TUESDAYS WITH DORIE

For the Love.... :)

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

So after I awoke from my Home Tour induced coma on Sunday, I realized Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away. I don't have much in the way of decorations, maybe because the whole red/pink thing could make me crazy reeeal quick. Luckily as of today, I will only have to deal with it for a mere 15 days:)

I found these cute felt button hearts at JoAnn, and I just strung twine through them and then wrapped them around a jar filled with sixlets candy:) I love that pic of my babies, when they were babies... :( sniff sniff....

Had this little ceramic house forever, card made by my sweet niece:)

Then I decided to get my craft on:) Here are the materials you'll need if you want to craft along with me:)

About 1yd. of felt (I used white, but pink or red would be cute too)

1 foam heart (I got mine at JoAnn)

Scissors

Pins

And yes, chocolate. My sis gags that I like 3 Musketeers. Honestly, I can only eat half of it before my brain freaks out on the mystery that is "nougat". Anyway, whatever your sugar of choice is, you'll need it.

I used a glass that was a little over 3" wide as my template.

Start cutting about a million circles. Eat some sugar, then cut out a million more. I don't exactly know how many I cut, but it was almost the entire yd of felt. **to make it quicker, I doubled my felt and cut 2 at a time:) I'm so smart:)

Then take your circle and fold it in half, then in half again.

Then stick a straight pin through the bottom of the flower into the foam heart. (yikes!someone needs a manicure!)

Continue doing this for what seems like 7 years. Really it took me one episode of Hoarders:)

Tie with a big ole beauty of a ribbon....

And DONE!!

Every day should be Happy Heart day doncha think?

It's the final countdown! ........ :)

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ok peeps! Just a mere 4 more days till the Mesa Historic Home Tour! I thought I'd give you a sneak peak into a few of the lovely homes on the tour:)

Leslie's. Yes, check out those flowers. Love em:)

Goodies everywhere! Like everywhere! I mean, like she's the one we all borrow party stuff from everywhere:)

Katherine's. LOVE her!! And her hubby, because he builds her cool stuff like this sweet bench. Made out of an old headboard Katherine dragged home:)

And yes, I want her dining room chairs. Bad. Like really bad.

Courtney's. Oh my. She has original wallpaper EVERYWHERE. And it's AWESOME, like you won't believe it's that old awesome.

Yep. Original. Beautiful huh?!?

So there ya have it. 3 good reasons to hit the tour this Saturday:) Oh reeeally? You need more?? Well fine then! There will be a Flea Market also on the greenbelt on 2nd Street!! Yessss:)

Come by and check out the goodies that these peeps will be selling!!

Lesley from Jack & Cat Curio

Tara from Whimsy Funk

Suzi from u2rblessed

Tara from Junk Restore

Tricia from Vintage Bliss

Caroline from Boho Farm and Home

Gizelle from For the Love of Old

Mary Jo- bringing some fab painted furniture

Katie- bringing her sweet jewelry

.....aaand of course what would a Flea Market be without a hot dog cart and a lemonade stand!!

Soooo see??? You don't want to miss it:)

Tickets here

And for all you faithful readers who won't be able to make it because you live in a fabulous place like Slovenia or something, you can have a look see of my house (and my most awesome of acting skills) here:)

New obsession.... :)

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Obsessions. I have so many. But my latest?

Orphaned old green books:)

Look at them! Beautifully worn, and wonderfully happy to be rescued:)

I find them everywhere. At thrift stores, antique stores and garage sales:)

I haven't met one I didn't fall in love with and bring home:)

This last set of books sits on top of my TV cabinet. The direction I've been staring at all day in my Mucinex induced coma:( Being sicky is all kinds of yuck, but looking at those old books that were once loved by who knows how many people, makes me feel a smidge better:)

How bout you? Tell me what you're currently collecting!?

Curtain call... :)

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Boy. Nothing like over 800 people coming to tour your house to make you get your butt in gear!! Over the last few weeks I've (okay, who am I kidding here. I can't do ANYTHING without the help of my sweet hubby) been finally getting around to finishing up some projects around the house that have been bugging me forever. See it? See all that stuff under the candy maker cabinet?

Okay, here's a closer look. Here's where all my glass cake stands and such are stored. Oh and my cake. Yeah, that's where I store all my homemade, beautifully decorated cakes! It's faux silly! And it usually makes it's appearance around Valentines. Makes for the perfect sweet display:) Anywayyyyy, looking at all that stuff made me crrrraaaaaazzzzzyyyy!! Like everyday.

So I whooped me up a skirt:) And I love it.

Hides all the stuff. And now I can cram it with more stuff:)

Hope to see all your sweet faces at the Home Tour on the 28th! And hey, if you're a crafty one and want a chance to sell your goodies at the Flea Market let me know!

New Year, New Mojo!!....:)

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's UH-MAAAAAZING what a week off will do for your soul!!! This is our second year that we decided to stay home for the week between Christmas and New Years. Best week evah!! After un-decking the halls, and putting all that craziness in storage for another year, I got down to business:) It sure helped that the weather has been in the 70's! Feels more like Spring. And I guess that's why I did all kinds of crazy this week! For starters- I needed a new centerpiece for my dining room.

I always kinda get tripped up in this department. I'm a simple gal and I actually like to see and carry on a conversation with the person across the table:)

So something like that just really wouldn't work for me:) However the color of that car is fab!! Anyway, I asked the hubby to make me a box about yay long, by yay wide, by yay high. Yeah, I think that's really about how I said it:)

I found be some large Kerr jars ( I buy them by the case and use them for EVERYTHING!) and stuck em in the box. I bought a bag of sheet moss from Joanne and literally stuck it in all the cracks and crevices:)

No hot glue, no fuss, and no rules!!

Bought these unscented candles at Tarjay and stuck em in:)

I wrapped twine around the top of the jars a few times and tied it in a knot:)

Done and done:) My mom's coming over for din and GASP! We'll be able to leave the centerpiece on the table for dinner and not have to do that weird tilt your head to the side to see around the flowers nonsense!! Yay!!

Why am I working on my house so much? Weeell, I am once again (call me crazy!) going to do the Historic Home Tour this year:) I'm thinking it's going to be the last time for me. So if you want to have a look see, buy yer tickets!! The houses this year are reeally good, you don't want to miss it! Also, there will be a Flea Market out in front of my house, on the greenbelt where some fab people will be selling some fab stuff!!

Saturday, January 28th

10am - 4pm

$15

Buy your tickets here!

The bestest Christmas... :)

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

What a truly wonderful Christmas:) We ate yummy food, drank tasty wine, played hilarious games, ate more yummy food, and laughed and laughed and laughed.....a whole lot:)

A sincere thank you to all who read this blog o mine:) Your comments and emails are always so fun to read:) Looking forward to what lies ahead in 2012!

Merry Everything. Happy Always....:)

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I'm busy and no time to write, and I'm sure you're busy and no time to read! So enjoy these pics of Christmas at me casa:)

And juuust in case you haven't found that perfect little thing for that perfect little someone? Check out these coolest iPhone charger book thingys Rio made! If you want one, and you're local you can pick them up here. At me casa. Because I'm the best mom ever and I do crazy stuff like that for my crazy crafty daughter:) Check out all the others here: chasingrio.com or contact Rio at rio@williamrogersco.com

Merry Christmas! Yes, I say Merry Christmas, and I'll never stop saying Merry Christmas! Because that's what it is. CHRISTmas!!

Right now I am.....:)

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've seen this going around blogland:) And being that my ideas for blogging are at an all time low- here ya go!

Right now I am...

Watching: Modern Family. The hubby and I are addicted to this show. Particularly Cameron Tucker. You're seriously missing out if you don't watch it!

Eating: Just put this fabulous roast in the oven:) It's Pioneer Woman's recipe. And it's a winner:)

Drinking: Water. Lot's of water:( Other than my one cup o joe in the morning, this is pretty much it. I feel like it helps out with my dry skin? And since the hubby has decided to get all healthy on me, wine is sadly more occasional than I'd like:( Down with fitness! It's silly!!! And boring!!!!

Wearing: A crocheted headband. Perfect for a gal who is so often hair lazy. And it conveniently covers my roots. Yep. Grey ones. Ewwww!!! I swear I have more than my 75 year old mama!

Avoiding: Wrapping presents for some reason. I love to wrap. What the?

Feeling: Content:) I'm in a happy place. Spent Saturday with my BF making tamales, house is clean, dinner in the oven, listening to the sound of a snoring bully, hubby coming home soon and kids joining us for dinner. That's my kind of happy:)

Missing: My fav black leather jacket. Seriously. It's MIA. It was the best plain black jacket. For the first time in my life I was wishing Rio had borrowed something of mine and not returned it. I've looked EVERYWHERE for it. And if you know me, you know what an organized freak I am so it's not like I'm going to find it in a closet or in a box somewhere:( Waaaaaaa!!!

Thankful: For so many things! Like mascara and salt to name a few. For awesome neighbors who come over when you start a fire and didn't check to see if the flue is open and your smoke detector goes off:) makes up for the crappy neighbors who didn't give a hoot when your last house really did catch on fire! True story:(

Weather: Raining as I type! Makes me the happiest. I really think I was meant to live in Oregon or Washington. I LOVE dark, gloomy, cold, rainy days. Weird I know.

Praying: For hearts to soften. For suffering to end. For conflicts to resolve. And for peace... always.

Needing: I really don't need anything. But if I must... Holy sweet UGGS:)

Thinking: About how I have a severe case of the Savior Syndrome when it comes to old beauties like this one:( If I had the money, I'd save each and every one:)

Loving: Grande 4 raw sugar lattes, uggs, my kitchen, my cozy bed, bumble and bumble mending shampoo, soft scarves, the fact that Lidija's coming for Christmas! yay! boot socks, heated seats AND a heated steering wheel!, Christmas scented candles, foot rubs from my hubby, mindless TV like Storage Wars, people who actually take the time to read my silly little blog, aaaaand last but not least...the fact that EVERY day is take your dog to work day:)

and you? what are you up to?

Baked eggs... :)

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Breakfast and family. One of my fav combos:) The Sunday after Thanksgiving I thought I'd try out this baked egg recipe I found over at Faithfulness Farm:) Baked Eggs. What a concept! You can cook up a bunch at a time and you don't have to spend your morning head down over the stove, when you can enjoy a mimosa instead!!

What you'll need:)

Eggs

Creme

Green onions

Feta cheese

Spinach

The great thing about this recipe is you can use whatever you have. You can add any chopped meat and use whatever cheese you have... like- chorizo and cotija cheese- or basil, prosciutto and parm?...so easy! so simple! so ME!!

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray as many ramekins as you are going to use with a little oil and line them with chopped spinach. Add 2 eggs to each.

Pour about a TBSP or so of creme over the top:)

Sprinkle with Feta cheese:)

Top with chopped green onions and salt and pepper:)

Stick em on a baking sheet:)

Cook em for 10 minutes:) I cooked mine for maybe 20 because I'm a no runny white stuff in my eggs kinda gal! Just watch them and take them out when they're cooked to your liking:) Again...no rules!!

And here she be. The one and only picture that I got before I devoured the whole thing:)

I served this scrumptiousness with little smokey sausage and toast. Easy, pretty and tasty. Eggsactly what like to cook:)

Fix it!... For free:)

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!! You know, pull out the ole tree thats been shoved in a box for a year, put it up, fluff it up, and pray to Jesus that all the lights still work? Well every year, I curse the same thing. The hideousness that is.....the tree stand. Really? Someone hasn't figured out how to make a fake tree base that somewhat resembles a real tree trunk??? Ugh!! And I don't care how fabulous of a tree skirt you have, you can always see some of that ugly green metal pole!

Well enough is enough! I had the hubby grab this old trash can that was literally sitting in the back yard filled with dirt and bring er in!

