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My baby turned the big one-oh!!

She hit the double digits..today.  She is my smart, adorable freckle faced girl, who I love with all my heart. 

At 10 she is many things. 

A lover of all creatures great and small. (loves her doggie and even the slimy worms she finds on the sidewalks)

She is always creating things.   With paper or anything she can find laying around the house.

She loves reading, Twilight Series is a favorite and loves Jacob. 

She has makes friends easily and is a true "social butterfly". 

She never gets stage fright.  She has no problem giving a speech with an auditorium full of people, adults or peers. She will sing a solo if asked, she is NOT afraid.

A soccer player, loves to play goalie and equally great at playing midfield or forward. 

Loves being on a stage acting or singing or dancing.

Is a voracious reader and can't get her to the library enough times to satisfy her love of books.

A true girl scout....a friend to all animals, wants world peace and a lover of outdoors, a camper.  

A fashion plate before her time....is a leader in the world of fashion.  {wink, wink} She loves to wear scarfs in bold colors and knitted hats with a pop of bling, the girl got SASS! The girl is trendy!

Loves music of all kinds and can be seen rockin' out on her Ipod in her room while doing homework.

Can you guess what her favorite color is?

Here wishing to you my baby girl a VERY HAPPY 10th Birthday!!

A Valentine Day recap and the hazzards of Gardening....

After our wonderful Breakfast of...Heart Shaped Pancakes, Bacon, strawberries with fresh whipped cream and  OJ....

and wonderful surprise Valentine treats where discovered {can you guess which one of my Daughters is on Team Jacob?} by the girls,

the other does not buy into so much "teenage" hype....

The table was set for our Valentine Dinner as mentioned here
 The family had a great time guessing which favorite characteristic they admired about the family members.  We put the fortune cookies in the Chinese take out boxes and opened them up before we had our Steak Dinner.  Which sorry to say did not come out the best...maybe that's why I have no pictures of the dinner.  Anyways I tried this new recipe my friend Shar gave me and I had an old packet of gravy mix...which apparently had passed it's prime....so it did not have much flavor.  The Filet Mignon was great just as it is with a bit of Worcestershire in it.  Who does not love Worcestershire?  MMMMM...I also made the Pots de Creme...and they were not as rich and flavorful as the Chocolate ones I had had before.  So the Valentine Dinner was somewhat of a flop but Breakfast was GOOD!!

Well, It's been raining here in California on and off for a few weeks.  It's nice to see the local mountains covered in Snow...nothing makes my heart smile more then driving up the street and catching a glimpse of the snow capped mountains in Big Bear!! But between the rains..it's been very warm like in the high 70's low 80's.  { I know you people that live where it snows, want to kill me for mentioning this}..I'm truly sorry...but we do pay the price living in Calif just look at the cost of housing, it is ridiculous..anyways....

So I've been feeling pretty darn good the last several weeks since my surgery.  My energy level is up and I've been getting antsy so last Wed I decide to pull some weeds in my garden and trim my hedges.  But once you start cleaning up everything looks a little bare so you need to head to the local nursery and see what plants may strike your fancy to plant in the garden {that's looking so naked}.  So my girlfriend says, Yea lets go to "Bluehills", it is our local Nursery and the plants are always quality plants, more expensive then my local Home Depot or Lowe's but they last a long time and I don't seem to "kill" as many of them.  So we go.  Every spring I get one of the hanging baskets, they didn't even have them unwrapped from the brown paper before I had it in my cart..

I love how the Bacopa drapes over and the yellow of the bluebells reminds me of a Cottage by the beach...remember this this Lavender Bluebell    from last year...Wow was she not a beauty!!!  She was so healthy and the palest of Lavendaer.  But I'm not big on the plastic containers they come in,  when I found these white wicker baskets at Armstrong's a few years ago I got two.  These one needs a bit of some spray paint though..before it will be good to go for spring and through the summer.

I forgot to get some potting soil when I was at the nursery so my friend {she is on a mission to get bulbs to plant and wants to go to Costco} we tootle on over to Costco and they have some great plants over there...look at this cute basket of cooking herbs I picked up...which I plan on replanting in my mop bucket and adding the cute silverware herb markers to it.

