Easter dress

This is my new Easter dress that I purchased at J. Crew. I fell immediately in love with the shade of blue. I think it’ll be perfect for spring/summer. I’m going to wear a white cardigan sweater and a pearl pendant for church. Then I can take the cardigan off afterwards for brunch. I can’t decide what color sandals to wear; white or gold? What do you think?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RICHARD!!!

We slept in this morning which was a big treat. We were both exhausted from our work week so the extra rest was overdue. Then we got dressed and went to lunch at our favorite TEX-MEX restaurant. We ate like KINGS!!! After lunch we strolled through the greenbelts near our house and came home for a piece of delicious cake. It was truly a fabulous cake. We are enjoying a relaxing Birthday weekend.

Here’s a few pic’s of Richard being silly in his new Buddy Guy Tee he got in Chicago. He is pretending to be the evil villain who pets his white cat in Doctor No/James Bond. We are huge 007 fans so it was no surprise he got the newest Bond, Quantum of Solace. We’ll be cuddled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn this evening.

BBQ & HOCKEY!!! What a lucky Birthday boy...

Tomorrow is my husband’s Birthday. I've decided to get him a new BBQ grill. I've caught him eyeing them up the last trip to Lowe's. Besides we need to upgrade our old one. I went to a specialized grill store in Houston and I felt like I was buying car. Who would guess that BBQ's have so many gadgets now. Honestly, I had no clue what the sales person was telling me. He could have been speaking Chinese for all I know. I thought you turned it on and threw your meat onto the flame until done. How difficult is that? Since I'm totally ignorant to this new BBQ grill thing; I decided instead of bringing home the wrong one (returning it the next day) I would just let him pick the one he wants and I'd buy it for him. I just closed on a project and got a big check. He has no idea~ hee, hee....

He desperately wants to go to a hockey game also. Looks like we are going to see the Houston Aeros this weekend. I didn't know that Houston had a hockey team up to a few weeks ago. But they do and they aren't bad. My husband loves hockey, y'all. I think he just like the violence. He played Rugby in college so that makes since. Me? I personally go for the nachos. I usually stick out like a sore thumb too. I love dressing up no matter what so I’m usually the only woman in a J Crew sweater and pearls. Marriage is a give and take. I go to hockey games and he attends the ballet. Well, I’m off to pick up a cake. Y’all have a good weekend.

Everything is BIGGER in Texas

Yes, everything is bigger in Texas; including storms. We had ourselves some big time weather last night. We had tornado warnings and the works. My husband got stuck at his meeting and couldn't leave because of the weather was so bad. He called me several times to check the radar for a break. He and a group of doctors were huddled together like cattle waiting to make a bee line for the flooded parking lot. By the time he got in he was soaking wet down to his new soggy Kenneth Cole shoes. I'm hoping they aren't ruined but it's too late now. I've got them drying out today.

I feel pretty foolish complaining about some silly shoes compared to what our friends experienced back in Austin. This morning I found e-mails telling us how bad the hail storm got last night. Our friend’s vehicles were damaged by the golf ball sized ice. One sent me a picture of his truck and the parking lot after the storm. It was taken about an hour afterwards so most of it had melted due to the rain. An hour can make a huge difference in Texas weather.

He told me that nearly a half of dozen cars in the parking lot had their windshields completely blown out. This morning he has been trying to find a way to get his windshield replaced but the soonest would be next Thursday. And they are charging double the price at $400.00. I think it’s terrible that they are price gauging in this economy. I also feel horrible for my friend Sherry. She just traded her old BMW X5 for a new one (month old) and it was damaged as well. I’m absolutely sick for her. But we have to stay positive and be thankful that nobody was hurt.

More bunnies!!!

This afternoon, after I finished meeting a client, I decided to dig through our garage. We’ve really done a terrific job unpacking and going through things but we still have a few more boxes to attend to. I’m so happy that I found my antique bunnies. I knew I had additional Easter decorations but didn’t have a clue where to start looking; thankfully I located them. I bought them at an antique shop in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah has some great boutiques (if you’re into that type of shopping). The woman who owned the shop told me they were from the 1940’s made in Germany. Once I spotted them they were mine. My husband really enjoys them also and they have become our traditional Easter centerpiece. You’ll have to excuse the table linen. It’s not my Easter white cotton one I use for our festive brunch. I’ll take pictures once I truly decorate my table.

