west coast nester

learning to fly

2011-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I met up again with some pretty inspiring ladies. We went shopping, my first little outdoor boutique a lovely lunch and more shopping. It was the perfect treat before Mothers day to laugh, share and just be inspired.

I did not take a single picture of the actual boutique, this was inside the ladies house. It was totally just lovely! Really, I don't know how else to describe it.

It was so girly and feminine. I really wanted to just stay inside and have a cup of tea or something.

This was us after lunch, full of food and ready for round two. After round two me made the long trip back home.

We first dropped of Christie. I did not take a single picture of her home, I only got to see her studio/storefront. I drooled, drooled! Christie, I think I could move right in.

Then this sweet little mamma invited me in to see her studio

Rita placed my first custom order for one my bracelets. Very exciting. Now back to her studio tour.

She makes the most beautiful signs I have ever seen. I will get my hands on one of these!

I would totally wear that. With a pair of cowboy boots of course.

After leaving these ladies, they really just filled me up with inspiration and courage to believe in what you do. And not to worry about what others think. Just do it anyway. So I created more bracelets with them in mind. I also had the honor of having two stores while we were out shopping ask to carry my bracelets in there store. That was very unexpected and totally humbling. I had just the right group of artist with me to give me a great pep talk and some sound business advice. Thank you. So I got home and journaled and this is where the flying part comes in.

This should probably be a separate post but I am on a roll right now.

Learning to fly. That's is what I feel like lately. Getting the courage to use these new wings that the Lord has given me. For a few years I have been stuck in the nest, to afraid to jump. What if the wings don't work, and I fall smack on my face, what if everyone who sees my new wings criticizes them, says they aren't good enough, you don't deserve them. So I have spent a lot of wasted time chasing the things that the whole world tells me I need to chase. I am done chasing, those things have left me empty. So I have prayed, prayed and prayed some more. Prayed for direction, discernment, courage to believe that I am worthy. Slowly He has given me wings, teeny tiny ones at first that for the longest time could not keep me totally afloat. So He continued to grow them little by little. These past few years have been the most intensely creative for me. But I have been afraid. Afraid to show that big dark world what has come out of my broken beat down self. Until finally, and I am sure it has something to do with the most inspiring people that He has recently placed in my path at the most perfect moment. They are ready, I am ready.To spread those wings and jump out of the nest. Besides how will I every know if I can fly, if I am never brave enough to jump out of the nest. So here I go...

Posting these on etsy.

And Amber, thank you. Thank you for opening your heart to me and including me in this little adventure.

xoxo

Launching my creativity

2011-04-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

A romantic statement. Just listed this baby on etsy.

This one I will name bohemian rhapsody. My inner hippie chic.

This has been my saying for months now. And yes, we really can do it anyway.

Why not right. Live inspired anyway.

You see art really does heal the soul and yours deserves healing.

These two are for a custom order for this sweet girl

Rita tell me which one you like better before I add your metal blingage.

You see a little "tea" party amongst girls can launch into an entire new world.

Thank you Sharon for launching so many of us into believing that we can and thank you Amber for inviting me.

learning to believe

2011-04-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have had so many things going or should I say racing through my mind since this weekend that I am trying to process it all. I had the privilege of going to Launch your creativity on Saturday with 3 new friends. I must say I had only met one for a split second in my driveway and the other two were a mystery. I was nervous. You see, I have this funny thing that happens to me when I am put into a new situation. I am afraid. Afraid that I will be judged, turned ones nose upon, gossiped about. But, I have been learning to be brave. So that day I put on my brave girl boots. I do believe with out a doubt that God strategically placed me in the company of these beautiful woman for a reason (Amber,Rita, Nicky). To believe. To believe in myself, to open my eyes to a whole new world of creative woman and opportunities that I did not know existed. To gently tell me that yes, I can and do deserve to do this. You see I create because I have a deep seeded need too. It is something that is deep within my soul that I must use my hands to create things. I see the world differently. Art is therapy for me. I must make art to heal for many many reasons. But I have always felt that I can create but I don't deserve too. What I have learned is, the reason I can create, is because I do it from a place that is raw, real, broken but yet beautiful. I make things to heal. While I sat at this conference among very talented woman, I started to believe, I started to dream. I felt very convicted that the reason I can make pretty things is because each time, I am able to dig deep into the broken parts of my heart and turn them into something beautiful. So here is to making something beautiful. What beautiful things are you making? xoxo

I did it

2011-03-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well I did it. With a little friendly encouragement I listed my cuffs on etsy. I spent a beautiful day yesterday making a few more. I was inspired yesterday, inspired to just go for it. I have spent so much time waiting for the right time to do things. I am not going to do that anymore. I have so many projects that I keep saying I am going to do. Well spring watch out, I am ready to just tackle them all. Here is a link to my bracelets http://www.etsy.com/shop/westcoastnester

Here is some eye candy that has put me in the spring cleaning mood

I love the pop of turquoise color.

