Addicted to Vintage

The next project has been a long time in anticipation, patiently waiting for either a donated changing table or a dirt cheap one to be posted online and find its way into my workshop. (A.K.A. garage.) It wasn't really the style or material I wanted to work with but there can always be a second one later. If nothing else, I had a practice run and now know what not to do.  This was made out of pressed wood so my paint didn't adhere very well. I had to be uber careful bringing it into my bedroom when completed because the smallest bump against a wall will tear the color right off. I don't know if my last project really blew my mind, dulling everything else in comparison or if this bar cart just was a let down. I have a few girlfriends who love it so maybe it will find a new home when I complete a new one. In the meantime, I finally have a pretty place to display the cherished vintage bar ware I recently inherited. =)

 

Plain Jayne before

(please excuse the mess of a garage)

 

Finished in Heirloom White

 

Bar Glasses and Serving Snifters c. 1950's

Glass and Brass perfume/cosmetic tray c. 1970's

A few of my favorite wines..

Especially the one from my Raymond "family" vineyard.

(no real relation, but excellent vino for you oenophiles)

'98 Throwback Thursday

This picture always conjures up a few tears for me. Summer of 1998, my daughter was 20 months and my son was 5. It was a very hot day  and we were at their grandmothers house. Ahhhh memories of childhood, running through the sprinklers to stay cool, Otter Pops and grilled ham and cheese. What touches my heart even more is the fact that they are still best friends at 16 and 21. I am one very blessed mother.

Something Old, Something Blue

Several months ago I adopted a desk that needed a new home. It took up residence in my garage until I had the time and creative juices flowing to take on a new project. The beauty of these projects is the peace of mind during the process and the feeling of accomplishment upon its completion. There is something very gratifying about using your hands and mind to renew a piece that is terminally abhorrent into a beautiful chattel. Perhaps I connect with this feeling because my life is undergoing the same process. Hopefully soon I will be financially back on track and feel more positive about my future. Here are the photos:



 

 

 

 The ugly duckling

Deep scratches and dings

paint... $0    roller... $0  tray... 99 cents  

after sanding and three coats of paint, blemishes no longer seen

stencil kits..... $6.99  foam paint brush.... $0

I decided to give a pop of blue to the front..

I am on the fence about painting drawer fronts matching blue

Taaa-Daaaaah the final product set up in my room!!!

All my special accessories and the matching wicker highboy next to it.

 

TOTAL COST: $8.00

Feliz Dia de las Madres

I am blessed to have numerous amazing mothers in my life. Starting with my own of course! So many aunts, friends, cousins, a sister, and many loved ladies who have since passed on. You were here in spirit today with us during our celebrations! To my own mother, you have done so much for your "grands" and I! Through great times and tough periods, it was a reassurance to know that we would ALWAYS have you in our corner. And to my step-mother, we have not always seen eye to eye, but I am happy we are friends now. To the other mothers in my inner circle, you all amaze me with your patience, guidance, understanding and never-ending supply of hugs, kisses and encouraging words. I wish ALL of you fabulous females a Mother's Day as wonderful as you are!

Born to Mac

Cross one off my bucket list.... I'm finally fulfilling a lifelong dream of seeing my favorite all-time band live in concert... Fleetwood Mac. The history, music, harmonies, songwriting..... to me there is no one better.  So, in honor of my favorite song "Dreams" written by the phenomenal Stevie Nicks, today's post is the lyrics. This woman has always been ahead of her time. "Dreams" is just one example of her singing talent and creativity. 55 days and counting...

Now here you go again

You say you want your freedom

Well who am I to keep you down

It's only right that you should

Play the way you feel it

But listen carefully to the sound

Of your loneliness

Like a heartbeat, drives you mad

In the stillness of remembering

What you had, And what you lost

And what you had, And what you lost

Chorus:

Thunder only happens when it's raining

Players only love you when they're playing

They say, women, they will come and they will go

When the rain washes you clean, you'll know

You'll know

Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions

I keep my visions to myself

It's only me who wants to wrap around your dreams and

Have you any dreams you'd like to sell

Dreams of Loneliness like a heartbeat, drives you mad

In the stillness of remembering

What you had, And what you lost

And what you had, oh what you lost

Thunder only happens when it's raining

Players only love you when they're playing

Women, they will come and they will go

When the rain washes you clean, you'll know

Dainty Display

Last weekend I was in dire need of some solo retail therapy... and one of my favorite past times is scavenging the local flea market for deals and treasures. I found a plastic mirror frame (missing the glass) with the look of wicker, but with more sturdiness. I had an idea how to re-purpose it, and for one measly dollar, I could afford the gamble if it didn't turn out right. I am pleased to announce, it turned out cute!