Also, while surfing today I spotted a truffle nest from Williams-Sonoma. This truffle basket would be a big hit for Easter Sunday. I’m going to order one for our entry way. Easter is so much fun. I’m really looking forward to enjoying this Easter holiday. I have a fantastic menu prepared. I’m thinking of preparing quail smothered in a sweet Sherry sauce, Cajun shrimp stuffing, lemon peppered asparagus, herbed stuffed mushrooms, with carrot cake for dessert, and mimosas to help celebrate the festivities. What y’all think? If you have any good menu suggestions I’d love to hear them.

My new apron & cookbook

I keep a "wish list" folder under my pic's on my laptop. I'll save the picture of the item, the site where I found the item, and how much the item costs. Over the years my husband will check my "wish list" folder and magically a gift will appear unexpectedly. Last week I found the perfect apron on the Layla Grayce site (Coco Full Hostess apron)and put it into my "wish list." This morning my husband left early for a business meeting and I selfishly slept in. When I entered the kichen this morning I found this apron on the counter and a Brennan's cookbook. It's not the exact apron that I wanted but it's so darn cute. Look at the flower on the waist! I love Brennan's and the recipes look so delish. I'll share as I begin to try them.

Bunny Time

I devoted my weekend to unpack all of our Easter decorations. I love spring and Easter Sunday is one of my favorite holidays. Look at my yard bunnies. I purchased them last season but this is the first time I’ve got to set them up. I placed a pink ribbon around their necks to make them a bit more festive. The cross behind them was black but I spray painted it white this afternoon. You can’t have Easter without the cross! Then I purchased a beautiful basket and placed it by my flowers on my porch. I thought it would clash if I were put another bunny there (didn’t want bunny overload). I love bunnies but sometimes you have to balance the things you love.

I purchased this antique looking bunny in Vicksburg, Mississippi. We stayed at a beautiful B&B called the www.fairviewinn.com in Jackson. It was so relaxing and a very plantation like atmosphere. We drove up to Vicksburg for lunch and I came across this bunny and had to have him. He’s one of my favorites. He’s my Mississippi bunny.

Chicago Blues

Buddy Guy has his own bar & grill in Chicago. We were told by one of the employees that he stops by and plays a song or two when he's in town. He was suppose to stop in that night but didn't. Drats! Hubby & I are HUGE blues fans. We love Doc John, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Carolyn Wonderland, Albert King, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, and the famous BB King. However, we went and saw BB King a few months back in Austin. BB King has been a blues legend since I was a kid and I was completely floored by his jokes he told on stage. He is a dirty old man, y'all. It sort of ruined the experience for me. But his band rocked the house. Those guys are really old too! Most of his band is from Houston, Texas. That made up for the disgusting stories from BB.

My papa was a blues/jazz guy. I use to dance on his feet listening to records. I thought everyone grew up to listening to Jazz & Blues. But I know that I'm not the only kid that did. Have you heard of Quinn Sullivan? He's 8 years old and plays a mean guitar. I'll try to put a link from youtube. It's been a long day so I'm heading off to bed. Hope everyone has had a good week and a better weekend ahead.

Chicago

I would like to give a shout out to my husband. He’s such a humble guy and down plays his accomplishments. I just want him to know how proud I am of him. Tomorrow he is speaking at national conference in Chicago. He’s going to be speaking on contractual agreements at a federal/state level and rules & regulations for managed care contracts for surgical centers (a little over my head).

My husband has a MBA, RN, CPHQ. He’s a Regional Director for a hospital development/management company. He’s been working REALLY hard for the past four years and is truly thriving in the Texas market. It hasn’t been an easy road for us. He went to business school in Germany where he obtained an international MBA. He had an entirely different plan for his life than the one we’ve been living.

After we got married we relocated from San Francisco to his hometown New Orleans. He owned a beautiful home. We had an apartment across the bay that was less than 800 sq. ft. for $3,800/month in San Francisco. It was tiny but had access to the city and at night you could see the Golden Gate Bridge lit up. It was a fantastic experience that I’ll always cherish. We decided it was best to pack up and settle in Louisiana.

