My Southern California Life

New House, New Tree

2011-12-18T00:59:00.000-08:00

It's been months since I've posted, and there is so much catching up to do! We've moved (more later) and needed a new tree for the new, bigger, house! It's artificial, I keep it up so long it has to be. Our last one lasted 10 years, so it was time. This is a 9-foot tree from Home Depot, and I love it!

Portland Saturday Market

2011-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY made the trip to Portland, to visit my sister who moved there over a year ago. It was cold and rainy, just like I hoped it would be. I'm a southern California native, but I really think I was accidently born in the sunshine; the rain suits me just fine!

Here are some of the lovely sites in Portland...

The Market is held along the downtown waterfront. These beautiful trees were everywhere.

Yes, Hubby has on two hats; it was cold!

The old "White Stag" factory...

If you watch the Travel Channel, you probably know about Voodoo Doughnuts. This quirky downtown doughnut shop was made famous on TV, and is known for it's strange combination of doughnuts (Maple Bar with Bacon, for example). It does not stand out at all, except for the lines of people waiting to get in! We didn't go in, but did get a few pictures of all the fuss.

Hmmm...

Boys Room Headboard

2011-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Headboard 101 - ** Lots of pictures!! **

I finally tackled a headboard for Our Boy's room. It was super simple. I started with a piece of plywood from Home Depot, about $13. Standard sheet size is 4 x 8. Our Boy has a full size bed, the width aproximately 54 inches. I cut the plywood to 54 inches for the width, leaving the height 4 ft.

After a chalk line was made, the wood was cut

Once the cut was complete, I used painter's tape to cover the edges. I planned to cover the entire sheet of plywood with vinyl, and didn't want the rough edges to tear the vinyl. I did end up sanding the sides a bit too to clean the edges.

Next step was adding the foam. I used adhesive spray and attached 2 inch foam. Using pieces 22" x 22", it took 2 and 1/3 pieces of foam.

The foam was 1/2 off at JoAnn's, about $7 each.

Next step - covering with vinyl. Unfortunately, it wasn't on sale! I bought 4 yards, $9.99 a yard; the most expensive part of the project. You could certainly use any fabric, microsuede would look really great. I chose vinyl so that will be easy to clean. I used a staple gun to attach - super easy.

I tucked the vinyl underneath the foam on the front, stapling in place so it fit nice and tight.

The vinyl is backed with a thin layer of felt, which created the look of wrinkles; it was easy to lift and smooth out.

The vinyl easily folded to the back, then secured it with more staples.

Once all the sides were stapled, this is what the back looked like. Since I had plenty of vinyl left, I decided to cover the back too.

All done!

Before ...

After!

A Summer Saturday in January

2011-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Our weekend weather is unbelievable! 82 degrees in JANUARY!!! Hubby and son and I spent the day in Los Angeles. Spent Friday night in Marina Del Rey, and Saturday in Long Beach visiting the Queen Mary. Even as a southern California native, I'd never been to see the QM!

Marina Del Rey, just south of LAX, was beautiful. It really felt like a summer day. View from our room...

First stop was breakfast in Marina Del Rey. We found a wonderful little spot called Cafe Buna on Washington St.

If you go where the locals go, it's almost always the best place to eat in town; and the food at this itty bitty standing-room-only place was delicious.

Starting with a yummy latte...

and my favorite, Eggs Benedict; called "Zuni's Benedict" here...

Hubby had this luscious Buffalo Burger...

Super yummy place. Next it was off to Long Beach, to see the famous Queen Mary. Built in 1934, the Queen Mary was purchased by the city of Long Beach in 1968, where it is permanently docked. It is now a hotel, and has restaurants, bars, and meeting rooms. You can also tour the old engine room, and read about it's history.

A view of Long Beach from the top deck

Hubby and Our Boy

Our Boy and me

Indoor shops on the Promenade Deck

Having fun

Moving (Resisting really) Into January

2011-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas is over...the ornaments need to be boxed, the wreaths wrapped up...the garland and lights unplugged...but just a little longer, please! I LOVE the house this time of year, and although I also love the clean feel and look after it's all put away, I'll give it another week.

