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A few things you may or may not know....about Li'l ol me...

Over at My Sweet Savannah she was interviewed by another blogger and answered a few questions about herself. so I thought I would do that on this post about me.  I haven't done this in awhile, so here goes.  If you have any questions about me...go ahead and ask them in the comment section and I'll be glad to answer in a future post of Q and A's. Not that I'm all that exciting but you may be curious I see I get a lot of visitors from all over and this is your chance to delurk..I promise I don't bite.  :)

                                         1-what is my favorite season?

Summer, I must say I love all the seasons but I love sleeping in and going to the beach all day and not being on a schedule

{from Pinterest}

  

 

2-what is my favorite food?

Ice cream, without a doubt

Name 3 things on my bucket list.

Go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, drive up the Pacific Coast and stay in quaint Bed and Breakfast places with my husband, travel Europe.

4-my favorite quality about myself.

  

that I'm not shy

5-least favorite quality about myself.

That I don't always think before I talk

6-favorite thing to do on a lazy day.

Staying in my pajamas, putter in my cottage and watch movies with the family and play board games

7-my favorite brainless tv show.

Modern Family

8-favorite quality in a friend.

Being there when needed

9-What are three things I love about my spouse?

Hardworker, his love of his family, loving me still when I was hairless

10-What is the hardest part of parenting for me?

When others are mean to my girls and knowing that you have to let them fight their own battles 

 

 

 

New Years Eve inspiration and photos

    {image from Martha}

                                     {above two images from My Pinterest}

As I was browsing Pinterest I came across some simple, festive ideas for New Years Eve.  We stay home and celebrate with the girls, we barely make it to midnight and this was no exception this year. I planned a simple dinner of Tri-tip, baked potatoes and cranberry spinach salad with sparkly cuppcakes for dessert.  The above photos are pinned to my boards on all things food related board and the photos below are the photos of my dining room/table as inspired on my boards.

I moved the table long-wise because I think it fits better this way but the jury is still out on that.  I think I like the black round table better in there.

I thought this was a neat idea but I only had two sets of white lights, lots of green-corded white lights so I'll head out this week and see if there are any left after" the after the Christmas sales". I think it would look pretty on Valentines day or Our Anniversary in March.

All of the items on the table I have had foreva!  The only think I got was the Smith and Hawken silver Bell Ornaments at Target at the after Christmas sales last week. I bought the only 3 I could find, had to dig and dig to the bottom of the shelves and I only came up with 3.  I need one more.  I thought "Ringing" in the New year was a fun theme idea to go with.  

Wine glasses waiting to be filled up with Bubbly or Sparkling Wine, I bought a Moscato for tonight, a bit sweet for my taste..so I used mini silver ornaments as a filler until the wine was popped open.

The Sparkling cupcakes.  There is a recipe I wanted to try for Champagne cupcakes but since this a party to be shared with 3 non-drinkers in the household {Mr. Incredible doesn't drink}  I'm the lone alchy.  I went with a standard white cupcake with buttercream frosting and added the dragees for a festive look.  Here is the recipe if you want to try the Champage one...I'd like to try it for a Girlfriends Birthday.....

                                        {photo from SprinkleBakes.com }

She has beautiful cupcakes and her recipe for the these sound soooo Yummy!

 

 

Opening Gifts 2011

Kenzie opening her Hollister Sadie Perfume which was on the list...

Madison opening up the gift of a new Cell phone, she didn't have it on her list but she washed hers about a month ago...so Mr. Incredible thought she should get one for Christmas.

Oh yes!  Gifts from PB Teen are always a welcome sight. Madison got the Lulu quilt, it goes perfect in her room.  Kenzie got The French Bulldog lamp..so very cute and...

a French Bulldog print to go in her room. She wants to do a "dog themed" room but it hasn't been easy to find "doggie" decor type items. Can you tell she is into dogs?  What gave it away, her pants?   Lots and lots of Owls out there...so very popular now.  So if you know of any cute comforters or any other "doggie" related decor leave a comment. 