This magazine has me drooling and dreaming.

There is something about birds chirping and they are out in full force today. The hot air balloons are out in the wine country today and I can see them right out my window. A big splash of color against an ominous looking sky. I should not tell you the sad story of me sipping my coffee with the birds in full song this morning. I hear my cat scratching to come in. I go to the door to see one of those sweet little birds dangling from her mouth. Sigh.... one less little songbird in Temecula.

Happy weekend.

a new day

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's a new day today. A beautiful day here in So Cal. All my family from out of town has left and this is my first day alone (well almost have daughter home today). It is so weird, when you lose someone you love whom you are so close too. Do you just start another day. Do you do laundry, and check emails and do the things you did before? I spent a few hours with my Aunt yesterday. All her company had gone home also and I knew yesterday would be the first day truly alone in her home. We talked, laughed and cried a lot. Talked about her new normal and what that would look like. The phone rang and my cousin answered, every time it rings you sort of hold your breath and hope that no one asks for "him". Well sure enough they did, Round table pizza calling wanting to ask my uncle a few question's for a survey. I had to listen to his daughter tell them, no he was not available to answer them at this time. She hung up. It pissed me off. Is this what the next few months and maybe years look like. Someone calling asking for him and reliving those emotions over and over again.

He worked for himself and built beautiful cabinets and custom wood work. He was busy. A truck pulled up to drop off the cabinets that he ordered. Had to tell them this was not a good time. His work phone keeps ringing answering and retelling the story over and over. Waiting for customers to show up to pick up cabinets and things that he had in his shop. Over and over those little things get ya.

The service was at my house on Sunday and I am going to clean up all the little things left over today. Is that what you do, just pick up and keep going. Mop the floor, vacuum etc. I am going to turn on some worship music and set my heart before the Lord and then keep going. That is what you are supposed to do right?

I did make something beautiful today and I am going to make another it just makes my heart feel good.

What makes your heart feel good?

funny thing about grief

2011-03-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Exactly one week ago today I received devastating news that my Uncle went to sleep and never woke up. He was 54. He was a huge presence in our family. We were very close to him and did everything together. He lived up the street and we saw him all the time. And for that I am grateful.

Grief is a funny thing. It feels like everything should stop moving but it does not. Driving home from his house last Friday people were out walking their dogs and jogging and I kept thinking. What are you doing, don't you know what just happened. You need to stop. You need to just stop moving and be still. Life just does not work that way does it? Grief has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. I called Starbucks to see how much their coffee service would be for the funeral. The sweet barista named Jamie said they would donate it for his service. Tears, uncontrollable tears at the generosity of that little gift. Sorry Jamie, not sure you were prepared for my moment of uncontrolled emotion. Each time the door rings and another bouquet or plant is delivered to my aunt the waves of emotions come rolling out. Those little gifts mean so much. The food, women love to bring food. How you are loved for those sweet gestures.

Grief like I said it is a funny thing. For me I need to create something and I am almost overwhelmed with a desire to make something with my hands. My girlfriend sent me a beautiful email with some inspiration on it and I knew I had to make something with it so in my mad state of grief this is what I did. And you know what it felt really good

Trusting God is where I am at today. Just trusting in Him. So in my crazy state of creating I could not stop my back was aching from bending over but I just had to make these too.

Each one of these cuffs was my cry out to the Lord. Truly what was on my heart when grief had wrapped itself around every part of it. Art and creating is such a powerful healing tool. I am going to create some more today. Just need to keep my hands busy and let my tears flow.

I will be putting these in my etsy shop. I think? Not sure what else to do with them all.

A week in review

2011-02-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

When I look at the week in review it makes me smile. I have the tendency to look at each day separately and not the week as a whole. Today as I sit in my little place of happiness with a hot cup of coffee I am reflecting on week well done. Most of the week I spent creating. Completely holed up in my little place of happiness. A few visitors stopped by for a latte and to see if I was still among the land of the living. And living I was. I was on a non stop creating frenzy and it felt oh so good. I had a minor detour on Thursday and went out to lunch with a beautiful friend and mentor from church. I left feeling refreshed and thankful to God for the amazing women that He has surrounded me with. On Friday I was in a creating frenzy again and had a very spontaneous invitation to lunch with my daughters friend and mom from school. So we spent the next three hours talking and asking for the bottomless basket of fries to be refilled. I got home and created for hours again. My hubby has asked me to meet him in San Diego for the weekend at an old Victorian hotel in the gas lamp district. I sit conflicted. We are suppose to get thunderstorms today and those don't happen very often in my neck of the woods. These are my favorite days to nest and create. He has now bribed me with a nice dinner and maybe some shopping. So off I go. I know this is something couples should do to spice things up every now and again. But my problem lies in the fact that I am a homebody. Truly I could stay in my home for weeks at a time perfectly content. I am going to stop rambling now and drop the kids of at grandmas and pack a bag for a romantic impromptu trip. My husband did just inform me that the hotel we are staying at is haunted. NICE!! He waited until I had agreed and arraignments were made to drop that one. I will let you know if we have any visitors. Crap!! That totally freaks me out!!!

