we and am I prepared? What more can I do as a mother and wife to be prepared? Is my house in order? Are we learning and teaching others to be self-reliant so in a pinch are we able to take care of ourselves? I was speaking to someone the other day and he was telling me about (I'll call him Joe) who lives by himself and this "Joe" was having shoulder surgery. I asked the man if "Joe" needed any help. He said, oh gosh no, Joe is so independent he would rather eat peanut butter sandwiches or soup from a can for a week or two than ask for help, that's how independent he is. I think I said, good for him, we all could use his tenacity. My friends know me and know I am in no way perfect, but I have my moments, like a couple of weeks ago, I was greeted in our foyer from a very dear sister, and just by being in her presence, I want to be better, I want to do better. She has that affect on me. I'm sure you'all know someone like that. I just need to remember that feeling more often. Well I better get back to busy busy, but this has been a great respite, if only for a few minutes. I'll try to come back soon.

TTFN

"georgie"

Her Temple Can

2011-07-05T20:49:00.001-07:00

After "8" count them eight years, she finally gets to open up her Temple Can. A Time Capsule of sorts. She was 15 when her Young Women class made these cans.
Look how excited she is to be opening it. The instructions said "To be opened only when you have found the right young man to "Marry"."
In each girls "can" they could put a picture of what they would like their Wedding cake to look like. She said, that she still would like it similar to this one.
This paper described what attributes her future husband would have. She said that her Fiance Jared, fulfills everything on her list. For example, it said that he must be "Hot", yep, he meets that criteria, another one, a great sense of humor, a Returned missionary and very smart!
This is Miss M "braces and all" eight years ago. Who would have thought what wonderful blessings were in store for her. Other things in the can, colors of her dream wedding, a letter from her Bishop, advice and counsel from our Church Leaders, some "bubbles in a Wedding favor" etc.
Other items, a picture of the Temple that she would like to marry in. It was the San Diego Temple for the longest time until a Temple was built just 27 minutes from our home, she is now very happy to be marrying in.
As her Mother, I am so proud of her and for the choices she has made that has got her to this place in her life. She will have many happy memories to share with her future children as she shares these items, from her Temple Can. Congratulations Mackenzie and Jared, September 10, 2011 is your day!

Bucket List

2011-06-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

I Just watched “Conversation’s a taboo subject about the end of life”.

And I thought, I have never put together a “Bucket List” or maybe just a list of things I would like to do.

So here goes: (and may I say, this is just for starters).

In random order:

1. Travel across the Continental USA by automobile and explore small town USA along the way.

2. Visit the Church Historical sites.

3. Hike & camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon

4. Find and meet my hubby’s distant cousins from the Cole side, visit the cemetery where his Grandfather and Great Grandparents are buried in Nebraska.

5. Stay at the Ahwahnee with my hubby in Yosemite

6. Visit Savannah, Georgia and eat at Paula Deen’s restaurant

7. Travel and visit the east coast, Long Island, the Hamptons, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard

8. Attend all the Hearst Castle’s tours. (I’ve only been through one.)

9. Travel to Paris and Tuscany Italy.

That's all for now.

No biggy.

Tootle loo!

"georgie"

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to the man, David Cole the Father of our family. He provides for us, he cracks corny jokes, he takes us on hikes, he is the calm in our sometimes raging sea. He's the nice guy, he's also "Hot" in my book! Look how cute he was ever since he was a little boy and he's even more now! He's my man and husband and I love him! Happy Father's Day.

Your forever loving wife

Patsy

Hair today , gray tomorrow ....

2011-06-14T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have the best Hair lady, Hair Colorist in the world. She can wash that gray right out of my hair.
She can take what was a hopeless dowdy girl like me and create a marvel. I owe my smile this day to her!
So I dedicate this pictorial to Eileen. Thank you, until next time!

"georgie"

Prairie Companion

2011-06-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Rachel Ashwell known as "Shabby Chic" Praire B&B is now open!

http://theprairiebyrachelashwell.com/

This is Liliput Lodge just one of the buildings with accomodations. Step back in time spend a spell or two. All the decor is designed and decorated personally by Rachel Ashwell.

This is the Seabury Suite. The sumptously cotton comforters and pillows are ready for it's occupants.

This is the Rangers Dining room, where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts in the morning. Rachel has painstakinly chosen each piece of furniture for all the rooms from her furnishing line Shabby Chic Couture.

Praire is located at 5808 Wagner Road, Round Top, Texas. 78954. Reservations are awaiting.

From a Fan of Rachel Ashwell's

"georgie"

Have luggage will travel

2011-06-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

I've always liked vintage suitcases, but have become more enthusiastic about them more recently. I can picture myself stepping off the California Zephyr from a cross country trip, here.
And checking into the El Coronado and plopping my suitcase on my bed ready for my next assignment.

When my hubby and I stopped into St Helena, I popped into one of their local Thrift stores and there they had stacked some vintage suitcases. They were going for $20. I couldn't believe how inexpensive they were. Well, I just snatched up one of those suckers, quicker than hubby could say, no. It's a vintage Samsonite in great condition.
back to my dream, now unpacking and waiting for my Rendezvous.......
Happy Wednesday

"georgie" or secret double agent

St Helena to home

2011-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of our short weekend trip through the Valley of the Vines. It's amazing the time and effort that are put into planting these vineyards. When you look across the valley, they are like a pretty green patchwork quilt.

If you can spare $3,000-$5,000 a night you can rent this place, by the night or month. You can even purchase this magnificent Napa Valley estate. It sits along Hwy 29.

As we drove through St Helena we started getting tired so we pulled up to the St Helena Park and took our quilt out and took a nap on the soft green grass. It was such a beautiful day. This was my view,the blue blue sky with it's puffs of clouds.I can just imagine a small orchestra playing in this Grand Gazebo on a summer evening with kids and parents playing on the grass and tapping their feet to the beat of the music.
This store was one of the reasons why I wanted to stop in St Helena. It's called Vintage Home. I fell in love with it the first time I came here. It had been a few years since we've been here, so I was glad that it was still here. We just window shopped and as we came out we sat on the bench directly opposite of this window. My hubby said to take a picture of it. Can you see our reflection? I thought the picture came out pretty nifty.
As someone said, "I'll be back"....

"georgie"

Calgon take me away..

2011-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days when you want to just get away if not for just a couple of days. Well that's what we did. My hubby and I hadn't been away with just the two of us in a while and since it was a 3 day weekend we thought we would take advantage of it. I had been Internet surfing for Antique flea markets, but couldn't find anything really interesting. The only thing that caught my eye was a "Antique funky collectible sale" in Mill Valley. I like Mill Valley so off we went.

The "sale" in Mill Valley was a bust but it didn't matter because I found some new stores that I have never been in, not to mention the famous "Maison Reve". Maison is a lovely store, kinda pricey but a great store for ideas.

Tyler Florence was the great find of the day. Back story, I had recently been in Hartwick's Antiques in El Dorado and they had these metal baskets, I loved them, but I didn't want to pay their prices. Flash forward, I walk into Tyler's and they had them for more than 1/2 the price of Hartwicks. I had to buy two. They were such a good deal.

