Cake Boxes and Feminism!

I received this in the mail today and was most pleasantly surprised when I opened the box. It was made by a young woman in California. She is a very young widow who supports herself and 2 young children doing this. She does exquisite work, don't you think?!
~*~

I've been busy today doing housewifey things like vacuuming, swiffering, dishes and mopping. I know some people look at them as chores, but I truly love taking care of my home. And my hubby. I appreciate him. I apprciate all men. I'm not a fan of feminism. I believe men and women were put on this earth for a purpose. Man takes care of his woman and woman takes care of her man. Plain and simple. It took me a very long time to come to this realization, but it in fact works quite well. Of course, there are "special circumstances", but by and large it works well - especially when everyone doesn't see themselves as the "exception!" I've heard it all from "but no one understands my situation" to "oh, they weren't talking about me." Not true. We sometimes have to rationalize our choices. Working outside homes tears families apart. Period. Stay-at-home moms are to be revered because so many don't do it any more because society looks down on them. Well, I'm here to tell you that this woman doesn't! Motherhood is denigrated to the point that society makes them uncomfortable saying that they are housewives or stay-at-home moms. NOT ME! I've been on both sides and I can absolutely unequivocally can tell you staying at home is so much better. I love it.

Several months ago I was at the beauty shop waiting for my turn to get my hair cut. The hair dresser asked me if I was in a hurry since I was scheduled for a 12 noon appointment. I said no. (It just turned out that noon was the best time for me.) She said that since it was a lunch time appointment that she had thought that maybe I was doing it on my lunch hour. I looked at her and though to myself, "Does she really think I'd go to work looking like this?!" Hah. After I said no, I said I'm a stay-at-home wife, mother and grandmother. A man sitting there waiting for his turn laughed. I'm not sure if he was "FOR" me or "laughing AT me"! Whatever......I didn't take offense at all. I find humor in the strangest places - and almost daily!!

Keep up the good work, moms who stay at home!! :-) Oh, and I had a woman many years ago ask me if I dyed my hair. I looked at her and said, "If I was going to color my hair, do you honestly think I'd dye it THIS color?!" We both laughed. I guess that was a compliment to the natural color of my hair? No, it ain't nothing special, kiddo!!

Luscious Cakes & Yummy Kisses!

I made this little petal cake because it is so stunning when put on a coffee table on a gorgeous cake stand. I found that cake stand recently at a boutique for $10.00!! What a deal. Now, I couldn't pass it up, could I? But I've given much thought as to what I'd put on it. Then a friend gave me a wonderful idea. I'm making some more today along with some more birdhouses covered with fabric until I learn how to paint properly.

When Holly posted those tiny baby feet it made me smile because I love babies - ALL parts of them: feet, fingers, tummies, bottoms, but especially their little cheeks and lips. You can kiss those little lips and there's nothing they can do about it! I remember kissing my own kids little puckery lips as babies. As a matter of fact, I still kiss my kids and grandkids on the lips. Kids are 45 and 44 yrs. old and grandkids are 27 to 9 1/2 yrs old. See, they're never too old or too young to kiss those little lips/faces off!!

You Know What I Mean.......

Isn't this adorable "eye candy"!! I forget who it belongs to.

I've been in a nesting mood lately. You know what I mean - where we want to do things to our homes. I've not worked on making anything for my website for a couple of months now. But I've wanted to get my home fixed up the way I want it. It's been almost 2 years since we moved in! I want it comfortable and pink and rose-y and - well, you know what I mean.

But I've been thinking as I've been doing things around here. Sometimes I'll be in a store and want to just get in and out. You know what I mean. So in my hurry-ness, I neglect to approach an acquaintance and say "hello." I'll just move faster through the store and get to the check out so I can get home.

I've decided, with much thought and contemplation that it's rude. We should always say "hello" or "hi, how are you?" when we see them. You know what I mean. It just might be what that person needs. They may be struggling with a problem or be lonely. I know I get lonely. You know what I mean. It's kind of like that old saying "stop and smell the roses", which I definitely do! But this is a human being. And all we've truly got is each other. You know what I mean.

