Vintage French Hen

Just who owns this love seat anyways?

2012-02-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend Beauties!

Another week has quickly gone by, and before I leave to go babysit my granddaughter Julie Mae for the weekend, I want to share some pictures of my new loveseat.

That is, my new love seat that the dogs think is theirs!

It wasn't 5 minutes before both Cowboy and Bella claimed the back of the sofa as theirs.

We even moved the old couch in front of the dining room window in hopes that they would like the view of all the birds in the yard....But No. They like the new couch better.

Cowboy says he can see the birds just fine from his new seat in the house.

So here are some pics of the living room area with the dogs new loveseat, I mean my new love seat.

I'm excited for Spring time and the abundance of flowers!

I got a horseshoe at the Sacramento Antique Show last weekend. Maybe it will bring me some luck!

I actually feel very very lucky to have discovered the world of blogging and have met such amazing people! Thank you for your comments and friendship!

I'm linking up with the wonderful Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound for another Pink Saturday.

Have a fabulous weekend beauties, I'm thrilled to have 3 days off!

A shabby area just for me!

2012-02-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

BONJOUR BEAUTIES!

Today I have decided to share my little corner of the house. It's a nook in the spare room that contains my computer, inspiration board, and writing materials.

I don't keep the computer out in my cottage because there's no heat out there!

My cottage/milk house.

When my husband bought a new PC, I decide to move the old one into the spare room and make it an area just for me.

I used an old vanity as my desk, and an antique library index case to store stationery goods. A weathered metal garden basket hangs from an old door I bought at a garage sale, and has a supply of last seasons roses from my yard.

My daughter bought me the famous "I believe in pink" picture for Valentine's Day.

I bought the large vintage window at a salvage yard and sprayed chalkboard paint on it. It's fun to change the words on it. My new favorite mantra?

Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

My inspiration board has colors, postcards, quotes, and pictures that I love and are dear to my heart. One of the postcards is from my mom and dad when they went to Paris tens years ago. I came across it when I was going through a box of old documents. Don't you love it when you find treasures like that?

I started collecting pocket vases a few years ago. I have 4 of the Virgin Mary. This one next to the computer holds pens and pencils.

My area may be small, but it's MY area just the same.

Pink foo-foo'ness and all!

Thanks for stopping by my "office!"

Today I'm linking up with:

Courtney

Cindy

Debra

A Creative Purpose

2012-02-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Hello there Beauties!

I don't know about you, but when I go to the grocery store I love to head to the magazine section and browse through the humungous amount of publications. I'm especially intrigued by the "altered" & "re-purposed" articles. In the next few months I'm hoping to start my own little part-time business, but I can't really elaborate too much. I will definitely share more details when the time is right!

So in the meantime, I like to play with my camera, experiment with the photo editing on our computer, and rearrange the furniture! I know you know what I'm talking about, we all love to change things up in our homes.

I've also been doing a tiny bit of re-purposing of my own. Like my shopping cart that I lined with some burlap that I now use to store magazines, flowers and linens in.

I bought my new Rosary at an antique show over the weekend. This is the largest one I own as of yet. I've been collecting Rosary beads for many, many years and now my daughter Sara is making them. She made quite a few over the holidays for Christmas gifts and it was obvious that each one was made from her heart as well as her talented hands.

The ruffled tablecloth is one I "altered" recently from old linens I pieced together. I love the way it turned out, I only wish it were larger!

I can also lose myself in the gorgeous books that keep coming out as well, sometimes I feel like I should own stock in Amazon!

I've moved my mannequin Jane to a new location above the bookcase that I store some of my linens in.

I use my French shopping bag all the time, but for now it hangs on a bedroom door filled with roses.

I've been on the lookout for vintage windows because I want to try and make a small greenhouse. If any of you have made one I would sure love to hear from you...If you don't mind giving out some tips on how to do it!

I picked up this very long (about 12 feet) linen table cloth a couple of years ago. It's in perfect condition and came from France. What is your advice, leave it as it is or use it for other projects. It wasn't cheap, so I need to be sure of what to use it for. It's too long to use on my dining room table and I don't want to end up crying over spilled milk.

So for now I just keep it folded, out of reach of one of our dogs or cat to lay on!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you all are having a wonderful week and enjoyed your Valentine's Day.....Share the love!

I'm linking with:
Kathleen
For White Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Chocolate Wine and my Little Turtle

2012-02-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day My Beauties!

I just had to share a picture of my little muffin man Raymond, aka

Turtle Boy!

A friend of my daughters made this for my grandson. Is it sweet or what?

Of course I have to include a Valentine picture of Julie Mae, she is so busy these days, it's hard to capture an image of her!

Here she is banging on my piano keys, I mean playing me a lovely song.

For Valentine's Day my love gave me two of my favorites in one package.

Chocolate wine! Oh yum, can't wait to give it a try. Is 7:00 a.m. on a work day wrong? Some days I feel like it!

So once in a while my dear husband does surprise me, like yesterday when I got home from a long day at work and he had red roses and chocolate wine waiting for me.

I guess this means I'm cooking dinner tonight!

How about you? What do you do on Valentine's Day? Whether you're in a relationship or not, what are your plans? Do you boycott, hang with the girls, go to dinner? I'd love to hear.

In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful day. Regardless of what the calender says!

The French Hen Kitchen Is Juicing Up!

2012-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Beauties!

This week seemed to just fly by for me, there's so much going on here at The French Hen. With my job at the preschool, and helping my daughter with watching my two grandchildren the days seem to go by quickly. My other daughter and I did manage to fit in a really fun event last night however. We went to a showing of the movie The Artist. The movie was brilliantly done, no wonder it has TEN Oscar nominations! The event was held at a gorgeous theater in my hometown that has been renovated and has been showing movies for over 70 years. It was optional for guests to wear clothing from the era of the movie, the 1920's-1930's. We didn't participate in that, but many did and it was great fun...women wore flapper dresses, and men had on tuxedo's, tails, and top hats!