He emptied the dirt, filled it with bricks, and used baling wire to secure the tree and voila!! Success:)

This little tree sits in our front guest bedroom, centered on the window. Well that meant playing musical furniture to make room for the tree. I took out the table that usually sits in front of the window, and after placing the tree I thought the room still looked empty. I grabbed this chair that usually sits in my craft room. Yeah, not lovin that fabric. So I did what any gal in a pinch would do...

Remove the slipcovers silly!! I wrapped fabric around the seat because that was the only part that didn't have the cream color upholstery:) Sunday I reopened the pillow factory (as the hubby calls it) and busted out all my Christmas pillows:)

Here's the room at night. Mmmmm me loves!

And the best part?

It didn't cost me a thing:) And hey, I'm thinkin about leaving that tree nekkid. I'm liking the simplicity of it:) Your thoughts?

The other side...:)

2011-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning (whilst still enjoying some shut eye) my hubby leans over and whispers "hey, isn't today that Salvage thing?" I jolted awake for 2 reasons. Number 1- I swore I was sleeping with this guy, because surely my hubby was not saying what I thought he was saying! Number2- I was NOT going to miss Sweet Salvage!!

I wanted to find something for my bathroom. Not sure what, just that thing that would scream TAKE ME-TAKE ME!! :) While you all have seen this pic of my master bathroom, I've never actually shown you...the other side.......

Yep, go ahead and soak it all in (pun totally intended)!! I mean seriously? Who doesn't want to spend hours relaxing in that bore! A broken towel rod, that always chose to fall at the crack of dawn when my hubby would get out of the shower- scaring the *&%#$ out of me! And on it's way down would chip my original 1916 tub. UGH! This room has it's challenges I tell ya! Like those AC vents for one, and the weird ceiling height as well. Yeah, let's move on...FAST.

Well look at her now!! The hubby (again, being the Nate that I love) spotted this sweet old mantle in Nancy's area at Sweet Salvage for.....$299!!! Perf:) The topiaries on the toilet, the lantern and topiary on the mantle are from FOUND. I'm a lucky gal to live (literally) around the corner from that fab store!

After installing the mantle (and realizing that if I could burn that other towel rack I would) the sweetness that is my hubby made me a new towel rack using scrap wood and some hooks that I bought years ago at Domestic Bliss:) Aaaaaah!!

I love this pic because the sweet little cabinet on the wall by the toilet used to hold the "necessities" in every shape and size. It's empty now:) I know!!! I hear you all a clappin!! :)

I just wish I was a bath kinda gal. I'm not:( I get bored before the bathtub gets full!

It's Little Bully who gets to enjoy it. Every Sunday:) Well almost every Sunday:)

Pumpkin Soup? Yes please! ...:)

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

So it's finally cooling down here in AZ! And cooler weather always sings soup to me:) My sis in law told me about this soup. A friend of hers made it from a mix she found at World Market. Now normally I steer clear from anything made from a mix, but she made it sound so good and so easy, I thought I'd give this one a try:)

All you need for this soup is:

1 pkg. soup mix

5 3/4 cups water

2 3/4 cups heavy cream (yeah, you read that right!)

1- 15 oz. canned pumpkin

Combine soup mix and water in a stock pot and mix to blend. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

While that simmers, warm up some bread. I buy the par baked bread from Trader Joe's. 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven and it's done!

Add pumpkin to your soup and cook for 5 minutes.

Get your hubby to slice your yummy warm bread and slather(yes, slather!) with butter:)

(Want that fab cutting board? It's a fantastic 16x36" long walnut board. The hubby is cutting on the "veggie" side, the other has the drain channel for juices:) You can get them at this really cool place that I happen to work at:)

Finish your quick and fantastically yummy soup off with a big 'ole dollop of what else? Creme Fraiche:)

Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds, that yes, you could make yourself- orrrr you can grab them off the shelf at Trader Joe's:)

The hubby wasn't messing around with that butter!! But I say who cares! It just joined hands with the heavy creme in the soup and did a happy dance on it's way to my tummy:)

So my opinion of the soup mix- was it good? easy? worth the $3.99? Yes, yes and yes:)

Thanks, I'm in a hurry!...:)

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for a lot of things. Red wine, YouTube, and blog tutorials to name a few. You know, all those things that make life soo much easier:) (I'm not however thankful for my horrible handwriting! Ugh!) Moving right along...

My new obsession? The 5 minute pillow:) You see, I'm a learn by seeing it kind of gal. I mean please, these pillows are by no means difficult, but I just had to see it so I could do it. You gettin me? Anyway, I haven't stopped making them. I make them for my porch furniture out of scraps of whatever I have or I buy remnant pieces of fabric. Because (I swear I have some form of ADD) I get tired easily of the same ole pillows, and then I don't feel so bad if I haven't spent a fortune on the fabric to make them:)

Yeah, they're cute, but they were crying out for something....

So I did what any girl in a pinch would do! Find any fabric flower you have and pin em on!!

Already planning my Christmas pillows. And then Valentine's. And then St. Patrick's Day. And sew on and sew on....

Saaaweet Salvage!!

2011-11-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I told you about some fantasticness that the hubby was building in the garage. Well it all started with a trip here. Sweet Salvage:) It's an awesome little place that only opens once a month. And boy oh boy! Are there goodies to be found!! We came home with the two columns and old stair railing in this pic. For $189!! The hubby spotted it and immediately knew what he was going to do with it:) Seriously, I could see the wheels spinning in his head.

It went from this....

To this!! How stinkin cute is that!! I sewed pillows like a mad woman and begged my fav Brown's Upholstery to upholster the seat cushions in less than a week. And they did:) And that's why I love them:) And I may or may not have had wine when the next pic was taken, please don't judge:)

It was the perfect place to take the hubby's big 5-0 birthday picture:)

Happy Birthday my most talented man in the world:)

Better After...:)

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I get a real thrill looking at before pics of my house. I really do! They make me laugh. I mean, seriously- who has a pool ladder and no pool?! This was originally (in 1916) a carriage house. Until some yahoo decided it would make a fabulous house.Yeah, there were PEOPLE living in there! Ewww. It was as you can imagine. AWFUL! (And yes, we were some of those people. But that was after we quickly converted it into a 500sq. ft. cutie and lived in it for a year while we were restoring. Read about that here:) And see all those red doors on the left? You can't miss them, there must be 17 of them! They went to these weird little "closet" like rooms.

Well, this weekend we said a tearful (yeah right!) goodbye to all that hideousness! Waiting for the cooler weather before I fill those urns, because sadly, I had to say goodbye to the mums I planted in the other ones already. Yep, they fried:( Moving on...

Here's another before. Ugh. We painted the doors the body color of the garage while we decided whether to keep it a little guest house or make it back into a garage, or put siding on or not. The hubby got his garage, and we went with the windows to add some much needed light to the inside:)

Now I can see the him from the kitchen window while he hammers away building lots of goodies:) Oh, and that's lantana you see in those window boxes. I got a grip on the fact that I live in AZ and went with some hardy plants:)

And honestly. I DID NOT tell Little Bully to get in that pic. I swear he watches me grab my camera and runs to get in the shot. Silly guy:) And just you WAIT to see what the hubby built me in that new fabulous garage!! Pure awesomeness, that's what:) Till next week!!

New this week...:)

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Juuuust take a gander at these fab terrariums I got at FOUND this weekend:) I think that's what they're called? I could be wrong, because when I went to the nursery to buy plants for them, I had 2 people ask me if I was putting animals in them!!! What the?? Cold blooded what?? Slimey, slithery WHAT?? Ewww NOOOOO!!! I'm getting shivers just writing about that. Moving on... while the terrariums (or whatever) were beautiful like they were, I thought they just needed a little something- you know, to make them adorieable:)

So I went a hunting in my trusty box of orphaned hardware in the garage. Came across these two knobs that, while they were not old (they were actually hideous bright shiny brass-the horrors) I knew I could paint them up and they'd be cute:)

I painted them Rustoleum Oregano and the hubby screwed the bases into the wood tops, and then I gorilla glued the glass knobs on the top:)

Took myself to a nursery in these parts and got totally depressed when they had no "terrarium"plants. I mean really, who am I kidding? This is AZ for heaven sakes! I think the guy was looking at me, mocking me, thinking- sure lady, we have what you're looking for! Right over there! By the hydrangeas! And the peonies! And all those other plants that you dream about having in your yard! Muuuahahaha!! Cackle cackle!! Head down and sniffling, I headed for my car and went to.....yep. Home freaking Depot. Where they carry all kinds of lovely AZ drought tolerant plants:(

At that point, I didn't care. Just get me some stinkin greenery that I can shove through a hole that I can barely get my chubby little hands thru, whilst sweating away half my body weight (that wouldn't be a bad thing) and GET IT DONE!!!

And here we are! 2 sweet terrariums (until someone corrects me) creature free and steaming their little hearts out:)

Theeeeen, true happiness. Right here. In this beaut mustard color granny purse! Me loves!! My always coming up with things to do to occupy her already busy life daughter Rio, fired up a little purse biz:) She sells these fab purses on her website- ChasingRio. Ohhh yesss. That little cutie is mine:)

Aaaand this one too:) Isn't it the cutest?? And the best part? They're ALL $39!! Yep. $39!

Check em out! ChasingRio. That girl of mine- ridiculously creative and always doing something! And obviously wasn't raised in a "terrarium".

Aaaaahhh! Feel that??

2011-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jesus for this cool weather. Amen. And I reeeally mean that! This last weekend it was beeeautiful here in AZ. Temps were in the high 70's, and I came alive. You see, I'm a weather driven gal. The long summer heat leaves me feeling the same thing every year...why the *bleep* do I live here?? And then came the cool off:) Soooo, this little happy girl did some baking:) Chocolate Chip cookies with Sea Salt. I just follow the regular recipe on the bag of chips, and sprinkle coarse Sea Salt the minute they come out of the oven:)

And they never......ever.....

Disappoint:) Yummmy!

Then Rio and I turned on Food Network and....

Turned this......

Into THESE!!!

If you want to purchase these, or any of Rio's fabulous jewelry, or some sweet $39 handbags from her newly launched website, we'll be here: The Boofest Flea Market:)

Kristin is hosting another fab event this Friday and Saturday. Don't miss it! It's another one of those things that doesn't ever.... disappoint:)

For times,directions and info click here:)

Oh yessss....:)

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

All my Halloween goodies are out and I'm a happy girl:) Now if only the weather would cooperate:(

Cute witchypoo:)

Sorry for the dark pics:( my house faces north/south with a wrap around porch. Translation- the darkest house to photograph ever! NO! It has absolutely NOTHING to do with my lack of photography skills.

My mantle. I'm convinced that everyone has that one thing. That thing that no matter what you do, you feel like it's never right? I'm mantally challenged. There. I said it. I have the worst time with this stinkin mantle! Anyway, here's the result.

Just take a gander at my china cabinet. I love her:) She's an old beaut given to me by my sis in law. It was her grandma's:) I filled her with my black and white china and whatever fakey pumpkins I had:)

This little dresser sits just inside my front door.

And my fav of all- velvet pumpkins. Found at...FOUND! Kristin's having another one of her fab sales October 14-15th! You don't want to miss it! Info here:)

I planted mums this past weekend:) LOVE the color!

Put out my Halloween pillows on my porch furniture:) I just wrapped the seats in fabric that I had.

I bought this vulcher guy years ago and lug him out every year:)

And last but not least, my daughter Rio gave me these sweet old rusty urns a while back. I filled them with mums and the hubby ran a drip to them so they don't die a slow painful death when I forget to water them:) What a guy:)

Did I score or what???

And she's off and running... :)

2011-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yep. I did it. I got in the garage and pulled out those bins. The orange ones with the black lids:) Why yes of course my bins are color coded!! Psh, why the heck not?? It actually started with this wreath I made on Saturday. It's not quite finished yet, but it was enough to get me going.