Then I saw this...

with Miracle grow already in it and for only 10 bucks before I can say "Jiminy Crickets" I'm loading it in my cart...and I feel a pain..in my surgical breast.  My friend scolds me and tells me why didn't I tell her and she would of put it in the cart.  See..I'm stubborn, independent and usually very strong.  Herculean kind of strong..really I am!  One time I lifted a picnic table over my head.  I'm not lying.  One time I backhanded a biker chick and she ran with her tail between her legs.  Not proud of those moments but it is what it is. So I forget that I have this "li'l problem" and I'm not supposed to lift over like 5 lbs. 

I don't know what 55 quarts translated{math is not my strong suit} to but it was heavy.  Really heavy.  I'm a dummy...I should of known better.  I just somehow don't want to not think of my BC so I don't and I put it out of my mind.  Well now I have a very painful reminder because I'm back on heavy meds to control the pain.  As I look out the window wishing and hoping I can start with spring planting.  I just hope nothing dies until I'm well enough to tackle the gardening.   Anyone know a gardener for hire?
  
 
 

Happy Valentines Day and Chinese New Year....

 
Wanted to pop on here and Wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day and Happy Chinese New Year...it is the Year of the Tiger...I have two peep in my house that were born in the Year of the Tiger.  The other two Year of the Dragon...we just finished eating this....

 
 {photo by Martha Stewart}

I upped Martha this time and whipped fresh whip cream...now I need to go ice my wrists.......it sure was a labor of LOVE......

Unconditional LOVE

Is this is NOT the epitome of Love I don't know what is....this li'l "mechanical" kitty is my daughters and it meows and purrs when you pet it.  To think  Snickerdoodles {that's what I've taken to nicknaming our new Puppy, her real name is Snickers BAR-bra}  just had it by the juggler and drug it up on my her favorite chair for a snooze.  I don't know is you can see it in the picture but she has her paw wrapped around her neck.   This melts my HEART!  
 

Won't you be my Valentine?

Last year you might of remembered this i rock valentine ,  they were such a great hit!  So this year Madison made them for her Teachers.   BUT....my darling girl has been sick this whole week with a horrible nagging cough.  She has had this cough for 2 weeks.  We went to the Dr's. {and saw a Nurse Practitioner} not her normal Doctor.  She basically told me what she didn't have but not what she had.  She told her to suck on some Halls.   She never got better except her fever went away.  I made an appt. to see her "real" doctor this morning and she has Walking Pneumonia....yep..that's what the girl has.....

So...she was not able to pass out her Ipods {tic tac} valentines to her teachers...AND we had a Valentine Dance to go to tonight for her Band AND WE {all us girls} got NEW dresses for the occasion and NEW shoes...AND it wasn't cheap the tickets so we are out of a lot of dough....sheeesh!!  I'm thinking maybe we should just go anyway and just give her the Meds with codeine in it.....{is that being a bad Mom?}  Well I guess that isn't the responsible Mom thing to do....meanwhile I'm trying to recoup the $$$$$, it was close to $100.00 dollars for the tickets...!!!!!! OK....I'm letting that go...

Oh Valentines....Well Ms. Kenzie is all robust and healthy so she got to go to school and give out Valentines....every year I try to talk her into making these but she insists on doing the Dum Dum flowers as seen below... 

Maybe you'll be luckier than me and twist your kids arm behind their back  talk your kid into making them because I think they are so darn cute, easy peasy to make AND it would be perfect for this Valentines Day which also happens to be the same day as Chinese New Year!!!!!   No, no, no, my  knows what she wants, stubborn independent, child would rather make these..
 

Kenzie changed hers up a bit and wrapped the Lollipop part up in scrapbook paper, which ya know I got a ton of that!!  You can see here how to make them. They would be great for Mother's day too! 

Oh I think these are cute...I do.....but I've had my heart on the Chinese Cookies...Oh I have an idea....I think I'll make them and give them out to my family has my Valentines to them.  I think I'm on to something...I can make a few for each family and have each family member write one thing on the strip of paper what they "love" about their dad, mom, sister and put it into the cookie and then box up all the cookies for each family member and then they can up them up at our Valentine Dinner and read what each "fortune" about a characteristic of each family member....Wow...I think my Oatmeal is finally kicking in....and restoring some brain cells I lost in radiation!!   yep..that's what we'll do. 