Sara and myself last night posing in front of a gorgeous vintage car.

With our lives being so busy, my husband and I have gotten into some serious juicing! We bought a new juicer, watched a couple documentaries on the subject, Googled some recipes, and went to the grocery store.

There really isn't a more perfect way to get so many nutrients than blending up some fresh vegetables. I try to buy as much organic as possible and I only make up enough to last a day. So every morning our goal is to make a fresh batch.

One of my personal favorites is:

4 carrots

1/2 a cucumber

a couple hand-fulls of fresh spinach

about a 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger

1/2 a lemon

1 apple

You don't need to peel any of these, just be sure they are clean. There are tons of recipes out there, but this is one of my go-to's. I started drinking fresh juice about a year and a half ago, and can feel a difference since I started. I can also tell a difference when I don't drink it for a while. My energy level drops and extra weight increases. Not Good.

There's also an assortment of juicers on the market. Since we juice often we invested a bit more on a Breville, but there are others that aren't as pricey.

So those are my thoughts on on drinking juice, and here are some pictures of the kitchen I thought I would share. I hope you have a great day, and stay healthy! Remember...

You are what you eat!

Sorry I about so many pictures! I have a new editing program on my computer and I'm having fun experimenting!

I'm linking with

Beverly for Pink Saturday!

I'm A Yoga Wanna-Be Queen

2012-02-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hi my beauties! How's your week been?

Mine has been really fun. I spent Friday afternoon with my daughter and we did some shopping and enjoyed a glass of wine at a nice little spot in my hometown. Later in the evening we had a "Lost" marathon. We're getting close to the end of the series, and I can't wait to figure everything out! Have you watched "Lost?" If any of you have, we should discuss it....because now I feel lost!

But on a more serious note, don't we all feel a little bit disoriented sometimes? I know there are days that I feel really secure with the direction my life is headed in, and what steps I need to take to get there. But then I also have days, or even moments, of self-doubt. I'm confused, unclear. And that usually comes with my weakness of listening to the doubters. Or as I like to call them Debbie-Downers.

One of my favorite ways of keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground is my daily Yoga routine. Yoga is very disciplined, it takes concentration, and lots of practice. The benefits of Yoga are amazing. Studies have shown that Yoga reduces stress, calms the mind of "chatter," helps your mood, increases balance and flexibility, and since it lowers your blood pressure it may also be beneficial for the heart.

My dream of being a Yoga Queen started around 15 years ago when I first discovered this new way of working out that didn't involve doing aerobics! When I heard I could build muscle tone, lose inches and have a stronger core without the use of a treadmill or elliptical machine I was all over it! I started renting all kinds of DVD's for guidance and inspiration. Experts like: Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, and Nicki Doane. (She's my personal favorite, only because her body can do things that my body never, ever will. Period.)

So each and every morning upon rising, I head for my living room, throw down my Yoga mat, light a candle, fill a glass of lemon water and pop in a DVD.

I love doing yoga with Seane Corn's video. She has different levels for different people. We are all different, and we need to respect and honor that. Just do what you can, and remember to breathe!

Flexibility.

Balance.

Strength.

It's amazing what our bodies are capable of doing in time. Even though I will never be able to hold my entire body weight up in the air, I like to imagine myself doing it!

Just look at those arms... Now that takes real strength!

I told my husband he could bring the elliptical in the house, but only until the weather warms up! It's just lovely in the front window, don't you think? Maybe I should paint it pink!!
So honey sweats away on the elliptical, and trust me when I say I do my fair share of sweating on the mat.

It's important to me to always give thanks before and after my Yoga workout. When I am done I relax for a bit to let my body cool down and drink plenty of water. My daily ritual truly does help to keep me grounded, focused and happy.

How about you, are you a wanna be Yoga Queen too? Please share!

Namaste Your Day

2012-01-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

"For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom."
source

Well hello all you beauties!
Welcome to my new weekly series titled
Namaste Your Day!

Once a week I'll be writing about the importance of self-nurturing. This is something I've been struggling with for a long time. With everything we have going on in our lives today, It seems like its getting more and more difficult to take time out for ourselves.We all look forward to the weekends, right? Even if your weekend happens to land on a Wednesday and Thursday, it doesn't really matter. We just need to take a breath. What I have discovered however, and this only took me over 50 years to figure out, is that by the time we're done with all our "stuff" that needs to get done, we're even more tired by Sunday evening!

There's the kids soccer games, baseball practice, birthday parties. Laundry, house cleaning, grocery shopping, bill payments. Pulling weeds, pulling out your hair. Being the chef, the chauffeur, the family doctor... And, who has time to create anymore?Unless of course your child has just informed you that his "Mission" made of 10,00 tiny marshmallows is due on Monday morning.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRKKKK
(imagine the sound of brake tires)

Now Breathe.

One night a week, it doesn't matter what day you choose, devote an hour to yourself.
But make sure everyone in the house understands...

This is your time.

Personally, I prefer to have my "Spa Night" on Sunday evening.
I like to look at as preparation for
Mental Health Monday.

Here's a list of some of the things I gather for my hour of solitude:

1. Comfy jammies , soft robe, or whatever strikes your fancy.

2. A creamy face cleanser. ( I use Botanics organic face nourishing cleanser.)

3. Enough candles to surround your room while the lights are OFF. I use around 6.

4. Music to set the tone. I love Pandora. I set it on the Spa/Relaxation channel. I also have a handy little speaker with HUGE sound. It's called a Goal Zero. I bought it at Costco for around $20.00, but they've been out for a while. You can get them on Amazon. Just plug it into your I-phone and Voila!