And don't ask how I made it. I have no idea. I just cut scraps of fabric, wrapped and glued, wrapped and glued. I have no idea how to make fabric roses. Just wrapped and glued, wrapped and glued.

Glued some feathers on, stuck a bird in it. Done. Kinda. I'm thinking it needs something at the top. Like cute letters that say Boo or something?

This is when I get all Scarlett O'Hara and say to myself- " I'll think about that tomorrow..."

I've got way bigger fish to fry:)

I'm melting... :(

2011-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness it's still stinkin hot here:( It's that time of the year when everyone in AZ has HAD IT with the heat. I'm pleading with you Fall. Please hurry up. I just want to open my windows and let in some fresh air for heaven sakes!! I want to turn on my oven without turning down my ac! Is this just too much to ask? I swear this heat is melting my brain.

I bought this new plug is scent and it's fantastic. But man it makes me want to bake a pie!

I tried to wear this sweater today. Tried being the key word here. I started to sweat the moment I put it on, which nearly resulted in me lying in the fetal position crying for cooler weather!! :(

Fall weather can't come soon enough for me.

Until then, can you help a girl out? I'm in need of some blog ideas. Got any? I need em. Like fresh freaking air.

A deal...and a meal!

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend while I was in Cali, I thought I'd take a trip to my fav TJ Maxx in hopes of finding my bird dishes. Sadly, I came home without the birdies. But... holy score! Look what Rio's bf Chase found on clearance and so graciously let me have it:) Yes. All Clad. Huge. For $69!! If you're an All Clad fan, you are totally feeling my joy right now:)

While sitting watching endless hours of Food Network a few weeks back, I saw this episode of Rachael Ray and she made this most scrumptious of dinners:) The episode was called Tangy and Terrific. She made this Orange-Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Lemon Risotto.

If you have the patience for risotto (something I've just newly acquired) it's a must try. It's easy and deeelish:) And just look how happy those chickens are in the awesomeness of that pan:)

Oooh, and it helps if you have a huge crush on your sous chef:) makes cooking sooo much fun:)

The finished product:)

Ta-a-a-sty I tell ya!!!

And go ahead and follow that tastiness up with the bomb of all cookies. Chocolate chip with Sea salt sprinkles. Sweet and Salt. It doesn't get any better than that!!

Yes. I said Gdubb pillows...:)

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I totally know what you're all thinking. Ewww! Gross! I know. I know! But hear me out. I love me some down pillows. I love them on my porch. I do not however love to pay big dollars for pillows that are going to be OUTSIDE! I mean, come on- there is nothing like a down pillow, and those "outdoor" pillows that you get are crap! Sooo I Gdubb it. I buy them for the insert. I haven't yet come across a gross one. You can tell right away if it's stained or whatever and then you can just trash it and not feel bad that you paid all of $2 for it:)

I had the hubby bring down my sewing machine to the dining room. I hit JoAnn and picked up some remnant pieces of fabric, and used whatever trim I had around to make me up some Halloween pillows for my porch!! Yay!! What you say? Halloween?? Yes! It creeps (no punn intended) up on us so fast and why not take advantage of my forced down time and sew, sew, sew!! The card? Oh I'll get to that!

And check it! How cute are they!! The melted candle? Not so cute:( It's still hotter than hades here:( but hey, a girl can dream and look forward to fall right?

I free handed that cute witches hat and just sewed it on, then trimmed it with some orange ribbon that I've had forever and made that flower by sewing some ribbon in a circle. Whew! Did that ever max out my sewing abilities!!

My sis in law made a really cute Union Jack pillow, so I took that idea and made this little pillow:)Oh, and just to show you how lonely and miserable my front porch looks- yeah, check out those dead plants. Nice.I loved this spider fabric. Neither remnant or cheap:(

Ok. The card. I've had this card for years! I can't think of anyone worthy to send it to?! Geez that sounds awful! But sadly, it's true. Maybe I should just send it to myself?? Anyway, this became my inspiration and what started the entire Halloween pillow madness:)

I found this silhouette at cafepress.com and enlarged it and printed it. I then free handed bat wings to it and used it as my pattern:)

Oh my! I LOVE it!! Times a thousand!! It's truly my favorite little crazy crafty I've ever done:)

And Little Bully completely agrees!!

Cutie cloche... :)

2011-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so a few months back I was trollin my fav Gdubb, (Goodwill) when I came across this beauty! Un huh! Well, minus that doll whatever in the world that is. What the??

For whatever reason, I bought it. Psh! Do I need a reason? Reasoning is just silly! Anyway, I think it was all of $3? I took her home where she took a back seat behind all the pretty girls for a while before I could figure out what to do with her :( I started by painting the base a crisp white. Then she sat like that for a few weeks.Theeeen, this last Saturday I happened upon my little box of misc hardware in the garage. I said, Ooooh hello little lonely beautifully rusty glass knob, I have someone I want you to meet:)

I gave her base a little "bronzer", you know- so she didn't look so pasty white:) Then I used Gorilla Glue to attach the sweet glass knob to the top. Yes, I totally eye balled it, and yes, it's slightly crooked:(

Ta da!! Oh my goodness, I love it! And I'm thinking she's a little smiley too:)

She's keeping safe some vintage books, and my two sweet little bullies:)

And just you wait till you see what I did with all the Gdubb pillows! I know! A cliffhanger?!

Till next week!! :)

Makin do...:)

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

So last week the hubby decided we needed a little Cali time:) I couldn't agree more. With temps in AZ hovering around a hundred and hell, cooling off in Dana Point was dreamy:) Well one day while the hubbs took himself to the beach, I found myself in rather a pickle. I was starving, alone, without a car, and could hardly stand up straight :( So what's a gal to do? Git to gittin!! That's what!! I hobbled in to the kitchen where my creativity reeeally needed to kick in. I needed yummy and QUICK!! Enter- Garbanzo beans, parm, salt and pepper:)

Drain and rinse one can of beans:)

Add to a (preferably) non stick skillet:)And get to toastin over med/high heat. I took a pic of the flame because that's how I judge heat:)Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper:) And while they're toasting, grate about a small handful of Parmesan cheese:)When the beans get to where they look kinda dry and toasted, throw in the parm and turn off the heat. Shake the pan while the cheese melts, so it doesn't melt in one big clump:)Enjoy them warm:) You can also add chopped purple onion and serve this on top of a yummy bed of greens. Both of which I didn't have:(And then give yourself a high five and celebrate your victory over Mother Hubbard's Cupboard and dish yourself up 2 scoops YES! Two scoops! of this most amazing new ice cream from Trader Joes. Lemon and Triple Gingersnap ice cream. It's seriously going to be the death of me.... :)

The bright side:)

2011-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Surgery bites. All. Things. Bitter!! I thought I kind of knew what to expect. But HOLY SORENESS Batman!!! I mean seriously? The simple things we take for granted. Like laughing. Or sneezing. Or coughing. Or sitting up by yourself!! Ugh!! Anyway, instead of getting all Debbie Downer, I'm choosing to focus on all the things that brought me joy this week:)

**Disclaimer- all the following pics were taken from my phone while under the influence of Percocet. Don't judge!! :)

My recovery room, such a wonderful place to relax:) and the flowers from my sis in law on my mantle? Perf:)
I got to enjoy these fab movies. Jane Eyre- sooo good:)

The Countess- This movie was about Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory and her shocking (not kidding) obsession with staying young. It's intriguing. I'll just say that her night creme she used was no ordinary Oil of Olay!!

And the quickest way for a gal to recover is to have a hot nurse. Who cooks, cleans and dotes on you and thinks you are still beautiful in all your bloated, bruised glory:)

My dinner of grilled romaine, caramelized onions and feta cheese and caesar dressing:) I told you he cooks!!
Oh and the fabulous box of goodies from Williams Sonoma that arrived just after I got home that I forgot I ordered:)

Sunflowers (thanks Allie!), Rainier cherries and Percocet. Yes, Percocet is as lovely as flowers to me right now:)

Check out what my sister Michele gave me. Only the best in comfort food!! And yes, Little Bully gave me the guilty eyes the ENTIRE time I was enjoying this scrumptiousness:)

I can NOT believe I'm showing you a pic of my chubby hands!! But man does a manicure last when you're not doing housework!!

And last but not least- my ever present constant companion:)

So yes, I am on the mend. Slowly but surely. Stay tuned! I promise next week I'll be back in full swing:)

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

And I can agree with that! Most of the time:) I mean, what if it just isn't quite working? Or there's a better way? Like my little library at the top of the stairs. Organized? Yes. Functional? Yes. Inviting? Yes, sorta. Sadly with the way it was, only one person could enjoy it, and that person was usually the hubby:) He would read every night, alone:(

Weeeell, enough of that!! Enter IKEA chaise lounges. They fit perfectly!!

And now we can enjoy reading TOGETHER!! I added an owl lamp that I found at a garage sale for $8, made those little stripey pillows and added some cozy blankets:) Oh, and my sis and her hubby bought us that fab map as a thank you for staying at our Cali house:) SCORE!!

Another thing that wasn't actually broken but needed a fix was our back porch light. Sorry I don't have a before pic, but here is the awesome after!!

Is that not the coolest!! The hubby made it out of scraps from our shop, and then painted and glazed it to give it the perfect rustic brownish finish. Me LOVES!!!

Sadly for now I must enjoy it from behind closed doors:( in air conditioning:( cause it's ridiculously hot:( and all my plants are dead:(

In other sort of broken news, as you read this I will be under the knife-saying goodbye to my uterus. Apparently a fibroid decided to move in and set up house. I DON'T THINK SO!! So forgive me if next weeks blog doesn't happen. Who am I kidding? It'll happen. Same bat time. Same bat channel:)

Luscious Lemon Pie.... :)

2011-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok blog buddies, I'm about to share with you the most yummiest of lemon pies. My mom has made this pie for YEARS:) and everyone in my fam can't ever get enough of it! It's the perfect pie for these sweltering summer days:) I finally realized the other day- hey, I better learn how to make this stinkin thing once and for all! So I called up my mommy and asked her to show me:)

For the crust:

2 pkgs of graham crackers (crushed)

1 Tbsp sugar

1 stick of melted butter

For the filling:

2 small pkgs of lemon pudding

2 eggs

4 1/2 c. water

1/2 lime

Start by crushing your graham crackers. I crushed them in a Ziploc bag, makes for easy clean up:)

Mix your crushed graham crackers, melted butter and Tbsp of sugar together and them press into your pie pan. Reserve about 1/2 cup for the topping. (look at my mom's beautiful hands:) Bake the crust in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes or until golden:)

While your crust bakes, get started on the pudding:) make it to the package directions. My mom likes to mix the eggs and dry ingredients together in the pan before adding the water and cooking, she says it keeps it from getting lumpy:) ...and it worked!

** my mom bought this pan with S & H green stamps 40 years ago. The brand is Queen, and honestly it's one haaard working lady!! Cute huh?

Now here's where my mom adds her secret:) No worries! I asked her if I could share this with all the world before I wrote this:) anyway, she adds a squeeze of a half of a lime. It adds that little bit of zest:)

Cook your pudding until all the foam (or light yellow) disappears and it gets this beautiful yellow color with that perfect pudding consistency:)

Cool both the crust and the pudding:)

When cool, pour the filling into your fabulous crust:)

Top with the reserved crust, and refrigerate.