Valentines day is on Sunday....whatcha up to?

Valentines's day is this Sunday.... so what  is your plan man?  Have you planned your Menu yet?  Or are you and your special someone  or someones and by someones I don't mean to infer that your having affairs I mean your li'l people...are going out for a Romantic dinner for two or the whole dang family?  Or are you staying home and cooking or is someone cooking for you?   How will you set the table?   Are there special traditions you do with your family and/or your significant other?  Do you buy valentines from a store or do you hand make them for your special someone and for your special short peoples..{children} What about for your friends  do you exchange Valentines or what kind of Valenties do your children give to their classmates? Is it store bought or handmade?

I have always loved the shape of the heart so it comes as no surprise that it is one of my favorite holidays AND if you have been reading my blog for awhile then you know that I have  special place in my heart for the heart shape but that I'm also a lover of the color red!!  I look good in red....at least that's what I've been told...I hope those people were not sucking up to me or something....here are some ideas that I have swirling in my head for the up coming date on February 14th, which happens to also coincide this year with Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger. Maybe I should do a combo of the two holdiday..like make Chinese Food or make fortune cookies for dessert? 

Maybe I'll set the table with my Red Toile tablecloth

 
 ....or

 set it with this scrumptious shade of pink tablecloth that has the most delicately embroidered design on it with Mercury glass candlesticks {picked up at Kohls for 70 percent off}.....says Hello Lover to me...

Maybe adding some of these beautiful blossoms to set in a pretty vase...would look gorgeous...

{photo Martha Stewart}

maybe setting the table with a napkin folded into the shape of a Love Letter..

steak on the  Menu...everybody LOVES steak in this house!! Here is the recipe, {also courtesy of Ms. Martha}

Directions;

1. Season filets very generously on both sides with salt and pepper (especially pepper), patting in firmly.
2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Cook filets until desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare.
3. Remove strings from filets, and serve with Red Wine Sauce, if desired.

this delicate dessert looks yummylisious.....called Coeurs a la Creme from you know who....looks easy enough to do.

Or pistachio crusted chocolate dipped strawberries for an added twist to the  usual chocolate covered strawberries that I do every year....for this special day.

 

and for the first time I would love to make Creme de Pots...this recipe is from Guida called Rasberry Rose Creme de Pots..sounds interesting and perfect for this special occasion..here is the recipe...

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water*
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen and thawed raspberries, mashed
• 4 packets carbonated candy (recommended: Pop Rocks)

Directions

Special equipment: 4 (4 to 5-ounce) ramekins

*Can be found at specialty gourmet markets

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and rose water over medium-low heat until warm, about 4 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk mixture. Stir in the mashed raspberries. Using a ladle, divide the mixture between 4 ramekins. Place the ramekins in an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes until the custard is almost set. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the ramekins to cool while still in the water, about 1 hour. Remove the ramekins from the water and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Serve with a packet of carbonated candy.

 
I'll light  the candles on the Candlelier...and on the tables....

 

adding some  roses.....definitely is in order....weather is in the candlelier or in a pretty vase....

{Photo : Country Home}

Stay tuned for tomorrow so you can see the Valentines that the girls are making for their Teachers and Classmates.....we always hand make them.  I don't think we have ever bought a box from the store.  

 
 

 

Copycat..Copycat....Copycat.....

When I head out to pick up the mail I get very excited to see a new Potterybarn Catalog in my box.  I will either sit down at lunchtime and browse through it while eating a salad or sandwhich.  Then when it is BATH {ahhhh}   time...and I'm a bath taking kind of girl...some like it hot, hot, hot in the bath, yes...me!!.  As hot as I can stand it...sometimes I add bubbles or  I lather up with Neutrogena Bath Gel,  I  love the clean smell and I "study" the PB catty.  When I say study, I mean I look at every page in detail and see what appeals to me or what doesn't.  I ask myself, can I do that or replicate that look in my home?  Is this look my style?  Would that item fit in with my current style?  Because usually PB , it seems to me leads the majority of us into a decor style.  Just MHO, {my humble opinion}. BUT this last catalog I got in my mailbox seems to be taking after a style that's been around at the Flea Markets/ tag-sales or yard-sale/Goodwills  or Cottage/ Farmhouse Style.   Which I have seen done on several type  of blogs, you copycat Potterybarn.  Are you in agreement?   Maybe the look, "Farmhouse" or "Cottage" is such a classic look that it will always be around or are they  trying to tap into the Flea-Market "market".  Hmmmmm....Let me give you some examples...

the Whole "Nesting" theme...

aren't those "tweet"..
 i love the definition pillow.