5. Bath crystals. This is very important. ( Well, it is to me anyways) I've been using a few different kinds, depending on my need. At the moment I'm experimenting with a brand called Chakra Bath Blends. These bath blends are made with Dead Sea Salts which have numerous health benefits dating back to early times. Varieties include Chakra balancing, (I may write more on your Chakra in another post) Invigorating Energy Blend, and Stress Relief Therapy.

Before I get in the tub, I wash my hair and then put in a good thick moisturizer. I wrap my hair in a towel, light the candles, and crank up the music. I usually soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. If I'm feeling really drained, I remind myself how important I am, and that I deserve this time to myself. I remind myself that I am worthy.

Sometimes I enjoy a good read, sometimes not. Sometimes I like a cup of tea or cucumber water, and sometimes I like to sip a glass of wine.
As the water drains I rinse my hair under the faucet. I don't moisturize my body after the soaking in the bath crystals because its simply not necessary. I do moisturize my face however. I use
Sciabica's Extra Virgin Lavender Olive Oil on my skin every night.

Before I leave the room I give thanks. I take in a few more breaths before entering reality once again.

This really does work for me! How about you? What do you do to help keep yourself balanced?

My "Spa Night" for me involves a bathtub. But not everyone has a tub and has found their own creative way to reconnect. I do hope you'll share!

I'm linking with

Sarah

Kathleen

Until next time...

Hi everyone! Meet our new little boy!

2012-01-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

Well Hello there beautiful!

Guess What? You haven't seen me in a while because my daughter Maggie just had her son!

Please welcome Raymond Glen!

Our littler Ray of sunshine.

I'm in love!

Gosh I've missed you all, I hope everyone is getting back in the groove after the holidays. I've got some changes coming to my blog, but more of that later. Right now I am just enjoying being "Mimi" to my 2 grandchildren.

Julie is trying to adjust to not being an only child anymore!

I'll being seeing you later, I hope you are all enjoying

2012!!!
I'm linking with

Sarah

Santa Baby....

2011-12-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

I Don't Know About You...

But, I'm Exhausted!

And so is the cat!

It's time to relax and meditate on the real reason for this Season.

Holiday Blessings, From My Home To Yours!

I'm Linking with

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Bedroom Decorating In The Red House

2011-12-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

HELLO BEAUTIFUL!

WELCOME TO PART II

OF MY HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
You can find the Milk House Here
And Part 1 Here

The Master Bedroom
Goes Like This....

My daughter Maggie is letting me use her large window hanging above my bed. The wreath was made by cutting lots and lots of netting into squares....it took forever, but I like the way it turned out. Not sure I will make more any time soon however!

My angel wings I ordered on Etsy.

Paper wings as a tree topper, and vintage music sheets rolled into scrolls attached to the branches.

Now on to the middle bedroom, or as I like to call it

The French bedroom!

I love the line from the movie
"PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA"

And couldn't agree more!

I had an old window out in the garage that I sprayed chalkboard paint on. Got this idea from Pinterest.

The front bedroom, which is part of the original house is painted a colonial mustard. One man my sister-in-law was talking to said he was born in that room in 1903!

Which takes us back to the living room!

I hope you have enjoyed my little tour..

Wishing you

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm linking up today with

My Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday

Pink Saturday

I'll Be Home For Christmas Linky Party

Between Naps On The Porch

A Beach Cottage 'Good Life Wednesday'

Be sure to stop and say hello!

Christmas at The Red House and a winner!

2011-12-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

HELLO BEAUTIFUL &

HO-HO-HO!

Our Little Red House was recently on a Holiday Home Tour in our small community, but we still managed to have over 200 people come through our home and milk house last weekend! It was a lot of work but a whole lot of fun!

Here are a few photos I wanted to share with you, I hope you enjoy!

I made the Angel wings below by cutting out the shapes from large boxes of Cheerios. I then covered them in vintage music sheets and Mod Podge.

I can't believe I got a new batch of sun flowers, and they survived the freezes we've been having here in Nor-Cal!

My dog Cowboy wanted to be in at least one picture!

My Advent calender is from a matchbox swap I was participated in last Christmas. The 59 cent wicker thrift store tree fit perfect!

My tree is real, I just sprayed it with some canned snow and then added some snow flakes.

In the next couple days I'll share some pictures of my bedrooms!

I'm linking up with...

Jennifer Rizzo

Faded Charm

Also....
The winner of my Creating Vintage Charm magazine goes to Brenda from Shabby Cats And Roses!
Thank you to everyone who entered and thank you for all your sweet comments!

Christmas in the milk house and a give away!

2011-12-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

Well...

Hello Beautiful!

My, but it has been a while since I've written on my blog.

Life has been good and very busy for me here at the french hen. Being a mimi to Julie Mae, working, and getting ready for the holidays has left little time for sitting down to write a post. I have however continued to visit many of you over the last couple of months. Your beautiful homes and ideas are such an inspiration!

I'm absolutely loving all the incredible Christmas decorations I've seen while on my visits, the talent of so many of you continue to blow me away!

I've been pretty consumed with the season myself. I have had the honor and privilege of being featured in Sonia Crouse's beautiful publication of Creating Vintage Charm. My little milk house cottage is all decked out for the holidays and Sonia was kind enough to share my space with you all. There are many gorgeous ideas and inspirations featured in this months holiday issue and you can order it here.

Come inside!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Christmas milk house! In honor of Creating Vintage Charm, I will be giving away one of their holiday issues! All you have to do is leave a comment. To up your chances of winning you can follow me, or post on any of the other networks; Facebook, Twitter....you know!

The winner will be announced next weekend.

OK...Back to work for me. My home is going to be on a Holiday Home Tour next weekend and I have a lot to do! Have a great weekend.

I'm linking up with

My Romantic Home

How Sweet The Sound

Sarah, Good Life Wednesday

Kathleen for White Wednesday

French Hen's Weaknesses

2011-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

I have a real passion for cowboy boots.

