Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Language of the Fan

My sister-in-law Bonnie was featured on a local website showcasing her collection of funeral and dance card fans. Below is one of her beautiful fans that I just love. Please visit http://www.kalkaskacounty.net/display.asp to view these wonderful fans and also learn the language used with the fans during these times.






Wednesday, August 6, 2008

My Little Cottage Garden

I love the look of a beautiful cottage garden but I have never had much of a green thumb. Usually my garden is part luck and part good weather. The joys of seeing a flower about ready to bloom and to see butterflies and birds enjoy what you have created is such enjoyment!!

My favorite flowers are coneflowers which don't require a lot of tending.


Shasta daisies are also easy to care for and beautiful.



I have yellow, pink, light pink and orange lilies in my garden.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008



Proud To Be An American

By Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,with just my children and my husband.
I’d thank my lucky stars,to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be and American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.


Tuesday, June 24, 2008

For My Sister Kathy ~ I Love You!





As long as I can remember my sister Kathy was the person I always wanted to be like. She is strong and wise. She has always been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. This is for you Kathy....


You'll Be in My Heart (Phil Collins)



Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they sayYou'll be here in my heart, always
Why can't they understand the way we feel
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but,deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heartYes, you'll be in my heart
From this day onNow and forever more
Don't listen to them'Cause what do they know
We need each other,to have, to hold
They'll see in timeI know
When destiny calls you
You must be strongI may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in timeI know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heartYes,
you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, alwaysAlways

My Home

Welcome! I have always been proud of my home. I like for people to feel welcomed when they step in to my door. I make sure I have a Bath and Body Works plug-in making the air smell sweet. Usually Lilac or Mango Orange for Spring/Summer and something spicy orangy in the Fall and of course Pine and Cinnamon in the Winter. My main colors of my home are sage green, cranberry, golden yellow and ivory. I love anything cottage, vintage, antiques and shabby chic. I have so many styles I like that they all get thrown in together to make my home. Here is a dresser I have in my foyer. I love the rich color of the oak against the green walls.






We also have a sitting area between the two closets in our foyer. I especially designed that for my daughter Ariel who loves to read.














This is the sitting room. It is right off from the foyer.




Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Smile Goes a Long Way

Today I am going to talk about something that has been bothering me for a long time. Do you know anyone that is always unhappy? I don't understand these people. They always have something wrong in their life. They are also the people who don't like to see others happy. Well I am sorry but we all make our lives what they are. You choose to be unhappy. You choose to smile today. You choose to say, "This too shall pass". I am not saying I don't get depressed or yell at the top of my lungs, "Why me?!?!?!" but everyday........?? I have been trying to make a conscious effort to be happy every day. Life is too short. The older I get the more I realize this. So take this day forward and smile....be happy......live life to the fullest.....and remember that no matter how bad it is at that moment you are important in someones life.....this too shall pass......and you will be stronger from it.

This is the way I like to dress ~ Visit Shopstyle.com

Aldo at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle
Anthropologie at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle
Old Navy at ShopStyle

Places I like to shop ~

ShopStyle search:


I love these yellow dishes & pitcher

Books I read over and over again

  • I love Country Living Magazine!!!
  • Pretty Little Things ~ Sally Jean Alexander
  • Carolyn Westbrook ~ Home
  • Home Comforts The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
  • How Not To Look Old by Charla Krupp
  • Style by Kate Spade
  • Manners by Kate Spade
  • Nell Hill's Style at Home
  • Nell Hill's Decorating Secrets
  • Nell Hill's Christmas at Home
  • Country Living Cottage Style
  • Country Living Small Spaces & Cozy Corners
  • Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell
  • The Shabby Chic Home by Rachel Ashwell
  • Celebrating Home by Season's of Cannon Falls
  • Tracy Porter's Home Style

My Top Ten Movie Choices

  • 1.) The Notebook
  • 2.) How To Make An American Quilt
  • 3.) A Beautiful Mind
  • 4.) Bridge to Taribithia
  • 5.) The Pursuit of Happyness
  • 6.) Chocolat
  • 7.) Pay It Forward
  • 8.) Memiors of a Geisha
  • 9.) My Big Fat Greek Wedding
  • 10.) 13 Going on 30

This is my kitchen. I wanted the cabinets to have more of a furniture look to them. I will take more pictures of this room later. :)

An end table in my living room. I love all my little trinkets!!!!

This is actually a birdbath with a garden angel positioned inside. I added the greenery for a halo and around the base of the angel. :)