Monday, March 31, 2014

Architectural Salvage
Last week while my parents were in town we visited Matanzas Creek Winery
It's funny that though it's only about 15 minutes from my house
I had never been to it!
The grounds were absolutely beautiful.
Not to mention they have a huge lavender farm....
I can't wait to go back when it is in full bloom!
I loved so many aspects of the grounds...
especially these beautiful doors.
I love these unique pieces
and when you can incorporate them into your home, it is even better.
I think it brings an element of romanticism...
blending the old with the new.
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Here are a few other ideas...
Don't forget today is the last day that
10% of the profit from all sales will go to
The Fisher House Foundation!
I will announce the next recipient on Wednesday!
.....
Do you have a charity you are passionate about?
Leave it in the comments and it could be chosen for a future recipient!
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Have a wonderful week!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Happy Friday!
I hope you all have had a wonderful week.
It's been a dreary week, yet working on my spring cards has helped to brighten things up!
Some fun patterns to brighten your day and weekend.
Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

To be A Dreamer
I recently saw this quote and I think it is one of my favorites. 
Why is it that "dreamers" sometimes hold a negative connotation?
Lost in "lala land" or not realistic enough...
.....
I think to be a dreamer is to never give up.
To reach for things that sometimes people deem as unreachable
and to keep going...
I don't believe in settling or learning to be content with discontentment
Life is too short.
I understand that things may not be perfect and I am not naive.
I simply believe that if you truly desire something it can be achieved.
Hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Bodega Bay
It was a great weekend
celebrating the marriage of one beautiful couple
celebrating my birthday
being with close friends 
and having my parents come down too!
all of the details of the wedding were stunning and it was wonderful sacred day.
.....
We went to Bodega Bay yesterday and the weather was perfect
and so was the amazing clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Co.
 Delicious!
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The bluffs and vistas were stunning...
I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy the pretty places around you!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Good Morning!
I hope you all are having a wonderful week!
Hard to believe that tomorrow is the first day of Spring...
It definitely feels like Spring here...
the grass is green, the sun is out, and my sandals are strewn all over.
A little more "pasteley" Spring inspiration for you!
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Speaking of Spring...
 I am excited to share a couple more cards with you...
You have all seen the Beach Cruiser which is up on the website...
I have also added the Cowboy boots for all of your boot scootin' friends...
And these next two cards will be on the website by the end of the day!
Have a lovely Wednesday!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patricks Day!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
My best St. Patrick Day yet...
Spending it Ireland visiting my sister while she studied there!
I didn't realize it had already been 6 years since being there.
Such a beautiful place and so, so memorable.
Especially to spend St. Patrick's Day there!
Looking back, I wish I had taken WAY more pictures.
.....
I thought it would be only fitting
to share a few of my favorite shades of green...
Have a wonderful week!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Kitchen
When you think of cooking and being in the kitchen,
 What is the first thing that comes to mind?
Your childhood? 
Your favorite recipe from a grandmother? 
Family gatherings and holidays?
.....
Cooking doesn't have to be frumpy. 
It doesn't have to be just for the domestic 1950's women. 
It can be so much more.
.....
So many of my best memories have taken place in the kitchen.
Making pies for Thanksgiving and having (small) flour fights growing up,
 Eating dinner at the kitchen table night after night.
.....
Now, my favorite time of day is cooking dinner with Brian
or relaxing after a long day with a glass of wine and music while I chop away.
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Let your kitchen, big or small,
be a place to spend time with your loved ones and create memories.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Happy Monday!
It was another celebratory weekend,
celebrating my soon to be sister-in-law!
We visited 3 beautiful wineries but my favorite was 
Castillo's Hillside Shire Winery in Morgan Hill.
The owner sang an impromptu Italian love song
which, naturally, had everyone teary eyed.
.....
This month has been filled with wedding festivities and it's been fun to
 reflect on my own marriage and think back on our wedding day!
.....
It is definitely starting to feel like Spring around here!
With the heavy rains we've had over the last few weeks, 
the grass has changed from "California gold" to green. 
With wild flowers popping up sporadically.
I love it!
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Some Spring Inspiration for this week...enjoy!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Staying Inspired
It's easy to get inspired
You see something amazing outside or on Pinterest
Someone may say something that sticks with you
or better yet, you create something that inspires yourself!
.....
But sometimes, it is hard to keep that inspiration flowing
I have found for me
that the key to staying inspired is to have things around me on a daily basis
 that I know will inspire me
.....
Now some day I would love to have a whole inspiration board, covering a whole wall--
with French fabric, my favorite cards, apron photos...
but for now I am looking for "subtle inspiration"
and finding inspiration in my own home...
If you take the time to actually look, you will be amazed at how many things, 
whether big or small have been inspiring you.
Have a great Wednesday!