Holey jeans. Roses, and flowered shirts.

Eyelet, lace, and ruffles.

I also am weak in the knees for vintage china and old hankies.

I love to set a pretty table and have the family over. My girls and I have the same taste, so we enjoy thrifting and going on scavenger hunts together.

Thank you for stopping by!

Have a fabulous week

I'm linking with

Sarah

Cindy

Courtney

The Farmer Takes A Wife...

2011-09-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

I thought I would share the story about Us. My hubby and I...
And what he gave up for me.

Five years ago, my husband and I were living in a very small farming community. (Population about 50.) We were also living in a very small house. Since my husband had recently retired from farming, he was open to the idea of moving closer to town which would be ideal since the closest grocery store was roughly a 30 minute drive. About this same time my husband's sister and her husband had inherited a ranch. They didn't want to sell their home they had been working so hard on renovating, so we asked if we could move in and promised to take extra special care of it! They thought it was a splendid idea, and we have been here ever since.

My In-Laws did such an amazing job on the renovations! Since this home was built around 1900, it was in need of pretty much everything. The appliances, cabinets, floors, paint, electrical, plumbing, you name it. And they did a fabulous job, paying close attention to every detail.

The master bathroom is new. It was the original back porch.

With lovely inspiring ideas from many creative outlets, I feel I am able to create a home that is romantic, comfortable and welcoming for the both of us. Keep in mind, he had never been married, was close to 50 and lived the life of a bachelor FOREVER and wasn't prepared for pink, frilly, foo-foo thingamabobs all over his house.

The once milk house, is now my cottage for guests and creating.

My sister-in-law told me that she met a man a few years back who was in his late 90's and said he was born in our front bedroom!
It's now reserved for guests and Julie Mae.

Moving into town was kind of an adjustment for my retired farmer husband. He dedicated his entire life to the life of a hard working farmer and lived on the same ranch for 50 years. After the two of us got married, a little over six years ago I moved out to the country with him. I was a city girl. As I mentioned above, it was out in the middle of no man's land, and my new digs were very very small in comparison to my old house...and I that's not sayin' much!

Well, what can I say? He loved me and knew I wasn't happy. The view from our home was gorgeous, I had the coastal range right out my backdoor. But the commute out to our little home in the country was a dangerous one, and heavily traveled by commuters to the Bay Area. So when his sister said we could move in I was thrilled but didn't want to appear too anxious to leave his little slice of paradise in the country.

He did this for me. He gave up the quiet life in God's Country, to a busy street in the middle of town, four doors away from a gi-normous shopping center.

So he puts up with the foo-foo thingamabobs and I put up with hours upon hours of The Golf Channel.
Ahhh Love.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking with

Beverly

Hakan

Inside The French Hen Kitchen

2011-09-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

It's been a while since I've shown pictures of my kitchen and since some of you have asked to see more of the inside of our Red House, I thought I would start here!

"The heart of the home", and that is so true! My kitchen isn't very big, but that's where everyone seems to congregate.

With linens in the window and hot pink flowers, I love to watch our birds that are in plain view. My husband puts bird seed out at least twice a day. He even buys a different kind if the birds don't like the kind he pours for them...

I tell him he spoils those silly birds!

I have to admit, I love pictures on my fridge. Family, friends, old, new. The ocean, dogs, skinny chicks,(for motivation, hasn't helped)

ultra-sounds, babies, recipes, workout schedules, (hasn't helped).

You name it, I've probably had it up there.

We also love to cook here at The French Hen Kitchen. I used to own my own catering company about 15 years ago. I don't do any of the fancy recipes anymore though. Now I prefer simple, fresh, and clean. Greens from the garden, fresh fish, fresh fruit.

And chocolate.

My kids got me a Keurig for Christmas last year. I'm experimenting with the different brews. Grinding my own, and buying the prepacked. I love a strong bold flavor, so any suggestions?

Well....That's it for my kitchen. If you're interested, and well...maybe you're not, but I'll be posting pictures of the dining and living room area in a few days.

Thank you for stopping by, enjoy your week!

I'm linking with

Sarah

With Kathleen

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Remembering 9/11 like it was yesterday.

It's so hard to believe that 10 years has passed.

To the families, and all lives that were lost, you are forever in my heart and on my mind.

Happy Pink Saturday everyone. Enjoy spending time with your family if you are able.

Thank you Beverly!

Thank you Hakan

The Happy Hutch

2011-09-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

It's another glorious summer day here in Northern California! We have really been blessed with the temperatures. I don't want to be a jinx, but normally we have days in the 100's and this season we just haven't had many at all. I have to admit though, riding my bike home from work this afternoon was a little on the toasty side!

As I had mentioned last week, I have a matching hutch to the table I recently repainted. I think the pieces just look "happy" with their fresh coat of white!

This also came from one of my favorite aunts who passed away. I am honored to own both the table and hutch.

I like to change the contents of my hutch every now and then. It currently holds some of my milk glass and china that I feel look "summery".

The ruler on the top shelf was given to us by my husband's cousin. She teaches at a school where my husband went when he was little. She was cleaning out a box she came across and found my husbands name on the back of it! It's been in that ~~old~~

box for over 40 years!

These are my husband's first communion cards from the 2nd grade and a picture of his mother when she was in her 20's.

A tattered chair is covered with vintage linens, one of my weaknesses, and another weakness I have discovered is cowboy boots! Who knew?

Cowboy Petey loves looking out the window. He's a people watcher, cat watcher, bird watcher....

My husband and I are knee deep in cleaning out the garage. There sure is a lot of ~~junk~~ stuff out there! The next thing on my "To Do List" is the back porch. The door needs a good painting, and so does the deck as far as that goes. We'll see what I'm able to accomplish over the next few weeks while we are still having this perfect weather!
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit these wonderful blogs I'm linking up with...