I will leave you with a picture

This is one of my visual tools I use for inspiration. I have been pulling magazine pictures out and taping them all over my walls in my studio. Sigh..... by by studio you have made me so happy this week and we have been so productive together. I am leaving just for a day or two. I will tell the ghost's hello, and who knows they could add a whole new level of spice to the weekend.

happy heart day

2011-02-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

I had a beautiful weekend. Not to mention the weather here was gorgeous. 80 degrees if you really need to know. Went hiking up the Santa rosa plateau, almost got eaten by a coyote. Kidding about the coyote but it dig scare the crap out of me.

We are having a family Valentines day at our abode tonight that means the kids are celebrating with us. So I have been busy getting dinner in the crock pot and decorations up and ready for a nice evening.

Here is a peek:

Don't get scared over the paprika wall color. I have finally finished procrastinating and picked out the new color. I had no idea that a shade of blue would be so difficult. Now lets see how long it takes to make it to the wall.

I am a little obsessed with the napkin flowers. Not sure I can even part with them after valentines day.

This is hanging in my studio. Thought I would add a little heart cheer since I spend to much time here.
More flowers I just can't help myself.

And these pretties are what we planted in the front and back over the weekend. I told my man that flowers in the yard is what I would love for valentines day. Hopefully I don't end up killing these too quickly. I am no green thumb by any stretch of the imagination.

Hope you have a wonderful Valentines day.

My heart is full! How about yours?

The She Art Workshop

2011-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

I won, I really, really won this The She Art Workshop

I entered on Jeanne Oliver's giveaway and about peed my pants when she emailed me this morning and told me I won. What a beautiful gift thank you so much. Also what a perfect way to continue to grow. I have been crazy busy painting, journaling and digging deep, in my Soul Restoration workshop. So much to let sink in having a hard time processing it all into something that I could share. My hands are covered in paint which means that today was a good day.

xoxo

Brave girl

2011-01-10T12:17:00.001-08:00

I have picked a new word for year and it is GROW. I looked up the definition

Grow:

To increase in size, to form, to arise. To become great at, expand. To become gradually ( I love that, so feel that is how God is shaping me) to become mature or experienced.

So I am embracing that word this year. I want to grow in so many ways. I want to grow spiritually, grow in my art, grow in my healing, grow with my family. One way that I am choosing to help me grow is this

This is a gift to me. I am going to spend the next 6 weeks learning

to be brave, to grow, to become gradually. I have been busy

collecting supplies and cleaning my studio. I have a local artist whom I adore

that is coming over tomorrow and we are going to be brave together.

This is the front of my sketchbook, it is a blank canvas and some birds I have been playing with. I love the thought of a blank canvas. A new beginning a place to grow.

I have been getting everything as organized as I can. I can hardly stand the wait until tomorrow. 1-11-11 a great day to begin a new journey. Any of you joining me in being brave?

Life in Grace

2011-01-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have a friend, well we have never met but she is my go to girl. She probably has no idea the light that she has shined in my life. Every morning for the past few years while my kids are quietly eating there breakfast I take my coffee and read her blog. I have made almost every one of her recipes and coveted every project she does. I am also painting my armoire turquoise in her honor. I think she had me at turquoise. You know who I am talking about, the famous turquoise kitchen. It is her birthday today and she is broken. I am all about lifting a sister up so happy birthday Edie. You do not know me, but you have inspired me, encouraged me, challenged me, made me laugh and have taught me a thing or too in the kitchen. Your Strawberry butter cream dream cake about rocked my world and the Strawberry freezer jam that you know have me addicted too has changed the lives of many.

You love the Lord with a passion that is contagious and your devotion to your family makes me try harder. Thank you sister for caring as deeply as you do, for sharing your heart so freely.

I am excited to see this new journey that the Lord has you on. I can only imagine the things He has in store for you.

I thought I would share a picture of the cupcakes I made from Edies dreamy cake recipe.

Thank you for blessing me so abundantly. Now link up friends and lets bless another sister on her birthday she could use a little sunshine.

sitting in glitter

2010-12-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

I have been up to my eyeballs in glitter. You know you have had a good day when you go to blow your nose and lovely silver glitter comes out. Yes, I seriously just told you that. Anyway, I dropped my daughter off at the airport on Tuesday for a cheer leading championship competition in Orlando. So instead of drowning in self pity, I glittered. It is now Thursday and I have not stopped.

I wanted my mom tree, the one the kids don't get to decorate to be covered in vintage book ornaments. So I tore up a few old books I have been collecting and folded and glittered my heart out.

This is what started it. Saying goodbye to my baby girl.

