White Whispers 2 u...

Are You in L.O.V.E~

2012-02-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

google

I sure am! I love the Lord, My Family, My Friends, Life and My Freedom...

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Do you have any great plans for Valentines Day? I am hoping to get over to this fabulous lil Candy Shop and buy some treats for my Sweeties! I buy red Roses for my Mommy and for one of my Sisters who doesn't have a special someone this year.

pinterest

This is so cute! I would love an old vintage car to dress up on holidays myself.

Do enjoy! If you don't have a special someone treat yourself and know that you are Loved...

~Cheers Kim xox

It's been a very long road to follow...

2012-01-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends, I have missed you all so much.Let me say that was the weirdest thing ever.

I couldn't sign into my blog, leave comments or do a post for a very, very long time! Out of the blue today "WHAM" there it was sign in and it worked WOO-HOO I am a happy Lady.

It's been a very lonely sad long January let me tell you.I have so much to share with all of you.

Though during this time it sure had me closer to the Lord and trying to figure out what the message was.

I have lost my father Nov 1st then my husbands grandfather a few weeks ago.My older sister has been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks and we weren't to sure she was going to make it.I think as of today she is doing better! Long on going struggle with our oldest daughters post traumatic stress syndrome which is very life altering.
I have been dealing with some of my own health issues and hope to get a second opinion.I am feeling the stress!

Today we received yet another call that my husbands uncle has passed away last night after having surgery and sent home a day early because he was doing so well.Go figure! Don't go home early lesson to be learned.

I have leaned on the Lord more these last few months than ever before.I must say I have had alot of mixed emotions these last few months and have had so many personal issues I have been trying to deal with.

You know when they say the Lord doesn't give you anything you can't handle Huh! I wasn't so sure these last few months if I could truly handle one more thing and it keeps coming!

I know I am changing and I hope for the better.I often pray that the Lord can use me where he needs me, but hey what about me! I need something.......

I am missing friendships, fellowships and togetherness.Even though I am hardly ever alone, I am still lonely.I tend to keep to myself when I am going through difficult times and I don't believe that it's the best thing to do.

Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I have decide to plow ahead and make a change for myself.I will not be defeated!

I know times are hard and money is tight for most.Even though we make three times what we have in the past it still isn't ever enough.

So I have decided to set up a food co-op of some sort buying in bulk and splitting it up for others to purchase.I myself am one of those who like to be prepared for a disaster {more on that in another post} Also another group called Home Traders.I will get together with other ladies and trade goods that we may have at home laying around that isn't in use any longer for someone Else's used items.If they don't have any items they may bring baked goods or donate a skill they my have to swap for something they may want.

I figure this will help on the budget and also the fellowship I am lacking in real life.

I thought I would share these photos of my niece's Paige she is 16, lives in Wyoming and took these with her cell phone mostly in Glendive Montana where we use to live.I can't wait to see what she can do with a camera.
We almost lost Paige 16 years ago on Christmas Day at birth to an under developed trach tube.We have enjoyed her ever since.God is Good!

I will follow any road the Lord wants me to follow and cross any bridge that the Lord wants me to cross! I believe and I have Faith that it's all part of the plan.

~Blessings Kim xox

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

Best Wishes to you all.I am having issues with blogger and can't blog or leave comments on my computer.I think I need a new one.Blessings Kim

Homemade Gifts on a Budget

2011-11-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

Homemade Gifts on a Budget

Bath Salts

Mix salts together in a bowl.

Stir in remaining ingredients. Generally a drop of two of fragrance is sufficient. Use ingredients containing water with care (color, certain fragrances), since too much water will dissolve salt.

Spoon salts into the jars and seal them. Decorative labels listing ingredients are nice!

Tips:

Make certain jars are absolutely dry. Salts absorb moisture, so this project will work better in low humidity.

Kitchen fragrances work well. Try extracts of vanilla, lemon, orange, cinnamon, or mint.

Not all essential oils are appropriate for bathing! Suggestions to try include lavender, rose geranium, rosemary, or jojoba.

Colors or fragrances may be omitted, if desired, for persons with chemical sensitivities.

Some essential oils are naturally colored (e.g., chamomile is blue).