Debra for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday

Cindy for Show And Tell Friday

Fireplace Mantel Make-Over

2011-09-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

It's been a busy weekend here at Vintage French Hen.

We're organizing and cleaning over this holiday weekend. Time to have another garage sale, so we can get rid of the old, so I we can bring in the new!

Somehow, I have even managed to redecorate our fireplace mantel.

I've noticed many of you are doing the same, some of you are even gearing up for Fall, in which case I am ready for... but when temps are in the high 90's, it's hard for me to get out the Autumn decorations!

Since I'm changing things up here at the Red House my choice in my decorating scheme is changing as well.
I am LOVING gray and lavender these days!

My new favorite thing to do is painting my jars and bottles from around the house. The last ones I did were turquoise

and now I have moved on to lavender. It's a little hard to tell the color from my pictures because it's pretty subtle.

*Here's a closer look*
So along with my new passion for painting jars, and really loving the color purple I also have an abundance of shades of lavender in my yard right now.

So here's my mantel. Tell me what you think?
I read where a well balanced mantel is the
3 plus 1 decorating trick.
3 items on one end, the focal point in the center, and 1 larger item placed on the opposite end.
I didn't follow that rule, but I might try it next go around!

This is how it looks now.
I decided that if I wanted my flowers to last a while I better get them into some water! Once I added another vase I also added one of my Madonna figures.

I don't know if I am really loving the look just yet. I'll probably play around with it. I'm open for suggestions though, how about you?
Do you follow the 3 plus 1 decorating trick?

I'm linking up with Cielo over at the House in the Roses!

With Between Naps On The Porch for
Metamorphis Monday

With A Beach Cottage for Good Life Wednesday

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

My dining room table make-over, and ruffled bedskirt

2011-09-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

How is everyone doing on this holiday weekend?
Happy Labor Day to all of you celebrating and enjoying a few days off from work. I know I am! having a 3 day weekend is always a pleasure, don't you think?

A few years back, I inherited an oak dining table and hutch from one of my very favorite aunts who passed away. She was just the coolest auntie's ever, and had an incredible talent of making all things crafty and gorgeous. I think we were kindred spirits, and that's why we had so much fun together!

Well the old oak table was gettin' kinda drab and discolored. It took me a while to give myself permission to paint it. I think my aunt would have encouraged me to do so.

Here's a before picture...

And here it is today, sporting my new ruffles, that are actually going on the guest room bed! It was just so pretty, I was trying to figure out how to properly display it so you all could see how sweet it is!

First I sanded down the table, and gave it a a good washing. I let it dry completely, then I gave it a couple of coats of a basic white satin paint from Lowes. After it was completely dry, I sand it down again for a distressed look. I still need to put a coat of finish on it. But I am loving it already!

I'm probably going to give it some more sanding before putting the finish on. The oak chairs were my husband's mothers, and I know he won't let me paint those! I would secretly like to paint quite a few more items in our house, but my honey is still partial to the darker wood stains.
(But, I'm working on him!)

The bed skirt came from Overstock.com, only the cream was available. I missed out on the white, but that's OK, I love them both!

As I mentioned earlier, I also inherited a hutch. That piece, I painted white a long time ago, but I've been "vamping it up' a bit. I'll share my hutch on another post later on.

My first item purchased through Shabby Chic Couture is my coffee mug. Oh to be able to order that ruffled table cloth!! I did pre-order her new book...Shabby Chic Inspirations
Can't wait to get that one! It may be her best one yet, what do you think?

Well, I hope all of you have a fabulous labor day weekend.

I'm off to a circus today! A good friend of mine is having an actual circus for her daughter's birthday party...Can't forget my camera for this on!

I'm linking today with Beverly from How Sweet The Sound for
Pink Saturday!

Be sure to stop and say hi!

This side of the house...

2011-08-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

Earlier this Spring, my husband laid sod on the side of our house. The weeds are gone, and the plants are slowly starting to fill in the landscape.

Roses, potato vine, and lavender are growing wild here in Northern California. Purple blooms are just so pretty! I really want to plant some lavender roses in the fall for next season, the fragrance is incredible!

The vine from the morning glories act as a tie for the linen napkins, with a few sprigs of lavender for a heavenly scent.

The copper colander was a thrift store find, one of my favorite finds...for a couple bucks! The netting on my daughter's grey desk is actually a curtain panel from Ikea. I can think of a lot of things to do with these beauties!

It was such a beautiful evening last night when I decided to take some pictures. I'm still learning how to use my new camera, and in the background, watching from behind is my son Frankie, who I am very proud to say has completed his 8 years in the US Army!

He never said a word the entire time I'm setting this make-believe table and bringing in more flowers. Perhaps he thinks his mother has finally lost it!

At any rate, I am just thrilled he is home and out of the Army. Starting next week he will be working in Napa, wine country, for the harvest. This will give him a break from all he has known for the past 8 years as

he tries to figure some things out. Since he has moved back to California from Washington State, where the weather is cooler, and damper, Napa will be a nice transition. The weather there is cooler than here in the Valley where my house is, and lets face it! The wine country is simply breath taking!

These are my favorite vintage dishes. I think I only have 4 or 5 or them but I'm always on the lookout for more.

Thank you for stopping by today! I'm linking up with my friend Sarah at A Beach Cottage for

Good Life Wednesday.

And Outdoor Wednesday

over at A Southern Day Dreamer.

And with Modern Country Style!

The Cottage Windowbox

2011-08-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

I made a new flowering windowbox for my cottage.

Perfect for enjoying an evening in the garden.

Enjoying our beautiful evenings here in Northern California.

And praying those affected by the hurricane in the East.

I'm linking with Boogie Board Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

The House In The Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Don't Drop Your Camera!

2011-08-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

Do you like to mess around with your camera?

You know,

take pictures of yourself when no-one else is around?