And I am still going strong. Tomorrow I will be sitting in front of the TV all day watching the competition live. Screaming my lungs out and probably still blowing glitter out of my nose.

Happy glittering.

A little late

2010-12-01T17:54:00.001-08:00

I know I am a little late posting Thanksgiving and most of the blog world is sharing there Christmas decor. But, no, not me. I am a procrastinator you see and still have the china stacked on my dining room table. Sigh.... oh Christmas why do you sneak up on me so fast

Yes, I know another wreath but I can't help myself. I am full blown obsessed. I saw this at a store up north and had to make me one. I have also seen them on a blog somewhere and can't remember at the moment to link up.

At the last minute my husband said I could not sit the rest of the guests outside. Last year we opened the doors and had two long tables outside and it was beautiful. But this year apparently it was to cold. I was still going to stick them out there but my husband said that would be rude. So I rearranged all the furniture and squished two more tables in the living room and it worked out just lovely. I think he was probably right, I just don't like my plans changing at the last minute.

Then we ate lots of this so we had to do this

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE. The wii dance game will allow you to eat seconds and then thirds of Costco pumpkin pie, and maybe the apple pie too and a few dollops of homemade whip cream.

Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed.

Christmas here I come.

Homemade swap

2010-11-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am seriously considering doing only a homemade Christmas this year. For one I love to make things, and second my daughters cheer team just qualified for Nationals in Florida which is in two weeks. So my bank account is officially in a state of distress.

What about a homemade swap? I have not really thought about any of the details since I am a fly by the seat of my pants type of gal and I am sure I am not the only one who has ever come up with such an idea. I am a flower making nutcase. In the post below is one of my designs. Wouldn't it be fun to swap for something else homemade but different so we could have a variety of goods to give. HMMMM....... ideas anyone??

And what is a post without a picture

Not only do I do flowers, I also do wreaths. I am singly handedly obsessed with them. I could seriously count 8 of them in my home as we speak. I have left the idea of the swap in a comment on a blog that I recently found and I rather like it. I found her etsy shop first and then poof I found the blog. I have my eye on one of her flower necklaces. Like I said, I like flowers. Let me just tell you her recipe for the maple syrup dressing is divine it really could change your life. I am off to create something oh who am I fooling I am off to clean something. I am expecting at least 25 on turkey day how about you? Let me know what you think about the swap???

Cheers!

flower necklace

2010-11-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

Well I finally finished my favorite necklace ever. I love the romantic, yummy colors of this one. Every time I wear one I get asked at least 5 times where I got it. So I thought I would put a tag on this one. You can wear these with anything and it takes your outfit to a whole new level. A plain t-shirt has never looked so good with one of these bad boys around your neck so here you go.....

She is $30.00 email me at westcoastnester@yahoo.com

On another note I received this email this morning from a mom who I have prayed with.

"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him); draw your strength from Him; (that strength which His boundless might provides!)

Ephesians 6:10

I am listening, I am listening.

Blessings

Longing

2010-11-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am longing, longing for change. I went to a beautiful conference this weekend. It made me search, deep inside of myself to unwrap some layers of ugliness and lies that society, and the devil himself have placed there. I long to be free. Free from the ugly lies that I tell myself. That I am not worthy, that I am not good enough. That I do not deserve to be set free from my past sin. That I am not loved.

One thing slammed me straight in the heart. That I am free in Jesus Christ. I always have been and I always will be. That I am loved, that I am beautiful and that I am good enough. Just as I am flaws and all.

That did something, it unleashed a furry of creativity. Journaling, painting, creating. I just had to get it out. It was the strangest thing and the most exhilarating. Here is what happened in my creative awakening

This one is my favorite mix of colors yet. I just have to put the chain on it and it is ready to wear.

I still long to let it ALL go. I am getting closer. I am grateful in knowing that God is carrying me every step of the way.

Taking down the cobwebs

2010-11-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this poor little blog has gotten completely forgotten about as life gets busier and busier. I took a ton of pictures of my Halloween decor that I have never posted so here is a peek as I take them down dust of the cobwebs and begin to put up fall.

This was a neighbors house as we trick or treated. She had full blown Michael Jackson video projected onto her garage with surround sound and lights. My girlfriend and I were glued to her driveway dancing and then a bunch of kids joined in. It was a lovely evening with family and friends. Ok, I really will try not to let the cobwebs form on this blog again.

I am wearing my voting sticker are you?

What happened?

2010-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Not sure what happened and how all this time has gone by from blogging. Life, and Summer baby. Last night my daughter and I decided to make homemade strawberry freezer jam. Oh my gosh, so EASY and delicious. We poured some over vanilla ice-cream last night, yikes was that good. Here is what they looked like when done. I am going to give some to the new neighbors, even though we are new neighbors too and nobody has brought me homemade strawberry freezer jam. I'm just saying.

It went from this

to this baby!