So the next time I'm shopping or in the hallway at church, I'm going to make it a point of saying "hello" or ask how they are doing. They may avert their eyes, but they can't escape me!! You KNOW what I mean. Right?!?!

New Chandelier Finished!!!!

This is the finished chandelier. I'm very pleased with how it came out. Chiffon, organza ribbon and little roses sure can make the difference. If you'd like to see more pictures of it go to my web site.

A Spearing Hubby

Hubby went back east to his father's funeral a week ago. The only thing he wanted was his "spear" that was given to him years ago by his old scoutmaster. I said, "You'll never get that on a plane even if you find it." He said he'd try. Well, as you can see he did find it! He thought that it was lost forever. He did take it to one of those mailboxes place where they packed it up and mailed it home UPS. It arrived today and here he is with his spear from Borneo. If you look closely you'll see the top covering is elephant hair, which is very coarse to the touch. Then the spear is removeable and can go on either end. Intereting - those Borneans! Just thought I'd share because he is so happy tonight!

The Saga of the New Chandelier

Men.......gotta love 'em!! Several weeks ago I told hubby I wanted a crystal chandelier. He said our home wasn't the type for a crystal chandelier. I said I'm shabby chic-ing it up. He still has not grasped that concept regardless of the fact that I have 3 Rachel Ashwell books in our book cases! Now, we know WHO was going to win this argume........ummm discussion, right?!?! Sigh.......... I even opened one of her books and showed him the concept: crystal chandelier, slipcovered chairs and sofa, chipped table. Well, not one to be deterred, I purchased said chandelier. It arrived and I unpacked it (hey, I gotta do something around here) and laid it out carefully. He is not an idle person. He couldn't be with all the honey-do things I have for him and he is even building himself a train room in our 3rd garage to run his model trains. He put it together and hung it from our cathedral ceiling over dining table. I said I thought it needed to be lower. Now, this chandelier had already precipitated a trip to Home Depot, so making it lower required yet another trip to Home Depot. He went, but refused to lower it until Tuesday afternoon. Late last night he looked at it and said, "I think that chandelier looks really pretty. But I think it really needs to be lower." After I picked myself up off the floor, I went over and pretended to smack his little cheeks! He loves it! Shabby chic and men - gotta love 'em. Oh, and now he wants to redo our oak dining table. Reason: it's starting to look a bit shabby!! His exact words. Will he ever learn?!?! Heavy sigh..............

I'm a Little Teapot......................

I love teapots. I collect teapots but I don't drink tea! Now how weird is that? Of course, as Jack says "Is there anything you don't love to collect?!" No, I guess there isn't really because at any given moment I'll start collecting something. Watch out, next week it might be gardenias and we know how expensive they are to buy. Whoooaaa, have you priced gardenias?! Pricey, I tell ya.

Anyway, I collect just about anything with a teapot on it: cards, paintings, hanging ornaments, aprons, fabric or just plain little teapots when I can find them with roses on them. This one above has tulips but they are gorgeous tulips. I always like the song I'm a little teapot short and stout and sang it with the little neighborhood kids. Of course, all kids love that one because it is so animated as is Inky Dinky Spider. Fun......just to be around precious innocent little kids.

Hey, weren't we talking about Teapots?!?! Hah........

Putting Up New Chandelier

This my true "sweetpea/Hon" putting up our new chandelier. I'll post back pictures when it is up, lit and decorated! I'm so excited I could just spit!! Hah.

Gotta Have It!!...................

Isn't this adorable?! I couldn't resist it when I saw it in a shop in Boise. I didn't know at the moment what I'd do with it, but that is not unusual for ME. I tried knives, forks, spoons but that didn't look right and I already have a little enamel pot for them. So this morning I thought "why not our sweeteners!" Voilà, there you have it. I talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to having beauty, pink and roses all over my house. Pictures don't always do things justice and those of you who do ebay know that. When you actually see the items you receive after winning the item, it is always better. I remember actually "gasping" at a pitcher I bought on ebay about 5 years ago. Well, that's how it is when people walk into my house. That's not to mean I'm great; no, not at all! It just means I put my money where my mouth is!! LOL Ya gotta see it to believe it!