Well...I'm guilty. Actually this is my first time doing this and I can't believe I am showing you all!

The reason I decided take my own pictures is because the picture above is the type of picture my husband likes to take of me. The old "sneak up on you and catch you when you weren't expecting it, because you're in your boxers, and no make-up, staring at the computer" picture.

Julie Mae takes much nicer photograph's than her mimi does!

For that matter so does Cowboy Petey, my Rat Terrier.

A few weeks ago, I dropped my camera. Again. This is the third camera I have dropped and had to replace.

This time I tripped over the above mentioned Rat Terrier, and well....

So now I'm experimenting.

I don't believe I will ever have the fancy camera with the "big ol' lens on it.

But then again, the bigger cameras also come with a strap to go around your neck, don't they?

Thanks for stopping by! I'll probably continue taking pictures of the inside and outside of my house so I hope you check back to see if I've improved. And I promise..

No more self portraits!

I'm linking up today with Sarah for

Good Life Wednesday

My Feature!

2011-08-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

I'm honored that Houzz has featured my little milk house on their web-site!

Houzz is featuring home offices and mine is one that they are showing.

Thank you Houzz!

I'm linking with....

Sarah for Good Life Wednesday

And with Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Vintage French Hen Finds And Projects

2011-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

HELLO BEAUTIFUL!

Well, My summer break from the preschool is quickly coming to an end. This is my final week off and am finding that some of the projects I had hoped to complete didn't get done! I don't know about you, but when a vacation is involved I think I will get this done, and that done, and before I know it...POOF!

It's time to go back to work, and not that much was completed.

My biggest accomplishment however was finishing my cottage. Or at least the major parts of it. I found a few vintage linens and worked on some crafts that I have been admiring on other blogs too.

I hung this valance above my Army cot. It's suspended by fishing line and curtain rods. The valance is a thrift store 50 cent lace curtain.

I added one of my coffee filter balls, that was dyed in food coloring. I made about 20 of these for my daughter's baby shower a couple years ago. I just have a few left because I have given so many of them away.

The jars in the window I completed yesterday. They were so easy! Just use clean jars, 1 tsp. mod podge or Elmer's glue, 1 1/2 tsp. water, and a few drops of food coloring. Brush this on with a paint brush and

Viola!

Love 'em!

My vintage bedding on the cot is a find at a thrift store over in a little beach community I came across a few days ago. It's a 1950's duvet cover. The small flowered pillow was also a thrift store find and I made the long neck roll out of an old Shabby Chic pillow case.

Another thing I'm having fun with are the old lamp shades. I made a canopy to hang above the door inside the cottage, and I discovered at the same time how afraid of heights I am! Not exactly the best time to figure that out...especially when you're on an old rickety ladder!

waayyy up there!

Anyways, I'm having fun with the old lamp shades. What do you do with them?

I really like this one above the hutch, it has scalloped edges. Not sure what I want to do with this one.

Well, thanks for dropping by. I know summer isn't over yet, but once school starts back up it seems like before I know it it's Halloween!

But there are still plenty of gorgeous evenings left here in Northern California to sit under my ruffled canopy and read a good book. It's really just a dust ruffle, I can pick those up for a couple dollars at the thrift store as well. I just staple them up!

I'm linking with....

Sarah for Good Life Wednesday. She's offering an E-course!

With Kathleen for White Wednesday

And with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for a very special Pink Saturday. Please visit Beverly and leave a comment for another miracle makeover!

Pink, Shabby, Prairie Style!

2011-08-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

*HAPPY PINK SATURDAY*

Hello Beautiful! And welcome to another

Pink Saturday, hosted by the lovely Beverly from

How Sweet The Sound.

Today I'm sharing pictures that I have stored in my archives. Photo's from around the house and around the neighborhood.

Something that I have noticed about my style....

I have a passion for Pink and Shabby Chic!

For flowers, chippy paint, and ruffles.

French writing, galvanized buckets, vintage linens

and pretty, faded china pieces.

I love to use table clothes as window coverings, and window coverings on the table.

Shabby chic inspired bed sheets and shower curtains used as slip covers.

Of course Rachelle Ashwell has been a huge influence on my decorating style. She has been for many of us.

But so has Fifi O'Niell.

Meeting her this summer was a dream come true!

Just look at how easily she is talking to my very shy husband...

So now I like to think of my style as an eclectic blend of Shabby Romantic Prairie Chic.

In case you missed my last post, here's my pink oven I got out of a dumpster. It's now my inspiration board in my cottage. You can read about that here

On final note, here's a couple of pics of my 2 grandchildren.

Yes...I know. One's a dog you say. Well, that would be my daughter Sara's little girl Cora, so that of course makes me Cora's grandma.

This is Julie Mae and Cora on the beach a couple of weeks ago while we were on vacation.

Julie's the one trying to get into the food, Cora is the one basking in the sun!

Thanks for popping by! Be sure to stop and see Beverly and visit her lovely friends who are joining in the fun for this weeks Pink Saturday.

Until next time...

The Senior Park and the Oven Door

2011-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

I recently spent a week over in Monterey for a vacation with my family. Monterey is about 2 hours from my home here in central California. It's coastline is gorgeous, and is rich in marine life, cypress trees, white sands with fantastic restaurants and shops!

My son-in-laws family owns a senior mobile home park in Sea Side, also located in Monterey. Since my daughter and son-in-law were in Canada on their own vacation, I was in charge of my gran-daughter Julie Mae so we stayed in their vacation home at the senior park!

Staying there for a week is a story in it self. We had so much fun! The managers are so lovely and the residents are adorable! I hope I can be called adorable when I'm a senior, but we shall see.

Anyways, while Julie and I were taking a stroll through the park, we saw a woman carting around a wicker chair. I said to this here woman " you sure have a sweet chair there". She then informed me she was taking it to the dumpster. Well of course that woke me up immediately! Dumpster? This park has a dumpster?

