They're here! They're finally FREAKING here!!!

I know it doesn't look like much to you, but these plans mean the WORLD to me!!!!

It seems like it's been a lifetime since our first meeting with our architect to draw plans for the restoration of our 1916 bungalow. After passing historic review (twice) and the city, we finally have our fully approved, officially stamped, yes you can finally build it, no more waiting, put on a happy face plans!!! Such a great day :)

This is my happy face and my hot contractor ( I hate taking pictures for your crazy "column") hubby. The concrete guy starts tomorrow and framing will soon follow!! We're hoping to be in by October. How fantastic would it be to have a Halloween party in our (rumored to be) haunted house!! :)

Yep, even the fridge... :)

I'm a kook for organization. I like things neat and straight, it just makes me happy!

But seriously???? What in the world happened here??? I couldn't take it any longer.

So, I bought some baskets at Home Goods and these nifty little chalkboards and paint pen at JoAnns and WENT TO TOWN!!!

I mean really, it took me all of 5 minutes to write on these and hot glue them on! And here's the result! I know!! Makes me smile every time I open the fridge... :)

Oh and these beautiful eggs? Came from my hardworking little chicken. We started out with 3 and now are down to 1 :( God bless her.

One man's trash... :)

This is my daughter Rio and her boyfriend Chase. These two hosted an amazing dinner party last Saturday night! Roger and I, my son Ryne and his girlfriend Devon, Chase's mom, grandma, and aunt were all invited. We had soooo much fun! Rio sets a mean table and Chase is a fantastic cook!

We enjoyed rotisserie chicken, stuffed tomatoes, rice, and salad. So good and so pretty :)

But I have to say, I couldn't get past these chairs!!! Rio and Chase found them in a dumpster in L.A. a few weeks back. They were missing their bases, so Chase made the square bottoms, added casters and Rio painted them the high gloss white to match the chair! How very cool is that!!

Seriously...One man's trash is most certainly another man's treasure... :)

The Happy Birthday Chair :)

In my husbands real estate business, he often comes across what I like to refer to as "treasures". This chair was one of them. When he pulled this out of his truck I was giddy, I knew I could give it new life :) My daughter Rio turns 22 on Wednesday, and this little chair was calling her name.

The before:

The after!!!

With just 2 coats of high gloss white paint and a piece of Chewbacca like black fabric... Voila!!

A chair that just says.... Rio :)

Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl :)

The Flea Market :)

While I was in Cali this weekend I read about the Pasadena City College Flea Market and thought I'd go check it out. Ohhhhh boy!! I takes place the first Sunday of the month in the parking garage on the campus. I was in flea market heaven :) I could have stayed for hours inching my way through every booth looking at every little thing. Here are just a few of the incredible things you can find there. If you're ever in the area, you have to check it out!!

Amazing vintage purses! How bout that clear little cutie on the bottom right??

Oh don't you worry, these 6 goblets found their forever home....with me!! Along with the sweet little ice bucket just to the right of them :)

I just loved her....

Of course all this green caught my eye...

Okay, don't get all PETA on me! I thought they were sooo cool!

Boxes and boxes of vintage earrings!!

More green I wanted to take home :(

I couldn't resist taking a pic of these eye cups! Reminded me of my granny :)

Wish I had the time to dig in here!!

Such a great way to start out my New Year! And on that happy note....

WE FINALLY GOT OUR PERMIT!!!!! Oh the happiness....Let the restoration begin!!!!!!

Behind closed doors...

Oh hello pretty green cabinet!! Found this little cutie in California at Home Goods on clearance for $135.00!! But behind those doors is the greatest thing ever.....

Wait for it....................





























Wait for it...................

















































It's a freaking JEWELRY BOX!!!! Me loves, me loves, me loves...... :)

A very Happy New Year to you all!! I will be spending mine in Cali with my hubby, the kiddies and their mates :) Something I treasure more than all the jewels in the world ...... :)

Need Appetizer?

A few weeks back Rio and I came across these lovelies ($2 for 2 boxes) at a garage sale. Woo hoo!! How cute are they?? I'm in Cali right now enjoying some last minute R & R before Christmas and these little things kept staring at me saying "please fill me with crab dip" !! Recipe follows :) Oh, and this little starter would be fantastic for New Years... :)

Hot Crab and Shrimp Dip

1/2 c mayonnaise

1 1/2 tsp whole-grain mustard ( I used Maille - old style)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning

1/2 pound lump crab meat

1/2 c chopped cooked shrimp (about 1/4 pound)

1/3 c shredded smoked cheese

1/3 c sliced almonds, toasted

Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in crab, shrimp, and cheese. Spoon mixture into a 3-cup baking dish. Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with almonds.

** I served mine on a bed of micro greens for an added crunch, and okay cause it looked pretty!!