The Daily Bee

Kitchen Love

2012-01-20T12:14:00.003-08:00

Like everyone else out there, I think Pinterest is the best thing since.... Facebook. Of course when I first joined, no one was on there! It was so new and fresh, now everyone and their Grandma has one. (on a sidenote, does anyone else find it strange when you see a man follow you or pinning? I do.)
My love for home decor has gone to the dark side. Dream, dream, dream and dream some more of brass hoods, headboards, black moldings, high back chairs, white cupboards, turquoise cupboards, beautiful lamps and so much more.

My "Home Sweet Home" section is busting at the seams. Here are a few of my favorite Kitchen Spaces. Be sure and read the small print.

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for lighting the fire under any of you or helping you get or futher your addiction.

Source: bhg.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: theproperstranger.tumblr.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Deb on Pinterest

My favorite. This is what I would dream of, dream of dreaming of. I love it all. Every last corner and crevice of this beautiful kitchen. The only danger would be, I'd be so paranoid about messing it up, there'd be no cooking going in it. Just a prized room to look at. Like a beautiful painting. sigh.

Source: cococozy.com via Deb on Pinterest

(same kitchen, other view)

Source: cococozy.com via Deb on Pinterest

Did you get all warm and fuzzy? Because I did. Excuse me while I go pin.

Golden Globes 2012 : FASHION

2012-01-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't paid too much attention to the movies, award winning shows and up and coming actors lately. My sister and I used to do a little bet, we'd pick our winners, even though we didn't know who half the people were or what the movies were about. I would try to win the bet by researching the plots, see who was a favorite and then cast my vote. On the line was dinner out, then the loser would pay for dessert. I bought a lot a dessert over the years. I think still owe.

This year, the morning of the Golden Globes 2012, I decided to record the red carpet. I figured I'd see what all the ladies were going to wear. I'm glad I did. There were beautiful dresses and some major fails. Here are my picks, top to bottom - top being the least offensive/favorite. We'll start with the fails first and leave you on a positive note.

Madonna in Reem Acra. I'm not a Madonna fan. Yes, I'm an 80's baby. But I've never liked her music or her style. So I wasn't surprised to find her on my "bottom" list. This dress is too tight/small on top, strange on the bottom. I also think it just doesn't match who she is...

Angelina Jolie in Oscar De La Renta. This was voted as the Best Dressed here. Why oh why? The minute I saw her, I couldn't help but ask "Why?!". I don't like anything about this gown. MAYBE if the red flap was in the same color as the dress? And a different colored clutch? Maybe. Tina Fey said it well - “She looked like a Space Waitress". Ouch.

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci. I love Gucci. I dislike the dress. Plunging neckline, shear on top with sequins and covered in a green bird farm on the bottom. Oh no. Oh no...

Sarah Michelle Geller in Monique Lhuillier. In an interview, she said that she laid out a selection of dress and accessories and her two-year-old daughter picked out everything! Sweet, yes. But not when millions are looking and pictures are being taken and plastered on all the magazines and website (and blogs). I like her, but the dress was a bad, bad choice. Also makes me wonder why Monique Lhuillier would have this in her collection... hmm.

Lea Michele in Marchesa. I'm at a complete lost. I'm not sure why a sweet girl, normally in beautiful soft gowns, would wear this. She looks lost in it. Like she's trying too hard to be sexy. Didn't work for her. Not.at.all. That is why, I see her has my least favorite of the night.

Now onto my favorites...

Nicole Kidman in Versace. I think she is beautiful. Gold-studded, pale beige dress with her strawberry blond hair. I think she always looks amazing. This was no exception.

Salma Hayek in Gucci. There were a few things out there about this dress, not good things. But I can't help but like it. It reminds me a little bit of Cleopatra but Cleopatra 2012. Love the gold and black. I think she looks gorgeous.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. I don't know who she is, never watched her show, after seeing her I think she is very, very loud - it irritated me a bit. I thought her dress was gorgeous. Loved the deep navy and the textures. Looked like waves coming down, just beautiful!

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. Plus-sized, beautiful actress. I loved that she picked lavender, her ebony skin and this lavender dress were made for each other! Just beautiful. Perfect choice for her body shape.

Jessica Alba in Gucci. I was shocked to hear that some people, fashion police, didn't like this dress. It was almost my top. I thought she looked beautiful in it. Anyone could have worn this and looked gorgeous. The color, the glitz. Perfect.

Viola Davis in Raoul. MY FAVORITE. Why you ask? I'm aware there's no glitz, no ruffles or sashes. But the color, the fit, the SHOES. I think that's what sold me. When I saw her walk across the screen, the bronze shoe came out and it was like the icing on the cake. Loved everything about her outfit. Loved it all.

On a side note, Elle Macpherson didn't make it in either category for me. But did you know that she is 49 years old? There must be some mistake. I've never seen a 49-year-old look this good. She looks younger than me! Well, almost. You go...girl.

Until the Oscars...

Two-Thousand and Eleven

2011-12-31T14:30:00.000-08:00

(via The Decorated Cookie)

It's after 2:00PM. December 31st, 2011. The last day of the year.

I always have mixed feelings about the last day of any year. Sometimes I'm glad to be done with the year I just went through. Sometimes I'm sad that time is going by so fast. It can be depressing.

This year is a little of both. Mixed feelings.

I'm looking forward to the year Two-Thousand and Twelve. If I could list all the amazing things that are going to happen, I would. But I'll be sure and post them when they do. This is no wishful thinking. Just a fact. And I'm so excited!

I say goodbye to Two-Thousand and Eleven, you were'nt bad to me. You weren't the best. But I am sad to see you go.

Until tomorrow... when we say hello to a New Year.

Embracing the good and the bad

2010-12-30T22:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while... so here it goes. It's fitting, that I post one last blog before we close out the year 2010.
This past year has had it's up and downs... I've noticed that the older I get the tougher things seem to be... Living in the bubble of none/few responsibilities and issues in life and the world is gone.

This may sound funny, but turning twenty-seven was tough for me. I have no idea why, but for some reason it was the turning point and I was hit with the reality that time is going by. Fast. And I have no control over it. This particular birthday was not that much of a celebration.

Dark days covered the year 2010, but I am happy to say, I believe those days are coming to an end and a new chapter is opening up. :) One thing I've learned, God IS faithful. He is. He is everything I thought He was and He will continue to BE everything. What an assurance.

The one thing, besides God, that got me through a tough year... my amazing family. I love them so much. How lucky am I to have such amazing parents and siblings? When you need someone to lean on, there are plenty to call on. When one ignores your call (Peter) you can just go to the next and find one that has the time to listen... yes they're great. ;) They are the most important people in my life. My best friends. If only everyone had such amazing people to love and love them back.

The brightest spot of my year was on July 30th at 10:22AM - Rylie Drew entered into the world and made me smile... every day. She is beautiful and bright and I see her fulfilling every dream that her family, especially her mommy and daddy, have for her. She is and will be amazing.

I wish everyone in the entire world a year full of overflowing blessings and World Peace... that last one was for my Dad. hehhh hehhh.

God Bless one and all...

Hugs,

Santa Baby

2010-12-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Santa got a visit from the sweetest three munchkins this past weekend. Of course, he asked what they wanted for Christmas and here is what they said... with a little help from me. ;)

Rylie (now 4 1/2 months) and Sofia (10 months) visited Santa for the first time. You can see that it was a normal visit.

C'mon Already...

2010-11-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

This needs to happen soon...

Or this...

With one of these (non-alcho of course, because don't drink)

Or else I'm going to look like this... any day now.

Until then, trying to keep my sanity and just deal with it.

Six Years...

2010-11-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

Six long years.

Today marks the anniversary of when I started at the company I'm at. I've managed to move up to the highest position, right under the boss. Manage the office and supervise the employees.

I should be thrilled. Six years is a big achievement in this non-committal world we live in. Jobs, marriage, children, church - these things seemed to be put on the back burner.

But, this is how I'm feeling right now.

If you're looking for a good post, don't read any further. It goes downhill from here.

Cry is what I'd rather do. I am overworked and underpaid. That is a no brainer. I sit at a desk 40 hours a week and my creative mind is about to go nuts.

About 4 years ago, I was ready to make a change. I prayed about it and felt the "go ahead". But, fear got ahold of me and I decided to just hang on for a little while longer... six years later I regret not trusting my decision and God's "ok".

So, now I'm waiting on God again, to help me make a big decision. A big scary one.

This is not a great post but I needed to vent.

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone

2010-11-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone?
I was just too lazy to write two post, so I meshed both in one.

Let's talk about the Milestone first.

As of November 8th, I have been blogging for four-long-years. It seems so much longer, but that's it. Four years. I've pretty much lost all blog readers, I'm sure, but I've kept on because I like to look back and see what I've been up to, how I've matured, what I dealt with on that same day and who was important to me at that time.

Happy Birthday, Daily Bee.

Now onto the second topic - Christmas Gifts.

I've already purchased my first gift, for my nephew Cristian. I've been scouring stuff for everyone else, but I just keep coming up with stuff for Rylie Drew. Poor spoiled child.

Here is what I've listed so far and plan on purchasing for her...

Rylie is 3 1/2 months old and she has more toys than I'm sure a normal 3 1/2 months old has. She is one smart kid and already obsessed with her toys. She loves music, movies and loves to watch cartoons on her Daddy's iPhone. She has little stuffed friends that have been named and she talks to them all.day.long. So, this little gadget is one thing that I will be getting for her.

Handmade dolls on Etsy

Sources: Left / Right

Handmade Tuxedo Dress (love)

Sources: Left / Right

Vintage Owls and Shabby Chic Pillow Covers

Sources: Left / Right

The last wasn't meant for Rylie, obviously. I can use my blog as a hint source too... so hint hint. ;)

Pain, Pain go away...

2010-11-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but pain has become my new "friend". Or enemy.

I've dealt with sciatica, lower back pain, and neck pain for years due to my job. I sit 99% of the day and it takes a toll on me. It got to the point where I needed to treat it and went to the doctors and was told to start Physical Therapy.

One week later, I got hit by a car. Girl tried to cut me off and pass the bus and slammed into me instead. Car was fine, I was shookened up because this was my first car accident with me driving. I felt fine, just nervous and went home.

That night I was in so much pain, felt like someone had beaten me with a cement block.

I went to the doctors to be evaluated and was told to do some exercises and just go to Physical therapy.

I did just that, for three (long) weeks and cried, for three (long) weeks.

Finally, after it was done and the physical therapist said that I need more treatment so go back to my doctor, my doctor sent me to a pain and wellness center.

I thought, more money, more pain medications, more missing work... oy.

I had my first visit there today and let me tell you, I am one happy girl.

First off, my docs office in Newport is swanky. But this office, was swankier. Seriously know how to do it, by the ocean, sea breeze. Nice. I felt like I under dressed, needed some heels and a cocktail dress. lol

I expected them to hurt me, push and probe and I was wrong. I got a massage. A massage... won-der-ful. I haven't felt this good in weeks and weeks.