Lighted garland and holiday dishes in the hutch...

The Christmas Angel, made for me by my sister years ago...

The fresh smell of pine...

The dining room mirror, all decked out in garland and last year's Eddie Ross ornament wreath...

The staircase, lit up nightly...

Gift bottles, awaiting friends that stop by...

My favorite wreaths, hanging high in the living room windows...

The mantel, adorned with handmade stockings from Grandma...

A few more nights of Sassy sleeping/hiding/playing under the tree...

And lots of memories...

It's up!

2010-12-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Tree at night is my favorite...

Our Family Christmas Card...

Simple Halloween Treats

2010-10-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween all! I don't go all out for Halloween (but I LOVE looking at those of you that do!), but have just a few touches of spooky around the house...here's a look...

Large Metal Pumpkin from Kirkland's

My Hurricane's with Candy Corn

"The Witch Is In " (or Out, on the reverse) from Kirkland's

Large Witches Boots from Kirkland's

Witches Boot Ornaments below from Kirkland's

Happy Halloween To You!!

BOO!

Sites Along a Weekend Walk

2010-10-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning Treat

2010-10-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

One of the bonuses of living in wine country are the weekend balloon flights over the neighborhood. This morning we were treated to this lovely sight...

My Latest Obsession - GW Treasures

2010-09-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

I recently told you about the new GW (Goodwill) store in my neighborhood. I'm SO obsessed, I have to stop in at least twice a week to see the latest goodies. I head straight to the furniture and housewares, hubby to the electonics. Here's some of what we've scored!!

Ceramic Cookie Jar, $6.99

Super Large Glass Urn (about 3 ft tall), $9

Silver Candle Plate, $.99 CENTS!

Wrought Iron Lamp, $7.99 (I had the Lampshade)

For Hubby the gun collector, these "Historical Americana" plates, depicting a rifle and handgun with historical information on the back; $2.99 each, hanging in his office

Yep, that's Abe Lincoln testing the rifle

Wire Rack holding Computer Stuff, $9.99

But by far my favorite...

Floral Painting on Canvas, $39.99!!

Grapevines in Wine Country

2010-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, we planted our first grapevine...the few grapes that were on the vine were very tasty...

Today we decided to extend our little vine into 5 more little vines, across the wall in the backyard. Not only will they give us yummy green and red grapes, they will fill in nicely along the wall. We started by digging 4 fence post holes, letting them sit overnite in quik set concrete.

Next step was clearing out the lavender planted there. We moved the plants it to another spot in the backyard.

After all 4 posts set overnight, we drilled large eye screws into the posts for the galvanized wire that would string between the posts.

Next step was to string the galvanized wire, securing it tightly. Then we planted the new grapevines we bought today...

These vines grow so fast; they should fill in with grapes and green quickly!

The Now FAMOUS Dollar Store Hurricanes!

2010-08-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

By now, you must have seen Decor Chick's Dollar Store Hurricane's. I tried mine this weekend, and plan to make many more! Just as she promised, I found the hurricanes at my Dollar Tree store for yep, $1! Although they had no candle holders, I found those at the local Kmart for $1.49. They were super easy to make. Just glued the candle holders to the bottom of the hurricanes, using Gorilla Glue. But one tip: I used a little too much glue, and it seeped down into the candle holder. If you look closely at the hurricane on the left you can see it. Next time I'll be more careful. I shopped the house, and filled them with some potpourri and wrapped with raffia. I think I like the look of twine better, but I used what I had. I love the final result!

Thanks Decor Chick!

My First Goodwill Find

2010-08-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

A new Goodwill store opened last Friday in our town, the first. We have very few good thrift stores, just a Salvation Army and a store run by the Assistance League. I've had a bit of luck in the Assistance League store, but never at Salvation Army. I couldn't wait to check out the GW, as I've seen so many of you post about the great deals you've found. I've been looking for a TV stand for my son's room; he finally told me he really didn't care for the bar stool that the TV was perched on...imagine that! I found this TV/Bookshelf, and it's even on wheels!

I sanded off just the finish, and it took about 20 minutes...

After a few cans of black spray paint, it started to look like this...

