The past two weeks I have been cleaning out closets like a boss! I had put at least 10 pieces of large furniture on Craigslist in preparation for our upcoming move to Texas. This last weekend we hosted a garage sale. I was so happy that everything sold quickly and for prices we were happy with. Yes, I was the pare down princess! Then I made one dreadful error. I walked into a thrift store with no agenda. I was merely just burning some time before a scheduled appointment. That’s when I spied ... View the Post

I tend to fall into the category of being a planner. I love the structure of filling in a calendar with appointments and creating daily “to do” lists. But in the area of travel, as much as I read travel guides and have long columns of items that are a “must see”, I leave myself open to entering mysterious gates that beckon me. By now you may have surmised that I have a certain fondness for visiting churches. For me ancient churches provide a glimpse into what life may have been like for its ... View the Post

These candles were so fast to create and very inexpensive too. Keep reading for the fast and easy tutorial. A favorite pastime for our family is collecting seashells. I selected a few that had been gathered from previous outings but you can find seashells at craft and thrift stores. Make sure they are clean and then place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or foil. Using citronella candles from the dollar store simply pop the candle out of its thin tin votive holder. Turn ... View the Post

So I am about to let a big cat out of the bag. As you read this I am probably looking at this: Or perhaps this: Any guesses where I might be? How about another hint? Yes. I am in Provence. Over two years ago I had made plans with my cousin L. to celebrate a milestone birthday of hers in France. For over 2 years we have been reading guidebooks, researching cities and conspiring on how we would spend our days. L. is considering purchasing a small home in the Provence region and ... View the Post

Have you heard about hydroponic gardens? My brother, R.C. has had one in his backyard since last fall. As Sweet Boy was working on the “Gardening” merit badge in Boy Scouts we have been closely monitoring the gardens progress. It is a fantastic project to create. You can grow any type of fruit or vegetable in a hydroponic garden that you can in a regular garden. Hydroponic gardens have been around since the 17th century. My brother recommends the book “Aquaponic Gardening” by Sylvia ... View the Post

A big thank you to all who left such kind comments and emails regarding our new look for an antique bed. Here is Sweet Guy’s new bedding. Most of it came from our linen closet. When talking about what look he wanted for his room he chose this image. I asked him what elements he liked about the space and it was the color gray, the street signs, painted “Beatles” wall and the exposed brick. I told him that since we were moving the wall elements might have to wait until we were settled ... View the Post