This is going to do the trick... I know it and I can't wait to get off the loopy meds and be myself again... no more tear fest and irritable Deb. I'm sure the whole household will breathe a sigh of relief when it's done. I know I will.

Looking forward and ready to say "ta ta" to pain.

Props Props Props

2010-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've been very focused on my Photography for the past few weeks. Huge blessing rolling in and I'm am booked for November. Booked booked booked. And it feel so good I could just jump up and down... but I'd probably hurt myself and my pain management doc would probably shoot me. So I'll just smile, really big.

I purchased the below props today on Etsy and I absolutely adore them.

This little guy is going to help me when I have kids in the session... so cute and it's a bee! Love it.

An Affair with Turquoise

2010-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've developed a HUGE love for Turquoise and anything in the turquoise family.

I found a blog. The perfect blog for me. All about decorating in turquoise.

Appropriately named - House of Turquoise

I finally.finally.finally bit the bullet and have 85% of my own personal space done. It has turned out beautifully and I still need to get pictures up, but I don't want to share until it's complete. Here were some of my inspirations...

My favorite. I.Love.It.

(All photos from House of Turquoise)

I've been MIA, but that's part of it. So all that hard work will soon be on here... a week... or two.

Fingers crossed.

Bath Time

2010-10-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Rylie Drew loves her bath time. This last bath I grabbed my camera and captured her sweet face for the blog world to see.

Bit the Bullet!

2010-09-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm flaky. I'm indecisive. Yes, I know.

I bought a dresser and it didn't work out. It was so low and come to find out, it was a child's dresser. Not happy about that.

I've had my eye on this beautiful glossy white Ikea dresser for a couple of months. After all my attempts at finding the right dresser to paint, I bought this.

It's big, tall, glossy and so many drawers. Perfect for me.

I also had my eye on this modernish bookcase. Same line at Ikea.

As I was walking out of the the store, I stopped by the "as is" section and lo and behold, the hard to find bookcase was sitting there, perfect condition and already built! For $50 less than the boxed one. I snatched it up!

The next purchase is a custom bulletin board. It is a vintage frame patined turquoise with a beautiful retro, vintage fabric. I won't show you the fabric just yet, but I picked it up and am shipping it to the store owner today. Below is my color inspiration.

I can't wait to reveal the whole thing... I'll love it and I'm sure you'll think it's fab too.

This and That

2010-09-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

My brain is a little fried lately. Too much happening in my part of the world.

I've focused on so many things that I haven't had time for Deb things.

The Deb things consist of re-vamping my room! It is so needed and I've been so busy lately that it keeps getting put off. So starting tonight, I will be sanding and cleaning my new dresser. I'm hoping to start painting on Saturday. Yah! Finally.

I'm looking for pieces to add to the decor and here are a couple of things that I've found and hope to buy... eclectic but I like the mix.

All the above are from Etsy. You know my love for Etsy.

I made another purchase recently, not for home decor or supplies but for the pup. Have to keep her pretty and safe. I went to PetsMart and the collars were outrages in price. They were nothing to look at and hard to open and close. So many things wrong.

So, I went to my trusty Etsy and purchased this for my little rebel.

Perfect find for a good price.

The Dresser

2010-09-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

I mentioned here that I found a dresser, even posted a picture. Well, that wasn't meant to be. That dresser was $200.00. And I still had to buy the paint and materials in order to make it what I wanted it to be.

So I bypassed it and continued looking.

Good thing because THIS beauty became available through a friend of the family... for $60.00. I almost said, uh no way. It's got orange flowers for goodness sake. But I saw my vision of a beautiful dresser through all the icky parts. (excuse the picture... it's not in my possession yet.)

This is what the beauty will look like in the next week or two... I'm leaning towards the gray...

Color Coded Monday: Pink Mohawk

2010-09-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

My pup Piper was turned into a rock star over the weekend... had her Mohawk died pink.

Everyone's a sucker for a sweet dog right? So I thought She'd make the perfect "color" on this Monday.

Happy 6 Weeks Old, Rylicious

2010-09-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

She's taken over my phone, clogging it with cute button noses and little popbellies.

Her perfect ten toes and finger sucking.

She is my niece. We like to watch movies together, she mostly sleeps on my chest through them.

She likes it when I sing or pray while holding her.

She entices me to buy her clothes because she knows I can't say "no".

Here are some phone pictures of Rylie Drew

She is 6 weeks old today and growing way too fast.

Probably at 8lbs (or more) now and a little rolly polly.

She's been smiling since she was born. Unusual apparently. According to the "mommy newsletter" that my sis gets, she is supposed to start smiling at 6 weeks... today. But Rylie is one up on them there doctors and specialist.

She loves it when I kiss her feet and squirms around because it's ticklish.

She is my heart and I could not love her more.

I'd rather be with you Rylie, than anyone else.

A Hope Undaunted

2010-09-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

To all my fellow Christian Fiction fans... this is a must read.

So gooooooooooooood!!!!!!!!!! (With 10 exclamations as only Julie would do) ;)

www.julielessman.com

Go out and buy it!

Fried Green Tomatoes

2010-09-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not only talking about these scrumptious things...

More specifically this thing...

These girls...
"A Heart can be broken, but it will keep beating just the same."

This story...

"It's alright honey, let her go, let her go. You know, Miss Ruth was a lady. And a lady knows when to leave."

This place...

"Secrets in the sauce."

Have you seen it? If you have, I'm sure you had the itch to go out, buy some rundown building and start making pies and frying up green tomatoes. I did. I still think about it.

One day, all in a dream, I want to have a little cafe with home food like: Apple Pie, berry pie, chicken fried steak and gravy, bread puddings, and homemade ice creams...

Only a dream. So, I'll just go watch this movie again and be inspired.

Wishful thinking... or my Inspiration?

2010-09-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Clean lines, elegant, industrial, white walls, colorful accents... Pure beauty.

Photo Courtesy of: Censational Girl (blog)

My Seven Day Nutshell

2010-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

My Last 7 days in a nutshell:

Tuesday: Sick as sick as could be with a kidney infection

Wednesday: Me + my bed with lots of water

Thursday: worked most of the day but in major pain

Friday: Went to the doctors for the second time that week and was given painkillers and told it was Sciatica and the kidney infection. Need an ultrasound

Friday Afternoon: Got a call an hour after ultrasound. Found a mass on my kidney. "WHAT"

Friday evening: Tears. prayer. scared family. prayer.

Saturday morning: Fowl CT Scan drink. CT Scan. Waiting. Shopping. Waiting.

Saturday Night: Email from Doctor. Mass wasn't there. Must have been a tech mistake....

Sunday morning: Woke up with a smile on my face. God worked a miracle!

Sunday Afternoon: Church. Thanked God big time.

Sunday evening: Dinner with my family

Monday: Work (after missing 4 days) oh joy.

Monday afternoon: Car accident. Not too bad. Not my fault.

Monday night: Pain. more pain and pain.

Tuesday morning: Whiplash and painkiller. Loopy Me.

Happy Week All. :)

Color Coded Monday: Dresser HELP

2010-08-30T15:14:00.001-07:00

I am going to veer off the path I've been taking with "Color Coded Mondays" and ask for some much needed HELP.

I am buying this piece of furniture. Near my home we have this warehouse where furniture from model homes is taken to and open to the public for purchase. You can find very high end items for a fraction of the price and this is where I found this nicked dresser. It being nicked up only added to the charm that I was looking for.

Excuse the horrible picture... I was kinda in pain and in a rush.

I love the wicker drawers and can see this painted a bold color to fit right in with my vision.

One issue. I am not handy. I am the person that would pay whatever to hire someone to do the job, even if I was capable of doing it myself. In this case, I am putting aside the fact that I have to pick up tools and get a little dirty and I'm going to make a go of this. And because funds are tight.

So my blog readers, help me pick a color and if you have any tips for this girl who knows nothing about painting a dresser, I could use them... bring the help on!

I want something bold since the room is white. These were some colors I was looking at (not all together).

Birth in Photos

2010-08-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

I mentioned before that I was in the delivery room when my niece was born. I was able to capture it all with my camera.

Holding my brother's video camera in one hand and my camera in the other and calming my brother down was quite a feat. To say the least.

Some of these won't be posted on the website or on the facebook pages but I thought I'd post them here for those that have known me for a few bloggy years. A little peek... ;)

Shortly after my SIL was settled in her room, the room with a view. Oh what a view. Newport Beach, glorious and beautiful at dusk. Not only was it a spectacular view, the room overlooked the bay and yatch where my brother and SIL were married.

Below is a picture of the Grandma to be, known as Marmie (let's see if anyone can pick up where that's from), waiting for her first grandbaby to be born.

The Room with a View

Minutes after 'baby girl' was born... baby girl since she didn't have a name until three days later.

Her first bath

Cuddled with her mama... getting used to the sounds and smells.

I'm off to snuggle with this little 'baby girl', Rylie Drew.

How to talk your nurse out of giving you a shot...

2010-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Or not.

I had been having back pain for a couple of weeks, juts thought I needed a massage or to see my chiro.

Come Sunday, my body just went a little nuts on me. I'll spare you the details.

Held off going to the ER and took a painkiller instead.

Monday morning rolled around, called the doctor's office and they had me come in right away.

Some test done, symptoms relayed and they knew what it was. A severe kidney infection.

Oh joy.

Doctor than says, "We're going to have to give you a shot in the butt." My thought, 'no way'.

Doctor left and said that the nurse would be in shortly.

As I waited I begin to make a plan in my head.

(Pay attention because this may be valuable to you someday)

My first thought was - I'm getting oral antibiotics anyway, why do I need the shot (I knew why)?

Second thought - tell them I can't deal with needles. (not true)

Third thought - tell them I can't deal with needles in my butt. (true)

Nurse comes in and says, "You doin' okay?"

I stared at her for a moment, looked down and saw the needle the size of Texas and said, "uh no".

She then left the needle on the counter and walked out for a few minutes. I stared at it for a good 2-3 minutes and tried to come up with another plan before she came in...

Maybe I could stash it somewhere...

Maybe I could just walk out...

Maybe...

And then she walked in.

She told me how she was going to give me the shot while I tried to stall her with questions...

By the time I was leaning over, I had run out of time and realized, I wasn't so good at talking anyone out of anything...

Pain. Burning. Pain and more pain.

In my mind it was something like this...

They kept me for a few minutes to see how I reacted and I of course was in pain, back pain, kidney pain, butt pain...

I ~~dragged my leg~~ limped out and was in pain all day...

Goes to show you, I don't know how to talk a nurse of giving a shot... so don't listen to me.

Color Coded Monday: crème de la crème

2010-08-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Romantic, earthy and basic... Cream

I love thee.

(I thought these frames would be a good to test out the fabric craft?)

Links:
Distressed Wood Frames
Rosette Pillow
Knitted Handbag
Baby Booties

Love for Espresso

2010-08-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am not a coffee drinker. Never have been.

But something has happened.

White Chocolate Mocha.

Creamy and hot.

$4.50 per cup.

I loathe this new love because it's just unhealthy. On so many levels.

