Jake's New Toys

I'm working today but wanted to wish you all a great weekend. Also wanted to answer Mechelle's question about my spray painting...rest assured Mechelle, I haven't spray painted Jake. I promise!

Speaking of Jake...he still HATES his wheels. I had him in them today and his whole personality changes when he has them on. He acts depressed. I'm thinking once the weather warms up and we're outside, he'll realize they're his ticket to freedom. At this point though, he doesn't care about his freedom, he's perfectly content to lay right next to me all.day.long!

Jake does have a few new things that he does like however...


A dog carrier from my friend Elizabeth.


A doggie stroller from my sister Debbie. Debbie knew I had been looking for one and picked this one up for me off of Craigs List. I love this thing, and get this, it even has a built-in cup holder!

It's like I've said before, I don't have a dog anymore...I have a newborn!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: What is your favorite kind of pie?

For those of you who are familiar with the restaurant Marie Callendar's, February has been $6.95 a pie month. Yes, a whole pie, any pie for $6.95.

Marie Callendar's has the BEST pies ever...my favorite is the Coconut Creme!

Spray Paint Fun

Since I started blogging, two things have happened: 1) I started going to thrift stores (I wanted to get in on the action! I've seen some of the treasures you girls bring home from thrift stores and Goodwill); 2) I've gone through I don't know how many cans of black spray paint. I'm now constantly on the lookout for something I can paint black!

I mentioned a few days ago that I have been spray painting this week and some of you wanted to know what I had been up to. I thought I'd take a minute and show you what goodies came home with me from the Goodwill and how they look now that they've been painted. I didn't think about it but I should have taken before pictures too.

The first things I painted were 2 frames. I've seen decorating pictures of empty frames layered against the wall, on the fireplace, etc. I was specifically looking for 2 frames to go on top of an armoire. I think the size of the frames are perfect for the space and I just love the look of it.


In this "new" room I'm fixing up, I've got 2 built-in bookcases to fill so I've been keeping my eyes open for interesting little items. I found a brown wooden plaque and a brown candle holder and thought they'd look even better in black, and they do...


The plaque is heavy and a nice decorative piece but I knew the candle holder would be perfect with a bird's nest sitting on top. All in all, the frames, plaque, and candle holder cost me about $5.00 plus the paint. As the teens say these days...Sweet!

An Entertainer In the Making!

This is the cutest 3 year old I've seen in a long time. Her little movements to the song are adorable. It's not Sunday but let's have us some church!

Spring Is In The Air

You know Spring is in the air when 2 things happen around here...

1) I wear shorts
2) I bust out the spray paint

Today I did both!

There are a few things that I've been wanting to transform with paint but the weather has been too damp. Lucky for me, the sun was shining bright today so I lined them up outside and got busy. I've got another coat to put on my goodies and then I'll show you the end result. I'm telling ya, black spray paint has become my new best friend.

I wanted to show you my inspiration piece for the room make-over I plan on doing. I'm taking my time and doing it right so I really don't have much to share at this point. It will be painted the same beige that we have in the rest of the house and we'll be saying good-bye to the pretty yellow that I painted when little sis was in about 6th grade. The yellow has held up well but it's time for a change. I plan on using neutrals with splashes of black, and who knows, maybe some aqua too. It will also be getting new carpet soon. Last week I found this print at Target and knew this was the inspiration I needed.


Aren't the colors soothing! I already had the 2 little cast iron birds so along with this new print, I've decided on a theme for the room as well. Yep, birds!

Ok, I'm Tired!

I just finished an exhausting 3 days of work and I have to go back in today for a mandatory nurses meeting, on a Sunday no less! The only saving grace is that we don't have to go in until noon and they're serving us lunch. I noticed that we're short staffed on Monday but I kept my mouth shut for once! As boring as it may be, I do have a life other than work.

Until work interrupted my groove, I was accomplishing tasks left and right and my days were feeling very productive. This is the time of year that I get motivated to do projects around the house that we've put off doing for months (or years!) Our next project will be having new carpet installed. We've needed it for along time now but put it off because #1 it's expensive and #2 it's alot of work. ALL of our furniture will have to be moved and I'm truly not looking forward to the whole process but I just keep thinking about the end result. This will be a hugh project that we can finally scratch off of our to-do list. We were told it will be a 3 day job and have scheduled it for March 5,6,7.

I haven't had time to do much decorating in the "new" room but have picked out a theme and inspiration source. I'll take a picture tonight and post about it hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, I've decided to turn that desk area I showed you into a little "gift wrapping" area. Once I get this put together it will come in so handy. I did buy 2 tension rods and hung ribbon from them. It was easy and turned out pretty cute...


Have a wonderful Sunday!

It Doesn't Take Much...

