Antique Weekend Continued

Here is one of the many beautiful, colorful plants this Antique/Garden shop has to offer. Maybe I should submit this to "Pink Day"???? Who KNEW you could buy a small orange tree that had so MANY oranges ready to pick! We tried one and they were delicious and sweet.
This is my friend Susan A. (everybody calls us "The Susan's")...kinda like twins....many people think we are sisters and when we introduce ourselves as each being Susan, we get a double take. We've even gone so far to tell them we ARE sisters and our mother was just to lazy to think of two names, so I'm Susan Kay and she's Susan Lynn. (hahaha...did I tell you we are a bit silly and goofy too...??? But we have a blast!) The OTHER Susan is also a Master Gardener so I use her as my garden consultant and yard labor frequently. Who doesn't need a friend like that!?!?!

This is what winter in South Texas looks like.

Orange blossoms smelled divine....but the bees like them too, so, WATCH OUT!!!

We ended up getting a Blood Orange and are looking forward to Blood Orange Martini's this summer on the deck.

Just another look at the plethora of plants and fun this cool store has. It's HEAVEN!

These cute little statuary just begged to go home and live in our garden. Beside have a thing for doors and windows.....gates and wrought iron fence turn me on too! Is this portion of fencing sweet?

Well, we are out the check out counter and they have all the bins of fun little metal decorative pieces. So we dig through them and add more "stuff" to our stack at checkout. Hmm....all in all it was a great day out. We got some cool things, had some girl bonding time and passed another awesome Saturday in Houston, Texas.....ya'll come down sometime and I'll take you to this cool spot! I'll even buy you a cup of coffee (or ice tea in the summer)! See ya!!!!!

Antique Weekend

Last weekend I went to one of my favorite antique and garden places in Houston. It Joshua's in the Heights (off 19th Street). He has a huge outside garden shop which specializes in natural and native plants (in Susan's Speak: Very Hard to Kill!) Joshua has really gotten popular in the area for his Water Fountains. He has hundreds of beautiful pots in all shapes and sizes. Inside a big warehouse are antiques. I found my first purchase in a "Texas" themed booth. This little red carrier, complete with a Texas license plate, will be used to tote my small garden tools around the yard this spring. This cute little table didn't come home with me but I sure did like it!
More Texas "STUFF" from my favorite booth of the day.
They even had some pretty little aprons. If I HAD a Valentine to cook for this year, I would have bought this and pretended to be a funky June Cleaver!

The booth wouldn't be complete without a whole truckload of cowboy boots. I've seen all sorts of crafts created with these.....birdhouses, table legs, part of a vignette...I guess the "Texas Sky is the limit", right? If those Red and Black boots on the top had been MY SIZE I would have scooped them up for an upcoming rodeo.

My creative friend, Susan A, my shopping partner is part owner of an architectural firm. The name of the business is CRE8.....isn't that CUTE...a play on words of CREATIVE....and that they are. They do lots of fun and funky elementary schools and the kids just love their designs. Susan A. picked through this box of blocks and found all the right letters. (HOW could you pass them up at just $1 a block?!?!)

Here's the grouping and color blocks she put together. On my next post I'll show you the garden section of Joshua's! It's a great place to spend an afternoon.

Bathroom and Dressing Area

Step into my BEAUTY SHOP! This post is a continuation of last weeks post. To have such a small cottage my bedroom /bathroom is huge. Originally the house was a 3 bedroom, one bath. Previous owner combined the master and 2nd bedroom to create a huge Master. However, the bathroom they added was tiny. My Architect redid the space, leaving me a good size bedroom but carved out MORE closet space (which ALL Cottages need more of), a dressing area and a really cool bathroom. The first picture is coming from my bedroom into the "Beauty Shop"and closet area.

This picture shows more of the closet/storage area....along with my wall of mirror that surround my make-up area.

I love to sit here on a sunny morning and watch the birds playing in the trees while I "put my face on".


Here is the bathroom sink. You'll notice that the counter top is curved. The curved theme is used throughout the house to mimic the original curved doorway entrances. Since there is a lot of floor room this pic is taken with me standing in the shower....don't worry....the water wasn't on! LOL!

My shower even has a little window in it. That architect thought of everything didn't he!?!!?!

This pic was taken from the far end of the room that hold my big spa whirlpool. It sure is nice to fill that tub up and kick back with a glass of wine. There's even a skylight with retractable mini-blinds so you can watch the stars. What can I say...My ex had a thing for gadgets and remote controls.