We may have to part soon... tear.

Or

We may have to give up food instead.

I'm for the latter.

Color Coded Monday: Mellow Yellow

2010-08-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have long since given in to my love for yellow. It snuck up on me and for now, I gravitate towards it. Cheveron printed chair, birch pouch and owl tacks... love these, want them.

(LOVE LOVE LOVE the chair!)

Links:
Cheery Yellow Chair
Corduroy Pouch
Owl Nest Tack Pack

Garlic is food gold

2010-08-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like garlic? Okay, so some don't... sad, but true. Garlic is definitely overused by me. I.love.garlic.

One of my favorite garlic infused foods is none other than Garlic Cheese Bread. Give me bread and garlic and I'm a happy girl.

As my faithful followers/follower knows, I am a Pioneer Woman fan as are so many others. I love her recipes and found this one that is a must try.

View the rest of the steps and recipe here: Garlic Bread

As a garlic lover, I could just eat it alone... yes alone. That is how much I love it. Breath mint anyone?

I've never roasted whole heads of garlic and these photos from the Pioneer woman make me want to head to the grocery store, buy bags of garlic and head home... and pick up some Listerine as well.

View the rest of the photos and recipe/technique here: How to Roast Garlic

All photos taken from The Pioneer Woman

Happy garlic cooking and watch out for that killer breath.

I ♥ Fabric

2010-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Fabric has become my new love. I love it but I can't sew. I've always wanted to, but everything on my plate I haven't sat down with my mother and learned. To tell you the truth I don't see me having the time soon so I'll settle for working with Fabric in another way.

Framed fabric. genius.

I've been trying to figure out what to put on my walls, in addition to the frames I mentioned here. I came across a blog with a link to Woman's* Day* craft project.

Woman's Day Fabric & Wallpaper Art

Color Coded Monday: Tiffany Blue

2010-08-09T13:53:00.001-07:00

This post has nothing to do with babies. Just thought I'd put that out there.

As you know, I have been consumed with Etsy and while this 'love' last, I see us having a long long future, I thought I'd post a color coded Monday. Monday could always use a pick me up, right?

Tiffany blue is one of my all time favorite colors. So what better color to pick for my first color coded Monday...

You'll notice I picked two dressers because this is what's currently on my mind. I'm tired of storing my clothes in piles. Maybe one of these will be the one? or something like it?

Links:

Baby Stuff

2010-08-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

You can't say I didn't warn you here.

Not only has she stolen my heart... my pocket book is emptying quick. ;)

Not being able to fit into newborn clothes just yet (she fits perfectly into preemie clothes except for her long arms), I've held off on buying these elaborate outfits. But I love them! They are all from La Bella Flora and I must win the lottery soon or else I just may being pushing a cart around... at least I'll have a beautifully dressed niece.

I have spent a lot of time on Etsy lately. I could browse through all the categories all. day. long. But what has me hooked is the baby category. Some things I can get but others, like the bottom right headband is way out of my budget, $55 for one. So I'll have to try to make my own version.

The wipey case was purchased this past week, it matches her bedding... how could I not get it?

(Etsy links: Snazzie Drawers (patterns), Fab Flower Headbands, Hearts Smile, Jenny Candy Designs )

I'm a sucker for elaborate headbands and will be making some tonight for Rylie's newborn session tomorrow. Sure to be long but I can't wait to photograph her sweet face and post some here.

All this going on and on you'd think I was the parent. Loving her is not hard to do... especially when I don't have to stay up all night. I'll leave that to her mommy. ;)

A Country Baby Shower

2010-08-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before my niece was born, we gave my sister-in-law a baby shower at our home. My SIL's sister was in charge of the food, I was in charge of the decor.

I collected mason jars of all sizes before the party and by the time the day came I had a pool table cluttered with jars.

I had a vision in mind of a country, shabby chic party and I wanted pale shabby chic roses but couldn't find them. So I went with a country pale pink mix and loaded up the mason jars.

For the centerpieces, I grouped three different sized mason jars and filled them with flowers. I then took pictures from the maternity session I did for my sister-in-law through Bumble Photography and tied them with ribbon the largest jar.

I added a little country doily accent on the edge of each picture to give it that country look.

We didn't want the traditional cake or cupcakes so my mom baked up a storm with her delectable creations. We had cookies, spiced breads, apple cakes and an assortment of pies.

I made these little stick with the pictures at the last minute that morning. Used some vintage scrap book elements and glued them on scrap paper and them dirtied the edges with my vintage ink. Added it to a dowel and they were now an added decoration for the arrangements on the food tables.

I didn't get very many pictures of the food, but it was yummy:

Sliders
BBQ Pork Sliders
baked beans (my grandmothers decades old recipe)
Salad
Potato Salad (my mom makes the absolute best!)
Homemade Mac n' Cheese

For the guestbook, I purchased this childhood favorite of my brothers. Growing up this book was past to each of us and I believe to this day it's all our favorite childhood story.

Guest signed the front and back and someday when baby girl's mom and dad read her this book it will have more of a meaning.

Rylie Drew

2010-08-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Rylie Drew is here. On July 30th at 10:22AM, she came 3 1/2 weeks early and caught us all by surprise. :) We're not complainin' though.

She weighed 5lbs, 13oz - 19" long. She is absolutely beautiful and has a full head of dark brown hair with red and blonde highlights and blue eyes, but we'll see what those turn into.

I photographed the birth and a ton of photos after but I haven't even looked at my photos yet. Things have been a little busy.

Mom and baby are healthy and very happy. Dad is nervous but in love with his new girl. :)

Pictures to come very soon.

-frazzled mess-

2010-07-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning frazzled, not quite all there and had to stop for something strong enough for me to wake up. After leaving Star*bucks I remember I'm the one opening up the office today... nice. Walk in, everyone's in the hall waiting. Not a good way to start my day. So I put on some music, sipped my Caramel Machiatto and tried to forget the morning disaster.

In preperation for this weekends baby party - I'm making something like this tonight... fingers crossed that it comes out looking like this and not like a five year old craft project. I have no backup.

"window" shopping

2010-07-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I wrote this post about removing wallpaper and painting the bedroom. Already I am out of that room and into another one and the walls are white. Stark white. I kind of got stuck with the paint color (if you could call it that) because the week the room had to be painted I was on a tight budget that did not include paint. So I had to use what was already in the garage which was my ceiling color - marshmallow white.

I sometimes get the sense that I'm in a hospital room, go to bed at night and expect to hear beeping and intercom - "code blue"... not very relaxing. I refuse to re-paint because - 1.) I don't have the time, 2.) I'm spending all my extra money on a new niece and three 3.) once I pick a color, I'll change my mind a day after it's painted. I'm a self-admitted indecisiver (not a word, I know but it fits).

So - to solve this "hospital room" issue - I've been looking for major color in rugs, furniture, window coverings, wall art, etc. I am in love with Anthropologie's home section. Love. All of the below items can be found online.

This gorgeous simple rug is called "sweet at honey", how appropriate. This mirror art is not something I would buy, but I plan on making this. Not with mirrors but monochromatic frames.

Curtains have been a big deal for me. I love prints. Especially bold prints, but unlike my normal picks, these two are bold but in understated colors. Love them.

I have been on the lookout for a bright, big patterned chair and of course these are way out of my price range. I love the blue with the antique frame. I think this says exactly what my style is. vintage with modern twist.

Of course, this piece caught my photographer eye! I would just LOVE to have this for Bumble. How fun is that?

When all the looking and wishing is said and done... it's craigs*list that calls me. 10% of what I'd pay here, maybe not exactly what I'm looking for but hey, I can eat the next week... that's important.

Baby Fever

2010-07-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Do you see the sweet angel above? This is Sofie. My niece. I took this picture the day she was born in January 2010. She stole my heart that day and it's about to be stolen yet again.

I have baby fever. Not for myself - good grief - NO. But for my niece aka "no name" who will grace us with her presence come mid-August.

The day I found out "no name" was a SHE I went out and bought her her first baby girl clothes. Two little onsie tutu's. I haven't stopped since... If there's a baby department, I'm there. I can't always leave with something but I'm always looking.

I am anxiously waiting to cuddle her and spoil her rotten... I plan on being her favorite. So, be prepared for post consumed by a dark haired sweet thing aka "no name".

It's all in the centerpiece

2010-07-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

My mind has been swarmed with party decor ideas... baby shower decor. I am not a fan of the normal baby shower - streamers, paper plates and balloons.

I think more along the lines of fresh flowers, candles clear cutlery and chandeliers... I had the idea of go country/shabby chic for my sister-in-law's baby shower: gingham tablecloths, white lights hanging across the patio into the trees handmade paper streamers and centerpieces made of old boots as vases with shabby chic roses. That was the initial plan... but things have changed and gone more shabby chic than country. I cannot wait to show pictures because I think it's going to be gorgeous! But for now, here are some of my favorite centerpiece ideas for any occasion...

My favorite... I love the white vases clustered together... clean lines and modern.

The below is similar to what I'm doing at the baby shower... I love it!

My California

2010-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Where can you find perfect weather? Blue Skies that run into the ocean?

Newport Beach, CA

Sign I walked by at Balboa (the Newport bay). Talk about jumping to the point...

By the way, can you see Waldo in the middle picture... he likes to spend his off time on Newport Beach. ;)

Marry Barry

2010-07-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I was in Alabama at my sister's wedding (post here and here).

One year ago today my sister married her childhood crush and they started their Happily Ever After.

Happy Anniversary, Mr & Mrs Barry!

Bit by the Blogger bug

2010-07-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

Blog Post Coming Soon.

Break is over...

I've missed you, my dear blog.

MIA Blogger

2010-05-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Missing in Action for sure.

It's been a hectic last few months and so many times I wanted to jump in to blog land and share what's been happening but I have no time... time to upload photos, time to sit and chat about "me" and my life, time to really read anyone's blogs, time to just chill.

I feel like I've been running around not knowing which way I'm going... just the times we live in. There's that TIME word again.

My life has been revolving around church, family, work and photography. So I'll update you on a a couple of things...

Family
I went to Mississippi with my mom to see my sister and brother-in-law in April. We were treated like tourist which was not bad considering the historical town they live in - Vicksburg. I will post some pictures soon, but it was a fun few days and the best part was spending time with my sister and seeing her beautiful home and the life she's living 2000 miles away!

My brother and sister-in-law are pregnant, as I mentioned before. I've been adamant that the baby was a girl and everyone else was so determined it was a boy. My mom even went as far as buying baby boy clothes. But... alas, yet again, I was right. A little niece will be coming into the family in August and I can't stop thinking about what to buy her. lol

Photography
One of my favorite subjects. I've completely taken off on this business and could not be more excited. New website coming soon and a lot of changes. I've been building up my equipment slowly since it's not something you can afford to splurge on... at least not me.

Since I'll be having a photography website up and updating that more, I won't be keeping this blog. I'll take it off but won't delete it in case I decide to blog on here again. But this will probably be my last post on here with the exception of posting some pictures from my Vicksburg, MS trip.

