Another Woman's House

I've decided I'm going to participate in Courtney's FNF so click to go see her blog.
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I had a friend many years ago whose in-laws built a home for her and her hubby, their son. I knew it wasn't a good situation because my mom was always giving me something—a credenza, table, etc. but there were always "strings" attached to it. Now, my "gifts" weren't as big as a house but I could see the handwriting on that wall for sure.

The house was built but it was never her home. The in-laws were always visiting and making recommendations to the "woman" of the house. The recommendations were just the start. The mother-in-law almost demanded total control of the house.

In my situation, I gave back every single thing my mom gave me. It just wasn't worth it. It was never mine. She was shocked and a bit disappointed but I didn't want that on my back forever. When friends would visit while my mother was there, it was always, "I gave her this or that." That was my breaking point. Not that it mattered to me that they knew she had given it to me, I just was tired of her telling it to everyone.

So I'm guessing that the wife didn't feel that good about her husband not being able to take care of her and their family. He pretty much lazed around while she supported them. I don't know what became of that family but it wouldn't surprise me one bit that they didn't make it. A woman wants to know a hubby can take care of her through thick or thin. I know that about my hubby—without a doubt in the world. He has enough pride to want to see his family is provided for under any circumstances. A real man is one who has enough pride to provide for his family.
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So now let's look at some gorgeous things.

Ummmm, did you say you liked red kitchens? Beautiful!

Sweet pillow and cushion.

A sweet retreat.

This is how cowgirls in Idaho have slumber parties!

Squeeeeeealllll!! Look at that darling toile table.

This room is probably bigger than my whole house! It looks to be a room off a lady's boudoir.

I'll have this at my party that I'll be doing soon. Fruit drinks in cute pitchers.


This is replica of Marie Antoinette's "playhouse."


Yes, indeed, I love this little dining area and the soft, ethereal pink of it.


A bucketful of posies...

A bed for your princess.



This entrance looks very similar to an apartment we once rented in San Diego.

It's the curtains that grabbed my attention in this photo. I love them puddling on the floor.


Can we say pink fuchsia?

For you lovers of architectural details.


A dream walkway into the woods.

If I could make one of these I would. Gorgeous!

I thought you'd like these vibrant colors.

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Feeling uncomfortable is discovering you're the only one in yoga who eats meat. ;-)
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Photos courtesy of tumblr and pinterest.

Cottages of Carmel & Monterey, California

Carmel and Monterey are two of my favorite places to visit, stroll the shopping areas and eat. One of the best pieces of chocolate cheesecake I've ever had was at The Elegant Rooster many years ago. It was called Chocolate Decadence and it was. It was so rich the glands on the side of my mouth went into shock. No joke! It was actually painful the first two bites, but I persevered and ate the whole thing. Richest dessert I've ever eaten in my life.

I also visited Pierre Deux for the first time in Carmel and it was a delight. It was off the beaten path on a tiny little alley off another quaint Carmel street. You would have loved being in there. I just wanted to browse and see the beauty of their furniture and fabrics but I did buy some darling little journals. They filed for bankruptcy last year so who knows what will happen now.

But here are some of the cottages in Carmel and Monterey and Little River for you to view. It's one of the most beautiful places on earth. Actually, my favorite places are all in Northern California, except for San Diego and Old Town, where we used to eat in tiny restaurants on their back patios among banana trees.

Also, if you ever have the chance to go there you will be in awe of the beauty of the town. It's very quaint and a rather small community, rich in the arts and fine foods to eat. I don't think any place does food better than California.

They also have many bed and breakfast to stay in. We did and had a wonderful time and some of the best food ever. Just anywhere is a pleasure to eat there, even further down the coast are even more restaurants and bed and breakfasts.

Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.

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Photos courtesy of google images.

A Spirited Serene House

It's April Fools Day! But I don't usually fool anyone.
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I was wondering the other day how many of you bloggers actually read my sidebars. It's there you know for a reason. You can see what I like or dislike, what I looked like many years ago and what I look like now, a bit about my life before moving to Idaho, a few tips on blogging, etc., a place to go to see my laundry room, family room, my white and pink Christmas tree I decorated one year, to look at what I like to read, pillows I've made, lamps I've decorated, a tribute to our Marines, etc. In essence, do you get the flavor of me?

The two things I don't post about are politics and religion, at least anything that might be contentious. Oh, I may throw in a saying or two once in a while, but this is a serene home, and I wish to be kind and gracious to people who enter my home (my blog is an extension of my home). So you'll rarely, if ever, see any contention here. My hubby and I live a pretty quiet life. That is not to say we're not spirited people. Oooooh, noooo. We definitely are spirited! We fuss, struggle and push/jab each others buttons on a regular basis. But we love each unconditionally and wholly. We're committed to each other now and eternally. So now you know a little bit more about me. ;-)
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Of course I fell in love with this antique door knob with key lock on a red door so I thought I'd share it with you.

A painter's drop cloth could be used as a chair cover and look just as lovely as this chair does, plus it would be much cheaper than anything else.

The light coming through the windows on this yellow curtain is what drew my attention.

Yep, my kind of bed.

Looks good enough to eat. ;-)

This is pretty but it makes me dizzy looking at the yellow dots.

Just think of the possibilities a swath of netting can lend to your decorating. I use it lavishly around my home—bedroom, dining room and office. And it is very cheap to use.

Is it time for a snack and some lemonade yet? Yes! Go get some and enjoy.

Another McKenzie-Childs type sofa. I love their style.

I normally use the shower but once in a while I want a tub soak. When I do, I take a book, my glasses, a scallop shaped back rest and read. I love soaking. I just wish I could find a holder that would go across our garden tub. It's quite large and wide and nothing has fit so far. I may have to get hubby to make something acceptable to me, not too heavy or cumbersome.

Another dream dining room of mine. I'll never have a sun room but if I did, I'd want it to be this gorgeous.

Isn't this back yard patio lovely?

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Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. This is a creed I live by.
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Photos courtesy of tumblr and pinterest.