Bella Pink Cafe

Summer Scraps

     Time to get out the "crazy" scissors (as the kids call them) and the glue sticks for a back to school scrapbook project.  The Assignment?... make a scrapbook on your Summer memories and bring the first day of school (which is Tuesday 9/4) .  Easy peasy!  Little man had such a busy Summer, it was great looking back on our days in the sun in pictures...while doing the project there was a lot of "oh Mom! remember this picture when I almost fell off my bike?" or "remember when this wave crashed and knocked me over right after you took the picture?"  Little man had full control of his scrapbook project, even sat at the computer and picked every picture he wanted to include, I was just his assistant this day.  Time to get back to the hustle and bustle of the school year, I think I am ready, not sure if the kids are....their hearts are still on those rides at the boardwalk and catching waves in the ocean....lazy days at the swim club with friends...hmm...come to think of it,  my heart is still there too, but Fall will creep up on us before you know it and they will long forget this and move on to the excitement of Halloween and being back to school with friends.  We can always pull out the Summer scrapbook and the memories will flood back like those crashing waves.  Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!~ xo

Everything Is Better at Mom-Mom's...

     I should say "everything is better at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's.  I love my parents home, it's far from shabby, pink or vintage and it's not the home I grew up in (my brother bought it years ago, so it's still in the family!) but their lovely cottage home with a traditional style is a feast for the eyes and comfort for the soul.  The kids love going to visit, which is convenient since they live 5 minutes away! A place where they are able to do anything (Mom has a sign hanging that says so), eat anything, stay up late, my girl can play with Mom-Mom's doll collection and rummage through her closet and jewelry, and little man can sharpen his pool skills on the pool table in the lower level with it's nautical themed entertainment area. I thought I would share some spots and give blog love to two of my best supporters and most favorite people in the world! So Mom if you are not on the golf course and reading here... this post is for you ~xo

Her sign to remind the kids

Her favorite picture of my girl, with a picture of me at the same age

Love this perfectly crackled table!

The view from the loft

The lower level entertainment area

Mom's "Memory Quilt" that goes in her suitcase on every trip, so family is always "wrapped" around her!

Romantic Homes October 2007 Issue...

     Ok, I know I said I was taking a mini blog break, BUT I finally saw the issue of Romantic Homes, thanks to a sweet friend's special delivery!  The cover is fantastic and you just might enjoy the article on pages 18 & 19 written by someone you may be familiar with!  For the people who already received the issue, thank you to all of your lovely emails of congrats, I'm honored and humbled...really...your words mean so much to me.  I am having so much fun with this project (one of many!)  My assignment each article?....write about inspiring blogs and artists!  How cool is that?  So if you think you have a creative blog or know someone that does...please just shoot me an email .  We have some great ones coming up in future issues.  So go to your newstands and take a peek, it's an eye candy issue if I do say so myself!  Be back soon~ xo

Friday Eye Candy & other stuff...

     Here is a Friday Fab Favorite to kick off the weekend.  I just love putting these together, so many talented people!

     On a sad note, we attended my sister in law's father's funeral this week.  He died 10 days after walking her down the aisle at the wedding that I wrote about here on the blog.  I even posted a sweet picture of her and her Dad lighting a candle in memory of her Mom.  He died suddenly of a heart attack and unfortunately my brother was the one who found him.  His funeral was lovely, he was an avid painter/artist...handpainting every birthday card and Chistmas card every year.  He would paint houses, cottages, horses...whatever tickled his fancy.  All of his beautiful artwork was displayed at the funeral.  I hope to share with you some of his paintings here on the blog.  So talented, he will be sadly missed.  I know my brother and sister in law treasure those wedding photos even more now.

    On a lighter note, we will be going to our annual family reunion this weekend.  It's a blast every year.  My Dad's side of the family is huge and it became a tradition that we all look forward to.  This year, my sister and I are in charge of bringing the sweets...she is working on one of her fancy desserts...but I am bringing the traditional homemade brownies and chocolate covered strawberries.  Who doesn't love them?!