 

scrubbed clean and given a fresh coat of ivory color

 

used a hot glue gun and leftover burlap to cover the inside section

 

added lace lining. The top row dried crooked, but gives it character, right?

reassembled both pieces securing with screws

the end result... a dainty earring display!

Repurposing and Remembering

I have several friends who talk about Pinterest incessantly. Thus far I had successfully fought the urge to investigate the website for fear of developing yet another form of electronic addiction. A few nights ago, after tossing and turning for hours, waiting for Mr. Sandman to make his appearance, I finally threw in the proverbial towel and checked it out. As I feared, a new addiction has come to rise. So many DIY project ideas, recipes, and household cleaning tips I had never heard of! I spent hours upon hours "pinning" things into folders and felt those creative juices start to flow once again.

 

In the spirit of finding some peace after a disheartening day, I found myself elbow deep with three projects. Mind you, these are nothing extremely time consuming or requiring a lot of creative talent, ... but I was pretty impressed with the final results. Especially since the total cost was less than $5.00 for all three. The first two are below.

 

A make-up jar is born:

 

I started with a scrap piece of burlap material and a sauce jar. After attaching the burlap on the glass I had to decide what ribbon I wanted to use... That was tough!!! Inevitably, I chose my favorite shade of blue. After tying the bow I attached it directly to the burlap. Final result.... a cute make-up brush canister. Short and simple. All from random scraps and a sauce jar from tonight's menu.

A jewelry holder is born:

I inherited a few tea cups and saucers from my grandmother in the mid-1970's. Over the years the cups were chipped or outright broken, but I wanted to preserve the remaining pieces in some sort of way for sentimental purposes.  The full set was purchased overseas during the war by my grandfather and sent home to his wife, then pregnant with the second of their seven children.  This grandfather passed before I was born and my grandmother passed when I was very young, so these are historical items to me. The candlestick was a gift to me at my own wedding in 2004. It seemed like the perfect thing to use as a post. I am pretty impressed with the end product. It is personal, feminine, and useful.., but most importantly, it salvages a small piece of my family tree into an item I will appreciate every day.

Awakening

Hello friends! I am back by popular demand,

live and direct from my side of the screen!

First and foremost, I must give my sincerest thanks to those of you who sent encouraging emails and texts offering condolences through the months when multiple loved ones passed away. Your kind words provided me comfort in a time when I was in a very dark place. Moving forward I will put my faith in the mantra “Give it to God, He will work it out.” I’m glad to be back. And now......

 

The Future is Unwritten

Life in California is not all sunshine and palm trees. City life gives the impression of carefree, attractive people living each day as one big party. Yuppies and hipsters alike chat endlessly on cell phones, drinking their extra-foam-half-calf-splash-of-nutmeg-carmochanilla-chai-frappachino. Blond-extentioned women with breasts inflated past biology and flashy white dentition. Men with Mastiff sized bodies, overly moussed hair, and tribal body ink. This is the image portrayed through the lens of social effervescence. This is not the reality.

In actuality, these people are hypnotized by the sound of their own voice, yet lack verbal fortitude. They claim to be health mavens, yet devour greasy edibles like starving carnivores, completely devoid of any table manners. They overvalue their self worth and can justify it, while silently judging others for doing the same exact thing. They claim to be compassionate, yet can mindlessly walk past a homeless person sleeping in front of Prada or Neiman's . Their personalities fall about one hundred degrees south of sincere.

I am blessed to have my inner circle filled with amazing friends and family. Outside that ring of decency there are an abundance of characters who are morally bankrupt, prevaricating tramps, users and bottom feeders, self-proclaimed celebrities, all entrenched with personality disorders and social etiquettes that stench heavily of Eau De Arrogance. Douchebaggery at its finest, folks. This is the reality.

Friends and family ask me why I would ever want to leave this beautiful state to live in a hot, dry desert. I respond questioning why shouldn’t I? Chivalry is dead here. Even hard working people live a lifestyle of poverty because of the exorbitant cost of living. The last few years have been a gentle strangulation of finances and a growing number of people with an unrealistic sense of entitlement. Countless wasted hours of vehicular congestion, my car queued on the onramp every morning by 6 a.m. for the 45 minute drive it takes to get 10 miles down the road. There has to be a more uncomplicated, simpler way of life. Quite frankly, I have had enough.