I fell immediately in love with the Big Easy. It was full of life, great music, and fantastic foods. The people were so easy going and loving. We began renovating our house and had an electrical fire in the kitchen. Then after we rebuilt the kitchen and finally finished painting and laying carpet; a tropical storm came and damaged our roof. The next year we were hit with Katrina. No house, no jobs, and were forced to relocate. Texans have been very welcoming and warm. But all our job contacts were back in New Orleans and that meant starting over. My husband never complained and always had a good positive attitude and stayed encouraged. He did whatever he had to rebuild what we had lost. I just want him to know how thankful and appreciative I am and what a lucky gal to be called his wife. I love you, Pookie!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Rain, Rain....Go Away!!!

Rain drops keep falling on my head….It has only been a couple of days and I admit that I’m sick of it. Oh sure, I know Texas desperately needs its rain for the cows and crops but it is so yucky outside. This soggy weekend start off on a terrible note. My husband, after fighting 1.5 hrs., of Houston traffic was ran off the road literally 1 mile from our house. A big SUV flipped on its side and when my husband went around it a impatient driver whipped around and caused him to swerve. His car went into a 360 into a large drainage ditch full of mud. Thankfully the car didn’t flip and there were police cars, ambulance, and tow truck for the accident now located across the street. The tow truck gave him a quick tug and charged $250!!! That’s what I call highway robbery. But I’m not complaining; it could have been much worse. At least my husband is safe, the car isn’t damaged, and nobody else got hurt.
Saturday we felt adventurous and decided to explore our new town. During our travels I spotted a cute boutique and bought the cutest spring wreath for Easter (I’ll take pics once the rain clears). Hubby found his newest shopping mall, Lowes. We stopped by and picked up some paint for a bed that I’ve had stored away. It’s a beautiful sleigh bed but has scratches from a previous move. I was thinking of repainting it white. I’ve been eyeing up some cottage blogs and been completely floored by the transformations from a little paint. I have some antique pieces that I bought back in New Orleans that would look great white (antique dresser/wardrobe). I’m determined to have a Shabby Chic bedroom and I’m hoping that new paint and a little elbow grease will save me from purchasing a new bedroom set. Not that I’m opposed to shopping for new furniture, LOL!
Today, Sunday, was a much better way to end the weekend rather than the way it started off. We attended our first service at our new church. Everyone was very friendly and we felt very welcomed. The pastor went to seminary in New Orleans and the church secretary is also from the Big Easy. It’s amazing how many people we run into from NOLA. Our last pastor was from New Orleans and played football for LSU, GEAUX TIGERS!!! After church we had lunch at our newest hole in the wall restaurant. It’s around the corner from our house and we’ve eaten there a handful of times already (we’ve relocated to the area only two weeks ago). They have the best grilled chicken and salads. Hubby likes to order the crispy chicken sandwich and fries. And you can make your own vanilla/cherry cokes. That’s dangerous to have around the corner, LOL.
Tomorrow the sun is supposed to be shining. I can’t wait to see this rain disappear. I don’t know how I survived school back in the Pacific Northwest. I remember the rain would go on for months at a time. When it rains like this I like to think God is doing His spring cleaning. It’s a good time for me to start doing my own spring cleaning in my life. This spring I’ve cleaned up my addiction to sugar. Mama got a sweet tooth and I got to get off the chocolate. It’s been three days since my last chocolate fix and I’m doing alright. But I was eyeing up a brownie box at Kroger. (Sigh) I gosta be strong, ladies. Instead I bought yogurt. Blah, but at least I’ll be able to fit into my swimsuit this season. Hope y’all had a great weekend.

Picture Game

Ok, here's another game from Peeptoepumpsandpearls. Go to your pics on your computer. Choose the 6th folder and 6th picture in the folder. Tell who and what.



This is me in Rome. I'm overlooking the ruins about a block away from our hotel. We went to Italy a couple of years ago. We went during one spring and it was freezing. I remember being in the Vatican and hearing a thick southern accent. I followed it to a woman from Birmingham, Alabama. We really hit it off with her and her family. It was the first Americans we ran into in almost a week. I remember being so happy to speak English and visit with someone from the South. It made me very "felice" (happy in Italian).

I remember that same trip I bought a conductor so I could use my curling iron. I plugged it into the wall and I heard a loud POP! Then the lights went out on the entire floor. My husband was in the lobby but when he came back I told him to grab his jacket and lets go to the bistro down the block. At breakfast I confessed my bad and his eyes got really big. We thought we were going to be trouble. When we went back they had an electrician working in the hallway. I didn't say anything but the hotel manager said something in Italian that I couldn't follow. But I did catch one part...."Americans." He had a nasty tone and glared at me as I slinked into our room. The rest of the trip I was so scared to use my curling iron I just wore hats. That's why I'm wearing a hat in that picture. You can see my hair sticking out is all funky.