Then take it out and try not to devour it before taking any pictures of your finished product:)

Then take a picture and send it to your sisters and tell them that YOU now know how to make THE lemon pie:)

A bird in one hand... :)

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm back from 11 blissful days in Cali with a tan and a few treasures. A tan being one of them. If you know me, you know I rarely get out in the sun. Anyway, while I was there I went to my fav TJ Maxx and HELLO!!! Take a look at these beauts!! My hubby was like YAY! You NEEDED some more dishes!!! I kid. Really I did need a new everyday set. My green ones were getting all chippy:(

So, I came home with 8 salad plates and 7 dinner plates. Yes 7. 7. I said 7. This goes against all that is right in my world. I ALWAYS buy in 12's! But I thought no biggie! I'll just hit another TJ and pick up the rest. I was hoping for 12 but will settle for a least 1 more dinner to round out the 8. But no. I went to 3 other TJ's and 3 Marshalls, and nothing!! I'm going to check one more TJ tomorrow and hope and hope and hope:) Because seriously? I LOVE THEM!!!

I guess I just have a thing for birds. Like my mom. My whole life I've known of my mom's love of birds. She would sing and talk to them in the yard:) And always had at least one bird feeder:)

So as I was taking this pic, I stood up and looked in my china cabinet and started laughing!!

I just realized that before I left for Cali, I found these at Tuesday Morning. A store that just so happens to be right next to my gyno and makes that little visit actually tolerable:) I guess all that Cali sun must have fried my brain!

I thought they went perf with these Villeroy & Boch polka dot plates I got from my sis in law:)

And then I had to laugh again thinking....I really am my mother:)

Tweet tweet!!

Summer Lovin....:)

2011-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

So here's where I've been, and where I'll be for the rest of this beautiful week. And yes, those are my actual feet:) with the same toe rings I've been wearing for over 15 years. Yeah I know, I don't change much:) anyway, I just thought I'd share with you a few of my fav things so far this summer:)

Hemp Hearts:) My friend Jill at Nature's Finest in Mesa told me about these. And they're fab:) It's a really good natural source of protein. Just 5 Tbsp. sprinkled on your yogurt for breakfast, or I like to make a smoothie for breaky with fruit and almond yogurt and the hemp hearts replace the oatmeal I used to throw in:) yummy and especially good for you:) since stupid blogger is once again not letting me link- here's the info old school. nahanniriverherbs.com check it out:)

The Dana Point farmer's market- when I'm here, this is where I go to get the best in fruit and veggie goodness:) this trips bounty- including mango nectarines. Yes, as yummy as they sound:)

And my new fav shirt:) so soft, so comfy. It's Roxy:)

Just finished reading this- The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. It was really good, like read it in 2 days good:)

Starting this book- A Young Wife by Pam Lewis. I bought if for the cover of course! Same way I pick my wine:) anyway I'm only on chapter 2 but it's good so far?

Oh and yes, this room. Sometimes when I'm bored I like to look at hideous real estate pictures. It's astonishing how some people let their houses be photographed! I mean, aren't they trying to sell their places. Anyway, I came across this pic and I thought- hmmm not so bad. Okay, yes it's a little Kermit, but compared to the barking coyotes, white washed oak and "southwest" crap that I usually see- it's totally workable. Take down that sin of a ceiling fan, throw out the sheers, and paint that panelling white- and voila! A space I could work with:)

Just some of what's been going on in my silly little world while enjoying a beautiful sunny 76 degrees:)

So what are your summer mindless whatnots?

The Deets... :)

2011-07-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

So, last week sweet Julia from Hooked on Houses did a little feature about my bungalow's before and after:) I got the nicest comments! ....and a few not so nice:( Whatev. My inbox was full of questions about some of the details in my house, so here ya go!

1. Paint colors: My current fav green color is Sherwin Williams- SW 7733 Bamboo Shoot. I used this color on my kitchen cabinets and the walls in my hall bath. This sample pic makes it look brown, but as you can see in pics of my kitchen- it's a happy green:)

Martha Stewart- Mossy Rock MSL103. I used this spectacular green in my master bedroom that I posted about last week. It's both warm and cheerful at the same time:)

Benjamin Moore- AF 95 Hush. The best tanish, brownish color. This is what I used for my entire interior sans the hall bath. It's the perfect calm, beachy brown color:) and it looks fab against bright white trim:)

2. The lights- I get asked about these silly lights all.the.time!! They're from Pottery Barn, the Exeter 5 jar pendant.

And NOW they have this!! Dernit!! I hate when that happens!!

3. The master bath vanity- I purchased this piece from FOUND. My sweet friend Kristin's fab store that I ALWAYS talk about. Ok, the crappy pic doesn't show how cool this thing is. (and since blogger is being dumb and won't let me link- foundbydomesticbliss.blogspot.com is where to find her:)

Anyway, the hubby took off the top and added it to the back to make it deeper so we could put a slab of beautiful carrera marble on top for our master vanity:)

4. The $hower curtain- or curtain'$. Yeah I had to buy 2 for that $tinkin tub! Anthropologie. Ye$. Enough $aid. Lot$ of dollar$. But I only have one tub? Right??? (and there's the bamboo shoot green color)

5. My headboard- I found this at Urban Outfitters believe it or not. It's the velvet tufted headboard. You can order it online at urbanoutfitters.com. And at $349.00? I think it's a pretty good bang for your buck!

6. And those glass jars- I found them at Tuesday Morning about 3 years ago. They're so cute, but I could only find the sugar, coffee and tea. Never found the flour:( Since the words are written in French, (yet another language I took in high school and never quite paid much attention too, I can however sing frere jacques pretty good because that's how we earned extra credit and I do have the most adorable Frenchie ever...) I just choose to ignore what is written and pretend it says Flour, Sugar and Oatmeal:)

A big Thank you for spending some Tuesday time with me, your comments and emails always make me smile:)

Is that an accent...?

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

So this is the way the master bedroom looked up until Saturday. When we were building nearly a year ago now, we had the enormous challenge of putting air conditioning in an almost 100 year old house. This resulted in this "pop out" around the window. Hey, I didn't care. This is AZ for heaven sakes!! And the hubby LOVES him some cold air:) But that pop out business completely changed where I thought the bed should go. See, I had originally planned on the bed being on the wall to the right, but thought it might be too squished feeling. So I did what I would NEVER normally do, and put the bed under the window. Aaaaand it always bugged me!! Not to mention that the hubby was done with nightmares of that chanda crushing his scull in the middle of the night!

So Saturday morn I moved it. To the place it should have always been:) and said goodbye to the chandelier:(

Aaaaah! Soo much better!! But....blaaaah!!!! Ugh!! BORING!!!! No color. No personality. No nothing!!

So I grabbed that fab green velvet pillow from my bed, and high tailed it to Home Depot and picked me some paint. Martha Stewart's Mossy Rock to be exact:)

Now another thing I wouldn't normally do is the "accent" wall. Nope. Never.

But here I just thought it worked:)

I always say, "paint is the cheapest, easiest fix it!" Sooo glad I listen to myself:)

White trash...:)

2011-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since moving into our home sweet home, I've hosted many a get together. I love, love, love having family and friends over:) but without fail, I always forget about one detail- the trash. The hubby always wheels out this p.o.s to my horror. EVERYTIME I say to myself, " I have got to get a better trash can!!"
And finally I did! I love the old "Oscar the grouch" look! I found mine at Home Depot for $22.98.

The hubby gave her a little sanding (while trying to ignore little bully and his relentless need to play ball) and prepped her for paint.

It took 2 cans, but maybe if you use a darker color you could get away with 1.

And here she is- all crispy white. But the black bag? HIDEOUS!! Dear garbage bag people, not all large bags have to be BLACK!! Ugh!

And it never fails that the bag ends up half in the can from the weight of the trash:(

So I got to thinkin... and I came up with this. A garbage bag scrunchie! And let me warn you, I DO NOT know how to sew. I know only the verrrry basics. I'm a figure it out kind of gal. I paid absolutely no attention in home ec:( I think I was so distracted by my teacher who wore bright red lip liner with pink frosted lipstick. NOT a good look I tell ya! Anyway... I took a scrap piece of fabric and cut it about 4-5" wide and double the length of the around of the trash can. Ugh! Sorry, I'm the worst at directions! I used a 1 1/2" piece of elastic and cut it to a little over half the around of the trash can. And then just sewed it together to make a big scrunchie:)

Then I took a large tag and sewed some ribbon around the edge for cuteness. I just scrunched it up as I went creating the ruffle:)

And here she is- with her scrunchie. It holds the bag secure and hides the ugly black edge:)

The finished product! Soooo much cuter doncha think?!

A close up of the tag:)

I made a recycle tag too, cause if your parties are at all like mine- this one will end up more full;)

One morning I was emptying my trash from the night before and cringing at the sound that all the bottles were making so early in the morning, and then I laughed remembering how my neighbor said that when she hears that sound she thinks -it must have been a good one!!

**I'm linking up to these sweet parties!

A bowl full of lemons

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Savvy Southern Style-wow us Wednesday

Crrrrazy Cucumbers!!

2011-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's stinkin hot here in the ole AZ, and the thought of doing any cooking outside of grilling or boiling water makes me sweat:( This time of year is when I only want to eat something light, cold, and refreshing:) Weeell, my hubby's garden has been growing like crazy!! My fridge was being taken over by cucumbers!! What to do with sooo many?? Make cucumber salad of course!! Every time the hubby and I go to Kabuki for sushi, I get their cucumber salad. It's fab:) and COLD, Sooo I thought I'd try making it at home.
All it took was:
Cucumbers- peeled, seeded, and julienned
1 oz. Tobiko ( those yummy flying fish eggs)

And for the dressing: This is where I'm the worst! I don't measure anything, just do it to taste. I guess like making a vinaigrette? I used mostly Ponzu, a splash of both sesame oil and rice vinegar, a spoonful of white sugar, pepper and I sprinkled the sesame seeds.

Poured it over the cucumbers,

Then topped it with the Tobiko:) **I got my Tobiko at AJ's at the sushi bar:) and yes, a little pricey, but sooo delish!!

Yummy yummy yummy!!

Then I moved on to dinner. Where I was hoping to use the other 7000 lbs. of cucumbers:) Enter- Trader Joe's rice sticks. You can get them in the pasta section, and this yummy recipe is on the back:)

2 c. Romaine lettuce, shredded
1 1/2 c. cucumber, peeled, seeded and julienned

1/2 c. mint leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 c. basil leaves, roughly chopped

2 c. cooked meat ( I used shrimp)

** I added bean sprouts too:)

Oh and look at this sweet little baby that was living in my mint! Now that's organic!! :)

Put all your chopped ingredients and cooked meat in a bowl, and pour hot noodles on top. The heat from the noodles wilts the greens perfectly:)

I took some soy sauce, sesame oil, red chili pepper flakes and honey (again, no measuring-all to taste) and poured the mixture over the top and tossed it all together:)

And can I just say, do NOT omit the mint or the basil! The combination of the two gives the best flavor:)

And there you have it. A yummy, refreshing and speedy dinner:) and most importantly? All done with one pot of boiling water:)

Go ahead, have a seat...:)

2011-06-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

So here's a look at my little breakfast nook. A sweet little place where maybe I would have my morning coffee, or a little lunch. But no. Why you ask?
Cause you can't sit in these stinkin antique chairs!!

They're fabulously cute, and have that perfect worn wood look to them. But seriously? They creak and crack with every slight little move whenever anyone sits in them! Scaaary I tell ya!
This sweet little room was sadly being ignored because of those chairs. Enough!! I could take it no more!

On Sunday, the hubby was BEGGING me to go to IKEA. Juuuust kidding!! I had been searching for some little inexpensive chairs and saw these and for a sweet $59.99 ea, they were perfect:)

Really? Can I just take ONE picture without little bully in the background? Anyway, I LOVE how they brighten up the space! Me sooo happy:)

I already had the runner, and yes, it might be a bit long but I'm kinda liking it:)

Now what to put on that bare wall?? I'll think about that over my morning cup of coffee in my new chair:)

And she did it!!.... :)

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

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep

In dreams you lose your heartaches, whatever you wish for you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday, your rainbow will come smiling thru

No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing

The dream that you wish

Will come true

~Cinderella

10 years ago this coming July, we hosted a foreign exchange student from Slovenia. It happened actually by accident. My sister was going to host her but realized she couldn't and asked me and the hubby to take her. I (of course) jumped at the chance. We had never done this before but thought we'd give it a shot. Soooo happy we did. I love her as if she was my own. The hubby? He ADORES her:) She's truly an amazing girl. She graduated top of her class here in AZ and as for her swimming? No one could catch her:)

She went on to receive a full ride scholarship to BU where she broke records and worked hard toward her dream of becoming a doctor,

Just like her parents. They are both doctors in Slovenia. The sweetest people you could ever meet. THEY are the reason she's so amazing:)

She came to us 10 years ago with hopes and dreams of becoming a doctor, and on this past Friday...She DID.