Oh yeah. This recipe you do not have to cook, did you hear me peoples you do not have to cook this. After we finished the jam we made homemade pizza with the homemade pizza crust we made earlier in the day. I made the pizza on the grill because it was to hot to turn on the oven. Yikes, pizza on the grill kicked my butt. It turned out great, but kicked my butt.

Not sure where all the domesticating is coming from. Today woke up and did yoga, made two loaves of homemade french bread which is rising as we speak, prepared beef roast for sandwiches that we are having for dinner and stuck it in the crock pot, did two loads of laundry working on third, returned all emails, cleaned, dried and put away all dishes by hand (dishwasher is broken for two weeks, handyman said). Cleaned and prepared third floor guest suite for guests that are no longer coming, had seven cups of coffee. Which is probably why all things on list have been done so far.

Off to check on bread and make decorations for the 4th.

Martha Stewart eat your heart out sista!

Flower Power

2010-05-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit absent. I went up to the desert on a Church retreat. Our church has been planning the retreat for a year so it was so nice to see the fruits of our labor unfold. To see so many women blessed (180) of them. I arrived thinking we had Friday to our self to relax and enjoy the resort. It did not turn out that way. It became a day of getting all last minute things put together. I went to bed that night with a complaining spirit. I did not like that side of myself. I really prayed that night that He would release me from all that negativity. He did, but not without some life lessons learned.

What an amazing God I serve. He brings joy and light to me even when I don't deserve it. What an honor to serve Him .

On another note I have been making flowers like crazy. Here is the latest necklace that I have for sale. I used vintage scarves and fabrics and some old vintage buttons of my grandmothers.

Will be adding this one to my etsy shop by Monday. If you are interested in getting your hands on this beauty before I list it shoot me an email @ westcoastnester@yahoo.com It is on sale for $45. When it hits etsy it will be $55

Hope you enjoy every part of your weekend. Oh ya, and Happy Mothers Day!

Flowers

2010-04-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

and more flowers. That is what I have been up to.

so far total is seventeen. I am making them for the retreat team for our church. We will be wearing them this weekend up in Palm Springs for a weekend getaway Beth Moore retreat. I am counting the days.

And these beautiful lilacs were given to me by a lovely lady on the ministry leaders team. I had a meeting at my home last night and she cut those from her tree. I have never had fresh lilacs in my house before. They smell just divine.

And these pretties I picked on a hike yesterday. They were growing wild in the hills behind my house not sure what they are called but I love them.

Going to dinner at a friends tonight and then another last minute retreat meeting to wrap up all the loose ends. We have 180 women coming and I am so excited to be spending the weekend in fellowship with them.

Off to finish adding buttons to all the flowers. Wishing you all could join me. I could really use the help.

Warning

2010-04-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

So what do you do when you spend all morning mopping very dirty hardwood floors and then run to drop the kids off at school. When you get back your husband tells you that while he was on a work call he left the back door open to let the cat out, while he was on said business call the cat caught a mouse, then brought it into the house then the dog saw it. Who went banana's running in and out of the house through the mud trying to catch the cat, who had the mouse in the house. All the while getting mud all over the freshly cleaned hard wood floors.

So here I now sit with very muddy floors and a couple of these that I picked up. I am not I repeat am not cleaning the floors again today, I am however going to shove not one but maybe even two of these bad boys into my mouth so that it keeps me from saying a few choice words to my husband.

Caution drooling ahead.

I am going to stop talking now.

dreaming

2010-04-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today I am just dreaming a little, here is what is on my mind

Isn't that kitchen fabulous.

If my dining room looked like that, I would totally invite you over.

Sigh..... nap time, don't ya think?

My weakness, white dishes!

Shazame, really, I mean look at those.

All photos from here

What are you dreaming of?

my favorite place

2010-04-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is the place that I dream of in the morning, and crave in the afternoon. It brings me great delight and joy to my taste buds morning, noon and night. Without further anticipation my favorite place

My coffee nook. Can you smell it. She makes fabulous lattes, iced or hot, a great cup of hot coffee with a strange Italian froth on every cup. She had me at hello....... on my way to brew another cup. And don't say a word about the dead plant in the back, I seem to do that to anything green in this place.

Happy Monday!

Rocked and rolled for Easter

2010-04-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Easter and spring break we are having here in So cal. I am feeling the spring cleaning bug. However it never lasts for long. I get all clean crazy for about an hour or two and then caput. I am over it. So I brew another latte and wait for the caffeine high to hit.

You got to love living in So cal. You never know when a good old earthquake is gonna scare the CRAP out of you. Nothing like a good old adrenaline rush while you are trying to shove down another slice of ham. I actually thought I had to much champagne and could not figure out why I could not stop swaying and feeling so dizzy. Until I heard my mother yell EARTHQUAKE! I grab my kids and run outside and you could actually see the earth rolling and could hear the house making a creaking sound. So when it finally ends we all head back inside to scarf down another helping of scalloped potatoes. Good times, I tell you, Good times. Growing up with earthquakes does not make you used to them, they still scare the crap right out of me.

