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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

photo from Coastal Living

Let me just have a moment to dream away....

From May till mid September my children live in the water...

I think they are really fish... they wake up eat breakfast and swim all day and pretty much only come out for food.

If they had there way they would eat in the pool...

However, come "bath time" I have four wet kids running through the house leaving a trail of wet foot prints, soggy towels and bathing suits along the way to the bathroom...

If I can have a moment to "dream and design".....

this is what I would put in my yard!

Completely and utterly dreamy!

this is actually completely doable with vintage finds....

Oh yes, my friends, it is possible if you are open to bleach, scrubbing and painting!

Let me think about that for a moment......

Yes, that fits me to a "T"...

Do you have the vision.....

Yes, I have the vision!

Would I do it?....

In a heart beat!!!

and guess what.... I already found the items if this dream was happening....

I'm just not so sure about darling husband....

that's why this is my dream post!

Here is the bathtub...

this is where the bleach and some good scrubbing comes in....

okay, maybe a lot of bleach!

and a lot of scrubbing!

Then comes the paint!

Picking the perfect color would be so much fun...

I'm making myself swoon...

I can see it now!

I would pick the sink without the faucet and place it on a stand....the possibilities of the stand would be fun to find.

and everything else can be found in my home... soap, ruffle towel, foot stool, shells, mirror...

Don't be afraid to dream.

Be open to unique ways to make that dream happen...

Dreaming, vision and hard work.... everything I'm teaching my children.

And many times "dreams" are just "dreams" but that's really the way it should be!

Because when a dream becomes a reality ....

it's magical!

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Monday, March 30, 2009

the morning air is chilly so I wrapped myself in a sweater and headed outside to my yard to give thanks for my country morning.

I "love" Spring mornings.... just enough of a chill in the air to wake you up!

The birds are chirping and the day is full of potential....

I strolled around my yard and enjoyed the sounds of nature...

because in a matter of hours it's going to be interrupted by the sounds of

"pool men and jackhammers" fixing my pool....

you see we discovered an "oh so tiny crack" in the plaster...

and upon further inspection the "pool men" have decided it came from the gunite ....

so some demolition needs to take place to fix it....

Did you say demolition????

Will any landscaping be destroyed in the process?

Cause I would really like it if you would not disturb the tulips and destroy my grass that is lush and green!

Do you mind if I ask, "How long will this take?"

You see my mermaids and shark boy would like to get back into the water.... soon...

as in yesterday....

Would pitchers of lemonade help? Fresh brownies maybe?? Oatmeal raisin cookies??

I hear the trucks arriving... I better go say "hello" and welcome them to "LuLu and co." make yourself at home in my yard, but pretty please be done and leave by May 1!

afternoon update: No worries, The pool men and I are best friends! They already rescued me from being locked out of the house by my sweet little boy! I was outside discussing matters and my son thought it would be the perfect time to lock the door! yep nothing like being embarrassed to brake the ice!

I think my warm welcome and total understanding about minimal destruction, and being locked out formed a lasting friendship!

All is good and I promised them brownies by 3 PM :)

Happy baking...

Baby Steps...

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Friday, March 27, 2009

My basket is overfilled....

I'm in the midst of a huge juggling match...

The date of the birthday party that I'm planning has changed again, to next weekend.

{I had and wanted to accommodate the sports schedule of the girls coming}

So being the go with the flow kinda gal I am, I made the change knowing full well I was making my life complicated....

But it's for my daughter.... enough said.

When I actually looked at the schedule of activity that is swirling around my house, my first instinct was to hyperventilate....

how did this happen?

The simple answer is "Life"!

and four children.... makes for lots of activity!

and my husband is on travel for a month.... which leaves me wanting to reach for a life preserver!

I quickly realized that I didn't have far to reach...

I just have to take baby steps...

I'm cranking up the music in the mists of "all this".... I'm kicking up my heels and picking up sticks with "my guy" cause time is precious.... and when the girls come home from school bubbling over with enthusiasm I'm going to listen like I have all the time in the world...

cause I know myself well enough that I'll get it all done...

not to mention two large, thin crust pizza's are just a phone call away!!!

Hurray for Friday and baby steps....

Mirror Mirror on The Wall...

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

It's always fun to see a vintage find in it's new home!

Bringing it home, dusting it off !

Cleaning it up and finding the perfect spot for it is so exciting....

I hung the mirror in the hallway yesterday!

The mirror added the impact I was hoping for!

I wanted something that would add height and reflect the light from all the rooms....

I absolutely love the color and the frame detail.

{of course I decided to take the pictures this morning and it is pouring rain so it's not as bright in these pictures!}

I think what really draws me to old items is the imperfections... I find comfort in them and how it makes my home feel....

I have more plans for the hallway.... in time... I'm in no hurry.

It's funny how one thing leads to another, but it does....