This is Benefit. I fell in love with their eyeliner in San Francisco, and here they were. I knew daughter 3 would love it if I got her very own. So I snatched one, my surprise for her from our trip.

I have to say, next to shopping with the girls, my hubby is the best. He is so patient, if he gets tired of wandering around following me in the stores, he'll find a bench outside and plug in his mp3 player and listen to his music until I'm done and then onto the next or he'll go off and find an open flower market and deli and come back and report what he's found for us for lunch.
And he did just that. After I was done perusing, I met him at Mill Valley Market & deli and we picked out some things for a picnic lunch that we took with us along our way.

Did I mention I actually took paper maps? They did help somewhat but the majority of the time I used my IPhone Map quest app. Our next stop or pass through was Stinson Beach. But before that, we pulled on the side of the road and split a Turkey Avocado roll up, chips and drink. Stinson was bustling with people, we didn't stop this time but kept going and winding our way toward Olema and Point Reyes Station. Did I also tell you I know where the bathrooms are in Point Reyes? Lots of practice. The sun and rain clouds were playing tag this day. Stopped and took a picture of this old house, just because I love old houses.

Made our way away from the coast and headed east towards Petaluma. We checked in
our modest accommodations Best Western. It was the same BW we stayed in 22 years ago. The rooms have improved. We walked through the streets of this town. It is alot bigger than we remembered and there are many great restaurants. After going back and forth trying to decide we settled on Central Market a organic restuarant in the historic district. We split a salad, soup and shared a Gourmet mushroom & cheese pizza baked to perfection from their brick fire oven. Finished it off with a piece of Mayan chili chocolate from Viva Chocolat a few doors down.

The next day we were headed to the valley of the vines. I love all the little towns on Hwy 128/29. First stop Calistoga. Sam Brannon discovered Calistoga and planned the layout of it's town. He wanted it to become a resort where people would flock to enjoy it's hot springs. He made some ill investments and if you know the story, he died penniless. The Calistoga Museum talks alot about his life and right next store to the museum is one of his many homes.

We headed toward St Helena, but before we made it we stopped at the Beautiful Berringer Winery. And no not for the wine. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. I read about it's history and went through the Hudson home which was built 1873 and was purchased by Mr. Berringer he had it moved to it's current location on the grounds for his family. I will end this for now
to be contd stay tuned to my next post for more finds.

"georgie"

Getting ideas

2011-05-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

The wheels are a turning, getting ideas from

http://www.100layercake.com/

I am loving this and other wedding blogs.

Sorry this a short note. Have lots to do right now.

Have a great weekend. Hoping to catch some coastal breezes with my hubby.

Need to dip my toes in the sand.

"georgie"

More Jars

2011-05-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of these jars. Mason jars are so functional and are an inexpensive way to decorate. (that was a mouthful, try saying that 5 times) Well another wedding planning is in the works. My daughter told me that she'll be calling me every day for the next 4 months. I'm ready!
Happy rainy Wednesday
georgie

Wedding Planner take 1

2011-05-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to share with you pictures of a wedding reception that my friend Jessica and I planned and decorated for. It was extra special because the Bride is Jessica's sister-in-law and my long time dear friend's daughter. And the Groom is also a dear friend of ours so it is doubly special. My only disclaimer is my camera isn't very good and I am no expertise when it comes to photography. I hope that you enjoy them. I am hoping to also use some of another friend's pictures who was their photographer because she will probably show off the decorations even better.The bench that they are sitting on was borrowed from a friend and between Jessica's fabrics,borrowed cushions and my Throw pillows it became a great sitting area for picture taking. Notice the hanging mason jar lanterns, Those were masterfully put up by Jessica's handy husband Will. Thanks to him and his brother Joe they hung mason jar lanterns all around the reception area

So the back story is, this is Dolly's vintage suitcase that held the sign in book made by her new husband's Aunt. The desk/old sewing table was a great find from a Goodwill store that I picked up for only $5.00. I painted it "Billowing Blue" by Benjamin Moore. Best deal ever!
This table was also Dolly's that she picked up from a flower shop that was moving and she said they had it out on their sidewalk for "Free". Yes Free! I picked up the White shelf from a local Flower shop a while back and just held on to it until I could use it for such purposes as this. I had the dried Lavender and it just came together.

Here are two of the Bride's maids, Diana and my daughter, Mackenzie. Diana is responsible for picking all the wild flowers. We purchased some of the flowers and then combined them with all the beautiful wildflowers that Diana and friends picked from our local foothills. They really made the wedding and reception just gorgeous.

All of the beautiful centerpieces were lovingly made by the Bride's sisters Glory and Amy and friends. The Wedding Party's bouqets were made by Diana.
Diana, Dolly "Bride",Alyssa and Mackenzie

This Wedding Cake was just amazing, not only can Jessica decorate, she also make's Wedding Cakes and this cake was spectacular! The cake pedestal was made by the Bride's Father. Just another great touch to the Bohemian feel.
Myself, Bride Dolly and daughters Mackenzie and Cecelia.
Myself, Dolly and her mom, my good friend Claudia, it was such a beautiful day!
This was the desk "before".

This was it "After". My little DY Project.

It was a very nice evening and it couldn't have happened without the many helpers from both respective Wards by both the Bride and Groom. Congratulations Tyler and Dolly!
If you like this post, I would love for you to comment and become
a follower of "Feels like home to me".
Take care
"georgie"

Team Dolly

2011-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Trio!

These Lemon infused Cupakes made by Tami, are to die for! Love, love, love them!
Dolly and her girls... Just two more days.......

Sun shining, Thankful Thursday!

"georgie"

The Door

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

It has now been a little more than eight months since we've been in our little niche. It's been warm and cozy and every night as I snuggle under my covers I can't feel so thankful to have a roof over our heads, compfy beds with warm downy covers, food in our tummies and electricity. What more can one ask for?
Some people have far less than this. Our room is just eight feet wide, my side of the bed looks to this door (pictured below). It looks like a hobbit door. It is kind of querky with it's vintage panels and slide lock from the 1930's. One's imagination can wonder what adventures are through that door. But I know.
So as I lie on my bed and listen to the rain fall on this May day, I give thanks to the many blessings that I have and enjoy. This chapter will soon end and another one will begin just like Alice in Wonderland as she jumped feet first down the rabbit hole.
Happy Wednesday!

georgie

I love Paris in the Spring

2011-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well I can dream can't I?

I am dreaming that I am here today.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

georgie

Scomas's

2011-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Remember “Meet the Parents”? Well we kinda did the same thing. Our middle daughter Miss M’s boyfriend’s parents came down from Utah for their son’s graduation and so we thought what a great opportunity to meet these fine folks.

Scoma's
Tucked away off the main strip on Pier 47, Scoma's celebrates forty-five years this year — meaning forty-five crab seasons in San Francisco.
I have been to many of the eateries at Fisherman’s Wharf, but never this one. They picked “Scoma’s”. It was really good. If you love fresh seafood like I do, you’ll love this place.

Our new friends, the Wood's.

You can't tell that she likes this guy, now can you.

It was a little chilly, but they were happy!