So if you do read my blog and want to read my next blog, email me (by viewing my profile) and let me know and I'll be sure to update you.

So long for now... :)

Change

2010-03-03T16:58:00.001-08:00

I've been pondering making some big changes. I have not been a fan of blogger for a long time. I don't like the way it's setup and there is always some sort of technical issue going on. So, I'm thinking of changing to another blog site. Maybe Wordpress... not sure yet.

Anyway, I cannot tell you how much I dislike "The Daily Bee". I don't look forward to opening up my blog page and seeing it spread across the top. I need some ideas... and who better than blog readers to chime in with theirs? So please do so. That is, the ones that comment on here. Since it seems that NO one likes to comment, just read! ;)

Another issue, privacy. A fellow blogger kinda made me start thinking about privacy and the fact that you really don't know who is reading your blog. So if and when I go private I will be sure and let you know.

Pass along you ideas! Please!

Last Bloom Giveaway!

2010-02-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

Last Bloom Workshop giveaway! If you want to join in on this LAST birthday bash day of awesome giveaways you must leave a comment on the Bloom Workshop blog.

Good luck!

Another Bloom Giveaway!

2010-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Lot #4 is being given away today over on the Bloom Workshop. To join in- visit www.bloomworkshops.com

great stuff that would come in handy fir an type of photographer!

Food Wreck

2010-02-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

I have always dreamed of owning a restaurant or cafe. Not being the chef, but just running it and putting a little stamp on the menu. Little town in the boonies or somewhere in the downtown hip part of the city.

I've been hooked on the show - Kitchen Nightmares. I've never really liked watching anything by Gordon Ramsey because his middle name is the F-bomb, but this show bleeps it all out really good. Anyway, I was watching an episode recently and remembered eating at a so-called fine dining restaurant in the mountains. The restaurant was nice enough, the prices said that the food would be excellent.

This is what came out...

Don't the pictures speak for themselves? Who knew fish and chicken grew flowers. There should be a blog about Food Wrecks. Hmm...

Bloom Workshop Giveaway

2010-02-22T11:52:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I entered to win Lot #1 on the Bloom Workshop site and I was so eager to enter that I didn't see that you had to do ONE thing in the list of 4 things to enter... I did them all. LOL

That is how bad I want to win this!! I can't even tell you what this would do for me as a photographer. Jesus, please let it happen. Crossing fingers, praying and praying some more. :)

I heard about Bloom from a photographer who I admire. They couldn't say anything but great things about Bloom and I MUST be a part in this workshop (not in this particular lot) and I've been wanting the actions and packs that are in this giveaway.

So If you're a photographer or just like to take pictures, go to the Bloom site and JOIN IN!

BLOOM WORKSHOPS

And, btw, their site is just yummy to look at. The colors are gorgeous.

I Heart Faces Challenge - Hands On

2010-02-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some of the entries and was just overwhelmed with how beautiful hands really are. I have this thing for feet, especially babies feet. I can take pictures of feet all day. I never gave much thought to hands, but after today I definitely will be paying more attention.

I've showed this photo that I took a couple of weeks ago to my regular blog readers, but I couldn't get pass using this one in this weeks challenge.

This was take mere minutes after my niece, Sofia, was born. As you can see in the picture, her daddy is cutting her umbilical cord with one hand and Sofia has a grip on her daddy's other hand. Beautiful. This was one of those shots that I didn't even know I had until I went through the photos later that night. Makes you want to smile or cry or do both.

Join in and share your "Hands On" Photos!

Bumble Photography - FREE SESSION

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Orange County area (or close to) - Visit the link below for a chance to win a free session with Bumble Photography... which is me!

Now through March 5, 2010

http://www.bumblephotography.com/

For Daily Bee Readers - If you become a fan and follow me here, you can get a free 8 x 11 photo as well! Just leave me a note here and let me know.

I Heart Faces Challenge - "I Wanna Dance"

2010-02-15T20:31:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge is all about dancing. I was asked to photograph my cousin's wedding reception, I don't normally do this but couldn't refuse. So glad I didn't! The dancing shots were the BEST. Loved the movement and the lighting...

The bride is in black and was seven months pregnant. She was the first one on the floor and last one off!

Join in and share your dancing photos!

Faithful Servant

2010-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you hear something and it just vibrates in your soul?

Only who you are and what you do will you take with you to Eternity ... Vesta Mangun

Something in me just stopped still when I heard this from a powerful woman in our church organization last night.

Think about it... who you are, whether bad or good and what you do, whether for God's kingdom or not will be what you take with you. Everything is rolled up in this.

This is not referring to a position or a status you hold in a church but who you are as a person. Just you and no one else. Just you will stand before God. Just me.

Deep thoughts that make me ache thinking of everything I'm not and I need to be. We can do so much better than what we do, but who's really trying? Something to think about...

...Well done, thou good and faithful servant... Matthew 25:21

I want to hear those words when Eternity collides with my world.

Photo Challenge: KISSES

2010-02-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day coming up, this weeks challenge at I Heart Faces is all about KISSES. I have quite a few "kiss" photos from sessions past but this one is the most recent and means so much to me.

Last Thursday I was in the delivery room when this little bundle was born. My niece, Sofia Genevieve.

We had just gotten into a regular room after she was born and her mama was spending some time bonding with her new baby girl and this was the first kiss photo.

Speaks volumes to me. First kiss of thousands and thousands to come.

Join in at...

More photos of Sofie at: www.bumblephotography.com

My Sofie

2010-02-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

I have anticipated this day for months... and when it finally came it was not how I expected it.

Phone rings at 4AM and we jump out of bed to pick up my nephew who has pneumonia to bring him to our house... the baby girl is coming!

My cousin was scheduled to be induced at 7AM on 2/4. The baby girl, who was already a week late, decided she wanted to come a little earlier. So at 3:40AM she woke her mama up and caused a frenzy.

After we got home with the boy, I jumped back in bed to sleep for about an hour and my phone rings again... this time it's my sister. We talked (I dozed on and off) for about 30 minutes and I was able to sleep for the next 30 minutes.

Got up, got dressed and rushed to the hospital. Right before delivery, we found out that they needed a team in the room since she pooped (I'm sure there's a medical term that I just can't think of) and they needed to make sure her lungs were clear when she came out. People begin to pour in...9 total. 9. At one point a guy with a hoodie walked in and loooked at Eileen with her legs spread from north to south and just started chatting with the other nurses and doctors. Eileen asked a nurse, "Who is he??" the nurse had no clue. (come to find out, he was part of the "team").

It wasn't long before this was happening...

She is gorgeous! Beautiful healthy baby girl.

My finger was glued to my camera and I was overwhlemed with looking at her as my niece and snapping pictures as the photographer. I took pictures of everything and was fascniated with the placenta. YES I was. I took a picture with my phone and sent it to my brother... He showed my older brother who is expecting a baby with his wife in August and scared him out of his mind. haha That's what little sister's are for.

The below picture shows a beautiful blanket that I purchased from my friend, Katy who I met in blogland. Her mother is blind and makes the beautiful blankets! She made this pink blanket just for Sofie.

View more pictures: www.bumblephotography.com

Birthday Wishes for Sony

2010-02-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SONIA, Sony, Sonitha!

Today is my sister-in-law's 27th birthday. I spend the majority of my time with her and can't think of anyone else I would rather do so with.

Have a fabulous day, me dear! I love you!

Bittersweet

2010-02-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

My heart is breaking today. No one died, but I feel like a piece of me is missing.

A big day for the family, my niece who is actually my cousin but since my cousin is like my sister her babies are my niece and nephew... confused?

I saw the baby girl come into the world and was amazed. Not being a mom, seeing the process was magical. A little messy but magical nevertheless.

As I was saying about the broken heart; I missed my sister today. Coming home tonight after the excitement of the day something was missing. And it hit me, she is missing. Obvious? Yes. But I didn't have a chance to really think about it until right now.

I wish you were here Cath. I wish that seeing you was a small drive away and not days worth of driving. I wish you could have been in the room as the baby girl made her entrance. I wish this week was different on so many levels. I wish my big sister was here.

Bittersweet describes today.

PS - Baby photos coming... :)

Year of the Babies

2010-01-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

We've had a lot going on these past few weeks. A few surprises that I just have to share with blogland... specifically the Daily Bee blogland.

I'm officially going to be an Aunt... twice over this summer!

My older brother and his wife are due in August. They've been trying for months and when they finally gave up and just left it in God's hands she got pregnant! A lesson to apply to everything...

My newlywed sister had not planned on getting pregnant and had these symptoms and I told her, "You're pregnant". She insisted that it was probably due to other woman issues... and then late at night this past weekend I get this picture...

Being the sometimes ditz that I can be... I asked "So... what does this mean" haha.

Babies, Babies, Babies... we'll over-populate the world on our own!

Congratulations to my brothers and sisters!

Be'be' Time

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Paris has been on my mind. Paris and Babies.
We have a little bundle on the way, the stork is sure to drop by any day now...
A couple of weeks ago (I'm late in posting), My aunt and I planned a baby shower for my cousin Eileen. As I've said before, Eileen is like my sister so this had to be a special one since she was packing up the baby making machine and throwing away the key.

The shower had to be girly, all pink and feminine. I found a tea rental service in our area and put in an order for tea cups, tea pots, tea spoons, creamer and sugar bowls/pots and food stands

The Tea menu consisted of Raspberry Green Tea and Ginger Peach Tea. I think I drank 10 cups of the Ginger Peach Tea it was that good.

The Food - Fruit was skewered, tea sandwiches made, cookies purchased, cheese tray assembled and salad mixed. The highlight was my mom's homemade baked potato soup.

I pulled out my craft skills and made little signs for the food and last minute Parisian cards from an old calender I had.

The Favors were little teapot measuring tapes with a little message from Eileen and baby.

The Guest Book was a children's book I found at Target. It was called Fancy Nancy Tea Parties and shows little girls how to do their own tea parties. Each guest signed a little note for mom and baby girl.
I procrastinated (not unusual for me) so I was like a crazy woman trying to put this together. I ran to Michael's (our craft store) and had a big idea to make topiaries. I have never attempted to make topiaries and just bought what I thought I would need.

Styrofoam balls (way to expensive if you ask me)

Stems of pink silk hydrangeas

Green moss

Long Dowels (which were cut in half)

Clay pots

Purchased the following last minute:

Ribbon

Pink tissue paper

Pulled out the hot glue and my mom and I tackled the job. A massive mess later, this is what came out...
Everything came together so beautifully. I was so happy with the outcome and was told several times that I should do party planning... sparked a little idea in my head and I quickly put it out.

Here are a few of my favorite parts of the shower...

Full view (this was at a friend's house)

Gorgeous tea pots and little cards I made

(you'll notice I mixed up the pot tops... oops.)

One of the outfits I bought for my niece. I want this sweater for myself! :)

Mom's incredible Baked Potato Soup

The Baby Girl will be here any day now!

I Heart Faces Week 4 Challenge - "Texture"

2010-01-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

This weeks challenge at I Heart Faces is about texture. Texture from nature, a building, added texture in editing... I chose to use natural texture and not add it in. I had several photos to choose from and this one just kept coming back to me.