So it is with cautious optimism that I begin the process of seeking transferable employment and downsizing belongings. The process of elimination is easy when you take an honest assessment at what you really need to survive. I aim for a minimalistic lifestyle minus excessive possessions. This relocation offers a beacon of hope for personal economic recovery, better body mileage, making new friends and exploring untraveled roads. There is an element of mystery at what living is like solo: without parents, husbands, roommates or children. This is a world I have never experienced. For better or for worse, I have paid my dues and am ready to take this step, embarking on a journey, launching the next phase of my life. It is full speed ahead, all pedal and no brakes. Look ma, no hands…..

If I Was a Rich Girl

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

A year would be dedicated to a better physique with the help of a personal trainer
My "girls" would get some help with defying gravity, as would my gut
I'd be able to help the homeless and supply basic necessities
The kids and mommy would have choppers in immaculate condition
The shoe collection would grow immensely
I would treat my Dad to meals instead of him always covering the check
I would treat my closest gal pals to a VIP reunion trip in Las Vegas once a year
My children would never know what a student loan was
My mother would never have to clean her own home again
Family Christmas's might be hosted in a snowy climate
I would always know what new car smell was
Speaking of smell, I would have all the expensive perfumes I could never afford before
I would commit to charity work and make a difference
Concerts and sporting events would be frequent
My son would not have to make any more car payments
Spontaneous road trips would be possible
I would own one pair of diamond earrings. Just one.
(OK... and maybe one chocolate diamond ring tehehe)
Attending Sturgis bike week would be added to my bucket list
Oh yea, so would zip lining in Hawaii
I would never have to save for a month before I could call a plumber, electrician, etc
Spa and salon days would be commonplace
Cocktail hour would be reinstated
My daughter would get laser and never need contacts or glasses again
I would be enjoyed in places like Miami, Jackson Hole, or New Orleans
(For beach days, horseback riding, and partying on Bourbon Street)
Dress up lunches for no reason at all
I would own every Audrey Hepburn movie ever made
Repaying my parents for their financial help would be a priority
I would finish my college degree just for principle
Monthly bills would be on automatic pay, no more due dates to remember
I would own at least two vacation homes
My passport would have a plethora of stamped pages
(Greece, France, Caribbean, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Scotland)

Life's Lyrics

Hard to Love - Lee Brice

 

I am insensitive and I have a tendency

To pay more attention to the things that I need
Sometimes I drink to much, sometimes I test your trust

Sometimes I dunno why you're staying with me

I'm hard to love, hard to love, I don't make it easy

I couldn't do it if I stood where you stood
I'm hard to love, hard to love, you say that you need me

I don't deserve it but I love that you love me good

I am a short fuse, I am a wrecking ball

Crashing into your heart like I do
You're like a Sunday morning full of grace and full of Jesus

I wish that I could be more like you.

You've given me a million second chances

I don't ever wanna take you for granted

My Favorite Things

Browsing through the pages of my scrapbooks, I was reminded of some of my favorite memories and trips I have taken. I thought I would share some of my favorite places. These are locations where I feel relaxed and happy for a multitude of reasons. (In no particular order)

Poolside at The Pearl Hotel

Hiking in Manitou Springs, Colorado

 

Reading and sipping a latte at Cosmo's Coffee Shop

Football Sunday's at Jolt 'N Joes Sports Bar

Riding my bike around San Diego Bay

Watching the waves crash in Ocean Beach

Last, but not least, watching a sunset from my very own bedroom balcony

 

The Difference Between Girls and Boys

Today I thought I would share a lighthearted post. This morning I was looking for nail polish remover in my daughter's bedroom and was quite impressed at how neat and organized her little corner of the world was. Everything was in its place and although her dresser was cluttered, it was an organized chaos. Very typical of a sixteen year old young lady. Hair products, scented lotions and perfume sprays took up most of the real estate on the dresser. The closet was neat as a pin with like items grouped together and the rest of the weeks outfits paired together. Her bed was even made.