When we came out after eating, the sun was just setting. It was a beautiful end to a wonderful evening with new friends. We can't wait to see them again, maybe this fall?

Friday the 13th goof

2011-05-14T07:18:00.001-07:00

So I guess BLOGGER was down for maintenance on of all day’s Friday the 13th.
Sorry about that. Just a quick note this morning – so many things to do, my list is full and I have to get it all straight in my mind and down on paper. What would I do without my calendar on my Iphone? Don’t know. Just when I think I have somewhat control of my schedule the Lord steps in and remind me that He, not me is the one in control of the universe. What???? I need to remind myself ““self” prioritize your day today for the things that are most important at the top of the list and the frilly fun waste of time towards the bottom. What??? No!! “Self” do not procrastinate, you have deadlines to meet and you only have so many hours in the day to get things done. (By the way, why do they call it “deadlines”?) It makes them sound so dreadful. I must have ADD because I have gone off track from my original thought when I started this post. Or maybe its age, because I can’t remember what I was going to post and as I am looking at the beginning of my post this was supposed to be quick note. Anyhoo, I better go, I gotta get my day started before I really forget what I am supposed to do. Have a wonderful sun shiny day even if it partly cloudy outside. With your smile you can brighten someone’s day!

"georgie"

Yellow/Grey and Nienie 20/20

2011-05-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

By now you should know I am an admirer of Nienie's Blog, well coming this

Friday the "13" no less she and her family will be the subject on ABC'S

20/20. Check your local listing. You can also go to her blog below at Thursday's

post and click where directed to catch some previews "teasers" on the upcoming segment.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

She has truly made Thirst quenching Lemonade out of her Lemons.

Hence my Ode to Yellow and Grey tribute.

Happy Thursday everyone!

"georgie"

mac attack favorites

2011-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

You probably thought I was talking about hamburgers, gotcha!

I always liked Kim Kardashian's choice of lip color, so last year when

We were in the city, San Fran to be exact I popped into Macy's and asked the

Mac representative about the colors that Kim used. The young man was very

helpful and he knew exactly what they were.

This is not the exact color that she wears but it is the closest and it's by MAC, "boy bait" I like the name. The lip gloss she actually wears is NARS Turkish Delight and you can pick it up at Nordstrom. They don't sell it at Macy's.

This is the Lip Pencil the color is "Dervish".

This is "The one" Kim's and now my fav Lipstick by MAC "Angel".

Now this is my favorite eyeliner by Benefit waterproof liner by Sephora and it's available at Macy's.
My daughter is always taking it. I always have to look for it when I go to use it and I usually find it in my daughter's make up container. This morning when I went to look for it I couldn't find it and I "texted" her, "please bring my eyeliner back, pronto"! She texted me back "sorry". If you are a mom of daughter's I'm sure you have experienced this. Makeup, earrings, jewelry you name it, get borrowed often. I guess that's just part of the mother-daughter relationship.

It's Hump day

Have a great one!

"georgie"

Rhapsody

2011-05-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

ideas for a bohemian gathering coming soon .

Getting terribly excited......

Cecelia

2011-05-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

She's ours and she's beautiful!

Today she turned nineteen but she's still our baby and will always be.

Happy Birthday Miss C, so glad you are the caboose to our

family train.!

Love Mom and Dad

Missouri Flat School

2011-05-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have lived in my town for 24 years and I have never heard of the
old Missouri Flat School until last week. It was built in 1863 and it is still standing
with it's original hardwood floors, stage and office.

I first noticed this ominous building after visiting a friend. I was leaving her home and as I was driving away on her road I looked to my left and through the trees I saw this large building. It looked darker than this on the other side kind of like a Black Whale from Moby Dick. I know I have a wild imagination. But it struck me, "What is this building" in the middle of this residential neighborhood?" It looked like it just didn't belong when the homes around it weren't very old. I didn't think too much about it until last week when on the main road 7121 Green Valley Road I saw a "for sale" sign in front of this large lawn with a circular driveway. Way back on the left hand side was that large building and on the right was a bungalow. I looked up the Listing site and it showed pictures. Apparently the home was built in 1931 and the property included 3 parcels with "the bit of Placerville history" the Missouri Flat School 1863. All you history buff nerds like me would love to walk through this building, the "if these walls could talk" thing. I am just fascinated that after all these years I have never heard of this school. I did some googling and haven't really found too much on the history of it. Amazing.

Take care

"georgie"

My first Music Video - Maria

2011-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

This might make you laugh. Just out of the vault. I was 6 going on 7 it was 1970 and I loved "The Sound the Music". I knew every song by heart. My dad humored us by filming us sing and this particular night was no exception. If you can lip-read I am singing one of my ballads' "Maria", or How do you solve the problem like Maria.

We didn't have audio back then. I guess you could say it was a silent film. No pun intended. I must be getting older because I would have never aired this in my 20's and 30's, I would have been to embarrassed. This is for my now embarrassed young adult children.
Happy Mother's Day Weekend to all Mother's everywhere.

georgie- girl

Troop Disney

2011-05-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our last night together at Disney.

We' be back!

Have a great weekend

everyone.

georgie

The Spirit of Revelation

2011-05-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering a lot about revelation lately. I just re-read

David A Bednar's

talk "The Spirit of Revelation". http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng His talk is a great tutorial on

how and when one can receive and recognize revelation. Recently I had an experience of this.

It wasn't until my experience came full circle that I can look back on two separate occasions about

8 or 9 months apart, that I was receiving a prompting and the Holy Ghost was telling me something.

However I didn't want to hear it and I pushed it out of my mind out of fear and self doubt of my own inadequacies and circumstances. I don't think I'm unusual and I don't think I'm the exception.

However I do wonder why is it when I'm the one seeking for the answers to my prayers, the answers

and promptings don't always come on my time line. For some of my prayers, I'm still waiting, and waiting.

If not for hope and faith I am still waiting. For the earlier experience, I wasn't seeking anything, but

someone up there wanted me to know that something was coming.

If it wasn't for my faith in a loving Heavenly Father, I

am still standing. I am still hopeful. I choose to keep on

keepin on. It's not a race but a journey I remind myself. I hope I make it.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

georgie

Ode to be an Inn Keeper

2011-05-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, in my wonderland world I would be an Inn Keeper. My little Sister would be the cook

and I would do the housekeeping, because I love cleaning.

This past December Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic, did just that in

Round Top, Texas.

This rustic dog trot house is one of the cottages on her Texan Ranch. One of my favorites. But there are several cottages on the property ready for her to put
her Shabby Chic touch to it.

This is what it looks like inside.

What I love about the 1880 era are the metal roofs, even down to
the rust. We are fortunate to live in the foothills and near historical areas. One area that I adore is what we call the Gold Hill area. There are many Old Homesteads that are polk-a-dotted all over the hills. I have even gone so far as looking up on Public records to find out who the current owners are. I was talking to my real estate friend about how I could approach some of them to see if they were interested in ever selling their home. She said that isn't uncommon. She said she has had clients interested in a certain home that wasn't on the market and they had her approach the owners if they were ever interesting in selling their home to contact her. She told me I could do the same by sending a note by mail to the homeowners and letting them know my interest. I may do that if I can get the gumption.