Story behind the shot
While my sister was getting ready for her wedding, I lugged my camera along and kept it glued to my eye. At one bridal store we were crammed in a little closet dressing room with a thousand fluffy wedding dresses and had trouble not being in each others faces. Lucky for me, this brought some great face shots. haha. I'm sure the flash in my sister's eyes was anything but enjoyable.

Join in and add your texture shot!

Disney's Desperate Housewives

2010-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

For all my married blog readers... haha

Fix-it Friday at iheartfaces! #41

2010-01-22T09:34:00.001-08:00

It's Fix-it Friday... this photo has a touching story behind it.

A brave family.

Here is the message from I Heart Faces:

"To go along with our "We Are Family" theme, we wanted to highlight a family that is very special to us - the Zwart family. Angie (co-founder of i heart faces) is friends with Jeff and Adrienne...and Adrienne is also an active participant in our weekly challenges.

The dad in this family has been struggling with cancer for years and they found out the devastating news in December that his cancer is now terminal. They are now doing everything they can to enjoy the rest of the time they have together on this earth."

(Original Photo)

(My Edit)

My Steps:

I used Photoshop CS4

::Adjusted the brightness and contrast
>>>>Lowered the brightness a few notches and upped the contrast a tad.
::Upped the vibrancy almost all the way to the right
::Added a little more saturation

::Burned the edges using an action (can't remeber the site)
::Added a lens flare to the left since there was a lot of light coming in
::Changed the color balance

>>>>less Cyan, a tad more magenta and a fraction more of yellow.
::Cropped the file using manual size

If you would like to join in or visit the families blogs, click the below button!

Stormy Weather

2010-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

The sky grew dark... black actually. The wind begin to blow and then the rain came. More rain than we have seen in 20 years in Orange County. It wasn't long before my family was calling me at work about a tornado warning... I looked online and begin to get nervous.

People from other states and even in northern CA often laugh at our view of weather but most don't understand that our cities are built for earthquakes not tornado's or floods. So it's much worse than the numbers show.

Here are just a few photos of what we've been seeing in the Orange County.

The tornado hit ground not far from me and stunned everyone here since we've never seen a tornado hit in this area!

(after the unheard of tornado hit at one of my favorite beaches)

As I sit here, tucked inside safe and sound, I have my stormy weather essentials. They don't include umbrellas, flashlights, candles or an escape route to a shelter... but they make it easier for me to get through the day. :)

Ginger Ale, Springtime in Paris CD (A MUST) and a White Chocolate Mocha.

I'm responsibly prepared for the 4th storm to hit today...

A Good Day

2010-01-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

I was looking back over 2009 and was overwhelmed with the scary, bad things that happened... but for every bad day there has been a good day. There are so many good moments and of course there are those moments that make you cringe, want to pull your hair out and forget your name. Those insane minutes make the happy as a clown moments all the more wonderful.

I can narrow down the absolute most wonderful day I had this past year. How often does that happen unless you get married or have a baby? Neither of those happened to me, but this one day was just perfect. This memory brings warm fuzzies and makes me get lost day-dreaming of a day like this.

Years ago my dad bought the girls in the family spa certificates. The spa he bought them from was an hour away and we just never made it down there...

It was the beginning of Summer and my sister-in-law, Sonia, and I wanted to plan a day for my mom's 60th birthday. We had no funds to "do it up right" and I had a bright idea. The gift cards. I booked our spa packages and we surprised my mom on her birthday, June 25th.

June 27th, we got up early and drove out. The minute we walked in it was like we stepped into our mini vaca. We got our glasses of ice cold water and our big fluffy robes and slippers and lounged around until our names were called for our full body swedish massages. We would met periodically in the lounge and then got whisked away to a European facial.

We had lunch served to us by the salt water pool and drank our iced tea in the hot sun and chatted about nothing important. The smoothies looked so good in the 100 + Degree heat wave and I had to have one. Heaven.

We were called for pedicures and sat there drinking more ice tea and chatting as our feet got a massage.

It was late afternoon by this time and we were ready to go to our next destination. After showering in the glorious showers (they seemed extra nice after those fully body massages) and washing our hair with the signature shampoo... mmmmm it was wonderful, we headed to Pechanga.

Those of you that are not familiar with Pechanga, look here. It's a casino on an Indian reservation. I have always found it boring since I hate to play the slots, but my mom likes to go here so I figured we should do what she wanted to do since it was her birthday, right?

We met my mom's sister and her husband who were there celebrating my aunt's birthday. My uncle sent Sonia and I up to their room to relax and they played some slots while we waited for our dinner reservations.

Dinner was delectable! Shrimp Scampi, Calamari, Fresh Oysters, Caesar Salad... My favorite menu (minus the oysters). My sweet (favorite) uncle treated us all and made the night even better for me. ;)

I am loving this day-memory so much that I want to replicate it again in 2010!

(On a sidenote - these storms are getting bad... we're right in the middle of one and it's ugly. Praying for everyones safety here!)

I Heart Faces Challenge - We are Family

2010-01-18T16:41:00.001-08:00

Family is the theme at I Heart Faces this week.

I did a Christmas session with my Pastor's family and this is one of my favorite Bumble shots to date. I.Love.It. This picture portrays a serious family photo but this session was anything but serious. I laughed more than any other session and so many great shots. It doesn't hurt that they are a beautiful family. That always works in my favor. :)

Join in by clicking the above button and share your family photo!

The Blue Room

2010-01-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

In October I decided to renovate my room. I live with the parents and plan on doing so until I marry. I love my family and being with them is important to me and to them so this situation is good for me while others my age are itching to get out. I'm blessed but with a flaw. For 13+ years I've lived in a blue striped world... blue used to be my favorite color but after 13 years it gets to you.

I decided that removing this hideous wallpaper would be a cinch. Easy, breezy...

I bought the tools needed:

>Piranha wallpaper scorer (Huge mistake)
>Piranha Wallpaper remover
>1 bucket
>1 garden sprayer (Life saver)

I scored a small area, sprayed it and after the sitting and waiting process it begin to peel right off. I said, "This is going to be EASY".

The next day I filled up the sprayer, moved everything into the middle of the room and started the process of scoring and spraying.

Days later...

It was anything but easy. I cried like a baby halfway through and gave up several times only to press on and beg for help from whoever was around. Wonder Woman (my mom) came to the rescue and put me to shame by scoring the walls in record time. Once the wallpaper and most of the glue was down I was done. no more. White walls were looking good, glue gunk and all.

I hired a painter and went out to buy paint.

I bought paint without sampling it and put some on the wall... it was peach. Ugly.

I was smart enough the next time and bought samples.

I ended up going with one that my sis-in-law picked out. End result (right photo) was a beige buttery, light gold color. I had/have a design plan in my head that has been put into action that will be finished at some point and time. Just need to win the lottery. ;)

If you want to take down wallpaper I suggest you save your time and hire someone or buy a Tiger wallpaper scorer (I would have given my big toe for it but lucky for me I didn't have to). Just sayin'. I'll never do it again.

Here is a picture of Wonder Woman in the flesh!

Removing wallpaper will scatter the brain... here's proof.

BUT the end result was SO worth it!

Monkey see, Monkey do

2010-01-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

Monkey. As in Monkey Bread. Saw it... had to make it.

Oh me oh my.

I love thee...

Dripping goodness, mouth watering yumminess...

Can I say it again... I love the Pioneer Woman site... and yes, I still want to be her.

It's all about Piper...and Lola

2010-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Written on 1/04/10 but never posted. : /

I was going to write a "Happy New Year" post but figured everyone else would have that covered. I didn't have anything interesting to say regarding the New Year so let's move on... :)

My new pup, Piper got a long overdue first bath at home and it was traumatic. For me, her and her sister. Lots of crying from both dogs and shivering and sniffling. Sad sad sad.

My brother spared me and washed her for me. I don't think I could have done it. If you heard her you would have thought we were abusing her. Poor girl.

Lola is from the first litter of the same 'parents' of Piper and when Piper first came home Lola was not thrilled. In fact, last week Piper came in the house covered in blood! We think Lola had enough of her puppy ways and bit her in the ear. Straight through. :( Another traumatic event for me and her.

Anyway, when Lola heard the screams coming from the tub she was crying too. She had to see her sister and they cuddled after they were done with their baths, sisters in the truest form. Fight then make up.

Big sister, Lola

So, I forgot to post the above and now have more to add on to this little kid/pup that is really causing me to go gray. She eats everything she gets her paws on. She's never thrown up, so the day she had her puppy shots, yesterday, she started throwing up hours after. No biggie. It became a problem when her vomiting was human sized. Are you grossed out? For this reason I quickly called her vet office and they said to take her to the pet hospital. Oy. All I could see were $$$.

I took her in and poor thing she cried the whole way and they took her in right away. She was going to be hooked up to IV's and have blood work and x-rays done. :( It was just too much to handle. No crying happened until I saw the bill. I cried. I was angry, helpless and just wanted to punch someone. How can a little puppies bill be bigger than me going to the ER? How?

I quickly called for some help (the Father, not a priest.) and sniffled while I signed the papers.

Went home and waited until almost midnight to speak to the doctor. She was doing good and I can pick her up in the morning. They wanted to keep an eye on her.

This is what I picked up...

Home now and doing better! Hopefully her life can calm down from here on out. This girl is a lot to handle. But look at that face... :)

I ♥ Faces Week 51 - Hilarious Outtakes Photo Challenge

2009-12-28T19:28:00.003-08:00

I was so excited when I saw what the photo challenge was this week! This is the first one I'm joining and it's been a funny day looking at the other entries.

Loving random shots and just starting my photography business/hobby, I've had quite a few funny shots pop up. I picked one from a session and the rest are from my personal collection of outtakes.

Personally, I find that the outtake shots are some of the best!

Let's begin, these shots were from a head shot photo shoot that I did for a friend. These were not used, but I love them!

This little grouch is my nephew. This was his third birthday and we had just ~~tied~~ settled him down for a few photos with his buddies and he had enough.
Don't ask why but I can tell you what. No this is not a hairy thumb, this is the back of my uncles head. I found this on my camera after a family wedding and ranked it as my #1 strangest photo.

This is also at a family event. My brother and his sweet dog, Lola. She loves giving kisses and was supposed to be posing with my brother, but darn dogs, they just have a mind of their own. Shucks.

Join in and share your Hilarious Outtakes at I Heart Faces!

Birthday Girl

2009-12-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today is my cousin Eileen's birthday. The above photo is from a maternity photo session I did with her a couple of months ago. She is about ready to pop now!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Eileen, my cousin, sister, and friend! I LOVE YOU.

It was a notable day...

2009-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over, the lights are turned off, stockings are empty and my heart is full.
Christmas day had it's tough moments with my sister not being here and me being sick, but being with my family is the greatest gift. I really do love them.

Christmas Eve is always spent with my mom's side of the family and this includes the one little person that gets all the attention. My nephew, Cristian aka Iron Man aka Avatar aka Green Power Ranger. Use one of these and he will love you forever and may even let you hug him.

