Bella Pink Cafe

Random...

    

     Alot of you emailed about the bomb sniffing dog and air Marshall in my previous post (thank you for your concern and validation of my panic attack)  Apparently someone checked a bag onto our flight, but didn't check themselves onto the flight.  At least that's what was being whispered down the lane at the gate.  No airport official would confirm anything. Super fishy?  yep.  Super scary? yep.  Cause for a cocktail? you bet!  Another panic moment on the plane,  which turned out to be hilarious...we sat near a bunch of German tourists.  Mom heard them all speaking German and here's how it went...  Mom: "Oh my God, Tara ,we're on the wrong plane, we're going to Frankfurt Germany, I swear I just heard someone say it"  Tara:  "Mom you don't speak German so how do you know?  Anyway, it's okay, it's the right plane, Flight 1280"....(more German chatter as I'm flipping through a rag mag)...  Mom: "Oh Jesus Mary and Joseph, I can't take this anymore, I'm going to ask someone"  she turns to the poor woman sitting next to us who was already laughing...mom asks: "Are you going to Philadelphia"?  "Yes" she said while still laughing "you're on the right plane"    Poor Mom.  She hates to fly and this flight confirmed every fear and emotion she ever had about flying.

     Some random stuff:  Still waiting to hear when my friend will be on the Rachael Ray show.  She did receive word from the producer that she made it on.  (Their was still a chance her piece could have ended up on the cutting room floor!)  I'll let you know asap. 

      Lovin this little Blackberry!  I found it was super easy to get used to, just like you all said it would be.  It's so convenient and I highly recommend to anyone who receives a lot of emails and is on the go.

   We are keeping super busy around here with the kids and just life in general.  I'm sure you all feel the same way.  Out of hibernation and into the hustle and bustle again.  I'm trying to decide whether to take down a half wall in between my kitchen and family room.  Do any of you have this problem?  The wall is a high half wall and drives me crazy.  I don't want a giant room, but would like to open it up and add an architectural archway instead.  We're working with a contractor to come up with some ideas.  Any input is appreciated!  I'll take plenty of pictures along the way. ~xo

ps:  photo has nothing to do with post, but it's a lovely frame I bought at The Cats Meow     

BlackBerry Phobia...

     It arrived yesterday.  Very black, but not like a berry at all.  It's very intimidating.  I imagine it will come in handy though.  Would have been very useful in Venice instead of searching for an internet cafe to check emails.  It would have been especially convenient at the airport when we saw the terror alert level raised to "High", then a bomb sniffing dog topped off with an air marshall on our plane.  I would have been able to email friends and family and send a "just in case" message.  I'm sure it's easy to use and is waiting for me to at least turn it on so it can show itself off to me...but where is the darn power button?

Fabulous Lunch Date...

     On Friday, Mom & I drove to Sarasota (about 20 minutes from Venice) to have lunch with Fifi  (editor and writer extraordinare!) It was so nice to finally meet her in person. In the past, we’ve talked on the phone and emailed a lot, but to be able to finally give each other hugs and kisses, eat food, tell stories and have lots of laughs was fantastic She is an absolute doll, so down to earth, extremely funny and we instantly connected and I know Mom did too. Our lunch date made me love Fifi even more. She is fabulous in every way. I think she is now my sister, since my mom said she is going to adopt her.

     On the way home we drove though Casey Key. Can you say mansions? Oh god, the houses are unbelievable! I love Venice though. It’s so charming and the stores are really wonderful. Lots of little cafés to sit and have wine outside and people watch.  The next day we went to the beach and then had a lovely dinner with Susie & Mark at an outdoor restaurant. Great food and even more laughs. We’ll be sad to leave Venice and the new friends we made. Back to reality soon!~xo

Venice Beach:

Here is Mark, the cutie

Susie, Mark and me at dinner (Mom won't get her photo taken..ever!)

Live from Venice...