Anyway, the weather is starting to call me to the outdoors. This is what I am dreaming my yard will look like one day.

or how about this one

Now this one is possible

I am dreaming of a mint julep on this porch.
I have never actually had a mint julep come to think of it.

Ok, done dreaming and back to the grind of my Tuesday.

Pictures courtesy of House Beautiful

A day off

2010-03-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had it all planned out. Work, clean toilets, mop floor. Then my girlfriend who has just started radiation tx for breast cancer called and said lets take the kids and go to the beach. Well how do you say no to that. I knew she did not feel all that great but it is really important for her to give her kids memories. She talks about it all the time. I need to make sure they have lots of memories.

Sitting in the sand and watching the kids run in and out of the water. I could have watched them all day. I could here my daughter screaming with laughter every time a wave hit her a little higher on the stomach. Man, how I can lose sight of the little moments that make such good memories. It is easy to lose those moments in the ho-hum of every day. Like cleaning toilets and mopping floors. I am not a spontaneous person, I plan my day down to the wire. So it took a friend going through a difficult season of life to remind how important it is to create memories of my own. That the toilets can wait, because you never know when life is going to throw you a curve ball.

All pictures from Coastal Living

Thought I would give you all a tease of what a beautiful day on the coast it was yesterday.

Well on another note, the winner for my flower necklace giveaway was announced here
Congratulations Stephanie from Decorating addiction . I can't wait to see you wear it.

Thank you for letting letting me unwrap a little piece of my heart today.

Linking to: Tuesday's Unwrapped at http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

Nesting

2010-03-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have been procrastinating once again and decided to nest, literally. Take a look

I changed up the coffee table in the family room and pulled every nest out of my hat that I could find. When I typed hat I totally thought of using a different word (same amount of letters, and we sit on it) but I really don't like foul language, especially coming from a women. I use to have a mouth like a truck driver (no offense to truck drivers, I have a beloved one in my family) but when I gave my life over to the lord I really prayed that he would take that away from me. Funny thing is He did, but now and again those words still come right into my head. I don't say them out loud but this crazy head of mine will say it now and again. Ok, sorry I got off on a tangent. Back to the nest's

And Layla inspired me to work on my sad, sad mantle. Problem with this thing is it is huge and really high of the ground. It makes me afraid of it, I just don't know how to handle it.

Did you notice my little welcome sign walked down from the guest room and onto my mantle

One more nest, this one is behind the sofa. I new you would not want to miss that one.

Let me know what you think on the mantle. And yes I know we still have not announced the giveaway winners I keep checking, really I do.

Transformation Thursday

2010-03-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today is fabulous spring weather in So Cal and really puts me in the mood to spring clean. So instead I went to Starbucks. What can I say I am a procrastinator.

Here is a project I worked on last week in a mad dash to get our guest room ready for a guest. I found this plate on sale for $3 bucks, yeah, $3 bucks. I just knew I could use my chalkboard paint on it. I mean, really what can't you use chalkboard paint on.

Voila!!!

Linking to: The Shabby Chic Cottage

Update: You can still enter giveaway until midnight tonight! Did you hear me!!!

Winner of giveaway will be announced TOMORROW!

I had a dream

2010-03-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night about spray paint. Yes, you heard me right spray paint. I dreamt about creamy shiny whites and rich semi-gloss blacks. So after I dropped one of the munchkins off at school I stopped my Home Depot and picked up a few cans. I took my husbands desk into the garage and started spraying and spraying and spraying. He will be so surprised when he gets home. I will be so surprised if this turns out the way I have planned in my head. I will really be surprised if I am able to get it back into the house without some backup.

I had a moment to get caught up on one of my favorite blogs and Layla has my mind spinning with mantle mania. I am in desperate need of mantle help. I sort of threw things up there when we moved in and never went back to actually decorating it. But I am overwhelmed, I have not a clue what to do. Actually, I think I will go shop my garage (I have boxes of decor that has not yet been unpacked) and see what I can come up with. Here are a few pretties from Layla's blog

Last three images Better Homes and Gardens

And if you are in great suspense on who won the giveaway of one of my necklaces from The Shabby Chic Cottage I don't know yet either. Your comments on her blog were so sweet and gave me warm and fuzzy feelings inside. I keep checking her blog to see if she has picked winners yet. As soon as I know I will post it here!

Ok, I am off to inhale more paint fumes. Don't you just love that feeling (I am kidding of course)

Giveaway Day

2010-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hee-hee, hee-hee, I love these days and anything for free sounds good to me. I am a sponsor at the totally chic and happening blog The Shabby Chic Cottage. Now let me tell you there is nothing shabby but all things chic happening there. Yes, I sound a bit corny, but honestly I am totally corny. Not to mention I have had three lattes in the last hour and I have started to get the shakes. I love it when I get those. Anyway back to the fun, today or tomorrow you can enter to win one of these pretties

My vintage necklace made of old linen and cottons, buttons and pearls. So don't miss out on the fun to win one of these you must go here! If you don't win and you start to feel sorry for yourself you can always buy one of these lovelies on my etsy shop. Or maybe if you leave a comment I will give away a little something of my own.