I think my daughter Sara's words were "Oh No you didn't."

Oh Yes...I did.

I discovered that senior citizens get rid of everything.

There was a couch, a really cool red chippy bar stool, plants, terra cotta pots, and a pink vintage oven door from a trailer remodel. Guess what I dug for?

Now..you may be asking yourself what I would possibly want with a "Preway" pink vintage oven door. I wasn't sure myself, I just knew that it was adorable, and chances are I would never come across another anytime soon!

I asked the park manager John for a screw driver. I took the back off, took the 2 pieces of glass out and scrubbed away. I was thinking it would be a perfect addition to my hutch in the cottage that I store my craft supplies in.

It would be my inspiration board.

There she is, up on the top. I love that since it's metal, I can use magnets on it.

On its left is a Dior jewelry organizer that was a 25 cent thrift store steal and, on its right is a pocket from one of my old suitcases.

This hutch works really well for storage. But now my magnetic vintage oven inspiration board just completes it! How many people can say that?

sorry about the glare!

I super glued the glass onto the inside of the frame. The paper can be changed out when ever I want.

So that's it! My hutch has its own oven.

Just one more thing to share. Check out the baby robe hanging on the hutch door. This also was found at a thrift store, and it's in perfect condition. I thought it was so precious, especially for $2.00.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you all are having a fabulous week. I have about 10 more days off for the summer and then it's back to work for me!

I'm linking with...

Sarah, for Good Life Wednesday.

Linda for Nifty, Thrifty, Tuesday.

Kim, for Wow Us Wednesday.

with Michele for Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

And with Gina for Transformation Thursday

With Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday

Table for two in the new cottage

2011-07-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful!

Before I leave for Carmel for a week, I wanted to participate with Beverly for her Pink Saturday.

In Beverly's kind words
"Isn't it interesting how Pink Saturday has drawn together so many kindred spirits?"
I couldn't agree more! Please visit Beverly's
Pink Saturday posting this week. It is filled with heart felt information that is very important. I am honored to participate with such an amazing group of kindred spirits!

Welcome to my new cottage make-over. Would you like to join me at my table for two?

My summer project has been redecorating my little
milk house. You can see more of my cottage here .

My vanity that I bought for $5.00 at an estate sale doubles as my desk and table. The bistro chair belongs to my daughter Sara. It was red with a red and white checkered vinyl seat. She told me I could do what I wanted with it.
Thank you Sara!

The other side of the table is my army cot, found by the side of the road. It is my treasure!

My dishes are thrift store finds as well as my linens.

For those of you who have seen my cottage before, you know that it was in need of a make-over. It had a carpet remnant over very old linoleum. Removing the old flooring was a job I hope to NEVER have to repeat again! Everything was laid on cement, so I painted the cement floors a light gray. I had the absolute honor of meeting Fifi O'Neill in person recently and she suggested putting a white wash over the gray. That will be next summer's project!

I think I just stood there and stared at her for 90% of the time...she's so adorable!

Thank you so much for your visit today, I love all my blogging friends so much!

I'm also linking with Michele for Primp your Stuff Wednesday

I'll be back after my vacation on the California Monterey Coast Line.
Until Then....

My Cottage and Creative Space

2011-07-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

VINTAGE FRENCH HEN

AND THE

MILK HOUSE

After working in my little cottage night and day, I am finally near completion.

I had the best time decorating my creative space/guest house! This is the first time I have ever had total "free range".

I could go as "foo-foo" as I dreamed in my tiny room that was once a milk house.

Here are some of my thoughts and ideas. I know I don't have a lot. Many of you have oodles and oodles of trinkets and treasures. I look at your goodies in pure envy! But what I do have, I use. Nothing goes to waist.

Vintage suitcases that I painted work perfectly for other supplies like ribbon, lace, and stamps.

Since I work as a cook for a school, I come across a lot of #10 cans. By washing them really good and covering them with shelf paper they help me to store things like markers, pens, and other small items.

Unpacking all my supplies forced me to be more organized by putting everything where they belonged along with labeling all my boxes, drawers and cupboards.

My swag above the door I made came from an old lamp shade that I glued prisms and ribbon to. I have a good amount of netting so I was able to use that to drape from corner to corner.

My music note angel wing is simply made from a cardboard box I cut out and glued sheet music to.

This is the back door into the cottage. A thrift store sheet works great as an awning!

I found this great roll-away bed at a senior citizen garage sale recently and it fits perfectly on the side of the cottage wall. It's old and rusty, but for $5.00 I couldn't resist! The sweet little hanging lantern was another garage sale find for $2.00.

And tucked in the corner is my very chippy Adirondack chair and foot stool that my sister-in-law gave me.

Redecorating my cottage has truly been a labor of love. I hope you have enjoyed visiting where I spend much of my time reading, resting and creating.

Thank you to Karen from My Desert Cottage for hosting Where Bloggers Create. Please stop by her blog and say hello and also to visit this years participants.

I'm linking with Sarah for Good Life Wednesday!

And Faded Charm for White Wednesday

With Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday

Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

Where Blogger's Create....Eventually!

2011-07-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Where Bloggers Create!

This is the 3rd annual event hosted by Karen from

My Desert Cottage.

This is my creative space. My small but cozy
turn-of-the-century milk house.

I so wanted to have my little cottage ready to share for you all! Unfortunately, I ran out of time.

My tiny space was in desperate need of a face lift. The carpet that was once there was also hiding linoleum underneath. Under the linoleum was some very yucky stuck-on glue and paper.

After hours and hours of scraping and sweat, I painted the cement floors. The walls were also painted and the old ceiling fan and track lights came down so a chandelier could hang in its place.

As you can see...I have a long way to go! The garage is still full of the boxes that are storing all my glitter, glue, fabrics and notions.