 

As I exited her room I couldn't help but take notice of how my son's bedroom was the complete opposite. Clothes, shoes, papers, towels, and a conglomeration of miscellaneous crap (yes... CRAP) littered the entire floor, in fact, a suitcase sits open, still with dirty clothing in it from the vacation he took... in August!!! There was not even a sheet on his mattress. Well, I just sighed and closed the door to the madness and thanked the man upstairs that at least one of my children is tidy.

 

Notice perfumes are on the corner shelf and jewlery hanging neatly.

Nail polishes organized and sunglasses in a row.

Bed made, and tv chair fluffed with pillows.

Jeans, skirts, blouses, all sectioned together.

Shoes lined up and in the organizer.

Polar opposite: complete anarchy!! Screen not even on window.

Tough Decisions

The first thing this morning I received a telephone call from a gentleman conducting a government background check on my ex husband. He called from a local number and stated my former betroved is currently under review for an opportunity here in San Diego. I am torn. My initial instinct tells me the right thing to do is to return this man's message and be forthright in any way I can.  I don't think I can say anything that would hurt his chances at a job, as our issues were marital, not work related.  On the flip side, my inner bitch says "screw him" and why do anything that will make his life easier after all he put me through?

The basic background of our marriage... we were married only six months when he received military orders to return to Virginia, orders which he was previously aware were coming, yet never disclosed to me prior to marriage. On our one year wedding anniversary we relocated to the east, uprooting my children from the only home they had ever known and leaving an amazing job in the name of being a supportive and loving wife. Upon arrival things were copacetic for six months. We began arguing over money and parenting, causing discomfort in the home and with my children. There are many other things I could add, but I won't air all the dirty laundry and slander his name.

He decided divorce was the best option and found it ok to inform me of this on my 34th birthday, at a restaurant, in front of my children. REALLY??? Due to Virginia being a Commonwealth state the process took over two years before completion. TWO YEARS!!! This was a case with no mutual children, property, or support requested and should have taken six months. I incurred further expense in the returning move to California. Finally it appeared to be official when I realized Virginia law allowed him to contest the reinstatement of my maiden name, which he did. I had to hire legal counsel and file a whole new case, incurring travel costs and attend several different hearings in Virginia. The ex did this purely for spite. It was financially costly, but more importantly, hurtful, after all, it was only 18 months prior we made our vows. Although the marriage did not work out, there was still a lot of raw emotion involved and to this day I hesitate to have any type of long term relationship because I don't trust whole heartedly, as I once did. He took that from me.  

Back to my phone call this morning... part of me feels the right thing to do is to return the call and be the bigger person. The other part of me feels as though I closed the book on this past life and to any connection to him six years ago. I do not want anything to do with him, his life, or his career. I am really on the fence and quite confused. Any advice???

Rawhide

I have a new love for all things country... music, fashion and cowboys. In the spirit of this, I treated myself to a special purchase of these boots by Steve Madden for a steal of a deal at Ross. Nope, not ashamed to brag on my deal. I looked at boots at several places and was stunned to learn how expensive the authentic brands run (Lucchesse= $800+; Old Gringo= $600+; Ariat= $400+). Since I cannot justify that amount of money without first scoring the winning lottery ticket or snatching up a rich sugar daddy (LOL) I settled for my pair which retail at $80 and I got on sale for $25. I have worn them a few times and feel so cute when I don them with a denim mini skirt or a black dress. I am looking forward to whatever "winter" season we may get here in Southern Cali so I can wear them more!!! Maybe I will meet a Hatfield or a McCoy to ride off into the sunset with...

20 Minutes to Deliciousness

 

In my quest to stop the fast food madness and treat this old aging bod with a bit more respect, I have been preparing a lot more meals in my own galley as of late. Although I have tried a few recipes by television's latest celeb chefs, I have fine tuned them to my own variations of taste preference and tend to like them better. Eating healthy never tasted so delicious. Tonight's entree was a one pot creation of culinary experimentation. Components were simple: pasta, turkey meatballs and sliced squash in a home made-ISH arrabbiata sauce (basically a spicy version of marinara, jazzed up with olive oil, garlic, bell peppers and chipotle flakes.. all things I had on hand.) The following steps took less than 20 minutes total:

 

Start to boil the pasta

Chop bell peppers and garlic

Slice squash and mix with pepper/garlic

Micro veggie mixture and meatballs, takes 2 minutes for perfection

Drain pasta

Add sauce and seasonings

Toss in meat and squash

Stir into a bowl of deliciousness