See Ya'll soon

"georgie"

LET US EAT CAKE!

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like cupcakes? All right don't answer that. Any whoo

"Martha" has this great recipe for

"Lemon Meringue Cupcakes"

I love Lemon Meringue Pie, so why not

cupcakes:

Ingredients

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 2 cups sugar
* 4 large eggs, room temperature
* Finely grated zest of 3 lemons (about 3 tablespoons), plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* Lemon Curd
* Seven-Minute Frosting

Directions

1.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2.

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is until incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in zest and vanilla. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk and lemon juice, and beating until just combined after each.
3.

Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.
4.

To finish, spread 1 tablespoon lemon curd onto middle of each cupcake. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large open-star tip (Ateco #828 or Wilton #8B) with frosting. Pipe frosting onto each cupcake, swirling tip slightly and releasing as you pull up to form a peak. Hold a small kitchen torch 3 to 4 inches from surface of frosting, and wave it back and forth until frosting is lightly browned all over. Serve immediately

Cupcake Pops and Bites
are also the rage now. Have you tried the ones
from Starbucks? The Birthday cake Pop is really good
and it is quite filling for it's size. One night when our older daughter was
in town, Miss M, decided that we should
go on a Chocolate Chip Frappacino run at 10:30 at night, I know
not very healthy. So she, I and younger daughter Miss C went and got our Whipped topping drinks and picked up
these doozies, the "Cupcake Pops".
Let's just say it wasn't a low calorie treat, but it was worth it!

"The Vintage Pearl"

2011-05-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks to:
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

I discovered

http://www.thevintagepearl.com/

I got a simple necklace with my Initial on it and while I was at it I picked up
a couple of gifts for the future. They make great Birthday gifts or a little something for yourself.
Got mine in the mail a couple of weeks ago, and I love it's simplicity.
Check them out, I think you will love them!
Happy May Day everyone!

"georgie"

It's the Happiest Place

2011-04-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

We were able to get away and go south, the biggest draw was seeing our two youngest

grandchildren at the happiest Place - Disneyland. We flew in to LAX and rented a car and on our

way we stopped at Manhattan Beach and had lunch. The day was gorgeous.

When we left home it had been cold and rainy, and an hour & a 1/2 flying,

" bam", beautiful skies and the beach.

Doesn't that beach look gorgeous and the guy in this picture is

quite the Hunk!

The Grand Entrance to Mickey's Town.

Here's Miss J, she literally looks like a "doll". She's 9 1/2

months and she is the most content baby girl. Those cheeks of hers

are just so kissable!

We got reacquainted after not seeing her since Christmas.

Our daughter and son-in-law and those cute, cute girls!

In the Haunted House, one of my favorites.

Our daughter Miss C so happy to be here!

He's not only a great husband, but he is the best Grandpa!

These two were buddies at the get- Go!

Okay so I love city scape's and you might be bored with these next pictures but

I love New Orleans because of the interesting architecture.

When you are walking through this area, you feel like you're right there on

Bourbon Street.

So earlier on one of the mornings all the adults except for moi' were

going to do the ride Hollywood Tower of Terror. I was perfectly

content to watch the little ones outside and wait for them. That was the plan.

Well they got back so fast because there wasn't a long line, so the girls convinced me to

go with them to ride it again. I had no clue how this ride worked, so I agreed. Here they

are with the Bellhop. He was all serious.

Here I am all smiles we are waiting to take the "service elevator".

If you have done this ride you know what happens next. "Spoiler alert"!!!!

I don't think I have screamed so much in my life, not even more when I gave

birth to my 4 children. I do remember screaming or by now my voice was hoarse

saying," it's over right?" Hoping it was. I think I'm getting too old for this kind of

excitement.

Awe back to the ground taking pictures of granddaughter C.

It was getting pretty warm in the upper 80's and she was

cooling off a bit right before her parents went and rode California Screamin.

Okay, if you ever go, you must see this show. It is simply the

best! You should arrive at least 45 minutes early to get in line.

You won't regret it!

Love this Hollywood prop. I loved the Hollywood Back Lot because

the same reason as New Orleans, all the different city-scape's.

This looks like you're in Brooklyn, New York.

A Fairfax market mock-up.

My two traveling companions.

Miss C

My oldest, she looks great after having her 2ND child just 9 months ago,

and our youngest Miss. C.

This was right before the Watercolor show at California Adventure

another "you don't wanna miss" show.

Our last night. I have to say we had the best weather this trip and to be honest

I wasn't really excited about flying and coming here, but once you're here, it's almost

like you're in a different world. It wouldn't have been the same if

we weren't with family.

It is one of the Happiest Places in the World!

Have a great weekend everyone

"georgie"

He is the way.

2011-04-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

He is the way, the truth and the life.

There is beauty all around, because of him.

Happy Easter, everyone.

This is what I know

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've started this page now three times, because I wasn't sure

what I was going to stay, blah, blah blah. My day started like this:

my Iphone alarm went off at 5:30 and since today was my off day (off from going to the gym,

I go every other day) I got to sleep in a little until 6:45, The Mr. got up at

5:45. I got up and I weighed myself, it's a ritual I do. I am not usually hungry when

I first get up. I showered and got ready to work. I usually listen to talk radio

or Mormon Channel on my Iphone as I'm getting ready. The last few times

the Mormon Channel hasn't been working, frustrating. It did work last Sunday

as I was getting ready for church and there was a really interesting interview

with the Author Heidi S Swinton. She was the author who wrote President

Thomas S Monson's Biography. She told us, the audience how she

was approached by President Monson to write his Biography. A very

fascinating interview. I just happened to buy this book a few weeks ago.

I hate to admit it though, that I hadn't started to read it until now. Anyway she gave a great

back story or as Hollywood would say a "Teaser". If you

haven't read the book, you will want to go out and get it.

Heidi shared that there are so many stories in this book that even

those who think they know this wonderful man will be pleasantly

surprised to hear some new ones that have never been shared

before. So I guess this is where I will leave you today, I am

going to go read now:

"To the Rescue" The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

by Heidi S Swinton.

ta ta for now

"georgie"

Pink kitty

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

It was" Celebrating Kids" this day and so they came and they did face painting

they gave away small trinkets of toys, child-size Jamba Juice's and pint size

snacks. She loves Pink and dressing up and her Princess dress was

simply appropriate. Grandpa asked her what's on her nose? She said "I'm

a Kitty cat". Grandpa asked her if she wanted to wipe off her whiskers.

She said, "no, I'm a Kitty cat". She takes her role seriously.

Wakamatsu Silk & Tea Colony

2011-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

My hubby planned a day date for us to take this Guided Tour to

the Former Wakamatsu Silk and Tea Colony Farm located near Gold Hill, CA

This is the Historic Graner House once occupied by

the Wakamatsu Colonists.

I love this old Wisteria vine right outside the Graner House

as you know I love everything old and I especially love history.

I like to know the stories behind it all. Who were the people that

once lived here, how was their life.

You gotta wonder what it was like on this wrap around porch how

they spent their days living here.

The day we were here the temperature was a beautiful high 60's to low 70's.

There was a light breeze a perfect day for a farm tour and light hike.