Christmas decorating is big in my house. I didn't get any photos (worth posting here) except for this one that I love. This magical village is setup on our built-in library. Something a little disturbing about the baby faced man...

We sk*yped with my sister and her family on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I had them cluster together for a family photo. haha.

Among the wonderful gifts that I opened on Christmas morning was this furry hat that I loved! I don't usually wear hats, but I keep putting this one on. Makes me feel a little French... and maybe like I'm 12 but I still love it.

This is my Gramms and I on Christmas Day.

The next big anticipated event is going to take place in mid January and I cannot wait! My Niece will be here soon and if it's a natural birth I'll be able to see her come into this world. So excited about this!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and an even BETTER New Year!

Christmas Memories

2009-12-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of year. Celebrating the birth of the most glorious, magnificent Savior and re-living memories and making new memories with your family that God has blessed you with is what it's all about. The gift giving isn't half bad either...

(Christmas morning at my home)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU... Isaiah 9:6

Just not gonna happen...

2009-12-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

Did you think that was me taking a picture of our beautiful trees? hahaha, uh no. Not me. Reason being, I still haven't gotten around to it. What else is new?

Here are my excuses: Bedridden with a severe case of... the cold? Hmm. Yes it's true. I got a cold and it turned into an infection which turned me into my bed. What bad timing. But no bah humbug here just yet, I got me a bottle full of ~~horse pills~~ antibiotics and I'm on the mend.

I seriously doubt I'll get those holiday home photos up, but if I do manage it I suggest that all you wonderful people that read this blog write a comment. Since I know you are out there... okay so maybe you're not. :) I'd like to think you are.

Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping,

(Photo courtesy of Livia)

Piper II

2009-12-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

Her name is Piper II. Piper the 1st never came home since the owners wanted to keep her. I wanted to cry my eyes out at first since I got attached to the her before she came home, but once I saw Piper II I was in love.
:
I thought she was sweet and cuddly. She is in fact, feisty and fearless.
:
When I first saw her, I was picking out which puppy I wanted from a litter of five. I immediately picked the runt, Piper I. As we were looking her over in her bed with all the other puppies on the dining room table, I saw a white fluff slowly fall off the table and onto the tile; the noises and sounds from the puppy were petrifying. I won't go into detail on how traumatizing that night was for me, but I came home shaken and had nightmares that night.
:
My older brother, who was with me, called the next day and said that the puppy had died... after I gasped and tried to control myself at work, he laughed and said "just kidding". Hmph. I quickly hung up the phone in his ear. That poor puppy was on my mind and I was sure she would have something wrong with her in the weeks to come.
:
Fast forward 6 weeks: Once I found out that Piper I wasn't coming home with me I was given Piper II. The dog that fell off the table.
:
I kept saying, I can't believe I got the dog that fell off the table. She was the last dog I wanted. I thought she would be retarded or some sort of mental issue. But, thank God, she's fine. Maybe a little crazy, but fine. Wheew.
:
I said all that to show you these... Introducing my first dog that I can call my own, Piper II

Piper and her big sister (full blooded) Lola

Deb

Have yourself a stressful Christmas

2009-12-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

No, Scrooge did not high jack this blog. It's just me, venting to you.

I want to sit down, sip some hot chocolate and just take a deep breath. Sigh.

I'm not sure what it is about this year, but Christmas isn't the same. I look forward to Christmas all.year.long. This week it hit me that I'm just not ready.

I've purchased very few gifts and have not done anything I've wanted to do. I am determined to do the following this weekend and I will squeeze it in no matter what.

Bake goodies to give away
Bake cookies to eat ;)
Snuggle in my parents car with a hot chocolate and look at Christmas lights in Laguna
Send out Christmas Cards (this is a huge iffy)
Go through Starbucks and order a hot chocolate (a must)
Do a blog tour of our Christmas setup at home
Actually POST the blog tour
Send out my sister's Christmas goodies
Finish Christmas shopping (hmm)
Thank the Lord for being my Redeemer (absolute must)
Watch Home Alone 2 (I love it)

Christmas shouldn't be stressful... why do we make it stressful? Just let it come and everything will fall into place. (not really but that sure sounds good.)

Bring it on, Christmas. I'm ready for you!

Happy Stressing and Merry Christmas.

Deb

Photo courtesy of (Jay Birdie)

I ♥ Faces Fix it Friday

2009-12-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

ORIGINAL

I didn't crop since this shot shows great action. Tweaked a few things and like how they came out. If you want to join in the fun, go to - Fix it Friday at I ♥ Faces.

Colorful Edit using PW actions and tweaking it a bit.

Rustic Edit

When I grow up I want to be her...

2009-12-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's a little late for that. The growing up part that is... or is it. Considering I do still have my moments when the crazy 18 year old in me comes out but I quickly draw it back in and act my age. Ha.

Do you know her? No? Well, you are depriving yourself. She is known as the pioneer lady. Married to a cowboy (have I told you I like cowboys? I do.), She cooks with your taste buds in mind and she takes exquisite pictures of anything and everything. AND she loves Nikon. Need I explain more?

I'm sure you're wondering why in the heck I'm talking about the Pioneer Woman like she's the newest celebrity out there or Colin Firth. I find myself turning on my laptop, opening my Explorer (not a Mac girl)and going straight to my favorites and there before me is what I am aiming for - http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ . Treat yourself to a few minutes on this site and maybe you to will want to grow up to be her... trust me. Her recipes are mouth watering with full photo details and her writing is sarcastically funny.

I think the below is one of her easiest recipes, it doesn't hurt that it consist of chocolate and peanut butter. Two of my favorite combinations. I'm going to throw this one together tomorrow and not share. Okay, so I have to share since once the house smells peanut butter they'll come running.

Now I'm headed off to ~~roam the Pioneer Woman's site~~ do some much needed cleaning.

Deb

*Photos from The Pioneer Woman and Southern Living

All I want for Christmas is...

2009-12-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law has been pulled in full force into the craziness of our family, but I'm sure he didn't expect to find out that we are completely spoiled. Every year around October, I start hounding everyone to get their Christmas list together... this isn't just 'socks, underwear, gift cards...'; our list consist of complete details on what to get and what not to get. We even sometimes go as far as lising what we don't want... no one wants to make someone spend money on something that will be pushed to the back of the closet. I never thought anything of it until I sent my list to my sister and brother-in-law. This is their first Christmas together and he had no clue what he was getting into... After he looked at my list my sister told him in so many words (okay, so I'm really forgetful, but this is how it went down from what I can remember.) "uh... you don't want to see my list then." hahaha.

Here is a little insight to what we (my sister and I) have on our Christmas list. This yearly list goes out to everyone on our email list and copies are made and passed out to anyone that comes into our home. Ha! We're not that bad. The only people that ever get to see these list are blood relatives that actually buy us gifts every year and they too make their own list for us. ;)

Some highlights on my list:

(So you don't get scared off, I'll start small.)

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter (I must have a book every Christmas)

Persuasion DVD

Flat Screen TV

Bedroom Set ( Must be chocolate brown)

Camera Strap Cover (from Etsy)

Shoes

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Zoom Nikon Lens (MUST be VR)

I always add a Louis, hoping I'd get it... this year I didn't add it but I still hope.

Not so bad, right? One year I asked for a car and nearly got it! I don't think you're supposed to tell your daughter that you "nearly bought everyone (the "kids") the same car and then came to my senses". That's what my dear dad said.

Now onto my sister's. (Sly Grin)

My sister is the one who taught all those after her how do the list right. She's the one to blame! Wouldn't you know it... her list was so practical this year AND it had kitchen and home items. KITCHEN ITEMS! Not my pre-married sister. AT. ALL.

My sister's list:

Home stuff – Sheets (Queen), Towels, Dining Table décor, accent items, baking pans, toaster, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, etc.

Shoes She loves her shoes

Digital Camera

Bath Stuff

Perfume

Okay... so you must be thinking that I'm the one that's completely spoiled. But I am telling you the truth... someone has stolen my sister's real list and put this fake one in her place! Kitchen stuff... seriously. When did that happen? :0

I am going to give you a cliche' line - I would rather give than receive. It's cliche, I know. BUT It's so true. There is nothing like seeing that persons face when they open up the thing that you took such care in finding and putting down your hard earned cash for. I would spend all my money on my family and friends if I could.

Now, to make you not think I'm that great and loving person, I am spending a chunk of my families present money on myself. Yep. I am. This is what I'm buying:

She has a name which I will reveal to you once she's safely home... on Monday. Isn't she a cutie?

Update: I found out that the little runt that I've been waiting to bring home for 8 weeks and named may be taken away from me by the owners. Sad day. Praying and keeping my fingers crossed that they change their minds.

Merry Christmas (no Happy Holidays here) and Happy Shopping! ;)

Deb

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday

2009-12-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled on this site and LOVE it. As you know I am not a trained photographer, but I want to learn as much as I can since I think I think I have a knack for it... just got to learn more as I go. This site is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. I am joining in for the first time for Fix it Friday.

I'm sorry to say that I didn't pay attention to the steps I went through to edit this weeks photo since I was in such a rush to just get started. :/ I will be sure and do better next time, but I wanted to share my photos anyway. I took a few minutes and this is what I came up with... I prefer a cleaner look to over edited photos, so here you go. :)

Before Editing in Photoshop CS4

After Editing

Black and White

Check out all the other entries at I ♥ Faces.

Deb

Vintage Christmas

2009-12-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas time brings commercials galore and pretty soon kids start asking for this or that they saw on the TV... I got curious and looked up some vintage ads. I LOVE them, but I must say... we've really come a long way.

(You wouldn't find an ad like this out today)

(All she wanted was a Hoover! Is that love note she's reading? Puzzling)

(I grew up without a TV and any kind of video entertainment, so we played old time radio shows. Every night like clockwork. 9PM sharp. This was one of the commercials that played out on every Jack Benny show.)

(Pre-fondant... this looks gross and I must say, fondant isn't much better.)

(Before the laptop... I'm so glad I don't have to type on one of these.)

I must say, I would trade this crazy world for the old vintage world that used to be... one thing though... must have the Internet! ;)

Deb

Bumble Photography

2009-12-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

My Photography blog/website is up! It's not completely done yet, I still need to add a few more links, but the design part is done, thanks to the Design Girl.

Check it out and tell me what you think.

www.bumblephotography.com

Deb

6 months and counting...

2009-11-23T14:19:00.001-08:00

6 months ago today my sister left California.

She's been back once for a short visit, very short, and we saw her for her wedding in July, but it's still hard not having her around.

Just last weekend, I laid in bed and pouted for a little bit because the house was so quiet. Sometimes I like it, but then there are those moments when I wish they lived closer.

Email excerpt from today:

....today, the 23rd, is exactly 6 months from the day I left California. I can't believe how the time has flown, yet how much has happened along the way... I just thought I'd remind you that half a year ago Paul and I were headed out the door to a new and exciting adventure! So far, it's been the ride of our life!!!!