Meet Dr. Lidija Breznikar McGrath:)

Liddy, you are truly amazing and I couldn't be prouder of you. You will make your mark in this world with your ridiculous smarts and absolutely wonderful heart:) Oregon Health and Science University is lucky to have you:)

Keep it simple....:)

2011-05-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back this guy celebrated his 83rd birthday:) Meet Norm, my hubby's dad. Yep, he's as sweet as he looks:) I thought I'd have him over for a little impromptu dinner the night of his bday:) Only, I didn't reeally think it thru. See, I'm the queen of procrastination and the queen of wanting things to be perfect. Soooo at about 3:00 on the day of said dinner, I started to panic. Wha? What? And then I stopped and took a deep breath and said, Seriously Dorie? NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE RIDICULOUS DETAILS!! It's true. So often times I get worked up about silly little things that I feel like I lose focus on what really matters. The time spent together- THAT'S what matters:) (okay, and the WINE.)

So I set my table outside with what I had. The vintage tablecloth was Norm's mothers:) How lucky I am to have some of her linens!

I took a tag, wrote a message on it, used a fork for a holder and...done:)

I love to mix my really good stuff with inexpensive things to give it that casual look:)

-the plates are Match, the glasses are Reidel.

-the flatware was a TJ Maxx clearance and the glasses are Kerr jelly jars.

-the fab cloth napkins were a bday gift from my sis in law:) from Domestic Bliss:)

And just to keep it real, I'll show you the beast I have to fight off my patio all day-everyday!

She leaves me little gifts like this, and I don't like it:( Moving right along.....

I served my favorite go to meal. Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas. It's super quick and easy and really tasty:) I used leftover cooked chicken instead of the prosciutto, cause that's what I had!

A simple salad of arugula and pine nuts dressed with olive oil and sea salt- perfect:)

And the birthday cake? I stopped off at Fresh and Easy and picked up this tiny little cheesecake. I sliced some strawberries and sprinkled them with a little sugar and let them sit in the fridge for a while so they create that yummy strawberry syrupy stuff:)

Poured that over the top and added a sprig of mint- and there you have it:)

And yes, I made him blow that candle out twice cause I didn't get a pic the first time!

I'm writing all this to say, that it really is all about relationships. And people. And not sweating the small stuff. And not missing an opportunity to make someone happy. And taking the time to enjoy those around you. No matter what:)

Kale and Kayola...:)

2011-05-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

OK, so you all know of my love for my local Farmer's Market. It takes place here in Mesa on Friday mornings, and it's one of my favorite things. I know, I need to get out more:) I just love the idea of supporting our local farmers and eating fresh and local. My daughter LOVES her some Kale chips, so last Friday I bought some bunches of Kale and made her some:)

Seriously folks, it's embarrassingly easy to make these! You'll need 3 items- kale, olive oil and sea salt.

Cut the leaves off the hard stems into bite size pieces. Drizzle with olive oil,

Sprinkle with sea salt,

and spread on a parchment lined sheet pan.

Put into the oven at 350 for about 15-20 min or until the edges are golden. I do not however recommend you sit down and watch your dvr'd episodes of Kitchen Nightmares while waiting. This will result in a little over browned kale chips:( Ugh Gordon!!

If your really feeling your inner Martha (or just need a cute blog pic) you can serve it up in a brown bag with a sweet little stamped saying on it:) And there you go. Kale chips. Super tasty and super good for you:) You can eat em up guilt free!!

Orrrrr- If you're like me and you love a little guilty pleasure, you could dive into these AMAZING cinnamon rolls made by a sweet blog follower of mine:)

Meet Kayola Skinner. She showed up at my doorstep one evening with these lovelies. Still WARM!! It was the sweetest thing! Literally. I had never met her before, she just reads my silly little blog and thought she'd stop by with her gift of handmade yumminess for me. We chatted about a lot of things and found we had so much in common. I loved how she came to my door a stranger and left a friend:) What a sweet woman that Kayola!

So if you're local, and have a hankering for the yummiest in sweet, buttery, cinnamon goodness- you have to give Kayola a jingle. Yep, she hand makes these scrumptious delights and sells them for $20 a dozen, or $25 a dozen with nuts. Order up!!

Trust me, you'll be glad you did :)

Kayola's Fat and Sassy Buns 480-643-0089 email: pkfamdmly@aol.com

Or check out her blog:)

Summer's a comin.....:(

2011-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

So this was the lovely sight I took in this morning as I was having my cup of coffee. Why do I insist on believing I can keep a hydrangea alive here in AZ?? UGH!! I adore these flowers. But sadly, the Arizona heat is on my doorstep:( and looking at these sad flowers is just another reminder. **ooh and I just remembered that I need to start growing out my fingernails, you know- so I can drive with them this summer:( anyway....
After work I stopped by my local Trader Joe's for a few things for din. OF COURSE the flowers are the first things you see when you step in the door. Genius move TJ's!! Fresh flowers are one of my many weaknesses. I mean leaving TJ's without flowers is like shopping at Target without eating popcorn, or going to Costco without spending $100!

Hello lovelies!!

And welcome to my kitchen. Where you will be enjoying the next week or so before the AZ inferno takes you oh so prematurely from me:( and at which time I will most likely (sniff sniff) be replacing you with a succulent:(

My blog b**tch.... :)

2011-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's what my hubby told me he was. To my face. Wha? What? Really?? Ok, so it's partly true. It's just that this guy can make ANYTHING out of ANYTHING !!! And besides being completely amazing for our house, it just so happens to make fantastic blog material:) Case in point....
A few Saturday's back, he decided to tackle this arbor that we had been talking about. So I'm thinking, cool- a couple 2x4's, some nails and...done! Au contraire mon frere!! There was even concrete involved! Who knew?

You seriously have no idea how exhausting watching him work can be!! Juuuust Kidding!!! Someone had to take advantage of this photo op, you know- for the blog!! :)

Yeah, little bully kinda watched the backs of his eyelids the entire time:)

The result? True craftsmanship. I mean seriously. He's a wonder that man 'o mine!!

So hubby? I thank you, and this little bloggy thanks you. For without you.....geez, that's a lot of responsibility for a little bully!!

Mama...:)

2011-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

We have a winner!! The winner of the most fantastic of all cutting boards is......

Twiggy&goose! Email me your address and I'll spend my life savings shipping you your sweet treat!!

This is my mama. Zoraida, or Ida, or Grandma Sweets or just Sweets. My brother started calling her that in college and it just sorta stuck. She is the mother of 6 beautiful (as I've heard her say all my life) kids. I love so many things about my mom, but one thing in particular stands out for me. This woman can cook like no other, and will. For anyone. Anytime. She calls all us kids and offers to either cook us dinner at our house or at hers, all the time. Yes, she still spoils her babies!

This is what her house looked like this past Sunday. It was just a couple of her friends, my brothers family, and the hubby and I. I LOVE how she always sets her table. She has my whole life. Tablecloth and all. I don't know that she owns any paper plates!

She uses her silver:)

Just some of her many dishes:) Seeee, THAT'S where my dish disease came from!!

Her napkin drawer'S!

As you notice in the table pic, my mom doesn't have a centerpiece. She never does. I guess because there needs to be room for all the FOOD! My mom NEVER runs a short ship!!

Paella!

The yummiest carrots:)

Cabbage salad:) and her yummy iced tea:)

Thank you mom for so many things. Like-

Thank you for not freaking out when I didn't brush my hair my entire 4th grade year! (STILL hate brushing my hair)

Thank you for laughing hysterically and telling me I was "so dumb" after I got busted for shoplifting in Dillard's in 8th grade!(seriously the stupidist thing I did ever!)

Thank you for rolling your eyes when I got a C in Spanish:( Ay! Que horror!!

Mostly? Thank you for just letting me....be me:)

A Very Happy Mother's Day:)

My baby chickies...:)

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thank God for dirty dishes,
they have a tale to tell;
while others may go hungry,
we're eating very well.
~Unknown

Easter was fabulous. We had a delicious brunch of asparagus tart, mango avocado salad, baked french toast, fresh fruit, honey ham, scrambled eggs, coffee cake, and of course- mimosas!

Yes, it was delish. But why so delish you ask? Because it was all eaten off these ridiculously adorable (or aDORIEable) plates!!! The sweet yellow color of baby chicks:) My heart still skips a beat every time I look at them!!!!

One Saturday about 4 months ago, the hubby and I were walking thru this Antique store in East Mesa, when I came across these beauts. 12 of them. I was immediately smitten. The hubby was not:( I have a thing for dishes. I do! An addiction, a sickness, whatever. I wanted those stinkin plates!! But I left without them. I think I might have driven home in total silence, looking out the window tearing up. Not really, but you get the jist:(

Fast forward to last Friday. I was headed to Trader Joe's for the last of my brunch items, when I found my car totally driving itself back to that antique store! Weird how that happens! I hadn't quit dreaming about those darn plates since. I parked and did a crazy power walk right past the sweet old lady at the counter, she was like "hello, welcome too......" . I had no time for greetings. Were they still there?? Were my baby chicks still there???

Yessss!! All 12!!! I walked straight up, cradled them in my arms and said "hello sweet babies! mommy's back and it's time to go home!!!"

And here's the deal. Pretty food DESERVES pretty plates. Food tastes better on pretty plates:) And if you have them, for heaven sakes- use them!! :)

***Last week for the giveaway! I'll announce the winner next week!!

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

2011-04-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

....they're the people that you meet, when you're walking down the street, they're the people that you meet each day!!!!!!! When the hubby and I decided to sell our house (aka-"the beast") and move downtown, people thought we boarded the crazy train. We had lived so long in the land of gated communities, it was a normal thing to need a "code" to visit your neighbor. Ridiculous I tell ya! I longed so much for a real sense of community. You know, where you KNOW your neighbors?? And my wish has been granted:) Meet Jen. She's my sweet neighbor who also moved from the land 0' gates not long after we did. We share a love for our "hood" and everyone who lives in it. We decided to host a little meet and greet this last Sunday on our boulevard, it's this fabulous patch of grass that goes all the way down the middle of our street:)

We passed out flyers, and nervously waited for everyone (or anyone) to show up:). And they did!!

Here is my next door neighbor. He's a psychiatrist and has the most captivating stories! Sitting on the porch with him and a bottle of wine is always entertaining. It's comforting to know I'm just steps away from a man who can make me feel better about my addiction to addiction television :)

Here's Jen again. Yeah, check those guns. Nope, not a personal trainer. She imports and exports fishing lures:) Rico to be exact. My hubby was dying when he heard this:) And because I think she's awesome I'll mention that she has a fab building for sale:)

Behind her, our neighborhood Rocket Scientist. Okay, Aerospace Engineer. What? Doesn't every neighborhood have one? Well you should. He's fabulously intelligent and equally hilarious:)

And here's my new little friend Tori. She thinks it's great that her name rhymes with Dorie:)

Her little sis Addie. I know! Adorable:)

This little guy entertained himself with straws and ice:) cause what else do you need?

Sweet girl in white? 8TH GRADE!! What?? I seriously did not look like that in 8th grade. I think they're talking about "the guy with the handlebar mustache?" JK! I really don't know what they were talking about:)

And here's Gretchen. She works at the zoo and is my fellow co-dependant Pisces. She's reeally funny and has the biggest heart for animals.