When it comes to holidays, I realize most of them, if not all of them, are for children. I was one to go all out with the decorations and always had cupcakes and treats for my kids and for their special friends too...and I still do to some extent. I've loved doing this for them and I'll continue to do it for as long as they'll let me!

As a Mom, I've never wanted or expected anything in return but now that my children are older and over 18, there is one thing that I truly do want from them every now and then...and that's a nice, heartfelt card. My children know that for Christmas for example, their Dad and I don't "need" anything as we're very lucky in that regard, but a card from them means the world to us...to me.

After all these years, I think my daughter now realizes this about me. I didn't get any flowers delivered or chocolates in the mail for Valentine's Day...but I got the absolute perfect gift and it made my day...



Thank you Sis! I love you!

A Space Of My Own...

Our daughter (aka Little Sis) is a sophomore in college. She's been in Arizona for a year and a half now and I've yet to do anything to her room. I pass by her door 10 times a day but I never go in. As proud of her as I am, it makes me sad that she's not here with us. I miss her!

Little Sis has insisted that she's not coming home for Spring Break and may only come home "for about a week" this summer. All of the roommates are getting jobs and staying in AZ for the summer so she wants to do the same.

I give her about 2 weeks in that heat and she'll be heading for home...but, since she's adamant about staying in AZ...


Maybe I'll just fix up her room to be a space of my own! What do ya think!?!! I think it sounds like a plan!

I can't bare the thought of moving all of her furniture out just yet so I'll work around it. If you remember from previous posts, hubby snores so loud he could wake the dead, so having her bed comes in handy. During Christmas break, she had already boxed up 3/4 of her things and put them in her closet, so the rest should be easy.

I've washed the walls, windows, shutters, ceiling fan, and baseboards. Remember, it's occupied a teenager/college student so it hasn't been this clean in forever! This room has great bones...oh this is gonna be so fun...oh, I mean this is gonna be so sad...for about 5 minutes!


Stay tuned!

Everybody loves Gladys

This is long but you'll laugh your head off. Gladys is the real deal and just as cute as they come. Enjoy!



Happy Monday!

P.S. We agreed on a price with the carpet people so it's a go. More on that later.

So How Was Your Day?

Did you all have a nice Valentine's Day? We're you able to spend it with your loved ones? I had a very pleasant Valentine's. Didn't get lots of flowers and gifts, but it was enjoyable just the same. It was enjoyable because it was one of those days that I didn't have to be somewhere or do something...and those days are hard to come by.

In the morning, I spent time on the computer, leisurely reading blogs and such. I was able to catch up on everything. Then I started cleaning and doing laundry...lots and lots of laundry. I washed every piece of bedding in the house. I haven't been home on a Saturday for about 6 weeks so this time at home to clean and get myself organized was sheer heaven. I love puttering around the house, especially on days like yesterday when the weather was nice enough to have the doors and windows open.

In the afternoon we had someone come out to measure for carpet. It's time for new carpet and we need to just bite the bullet and get it done. We're so indecisive about things that it usually takes us months (or years!) but we've picked out the carpet, agreed on a color, and now were negotiating price. We'll know for sure tomorrow if it's a go.

Hubby and I ran a few errands then started our nice dinner at home. We didn't end up with the bbq dinner as planned, instead we had these...


I do make a mean taco if I do say so myself! I make them just like my Mom used to. I brown the hamburger meat, put the meat in corn tortillas, then fry them in hot oil. It's a messy process and I ALWAYS get splattered with hot oil but boy are they worth it. They were a favorite of mine growing up and they're a favorite of my family too. It's a happy day around here when I mention making tacos for dinner.

I hope your Valentine's Day was enjoyable also and most of all, I hope you felt loved! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Valentine Wishes

Happy Birthday Valerie!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Do you have big plans? Will you be cooking a delightful Valentine's dinner for your family or do you tackle the crowds at restaurants? Do you buy your sweethearts something special?

This year will be a first for us with no kids home on Valentine's Day to celebrate with. It already has felt different. Not bad, just different.

Courtney's valentine treats were mailed off, along with treats for the college roommates too of course. Yesterday hubby went to see our son who lives 3 hours away so his treats were personally delivered.

Tomorrow hubby and I will probably just whip something up on the bbq for dinner instead of battling with the crowds. Yes, we're able to bbq in February! There are some perks to living in California.

Mount Shasta

Each time we travel to and from Oregon we pass by the most beautiful sight...Mount Shasta in Northern California. Mt. Shasta is not connected to any nearby mountains, it just rises up abruptly from the miles of level ground around it, and it takes my breath away every time I see it.

Mt. Shasta is a dormant volcano. It has not had an eruption in over 200 years yet it has openings on it's surface (fumaroles) which show it is alive. These fumaroles still emit smoke and gases to this day. Mt. Shasta is the fifth highest peak in California and it's majesty is evident, no matter what time of year you see it.