What You Need

2 C Epsom Salts
1 C Sea Salt or Rock Salt
1/4 tsp Glycerine
Food Colors
Essential Oils or Perfume
Jars with Lids/Stoppers

Homemade Gift Ideas for the Chef on Your List

Have someone on your Christmas list who loves to cook? You can create great homemade gifts for them. Here are a few ideas:

Put together a spice blend kit for them.
Get some small glass bottles with lids (these can often be found at craft stores) and fill them with the spice blends listed below. Be sure to include some recipe cards with the spice combinations so that your chef can recreate them when they run out.

Cajun Spice Blend
Perfect as a dry rub for meats.
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Chili Powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Taco Seasoning
6 teaspoons chili powder
5 teaspoons paprika
4 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pumpkin Pie Spice (makes enough for 1 pie)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground mace
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Flavored sugars are also a great homemade gift for any chef. They are simple to make, last a long time and often add just the right touch to a sweet dish. The most common flavored sugars use citrus fruits. Mix together lemon zest from 3 lemons with 1 cup sugar in a food processor and pulse until the zest is ground well. Add another 2 cups of sugar and spread the mixture onto a baking pan and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This allows the lemon zest to dry out. You can then store it in an airtight container. You can substitute lemon zest with orange, lime or even grapefruit.

Mason Jar Candle Holder

1.You will need Jars, Epsom Salt, Candles and any decoration you choose.

These were so simple to make and make a nice gift.
.
These you can use all year long and change them when you tire of them.Recycle, Reuse the better way.

                                                                                                                InspiredRoom

        Hope you find some of these useful.Enjoy! I find my jars at Goodwill, Garage Sales most of the time.For spice mix you also can just use plastic bags with designs or not and make your own cloth bag for them tied with a ribbon.

   ~Cheers Kim

Christmas on a Budget

2011-11-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

Also some of my favorite winter photos...All photos found on Google.

Hello Everyone! Are we all ready for Christmas yet? Not, Though I am trying very hard this year to not spend much at all due to an expensive year already with helping kids buy cars, college, taxes, Fathers Funeral expenses and you name it we just have to keep it under control this year.So my plan is to try and buy all our Christmas Gifts without spending any money or much at all! We do for our kids all year long so they get plenty.

Our Family (kids) have been warned it's tough times now and we have to learn how to save where we can and do we really need all that stuff? So choose your most wanted items and I will go from there.

I could so live here....Red so they can find their home in the snow.

We buy for 12 family members and that's it.I buy for a few teachers and a few friends.I also try to keep Christmas in mind all year long and look to see where I can save.

So here you go this is what I have done so far :

Husband, I really needed clothes this years and I had a 25% off coupon from Eddie Bauer and I saved 100.00 I then used the 100.00 I saved to buy him Christmas Gifts like cologne, shirts, jeans and a few lil items for hunting.Keep in mind I also had another coupon for 15% off 75.00 or more, that also helped out.
I also will give him a 50.00 Gift-Card I got for Free off our credit card points program.
I also got him a few 10.00 Gift-cards for free when our local Groceries Store has spend 100.00 get 20.00 off I use that money I saved to buy gift cards.I say it's free because if I hadn't used the coupon I wouldn't have saved the 20.00.We have to eat so the money has to be spent.

I love red/white and I plan to decorate at my Beach Cottage in Red/White for Christmas.Very simple though.

Myself, Yes I shop for myself often.We also got 100.00 in Gift Cards to Pottery Barn Woo~hoo that makes me happy.I have a few things on my list already and I also will be watching for a coupon to PB so I can stretch my 100.00 as far as it can go.
I also had bonus points on my book club from ordering so I got two new books coming.A French cookbook as well as Rachel Ashwell's new Book.All for for Free!
I love to have lunch out with my Mom and My Grandmother and Girl's so I got 2 Olive Garden Gift-cards for Free!

                 I could sit here for awhile drinking a warm coffee or two.

I Love that word Free.......don't you! I also love that new coupon shopper show.Extreme Couponing, I would love to learn their tricks.I love their stock piles and what a sense of security for them.

My In-Laws will be getting Gift-Cards as well Borders & Sears

My Parents are getting Gift-Cards to Olive Garden or Red Lobster they can use them both places, also from bonus points on our card.Books & Movies from a new Book Club I joined 6 books and 6 movies all for Free! I paid shipping cost though.

I love and Miss the snow we lived in Montana for 6 years.I hate the rain but love Oregon.