     Also, I heard (and thank you to the many emails!) that the October issue of Romantic Homes is out and my new column is in there where I get to talk about my favorite subject...BLOGS!  How fun is that?  I didn't get to see it yet, hopefully soon.  I will be taking some time off to work on some deadlines, new projects and re-stock the shelves in the boutique.  Enjoy your weekend! ~xo

Photo Shoot...Tutti Chic Style

     Since she already "spilled the beans" on her own blog, I guess I can tell her secret here, right?  My friend Chris from Tutti Chic (in case you were wondering, the word "Tutti" is Italian for "all") had a photo shoot on the grounds of her home in Massachusetts showcasing her lovely gardens and  backyard oasis.  Photographed by the talented Dan Mayers in collaboration for one of Ms. Babette's upcoming books! (author Barbara Jacksier) 

     Stop by Chris's blog here and read about the photo shoot (and see the pictures she took of Dan taking pictures!LOL!) Congrats Chris (and ps tutts:  superman picked out those lavender roses that came yesterday!)

Chris at home:

A sneak preview inside her lovely home:

Just Playing

     Just bought a bunch of digi srap stuff, playing around with my photos!  Here is a thank you to everyone who has taken the time to drop by and say hello, or just browse around and smell the roses! xo

 

The Wild Wild West...

     This was so much fun, playing dress up on the boardwalk.  A trip to the beach wouldn't be complete without a stop at The Lucky Lady Saloon.  The boys wanted to be "gangsters" and us girls wanted to be barmaids.  So this is how we would look way back when, in the wild west?  I definitely don't think I would be wearing an ankle bracelet, and my girl wouldn't be holding a cigarette!  The guys holding guns....maybe?  I think superman looks too comfortable holding that big cannon.  Anyway it was a hoot.

     Today I am trying to catch up on shipping the orders placed while we were away.  Oh my goodness, I've never been so far behind, I WILL get it done if I have to stay up all night.  Thank you to my awesome customers who are always so gracious.   

     Working on some FUN photo shoots for my new product line, need to gather up my "models" and take advantage of these bright sunny days that give just the right lighting.  Congratulations to my friend Heather Bullard in the Grand Opening of her gorgeous boutique The Present Past  Also congratulations to my dear friend Chris at Tutti Chic on her little secret project, I know yesterday wore you out but it will be worth it my dear! xo

Tides in...

     

     We’re back! But I think our hearts and heads are still at the beach...need some winding down time, I guess. It was SO much fun and truly a memorable family vacation, I hope the little ones remember it when they grown up. I spent my summers there at the same beach when I was my son’s age. It brought back so many memories for me, eating at the same diner on the boardwalk that I ate at with my parents and siblings was a life circle moment. It gave me goosebumps remembering ...nothing changed much in the restaurant, same colors, same smells, same good food... and the boardwalk overall is still the same...the amusement pier, the bookstore, the endless row of cool shops, funnel cake stands every block, the famous salt water taffy store, etc. The kids really enjoyed quality time with daddy...at one point, superman was in the ocean boogie boarding in the giant waves with our girl around his neck and little man riding right next to him, the happiness in their eyes and joy in their smiles made my heart float the entire week.

     Another life circle moment for me was when we met up with my best friend and her kids and took them all to the pier for the rides. I have known her since we were 12...we went on the same rides when we were kids..and laughed like we did back then (and screamed too!) We gave each other knowing smiles and giggles watching our kids together having the same fun we used to. So special. (and of course we both forgot our cameras!)

Here they are looking at the big ferris wheel they were riding just hours before...(ps: the tattoo is fake on little man, don't panic Mom!)

     Oh and our little cottage by the sea was really adorable! Renting it sight unseen made me a little nervous, I only had internet pictures to go by, but it lived up to our expectations and more! Just perfect for us, it was brand new and had that great "new house" smell. Loved the rooftop deck where we felt on top of the world. It was so freeing having no internet access (of course I see now that I have so many emails to catch up on and will answer them all, promise!) Lots of unpacking to do and loads of laundry! Thank you for your lovely comments and all of your emails, it’s a great "welcome home" present. Now I’m off to catch up, here are some pics, I'll post more later! xo

Cottage by the sea...

   

Under The Boardwalk...

     "....down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I'll be..."  We are packing up and headed out for a much needed vacation to the beach.  Seven days.  Can't wait to put my toes in the sand, stroll the boardwalk, watch the kids splash and surf in the water and feel the sun on my face.  Funnel cake, salt water taffy's, bike riding, reading books on the beach....Maybe even superman and I will get to spend some relaxing and quality time together, things have been so hectic lately we barely have a chance to say hello!  I was going to put together a Friday fab favorite mosaic beach theme, but I think the picture below sums it up perfectly...the ocean is calling us.  "Ciao" for now..see you when we get back, xo