It think it looks pretty good in My Boy's room, next to his dresser...

Not bad for $39 and a few cans of spray paint!

Happy Holiday!

2010-07-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Our Girl's Graduation

2010-06-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's done - graduation has come and gone. What do I do now?! Our Girl is off to Cozumel to celebrate, and momma is missing her already!

She's 18 today!

2010-06-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is 18 today. I can't believe it. She made her grand entrance into the world at 10 lbs., 6 ozs. Today she is as lovely as ever. I couldn't be more proud to be her Mom. I love you little lady!

Happy Birthday, sweet Karoline!

End of a wonderful weekend...early beginning to summer!

2010-05-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and were fortunate to have 3 full days to enjoy it. Hubby and I spend half of it working in the yard, trying to get it ready for summer (and a graduation party next week for Our Girl).

These Foxgloves were a gift from hubby for our 21st annniversary last week...I've never planted Foxgloves before, I hope we get along!

Of course I had some help from Miss Daisy & Miss Sassy...

21 Years

2010-05-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

21 years ago I married my best friend. Happy Anniversary honey!

It's Winding Down!

2010-05-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

The school year is definitely winding down...last weekend prom with Our Girl, and this weekend it was the last middle school band concert of the year. Our Boy is in his first year of band, and loves it.

It's amazing when you realize these kids, most who had never played an instrument before (including Our Boy) when they began, can now play actual music and perform a concert! I sure hope he stays with it.

We get a nice holiday weekend, then it's on again!

Prom Night

2010-05-16T00:59:00.001-07:00

Last night was my daughter's senior prom; I am certainly a proud mama!

Floors, Floors, Floors

2010-05-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Finally, they are DONE! Here they are...I LOVE THEM!

How I Spent My Spring Break - Aka Wood Floors, Week 2

2010-04-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

So last week, I posted how excited I was about installing my new hardwood floors - I must have inhaled too much of this...

Ok, First things first.

Not my best look, but essential.

Sorry girl!

We started in the entry at the front door. This wall in the foyer, well, we weren't looking forward to making the funky cuts around it...hmm, what to do...

Problem solved!

So, tonight, we've made some progress.

What we thought would be a weekend job will be more like a 3-4 weekend job, not including all the touching up. Still have the dining room, living room and office to go...whew...

It's finally here!!

2010-04-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

All 27 Boxes of it...

We've been spending the last few weeks getting ready to install our new wood flooring downstairs.

Taking out all the tile, ripping out carpet, scraping off glue from concrete.

CANT WAIT to get started!

Downstairs Bath Redo

2010-03-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

We hadn't really planned to re-do the downstairs bath. We had planned to take out the tile in our entry way to make way for new hardwood flooring that will go in the entry, dining and living room (our spring break project). The bathroom is just beyond the front door entry, so the tile also flows into the bathroom. The tile was in great shape, but since it's such a small area, re-doing it is pretty simple and inexpensive. Hubby did it on a Sunday afternoon.

Here's what we chose - marble tile at a great sale price at Lowes...

Before bath was ok, but ready for a re-do...

...floor all prepped and ready for her new look...

OOOOHHHHHH!!!

The wall color wasn't working for me...so now it is "Toasted Almond" (don't look at the excess grout under the cabinets - that's now gone)

The last touch will be some nice chunky white crown moulding - and we'll call it done!

From Little Boy to Big Boy

2010-03-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

It was time. Little Boy needed a Bigger Boy room. He is 11 now, and I last did his room I think when he was about 6? So it was reeeeallly time. His room was decorated in a train theme, and the walls were covered with a train mural. Trains, tunnels, rivers, trees, fish...you get the picture. All primary colors, lots of paint. Nothing was left unpainted, not even the ceiling - blue sky with clouds. This was going to take a while - not to mention lots of paint.

This bed used to be a bunk bed. When he got tired of the bunk bed (and I got tired of climbing up to change sheets on the top bunk) we took the support platform for the top mattress, put casters on it and a couple of handles to pull it with, and slid it underneath the bottom bed for a trundle. It works perfectly!