My Sister is getting 2 Books and 1 Movie I got for Free yep Free! Also from Book and Movie Club.A Pair of Boots I also got for Free when my daughter wanted a pair earlier this year it was BOGO Free

I Love those BOGO deals don't you?

Now keep in mind I do have to purchase 3 more books and movies in a year but for now it's Free!

Oldest Daughter will be getting 2 Starbucks Gift-Cards, H&M Gift-Cards from our Bonus points credit card.Gotta love that card! We do use it for business too so it adds up.That helps out alot.Bath & Body Works They had a great deal buy 3 get 3 free earlier this year.I had to buy other Gifts so I used the Free items for Christmas! Also a new TV, now I got this for Free only because my Dad passed away just 3 weeks ago and he had this new t.v in storage. Who knows why he didn't use it.

I could also take a walk here daily.

Middle Daughter is getting 2 Cook Books from my Book Club, she is moving out and needs a few.Also a set of bowls from Costco I used coupons at Costco and saved 87.00 so I used that money I saved towards Christmas Gifts.I also got her a down comforter on a special BOGO we had to buy one for our Beach Cottage and got one for Free! Bath & Body products I got for free on the BOGO but it was buy 3 get 3.Boots I got with a Gift-Card I had from American Eagle I say I got it for free because when they had 40% off I took the money I saved from buying school clothes and bought a few Gift-Cards for Christmas.

Youngest Daughter is getting 6 new books she loves to read and I am happy to buy her books to do so.I joined another reading book Club and got 5 books for Free and I could buy one for like 5.95 so I paid out around 15.95 for 6 Books pretty darn good! Also a new pair of Vans I bought these with the BOGO Free earleir this year and saved them for Christmas.ALso a few shirts I got at the same time with BOGO Free and saved them for Christmas.Bath & Body I bought some items for our beach cottage and got a free gift up to 13.00 for free I did this twice so I got 2 Gifts for Free.She also wants a new phone and it's time for my upgrade so I will be getting it for Free! Woo-hoo

I love to ride as well and this looks really fun...

Our Grandson loves his books so I also joined a Children's Book Club and got him 6 Books for Free.A few toys from Costco with my savings from coupons I used.I also bought him clothes earlier so I still have those for him.I did pay for those but used coupons and got them on sale at Children's Place. They have amazing deals and the clothing is well worth it.Also a few movies from the movie club I joined.

Our Son-in-law is getting his truck back that we bought from him so he could buy a new one.We were going to fix it and sell it to recoup the money we gave him for his down payment on his new truck but we decided to give it back to him to sell and help pay off his new one sooner.We also are giving him some tools from my Dads estate.

Who couldn't Love him...

Our other to be Son-in-law also is getting a truck.I am giving him my Dad's older truck and some tools.

So I think I did pretty good by not spending to much so far.I hope to find a few more other deals I can use for Gifts.I also always make my Girls a handmade Gift so this year I am making chalkboards, painting frames for their new apartments and making a few other things for them.All from products I already have on hand too.I also have used a few 50% off coupons at Michaels and Joanns craft store and a few other local stores around my area.

I really liked the idea from another blogger Wayside Treasures to just have items you have picked up throughout the year for Free or next to nothing and draw names or numbers and set it all out so they can choose a gift.That makes it a lil more exciting! Also her money Stars are darling.

If you have any other great ideas I would love to hear about them.I am always looking for a bargain.I also like to trade items I have for other Gifts I can use too.That would be fun to do on blogs if shipping wasn't so much.

Ice Hotel Wow! That would be an experience...

I have missed blogging and have so much to share with all of you.I am just having trouble dealing with finishing the Beach Cottages and all the trauma that has come our way at the end of this year.My very best to you always and Blessings to you all!

Beach Cottages Guest Post

2011-10-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting started selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products. Visit their website and cool blog for more information.

No matter the season or weather, we're always charmed by beautiful beach cottage living spaces. There is something so refreshing about the white, blue and green palette typical of beach cottage style. Beach cottage living is all about comfortable spaces where you can relax or gather family and friends.

Coastal Living via

This bedroom has classic beach cottage style. The white painted woods, blue and yellow colors, sea inspired accents all work to remind you that you are at the shore...even if you are miles away.

Coastal Living via

Rope details are classic beach cottage style. I love how rope is used to “suspend” the bed, giving the room a ship's berth feeling. A nautical style sconce provides light above the bed.