Mr. Incredible got something he had on his list from Santa...a remote controlled helicopter.  You would of thunk he was 10 years old again he was so excited and I got my Punk Rocker Boots...yep....

yep I'll be wearing my black floral Dr. Martens as soon as I get the chance...they fit perfect....and you might catch me at a the next X concert sporting my new boots! 

The Thanksgiving CRAZIES

Well, it was not smooth sailing in the Cottage on Cullen St. yesterday morning.  Like I said I was going to brine the Turkey this year.  After years of having dry turkey I wanted to have a no fail recipe.  I thought William-Sonoma would be my answer.  I bought the Brine...

This very innocent looking jar of brine...we got a free coupon for a free Turkey from Mr. Incredible's work so I splurged on this {maybe that does not make the most sense} but like I said before...I wanted a MOIST bird.  The directions say to use a 5 gallon bucket, well I have one but it is currently housing tools in the garage and I don't think I could fit it in my frig, it would of left no room for anything else in there.  So I used oven bags {used for Crock pots} and put the whole thing into a big dishpan.  Everything is going pretty good until I need to flip the bird, in the bag in the morning. Note to self; never do anything until you have had your cup of coffee.  I put the pan on counter, well it is in an ice solution so of course it has melted and now the bag is ready to burst.  I open the tie and it the brine spills all over the counter, under coffee pot, on the floor.  Yikes!!!!  I hurriedly put it in the sink which is what I should of done in the first place {lack of coffee makes for weak judgement} I have Madison hold the bag open while I flip the bird and the wing punches a whole in the bag, so more brine is leaking out.  I tell her to grab the extra bag on the counter and let's put the whole thing in the new bag.... and as I am lifting....the whole bag breaks and flings BRINE ALL OVER ME, the counter, the floor {after I just cleaned it up} and the kitchen windows!!  I said a few "choice" words not appropriate to say on this blog..but you get the idea....I was NOT a happy Thanksgiving cooker and wanted to open the Vino and start drinking early at that point!  Finally I just dumped the extra out and just put it back in frig and decided I need to have my COFFEE before I do anything more..

 
in my favorite coffee cup, as I go to sit down in the family room couch I slide on the hardwood floors, I'm wearing my super comfy socks....I hit the side of my back on the corner of the table.  OUCH!  but I save my favorite cup from smashing to smithereens....Yes..I think now it the time to open that Kendell Jackson Chardonnay....

In the end everything worked out..the Turkey was the best we ever made...the Pecan Pie well....

could of been sweeter.....but in the end spending time at the table with family is a reason to be very Thankful indeed.  Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving....

Corners of My Cottage

About a week ago I saw this color Hydrangea at my Vons while shopping for my weekly groceries.  I always browse through their "Flower Shop" and I find some cute decorating items, I find the flowers more expensive as was this Vintage Hydrangea, it was $21.00, the sales girl saw me looking at it and encouraged me to put it in my cart to take home..I told her I'll check in at my Trader Joe's that is where I like to pick up my Flowers.  Sure enough there she be!!  I'll $6.99 of her.  That is much better for my pocket book.  So I bought two, one for the porch and one for the house.  I put her in my white enamel bucket Mr. Incredible got at a yard-sale for 5 bucks.  She sits on my black wooden stool my old neighbor gave to me. 

Loved the blend of the lime green and burgandy of the flowers.  I think it looks lovely with the backdrop of the robin's egg blue walls. 

Looking to the right you see the "new" dining table with the World Market chairs.  I was so bummed out that when I brought them home, two of them where floor models and the last they had.  I did not check them and the leg had a screw sticking out of it's foot and it scratched the brand-new-redone hardwood floor, I was just so mad at myself for being so stupid!  STUPID!

Does anyone know a remedy for that?  I heard rub walnut oil on it?  I'd like to hear your suggestions. 

For Thanksgiving dinner I'll take out the Pedestal dining and bring in the Farmhouse table so it will fit all the Thanksgiving Vittles on it.  I'm planning on brining the Turkey this year...I hear you can't go wrong if you prep the bird like that. So I'll try it. 

