Dining In Style

I love this book by Mary Carol Garrity!  She has a distinctive style that combines the new with the old to achieve casual elegance.  I'd like to share one picture from her wonderful book.

How sweet is this puppy next to his bowl?  You know he is loved if his owner chose to create such a delightful spot for him.  It inspired me to create something similar for my little Lester.  Of course, I completely over thought the project.  My initial thought was that a similarly framed piece of art would be a bit expensive.  However, rather than buying a pre-framed picture, I could have purchased a frame from Michaels and found a lovely greeting card to use... duh.
Well anyhow, here's what I came up with.

I simply cut a piece of wood to size, painted it and applied a design applique. Then I applied the L applique over the design.  I found the plaster cast at the dime store.  I remember how my Mom (who's no longer with us) used to love this little nook for my cat.  She thought it was quite cute.

Yum

 I recently celebrated my birthday and want to say thanks to my friends and family for making it such a special one. I made a cake to share with my co-workers and while I didn't get a picture of it, it got me to thinking of cakes I've made in the past.  I thought I'd share some pictures.

Oh by the way, congratulations to Laurie!  Despite overwhelming odds, she emerged a winner in the give away!!!!

Every Day Brings Something Beautiful

Do you ever catch yourself thinking it's grey, cold, foggy, cloudy or just not nice out?  I think that when adopting that attitude, we cheat ourselves out of experiencing something special.  Those are some of the best times for an early morning walk down a quiet street or country lane.  That's what I did yesterday and was amazed at the beauty I found. 

Enjoy your day, whatever the weather might bring!

Is there anybody out there? Give Away

OK, the counter at the bottom of this page keeps going up so I'm wondering who's checking out my humble blog.  Provide a comment on today's post & you could win this cute little guy! Give away ends Feb. 4th at midnight.

Today I'm wondering what your thoughts are on large wall art in a bathroom.  It's something I don't see very often...but kinda like.  The right picture can add a bit of elegance to a room that could otherwise be a bit boring.  What do you think?

Pond Hockey

Hubby took me to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships held at Lake Nokomis yesterday.  I'm amazed at how much fun I had.  I didn't think I'd enjoy it but there was great energy and excitement there.  I was pulled right in!

Windchills were below zero so much use was made of the warming hut.

This team was made up of guys 50 yrs. and older.  Boy could they play!

There were some fun fashions to be seen.

I'm not sure what kind of dog this is but he looked like he was in his element.

If you have a chance to check this event out next year, I highly recommend it.  I'll see ya there!



Inspiration Mirror

Do you keep an inspiration board? I prefer a beautiful mirror.  Like a magpie I collect scraps and pictures that others may simply discard.

And hang them proudly for further admiration.

A red door and flowers would be grand to welcome people in.  I also dream of decorating a room in the hues shown in the picture of a lady with her lamb. 

Sunday Morning Tea

Do you hide you treasured dishes away in a cabinet?  Or do you like to take them out and enjoy them, even if eating alone?   I for one, say that our time on earth is too short not to enjoy life's little pleasures.