While driving home from Oregon this last time, I took some beautiful pictures of Mt. Shasta. At times it seemed like we were at the base of the mountain yet we were miles away. How would you like to see this view from your kitchen window each day!?!




Mount Shasta always has a humbling effect on me and the beauty of this masterpiece overtakes me. It makes me think about God. It makes me think about his greatness. For as long as I live, I will forever be amazed by the hand of God.

Valentine's Day Swap

I signed up for a Valentine's Day Swap a few weeks ago and my package arrived yesterday. Let me just say my partner outdid herself. Every gift was wrapped perfectly and tied up with adorable ribbon. What a beautiful presentation Kally!


Look at all this goodness! I loved it all! Kally, thank you so much for your generosity and for making this swap so special and fun.


Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to drink my delicious new coffee in my cute new mug, read my new magazine, and eat my new chocolates while enjoying my glorious new candle! I think I must be in heaven!

If you've never participated in a swap before, don't hesitate to join in. They're lots of fun and it's a nice way to make new friends.

I Was Not Disappointed!

Tai Pan Trading rocks!

Leigh Anne summed it up perfectly when she said "Tai Pan is like Disneyland for Home Decor"...and I now also have to agree with Tammy who said "I heart Tai Pan" because after my Friday afternoon visit, I heart Tai Pan too! I was not disappointed!

To make this little shopping excursion even sweeter, another favorite store of mine was located right next door. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the signs Tai Pan Trading and The Alley right next to each other. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. The only thing that would have been better was if you had been there with me!

Like I mentioned, this was my first time ever shopping at Tai Pan. I had heard about them but none were located in California...until this summer. I knew I'd make the stop sooner or later and Friday was the day. This store is a decorator's dream. It's stocked with beautiful artificial flowers, greenery, dishes, prints, mirrors, pottery, some furniture, and much much more.

I browsed Tai Pan for about 2 hours, taking it all in. They had tons and tons of Easter accessories out already too. Everything was so beautiful. I can only imagine this place at Christmas!

Here's a picture of some of the things I bought...


I bought the artificial palm to go here. I've spent so much on real palms and they die in no time at all. This artificial one looks as close to real as they come.


I'd been looking for these green topiary balls for awhile now so I was thrilled when both stores had a good selection. I took my candles off of the candle holders in my living room and stuck them on top...just for a different look.



I brought home 2 of these which I just love. I put one in the spare bedroom and placed an urn/plant on top of it. I need to find something to go on this second one.


Also picked up this plant (again artificial). I'm thinking I'll put it in a container or on a plate and display it here.


In the first picture you can see the beautiful bunny picture, straw carrots, and silver hearts I bought. I picked up some other Easter items too and I'll try and show you them in a day or two. I just quickly snapped these pictures tonight before it got to late.

All in all it was a great weekend. Fun times with RV buddies and a fun time shopping. Literally, I was a happy camper!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have any of you ever been to the store Tai Pan? I'll be stopping by one today on my way to our campout this weekend. I always ask my husband to stop but he usually just wants to get to our destination, then when we come home on Sunday they're closed. Today I'll be driving my own car and can stop anyplace my little heart desires!

Is there anything in particular I should be looking for while I'm there?

I can't wait! I hope I'm not disappointed.

Yep, It Was My Blogoversary!

Thank you so much for the well wishes and the offering of congratulations on my one year blogoversary (and 236 posts!). Where has the time gone!?!

I remember so clearly writing that first post and being very nervous about the whole thing. I was clearly nervous about putting myself out there on the web for everyone to see and have access to. I was also nervous about who I'd meet and wondering if any friendships would develop like those I had been reading about. Although I wanted to make those connections, I knew it would take time. Thankfully, those connections and friendships did develop and although I'm still "cautious" about the web, I don't feel as nervous as I did a year ago. Now I feel...


Over the past year I have met and become friends with incredible, smart, talented, witty, creative, caring, and generous women...women who I now call friends...and friends, you bless my life daily in so many many ways. Thank you!

To show you how much I appreciate you and the joy you bring to my life, I thought I'd have a little giveaway. I wrote out everyone's name on a piece of paper who left me a comment about my blogoversary. I drew a winner and I'll be sending one special friend the "Blessed" sign in the photo above. I know you feel as blessed as I do and thought you might enjoy displaying it in your home. Or who knows, maybe you might want to pass it on for your blogoversary also, to those that are blessing you!

So without further adew (is that how you spell it?) Lisa Loo, please e-mail me your address. I'd love to send this gift your way.

Only 362 days until my next blogoversary!

It's A Special Day!

Today is a special day for me...

Any guesses as to why...

Look on my sidebar for a clue!