It's been quite gloomy here in SoCal and feeling quite fall.  And everytime this time of the year we have our Tradtional Fall Colds. One kid has got the sniffles...the other not looking to good either.  I haven't got over my cold yet from Halloween!  I just think I need to rest.

Hopefully the week off from school, soccer and volleyball will give us a break.

I'll enjoy puttering around the homestead and planning the Thankgiving Menu.  I went to Williams-Sonoma  this past week and got some goodies to "play" with.

I'll be browsing my cookbooks to try a few new recipes and of course the traditional ones I cook every year.  As always it will be just our close family of four I cook for.  If you don't have a place to go for Thanksgiving come on over I always cook plenty....

HGTV....and Design Star

I'm a HGTV junkie...and I'm raising future junkies.  When my girls are at school and Mr. Incredible is at work...I turn to HGTV and watch all kinds of "home" shows. Proof I'm a junkie..I watch; Divine Design, Design to Sell, Curb Appeal and Curb Appeal, the Block, Property Virgins, My First Place, among others.  Mr. Incredible loves House Hunters International and I like the original House Hunters.  Now they have House Hunters on Vacation.  Not only that I have our girls tuning into HGTV too. Oh my gosh I'm raising some junkies!...I guess there could be worse things to be addicted too? Lately one series I did not jump on right away was DESIGN STAR..I heard from Layla at The Lettered Cottage for years how she has tried out for Design Star and I would LOVE if she made the show and she has been on board from Day 1.  This season my girls and I have watched from the beginning and now it is down to the last two designers..............

 
Karl

Age: 42    Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
As a kid, Karl says his love of design was "there from the beginning." By age 10, he frequently rearranged his parents' furniture while they weren't home and was mesmerized by building blocks and floor plans. Karl, who studied architecture at the University of Illinois in Chicago, has more than 10 years of practical design experience and says that he can excite people with his passion for design. He characterizes his personal design preferences as "ultra-modern minimalist," but often completes traditional designs for his high-end clientele. As the youngest of six, Karl says he is extroverted, loud and loves to live in the moment.

 
   Meg        Age: 33 Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Meg says she began her career in design the moment she decided not to attend law school. After she earned a degree in criminology, she soon enrolled at The Art Institute of Chicago where she earned a B.F.A. in interior architecture. The interpersonal skills she learned during her criminology studies help her develop profiles of her clients and uncover their true design preferences. As the owner of a design firm and a home decor store in Chicago, Meg characterizes herself as a determined, direct and high-energy competitor. She describes her design style as a preppy mix of modern and traditional, but she also counts the vibrant pastel colors of "Palm Beach chic" among her favorite looks.

Who else is watching?  And who do you pick to win this season on Design Star.  I really liked Kelly and was sad to see her go but I think my vote is for Meg...I like her style and her energy!  So I vote for Meg...

Recap..of the July festivities...

 
Lots of pretty bouquets....all around...

 
in our hair...

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

....up in the air.....

 
some silly girls having fun....

 
anxious doggies waiting for it to be done.....

 
my friends festive flowers on an old country chair....

 
cute li'l bungalows..all dressed up to celebrate...

 
cute girls..{i know i'm a bit biased} off to catch the Pinewood Derby Race...

 
 

 

Which our friends's daughter won!

 
 
Girls enjoying ice cream.....

 
fun, fluffy pom poms...in red, white and blue!

 
the traditional cake that was all sparkly and fun.....

 

 
 
happy girls with sparkler ablaze...

 

HOPE EVERYONE HAD LOTS OF FUN AND MEMORIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!! 