Did I mention my boy loves Elmo? He drew this in pencil (behind the bedroom door, where most of his friends wouldn't notice) and I painted it as is. It is my favorite part of the room.

Now, the transformation...

First goes the ceiling...

Then the furniture...

A light sanding, and these took well to paint...

oh and don't EVER paint these again...

...much better!

Bye sweet Elmo....

Good for another few years...

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's beeeeeuuuuuutiful here today in sunny California, a bit windy, but gorgeous - just perfect. Hubby is cleaning the pool, and I'll be outside soon. I've been a bad blogger of late. We have had lots of projects going on inside, so I'll share those in the next few posts...have a wonderful weekend!

Lazy Saturday

2010-03-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying all your blogs, looking at your homes covered in snow and your lovely winter decor. I would love to post some snow photos of my own, except today it's 80 DEGREES - IN JANUARY! AGHHHH! So, I updated my header picture, to show you this is what it looks like today in my corner of the world!

Our Little Christmas Angels

2009-12-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Do you notice anything wrong with this picture?

I bet your tree has ornaments on the ENTIRE tree, right?

And your gifts - they are UNDER your tree, right?

Or are they stacked on the dining room table, like ours?

The ~~reason~~ reasons ...

... the newest family members, enjoying their very first Christmas. They reeeeealy love the tree, and the pretty presents underneath. The tree is a bit ragged, ornaments askew and a light or two chewed, but it's all good. These little cuties are bringing so much joy to our family, that I'm okay with a little chaos.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Plate Tradition

2009-12-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, my mom and 2 sisters started a fun Christmas tradition. We each bought one Christmas dinner plate for each other to exchange. Each Christmas, we'd each end up with 3 new plates, some the same, some different. After about 5 years, we stopped, only because we'd each collected so many plates, we no longer had room to display or store them!

Each year I display mine or set the table with them. Today I helped my Mom decorate her home, and we put out some of her plates in her hutch; the rest we used on her table, but of course I forgot to get that picture. I thought you might like to see how they looked...

Here are a few of mine on the plate rack:

...and in the China Hutch ...

If you're looking to begin a new holiday tradition, this is really a fun one!

Oh! Christmas Tree!

2009-12-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

The tree is up! It began with this...

This is my very fake tree. Yep, I caved about 8 years ago. I LOVE the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, all the way until January 1st. A real tree just couldn't survive the dry California air, and I couldn't survive the dead pine needles. This is our 2nd artificial tree, and I love it. I spend literally hours "fluffing" this baby a section at a time to get it looking it's best. It's worth all that work, because it turns out lovely. Pictures just don't do it justice.

Only the beginning...there were at least 5 more bins after these were unloaded...

This is one of my very cherished ornaments. It's from Christopher Radko, and is the "Disney Magic" cruise ship, purchased on our Disney cruise vacation in 2002.

Our tree has no color theme, no fancy ornaments. It's a collection of memories, places we've been, special moments in our family. Every ornament brings back a special time in our lives. Wedding day, anniversaries, births, vacations, activities, even pets (past and present). Eventually my children's ornaments will be given to them for their own Christmas trees.

This is Sassy's first Christmas, and she is enjoying it thoroughly. Starting with shimmying up the inside of the tree...yikes...

Eventually, it all comes together!

Next up, the dining room...

More to come!

Christmas Decorating Underway!

2009-11-28T21:48:00.000-08:00

I like Thanksgiving. But it's lots of work, and after spending the day in the kitchen, there's not much time to really enjoy. I LOVE Christmas time! Not even the actual day, as much as all the days leading up to it. The preparation for me, is the most enjoyable. The decorating, shopping, and just the joy of giving is what I love. So, after the turkey dinner dishes were finished, the turkey platter put away, I starting thinking about what to do first on Friday morning. The boxes came in from the garage; the garland went up outside with lights, the poinsettias on the porch. I spent Friday night assembling my ever-so-fake-but-beautiful-christmas tree, and it began.

I've seen many bloggers show off their Eddie Ross wreath, so I decided to give it a try. It really was SO EASY!