This is the view from one end of the tub. That tall skinny see-through window on the left looks into the shower. That keeps the room from being all closed in and dark.

Here's a view of the tub as you walk into the bathroom.....notice the steps up to the tub are ALSO curved. Thanks for coming to visit.....now as the say on MTV CRIBS...."thanks for coming, but get the heck out"....I'm going to take a baaaath.

My Bedroom and Dressing Area

Below is a shot of my bedroom (and Ms. Riley who INSISTED she be in the pic!) About a year ago I re-painted it from a pale lavendar to this much bolder purple. I THINK it works since I have so much natural light and white mouldings. Do you? Originally my house was a 3 bedroom, 1 bath. When I bought the house about 8 years ago there were only 2 bedrooms. The master was HUGE...the previous remodel has torn down a wall and created a HUGE master bedroom but the bathroom they added was tiny and no others words would describe it for me, except, ICKY! I don't even have pictures of it....we tore it out pronto and that was WAY before I blogged or thought about before and after pics. It was a closet size bath with pedestal sink, aging toilet and mold covered shower stall.

This is a shot that is taken as if you were sitting on the bed. You can see the entrance to my dressing area that can be seperated from the bedroom with the slidding door on a rail. The door is from a salvage shop in Houston (Adkins Architectural) and was from a School. It's got really cool ripply glass. I want to do something to spiff it up.....would a valance look ok over the sliding rail? I don't like that part of the door.

I'll show you more of the dressing room and bath on my next post but wanted to finish the bedroom tour. This is the corner opposite the bed. I'm pondering putting a tv in the armoire...right now there is only a stereo. All my friends say a tv in the bedroom is great.....what do YA'LL say?

Here is my problem wall; however, I think I have a solution. Just the weekend I moved the black chest (it's filled with jewelry) into my dressing area. I have the mantel I salvaged from the re-do of the fireplace in the den. I thought it MIGHT look nice put on that wall. Right now it's in my garage and I've puttered with it a bit, sanding, pondering painting or just leaving chippy.

Here's a picture of the mantle. What do YA'll think about that? I was envisioning being able to decorate the top of the mantle and maybe put white lights in the hole where the fire should be. Or do you have any others suggestions for this wall?
Here's a view of the built in shelf. I have just a little bit of "stuff" in them right now. I like a simple line but there is just something missing. Any ideas? Paint the back of the shelf? The shelves are glass and adjustable.

And finally, this is a view FROM the dressing area looking into my bedroom. I hoping to eventually put hardwood in this room. It's the only room in the house that is carpeted (except for bathroom and kitchen and they are tile). But that's a project that will have to wait until the economy gets a little better....ya know what I Mean!??!!? Thanks for ANY input or advice you have about how I could PERK up my boudoir!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!

WOOHOO....I've been photo tagged by my sweet friend Robyn at http://thereisalwaysthymefor.blogspot.com/. Check out her blog she has the cutest puppy and wonderfully cute blog.

As a fairly new blogger all these firsts excite me! I feel like Sally Fields in her Oscar acceptance speech years ago....YOU like me...you really like me! And let me tell you, I LIKE YOU ALL TOO!!!!! Here's to great friends who are supportive, caring, genuine and like-minded. Don't you all agree it's great to find each other and are so awe-struck that there are people "out there" just like ourselves. When I blogged about my love of Old Doors because of their history, and the stories they could tell and their beauty, so many of you chimed in and said "I LOVE DOORS too"! To me that's just AWESOME....I've never shared my love of doors before but you made me feel like it was the most normal thing! THANKS for the bottom of my heart!

Also thanks for your kind words and promptings to go forge a new life for myself this year. First, I do want to let ya'll know I'm not a hermit and do get out and am not always in front of the computer or TV. I'm just making a concerted effort this year to LIVE LIFE MORE FULLY and take every opportunity to get out and about.....I know God has BIG PLANS for me but I've got to help him out by making myself available. Look out world....I'm MOVING ON! For a brief background, I got divorced 3 years ago after being with my ex for 17 years (dating + marriage). He is a good person and so am I....we just weren't right for each other. However, I NEVER thought I would find myself trying to create a new life at 50. It's a challenge but I'm doing great and getting better. So thanks for being part of my NEW LIFE!