Getting ready

2010-03-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

I am getting ready for a fun fabulous spring fling party tomorrow with Shabby chic cottage
There will be giveaways that will last two entire days. Did you hear that people!!! I am one of the sponsors offering a fun unique giveaway. It looks a little like something from a post below, and it hangs around your neck. Hint, hint!! Shhhhh, it starts tomorrow.

Set your alarm and check in on this blog to enter. I do not know if I am day one or day two. You will just have to stay in suspense.........

See you tomorrow.

Makeover Monday

2010-03-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Now I have been looking for something I could use as a buffet table in my dinning room. I needed something functional that I could actually put food on to get people out of my kitchen and into another room in the house. Why is it that when you have a party everyone stays wrapped around the kitchen counter. So my sneaky little plan was if I had a buffet table that was in the other room maybe, just maybe it would get people OUT of my kitchen during a party. I have not had the opportunity to actually use this buffet for the purpose stated above. I will keep you posted if my sneaky plan will work.

I found this little beauty on Craigslist. Now for those that drool at all things white and shabby, trust me so do I. However, since almost all my furniture is painted black, I had no choice but to paint this one too.

Take a peek, before....

She really is already just perfect. But for my decor she had to go black.

What do you think?

I am linking this post to: http://southernhospitalityblog.com/,http://www.twiceremembered.blogspot.com/http://www.twiceremembered.blogspot.com/,http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/http://asoftplace.net/

Slowley

2010-03-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. A day of unwrapping ones heart and revealing emotions. We layed to rest a most precious loved one. A mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother. A beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. She was a retired Navy officer so we had the honors of a military service that was breathtaking. 90 years of life, 90 years of laughter.

Why is it so hard to let yourself mourn in front of others. I think we all sensed moments of everyone holding back, not wanting to feel vulnerable. I tried really hard to drink up every moment of the days events, to really feel them, to let my heart go just a little. Slowley.....

We are still enjoying company that has traveled from afar to celebrate her life. Trying to appreciate this time with family and not thinking of my lists and lists of things to do. Hard to turn that off in my head. I am learing to do this slowley....

I will be making her famous pot of homemade spaghetti sauce tonight and inviting oodles of friends over to share it with us. To laugh, to let our hearts feel, to let go of ourselves even if it is only a little.

So blessed to know the tender mercies of our Lord and savior, to allow Him to pick us up when our legs are still to shaky to go at it alone.

Sharing a little piece of my heart today.

Linking up with: http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

Real Housewives

2010-03-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

A little late in the day to be blogging but I just got back from the OC. Was in the neighborhood of a few "housewives" and was hoping they would pop out to say hello and be a little "real" with me. No such luck, it was a drizzly day and I think maybe they were afraid there hair might frizz like mine did. Anywhoo, got home and had to become a "real housewife" myself and clean up cat vomit on my leather sofa, and then proceed to clean up used tampons that my dog pulled out of the trash can and partially chewed and then left for me all over the hardwood floor. Now that is a real housewife if I have ever seen one. And to those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, be grateful that you have not been sucked into the world of Bravo Tv drama, crap tv is what my husband like to call it. Speaking of crap, birds still having a party on the rooftop any ideas?????

And what is a post with out a picture or too so here is a little eye candy for you

I snagged those from Country living

Any pigeon miracle stories please share, My hubby thinks if he continues to shoot them off the roof with his pellet gun that they will tell all the pigeons in pigeon land that our rooftop is not the place to hang any longer. I am not sure this is a reliable method.

HELP??????

OH CRAP!

2010-03-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

Literally, it is raining crap at my house. Pigeon crap that is. Take a look, only if you have a strong stomach

Isn't that disgusting. That is pigeon crap, bird feces falling of my roof. Or should I say being sprayed off my roof. This is what happens when you have a really tall house with eaves, pigeons apparently take up residence. So a power washer and pigeon expert came to save the day and hopefully scare these nasty little poopers off our roof for good.

Look at the BBQ, I think I just had a baby barf in my mouth.

My dining room doors and feces dripping down them. Lovely! Enjoy your day hopefully it is not as "crappy" as mine. LOL!!

Chalkboard addiction

2010-03-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

I know two post in one day, but I could not help it. I was peeking at this blog and came across a little Mcklinky party and wanted to play. So here is a peek at my addiction to chalkboard paint. And be warned I still have tons of cans left in the garage just waiting for me.

I know there are pine cones in the dining room still. I am busy people, busy!

This little chalkboard is in the kids homework loft upstairs.