Happy Father's Day { i know i'm a day late and a dollar short}

 
My father and I  in the front Canoe and my Uncle Johnny Mac and my cousin in the Back Bay of Newport, Calif.  My Aunt had a house on the beach and we would spend a lot of time there..I have fond memories of that house...in fact I distinctly remember the Dutch door looking out at the beach..still to this day...I WANT a Dutch Door {minus the ocean view}

 
Here is my Daddy at Cabrillo Beach.  He was the happiest camping and being around people.  He was such a "social butterfly".  We camped a lot growing up and I suppose that's where I get my love of camping from, but it didn't matter who you were, my DAD always invited the WHOLE campground to our site.  I can remember camping at Three Rivers and we had the "Hells Angels" over for a barbecue.  Another time some young Army men, more like boys really  where hanging out at our Campsite and my Dad was more than happy to play the host! 

 
He could make a mean Salsa and homemade chips. Many times he could be found in the kitchen making breakfast for his family. 

 
He had a heart of gold and I can remember people saying, "your dad would give the shirt off his back, if you needed it".  He was quite a character and I could write a book about his life.  He was  a bit crazy in a good way.  He loved his family and LOVED his dogs....I can remember one time when he picked me up at the airport when I flew in from Hawai'i and while we were waiting for my luggage, {I never travelled light} he struck up a conversation with another person waiting on luggage at the turnstile and he pulled out a flip-roll of pictures of his dogs out of his wallet..."oh yes, this is the father of my dog, he had a starring roll in the movie THE WHITE DOG."   I miss you Daddy very much and I wish you could be on this earth to see your Granddaughters you would be sooooo VERY proud of them!!   Happy Father's Day to all the Dads on this planet and to all the Dad that live on in our hearts!!  We LOVE you!

Let the Games Begin.......

{edited to add...i started this post right after Chistmas but as always I get sidetracked and my posts stop midway..sorry for the late posting}

It has been so nice to be home the past couple of weeks with my girls.  After the hoopla of Christmas....

 
 
 
Gifts were low-key this year.   A few items of clothing, a few good movies, a nail kit {my girls are really into doing their nails this year}.  Fresh PJs opened on Christmas Eve...The girls got cold-hard-cash suggested by Troy.  They talked about pulling their money together to buy a WII but my saver{Madison} decided to hold on to her money and add it to her stash of cash.  I hope no one decides to ever rob us...She mentioned she wanted a nice jacket and I was clueless to what she would want.  I love Military style jackets or Pea Coats...but I think she is holding out until we get so sick and tired of seeing her in her beat up old green one....that we break down and buy it for her and she doesn't have to use her "OWN" money....smart girl.  Now...number 2 was sad her sister didn't want to go halfies on a WII, so she bought a Moshi Monster Membership and immediately spent her cold-hard-cash on a Mind Flex, have you heard of it?  You move a ball with your mind through an obstacle course, you put on a head seat that "feels" your electroactivity of brain waves, which in turn causes the ball to move.  Kind of a trippy game.  But my favorite are the Old Fashioned games....

 

It was so nice to have the time to sit around in our Xmas P.J's and play games for hours.  We spent one time playing Monopoly for 4 hours!!  

 
Now..it's been back to the grind.  With the girls back in school, practice starting up and homework.......it was nice while it lasted.

 

Lady Ponka

 
This is Lady Ponka, my husband's grandmother, she was 88 years old. She was as spunky as they come, sharp as a whip and funny to boot.  She had more energy than any atomic bomb! 

We found out about a month ago that she had  Colon Cancer and it had spread into her liver.  The doctors said she "would not live past the holidays." She was such a good patient, always listening to her doctors, if they told her to eat a banana every day, she ate a banana every day.  She lived simply in a small trailer in a park up near Sacramento.  She loved to do crafts of all sorts.  She handmade all of our Christmas stockings and made the most exquisite "Jewel Junk Christmas Tree" with lights, which I proudly display every Christmas in my home.  

It is heartbreaking to type that she passed away a couple weeks ago. She will be missed by all of her family and her friends, which she had numerous. She was a good-hearted woman with an easy laugh and smile.  When she was in the kitchen cooking she always whistled while she attended to her cooking task or cleaning chores.  When out for a walk she always said, "hello, how are you" to anyone she passed by.   We are happy that she is not suffering anymore but WE LOVE AND MISS YOU LADY PONKA so very much, may you R.I.P.