So on to the tagging......
So the rules to this tag are as follows:
Go to your 4th photo folder on your computer.
*
Post the 4th photo from that folder.
*
Explain the photo.
*
Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun!

Beki @ http://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/

Stacy @ http://19butternut.blogspot.com/

Cami @ http://creatingmyselfcreatively.blogspot.com/

Helen @ http://livebold-helen.blogspot.com/

This was taken the morning after Hurricane Ike below through Houston this past September. My neighbor came over and boarded up my windows, and we moved everything that could possibly FLY away in the wind into the garage. There are HUGE oak trees surrounding our houses and I didn't want to end up squished like the Bad Witch in the Wizard of Oz underneath my house so I hunkered down and my next door neighbor (I was NOT going to spend the night at home alone---too scary!.) The wind howled, trees swayed and rain pelted from about 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and when we awoke (from the little bit of dozing we snuck in) I was afraid to look out the door to see if my house was still standing. The streets, yards and driveways were littered with many branches and leaves that had been shaken down by the relentless whipping wind. This is a picture of my neighbors teenage boys, donned in all weather gear making their way back up the driveway after looking to see if my house was o.k. And HALLELUJAH...it was!

I know this isn't part of the "tag" but I thought you might want to see how my house fared. As you can see the lawn is COVERED with branches but I was so relieved to see JUST that! No flooding, no trees through the roof.....branches I can HANDLE!

Ya'll have a blessed day and go tell someone you care about they are loved and are special to you! You can never tell them ENOUGH!

My Girl's Night Out--WOOHOO

Who Needs A Girls Night?

I DO!!!

So....I loaded up some girlfriend's and HAD ONE! Once of my New Year's Resolutions is to get out and about more and make things happen in my life. I'm not going to meet Mr. Right (or Mr. Right for Right Now) by sitting on my couch or at my computer. Don't get me wrong....I LOVE to be a part of this wonderful blogging world (and I'm still going to "sofa surf" on but this is going to be my year of BIG CHANGES and CREATING AN EXCITING LIFE!

Last night was the first night of Beth Moore's new bible study, The Inheritance! Are any of you familiar with her!??!!? I am SO lucky to live in the same city Beth Moore lives in and can easily attend her bible studies because her church is only 5 miles from my house. This study will go on for 8 more weeks and if you'd like more info---here's the link: http://www.lproof.org/houston_connection.aspx If you are in the Houston area and want to come, please do! There isn't a cost to attend, or a study book to buy or homework to do. It's just some good girl bonding time!

Then....I had a chance to attend ANOTHER Girls Night Out...so guess what?!?! I'm going out again! WOOHOO!

Once, again I consider myself very blessed to live in Houston and be able to go to many cool ministries. In a few weeks some of my Honduras Mission Trip Friends and I will be going to see Kate Gosselin, Ayiesha Woods, Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, and Jason Catron.
KSBJ, Christian radio station that is putting this event on has promoted the event as a "Girls Night Out" and asked: Has your dog ever locked you out of the house, while you stood in the backyard half-dressed? Ever gotten to your car after a long, stressful day only to find a parking ticket glaring at you from under the windshield wiper? After reading your blogs I think you ladies could beat some of those stories, hands down! LOL!

A drawing will be done to determine which lady needs a Girls Night Out the most. The lucky winner will receive this Grand Prize:

• 4 FRONT ROW tickets to KSBJ's Girls Night Out event

• A copy of Kate Gosselin's book, Multiple Blessings

• A Proverbs 31 Ministries t-shirt

• 2 – Proverbs 31 Ministries books:What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst (Autographed Copy)God's Purpose for Every Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotional•

CD: The Power of One ~ Lysa TerKeurst's Testimony

• DVD: A Walk to Remember: Living and Leaving a Legacy by Renee Swope

• A year subscription to P31 Woman Magazine

Pretty Cool, huh? I'm not in the running for the contest but I'm am really excited about the program! I think they still have a few tickets available.....I'd love to see you there.

New Curtains and Doors!!!

I found four napkins in the clearance bin at World Market last month. These cute red (picture looks pink but they are a vibrant red) with black polka dots napkins were less than a dollar and I thought they would make a good valance from my kitchen window. I took down some old mini blinds and felt like the window looked a little too bare. My home is 75 years old and on pier and beam. The kitchen window is too high for anyone to walk by and look in so I don't need curtains to completely cover my little window.