      

     Sorry for the delay, I had a hard time finding an internet connection. Mom and I arrived safely in Venice on Wednesday! (and to sunny 85 degree weather!) I was able to bump our seats up to first class which is always cool but has anyone noticed they cut back on the "special" treatment!? Certainly not like that famous ‘Seinfeld’ episode. Seats are still extra wide and comfy though. Anyway, the car rental place had a brand new convertible waiting for us, we jumped in and off we went to the cottage! 

     Sounds easy, but somehow we managed to get lost on the way. Mom knows her way around Venice pretty well, but the road we were looking for to the cottage was really hard to see and we must have passed it at least 5 times before we saw it. Total tourists, riding in a convertible, our hair blowing like Thelma & Louise and horns beeping at us.

     We pulled up to the cottage and saw the cutest man waiting for us. There was Mark Holt (from the infamous Susie & Mark Holt!) He was there with open arms to show us in (Susie was at the store working) Walking into the cottage was like stepping into your favorite issue of Romantic Country. Every little detail is completely amazing. I’ll take you on a tour...(*Warning:  LOTS of photos ahead!)

 

     Thursday we went into town to visit Susie & Mark at their store The Cat's Meow Inc  in it’s new location. Seriously people, I was weak in the knees when we first walked in. The store swallows you up with a cozy airy feel, chic sofas, tables, vintage chandeliers abound. I was in awe. Their old store was one block over and I had been in there about 3 or 4 years ago, but the new store is bigger and better than ever! It was packed with people walking around, they seemed to be in awe like me and Mom. It was very busy with customers, phones ringing, etc.. There was Susie, calm an unfazed by the distractions and greeted us with big hugs and a soft sweet smile. We took a tour and then Susie and I sat and gabbed and giggled for a while. I even showed Susie how to leave a comment on Fifi’s blog. Susie is so busy in the store, she hasn’t learned the blog ropes yet!

     Thursday night, Mom & I were invited to the Holt’s home next door for drinks. It was so relaxing and lovely. Their home is a dream. All white, big comfy slipcovered furniture, tall hutches, mirrors and chandeliers everywhere. Susie & Mark’s signature style throughout with salvaged doors replacing standard builder grade doors. What an awesome idea!? We had such a nice time talking and laughing until late into the night. They are the most gracious hosts and I’m honored to now call them dear friends. Mom & I found them to be genuine people who love what they do...yet work very hard at what they do. Their Cat’s Meow start up story over 11 years ago is amazing! They are the real deal, shop owners who are living their passion and enjoying life. Big things are coming soon in their future!  I hope to sneak back into their home and take some shots for you, but here is Susie & I at the store.

Me & Susie at the store

 

  Today, mom & I are off to meet miss fabulous Fifi  in Sarasota for lunch. I’ll be back to report with photos and details!~xo

to Venice...

                                                                                                                                                

     not Venice Italy, but the next best thing, Venice Florida!  Packing up again, leaving the cold here in Pennsylvania and I'm taking my mom for just a girls getaway soon, we're staying at the beautiful cottage of owners Susie & Mark Holt, they are also the store owners of the yummy boutique Cat's Meow Inc and have been in countless issues of Romantic Homes and Romantic Country magazines.  The cottage we are staying in was featured in a past issue of Romantic Country as well (and even made the cover!) We are flying in and rented a convertible, (because can you really drive around Florida in anything else?)  My Mom is so excited, since it's a little trip I sprung on her for her birthday.  She loves Venice (really anywhere in Florida for that matter!)  We plan to meet up with miss Fabulous Fifi too.  Here is a peek at Susie's store in Venice, I can't wait to see it (and her!):

Photos courtesy of Fifi O'Neill and The Cats Meow Inc

     Also, if you get a chance, pick up the latest copy of Romantic Country magazine, it's a great issue this month!  Lots of familiar faces, and names, I think you will recognize a few! I hope to report live from the sweet cottage, maybe do a "talkie post" with Mom, she reads a lot of your blogs and I'm surprised at how much she knows about all of you.  Ciao again friends and stay tuned!~xo

Ciao for now...