This monument was in memory and tribute to one of the first

Japanese Colonists, the Wakamatsu colonists.

This was a moment that touched me, a Japanese girl named

Okei. She came as a nurse-maid to John Schnell's children at the age

of seventeen and tragically got ill 2 years later and past away at nineteen.

This was a great scene with these horses. They were there to

round up the cattle. The land is still used for grazing. I just thought

it was kind of romantic or maybe I'm just a sucker for "the cowboy"

Americana look.

The back end of this barn on the left was used when they brought in the

cows to slaughter. Not my favorite part of the tour. I didn't take

any pictures inside. The tour is about 2 hours long. They offering these tours

every 1st and 3rd Saturdays right now. If you love history and would

enjoy a walking tour, then you will like it. I also loved spending time

with the Mr.

Guess Who's coming for dinner?

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

M & Miss C

Sunday we all met at my sister and brother-in-law's for

a family dinner. It was a perfect day for it. It started out warm and then

as the afternoon progressed it got over-cast and cooler. I loved it, kind of

of like coastal weather.

Okay, it looks like my sister is going to do something serious with that knife

of hers, and everyone else is oblivious of me taking their photo.

Daughter M and boyfriend J kind enough to indulge me by letting

me take this picture. They are so cute together.

We did eat real food, Chinese Chicken Salad, Frog Eye salad and we BBQ'ed

Tri-Tip. Had lots of fruit and veggies. I love getting together with family

There's nothing better.

My sister made her zesty Lemon bars

and Paula Deen's Chocolate chip bars

um um good!

The cousins mugging for this picture getting ready to

to cut in the double high chocolate cake.

These two look happy.

M & J enjoying their dessert.

It was a beautiful ending to a perfect weekend.

Happy Monday ya'll!

Sweet for my sweet

2011-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Under my bed I have this old See's candy box that I

treasure because it holds many sweet notes

and messages from my one and only.

Tonight I was doing some cleaning and I found it

covered in dust. Feeling a little nostalgic I decided to

open it up and read some of them. Fond memories came

flooding back. some in which are kind of corny, for instance there's this

piece of surgical

tape written on it "I'm stuck on you" or a heart shaped Valentine candy,

now hard as a rock that say's "Love ya". When "he" use to work the swing shift at

the hospital he would get the wood ready in our wood stove

for that evening and he would leave a cute note that read "come on

baby light my fire". I know pretty cheesy, my

kids would probably gag, but that's just one of the many reason's

why I love that man.

Have a wonderful weekend

everyone!

"georgie"

Tis the season

2011-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for Love.

It's in the air, Weddings are happening which make for great

and joyous celebrations. I hope to share in these

upcoming happenings some ideas of some wonderful

collaboration of talented friends.

Stay tuned.

"georgie"

My Lilics

2011-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the nice advantages of having and old homestead are the vintage fruit trees and

flowers from days gone by. We have a grapevine that is over a 100 years old that

bears fruit evey year. Other fruit are our Plum trees that have never failed.

Not only do we have some old rose bushes but right outside my back door are

three Lilic trees.

If I have the kitchen window open you can smell the fragrance

of these purple lovelies. They are only a springtime bloom so I try to savor

them as much as possible. I'll make a bouquet, then once their done I'll go

out again and cut some more and replace the ones that died and so forth.

They don't last very long so I try to enjoy them as long as possible.

Kinda sad when you think of it.

C'est la vie.

How USA are you?

2011-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

You're a US citizen how much do you know about your country?

I was talking to a good friend of mine who is working on getting her citizenship and

in order to become one she tells me you must take the Citizenship test. There are

a 100 questions that you must know the answers to, however you

will only be tested on 6 to 10 of them. Here are a sampling of them, do you know

the answers? I didn't know a lot of the answers.

What country did we fight in the Revolutionary war?

Where does freedom of speech come from?

Can the Constitution be changed?

What do the stripes on the flag mean?

And these were the simpler ones.

Any way it made me think. Do our kids today get tested on

these fundamental questions about the country that we live in?

If they do, they don't get quizzed on them enough, come to think of it

we all don't. I'm not sure if I could get 6 out of 10 questions right.

This would be a great Family Home evening activity.

You can Pull up the questions on the internet and separate into teams and quiz each other.

It would not only be fun but everyone would learn a little

something of this Good O'l USA

Happy Tuesday ☺

Tulips and spring

2011-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

What I like about spring is the new beginning

of things such as when the first buds appear

on the trees or when the flowers start to

blossom.

A great memory for me of spring is waking up and hearing

the birds tweeting from my open bedroom window.

On a personal note: Had a profound reminder this weekend that we mustn't take for granted

the days we have on earth. We need to make each day count. I try

to remember each morning as I start my day to give thanks for having another day here

to start anew and not only do but be better.

Have a great Monday!

Before and After

2011-04-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

It was the worst house in the neighborhood. This is what it looked like when

we bought it. But I knew it had potential.

Before........

After.........

The living room was dark and dingy, the knotty pine paneling was

tainted with cigarette stains and there were layers and layers

of wallpaper.

Here's Mr. Home working on the insulation.

Living room After

I love how it's very light and airy

it makes the room feel comfortable.

The Kitchen Before. They had the range

right next to the sink, I don't know what they were thinking.

My Kitchen After

I have to say I love how it turned out. I know I'm saying

love a lot, but I really do love taking something old and

making it new again. I need another project.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Take care

P.S. comments are always welcome.

A visit with Paula

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Love this dining room with it's tan seats and blue and white stripped

pillows.

There are a lot of places that I would love to visit one day and

one them is Tybee Island, Georgia. One of my favorite

people Paula Deen owns this cute beach house that she rents out when she isn't

using it. Here's a peek of it.

Her kitchen is very simple and isn't large but very quaint. It's a three story and very light

and airy.

Her living room looks so inviting. Lots of windows and the home is made for comfort. So

comfortable that you can walk right in from the beach with your sandy flip flops and plop

on the couch. I hope to visit Tybee and also Savanaah, Georgia, I love old towns

and old homes, they have character and I'm always curious of the history and story

behind them. I guess that's why I love my old house. Our house was built in 1921 but

it sits on top of the burnt remains of a victorian from 1890. We have found

wonderful artifacts of the prior home in our basement and around the property.

I'll have to share more about that later.

Take care

Chloe conquer's all!

2011-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite little people is Miss Chloe. She is very smart and loves to learn.

One day she told her mother that she needed to go to the bathroom. Her mother told her, well

go ahead, not really serious about her statement, because Miss C wasn't potty trained.

Well knowing what the toilet was used for, Miss C got on the toilet and proceeded to use it.

Miss Chloe yelled to her mother, Mommy I went, I went potty. Her mother came to

look, and sure enough Miss Chloe had gone potty in the toilet.

From then on Miss Chloe was officially Potty trained.

The end........

She's a happy girl and proud of her accomplishment!

Chloe the Conqueror and Champion

she's my hero and sweet granddaughter!

(used by permission from her mother)

New kids on the block

2011-04-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Had a picnic lunch with Miss T on the far left and Mr. D 2nd to right and

friends. Beautiful day.

Miss T saying "cheese".