Now, the little salt and pepper shakers were another thing I just had to buy. Actually, Jack thought they were cute! Chalk one up for me!! LOL They aren't labeled salt or pepper but he said to just sprinkle lightly at first and we'll know. Seeeeeee...........even hubby's come up with good "ideas" once in a while.

Tiaras!

"Tiara is a state of mind"! Just call me Queen/Diva Connie. Made my own because I couldn't find a real one. I guess Miss America has it this week........but I'll be looking out for an extra one.

Tra la la la la la la la la........And Old Ephemera !!..........

I finally found this one old stash of note papers and ephemera. I always took it out of the box and tied each set with pretty ribbons. So many pretty vintage or colorful ribbons are available to wrap around the various notes, ephemera or envelopes and writing paper that it makes one dizzy just seeing them in a beautiful box. Purple, pink, green polka dots, sunny yellow,blue stripes, pink dots, various stripes - enough to delight anyone looking at them. I even found some old anniversary cards from my sweetheart and some mother's day cards from him and my kids and valentines with roses all over them. My heart sang this evening. Tra la la la la !!!! :-)

Oh My Goodness!!!

I bought a little suitcase/storage box recently on ebay and it arrived today. It is adorable and pictured here on the right. It came in a box with a little sachet that is smelling up the room as I type with the fragrance of vanilla! What a sweet thought for that lady to send it. I love the decorated little suitcase of course, but to receive an additional little gift was an act of graciousness we don't often receive. I thank you for it and wanted you all to enjoy it.

Homecomings!

I bought this at Macy's years ago. Ahhhhh, Macy's –my favorite store in the whole world!

I was just puttering around today dusting and cleaning while hubby is away at his father's funeral back east. I miss him more than I could ever put into words, so I try to keep busy when he has to go far away for a few days. It's as if a part of my body isn't here. I've relied on him for almost 46 years and just am so sad when he's not around me. "Ode to Hubby"?!?! Yep, he's my sweetheart. So anyway, I found this little rose dish to share with you and to try and ease my empty heart. But, hey, he'll be back wednesday. Homecomings are wonderful, aren't they?! :-)

Collecting Pitchers

I adore pitchers! I collect them and have some of the prettiest ever. This little cutie is one I just bought. Isn't it adorable? All pink checks, black and white stripes and ROSES! I collect a lot of things, but most of all anything with roses: towels, plates, prints, fabrics, bowls, cards, boxes, blankets, cups, trays, paper, you name it. If there is a rose on it, I'll buy it. I wonder what others collect. I know some people collect vintage items and stamps, coins, CDs, videos but I'd really love to hear from someone who collects really unusual stuff. Any takers out there? Tell me about it.

Just sitting in my family room, living room or kitchen gives me great peace and joy to see the "eye candy" on the walls and tables. I couldn't stand bare walls or windows without pretty floral or striped or checked curtains. It is just a visual feast for my eyes to take it all in.

Birdhouses

I have always love birdhouses, especially the decorative ones. I collect them and have them under tables and on shelves and even try to sell them on ebay and my website. They are truly adorable, but I guess other people aren't as interested in them as I am. LOL But here are a couple of them I put on some shelves I hung saturday night - with hubby's help, of course. Okay, okay, he did all the work; I just supervised!! He's such a great guy. Gotta love that man. Anyone else collect anything - anything at all?!?! Ha. I'd love to hear from you with ideas about your collections. Who knows; it might get me to start ANOTHER collection.

You have to enlarge by clicking to read his little message!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful easter. Holly, I love your doodle packs. Put some more on so I can see them! How do you like the little graphic I came up with?!?! I think he's a cutie.

Roses & Wine.........................

I have so many stemware glasses it isn't even funny. I don't know what to do with them anymore. Then a gracious lady gave me an idea! Boing.......... here it is! I'm not sure what I'll do with them; I may sell some and keep some. Decisions, decisions! Anyway, thanks, Stephanie, for one terrific idea for people who don't drink and are stuck with dozens of vintage wine glasses.