     Like many of you I am taking some much needed time off.   A fabulous vacation is planned and also squeezing in some business as well. Then it's time to tend to all the unattended things around the house, working on deadlines, etc..  Spring Break.  2 perfectly combined words for my tired body and mind.  I replaced my photo over there...time to change out the old cowgirl (I had full permission from the photographer, my daughter) She has approved the new one and likes it.  I do too, it's kind of grungy and vintage looking?

     What do you all have planned for Spring and Easter?  Can you believe the above photo is actually a cake.  I would kill for the Louis luggage piece sitting under it! Not sure where I got the photo, it's been on my computer waiting for the right moment, which I think now is the perfect time.  Ciao for now, I'll be back soon!~xo

Springing Forward...

     Love that it will be lighter later, don't you?!  Just to think that Spring is around the corner and soon it will be warm and sunny again and we can say goodbye to these long cold gray days.

     Exciting news...my friend is having a Rachael Ray production crew come to her home today!  The segment is about her "mommy tricks"  She has lots of them, including my favorite, setting all the clocks ahead in the house (not just at daylight savings time) so the kids go to bed earlier!  She has twins who keep her very busy.  I'll let you know when the segment will air on T.V.  The only "trick" I could come up with on the spot when she called me in a panic was that we tell the kids it won't be sunny the next day if they don't eat their vegetables at dinner.  Lame, I know...but it's the only one I could remember.  Now that the kids are getting older, we can't use those old tricks anymore, they are on to us !

     Enjoy the extra daylight time!  I'll be taking some time off for vacation and to catch up on some projects.  ~xo

i Heart You...

     Happy Valentine's Day! Just a quick *pop* post to say I hope you have a wonderful day and possibly receive something from your secret admirer?  This time last year, we went to this ultra fabulous Valentine party, I posted about it here  I wish I could get the pictures to enlarge on the original post, (back then I wasn't sure how to size them!)  The photos above were taken there, such an elegant and fun Valentine themed party!

     It's soooo cold here!  There was an ice storm that roared through here the past few days.. felt like pellets hitting me when I was walking to the mailbox.  Large ice balls falling from the sky.  Speaking of ice...we are going ice skating this weekend!  Little man wants to video tape it...perhaps a good shot of Mom falling on her butt?  We'll see and hopefully you all can see too!  Oh! thank you so much for your sweet wishes and great advice on the back issue.  It's really appreciated, not sure what I'll be doing, but I'll keep you posted.  Have any of you heard of Cabi parties?  It's sort of a demonstration... but with clothes! My friend is hosting one and she asked me to help model, hopefully I won't trip...I'm not used to walking in heels! I went to one last year and it was really fun and the clothes are super cute!

     Have a wonderful day! ~ xo

Sit, Relax..Let's Catch up...

   

    So many things, so little time.  Have a seat, let's play catch up around here... . my back has been acting up, had an epidural shot last week- WHOA...don't think I will ever do that again.  I know I gave birth, twice in fact, but geez Louise, that sucker hurt...and I think it has now irritated the monster that has been living in my back even more.  I'm going to leave the restless beast alone for a while.  My doctor says the disc is so bad that I need surgery, and wants to insert 3 titanium screws, but I think I will get a 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinion!

     Wriskey™ Business is *cRaZy* and I want to thank all of you for being such great supporters!  We started a Wriskey Girl photo pool on flickr.  We thought it would be cool to see creative shots of you creative people using your Wriskey or wearing your tee's, just upload them here and they will appear on the front page of my blog, at random and everytime the page is re-freshed.  Pretty cool!  We plan to have contests/prizes (we love prizes don't we!?) for the most creative shots.  If you don't like having your photo taken, then maybe snap a shot of your baby chewing on your Wriskey, etc...(or something like that, my brain is fried right now, so I am not being too creative!).  Sweet Gail sent us a shot of her reminding hubby that Valentine's Day is soon approaching, take a peek .  Too cute!  Can't wait to see all of you Wriskey Girls!