You can take at look at my cottage from last years

Where Bloggers Create here.

Hopefully I will have my summer project complete by the end of the week. In the mean time, there are so many beautiful and creative spaces to be seen by going to Karen's HUGE blog party over at
My Desert Cottage.

I hope you can come back and visit me later...
Until next time!

PACK'IN PINK FOR FIFI

2011-07-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard...

Fabulous Fifi is coming to Northern California next week and I am bringing my book to Uniquely Chic for Fifi to sign!

So I'm packing all my pinks in preparation for the big occasion!

A romantic get away with my hubby to the wine country....

One of California's most beautiful places to visit!

I'm so looking forward to it!

Linking with

Jill at The French Cupboard

Hakan for Saturday Show-Off

With Beverly at How Sweet The Sound

I hope you will stop and say hello and visit the other fabulous participants...You won't be disappointed!

GATHERING UNDER THE PINE TREE

2011-07-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

HELLO BEAUTIFUL!
Another toasty day here in Northern California. Forecast is for more temps in 100's. My picture taking is reserved for early mornings or evenings when the sun isn't burning up my backside!

We have this really lovely tall pine tree at the rear of our yard. It's a great place for my one dog cowboy to pull the bark as he tries to get at the birds that love to congregate at the top of its branches.

It's also a tranquil spot to sit and relax. We have a fire pit that my daughter Maggie bought us one year for Christmas. It's fun to light in the evenings and sit around with friends. That is when the evenings aren't as HOT as they have been lately.

The umbrella is an old one that blew over the fence last season when a huge gust of wind whipped through the area. The canvas ripped off its frame, but everything else was OK. I hate to throw those away! Seems like every year we go through a couple of them because of the darned wind.

I picked up a large sheer curtain at the thrift store, and with a little pinning it works perfect as a new shade for my old umbrella.

My Army cot found on the side of the road, as well as other thrift store finds work perfectly for an evening under the pine tree, without spending a fortune.

I'm so happy you could stop by for my gathering under the pine tree. I want to thank you for all your sincere comments concerning my son Frankie who will be getting out of the Army this month. With your prayers and God's guidance I'm sure that Frankie will make the right decision on which direction to take in his new role in life as a civilian. Yes it is scary, but I also know that he is not alone in starting over after life in the military. There are many others just like him.

I'm linking up with Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

With Kate for

With Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday

Fifi's Coming!

2011-07-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ask me if I'm excited!

The Queen of Romantic Prairie Style is coming to Northern California!

Fabulous Fifi has been such an influence for so many people. When I heard that she would be doing a book tour this summer, I promised myself that I would travel any where in California for the opportunity to meet her in person!

Luckily I won't have to venture too far from home since Fifi O'Neill will be in The Napa Valley next week, which is only about 2 1/2 hours from my home here in Northern California.

Barbara from Uniquely Chic

will be hosting a book signing on July 13 starting around 5 o'clock.

My husband and I are going to go for the night, staying at a winery/resort where my niece works.

My niece works for Trinitas Winery located at
The Meritage Resort and Spa.
This is a wonderful place to stay. They have a beautiful underground spa and wine caves. It's one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in the wine country.

I have my copy of Romantic Prairie Style, do you have yours?

I'm linking up today with Sarah over at Good Life Wednesday!

My Son Frankie and True Freedom

2011-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend!

This will be a little long...but my son is so worth it!

Have I shared my exciting news with you yet? My son Staff Sgt. "Frankie" will be getting out of the Army this month! Yes, after serving our country for 8 years, and after being deployed 4 times, he has decided not to re-enlist!

Now, you know how proud I am of my son...he is my incredible hero. What many of you don't know is that he decided to go into the service after losing his father in a terrible car accident. He was feeling lost, and he also felt like his life was spiraling quickly out of control with no way out.

Shortly after our beautiful country went through one of its most deadly invasions in history, and immediately after our country sent troops into Iraq, Frankie decided to join the Army and serve his country. I thought my heart was going to be ripped out of my chest. I was terrified. He went through Boot Camp and 2 weeks after he completed boot camp he got his first orders. He was on his way to Iraq. At this point he was terrified. He called me from his barracks at Ft. Sill, Ok. and gave me the news. I could hear the fear in his still very young voice. I had to assure him that he was ready for this. This is what he was trained to do. He was a man now. We hung up the phone. Then I proceeded to pick up the phone again to call my mother and break down.

This is Frankie taken during his first deployment to Iraq.

The same day Frankie arrived in Iraq, was the same day Saddam Hussein was captured. Of course our job wasn't done. Frankie stayed there for 18 months.

He would be able to come on leave. But it would be 4 years before he would be able to have Christmas with his family again.

He was also able to escort his sister Maggie down the isle when she got married.

And he was always close to our hearts when he was far away.

Frankie with his two sisters...Sara and Maggie

His last deployment was in 2009 to Iraq again. He arrived back on American soil in July of 2010. It was an honor to watch my sons plane land in Ft. Lewis Washington after his final deployment. We waited over 3 hours for his unit to march through the doors of the gym where all the soldiers families were waiting patiently for their loved ones.

Frankie and his girlfriend Meagan last July.

By the end of July...this month...he will be a Veteran of War. He will be among the thousands of other young men and women who will be looking for work, who will be trying to fit back into society. Who will try to pick up where they left off so long ago.

I am asking for prayers for my son. As the release day approaches, he is becoming more anxious again. Unsure of what to do, what to study. And where he will work.

But I know this to be true. God is so good. I have my son back. He is safe. He is whole. Even after driving over a road side bomb in Iraq.

Here's to all of you who have a child in the military. I salute you. It isn't easy, but what would we do without our Heroes?

These are a few pictures of my home this year.

Have a safe 4th of July everyone!

I'm linking up with these fine blogs!

Common Ground

Romantic Home

How Sweet The Sound