SEXY BLOGGER AWARD

My blogging friend, peeptoepumpsandpearls, passed on the SEXY BLOGGER AWARD. Jill is so cute. I've been following her blog for a couple of months now and she's so fun and sweet. I'm happy that I stumbled onto her blog.

The rules to this award are to list 5 sexy things about myself and pass it on to 5 sexy bloggers.

Ok, here go...My 5 Sexy things about me

1.) I have to have my finger/toe nails painted at all times (mostly in pink).

2.) 99.9% of the time I wear lipstick (berry colors). I even wear lipstick to the gym.

3.) I love to get my hair done. I'm always changing my hair color/cut; never the same.

4.) I was one of the top players in my tennis co-ed league last fall.

5.) I'm not afraid to take risks or make big changes in my life (it’s the Gemini in me).

I pass this SEXY award to petuniainparadise & fluffyfashionablefamous. They are two other great bloggers. Petuniainparadise has the cutest daughter and we both lived in New Orleans. She also has a great eye for decorating and for fashion. And fluffyfashionablefamous is a hoot. I just love her to death. She’s a real sweetie and owns the most adorable dogs. These two gals definitely deserve the SEXY BLOGGER AWARD.

My Day Off

This morning I woke up and felt under the weather. I think the move, unpacking, allergies, and stress finally caught up with me. So I opted to take the day off and rest. I didn't get out of bed until 11am!!! That never happens. It has been years since I slept in that long. I sat down on the couch with my laptop and watched T.V.. I didn't put on any make-up, didn't do anything with my hair, and I'm still in my pajamas without a bra. I'm one of those who believe that I have to be ready 24/7 (just in case). My husband has repeatedly told me I'm OCD and I need to join the rest of the world and take a day off. Yup, this is my day off..... AND GUESS WHAT? My new neighbor (met once) knocked on the door to bring me banana nut bread. She could see me through the window near the door. I couldn't run or hide. I had to answer the door in my pajamas and monkey slippers. It was 3pm. I felt like such a loser. Out of all days....This is the reason I get ready EVERYDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBIE!!!

Barbie just turned 50!!! Wow, I hope I look that good when I turn 50, ha! I started collecting retro Barbie's years ago. When I was a little girl I use to visit my aunt & uncle during the summers. They owned a small farm outside of Sacramento, California. I can still vividly remember every detail. They had a yellow & white farm house, a big willow tree in the front yard, white picket fence trimmed with yellow rose bushes, and a big wooden front porch swing (we use to sit in the evenings and snap green beans). I use to love visiting them because they let me help pick corn, tomatoes, strawberries, and they made me the best fried okra. I can still hear the grease popping from the cast iron pan. They also had a big swimming pool that we all took advantage of during those hot summer days. After swimming my aunt and I would lay back on the hammock and she'd read me books. I don't remember a single story she read but I remember poking my toes through the old hammock's ropes while sucking down a cold glass of tangy lemonade. Those were the best summers of my life.

At night my aunt Diane would pull out her magical box of Barbie’s. They were hers from when she was a little girl so they were the real deal. I use to study her retro Barbie’s for hours; make-up, hair, and clothes. I would tell myself I wanted to be just like Barbie when I grew up. I think collecting retro Barbie is something more than just a beautiful doll to me. It's a piece of my childhood that will always be cherished. Years have come and gone but the memory of Barbie still holds a special place that will always be cherished to me. No matter where I am; no matter how old I've become; I will always gaze at my dolls and think back to a timeless place when life was so simple and carefree. Funny, when I was little girl
Barbie represented my future and now as a woman, she represents my past. Happy Birthday, Barbie!!!

Cute Soaps

Ok, so everyone that knows me knows I love spa & soap products. I have a desire for macaroons and my two loves collided; MACAROON SOAPS!!! Isn't the most cutest thing ever?! This would be perfect for my Saturday bath time. Another great link to find awesome bath products is Lush. Does anyone out there use Lush products? If so, what are your favorites?