     I know everyone LOVES giveaways, so make sure you stop by my friends blogs who are having super fabulous ones, Chris at Tutti Chic's Blog and Janet over at Shabby FuFu  Great ladies giving away great stuff!

     I know I am forgetting a half a million other things I wanted to tell you all, but there is always another day and another post.  I think it's time too for another Tara TV post?  My son wants to try something different this time, I might let him run with it, we'll see, stay tuned! I'm off to browse your blogs and see what you have been up to~xo

Smell Good Books...

   Don't you love the smell of a new book?  I can't get enough of it.  I think it ranks up there with a new car smell and a newborn baby's head.  A recent trip to our local small bookshop uncovered some great finds.  Yes, Amazon is easy... Barnes & Noble has everything under the sun (and a coffee lounge to boot), but there's something so lovely about a little corner bookstore.  Remember the enchanted one in the movie with Meg Ryan, You've Got Mail?  called "The Shop Around The Corner", a book lovers dream.  Anyway, let me share with you some good 'smellin' books from our little shop around the corner! *Warning...lots of pictures ahead!*

     On Alicia's blog, she has written about these yummy cookbooks and I happen to pass by them on my way to the Home Decor section.  These are not your ordinary cookbooks, each page has beautiful photos, incredible family stories and delicious recipes.  I couldn't put them down.  When I paged through each book, I felt like I was transported to another time and place. It reads more like a story than a cookbook.  Aren't the titles dreamy?  Apples For Jam: A Coloful Cookbook and  Falling Clouberries: A World of Family Recipes by Tessa Kiros. I'm anxious to try some of these recipes, they make me want to cook something...anything.  Even if you don't cook, they are lovely to have sitting in your kitchen (just for the cover artwork alone!)

     Coming up with a unique hostess gift (or any gift) sometimes can be so hard.  The Art of Giving takes the guesswork out and is filled with the most creative (and easy) gift giving ideas I've ever seen. There are pages in the back for color copying and making your own labels & tags, etc. Take a look:

    My daughter came home from school last week with a library book that was all tattered, torn, taped (the 3 T's) this book had received it's fair share of use.  After we read the book, it became obvious why it was so over-used....it is probably the cutest darn book (and perfect for a 6 year old who is asking for a new doggie).  She read that book at least 10 times a day, every word, over and over.  Carried it wherever she went (Hey...it even comes with a leash strap!) and was so sad when she had to return it on it's due date.  This book is the next best thing to a dog, and after you read it, you'll know why. (I won't spoil the ending for you.)  So when we passed a new crisp copy in the children's section, she squealed like a monkey, jumping up and down.  I highly suggest Open Me...I'm A Dog to anyone with children (or not) and whether you have a doggie (or not!)~xo

Who Knew?...

     WHOA!  We are still dizzy, excited and exhausted from the overwhelming response to the Wriskey™ launch!  I called in the troops (thanks Mom) to help out.  She was on the assembly line for a week straight! (ps Mom, you're not done yet, still lots more work to do, coffee's on!)  Thank you all for your warm wishes and support.  Hope to report some exciting news about our little Wriskey™ biz soon. 