Made a recipe from Raley's Extra magazine.

Chicken Tortelini Salad for our lunch along with Turkey sandwiches.

I think the adults appreciated the salad more. Very quick to make.

Have a Great Tuesday everyone!

Revive and Regenerate

2011-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I hope ya'all had a great weekend. It was gorgeous

and the best part was that it was General Conference weekend. I truly

believe that we have a Heavenly Father that knows each one of us and that he has

provided us with a Prophet that leads his church here on earth. The talks that were

given were truly inspired. For example 2nd Counselor President Dieter Uchtdorf''s talk,

was a confirmation to a prayer. Amazing!

Saturday evening went to "Girls Night out" at

Deseretbook

The line in was out the door when we got there so we knew it was

filled with women looking to get some great buys and maybe win

a prize. We were one of the first 100 women so we did get a small prize.

Here we are waiting in line to purchase our buy's.

They had a drawing but I didn't win anything. After I got home, Miss Wendy texted me

and said "guess who has to go back to the book store"? I said, "what" you won"? She said yes!

Lucky gal, she is!

Pedi - green

2011-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day, the sun shining, the weather man

said it would be in the 80's and it felt like it. Just last Thursday it was

snowing like no tomorrow and 1 week later T-shirt and flip-flop weather.

Crazy!

But I have to say I love it.

Our neighbor Mr. Jeff was out mowing his beautiful

green lawn, and the air smelt of freshly cut grass.

That only means one thing, SPRING is finally here.

I had a little time to spare and my toe-less shoes

were calling my name, however this winter I had stowed away

my toes and heels and them toes have been neglected.

It was time for the first Pedicure treatment

of the year.

I never noticed, my left foot looks bigger, wider than my left.

Interesting. But I love my pedi.

I think my feet look better with my sandals on.

Have a great weekend everyone and if you have

sun enjoy it even more.

P.S. Happy April Fool's Day! :)

At Seventeen

2011-03-31T00:46:00.000-07:00

I Love:

1. Nutella

2. Ovaltine

3. peach jam and cream cheese sandwiches, because when I was in the

5Th grade my friend Pamela and I would eat them at her house after school.

4. the covers over my ears when I sleep and a cool room, I don't like it stuffy warm.

5. music playing all the time in our home, no matter what. Always always when I'm cleaning and doing the dishes and for no reason at all.

6. the smell of Clorox.

7. clean counters - no crumbs.

8. Kleenex, napkins and paper towels, I can't live without them.

9. sappy romantic movies and conspiracy thrillers.

10. my desk to be free of clutter, both at home and work.

11. Justice, I love it when the good guy wins.

12. nice people, reliable people.

13. soda, it is a weakness of mine, one time we were kind of snowed in, but we had

electricity. Our home teacher had a 4 wheel drive and he wanted to check in on us. He asked if there was anything he could bring to us, I told him a six-pak of 7-up, I was going through a carbonated withdrawal, he delivered and he used our shower. Pretty pathetic huh.

15. Lip gloss, pale pink , which is good my doctor Say's it keeps me from biting my lips.

16. precision dancing - there will never ever be another MJ.

17. disco and all 70's - when I was a teenager in the late 70's there was this great, I mean great place called "Marmalade Max" that you could disco with the mirrored ball, colored lighted floor and the best virgin strawberry daiquiri's. They didn't serve alcohol there, oh them were the days.

That's it for now, just a glimpse of moi'.

Lemon and Lavender

2011-03-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

Lilies and Dandelions

is a new blog that has some wonderful ideas, one idea that she uses is

lemon and lavender

to clean almost anything. A couple of months ago I went looking

for some lavender oil, and found some at our local Body Basic's shoppe in

our town and tried Lilies and Dandelions recipe. It turned

out great and it made my house smell so fresh and clean. Her recipe is

as follows:

All Purpose Cleaner:

There are so many recipes, but this is her personal one.

She say's she uses a little more lemon juice because she doesn't particularly care

for the smell of vinegar.

Feel free to play around until you are satisfied!

One part White Distilled Vinegar to 1/2 part of Lemon Juice
A few drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Combine into spray bottle.

She say's that she uses it in the kitchen and bathroom.... you name it.

If you feel that it leaves a smudge add extra vinegar.

After dabbling with the lavender oil,

it made me think about Lavender and rose water. I remember

Linens and Things use to carry it and I always wanted

to get some. So I goggled recipes to make Lavender water and

or Rose water and it turns out that it's pretty easy. I

watched a demonstration on how to give your linens a

crisp and fresh look. After making up your

bed and if you have a cotton coverlet or cotton

duvet or comforter, give them a spray or spritze

and smooth them with your hands. Not only

will they look better they will smell

wonderful.

P.S. Their lavender water was a spray bottle of

fresh or distilled water and a few sprigs of

fresh lavender or fresh rose petals.

or Recipe 2#

2 cups water (distilled)
3 TBS vodka
15 drops Lavender essential oil

Directions:

Mix the essential oil and vodka together then add water. Seal in a jar
or bottle and keep in a dark place for 2 weeks before using.

I haven't made recipe 2# because I
didn't want to buy a huge bottle of vodka for 3 TBS.
But I heard it works fantastic.
Let me know if you do make it, I would love to hear
what you think or if you have any suggestions.
If you like what you read tell a friend, new
followers are always welcome!

Cheers!

Pottery Barn Farmhouse brunch

2011-03-28T21:48:00.001-07:00

I was looking for some decorating ideas this weekend and I stumbled onto the

always inventive Pottery Barn's party ideas. This is so cool. Am I the

only one that hasn't delved into their site and found this?

So they have these great ideas for entertaining

for every occassion. One idea that is pretty cool is that

they have invitations all ready, all you have to do is fill each

one in and print and send, and one even more fabulous idea

is they have an Itunes playlist for every party idea. You can

download a whole mixed album for your party, too cool. And

they have "how to set up and decorate your party"

and they give you the whole menu with recipes like this

scrumtious Almond and Pear Tart that is to die for.

Hope you enjoy this, if you like what you see

I welcome you to follow my blog.

Take Care

The little white farmhouse

2011-03-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

There's a little white farmhouse down the road from me and every time I go past it
I can't help think of yester years. It sits on the sunny side of a hill surrounded by green grass. It's not too big or too small and it is an old saltbox shape. I have always wanted to pull up to it and meet the occupants but I haven't had the nerve. I would love to know the history of it and the family that grew up there. I have even gone so far and "Zillow" ed it at zillow.com to see it. It is on a quite a spread, so I'm sure it's been in the family for many years. I think about If I owned it what I would do. I imagine having great summer parties in the back yard, lemonade, ginger cookies, and children playing hide-and-seek. I even imagine shabby white flour sack dish towels and freshly laundered sheets blowing in the wind on the clothesline as my friends and I sip our lemonade and eat our sandwiches on homemade wheat bread. I know pretty sappy with nostalgia. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era, don't get me wrong I love 2011 conveniences, however that farmhouse reminds me of more simpler times. This isn't it but it's similar.

The Triangle of Life, Quake tips

2011-03-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law sent this to us, never heard this before. In these crazy times
some sound advice to think about.
Where to Go During an Earthquake
Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway? Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.

EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP'S ARTICLE ON 'THE TRIANGLE OF LIFE'
My name is Doug Copp I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI ), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.

I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.

The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene -- unnecessary.

Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them - NOT under them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.

TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY1) Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.

2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.

3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.

4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.

5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.

6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!

7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.

8) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - it is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.

9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.

10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.

Spread the word and save someone's life...

DIY Project

2011-03-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

So, we have had this hand-me-down drafting table that has been kicking around all over the place. I finally decided on a wet and rainy day to buy some paint, "Benjamin Moore", I love their brand and paint the sucker. It took a little more than a couple of coats but then it finally came together. It is a table of many uses, like my never ending blogging, surfing the web, putting mine and Miss C's make-up on, snacking and paper work i.e. paying bills table.

This is it before:

and here:

And ta dah, here it is after:

It looks so crisp and clean!

Mr. Hubby picked some of our first flowers of Spring
to add just the right touch.

They add just enough color.

What's in a name or intials?

2011-03-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who has ever pondered who's initials does Pottery Barn mostly use for monogramming their linens, towels, pillow cushions etc? I have always wondered this. So I got to googling and the only answer that I have found was the names that they use for examples in monogramming. Is there really a Catherine and Eric Miller? cMe, or
a Catherine Elizabeth Miller? cMe. The initials that are used most often and are usually used on the "Best" stuff is cMe It is a quandry and a mystery. I am neurotic like that. One of these days.... maybe it's Mr Pottery Barn's daughter.
In the end it really doesn't matter. I love their towels.

Burlap Vintage pillows

2011-03-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Just in from the UK are these Lumbar pillows. When I was talking about the little extra something for my give away I was speaking about this Burlap faux grainsack lumbar pillow by Samantha Johnson. http://www.etsy.com/shop/samantha2818?ref=top_trail These are all handmade by her and I think they are a great accessory for any room. Out of the three pillows, this is the one I chose, the Avenue des Champs Elysees.

I hope she likes it.

If you like what you see, give me a shout out or leave a comment. Have
a great day, I see some sun trying to peek out.

And the winner is........

2011-03-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Lavender Package Giveaway is:
"Cherie Giboney"
Congratulations Cherie I will be contacting you.
I think she is carrying a lucky penny!
I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway!
So happy for you Cherie!!
Best Regards

Maison Reve' Annual Flea Market

2011-03-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Maison Reve is a lovely shop in Mill Valley and every year they have a great
Flea Market. It is Saturday March 19th from 8-5pm. This is the time when they bring out everything and if you are lucky you can get some amazing deals. They are holding it Rain or Shine. Check them out at Maisonreve.com

I'm hoping to be there. Have a great weekend and remember I will be
drawing the lucky winner for my giveaway.
The winner will be announced March 21st.

Giveaway it is easy bein green

2011-03-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Went green today, found a tasty recipe for tonight's dinner. Irish Stew. Mr. Home isn't a fan of cornbeef and cabbage so I took "Nie's" cue and made this recipe served with sourdough bread and our choice of beverage Thomas Kemper's ginger ale.
It must be pretty good, he went back for seconds, Cheers everyone!

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 large onion, sliced
2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 parsnip, peeled and cut into large chunks (optional)
4 cups water, or as needed
3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
1 cup coarsely chopped leeks
chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
1.Heat oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add lamb pieces and cook, stirring gently, until evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
2.Add the onion, carrots, and parsnips and cook gently alongside the meat for a few minutes. Stir in the water. Cover and bring to a boil before turning the heat down to low. Simmer for 1 hour or longer, depending on the cut of meat you used and if it is tender yet.
3.Stir in potatoes, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, before adding leeks and rosemary. Continue to simmer uncovered, until potatoes are tender but still whole. Serve piping hot in bowls garnished with fresh parsley.
Yield 6

There is still time to enter my "Feels Like home" giveaway,
you can enter by becoming
a friend and follower, just simply click the FOLLOW button to the
right follow the directions and you will be entered in the drawing, it's not too
late, and there is an extra something in the package giveaway!
The winner will be
chosen by a random number.
What is in the giveaway?
A wonderful lavender package from the amazing
Body Basic's Shoppe.
You will love it, the fragrance is so worth it!

Passion is an evolution

2011-03-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's age or a passion that has laid dormant for years waiting to
come out at the appropriate time, (I'm thinking for me, it just wasn't the season until now), but when I think about color swatches, floor plans, vintage finds, my heart starts to race and my adrenalin goes up. It is one thing that surpasses eating, which makes it pretty big, because I LOVE, love food!! I was reading one of my favorite blogs and she "Shabby Nest" said it best when she said:
I redecorate to nourish my soul. It is a passion. It is an art.
Now my disclaimer is: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Other's may not like your taste but that doesn't matter, because Art or decor is whatever you like, just like Your Blog. You own it. Now is it a talent? Maybe. Again, taking another quote from Shabby Nest,
"I encourage them to hone their art".
Just like practicing the Piano, for hours at a time, the same goes for the art in decorating or design. For me I still feel I am a student in this, but I love, love the homework.
Sometimes after rearranging my furniture or room it isn't quite what I envisioned, but that's okay, that's the beauty of decorating, you can change it back or keep it and change it after awhile, in my case it maybe the next season. I have
found through this process that I do love the classics because they do stand the test of time. I have done the trends, fads or hot colors of the year but it can get costly. When your foundation is classical or more traditional it's easier/cheaper to mix it up with accessories.
In the 80's it was the country slate blue and yellow, remember the ducks? And wallpaper, who didn't wallpaper? I had this slate blue & white oriental thing going on, on my dining room wall and the duck thing in my kitchen. In the 90's we were doing the earth tones, burnt oranges, browns, rusts and South Western motif, we even had the antlers and serape draped in our great room.
2000 brought us the berber carpet, you know the loose loop construction type carpeting with small dark specks and light/white color. I was crazy enough to put that through my whole house, with 4 kids. What was I thinking? It was so hard to keep clean. I remember one of my kids' I will leave nameless, spilled something one time when no one else was around and decided to put some type of colored towel on it.
Well I don't have to tell you what the color of that spot was. I tried everything to get the stain out. I ended up buying a large area rug to cover this up and it was that way for several years, until we remodeled our home again.
So I guess in the end, for me decorating and redecorating is therapeutic,
and it gets the endorphins going and that's a good thing. Correcte?

Dreams and floor plans

2011-03-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

What do you dream? Do you dream movies or episodes? If my dream was an episode it would be the HGTV channel. For example: the other night I was dreaming Floor Plans and I woke up the next morning wanting to change things up a bit. So what can I do with my limited space? It all came to me in the wee hours of the morning. So last night, I decided to make a "quote" living room in the front space of our tiny "basement apartment" and moved the TV and chairs into it and moved what was the twin bed/daybed couch into the 2nd space where our "suite" is. I will post the transformation soon. My husband thinks I'm crazy but he went a long with it because I needed his help moving the TV and all the components that go a long with it. It was going to be a cinch because all "he had to do is drill a hole through the side wall and put the TV cable through it to bring it to the TV on the other side." We're talking about less than 6 inches. It took me/us about 2 hours for the whole move. It's amazing how men are when the TV isn't useable they don't know what to do with themselves. As soon as I hooked up the cable to the TV and turned it on (which was the first thing that got moved) he was a happy camper. After that all the rest of the moving was bliss, because he could watch, listen to it during the process. Men!
They are funny creatures.