These are just a few of the peeps that showed up to our little party. Jen and I were actually surprised how many did come! It just goes to show ya- neighbors reeeally do want to get to know each other, and I think that's fantastic:)

Enjoy you're Easter weekend and hey, get to know the people around you. It really is what life should be about right? :)

**Don't forget about the Giveaway!! Just two weeks left!!

Gordon and a Giveaway!!.....:)

2011-04-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

So let's be honest. We all have that deep dark thing called- a celebrity crush. My hubby's is J Lo. Uh huh, moving on. I have a thing for this guy- Gordon Ramsay. Something about the fact that he could cook me the most amazing dinner sprinkled with his favorite spice- the f word. I know a lot of people find him offensive or whatever, but I think his explosive expletive ridden rants are what shows his total passion for what he does. And I love that :)

Or is it just that I have a thing for blonde's with wrinkles?

Whatever it is, to celebrate my outing of my celebrity crush.. I'm giving away this uh-mazing cutting board. Made by the equally amazing peeps over at William Rogers Wood Products :)

Yes it's our family business, and yes this cutting board was made by my very handsome very talented (and single) son Ryne. He makes all our wood counter tops! This lovely is African Mahogany and measures a sweet 12 x 24 x 2 1/4 :)

So to win this baby here's what you gotta do:

No, I'm not going to make you do 5000 things to get it (don't you hate that?). I'm a simple gal:)

Just become a follower, then leave me a comment about your celebrity crush!

I'll announce the winner Tuesday May 3rd:)

And hey, if you're in the market for some fab wood tops? Give us a call :) 480.985.2560 we ship everywhere:)

What were they thinking??....:)

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

That's exactly what I said to myself the day we bought this house! It was love at first sight believe it or not. But during the entire restoration process I often thought of what all the people who had added their "personal touch" to the house were thinking! I thought maybe it went something like this: Ooooh Larry! Look at that beauty! I know it's a 1916 bungalow, but I'm thinking with my brains, and your cool set of tools we could hack away and turn this thing into the Victorianesque looking house of my dreams!!

Yeah Carol, we could "enclose" that wrap around porch ( I mean, what a waste of space!) and make it into your laundry room!

After :)

Oh Carol! Your choice of color is just spot on!! It's like Christmastime....all year long!!

After :)

Hun? I'm thinking we should rip out that old original kitchen and put in that u shaped, highly functional, never been seen before kitchen you designed? Oooh Larry, YES!!

After :)

And hey Larry? Could you build me that wine rack I've been wanting for my Charles Shaw collection? I've got the perfect shade of aubergine in mind...

After :)

Ooooh, and over here? We could bust out the wall (load bearing? who cares!) to that bedroom, remove the original staircase and I could have my dream dining room!! Oh Carol! You're a genius!

After :)

And the master bedroom....Larry? Could you add some massive structure to the front of the house so I could have a balcony where I could relax on our old couch from 20 years ago?

After :)

Carol, you really know your stuff! Honey oak, brass and emerald green and white tile! Oh well thank you Larry! And thank you for reminding me to put CARPET in the entire bathroom!

After :)

Hey Larry? Since you work alone, I'm thinking plastic columns would be so much easier on your back.

After :)

Carol? Since we already relocated the original staircase and have it so elegantly cascading into the dining room, I'm thinking we should relocate the original fireplace too! Oooh Larry! That sounds fantastic! Then I could use that pink tile I've been dying over!!

After :)

I know how much you love yourself some skylight Carol, so I thought I'll just tear into the wall above the bathroom!

After :)

Carol, your color choice for this front bedroom is sooo soothing, sooo inviting! And hey Larry my love? Could you please replace that original diamond shaped glass in the window for some pink plastic instead? Thanks!

After :)

I'm thinking if we "enclose" that back porch Larry, you could build us a massive brick fireplace that would come in handy for, you know, all those chilly Arizona winter nights!!

After :)

Oh Carol!! Come see!! I've totally disguised that chimney to look like your favorite- a Christmas tree! Oh Larry! Think how excited all the neighbors will be when I decorate it with lights this year!!

After :)

I just picked up the disc with all the before pics from our architect last week, and was reminded of the horrendous state my sweet old house was in! I only wish that Willy Wonka really did invent smellovision. It would have really made those kitchen before pics come to life!!!

"There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again." ~ Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

Linking up to the before and after party at Thrifty Decor Chick!

And Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch !

Spring has sprung... :)

2011-03-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

**Just a little update on last weeks post. After a phone call that transferred me 7 times, seriously 7, and an unanswered email, I have yet to find out if anyone at the city knows about the sweet little green house that I want to put in my pocket:( I WILL keep trying!! ********************* So it's officially spring here in the ole AZ. The hubby has turned into Mr. Garden. He's always loved gardens and now has one! These are the first of his sweet little strawberries! Cuuute right? I love the craggly one on the right :) A had to get a pick of this bee, just enjoyin himself some of my geranium :)

And for me? Well spring cleaning has hit me in a big way. On top of my already OCD like cleaning that I normally do, I find myself changing things up a bit :) Case in point- my little library at the top of the stairs.

This poor little room hasn't been touched since my 20 yr. old son so gracefully (not) unloaded my boxes of books onto these shelves on move in day:(

Can you say BORING?? Ugh! The chandelier? Too white. The doors? No life. About every frame I own on the top shelf? Just dumb.

This is where my sweet hubby reads every night. I know! He's so abused. That hideous excuse for a throw? A snuggie. Yes, I said snuggie. It's hideousness just seems to add that little "punch of color" doncha think? That sweet chair I got from my friend Kristin at one of her fabulous sales years ago, it's a little shabby chic but with no budget for reupholstering- I just rolled with it:)

I made my way down to my fav Home Fabrics store and picked up these sweet fabrics for $23. Yeah you read that right. Twenty three dollars!! I found the ribbon at JoAnn and it went perfectly with my antique sconces above the chair:) and oooooh yes, Stitch Witchery!! My new friend until my daughter unearths my sewing machine that is currently in the abyss otherwise known as her kitchen remodel:(

The chandy. I bought this brass beauty at the Salvation Army "boutique" in Cali and I painted it white when we first moved in and yeah, it'll blind ya. But not for long! I took some minwax stain and did a little dry brushing on it.

And here's the little library after all my blood sweat and tears!

A little decluttering and organizing goes a long way:)

And here's the chandy! (with the crooked shade, just keepin it real around here!)

Awww and let's have a moment of silence for snuggie. Yeah right!! New throw is sooo much better! Oh, and I found some more (dead people) old pics of the hubby's family and thought they would want to join the others:)

Absolutely no sew curtains:) I'm sure I'll be doing a post in September titled The Unraveling. All about my curtains after the sweltering AZ summer! But until then? Me loves:)

Some fab old books that I got at the GW for $1 each. And yes, that's my flute from the 7th grade:) a little further down to the right sits my piccolo:)

And why yes of course! Little Bully finds himself verry happy here in the morning sun:)

And did I mention that I did this all on Saturday? And my back still hurts:( So what about you? Any crazy spring cleaning in the works?

I WANT IT NOW !! ..... :)

2011-03-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

So this last Sunday the hubby and I took a little drive. I know, we've TOTALLY turned into old people. It's really one of our favorite things. Where do we go? Really nowhere. Usually one of us asks, "do you want to drive around and look at cool houses"?? And that's how it starts:) we love to check out historic districts all around the Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa area. While checking out a new area (nope. I won't say where! and for good reason! keep reading) we came across this beaut:

Awww!!! I was instantly smitten. She's the perfect shade of chippy green. Her windows are old double hung, and she's the loving home to some crazy feral cats that my hubby saw while looking thru the windows :( This sweet old girl is abandoned and according to the neighbor is going to be demolished:( Sooooo, I'm going to get on the horn and call the city (and go all Veruka Salt on them) and find out when,

Cause just think of all the fabulousness you could make with all that gorgeous green wood!!!!!

Some bunny loves me... :)

2011-03-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to sweet Ashlyn at Pinecone Place for this award! I'm supposed to tell you 7 things you (well, some of you:)) don't know about me. Here goes nothin!

1. My house really is as clean as it is in my blog pics. Call me crazy, OCD whatev. It's just how I roll:) I actually enjoy cleaning and organizing :) One of my fav shows? Hoarders.

2. I think sometimes I missed my calling as a trauma nurse, surgeon, paramedic or anything blood and guts related. I watched our vet sew up our dogs leg once when he got hit by a car. Awesome. Strong stomach? Yes. Math skills? Not so much:( Another fav show? Medical Incredible.

3. I love the smell of garlic, onion and bleach on my hands (not at the same time of course). Makes me feel like I have a clean house or cooked something amazing:) More fav shows? Clean House and Barefoot Contessa:)

4. I'm a dreamer. My husband says I live in a dollhouse world. I do:) I dream of restoring every house in my neighborhood:) I can be sitting having a conversation with someone and while my mouth is saying uh huh, uh huh, my mind is checking out their fabulous curtains, or the painting on the wall that would look sooo much better over there.....

5. I can't go to sleep at night until I have showered, shaved my legs and put perfume on. I used to wear Chanel #5 till the hubbs informed me that he thought it smelled like an old lady. Waaa waaaa:( It only took 2 years for him to tell me!! Yeah, he's tolerant like that:) Now I wear whatever body sprays I have, as long as they smell yummy:)

6. Speaking of perfume. I've worn the same one for 20 years. Yep, twenty years. Paloma Picasso. Still love it.

7. I have a love/hate relationship with my empty nest. I miss my babies being at home so much sometimes. But then I look at my significantly smaller laundry pile and grocery list- and do a happy dance:) I'm thinkin maybe I could volunteer to rescue and foster frenchie bulldogs? Course that puts me just a step away from being on another one of my fav shows- Animal Hoarders!!

I'm awarding this to all you bloggers out there. You are all stylish and entertaining, and some of you quite frankly are waay out of my little league:) I'm doing this because fact #8? I'm the worst procrastinator and I stink at chain letters :(

Moving on:)

With the weather feeling so springy this weekend, I decided to get out what little I have in the way of "spring" decorations. I found these adorable bunnies that I've had for years. Seriously, I think since the early 90's! Poor babies were still wearing raffia for heaven sakes! :(

After a few short minutes with my friend Fiskars, they said buh bye to their former selves:)

All this project took was a little boredom, some colorful ribbon scraps, a hot glue gun and a bowl of bejeweled buttons, earrings and what nots that your daughter forgot to take home and doesn't know that you're keeping:)

And voila! How cute are they!!!

Oh, and I used some stickles to sparkle up the eyes, nose and ears :)

And here's the messy shot for miss " get real and go make a mess in there" commenter:)

I'm thinkin I'm keeping these sweet little bunnies for another 20 years :)

When push comes to shove... :)

2011-03-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Since we moved into our little slice of heaven, I have been trying to figure out what to do with this teeny tiny room at the top of our stairs. It started out as the hubby's office, but he found himself really not needing it. Then I thought I'd make it a little guest room, or a place to house my dollhouse. Well my mind was quickly made up when I was showing a blog follower (hi Barb!) my house last week and had to do that "oh that room is going to be my craft room someday" thing. Ugh!!

The Before:

The AFTER!! I could take it no more. I gave myself a $100 budget and went to town. I hit the Home Fabric store and spent over half my budget on these saaaweeet fabrics!! The yellow fabric was my fav, but they only had 3-2yard remnant pieces, so I bought a coordinating remnant and used it on the bottom to make the length :)

The Before:

The AFTER!! Oh joy!! I have one speed when I set my mind to something. Get. It. Done. My daughter had my sewing machine, so enter- Stitch Witchery!! I was NOT going to wait!! I made these panels shorter because of the desk, and it also saved on fabric! I will have to stitch them with the sewing machine eventually, this AZ sun kills whatever it touches:( but for now? Beaut!