Here's what the finished product looks like. Now remember, I don't have a sewing machine, so all of this was done with stitch witchery, smoke and mirrors. I added some bias tape, fringe balls and clip rings and am happy with the look.

While bargain hunting over the weekend I fell in love with the MOST PERFECT DOOR (for me)! It's a solid wood door with a beautiful Ruby Red Diamond Pattern Stained Glass and a cute little mail slot. The dealer thought it was from Holland. I haven't purchasd it yet, because I had to come home and do some measuring and plotting. I just LOVE this door...and don't NEED it but haven't you all had that feeling when you find something, and it's just so right....it's just WILL work! My motto is if you truly love it, you will find a place for it. :)

For some reason, old windows and doors always intrigue me. I can just imagine the many people that have passed through the passages or looked through the window panes.

Carson is Mr. December!

My sweet two year old pup, Carson, was named Pet of the Month in my neighbor for December 2008. With this honor comes a sign in the front yard of the Pet of the Month, an article in our local newsletter AND an article on a pet website in the area.

http://www.godogusa.com/PetOfMonth.html We have been displaying our sign proudly and have gotten many comments from people out riding bikes, walking and walking their dogs. Below is the "write up" we got in the press! Even Sister Cat, Riley got a "shout out" and pic! Since I don't have any children this was the closest I've come to a proud parent moment.

“Mr. December” is a 1 ½ year old Schnauzer named Carson. He lives in Section 1A with his mother Susan S. and his cat sister, Riley (platinum/white Tabby). Carson has baby soft white hair and is a little taller than most Schnauzers – must be those Texas genes. Carson is super sweet, and he and Riley have grown very close. Besides Susan and Riley, he has lots of other human and animal friends. He loves to play ball and chew on his toys. Carson is rocket fast and likes to be chased. The neighbor dog, Max, is more than accommodating and the two have the run of both yards. Carson has a couple of costumes and is so agreeable that he doesn’t mind wearing them. Susan says Carson has been such a good boy so Santa is definitely expected at their house this Christmas Eve

Carson's best friend, Max lives next door and they LOVE to play together. Max is a few months older but weighs 75 pounds to Carson's 25 pounds. However, Carson "holds his own" and plays well with BIG DOGS. No one's going to push him around....LOL! They are hilarious playing together and always want to share the same toy or stick. It's not unusual to see them running around the yard with each of them holding the end of the same stick/bone/toy. Comical!

This is a bit of shenanigans they got into one muddy day. I have stones lining part of my driveway and there is rubbery flat "stuff!?!?!?" that is supposed to keep the dirt from going onto the drive. (Sorry I don't know all the technical words for this stuff...LOL!) The "dog boys" thought it would be great fun to pull it out. Then the thought it would GREAT fun to try and dig a hole to China via my flower bed and under the house. Sorry to spoil your fun guys ....but it looks like Carson will now be headed in for a bath! HAHAHA....you should have seen the bath water....for the first few rinses it was as black as coffee!Here's a much CLEANER picture of Mr. December!

New Year's Day Cooking

As a TRUE SOUTHERN GIRL a New Year's Day favorite of mine is Black Eye Pea, Sausage and Rice Casserole. I know my post is a day late but I was busy cooking and then EATING yesterday--hehehe. This is very easy to put together and it makes a TON. I brown the sausage (and if you're not a big sausage eaten you can do 1/2 and 1/2 with Hamburger Meat) and then dump all the ingredients and mix well before putting in a casserole dish.

Here is the finished product with cheese on top and ready to bake for about 45 minutes to heat thoroughly and melt all the cheezy goodness.

Blackeyed Pea Casserole

1 lb Breakfast Sausage (hot or regular)
1 Chopped Onion
1 Chopped Bell Pepper
2 Cups of Cooked Rice
2 Cans Rotel Tomatoes (drained)
2 Cans of Black Eyed Peas (jalapeno or plain)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese

Mix all together and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

THEN, I baked some cookies to use up the red and green M&M's I had. It's the regular Toll House recipe with M&M's added instead of Chocolate Chips. I had a 1/2 package of white Chocolate Chips so THOSE, PLUS some pecan's got thrown in for good measure....YUMMMMM!! Since I'm single and can't leave ALL this food around for me to pig out on, my next door neighbors and their two handsome 16 and 18 year old football playing, "Big Men on Campus" sons get the benefits when I cook! They can wolf down a LOT of food...LOL! And I enjoy cooking so it benefits us both.