Any way, if you are a Somethings Gotta Give fan, then you will recognize these floor plans they are almost exactly like it, an office was thrown in and only showing the first floor. But I am a die hard fan of the interior of this home.

I love this Swedish clock in the background, one of these days.....

I designed my kitchen after her's as much as possible down to
the drawer handles.

I looked forever for the fabric of her dining room
chairs but when I saw the cost, I decided I could live without it, but someday I would like to do something similar to it.

I did however find a vendor back east that made rugs just like the
ones in the living room and bought them, actually an affordable
price. They have other colors too. If you are interested
in the vendor just let me know.

Fabulous Friday

2011-03-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

If you don't know about this all ready then I hope you will enjoy this website. This is Rachel Ashwell the creator of Shabby Chic I just love her style.
http://www.shabbychic.com/

If you like this leave a comment and become a friend and follower there is still
time to win my give away, I will be picking the winner March 19th! I would love it!

Photo Shoot at Golden Gate Park

2011-03-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

After a couple attempts because of the weather Miss C finally had her photo shoot. Victoria Smith from Victoria Smith's Images a veteran model for 25 years took
the photos. Her assistant Molly also a veteran model were very kind to us and gave great direction throughout the day. It was very interesting to hear of their experiences in the field and gave good tips and lessons that they have learned.
The One Still photo of Victoria is her own work in modeling. You probably
have seen her before.

Digital collage generated with Smilebox

The final product will be used for Miss C's portfolio with Casting Images.
Me, mom took these with my not so professional camera of the day.

A Visit with Ina's new Barn House

2011-03-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Ina Garten takes us on a tour of her new barn. It's earthy, elegant, simple,
and so Ina.

I have loved Ina since Barefoot Contessa. I loved watching her in her kitchen
but most of all I would look past her and admire her home.

What makes Ina comfortable? well one thing is: great dance music
when she is cooking. I totally agree, I have
to have music on whether it's cleaning or cooking.

This dining table, so ample, and so comfortable!

I like the tans beige and whites, it's cool yet warm.

And way over there peeking behind the trees, is where I fell in love with
Ina, the main house of the Hamptons. Hope you enjoyed her tour.
Just a reminder become a friend and follower and you might be
the lucky winner for my first ever give away!
Cheers!

Couch Potato and Invitation

2011-02-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

Very busy today so I have kicked off my shoes and planted myself on the couch.
I've been working on becoming more familiar with
computer technology. It's amazing how time consuming it can be. If you are reading this and enjoy your visit, I welcome your time here and invite you to become a friend and follower. Check out the sidebar to the right and click Followers. I will be having a
give away soon and if you join "You could be the lucky winner". I would love It!

See you soon!

Vintage Melange

2011-02-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

A beautiful sunny day to go Antique hopping and so we did. Found a new one
in Historic Folsom "Melange" I could have spent hours in there, so much to see.

I've been on a hunt for great vintage french linens, they are really hard to
find. I signed the Wish list with Melange's and hopefully I'll get a call.

When I do, I have all sorts of projects that I have planned for them.

This shop was so cute. I fell in love with it as soon as
I stepped through their door, and the ladies are so nice.

French Bakery

2011-02-25T21:51:00.001-08:00

Today was a day that took me back to a great French Bakery we discovered in Monterey it's called "Paris Bakery Cafe" its located at 271 Bonifacio Pl, Monterey, CA 93940
I immediately fell in love with it. From then on every time we went on vacation I always looked for a French Bakery. But I have never found another one that compared to this one. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I've got a craving, just wish our town had one.

Bread & Pastries what's not to like.

It's my first but not my last..

2011-02-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

My first Framed Chalkboard project.

This was my first experience with Chalkboard paint. I would like to try working with
other objects like these.

Next........

Snow Is Coming?

2011-02-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Our town with some of the white stuff.

So they're telling us that we have a Winter Storm coming starting Thursday Night,
for us Northern Californian's that means stocking up on supplies and getting our winter garb out again. Are you ready?

Jennifer's got her boots and ready for the snow.

The west slope of El Dorado County is slated to be hit with a significant snow storm on Friday, February 25, 2011 thru Saturday, February 26, 2011. According to weather services, snow accumulation above 2000 feet will range from 1 foot and up to 4 feet in the higher elevations. The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services suggests residents have enough food, water and supplies to last 72 hours. The Sheriff’s Office web page offers several sources for residents to prepare and plan for significant incidents. For up to date weather forecasts please visit http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html

Almost done..

2011-02-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

Been working on Project Chalkboard 101# almost done. According to the directions it takes 3 days to cure the paint. So hopefully I get to start using it tomorrow. I will post soon. In the meantime here are some other samples of some Framed Chalkboards. It's amazing how much they are selling for. I can't believe it!

What's in a word?

2011-02-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

Blues, The

I loved this movie. But.........

Do you ever have one of those days when your head is removed from any sense of logic or reason? Hormones completely out of whack, Yep that was me. I was thinking about this on my way to Church this morning.
I compared myself to the character Vivian in The Divine Secrets of the Ya ya Sisters Movie. If anyone crossed my way, they better look out, I would not be blamed for their misfortune. Our poor youngest daughter is living with a perimenopausal and my husband is Shep, Vivvi's husband who loves and puts up with her, well, yaya-ness. When I came to a brief moment of lucidness I apologized. I can honestly understand why some women in the 50's were thought to be insane, they didn't know it but they were just going "through the change". I know TMI. You have to laugh about it or you'll just cry.

Me today.

Perimenopause
■Hot flashes and sleep problems. About 65 to 75 percent of women experience hot flashes, most commonly during late perimenopause. The intensity, duration and frequency vary. Sleep problems are often due to hot flashes or night sweats, but sometimes sleep becomes erratic even without them.

■Mood changes. Some women experience mood swings, irritability or increased risk of depression during perimenopause, but the cause of these symptoms may be sleep disruption caused by hot flashes. Mood changes may also be caused by factors not related to the hormonal changes of perimenopause.

Thrift Store Hopping

2011-02-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

Shams 2 for $4.00 and some Body Basic Soap Bars

Photo Shoot got rained out so I decided to not waste the day and took Miss C Thrift Store Hopping. My New favorite Thrift Store is the Snowline Hospice in Cameron Park. Every now and then you can find some treasures. Myself I found some great shams. I liked the fabric. Miss C found a couple of tops and a great pair of shoes.

This Lined Crocheted Cream colored Top was originally from "Wet Seal", $4.00

She saw these and exclaimed "I think they are back in style". I thought
they were cute too. Great find for only $3.00, what a steal!

Hopping to the next Thrift store I found such deals. A large Frame that I'm going to make a Framed Chalk board and a Calendar Holder only $2.50 each. Watch for a future post after I complete them. I can't wait to get started. I've purchased the Chalk board paint and Trim paint. Great Therapy for this girl.