Thursday, February 26, 2009

Yellow Polka Dots


I have a lot of jackets/coats for a girl with a very small closet. I decided that I was in need of a black trench a few months ago but I didn't want to spend a lot of dough. I recently saw one a Target and it was reasonably cheap. It is pretty cute plus I love the green with yellow polka dots liner.
On a side note one of the buttons is already lose. Sad to admit I no longer remember how to sew a button on. Yes I know pathetic. My Mother showed me how long ago but really have not had a reason to practice. Masha has offered to teach me so hopefully I will no longer be inept with a needle a thread. 

Kitchen Art




The kitchen in the Green is a blank canvas. White walls, white appliances, white cabinets and white tile counter. For the past 3 years I have looked for something to help it out. The rugs on the floor bring some color, a few knick knacks and dishes help out but it was still bland. I was busy working on the living room and my bedroom so the kitchen was neglected.
I recently ventured into Ikea and found some prints that I liked, picked up a few cheap frames and another picture for over the stove that was only $6, what a steal. $24 later there is some color in the kitchen.
I would love to paint and should have long ago but I am lazy and really would rather have someone else do it. 
For now the kitchen feels better.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Heart Day


I am not a big fan of Valentines day. It feels forced and commercial to me. I prefer to receive flowers, candy or a teddy bear (O.K. not a teddy bear) when you are not forced by a Holiday to give it. It is much more sentimental for it to come out of the blue.

When I was a kid Valentines day was fun, in fact most Holidays in our house were. My Mother loves Holidays! She would go all out and make each one a fantastic affair. Cupid would leave us a little gift and a box of chocolates or candy. We would make sugar cookies and give them out to friends. The house would be decorated with read, pink and white.  I loved it!

When did I become a Valentines day Scrooge? Who knows most likely in my early 20's, with bad forced gifts being given on the Holiday, watching girlfriends hang onto a guy long enough to get the flowers or chocolates. I think it turned me off to the whole notion of  receiving flowers, I don't even like roses all that much. It was around that time when my friend Carrie and I started celebrating "single awareness day" by making cupcakes and making sure our single friends were covered with love for the Holiday. 

This year the scrooge has ebbed a bit, with a Mother who will always remember a card and a little something, My lovely Sister Brooke who, like my Mother, loves Valentines, and Beautiful Amber who not only creates a gorgeous card but sends a kit of cards for me to send out.  They have slowly worked on me over the years to look at Valentines day as not a day for sappy lovers but a day to let the ones you do love know.

Who knows maybe next year I will get in the spirit and send out Valentines, we will see.
Happy Heart Day....Give yourself a Hug from me.

On a side note...I wore red yesterday and someone commented that I was dressed for the Holiday. I quipped I didn't know Presidents day had a particular color. Yes I didn't realize Valentines was today. I was wearing red because I look fabulous in the color. 

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Ray Lamontagne - Be Here Now (BBC4 Sessions) [HQ]

Absolutely Stunning! I love Ray, I really do. He has soulful quality, his voice is so warm.
Sometimes when I am really stressed out, I play this song. It helps me breathe just a little better.
A portion of the lyrics below...

Don't let your mind get weary and confused
Your will be still, don't try
Don't let your heart get heavy child
Inside you there's a strength that lies

Don't let your soul get lonely child
It's only time, it will go by
Don't look for love in faces, places
It's in you, that's where you'll find kindness

Be here now, here now
Be here now, here now

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Grandma Julie turns 95...


Happy Birthday to a Grandma who loved to kiss my cheeks, gives me hugs, helped me appreciate Grapefruit Juice and living in Northern California. She is still living in her own place, married again at 90 (see there is hope for me yet), and is always dressed to perfection.
I love you Grandma!