The Before:

The AFTER!! I (sadly) packed up dollhouse world and safely stored her away. I had that cute little table out in the garage so I brought it up. The hubby made the shelves :) I shopped my house to find baskets to use as storage. Those really cool stick chairs? My mom's brother made them about 50 yrs. ago. Lucky me:)

The DETAILS :)

This sweet desk I found at the Salvation Army "boutique" in San Juan Capistrano. I prettied her up with some white paint and hardware that I already had laying around waiting for that perfect piece :)

This box has been the hubbs worst nightmare. When we moved from the beast over 3 yrs. ago I had to empty my wrapping center and those rolls of wrap were so tall so I couldn't close the box. Weeeell, that awkward box found itself ALWAYS getting in my hubby's way. The threat of the trash was all that poor box ever heard :(

Enter- granny cart! My wrapping paper is happy, and the hubby is happier :)

I used the same baskets that I once used for veggies in my fridge to store fabric and a bunch of stationery that is finally going to be put to use after living in storage for so long!

This metal ribbon holder is actually a vintage shoe rack :) upon closer examination of this pic, I saw the hideousness that is Kirkland!! A quick cut out of some beaut scrapbook paper and double stick tape...

And aaaah! Sooo much better! I covered that bulletin board with a pink polka dot wrapping paper that I had.

And of course whilst (I love that word!) walking thru Tarjay to get my curtain rods, I saw this sweet lamp! I. Had. To!! Hot glued on a bow, and added a vintage brooch :)

So there you have it! My sweet little craft room. All it took was $100, a weekend, and showing my house to a blog follower :) Thanks for the push Barb!!

** I'm joining the Refresh your room party with Jennifer Rizzo, and the Before and After party at Thrifty Decor Chic aaand Whassup Wednesdays over at Elements Interiors! Check em out!!

It was just a sign!

2011-03-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

At least that's how it started anyway!

Okay, so if you read Dorie's entry yesterday (yes, it was a Monday and she posted...but it was just a warning to let you know it'd be me writing today), you know I'm just a substitute. Don't worry, I'm a fun sub. The kind that, back in the day, we all liked because she was totally clueless so it made the day go by fast! Dorie considers my substituting a gift for her birthday...okaaay, just a bit of pressure!

So...for Dorie's birthday I made her a sweet little sign to hang above her dining room table. For the artwork, I used the font Bickham Script for the text and the border design is actually a font too, called Bodoni Ornaments ITC. It's full of really pretty shapes and designs, like this swirly one. You can set up a sign like this in any computer program (Word, Publisher, etc). It's basically a text box with type inside.My sign measures at 14.5 x 9.5 because the piece of black foam board I had laying around was 15 x 10 and I wanted a quarter inch border around it. So I took the sign and using double stick tape, I carefully mounted it on the board.Then I smoothed it out to make sure there were no bubbly areas (oh my, those hands -someone get this girl some hand lotion stat!) and repeated the mounting on both sides of the sign. To hang the sign, I used picture hangers and wire. The hangers easily stick right into the foam board. I did use a dot of super glue to make sure they were in tight - if you do that, be VERY careful...I almost had two fingers stuck together.And here is how the sign looks hanging above the dining room table.After making the sign, I had the craft bug....so I decided to print 11 x 17 placemats...And look how cute they look with a place setting! I printed 16 of them for Dorie...just in case she decided to have 15 people over for dinner!After the placemats, I still wasn't done crafting. I took that Bodoni Ornaments ITC font and, with the same design, I reversed the color to green on white paper and decided to use it as wrapping paper for soaps. I just love pretty soaps. So, I printed 8.5x11 sheets of paper with the design font repeated on the page... Then I took a plain bar of Ivory soap (they come in packages of 3 and more - and BTW who knew Ivory smells so good!) laid it down on paper and wrapped it like it was a present...

I pulled up the sides and sealed them with matching labels that I printed with "savon" on them. The labels are easily made, using any size Avery labels in Word (the labels I used were 5160). And, if I do say so myself...they turned out lovely! Oh, I did wrap one using brown bag paper that I found near my work desk. And now I'm thinking how these could be personalized with monograms or someone's name as a gift or for house guests...the opportunities are endless I tell ya!

Sooo, was I done crafting? Of course not! I decided to print some calling cards for Dorie. Again, using an Avery label formatted for 5871 (which are "clean edge" business cards) and the same two fonts and colors, I printed these aDORIEable cards...
After I sat back to look at all the pretties, I headed to Safeway to pick up a few items and there I saw this tiny treasure...a green vintage-looking bicycle that had my sister's name written all over it. So, I quickly bought it, took it home, added a plant to it (which I wrapped with a scrap of burlap) and of course, added a tiny version of the birthday sign. It looks so cute in Dorie's house!

And that's it folks! The end of my subsituting today. Happy blogging!

Michele

The babysitter...

2011-02-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

Today is my birthday:) When my sweet sis asked what I wanted for my bday- I knew exactly. You see, I love my blog. But seriously? Sometimes it feels like a newborn baby. I'm never prepared. Always searching for inspiration and Monday nights are the WORST!! And this is what I look like:

My sweet hubby always says, "Love, you really should have some posts stocked up so you don't have these freak outs". Yeah ok. I'll get right on that. In my next life. So sweet sister o' mine is going to babysit my little bloggy tomorrow. Best. Bday. Present. EVER!

Be kind. No shenanigans, or when I get back I'll put you in the corner!! She's great, I promise. You'll love her :)

If the shoe fits... :)

2011-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

A good thing (and one I choose to focus on waaay too much) about working, is the dressing up. I love to get dressed up and throw on a good pair of shoes :) always have. I remember when I was a little girl sitting in my mom's closet and trying to shove my size 7's (at the time) into her tiny size 5 1/2 shoes. You know, that whole Cinderella thing? Ugh! Sooo frustrating! I wanted sooo bad to prance around in her high heels! I swore someday I would have a closet full. And I do :)

I love funky, patterned, colored, spike, wedge, whatever it takes high heels :)

They always fit, and always make me happy :)

I guess maybe I love them because it's something that makes me feel so girly. And tall :) I think I was born to wear them, and I will wear them as long as my feet will allow me. I say to myself "once you go flat, you never go back!" Scarriest thought ever!

Yes, of course! Some of them are cruel. I call them 10 minute shoes. You know, the one's you can only wear from the car to the nearest chair? Who cares!! They're fab right? :) Well sometimes I feel like I should give my little tootsies a break.

So this past weekend I thought I'd throw these on. Oooooh reeeeally Chuck Taylor???? You are dead to me. These stinkin shoes gave me the WORST blisters on my feet. (look closely at the band aids on my heels in the pic above) I was hobbling around Costo with the hubbs and he was looking at me like- what in the world? Yeah, I felt like some bound foot woman from 16th century China!!! Ugh!!

So if it aint broke. Don't fix it.

Bought these sweet denim heels from Tarjay. $19.99 See ya Chucky!!!!

For the love of food... :)

2011-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Soooo, Saturday while I was visiting my friend Kristin's fabulous store FOUND, my sweet and very sneaky hubby was driving around back and picking up my Valentine's present. I have coveted this Feed Warehouse sign since I first laid eyes on it in K's store. I knew EXACTLY where it could find it's forever home. But with so many other projects needing to take priority, I told myself to forget about it. And then came Saturday.....

I came home from my visit, and there it was. Hung up and everything. It was PERFECTION :) and please take a moment to look at the sweet card attached. Red marker and a Trader Joe's bag was all the hubby needed. He's crafty like that ;)

Mmmm me loves!!

Now if any of you know my hubby, you know he wakes up before the sunshine. Always has. So completely opposite of me. Which is why it was near torture for me to wake up and make him some Valentine goodness for breakfast. Something about the way to a man's heart is thru his stomach? So get up I did. While trolling thru blogland last week, I came across David Eyre's pancakes. I can't remember where I found the recipe I used, but Martha has a good one. The ingredients are simple, but the taste? Amazing :)

Preheat your oven to 425 and mix your ingredients.

Stick your cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up. ( LOVE the blurry pic! neither my mind OR my camera work at such an hour!!)

And yes, get your bacon going. It's a must!

Melt the butter in the heated skillet.

Add your mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes. I think I could have cooked mine a little longer to brown it more :(

Squeeze fresh lemon over, and dust with powdered sugar.

Absolutely Scrumptious!!!

It was a wonderful way to start a very Happy Valentine's morning, or any morning for that matter! Thank you David Eyre :)

So yes, the way to his heart was thru his stomach, and the Food Warehouse was the way to mine :)

Love... it runs in the family :)

2011-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

February. The month o love :) I don't have very many decorations for Valentine's Day, so I just put together what I already had with the addition of some sweet roses from Trader Joe's.
These cute little mini roses came from Traders, but the big beauties? From Zuzu's Petals. The sweetest little flower shop in downtown Mesa. Seriously, it's a must for all your flower needs. The ladies are fab and their creativity is like no other :)

I saw this cake mix at Traders and immediately put it in my cart. So cute right?

And here he is. My sweet lovin man :) We adore each other and have for the last 24 amazing years:) But.....

I'm having....

I am! There, I said it!! I'm truly, deeply, madly in love with my house right now! And thinking I always will be :) And I share this sentiment... with my sister:) Meet Michele and her sweet hubby Rod. Yeah, I know. They're ridiculously good looking!

Anyway, they live in this ADORABLE 1928 Tudor in the Willo district in Phoenix. They have this really cool urban, industrial, clean lined style about them. They're house is awesome I tell ya.

Their Tudor has several original details including the floors, doors, windows and claw foot tub.

And yes, my sister is crazy like me and inviting thousands of nosy people to check out her digs. Her awesome house along with several others will be on the Willo home tour this Sunday.

So what better way to spend your Sunday then looking at some fab houses that you would never be invited into otherwise! Do it! You won't be sorry:)

For more info on this cool home tour- go here!

Mmm....rain :)

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to the most glorious sound. No, not this little bully's heavy snoring (although I ADORE that sound) it was the sweet sound of a soft rain:)

You have to live in AZ to truly appreciate the blessing that is rain. Rainy days are my most favorite ever. And my sweet hubby knows it. This morning he whispered in my ear "just stay home today and enjoy the rain". God bless him. Really. After the home tour this past weekend, I felt so far behind on my "house stuff". So I took him up on his offer and went downstairs and made myself a cup o brew:) And let me tell you about my little teapot of happiness. It's made by Chantal, and see those 4 holes? When ready, it sings in 4 part harmony! Soooo cute right?? You gotta get one! TJ Maxx has em. $49.99 but soooo worth it!

This instant coffee that Starby's has is delish! It reeeally really is.

And reeeally good with a ton of heavy whipping creme and raw sugar :)

I took my little bully and my hot cup of deliciousness outside to check out the sky. Now I know to some of you this doesn't look like much, but any little bit of dark clouds makes this girl happy!

And check out my little ole sidewalk. Love that crack. When we were restoring, our concrete guy asked if we were going to rip up the old sidewalks. I looked at him with a look of "if you touch my old sidewalks, you die". He got the message :)

I made my way inside and wrapped myself in my dad's old sweater. I acquired this sweater one night when I was pregnant (with my now 23 yr.old daughter) with the promise that I'd return it. I never did :) my dad died in 1992 and it's one of my favorite treasures :)

I got caught up on my Masterpiece Theater on PBS. I happened to start watching this series and it has made it's way onto my "top favs" list! I'm a total sucker for a movie with the words m'lady and m'lord in them! And the outfits in this movie are to die for! If you didn't get a chance to see it- it's a must!

Little bully put in some couch time too :)

Then I got that ew I've spent too much time on the couch feeling and headed to the kitchen:) My hubby enjoys him some granola bars for breakfast so I thought I'd make him some. My daughter's boyfriend Chase found this really good recipe at Smitten Kitchen so I thought I'd give it a try.
I added a little more peanut butter than called for and flax seeds cause I love em!