6 months can sometimes seem like forever...

Deb

Diary of a mad... little girl

2009-11-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

I've always kept a diary. Since I could piece together words, even though no one else could understand them, I would write down my thoughts and feelings.

For some reason family members always gave me diaries or journals (I figure they're the same thing with two different names). When I turned fifteen, my paternal Grandparents (Gramms & Gramps) gave me a diary with a lock and key. When you're fifteen, you need a diary with a lock and key... and if you have two brothers in the house, you needed a safe place to store it. Of course, no matter where I hid it, it would go missing and show up under my brother's bed when his friends were over. *cringe*.

At some point as a little girl I got this diary... my very first.

I wrote down problems such as...

I was scared of two things, one being '... when I go on the pot. That sumthing will bit [bite] my botom.' Okay, first off, who calls the toilet the pot? lol apparently I did.

In reference to a friends diary, 'she told me she had a wrell [real] nice wan [one] But mine is nice too well I better go.'

'I like my mom and I dont like my friend's sayn [saying] bad words and I like my dad.' What a good girl I was! *proud me moment*

'What a day I had, were goging [going] to yereka [Eureka] and I had to pack all buy my self.' What a difficult life I led.

This entry was the kicker that made me want to post this... even now I am laughing and can hear my little girl voice.

This one entry speaks to what I am even today! Jumping from one thing to the next is what I do best. haha.

'Touday I went to church. there was lots of kids and viseters [visitors] We hade Donits and milk. Then we made hands out of mantanel (I have no clue what that is) then we had kids cawier [choir]. We had to sing the cors [chorus] that was kind of in Barisin [embarrassing] alote in Barisin. My mom sher [sure] gets mad when I Dount [don't] miend [mind] sotimes I wish I could go shoping but my mom won't.'

If this interest no one else, I know my family would find this extremely interesting.haha. Walking down memory lane can sometimes be no fun, the past is the past... but looking back can be a real eye opener...

I'm sure that deep thought concerning the 'pot' will come in handy some day. ;)

" just can't do it" and other work related stuff.

2009-11-16T10:48:00.001-08:00

Okay... so I tried to take a nice long break, since I was doing that unintentionally anyways, but I'm having blog withdrawals. :/

I've been blogging for too long to say goodbye now and my other blog for my photography is not up yet and I'm not sure when it will be, so I MUST post something here.

So Goodbye is still pending. :-)

Today is a big milestone for me... well yesterday was, but officially celebrating today. I have been with my company for 5 (long long long) years. 5 years! Me, the fickle person who can't decide on anything, has kept with something for 5 years. 5 days a week I've seen the same people (well same handful of people). Of course my job has changed and my check has gotten bigger, but I feel like I've been doing the same thing.

First off, let me say, I love my job atmosphere. I really do. The people are good to work with and I've been blessed beyond measure with good boss'.

I just wish, every day, that I could go back to being self employed. Once you have a taste of the freedom of 'bossing' yourself around, nothing quite matches up.

I can honestly say that I don't want to be here another 5 years. If God so wills, I pray that I am full fledged, knee dip in photography by this time next year. I can only hope.

So happy 5 year anniversary to me. God's truly been good to me.

Now to my second job/hobby. Photography.

Who would have thought that I'd get so into this? Not me. I.absolutely.love. taking pictures. Especially of people.

I've learned so much over the past couple of weeks and I can't wait to share some of the sessions I've done recently. I'm booked through Christmas! (little girly squeal)

Here's a little sneak peak:

Sigh! This girl is happy.

Deb

Goodbye...

2009-11-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

Goodbye blog...

Who likes goodbyes? Not me. And this one is no different.

There is too much going on and I've neglected my poor blog for far too long. I'm not going to cancel it, but just take a break.

To add to my full plate, I am having a Photo blog/site designed and will be on that blog most of the time that I have free. (I'll post that link when it's up)

So long for now...

Deb

Happy Birthday, Catherine

2009-10-20T15:56:00.001-07:00

I was born 7 1/2 years after her. She is my only true-blooded sister. My best friend and one of the dearest people to me.

How sweet right? Okay so the truth is we fight like cats and dogs. Seriously. Which makes me appreciate her even more. We are very different in most ways and the same in others. She is out-going and enthusiastic, always the chatter bug and friends with everyone while I'm not that out-going and usually keep to myself since, well, I don't like people that much. lol

My sister, Catherine, as you know, moved to Mississippi to marry her childhood crush and is now living happily ever after in a whole other world that is completely beyond me. A world made up of her and her husband. I've never see her so happy...

I was thinking back to her last birthday and never in a million years would have thought that 2000 miles would be separating us only a year later.

Cath,

I wish I was there to celebrate with you, but you'll be here with me in 48 hours! I hope you have the best birthday yet and all your dreams continue to come true!

Love, love and more love!
Deb

Happy Birthday, Dad

2009-10-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. I feel like I just wrote a birthday post for him... time is flying by.
We will be celebrating at our favorite Italian restaurant and maybe even adding in a roast... since it comes so easily when celebrating with my dad. haha.

Happpppppy Birthday to my wonderful Dad!

Deb

Randomness

2009-10-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's 6something in the AM and I have a rare moment of nothing to do but sit and stare at the computer. I woke up from a horrible dream and pooped(Haha! So much for proof reading... that's too funny not to leave. But I popped) myself out of bed. I can sleep after church today. But right now, I am going to sit my behind down and jot down a much needed blog post.

"WHAT!?" I've noticed my hearing is changing... not going! But changing a tad. My mom started losing her hearing when she was twenty-five, which is when I started noticing it. Her tubes (?) fused together, and they say it's irreparable, but we now found out they can probably do surgery. Anyway, we were in the store and I wasn't wearing my glasses (I never do if I'm not driving) and I was squinting and trying to see what "those things are over there". My mom was walking behind my elbow and whispered...

"I'm tired and depressed."

GASP. What? how did I miss this... tired, yes, but depressed!? I stopped suddenly and looked at her...

"what did you say, mom?"

"I said, that's the tire and lube department."

We had a good laugh over this and then a more serious one about getting those darn ears checked!

NEW PUPPY I have put claims on a new girl puppy to be born the end of this year or early January. I am so excited! She is from the same 'parents' as my brother and sister-in-law's dog, Lola, so they will be sisters. Something special about that to me. I will be the one you see walking with my little dog in a stroller or have her all glammed out in cute clothes and bows...of course I may be broke and have to starve, but my puppy-girl will be beautifully decked out. ;)

WALLPAPER FUN I am in the process of removing blue-striped-wallpaper from my bedroom walls. It is hell! I am telling you! I dislike wallpaper and can't imagine why, oh why the previous owners of our home out it all over... okay, so it's really nice wallpaper... but who can live with blue stripes forever. NOT ME.

BAKING I love to cook and bake. It relaxes me and is comforting in some strange way. I made a cake for my boss' birthday. He loves German chocolate cake, I dislike it. Not to gross you out, but the fresh coconut in the frosting makes me think I'm eating little bugs, Andrew* Zimmer*man style. ugh.

I decided that if I was going to eat German chocolate cake I would make it fresh. Night before the birthday, I got lazy and bought German chocolate cake mix. BUT I did do the rest from scratch. It was so gooooooood! Yes, coconut bugs and all.

PRAYER On Wednesday night we had such an incredible service about prayer, intercessory prayer. More than ever it's been on the minds of our church body that prayer is the only thing that's going to get the job done. We fight today more than ever before. We have a world to reach with this incredible news of Jesus' saving grace and love. But we must pray. I'm not talking a little pray before you go to sleep, it's time to be in a committed prayer relationship with God. Be faithful... I have this little card on my desk at home (in front of me now) that says, 'God is only a prayer away'. I bought this when I was struggling with fear and felt like I had nowhere to turn... I saw this little 'sign' and taped right where I can see it as a reminder... He really is just a prayer away.

What a good God He is!

Happy First Day of the Week!

Ths is my 351st post... :)

~*~
Deb

Baby Jigs - Part 2

2009-09-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that my nephew, Cristian, loves to sing. Some of his favorite songs I have never heard before and he, at three years old, knows the words! He loves the song 'Poker Face' by Lady Ga*ga and it cracks me up every time he sings it. Here is a short video of him...

Purpose

2009-09-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a moment where you stopped in the middle of your busy life and asked, "What am I doing?"?

Purpose. That word has been on my mind for the past few weeks. I feel like I am on a road that leads nowhere. Who am I and how did I get here? Questions have a way of drawing more questions and there are no answers in sight.

If you have no purpose than you have nothing pushing you forward. No goal. I am a firm believer in the fact that God ordains each and every step and avenue in life. For each and every person. Whether they know Him or not. Ultimately His purpose must be fulfilled. He will use anyone or anything to get it done.

Going back to "what am I doing?", I seem to be asking myself that a lot lately. If I'm not working towards God's purpose, what the heck am I doing here? Why am I wasting my time? Serious self examination. Painful, scary and so gut wrenching.

I spent some alone time reading through my notes from the last few services and cried my heart out asking God to take me as I am. ALL my faults and failures, every sin and struggle. Take me as I am and change me so that I can be used for His purpose. Use my weakness for His purpose to strengthen me instead of getting the best of me.

Don't you get tired of doing the same thing, day in and day out with no eternal growth to show for it? I sure do.

I am determined to work towards figuring out God's purpose for ME. And then I am going to do whatever it takes to get THERE. THERE is where He wants me to be and I am the only one that can stop it. Me, myself and I. No one else to blame.

Purpose is the name of game... Do you know what your purpose is?

Baby Jigs

2009-09-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

My nephew Cristian has his own taste in music. He's three years old and knows the words to "Poker*Face" and "Apologize". He is adamant about not listening to any other channel but Hip Hop and he knows when Michael Jackson's music comes on... I don't even know the words to the songs he knows... some songs I'd never heard of. Kids now days are growing up WAY too fast!

This was way too cute to not share... haha.

This is one of the songs that my nephew sings and now I know the words too. LOL
MUST watch the kid in the red...

Happy Friday!

- Deb

Bloody Papermate

2009-09-18T12:47:00.001-07:00

I went in for routine labs yesterday. I am not paranoid about seeing my blood. No.big.deal. I'm a little paranoid about seeing the needle go in but yesterday seeing my blood made me sick... but I'm so glad I watched...

My lab is in a really swanky part of town so even the labs are new and nice. Each person has their own private cubicle with cushioned chairs. This was going to be a breeze.

Not so. The technician kept saying, "you have little vein"... "baby vein". After digging around he found one that might work. Ten minutes later, and three vials, he realized that this wasn't going to work. The vials were not even 1/2 full so he did what all good technicians do...

Opening up the vials, he poured one from the other to make one full vial of blood. I figured, he's doing this where someone can walk by and see, so I guess it's okay.

I look over and what do I see... the man has a paper*mate pen in one of the vials. He dropped something in there while he was pouring one to the other. Immediately an alert went off. Ink and my blood. Hmm... no.

He finally got some help to fill up one more vial and I whispered to her and the other technician while the first was out of earshot, "Can I ask you something?" They smiled, "sure".