I'm off to make a warm cup of tea and embrace this rainy day!

Weekend Finds....

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Here are "My finds" that I thought would be a great addition to my home...

-Old print trays

-triple folding meeting house bench

-empty frame

-Vintage metal bread baking trays displayed with moss as a centerpiece

-wood legs painted black

-white ceramic hen

-tall skinny library ladder

-mirror

When I spotted the triple bench, I stopped in my tracks... I knew in a heart beat it would be so perfect for our patio around the pool!

I love everything about it... color, style, numbers.... yep, I did the happy dance!!!

It's official name is triple folding meeting house bench!

I can already picture the kids sitting in the seats... how I wish it had a No.4

I was told they come in a single as well... I now must search for it!!!

I have been searching for the perfect mirror for my upstairs hallway.

I found it!

I couldn't resist the old print trays ... my kids love to collect shells... now they can be showcased in the trays!

I've had an inspiration photo from Better Homes and Garden with a library ladder in the background.... I have been searching for months... it's now been found!
When I brought it into the house and placed it in it's spot, the room completely changed... oh yes... furniture has been rearrange... pieces added to the room ....I even went so far as ordered a rug from Dash and Albert... I can't wait for it to arrive... all because of the ladder...

Now I must finish rearranging! I've made a bit of a mess...
Here's to a vintage inspired Tuesday!

Come Along With Me....

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Monday, March 23, 2009

on my weekend of vintage shopping!

And I do mean weekend of shopping....

I went and came home a total of three times....

to get something to eat and a hot cup of tea, to kiss the kids,

make sure all was well and everyone was happy,

and last but not least...

give my husband a huge kiss and a heartfelt thank you for knowing I needed this weekend to hunt for treasures!

Let me say that I thought of you all!!!

I found myself talking and laughing out loud when I would see something that would remind me of you!

so here we go...

are words even necessary.... so lovely!

Chippy old wood.... I like. I just do!

This sweet sofa was in perfect condition...
Not one dirty spot on in!

Look at this door!
It was painted the softest shade of pink.

I thought these chairs were so cute for the perfect diner style kitchen.

I came home with a "few treasures" I'll show you tomorrow...
I dug and I hunted like a true vintage girl!

I love piecing all the my "finds" together!

There is something about surrounding myself with old and new items.

...tattered and worn...

...fresh and well loved...

...chippy and distressed...

When you piece it all together it's my style, my home that is full of love and comfort for all to enjoy...

Welcome With Open Arms....

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Friday, March 20, 2009

and an open heart!

Spring...

It couldn't have come at a better time. I needed spring to be here more than I realized.

Lately it seems like I've been swimming in a riptide. I am an extreme positive person so when I feel like the currant is trying so hard to push me out to sea I fight with all my might to focus on positive thoughts and gratitude.

Gosh it's been a challenge.

My kids are just as excited as I am... Spring coats and crew socks were worn today....

winter coats are being put away and knee high socks have the season off!!
I need to run outside and feel the wind in my hair just as much as they do!

Fresh from the farm produce are visions of goodness...

easy peasie meals on the grill... brings tears to my eyes, I'm so excited.

Flip flops, sundress, suntan lotion and even bug spray are a welcome site!

{side note: I made my appointment for Monday to have my moles and skin checked... just a reminder to all who love the sun like I do to have your skin checked and wear sunscreen}

And to top of my excitement for the first day of Spring it's....

my weekend of "vintage shopping"

Oh yes it is!!!

and I need it in a bad way, yes love of my life, husband, I need to have a couple of hours to surround myself in all things vintage!

I'll come home refreshed and energized!!

Perfect way to celebrate the season!

Happy Friday and first day of Spring to all!

Twilight In A Japanese Garden

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

How two pictures from Country Living turned into my party idea for my daughter.

My birthday party season is in full swing.

This is the invitation I selected for for my oldest...

She is turning 13 April 2.

The "theme" is Asian inspired for a couple of reasons.

1. She was born during the peak of Cherry Blossom season in Washington DC and we were living in Alexandria Virginia at the time.

2. She fell in love with the Japanese culture when we lived in Japan when she was 3.

3. Which began her "love" for sushi. Anytime she helps me around the house and helps with her sisters and brother I reward her in sushi!!!

4. I asked her what she would like to do for her birthday celebration.

She is so simple...

3 requests were made: 4 friends, sleepover and Twilight!

That is so doable!!!

So, this is what I came up with.....

Cherry Blossom invitations

the invitations had a matching note card which I bought and have placed inside the Chinese take-out boxes with instruction for the girls.
On this card I would like them to write a Haiku {Japanese poem} for the birthday girl and bring it with them to the party for them to read to her during dinner.
...it can be anything that reminds them of her or about her...}
{She has no idea I am asking them to do this!}
And to add a fun twist to the invitations I placed the note card, a fortune cookie, party confetti all in the Chinese take out boxes and attached it to the invitation and delivered them to the invited guest this morning.