     So apparently I've been living under a rock and this weekend is Superbowl Sunday?  No clue.  I found out when I excitedly told my husband that I'm taking our daughter to see this on Sunday and I proceeded to go on and on about how I couldn't believe I was able to get tickets for the time I wanted, it was meant to be and blah blah .  He just let me go on...then when I finally took a breath, he calmly said "hon...it's Superbowl Sunday"  *burst*  (that's my bubble bursting over the illusion that I was able to get the tickets due to some karma cosmic luckiness)  Anyway I apparently didn't know a lot of things, like who was even playing in the bowl.  Now I know NY and Patriots.  So I say to hubby "I guess we root for NY since they are a state next to us?"  I was then lectured on how NO person in their right mind Philadelphia fan EVER roots for ANY New York team.... huh?  I didn't know this was in the Pennsylvania state handbook, but according to my husband, it is.  So sorry New York fans, I guess Casa Bella is rooting for the Patriots, I still don't get it.  Actually I don't care either way (sorry Tutti Chic! ), what I'm really rooting for is that we get good seats while watching Miss Hannah (sporting our 3D glasses and a big tub of popcorn) but I'm sure we will have no problem, since everyone else on the planet will be home watching the Superbowl?  Have a fabulous SUPER weekend!~xo

Paper Cuts...

Country Homes 

   Paper, scissors, tape...GO!  I'm a wrapping fool.  Along with that comes those nasty paper cuts.  My fingers are already covered in band aids, the only ones in the house are these .  At least my fingers are colorful (and glow in the dark).  I feel overwhelmed as most of you probably do.  This weekend will be devoted to the chore of wrapping.  Although it's a labor of love, I hope things go smoother than last year when during my wrapping fest, my back went out and I ended up in the ER.  Did I mention I have a really bad back?  REALLY bad....it's definitely on a naughty list somewhere.  I plan to be more careful this year!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend, (with no back pain and paper cut free ! ) ~xo

So Thankful...

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday!~ xo

   

Hannah meets a bank robber...

     Interesting title?  The picture above has nothing to do with it, but the kids have officially picked their Halloween costumes yesterday...our girl will be Hannah Montana (along with half the girls in her class!) and little man picked out a creepy mask that makes him look like a bank robber, so that is the title he gave his costume.  His mask has an eyeball poking out, and he came up with a story on the ride home that the security guard at the bank he was robbing poked out his eye while he was running out with the cash.  What can I say?  He's 10.  He has a wild imagination, no football player get up or an ordinary bum costume will do for him.  At Halloween, for him, it's all about gore, gruesome, scary, but most of all *fun*.

     Busy weekend, so first up...thank you to Dawn at The Feathered Nest for giving a sneak peek on her blog of Romantic Homes December issue and my Holiday Blogging column!  Looks like it's a really pretty issue.  Some of our blogger friends have exciting news to report (I can't reveal, but hopefuly they will on their own blogs soon!)  Ms. Babette ( aka Barbara Jacksier) is in California working on her mystery project (better known as the TMP).  Ladies... this is an exciting project and you will LOVE IT!  She has her new laptop with her and able to blog "live from the scene" 

    Exciting things happening around here too at Casa Bella..but can't share just yet...I hate teasers, but please bare with me...let's just say I am humbled and honored and you will soon know why! I took a break from work and we managed to squeeze in TWO trips to the flea market this weekend. YAY!  Lots of new goodies will be posted in the boutique this week, probably on Tuesday.  Love the thrill of finding a great vintage piece and knowing it will go to a good home, my customers are the best and we found a lot of beauties this weekend.

    Also helped my Mom pack for her early morning flight for a golf tournament that she is playing in (Mom is an avid golfer and once played with Michael Douglas!- great story for another post).  She will be gone an entire week with her friends in Myrtle Beach.  Did I mention that my Dad had a full knee replacement 3 weeks ago?  He has lost almost 30 pounds!  Good grief! My sister and I are in charge of his 'care' while Mom is away...first order of business is fattening him up.  He has made tremendous progress with his recovery and is now walking with a cane, so Mom doesn't feel too guilty leaving him for a week (Although, I think she considers this more of a vacation from being his nurse!)  Poor Dad, he is having cravings like a pregnant woman...all he wants is chocolate raisins and sherbet.  He's completely lost his appetite, so it will take us a while to get that weight back on.  Any suggestions are appreciated...I'm thinking milkshakes and McDonalds?, but I know that is NOT healthy! lol...Mom wanted me to say a big "HELLO" to the bloggers in South Carolina, she is coming to town with her golf mafia!