I then asked them if it was a big deal that he opened the vials and stuck a pen in... the looks on their faces was answer enough. They immediately said that they would be retaking my blood.

Good. Done. Get me out of here.

An hour later I walked out of there, weak and disturbed. After being called to a back room with a lead supervisor, I was told that this man would be written up and all these other things that made me hope he wouldn't find out it was me! Oh vey.

My uneventful blood work turned into a drama. I'm sure this man will learn that Paper*mate ink and blood don't mix.

Starting Fresh

2009-09-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I'll be blogging like I used to, but as of right now, it's just not happening. I haven't been able to read any blogs let alone blog myself.

So, for the first time, I had to completely clear my Reader and start fresh. I am bummed that I missed out on some good post, I'm sure, but I just can't keep up.

So, I am starting fresh and will try to blog more... I believe I may have lost 99% of my blog readers... But maybe I'll get the blog bug back and have something interesting to say. :)

I really do miss it! But, time won't permit it right now.

Until later... I'll leave you with some adorable pictures of sweet Lola.

- Deb

Remembering 9-11

2009-09-11T11:16:00.001-07:00

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our
freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. -Abraham Lincoln

It's not easy to forget this day. I was eighteen and freshly out of high school and into my new world as an adult. I felt like I had everything ahead of me. The options were endless!

Then, on the morning of 9-11, sleeping peacefully, the world came crashing down. I was awaken up by my cousin calling, completely out of sorts over the tragedy of the first plane crashing. Who would have thought it could get worse...

My panic stricken mind couldn't comprehend what had happened. Twin Towers? Destroyed? I felt like there was no protection anywhere and the world was coming to an end. I grew up learning and listening to end-time prophecy and was sure this was it. Our lives were changed forever.

My mom got us all together and we headed for the church. When we got there, everyone just sat around and talked and waited for news. I was so fearful and questioned my Pastor about everything I could think of. We watched the news, waiting to hear something good... but it was all bad news.

Fast forward eight years... life isn't as bad as we thought it would be that horrible day. We've all pretty much adjusted to the changes, drastic changes that we don't even notice now. We give more honor to our soldiers fighting for our freedom. We've learned how we truly are the land of the brave and America is the home of the free. Or so we think...

This makes me think of the bondage that really holds America. Our world is turning upside down and freedom can only truly come from One.

I woke up this morning thanking God that I know Him. He knows me. And I am indeed Free. Free from bondage of sin, Free from fear, Free from any enemy that can stand against me.

God is my Freedom. He is your Freedom.

God bless America and the men and women fighting for this great country and the men and women who stand firm and put their lives in God's hands.

Me, Myself and I... sort of.

2009-09-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had some fun with yearbook yourself today... :)

Soul sista'!

Apparently I would have been athletic in the 1960's.

Can anyone really be this sweet looking? I would have thought this girl was up to something. lol

Who knew I could look like a rockstar!

I look just like my mom in this one!

Play along!

Backyard Wedding

2009-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

My cousin Eileen and her long time boyfriend, Frank were married in a small ceremony at my home this past weekend.
::
I made these arrangements last minute, a little frantically. :) The bride was getting her self all spiffed up for her wedding and it dawned on me we had flowers to put together. I threw together five arrangements in 30 minutes. Whooo! It was tight.

Eileen is having a big reception in October, so the ceremony was small and intimate. I was her maid of honor and my sister-in-law Sonia was her bridesmaid.

We had little cones on the back of each chair with rose petals to throw once the ceremony was done and earlier that day we hung up white lights from the trees to brighten it up a bit. By the time I had crawled up and down that ladder a zillion times I was done. Once I realized that I had strung the wrong end and we had no plug to plug in... the tears almost came and then the frantic "What are we going to do now?!" Oh boy. I ended up crawling up and down that ladder again and re-hanging the lights... in addition... this past week was the hottest week in SoCal. Sweaty hot mess. lol

The beautiful bride is five months pregnant and finding a dress was a little difficult... but she ended finding one that my mom altered for her and looked gorgeous!

The wedding party got to wear whatever they wanted, good thing it blended pretty good.

My brother Peter and his wife, Sonia

My cousin and her son, Cristian

Cutting a scrumptious red velvet cake.

They were supposed to be in Cabo today for their honeymoon but the hurricane messed all those plans up. Instead they went into work today... and are planning on booking another honeymoon soon here. Nature's way of throwing a wrench in!

Cabo Shower

2009-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

(My aunt and cousin, Eileen)

Two weeks ago I threw a shower with family and friends for my cousin, Eileen at my home. She got married this weekend and honeymooning in Cabo. The theme was a honeymoon shower since she didn't want lingerie or home goods. I was racking my brain for an idea to add some Mexican flair and my mom suggested peppers in the centerpieces... what a great idea! I went to a local Mexican food store and bought serano chili's and habeneros and added them to the floral arrangements. I did cupcakes instead of a cake. I like the look better and they are easier! I made the butter cream late Thursday night and nearly left it there unfinished, but pressed on and finally finished it.

Each guest went home with a "love notes" pad and a little box with my peanut butter balls. It was a beautiful night with good food and laughs!

Wedding to be posted soon...

Good Changes

2009-08-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

I've got good news to share! But first... here is the back story.

I've been wringing my hands with decisons concerning my job for... well... 2 years. I am a total chicken when it comes to asking for things from my boss. I just never know how he will react. I will be with this company for five years come November.

When I first started working with this family owned business, I was hired after my sister recommended me for the position of receptionist/clerk. I was twenty-one and very wet behind the ears. Not sure how to do much of anything in the office world since I had only worked for myself previously, owning a small business when I was nineteen. I thought I was a pretty good boss and didn't demand too much of myself. ;)

In the office, it was just me and my sister and the husband and wife boss team with a couple guys that were in and out. We had tons of benefits that come with small business; good relationships with our employers and we got to spend time together. Okay, so that wasn't always the best part since having your baby sister underfoot all the time was not easy and for me, having the big sister overhead all the time was not a thrill. But, we really enjoyed those days when we would eat lunch together in my sister's office and chat about nothing of importance.

As the months went on, the business began booming and we hired a receptionist. Things picked up more and more and now we have four girls in office besides me and several guys in and out of the office. All over the course of 4 1/2 years. Seriously, only due to the blessings of God. I am 100% sure of it.

Our office is split into three departments. My boss' handle one each and I handle the other. My department is 50% of the business and it's overflowing with work right now. God? I think so.

Anyway, I finally got up the nerve to discuss a much needed raise, and it was granted. Come to find out, my boss was already working on getting me one... God was already on the move while I was fretting over it.

Good changes!!!

Helllloooo...

2009-08-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there? :)

Yes, I'm still here and NO I haven't decided to stop blogging... I just don't have the time right now. I will be putting up a new post, a catch up post, later on this week to prove to you that I am still alive and well!

I have some serious catching up to do on my reader and lots of commenting... How did I get so behind? I really can't say... but behind I am.

Major event this weekend - Bridal Shower for my cousin. I've been running around like crazy getting everything together. I think it's going to turn out just the way I have it planned in my head, but we'll see!!
:

I'll be back... really.

Another Wedding

2009-08-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

I've been busy planning another Bridal Shower and helping with wedding preparations, again. Two weeks after we got back from my sister's wedding, my cousin,who I've mentioned on here several times, started planning her wedding ceremony. Her and her long time boyfriend were planning on getting married by themselves on a tropical island resort, but have decided to have a small home ceremony.

I for one am happy, since I'll be able to see and participate in her special day. My sister was to be her maid of honor but since she just got back from her honeymoon and is already planning on being out here for my cousin's large reception, she can't make the ceremony. I was more than happy to step in as the maid of honor instead of bridesmaid. I am so excited to be apart of her wedding planning and all the things that come with the days approaching her big day.

Today we went to do some cake tasting... that was hard. Who wants to taste pastries and fillings and butter creams? Someone has to do it... :)

So, yet another thing to keep me from blogging... but I'll do my best to not let it get in the way too much!

Take Me Away...

2009-07-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for a road trip... get away, just go wherever the road leads you...
Or maybe a cruise... no worries, be pampered and enjoy the Pacific Ocean.

Sounds divine.

But, here I am sitting at my desk, enjoying the sounds of copiers and living life. Normal life.

I am so burnt out with things right now... and blogging has been last on my list these past couple of weeks. I just don't feel like taking the time to write. You'll notice that I have more pictures than writing lately. ha-ha, just me being lazy.

I have been absorbed in reading. More like listening. I've signed up with Audible again and just finished the Fountain Creek books by Tamera Alexander and now onto Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist. All while reading As Sure As the Dawn by Francine Rivers... I kinda like books.

I can go to these far off places and visit without having to board a boat or get on a plane... it's all at my fingertips. The only problem is, the minute I shut the book... I'm right back where I started.

Lovin' These 5

2009-07-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

These are the 5 things that get my heart singing this week...

1. LOLA - She is so sweet and that little face is irresistible! I just can't get enough of her. Of course, there are those moments when she is chopping down on your fingers... no blood but really painful. She is a sweetheart and has me wrapped around her little paw.
2. CPK Thai Chicken Salad - Such an easy top 5 for me right now. I went to CPK this past weekend and decided to order something different. Seriously craving this right.this.minuite! Perfect textures, sweet and spicy... Mmm good.
3. Kindle - I want this so bad. So so very bad. 1,000's of books at your fingertips... seriously? It's every bookworms dream.

4. Loving Leah - Hallmark came out with a new movie in Jan but I just found out about it. I am a huge Hallmark fan. I love how everything is generally simple without the junk of today. I love this cultural Love Story. A must have for a Hallmark junkies collection.

5. Godiva White Chocolate Pearls - Need I say more?

Take Me to the Fair

2009-07-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come home from a long day of work and felt like doing this?

The newest member of our family does this often. She sprawls out and takes her naps like this. Ah to live the life of a pup!

I gathered all my energy and went to one of my favorite places... The Orange County Fair. I love it. Every year I look forward to the food, people, smells and sights.

This was calling my name.

Calorie filled deliciousness. Fresh Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. A staple at the OC fair. The minute you walk into "building 10", where all the cool trinkets are, you can smell them in the oven. Mmm Mmm good.

I don't only go to the fair to eat, partially true, I also love the craft building. I love the table scapes. The judges critic each one and type it up for all one million OC residents to see. I cringed at 99% of them and figured they were the work of a sweet elderly lady and really didn't know that the table cloth was stained. (*cringing* again)

But there was one worth mentioning. You wouldn't find this table scape in Martha* Stewart's* home... no siree bob. This was a unique one and, according to me, the Blue Ribbon Winner.

The IRS table.
How clever is that?

You can't go to the fair and bypass the animals. No matter how bad the stench is. I'm so glad I didn't... I found the next character to be on Dr. 90210... he needed some dental work.

Oh the joys of the fair. I am going again because it's so big you can't cover it in one visit. Plus... I didn't get to eat an onion blossom or turkey leg. Maybe I shouldn't go back...