Look at Your Refrigerator!!

I love these little boxes we can paint and personalize. Try it.

Refrigerators! Have you really looked at yours lately? I've seen some that I wouldn't even keep food for my pets (if I had any) in. Yuck. Well, I'm here to tell you that they can be beautiful also. Put some fresh strawberries in it. Then some apples, lemons, oranges and kiwi. Look at the colors of all that. Just gorgeous. Put a freshener in there so it doesn't have bad smells. Put some lovely stemware in them to get frosty and cold before you serve your drinks - water, kool-aid, juice, sodas or whatever you drink. They will look so pretty in there. Get rid of all the rotting leftovers you have and bottles of salad dressings you've bought and haven't eaten for months because you don't particularly like it. Oh, and Bernina's Poppy Seed dressing is to die for!! Gotta love those refrigerators and if you have one that is vintage, so much the better! Just make them lovely inside and out. Put decals on the fridge. Yes, you can do it.

Thursday's Musings................

Isn't this pretty? I saw this for sale and wanted to share it with you. What a tranquil setting it radiates! She is another of my favorites artists. I just put it on here for visual beauty.

Hubby's home today and doing some honey-dos for me. What is in the gene make-up of men that they cannot wring out a rag/cloth when doing something?!?! We've been married for almost 46 years and he has yet to "get the clue" about that and it certainly isn't from any lack on my part of telling him. Hah. Women rinse out the rag until nothing drips out of it; men wring it out a bit and then start walking out of the kitchen dripping water all along the way!!!!! Gotta love 'em.

Fancy "Schmancy" Chandeliers

I love decorating my home. Anything I do to it brings joy to me. I think Jack likes it; although, no matter what I do to it pleases him because it pleases me! He treats me like a queen. Imagine a retired Marine (a true man's man) living in a pink roses girly girl house!!

We used to have a very formal dining room with a 60 yr. old crystal chandelier, but we didn't entertain in it very much so it was a useless room. I do NOT like useless rooms, so in this house it is just a small area off the kitchen. When all the kids and grandkids come we put in the 2 leaves and scrunch around the table, but it's cozy and I love having it because it is used every day. NOT useless.

We have a hanging chandelier but it is nowhere near "shabby" until I added greenery and some hanging sachets that I sell on my website. (Hide in plain sight!) I want a "fancy schmancy" crystal chandelier with little shabby roses shades and beads and prisms. Jack said we don't need it; that this one works just fine. Now I want you to just take a guess on who is going to win here!! :-)

The Joy of Sounds.........

I posted this little picture simply for "eye candy"; it's just some cute little hanging ornaments I've made and are for sale on ebay for a penny and free shipping. But I am very visual and need to see pretty things and try to post pictures with every post. Not always successful.

Anyway, I was thinking this morning while vacuuming, swiffering and mopping. Sounds are also important to me. I don't like loud music and don't watch television but there are certain sounds that I love to hear. One is the sound of a car crunching on gravel roads (just love it). Also the sound of my sound machine which I have turned to rain or a babbling brook most of the time. I also love the roar of the ocean. A baby's cooing while sleeping is heart wrenching to me. But the favorite sound of all for me is the sound of sprinklers. Yes, sprinklers. I love the ch ch ch ch ch and then when it reverses it's chhhhhhhhhh and then back to the ch ch ch ch ch ch. Those were the kind we had on the acre of our other house - big rainbirds sprinklers. This house has the pop up kind that just emit a rain mist like sound, but it is also satisfying to my ear.

Think about it!!

Monday, Monday :-)

I love mondays!! Absolutely love them. Especially monday nights. When I was working in the corporate world, monday nights were my favorite time. Don't know why. Just love them. Fridays were always nice, but monday nights were and still are my favorite part of the week. I can now just "loll" around if I want to. But I usually choose to clean my house on that day. That way I can devote the rest of the week to "creating" or whatever I want to do. Enjoy the Mon Day. ;-)