Fresh and Fabulous

Last week I bopped (yes, that's what I said) around with my friend Kathleen. Hi Kathleen! After some fun shopping and lunch we went by her parent's home which is smack dab in the middle of an orange grove. Needless to say they had plenty of oranges to share. So today I made freshly squeezed orange juice. Don't you just love reaping the benefits of your local area? We've literally lived all across the country and have enjoyed the local bounty at each stop. The first time we lived in California we had five fruit trees in our back yard; avocado, lemon, orange, peach and nectarine. In Massachusetts, among many things were apples and freshly picked blueberries. In Illinois and Kansas it was fabulous corn and tomatoes. We have a local wine area here that is quite a draw. What kind of treasures are in your area?

Spring has Sprung

I added some Spring decorations recently.  Here's my custom mixed Jelly Belly's and a cute felted chick.

We have a bird theme going in the powder room.

The entry table needs work, but these bunnies are here to greet you!  My family thinks they're scary.  

I found this paper cutting in an old book that was my Dad's Aunt's. I think it's precious. It sits on an old hymnal that my boss gave me.  I need to think of something special to do with the cutting.  

I changed up my side tables with bulbs and flower frogs.

My ivy is very sad indeed.

There's a lot of random stuff on this table.  Maybe too much.  I've already removed the heart wreath and added an Easter basket and a sparkly bird. I hope this adds a little Spring fever to your day! * I'm joining in on Show and Tell Friday over at My Romantic Home, check out the other participants here.

Waves of Beauty

  Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
      your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
      your justice like the ocean depths.
   You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
     How precious is your unfailing love, O God!

Psalm 36: 5-7

You can't watch the ocean waves and not think of their Creator.

Return from Paradise

We had a beautiful view of the ocean.

Enjoyed exploring the beaches.

Ate some fabulous food.

Admired amazing plants.

Watched the pretty fish.

Laughed at napping turtles.

Spied the baby gecko.

Rested in the beautiful room.

Anticipation

Anticipation, originally uploaded by Hawaiian Sea.

I'm heading off tomorrow to the Big Island for a few days. I'll use my own pictures when I return. Sorry, that won't probably be as beautiful as "Hawaiian Sea". I guarantee that you won't be seeing me on a surf board.  That would be hysterical! See you soon!

Floral Fridays

{scarlet and violet}

ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE

SUGAR IS SWEET AND SO ARE YOU

Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello.  I really love making new friends and keeping up with the old. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Peek

{imdb.com}

We may go watch a black and white movie on Sunday.  A local theater is showing "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.  I've never seen it.  It won several Oscars when it premiered.  It sounds like a fun thing to do.

I thought I'd show you my little Valentines for this year.  These two recipients have already received theirs.

I have two more to show, but not until after Sunday. I'm not the most creative collage artist out there, but they were certainly fun to play with.

Flower Power

{fringe}

{curious sofa}

{anthropologie}

Flowers are back! I remember wearing flowers on my dresses in high school in the 70's. I had an especially pretty one that was a rust color with little feathers coming out of it.  It looked really nice on my Qiana knit dress. Remember that fabric? HA! I'd love to know if you do. We've seen a return of beautiful flowers and ruffles for this Spring. This is one trend that I may have to embrace.  

Red Velvet Cupcakes

{Sprinkles via chubbyhubby.net}

{emmyboop}

{marthastewart}

We've been invited to a friend's home for a Valentine dinner on Saturday night. I had planned at Christmas to make a Red Velvet Cake that didn't happen.  There are just so many sweets at the Holidays and sooner or later you just have to put an end to it all. So, I have all the ingredients and it seems perfect for Valentine's Day. I have made Red Velvet cake for years. Some results have been better than others. I remember the time it turned out more like Red Velvet brownies. Or the time, it ended up in a snow bank on my way to a friend's for dinner. I don't remember if it was after we'd tasted it or before. But, after all these years, I have never made it into cupcakes. I bought cute cupcake liners and sprinkles the other day. The well known local bakery supply was not at all helpful or friendly. How do people stay in business these days without being helpful or at least nice? That wouldn't fly in our store.  At All.  Anyway, does anyone out there in the blogosphere know whether I need to change anything in the recipe or cooking time in order to make cupcakes?  

Are you making anything special for Valentine's Day?

BTW, my light nachos turned out really good! I didn't take pictures. I wolfed them down too quickly.  

Etsy Valentine Favorites

{cozyblue}

{CoriKindred}

{CoriKindred}

{peartreelane}

{GiggleRoom}

{scratchcraft}

{inflatedegostudio}

{jadescott}

I made the mistake of not saving the link on this precious valentine.  When and IF I figure it out, I'll link it up.  Seriously, Etsy is massive!  *FOUND IT!

Floral Fridays

{country home}

Delicate, simple, beautiful.

Light Nachos Anyone?

Pork and Pinto Bean Nachos

I received the results of my blood work yesterday. It was actually a very good report. Considering that everyone in my family has high cholesterol, mine wasn't too bad.  It usually is. So, we're back on the diet. . . err, lifestyle change. I need to anyway. There's about 15 pounds that needs to go away! Speaking of which, I should get off this computer and onto the treadmill. Since this is Super Bowl weekend, I thought I'd search out some "lighter" nacho recipes.  I don't think we're attending a party, but we just may have our own, just us two. Here are some recipes that I found. Thought I'd share my search results.   

Pork and Pinto Bean Nachos

World's Greatest Chicken Nachos

Maui Steak Tacos - Winner of a Healthy Nacho Recipe contest

Weight Watchers Nachos from thatsmyhome

Healthy Nachos from Sparkpeople