They turned out uhmazing!!

Then I moved onto dinner. My hubby LOVES my chicken pot pie. I really wish I had a recipe to give you, but I just make it up :)

Little bully snored his way through the entire production.

And that's how I love to spend my rainy days :) Oh, and for the record it just kinda drizzled a few times during the day. But that's okay! You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!! :)

Chicken soup and a chicken coop!... :)

2011-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to try this recipe for beer bread from Yvonne over at Stonegable. So last week I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint!! Yvonne is not kidding when she talks about how good it smells while it's baking!

While the bread was in the oven I made a simple chicken soup. I shredded the leftover grilled chicken (I know, the pic makes it look soooo appetizing!) from the night before.

I started with a mirepoix (sounds so fancy right?).

Then added some chicken broth.

And if you haven't discovered this bomb chicken base- you must! My sis told me about it and it's fab! I picked mine up at Sprouts. I also keep the beef base on hand as well, makes EVERYTHING taste delish I tell ya! I just added a spoonful :)

Stirred in some frozen peas and the shredded chicken, a little cream and a thickener of water and brown rice flour and DONE!

Just in time for my bread to come out of the oven :)

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Chicken soup and warm bread- perfect, easy, winter meal :)

Speaking of chicken- let me introduce you to the one and only.... Lonely Girl. Or Girl for short. She's our last remaining chicken of the 3. One died of heat stroke (imagine that). And the other (we fear) was consumed by our next door neighbors dog. Poor Lonely. She's survived so much trauma in her short little life :(

Lonely no longer thinks she's a chicken. I think she thinks she's more like our dog. She comes to her name, and follows my husband EVERYWHERE. We (Wallace and I) have to constantly shoo her out of the house when the door is open.

This last Saturday the hubby decided to build her a house worthy of his love for her :)

And I swear she knew it! She was right there checking it out the entire time!

And here it is. Cuuuute right??!! Made out of.....the old fence of course!

With window boxes, and REAL flowers! (for now till they die a slow painful death when I forget to water them)

Girl didn't hesitate one bit going in and checking out her new digs :)

Of course Wallace loved it too :)

If you'd like to check out this sweet coop in person- you can! My house is going to be on the Mesa Historic Home Tour this Saturday from 10-4. You can find more info here. If you can't make it, you can check out some pics in the Cool House section of the Arizona Republic newspaper on Saturday :)

Feliz Cumpleanos!!

2011-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday this special lady celebrated her 75th birthday :) That's my momma (and one of my handsome brothers). She was born in a little village in Oaxaca, Mexico. She came to the United States when she was 17. Yep 17. All by herself. I'm going to stop now or I'll end up getting all sappy :) Anyway, to know her is to love her. So my brothers and sisters and I gave her the birthday party she deserved :)

My daughter Rio was in charge of cupcakes. This girl can bake like no other. She's creative and crazy fast.

Just not the cleanest :( Yeah, that's her (may have diabetes) chihuahua Pozzy eye balling and hoping I don't see him sneak a lick at that sugar. Darn good thing we have that really cool central vac sweep into the suction thingies right there in the kitchen!

Here's the finished cupcakes. They were sooo pretty and tasty! What you can't see is the shimmer glitter on them with these sweet tiny silver beads. And let me mention that the sun was so strong that day the butter cream frosting was starting to melt, so we had to move them into the shade. That's Arizona for ya!

My mom's favorite color is blue. She has this collection of blue and white pottery that she got in Hong Kong years ago. I borrowed some of the pieces to fill with flowers..

Rio glittered up a bunch of 75's in varying sizes and colors for the flowers and plants. Cute right?

A pic of some of the 2nd cousins. Yes, I said some. I hail from one HUGE familia!!

I had to show this pic of my sweet sisters and my cousins. Notice we all got the memo? And there was no memo! My sisters and I always happen to wear the same colors. It was really funny when my cousins showed up in the same color too! :)

And here she is. And that was her happy face- all day :)

Feliz Cumpleanos Mama! I love you :)

Red means STOP!!

2011-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, but I actually like to do laundry. Always have. And ironing? Love it :) Maybe because this was my old laundry room and you couldn't help but love to be in it! Too bad I didn't feel like that about the rest of the house:(

Anyway, when we sold that beast of a house and moved to my dreamy bungalow, my laundry room got considerably smaller- but waaay more me :) Here's the terrifying before:

And the after! Sweet. Fresh. Cozy. I adore wood counter tops. These are white oak, made by my amazingly talented son Ryne :) You can check out more of his work and our family biz here :)

Except for the white pot and plant on the top shelf, it's all stuff I already had :)

The ornamental brackets I bought at Anthro forever ago and the hubbs made the shelves out of our old fence. (I know, some sad day there will be no more fence) I love this laundry room. But let me tell you, there is one HUGE mistake staring me right in the face EVERYDAY......

The RED washer and dryer!!! What the sam heck was I thinking?! I wasn't. I bought them right after we sold the beast. I blame moving, my kids moving out and putting my dog down in the same week. Yeah, that sounds logical. I don't know. But UGH! How to fix this horrendous mistake??? A curtain? Wearing blinders? Kicking them on a daily basis hoping they'll die??

I would much appreciate your thoughts :)

The name has a face... :)

2011-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

This blogging world is nothing short of amazing I tell ya! Sometime a while back I had a blogger leave a comment that went something like this: "I think your house was built for my great-great aunt, let me know if you want any more information." WHAT???? Of course I FREAKED!! When we bought this house all we knew was it was built in 1916 and was known as the Bleak-Peterson house. So to have someone who #1-actually read my blog and #2 have info on my beloved house was nothing short of a miracle. So on a really hot day this past June, I got the greatest package in the mail! And seriously? This woman did her homework!! She sent me page after page of information I would have never been able to find otherwise. But the absolute best?? A picture. Of her. The "first lady" of my home. So without further adieu, let me introduce you to Ellye Ellsworth Irwin Bleak :)

I've never met her, but I love her. Her "somewhere in time" hairdo is so perfect. Her eyes seem so friendly and gracious. She was a photographer, so obviously she was creative:) I feel such a connection with her, walking where she walked, sitting on the front porch where she sat. She would be so sad to know that over the years so many people had "remodeled" her once beautiful home. Few original details were saved. But one item in particular refused to leave. The bathtub :)

While I was soaking here the other night, I couldn't help but smile and think that here I was relaxing in the exact tub where Ellye relaxed at the end of what I'm sure was a long, hard day. I feel so blessed to call this house my home. Thank you Ellye :)

And Marianne, I can't thank you enough for the pictures and wonderful information you sent me. I will, rest assured forever treasure it :)

Isn't blogging the best?! :)

A Penny for your thoughts.... :)

2010-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

I love old things. Always have. I adore old dilapidated houses that I could love and restore back to their original beauty :)

I'm truly obsessed with old funky cars. Like this Nash Metropolitan. I WILL have one of these someday :)

But my most favorite old obsession?? Old ladies!! Check out these ladies. That's Penny in the green, and next to her is Helen. The lady in the fab leopard coat shall remain nameless until I get close enough to read her name on her coffee cup:) These ladies are at my local Starbucks (or Starby's as I call it) every Sunday morning. I have become absolutely OBSESSED with their cuteness. It's to the point where my husband says he's having coffee alone because I am so intensely focused on these ladies!

Penny (in the green coat) is my fav. Her hair is so perfectly coiffed! She has this sense of style that says "I've always been in style. New York kind of style." She wears these awesome vintage looking sunglasses (you can see them on the table) and has a voice of a smoker. And yes, occasionally they sit outside because Penny smokes, yep- those long skinny cigarettes, just like you would imagine. And did I mention she wears a thumb ring?? Oh yes, she does!!

My husband tries to act like he's not totally intrigued by these ladies, but a few Sundays back he said, "Look at them, their wrinkles are beautiful." And they are! They reeally are!! These ladies truly inspire me. I reeeally want in their club! My husband asked them this last Sunday if we could join, Helen replied, " nope, not unless you're a white haired widow!" Bummer city for me!! Oh well, I will love them from afar and secretly hope that Penny quits smoking ;)

**A very Happy New Year to you all!

Short and Sweet... :)

2010-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Because Christmas is upon us, and I am sooo behind, this post is going to be a short one. I'm going to show you our Gingerbread houses that we made on Saturday. What fun!! All it took was dollar store candy, graham crackers, some pre made kits, frosting, and YES!, a hot glue gun :)

I read this little saying on a card once, and thought it said it all-

Merry Everything, Happy Always!

Enjoy your Christmas!!

I'll MAC it fit!!...Again!! :)

2010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ok. So remember when I posted about my serious MAC eyeshadow addiction? Well, I still have it. Haven't kicked the habit, don't know if I ever will! Anyway, when we moved into the house a few months back I literally heaped all my makeup on this little table in my closet and have been trying to get to organizing it.
Well that day finally arrived this last Saturday. I couldn't take it anymore! So once again I made a trip to home depot and bought 6 sheets of 6x12" roof flashing material. I spray painted them white this time with what I had in the garage, cause I'm lazy like that :)

Then the hubby taped off a 6x36" square (cause he hates how I "eyeball" everything) on each side of my little dressing table.

Next he painted both the wall and the back side of the metal squares with this really stinky contact cement.

And here's where my really awesome disgusting albeit trusty pink glue gun makes her appearance. I glued this ribbon to the edge of the metal to finish it off.

I also added this sweet pom pom fringe to an old marble lamp that I had too! And can we have a moment of silence for my trusty pink glue gun? Sadly, she died midway thru this project :(

And voila!! Here they are! All organized and verrry happy! (and still room for more!)

Sorry for the horrible pics. Took them last night at 10pm. Yup, procrastination at it's finest :)

** And after reading this I realized that I totally forgot to mention that I put magnets on the back of all my eyeshadows too. You can read all that on the original post here.

I told you so!... :)

2010-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Every time I've moved (and if you know me, you know that's been a LOT!) I always go into this crazy mode of giving EVERYTHING away. I've given away so many things that I wished I hadn't :( My hubby always stands there shaking his head and saying "honey, slow down. I'm thinking you might want to hold on to some of this stuff." Nope. I promise. This is all stuff I won't need, I would always say. Well check out these lovely old french doors.
The hubby and I found them in Carmel, California about 4 years ago. I LOVED them. We bought them not really knowing where we were going to put them. Well about 2 years ago, after we sold the beast, I was sitting in my garage staring at them and wondering what in the world I was going to do with them. Once again I was moving and had never done anything with them. They narrowly escaped me giving them away SEVERAL times. Just a few weekends ago, while cleaning out the garage, I was once again staring helplessly at them. I begged them, PLEEEASE tell me where to put you! I can't put you inside, you're too tall. And then....they answered.

Put me on your back porch, as a little separator between your dining and lounging areas! YAY!! They have found their forever home. Finally. Aren't they beaut??? They hang out there with a pair of old windows we found at a garage sale in Dana Point, CA for $10!! Yeah, that score makes up for what we paid for those stinkin doors!

Then my sweet and oh so incredibly talented hubby made me a table out of....the old fence of course!

Still looking for some weather proof fab chairs to go around the table.

Oh, and it's been such amazing spring like weather here ( 79 degrees) we could eat our din OUTSIDE!!

In other my hubby spotted and scored the best thing ever at a garage sale this past weekend news- Check. It. Out. Ooooooh yes! A perfectly worn red granny bike!!!

Her basket, so perfectly rusty from someone leaving her out in the rain. I LOVE it!!

Mostly because this handsome guy gets to join me :)

**ok. so remember my post a few weeks back about making flowers? Well my daughter Rio has been busy making the CUTEST ones ever. Check them out here. They'd make adorable Christmas gifts!! :)