I started with 100 ornaments that I purchased at Kirkland's on Black Friday, $9.99 for a box of 50. Eddie's wreath has 80 ornaments, mine 50 (I wanted to get 2 wreaths out of my 100 ornaments), so it is a bit smaller. Instead of using the wire coat hanger, I used copper wire; it was easier to bend and work with.

I used a piece of ribbon, 2 1/2 inches wide to hang it from the curtain rod. Voila! I love it! I hope my husband does too, cuz it's hanging in his office.

Our Thankful Tree

2009-11-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

So much to be thankful for...

Our Home...

Dads ... daughters...

new kitten...

even football teams...

...and the ones you can't see from these photos...

our home, new job, mom, kids, dogs...

We have so much to be thankful for!

Crafty Saturday

2009-11-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

Since my old fall wreath was looking a bit tattered, I decided it was time for a new one. Mom and I, with a little help from Sassy, made new ones for our doors.

We started with plain grape wreath's from Michael's...

We purchased fall garland, which was lovely. But rather than wrap the garland around the wreath, we decided to cut it apart, and use each part individually.

Instead of a glue gun, Mom brought over her glue pot - it was fantastic! Much easer than a glue gun for this project. Just dip the ends of the leaves, pinecones, berries, or whatever you're using into the glue pot, and stuff inside the wreath. Super easy!

Not to be left out, Sassy gets a much needed drink from Mom. Crafting is hard work after all!

The result:

What does this wall need?

2009-11-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Help! Here are some photos of my bedroom. My very favorite piece of furniture, my four-poster bed, has a beautiful headboard. I can't decide if I should hang something over it or if the headboard on it's own is enough. What do you think?

A Lovely Fall Giveaway

2009-11-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

To celebrate her one year anniversary of blogging, sweet Melissa at Melissa's Heart and Home is doing a wonderful fall giveaway. You can visit her here http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Autumn at the Zoo

2009-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Living in southern California, we have access to all kinds of sites and places to visit. We also take for granted some of these places that are right in our backyard! One of them is the San Diego Zoo. Recently my 11-year old son informed me he had never been. Really? That can't be right! I means it's the San Diego Zoo! The world-famous San Diego Zoo! What a bad mother I am. So, there was no better time than this past weekend to go and see what we've been missing!

If you look closely, you'll see a Polar Bear lounging on the rock...

See that little Koala in the tree?

Not a big fan of these critters, but you can't not visit the Reptile House!

Autumn...with a little Halloween!

2009-10-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of year is finally here - Autumn! I just wished it lasted a bit longer, without Halloween hovering so close behind...oh well, time to pack away summer, turn OFF the air conditioner (finally!), open the windows, and listen to the windchimes. Football, chili, and all things autumn are in, along with a few witches and ghosts!

Even the bathroom gets a little treatment...

Goodbye Summer...

2009-09-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

So long summer...thanks for the fantastic (Hawaiian)memories!

Warm sunrises on Waikiki Beach...

Lush landscape...

Penguins and other creatures...

Beautiful views...

Woo Dogs...

Family fun...

Relaxing...

and gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets...

Goodbye Summer, hello Fall!

Our Visit to Paradise...

2009-08-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a fantastic family vacation in Hawaii, and it was just as lovely as I remember. We visited the island of Oa'hu, and stayed on Waikiki Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (which I highly recommend). Everything you need is there at the resort - shopping, restaurants, and yes, Starbucks (actually 2 of them)! Downtown Waikiki is just a short 15 minute walk away.

These pix are from darling daughter's digital, cuz I'm still an old-fashioned girl with an old-fashioned camera (uh that's code for no digital camera). I still have several rolls to develop, but here are some of my favorite photos so far...

This view below is at sunset, from the hotel lobby looking out to the pool and the beach just beyond.

This is beautiful Hanauma Bay, the popular snorkeling spot. The bay is actually a volcano crater, filled with ocean water long ago after a volcanic eruption. We visited here just a day before Hurricane Felicia was due to hit the island, so the weather was rainy and the water a bit murky; not the best for snorkeling. Beautiful, nonetheless...

These photos were taken on the same day; you can see how the weather was changing. Rainy, then sunny and blue sky, but still humid...

I know, what WAS I thinking??!! Hey! I was on vacation!!