And this is my finished tub for the laundry room. I still need to fill bucket with soap. I love this one and so cheap! I love cheap!! Leave me a comment and maybe I will give away a little something. Hint take a peek at previous post below.

Help me

2010-03-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

I can not for the life of me figure out how to add a slide show to this bloggie thing. I have some necklaces that I have thought of selling and would love to have them show up on the sidebar or something like that. Any feedback on how to sell them online without having to go the etsy route? I am new at this thingy. Anyway here are a few pics of the necklaces that I do have for sale at the moment.

This one is made of vintage scarves, buttons and pearls. This will turn any outfit into a showstopper. selling for $65.00

And this beauty is made of torn t-shirts, vintage buttons and pearls. I sold one similar to this right of my neck when I wore it. Selling for $55.00

I also have this one

This baby is not for sale, I will however be giving it away on another blog so stay tuned for updates.

Email me at westcoastnester@yahoo.com if you are interested in the necklace's

Updat: Do to popular demand I have listed them on etsy. See them here

old vintage buttons

2010-03-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

What does a jar of these

grandmas old buttons

and some old burlap have in common. Nothing really but wait until you see what happens when you use a little glue to combine the two...... stay tuned

Inspired Home

2010-03-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

One of the blogs that I stalk The Lettered Cottage has just published an ebook called Creating an Inspired Home. You must check it out, Layla really has a talent for creating the most soft and cozy spaces. And she and her hubby do it all themselves. Grab a latte or a glass of wine and check it out you wont be disappointed.

hot glue

2010-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

The hot glue gun and I have been bonding today. It is a fabulous rainy day, I was supposed to head up to Palm Springs for a photo shoot but nope it rained. I love the rain. So as the rain fell and I had an unexpected afternoon to myself, I glued, and glued. Will be wearing this bad boy to church tomorrow.

Isn't she a beauty. I have been making quit a few of these lately. Every time I wear one, I sell it right of my neck. Ok, back to the glue gun and some burlap. Oh, and wait until you see the galvanized tub I spray painted yesterday. It turned out great.

It's gonna be a good, good day

2010-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

Ran into the Walmart today to pick up some light bulbs, why does it seem like all bulbs burn out at the same time. Anyway, as I was debating wattage, look what my eyes rested upon.

I was giggling like a school girl. Just made me a latte and going to savor every page. Then when I am done I will be using some chalk board paint on this

I am hoping to store my laundry soap in it. I currently use liquid soap, I however can not stand the mess it leaves on my washer and how it runs down the side of the bottle. So I just bought a ginormous ( I know this is not a word, I however use it frequently) container of powder detergent from Costco and planning on dumping the whole thing into this bucket with a scooper and having this sit on top of my dryer. Not only will my laundry room smell fabulous it will be a little bit cleaner, I hope.

I came across this "Dreamy" blog today and fell in love, so when I feel like procrastinating a little longer this is where you will find me.

problem area

2010-02-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here is the spot that I can't figure out. I just moved this table to behind the couch. The couch was pushed all the way against the wall but it looked kind of sad that way. We have not lived here for very long so I am still shuffling things around. If anyone can help a girl out that would be oh so fabulous!

Can you see it, that sofa table behind the couch, it is to short and probably not long enough but that is all I have to work with at the moment. And no, the cat is not part of the decor

This is the view right when you walk into this room. It is the family room and kitchen it is one great big room. And no I do not plan on keeping the lamp smack in the middle of the floor. It was to tall once I put the other lamps on the table behind the couch and now I can't figure out what to do with it.

As I look at this room, I am not sure that plant works either?? Maybe the Ar moire should be at an angle. HMM???

Another view.

Since we pulled the couch out to fit the sofa table now this antique table seems a bit lost.

Yes, I know you are gasping in unbelief. This ladies is what I have the table raised up on at the moment. Like I said I need all the help I can get??????

going to do it

2010-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

OK, here it goes my first blog post. Since I love all things house that is what I am going to talk about. First post is my Tuesday nook, this is my favorite spot to look at in this room

This is in my living room and is still a work in progress. I need window treatments SOOOO badly but I would have to do CPR on the budget in order for that to happen. So for now I may be stalking the Nester for some ideas on some window mistreatment's. Also my goosebumps moment at Home goods was coming across these bad boys

I hung these in my kitchen yesterday. They had been hiding in the trunk of my car so my husband would not know I had been out shopping but they just could not be hidden any longer.

I had seen these here and had drooled over them for like ever, and imagine my surprise when I was minding my own business at Home Goods and these practically jumped of the shelf and into my loving arms. Let me show them to you again

Booyay, baby! Now I know that I copied how She did them but She did them just so perfectly that I thought why mess with a good thing, are you following me.

OK so that is it for my first post, I am trying to elevate a coffee table that I just moved to behind my couch. Problem, couch to tall, coffee table to short and you can't see what is on the table. Any ideas???? Someone, anyone, can you help a girl out.

Now lets hope I can actually get this thing posted correctly.