I see this look over at The Nester and  Pleasures of Homemaking and others but when I think of "the Nest theme"  I think of those blogs.

and the Farmhouse look....which is one I dig on...

 Which  Penny at Comfort of Home hit on when she revamped her candlesticks by "lightening up" her decor for a change...looks pretty darn close to the PB version.  I think they are stalking Penny...I do.  She should file a restraining order...

Carol at Raised in Cotton  had a post on "Farmhouse Style" and who do you think is into that?  Yep you guessed it....gold old PB.....

 If French Market Style floats your boat...they got that market cornered too..

 vine or wicker basket for magazine on wheels..this would be handy to have around in your office space or bathroom....
 

these number pillows I first saw over at Sadie Olive  along with some wire baskets...have seen these all over the blogsphere...

 or the rustic grain sack pillow.....I've seen at barn sales and fleas...

  or plain old never go out of "Cottage" style....

colorful jars for collectibles or floral arrangements...
I do believe this is a Krewel or Crewl work pillow, not sure of the spelling but I think this would fit in my home nicely with those colors...I love the french knot center of the big flower.
I've seen glassess like these over at Heather's blog {Present Past Collection} 
or the next few items I have seen at the Flea Markets for awhile now..

all of these "finds" on Potterybarn where fineand dandy until I saw the following item and

I DID THIS.......

WHEN I SAW THIS ......

 

I CURSE YOU PB!!!!!
  

Why you may ask?    Well here is the story.....

A few months ago at the Rosebowl Flea-market I came up upon one for the first time and decided I needed on this exact thing for my laundry.  I currently have my washer and dryer in the garage and have to carry it inside to fold and every basket I have gotten somehow get all busted up..this would be perfect, strong and study and I could make a cute liner for it...I was a little too late and a couple of guys {most likely gay creative types} and just stuck a deal with the dealer for $40.00 bucks..they were going to make a coffee table out of it.  I have seen a few but they have been close to $100 bucks, out of my budget.   So now I bet with this being in PB everyone is going to covet this at the flea-markets and that will drive the price up!!!!   Dang you Potterybarn....

 

Ruffles say Romance to me...

I'm a lover of Ruffles...are you?

I'm attracted to all things ruffly, always have been so I guess that also makes me a romantic.  I love it on chairs, on pillows, on dressess even on shower curtains.  Recently I got a Giftcard for Target and put it to good use.  I bought a Ruffled Shower curtain for our Master Bath.  The old one was of Batternburg Lace and had two tears in it.

 
 I first saw this bigger type of Ruffled Curatin over at Velvet Strawberries {Andrea Siganella Blog} She had gotten one, which she Tea Stained  to give it a more aged appearance.   I love the big floucey ruffles on it. Check it out here  , she tells how she did it.  More recently I saw the matching towels that match my curtain at Raised In Cotton , if you have not been to Carols's blog , you should.  She just bought a farmhouse and it is toooooo DIE FOR!!  She redid the bathroom and added the Ruffle Towels in a cute farmhouse bowl. 

Here are some more pictures of "ruffles"......that I have had in my inspiration files foreva'...

 Raw Ruffle Pillow from Curious Sofa

 
  
the most darling farmhouse sink with delicate skirt with ruffle underneath by Carrie Raphael Designs...a true romantic.

Ruffle chairs and couches...in white or in red buffalo check...

even ruffles on burlap...quite a juxtoposition...the rusticness of burlap with the girlyness of ruffles...love that!  Like a girl who can play football in heels...my kind of gal.

 
On a stool....

even on a lamp laced up with mother of pearl buttons... so very sweet by SewSo Chic on Ebay.

  can you see it behind the sofa?

or a blog dedicated to all things with Ruffles.... 

or on a Valentine Wreath.....

again from Andrea ....the "Queen of Ruffles".  She even has a Ruffle Christmas Stocking....

Hope you have enjoyed the walk down Ruffle Lane.....