Lights, Camera...Party!

    We attended a surprise birthday party last night for my best friend's Dad.  I thought I would share with you if you are looking for party ideas!  This was an over the top, go all out type of party.   Around 100 people with the best caterer in town, DJ & dancing, she even had a famous local ice cream store come to the party and serve the guest of honor's favorite ice cream! (the owner of the store is a published childrens author:  The Zebra Striped Whale With The Polka Dot Tail ) All the parties that my best friend hosts must have a "theme"...this event was tagged "Movies", in honor of her Dad who is a movie buff.   She had a red carpet entrance, all the table centerpieces had different movie themes, and right down to the cake as seen below.  They had a video company come and show a beautiful photo montage of his life put to music.  Lots of tears and laughs during the production! (there was one picture of him, me and my 3 best friends before we left the house for our first prom in 1986, OMG...can you say big hair and ugly shiny dresses? Of course the birthday boy looked adorable!)   It was a lovely evening and my feet hurt from dancing all night!

Fabulous food!

The movie cake:

The patio converted into a dance floor after dinner:

One of the different movie themed centerpieces, not sure if you can see it but there is an electrical outlet in this centerpiece because he owns an electrical company!

Mailbox Spoiling...

      

     I am spoiled, there I said it!  So many goodies have been arriving, I can barely keep up.  First up, proof that comments are read on blogs...Francie from The Scented Cottage sent me a sweet smelling sache for leaving a comment on her bloggy.  I could smell it before I even put the key in the PO Box.   It was as if fresh flowers were in there!  Speaking of fresh flowers, look at those beautiful roses from my dear friend Chris of Tutti Chic a beautiful surprise and the brightest spot in my day/week!  I spoiled myself and got my Laundry Room sign from Ms. Sara over at Sadie Olive  She is a doll and her store and blog are divine, go have a look.    Finally, Kim at Daisy Cottage sent me the most beautiful note and rosey paperweight, I will cherish forever.  So many other little cards and notes from fellow bloggers, like twinkles of light in every direction.  My heart is melted over with blog love and I thank you so much for taking the time to write , send a wish or invite me to read your blog! Merci! 

     Another bright spot...I got word that I received a  new juicy writing assignment   for one of my favorite magazines! I think you will all enjoy it and I hope to share with you soon. Stay tuned! ~ xo

The Hospital Saga...

     I'm used to going to the hospital on happy notes, either having babies or visiting friends who just had a baby.  Not this time though, I was sicker than I had ever been and refused to admit it, until my dear Mom showed up at my house and said "we're going to the hospital"  I thought I could fight her off and talk her out of it, until I saw my Dad right behind her, then I knew I was in for it.  There's no messing around with Daddy pops.   So...just as I was dressed, in beat up old sweatpants, ripped t-shirt and giant knots in my hair, in my slippers, they escorted me to their car and off I went (also with a trash bag, just in case)  Hours into the ER, tubes down my throat to see if I was bleeding internally, blood work, cat scans, etc...I heard the dreaded words from the Dr. "you're not going home today and we're going to have to admit you"  UGH!  It felt like an out of body experience.  I finally got a room around 11pm...my roommate?  An elderly woman who kept me up all night long.  I have a new respect for Nurses....  they are angels really.  I'm home now, still in bed but feeling MUCH better, with my favorite things...magazines, books, my laptop, my favorite blanket we call the "woobie" curled up with my girl watching her favorite show, the Suite Life of Zack and Cody on Disney, fresh air blowing in the windows from the beautiful breeze outside..  Thankful to be home with my family and thankful to the nurses who took good care of me to get me home quickly.  Aren't my roses pretty?  Superman always knows how to cheer a girl up! ~ xo

Come Window Shop With Me...

