Sunday, July 31, 2011

Lazy Summer Sundays

SUMMERTIME...AND THE LIVING'S EASY.


We hope you are enjoying your Sunday. 

Whether you are lounging,


grilling,



energizing,


playing,


or just simply taking in the beauty of Summer,


we hope you are having a relaxing day.  

Stay cool ;-)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

A Special Day

Nel is getting married next Fall, and we are in the planning stages right now.  She has decided to use my veil that my Mother made me when I got married.  She wants to work with it and create something that she can wear on her special day.  My Mom hand sewed the beads on the veil making it look so vintage, and she would be so honored that Nel wants to wear the veil that she made 31 years ago.







Something old..



Something new..



Something borrowed..



Something blue..


My little girl is getting married, Oh My!!





So Nel, if you ever get the wedding-planning blues and tugged in too many directions, just relax and remember this.....


Monday, July 25, 2011

It's a Magical World

Jess and I discovered the magic of Harry Potter through our little brother, who picked up the first book in elementary school and introduced us to a wondrous world we would come to love


Over the years, we followed Ron, Hermione, and Harry, watching as they grew from awed first years entering the Great Hall at Hogwarts to an inseparable wizard trio, who through love and loyalty managed to overcome even the greatest of odds. 


Each summer when the new book came out, we would be among the first in line to pick up a copy at our local book store. We couldn't put it down until we had flipped the very last page and seen Harry safely through his latest journey. 

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
~ Albus Dumbledore ~

The books were spell-binding, and we found the movies to be nearly as spectacular. We had been eagerly awaiting the release of Part II of The Deathly Hallows, the final magical chapter in Harry's extraordinary story. Since this Sunday was our brother's 20th birthday, we decided it would be the perfect time to buy our tickets for the last part of a journey we began together almost 10 years ago


There's nothing quite like the experience of going to the theater


There's something magical about the moment when the lights go down and the music begins, and you settle back in your chair ready to be transported into a world of imagination.


The movie was everything we knew it would be and more! And the best part of it was being able to share the experience together.

We're not sure whether there will ever be another series quite like J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, but we feel grateful for all the many magical moments she has given us over the years.       

"'Tell me one last thing,' said Harry. 'Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?'
Dumbledore beamed at him...
'Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?'"
~ Harry Potter ~

Here's to celebrating imagination!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

No Place Like Home

Jess just decorated her living room in red, black, and white.  She has been looking around for throw pillows for her couch, and hasn't seen any that she's liked.  Finally, she came across these - they have french writing all over them, and they really add charm to her living room.









Here are a few other "lovelies" that surround Jess' home.

I bought this red lamp for her, and I loved it so much that I wanted one for myself.



This black little table with glass adds a pretty touch, and the black and white vase has such a cool design.



Jess hangs her scarves and purses on this unique coat rack.



This vintage candle with diamonds is a favorite of mine.



I hope  you liked the little "peek" through Jess' living room.  I love to look all around at her and Nel's house whenever I go visit them.  I get ideas and I share ideas, and for me, that's what it's all about.~

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Flamingos

Flamingos are one of our most favorite animals. 


Who wouldn't be intrigued by an animal who has hot pink feathers, stands comfortably on one leg, and eats upside down?  


As the emblem of summer, the mascot of the zoo, and the funky companion to a number of suburban lawns, this flamboyant and photogenic bird defines 'Cool'. 


As they flaunt their fabulous feathers with their heads held high, we can't help but love them. 






Here are some interesting facts about these beautiful birds:

~Flamingos are pink due to the algae that they eat.  The more algae they consume, the pinker their feathers.
~Flamingos may be long and lean for a bird, but they can fly AND swim.
~Flamingos are social butterflies.  They can be found living in flocks of thousands.
~Flamingos build their nests out of mud.
~Flamingos love the warm weather and live in lagoons, saline lakes, and even the Andes Mountains!



Where are they going??


If we still haven't convinced you of how cool flamingos are, then please scroll down to view this photograph taken in the Gulf of Mexico by National Geographic Photographer Robert B. Haas....

Could it be???

.............






THE FLAMINGOS HAVE FORMED A FLAMINGO!


Here is a fun clip of a typical mating dance.  If you ask us, they have some great dancing skills ;-)

Sources:  www.nationalgeographic.com
               www.sandiegozoo.org
               www.tropicalbirds.com

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Everywhere

"I am a firm believer that there is no place where God is not."
~Maya Angelou