Here are some of my favorite Lush products



BLACKBERRY BATH BOMB

+

CANDY BUBBLE BATH



KARMA KREAM BODY BUTTER

My Lust List for Spring/Summer 2009

My Spring/Summer Lust List



1.) Cavalli Sunglasses



2.) The "New Jackie" bag by Gucci



3.) Cole Haan sandals (cute with a black sundress & floppy black sun hat)



4.) Twilight Pink lipstick by Bobbi Brown



5.) A new Ralph Lauren black Tankini



6.) The Panama Shoulder Tote by Michael Kors

What is your lust list for this Spring/Summer?

Inspiration for my Shabby Chic Office

I'm almost finished with the unpacking stage. Now I've been trying to decorate the house. Last night I ran to Target to pick up a few things and I found myself lusting after a new Shabby Chic quilt. My house has a lot of traditional French accents. My husband & love art and have purchased many prints when we were traveling in Europe. My favorite is Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Ok, here's the problem...that's not really Shabby Chic art. So, instead of changing the entire house I have decided to select the master bedroom and my office to decorate shabby chic. I found this picture on Room Service Home and I'm going to use it as my office inspiration (except my walls will be yellow).

My MeMe's Famous Enchiladas

I made my Meme’s famous enchiladas today. My Meme and Papa use to vacation in Acapulco back in the 1950's-1970's. There was a great Mexican restaurant that they loved to go and order their enchiladas. An elderly Mexican woman owned the place and became good friends with my grandparents. One of their last trips to Acapulco the woman gave my Meme her enchilada recipe. The following summer they returned only to find out that the woman had passed away. My Meme gave me the recipe and I make them for my family & friends. I'm the cook in the family. You'll find me in the kitchen most days. Cooking is like gardening to me (very relaxing). I enjoy making yummy treats for my friends.

Look at the adorable dish towel my friend from Seattle sent me. Isn't it cute? She knows I like to collect dish towels for my kitchen. We use to be neighbors when I lived in northern California. We use to go to the blackberry festival. They had blackberry jam, blackberry cobbler, blackberry everything!!! Yum, I think I'm going to run to the store and pick up some frozen blackberries for a blackberry cobbler.

My Meme’s Enchilada Recipe

1/2 lb. ground meat
1 c. shredded carrots
1/2 c. sweet onion (cut into bite size)
1/4 c. chopped green onion
12 corn tortillas
1 c. red enchilada sauce (I like mine hot)
2 c. mozzarella cheese
1 c. sliced black olives
Casserole dish

1.) Brown meat with carrots and sweet onion. Once cooked drain the juice.
2.) Heat corn tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to easily fold them.
3.) Empty enchilada sauce into a bowl. Dip half of corn tortilla into the sauce and place into a casserole dish.
4.) Spoon meat into the folded corn tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up corn tortilla and place a toothpick to hold securely. Repeat until casserole dish is full of tortillas.
5.) Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
6.) Sprinkle with cheese. Then garnish with green onion and black olives.
7.) Place in oven at 350 degrees and cook for 25 minutes.

Add a yummy side salad and Spanish rice for sides.

I'M RED AGAIN!!!

I cannot tell you what my natural hair color is. I've been dying my hair since I was fourteen. I'm constantly changing the color and cut every 6 weeks. During the holidays I wanted to go a dark brown but it wasn't for me. When I was little I thought Jaclyn Smith was the prettiest angel on the television program "Charlie's Angels." When I use to play with my friends I use to always be Kelly Garrett. I think secretly I wanted her hair when I grew up. But....I'm not Jacklyn Smith. I'm a crazy red head. It fits best with my personality. Once I had five loud reds, one blond streak, and one black. It looked awesome but I was also in my twenties and in college. So, here are some pictures of me this afternoon that I sent my hubby at the office. Poor guy, he never knows what he’ll come home to when I’ve been to the salon. Excuse the mess behind me. I'm still working on unpacking this room. Did I mention how much I hate moving, HA!

My DIY Project

This afternoon I managed to take all the extra empty boxes up to the attic. I cleaned the kitchen, started a meatloaf, and made two business calls from my new home office. I had about an hour block between conference calls so I decided to paint an ugly mirror that I was going to donate. Now it looks pretty enough to hang in our master bedroom. I like cottage & traditional decor. I'm not sure how I'm going to pull the combination in interior design but I'm still working out the kinks. While waiting for my new improved mirror to dry I finally got a chance to catch up on some of my favorite magazines.

Beautiful Flowers

Ooooh….. Look at my pretty flowers. Last night I came home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our realtor. The card welcomed us to the area. I love Sunflowers. It really brightened our home. I love getting flowers!!!