    Today my sister and I took our daughters shopping in her lovely little town, filled with so many unique shops at every turn in old historic buildings.  .  Little nooks and crannies, coffee shops, vintage wares, cottage shops.  Of course my niece just wanted to hit the clothing boutiques.  I had an interesting conversation with a fabric store owner, tons of beautiful fabrics, she was showing me around the store...we came across some of the cool fabrics of the fabulous designers I was lucky enough to work with on some upcoming projects. (soon to be posted!) They had a "no photo policy" and I didn't want to be a "bad Tara" ( like my friend Fifi at a shop in CA ), so I behaved and bit my tongue!  Anyway, come window shop with us if you weren't able to get out today!

Trying on some cool jeans:

My niece didn't have to twist our arm to enter this clothing boutique.  So chic!  Chandeliers everwhere!

Our turn for the cottage shops ...

Look what's playing in the old time movie theater... Casablanca!

For you Babette! 

and for you too Fifi ...

and for my paper friends, check out this cool shop's storefront!

is it really that time soon?

Ending with lunch at a cute cafe:

and some water ice to finish it off!  Hope you had fun shopping with us! ~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!

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

   

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

     This afternoon was the first start of our "girls" weekend (just me and my little girl)  Since the boys are away, the girls will play!  We stopped at the pool at our country club for a dip, then off to shop for some beach wear for our upcoming vacation.  Had to get this hat for the beach, the GAP is a sure thing for some great sales!  Little girl got herself a pair of funky glasses and a Vera Bradley case for them.  She was wearing the glasses while we were out tonight in the dark.  I think she may sleep in them!  Can you believe my little rock star took the pictures of me with my new beach hat below?  I think we may have a photographer in training here!

Boys will be Boys

     This weekend our boys (hubby and son) leave for their annual camping trip in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  They meet up with my husband 's cousin (and business partner) he has 3 boys himself and they  pitch tents and set up camp with some other friends and their sons and ride their quads and fish on 750 acres (yes- 750!)  A friend of ours own's the property and he meets them with his boys....do you get the picture - BOYS ONLY?  Not that I would go, I couldn't rough it in a tent...I like my down comforter and fluffy pillows!  This is their 4th annual trip, lots of excitement in the air...packing, bags everywhere and questions from hubby like "do you know wear my riding pants and gloves are?"  How the heck would I know that!?  Here are some shots from last year and yes they wear all the safety gear, helmets (shout out to uswood1 in NY- I see you!) chest protectors, etc...they are all experienced riders.

Group shots on the "rides"  See the little hunk in the front with no shirt on? 

Hubby is 3rd from the left in this picture (or the only one with hair!)- My washer was clogged for days after this trip!

At least here in this picture I know they remembered to feed the kids!  Pic on the right is of their camp site

     My daughter and I have a fun weekend planned with lots of girly things!  Pedicures, shopping for her shoes and a headpiece for the big wedding.  I'll be able to catch up with some old friends, one who we call the Dunkin Donuts heiress!  Her and her husband own a chain of 10 Dunkin Donuts stores....we laugh because you think she would be as big as a house from eating free donuts, but she is thin and beautiful and says that the only free donuts she gets are ones that had a donut "malfunction" that nobody would eat! 

     Oh and I also plan on listing some great flea market finds that I never got around to and also those beautiful Spindles handpainted by our lovely guest artist Claudia.  I also will get the chance to get caught up a million things this weekend with the house quiet, like shipping out orders, and concentrate on some new projects.  Planning our vacation to the beach and packing (I'll post more on that later)  It's no where tropical, just a week to the beach.  The tropical trip is planned for this Winter. 

Small Things to Brighten A Day

    

     Small things can bring a smile.  I woke up and found that hubby cut a peony from our garden and laid it on my laptop before he left for work...(He sure knows the first place I go in the morning)  It smells so good...I grabbed a little Limoges teacup in one of the cabinets in the studio , slightly imperfect with a chip in it...but completely perfect now... sitting next to my laptop and making me smile. 

     Wishing you a day full of smiles and a wonderful weekend!