When in Rome...

Aloha! Be back next week...

2009-08-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

Perfect Summer Sunday

2009-07-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

SPF 30 for us...

and this for the redheads...

A Perfect end to a perfect Sunday...

2009-07-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Show Us Where You Live - Entryways!

Thanks to Kelly at http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2009/07/show-us-where-you-live-friday-entry.html we're peeking at entryways this week.

There is very little natural light in my entryway; this is the view from inside, looking at the front door - see what I mean! I had the window installed when we built the house, rather that a standard window. Plus, when the neighbor kids try to peek in, they get the kaleidoscope view!

One of my favorite things about my home is the entryway. Below is the view when you step inside the front door. This buffet is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. It has lived in the dining room, but I like it much better here in the entry. There is a matching China Hutch that is in the dining/living room. The door you see to the left is a closet that goes underneath the stairs; to the right is the downstairs bathroom.

This is my "Harry Potter" lamp; the satin lampshade reminds me of the Sorting Hat; don't you think?
Hot-air ballooning is very popular here in Wine Country. On a clear weekend, you can see lovely colorful balloons overhead (one sat down right in our driveway one Sunday, but that's another story)... This framed art above came from....get ready....Wal-Mart! The stained glass balloon lamp is from a local shop here in town.

This entry table below was originally a kitchen dining table. It is bar height, and very heavy. When we purchased a new dining table, we cut this table in thirds; re-used the legs, and voila! I love the chunky wood, and just couldn't let it go to waste. The lamp and vase are from SteinMart, the mirror from Home Depot.

2009-07-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Celebrate!

Show Us Where You Live - the OFFICE

2009-06-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the office! Thanks to Kelly at http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/ for allowing me to show you our office. This is hubby's main hangout, as he works from home. Last year, I started the "office re-do", and still have a way to go. But it's getting there!

This lonely corner is waiting for a chair...just haven't found the right one yet...

Have you ever seen a "Woo Dog?" Neither had I, until hubby brought them home. They are solid jade, and very heavy.. They stand guard on top of the bookshelf, over the TV.

Hubby's a very fit guy - he manages to work in some weights between phone calls...

When I started the office redo, I took out the carpeting in preparation for bamboo flooring. Until the budget allows for the bamboo, I painted the concrete with the same paint used for the walls. I got an inexpensive area rug from Home Depot, and it works for now. The paint was obviously not concrete paint, so it can peel; especially when anything heavy sits on it. But it keeps the office cool!

Thanks for visiting our office!

Loving Iron

2009-06-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wrought iron and iron-like metal decor is so popular now, and there are so many variations of style, color, and design. I have many pieces in my home, and just love the look.

This topper hangs over hubby's office door...

I found this piece at a local interior design store; this is it's second home, currently over the fireplace...

These 3 matching frames that hold my favorite people, were purchased at Kirkland's...

This wall frame is from Pier One Imports and hangs in hubby's office...

This originally had a glass candle holder that fit inside, but it broke. It works perfectly though to hold a fat chunky candle...

Two of these lamps sit behind the sofa. They were IKEA finds...

This scrolled candle holder was purchased from a Candlelite home party...

This is my newest find, again from Kirkland's, and it hangs over the dining room mirror...

These two candle holders on either side of the mirror look really small in this picture, but it's really the angle of the photo. The walls in the dining room are about 22 feet high.

2009-06-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Karoline!

My "baby girl" is 17 today; she was a whopping 10 lbs, 6 ounces when she entered the world. Today she is just as gorgeous as ever.

Our Home...

2009-05-31T11:08:00.001-07:00

Although I'm a southern California native, I lived in northern California & Texas for 15 years before moving back here in 2001. We actually found our new home (not yet built) on the Internet and moved to our town sight unseen! Our home is mediterranean style, very typical for our area...

In the spring and summer, you'll find us in one of our favorite places, the backyard...

2009-05-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Getting Started...

Welcome to my new blog! After viewing other people's blogs for over a year, enjoying taking a peek into their homes, getting so many great ideas, I've finally decided to try my hand at creating my own blog too. So bear with me, I'm still getting the hang of it all. Thanks for stopping by!