Next on my list is to purchase the Twilight DVD on March 21 and in a weeks time I need to plan the transformation of my front porch into a Japanese Garden.... I moved the setting to my front porch instead of the lawn in case of rain... it's still a week away but this way I will be safe for any weather condition's....

They will spend the evening eating Chinese food with platters of sushi under twinkle lights and paper cherry blossoms.

Followed by pj's and watching Twilight... I hope they don't mind me watching it with them!!!

Shades Of Green

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I've been seeing a whole lot of green bright and early.... the girls were able to wear green today for school if they donated a $1 to the mission drive their school is having.

And let me tell you a little something about me children... they were not happy with a dash of green. Oh no, not them .... it was head to toe in green.... any shade will do just as long as it was as much as possible! Thank goodness they are not picky!

All this excitement left me a bit wiped out.... so my mantra for the morning or for the rest of the day is "slow and steady will win the race"... with the help of an espresso... care to join me? We can discuss all the wonderful shades of green!

happy St. Patrick's Day!

Embrasing The Day...

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Rain drops have been falling on my head all weekend and I've loved it!

It's melted the snow and is watering my plants back to life... grass is turning green and buds are appearing on my trees..... keep raining it's so good.... everything needed a good wash! not to mention our county's water level is low... fill it up... warm weather is on the way!

The theme for my next birthday party I have to plan has been picked!

{remember I have all four chickadees parties to plan all in a matter of weeks, March April and May... and wouldn't you know it Easter is in the mix. A scheduling conflict has come up with one of the birthday girls... which has caused a party to move up a week... oh my!! now it's not in April but March}

Any guesses to what it might be?
I'll give you a hint... these pictures from Country Living helped form my theme...

...the theme will be revealed from the invitations....
which I must get done this week!
Here's to a rainy productive Monday!

Ruffles & Paint

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Friday, March 13, 2009

I'm inhaling and enjoying the "calm".

Feeling thankful for having a simple week.

Nothing pressing to rush to or get accomplished but the mundane tasks of home life....

and acknowledging the thankfulness for that!!

Laundry is done.

Children are healthy, happy and busy= all good....

It gave me the opportunity to think.

Thinking is soooo good.

Plan and find inspiration from things that are surrounding me.
The ideas are bouncing around....

and I had the opportunity to paint.... it's what I do when I get these moments to enjoy the calm!

And in the stillness of my week I sensed someone watching me!

I looked out the window and I did indeed have a visitor in my yard...

She apparently approved of the paint...

because she came back for dinner as well!

Oh by the way, the snow is back.

Happy Friday to all and hope you had a moment to enjoy the calm...

Rusty & Chippy White

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

is just Right!

Finding the right inspiration just when I need it is so rewarding.

The snow has melted and the tips of my tulips are finally breaking through the soil...

Yesterday I heard the kids calling me to come outside and have a look.

To see for myself that spring is trying to show it's face.

My thoughts immediately went from cooking dinner to outdoor items that have been stored in the shed all winter.

This morning after I dropped the girls off at school, the car turned in it's own direction,

to stop at the thrift store... like it had a mind of it's own.

Or maybe a little mental help from me...

being spontaneous is good for my health.

Sometimes a 5 minute detour can jump start the day...

which it did in this case.

Hidden in a corner, a little rusty and being overlooked was my reward for taking a 5 minute detour.

....a Vintage plant stand...

Needing a home to enjoy the sun and nature.

Not hidden in the corner of a thrift store.

Holding my son's hand, I payed for my plant stand and was ready to head home.

something so simple has brought visions of inspiration for outdoor decorating!

It's like we needed each other... it needed a home and I needed to be inspired...

As I was driving the sun broke through the clouds...

L is for.....

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

my "LOVE" for...

Aprons!!!

This is my apron I wore for the party.

I call this my superhero hostess apron!

Life threw me a curve ball with being the only adult at the party.

I had 6 children invited to the party and at the last minute I invited friends over for my other children... why not more the merrier... I always say... gulp!!! and where's my latte.

So in a matter of three hours 6 turned into 11 and my darling husband stuck in a very important meeting!

I can tackle anything as long as I have two important things on....

one being a necklace and the second being an adorable, wrap myself in goodness, apron.

My new favorite, love everything about it and how it makes me feel, apron is made from the very talented and fabulous a bushel and a peck !!!

I can't say enough good things about her... not only does she have a wonderful blog but has a fantastic Etsy shop....

So I must send out a big thAnK yOu, from the bottom of my heart, to Jeanne-

a bushel and a peck

for making my superhero apron that I don't want to take off!!!

Now, I am off to pick up a paint brush....I'm feeling the need to "play in paint" today.

Outdoor Bliss

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