Happy Memorial Day!

     Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday, whether barbecuing with family and friends or just relaxing and enjoying your day off, I wish you a day of peace and happiness.

     On Sunday, we attended a grand party at our friends house who I have officially crowned the "queen diva of entertaining".  I wrote about her over the top Valentine's Day Party before.  Her Memorial Day party was so much fun, great food, good friends, a lot of laughs...and the kids got to test out her beautiful new pool.  Enjoy your holiday..I know we all will be thinking about our service men and women and their families.  xo

A Day For Mom's

    Isn't this photo album cute?  I filled the inside with pictures for my Mom.  We go to brunch every Mother's Day, just my Mom, my sister and my sis-in law, we leave the little ones home for a bit, grown-ups only!  Always have a lot of laughs and I look forward to it every year.  Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Mother's Day, enjoying what you love most!

Spring Fever

Spring FEVER- Literally...what a week!  I came down with the flu last Tuesday, high fever, aches, violent vomiting and all the bad stuff the goes along with it!  Thought it was pneumonia.  I spent most of our spring break on the bathroom floor, my kids were troopers, (hubby too) , they took good care of me . Hope you all had a lovely Easter :) So much catching up to do.  I'm happy to be out of bed and wearily tapping on my keyboard, I will not miss this view from my pillow!   

Pink & Chocolate All Over

It was such a beautiful warm day, my daughter and I made chocolate covered strawberries.  Her favorite part was melting the chocolate and licking the spoon..they turned out pretty darn good! 

Trying to catch up shipping items from the boutique, I've been so busy and they seem to be piling up.  I plan to spend the day in bubble wrap! (eating chocolate covered strawberries too!)

What a face!

Isn't she adorable?  That's our niece, Faith.  We framed it out of old salvaged shutters and will give it to her Daddy to hang up in his rustic, saloon style bar he is building in his home.  My hubby came home today after seeing it and said he has great pictures of his 3 boys hanging up (doing "cowboy" stuff like riding motorbikes, fishing, etc..) but no pictures of his baby girl yet!  So we made the rustic frame to go with the "saloon" !

Other news, we have finally added our beautiful Pillows and Slipcovers  in the boutique!  It took me all weekend, but I have them almost 100% ready to go.  Diane, our textile artist, did a fabulous job. Stop by when you get a chance to see her handy work!  I named all the pillows after family members and some of my favorite names, it was a lot of fun, I felt like I was getting to name a dozen "babies"!

We said goodbye to my parents who left for Key West for the month.  Here is their adorable two story cottage right in the heart of Old Towne Key West, so secluded and private with lush gardens... couldn't you just picture yourself sitting there by the pool drinking a margarita?  I hope to be blogging from there soon, giving you complete details, of course!

A Nice Surprise

I had a wonderful surprise in the mail the other day!  It was a beautiful charm necklace from Kim at Rose Blossom Cottage   She makes the most beautiful jewelry from vintage plates, etc..take a minute to check our her pretty boutique.   Here's the story behind  the surprise; Kim bought some salvage chic from me and I sent her a pretty Limoges plate that was broken in bits and pieces and I didn't have the heart to throw away.  She surprised me with this beautiful charm made from the broken plate!  Isn't it pretty?  I will cherish it forever, thank you for brightening my day Kim!

Fridge Chaos

Why does the outside of my fridge look like this? I keep my house clean and tidy, pet peeve is dishes in the sink..so you will never see a dish or glass in my sink for longer that 2 minutes. YET my fridge is in complete chaos, filled with clutter, pictures, magnets, calendars, doctors appointments- I FOUND ONE FROM A YEAR AGO! That is bad. Ok, so I will add to my list of things to do: Clean Up The Fridge Clutter!

Office Greeting

On the 2nd floor of the carriage house on our property is my home office, I thought I would share what greets me each morning. It's a rather large handpainted window pane that we built it right into the framing during construction, isn't it cute? It says "Rosie On Inn"