Pinterest via

Comfortable yet chic, this bedroom has plenty of vintage beach cottage charm. Various sitting areas create living space within this large bedroom. White ceiling fans look great and do double duty with their retro light fixtures.

Coastal Living via

Vintage style twin beds create a nostalgic beach cottage feeling in this bedroom. Blue and green are classic colors for beach cottage living spaces.

Jane Coslick via

Simplicity in design and materials is something that beach cottage style does so well. Soft gray painted beadboard walls and ceiling create a charming feel to this beach cottage bedroom.

Coastal Living via

White slipcovers and natural jute rugs are perfect textiles and rug material for beach cottage living spaces. Nautical accents, like these oars, give the cottage a seaside feel.

In My House Design via

Love the bold stripes on the floor. If painting a floor isn't an option, look for a striped area rug. Sandy creams and sea blues make great beachy accent colors. Love the large star pendant light that takes center stage in the space.

Coastal Living via

This beach cottage style dining room is casual yet stylish. An eclectic mix of side chairs are painted white to create a uniform look. Love the striped slipcovers that add color.

Thanks Susi for visiting! Susi is a wonderful writer for Arcadian Lighting where you can find tons of ideas for your every lighting fixture need!

French Books Anyone

2011-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

French Books Anyone................I just wanted to share with you my love of French Books.

I have decided to part with a few sets and listed them on Ebay and in my Etsy shop.These Books are so much better in person let me tell you.It's hard to show you the texture and creamy pages online.

If you have been looking for some heaven sent paper backs well these amazing French Books are them.They have a ruffled look to their pages and come in a creamy green or sage and a French Blue.

These are the Blue ones and they are listed in my Ebay store.
Ebay Store

These creamy Dreamy green ones are listed in my Etsy Shop and I have two sets of these to sell.Not sure if I am listing the 2nd set on Ebay or Etsy yet.

Etsy Shop

I'm A Winner, I won this sweet lil giveaway but Blogger won't let me do any Posts Ugh! Sweet French Giveaway by Charlottes Brocante see sidebar for her link.

2011-08-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

Beach Cottage At Last........

2011-06-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well I must say it was worth the wait! We found our Beach Cottage at last and it isn't just one, or two but three Beach Cottages in a darling lil Beach town with many amenities that we love.It's in Lincoln City, Oregon about an hour an twenty min away.How perfect is that!

They sit up on a hill with the most amazing panoramic views ever , lots of parking and room for our entire family.It wasn't what we were looking for but when we saw them sitting up on that hill we knew it was love at first sight.

They are small two bedrooms, one bath and a small living area and kitchen but we all have our own space.

We will have lots of work ahead of us but of course it will be well worth it.We close July 22 but because they are rentals we have to honor the bookings until Aug 15th Which we will collect the income from and that will help with some of the remodel.The owners are ill and are forced to sell these at a low price and if we didn't honor the rental bookings they would have had to pay out.So we thought we would be kind and let them do so, even though we are waiting very in-patiently.

We also get all the furnishings,not that we want all of them but like that amazing iron bed above, an old trunk and about 6 beautiful antique mirrors that will all be mine is well worth parting with the rest.

See there is one of those mirrors above.I have been wanting these forever to do a wall of mirrors.What a bonus that was let me tell you.These aren't my photos and when we go back for the inspection I will be taking my camera for sure.

If we had the money there are three more units above that we would have loved to have had as well.We chose ours because there are no stairs, parking and the view as well as an extra lot.Wow! I still feel like it isn't real and until we sign at closing I won't believe it.

I must say that it truly is heaven sent and a blessing for our family as well.

Until next time ~Cheers Kim

Do we all feel the CRUNCH

2011-06-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

Do you feel the Crunch??? At the Grocery Stores and at the Gas Station? Do you feel like that's where most of your dollars are going for ????? Ugh! Me too.................

I was just over visiting at the darling blog of Parisienne Farm Girl
and she was talking about how much more it is costing her at the grocery store these days. I hear her loud and clear!

I feel like that's all I do is shop for food haul it home to just start allover again.Looking for the very best deals I can find, clipping coupons and shopping all the sales but yet it is still costing me over 700.00 if not more a month to feed a family of 7.

I have been watching the Extreme Couponers show and I just don't know how they do it! I try and get it as cheap as I can and I still only save about 30.00 off my bill which I am not complaining about but I would love to know how they do it.Though I do try to eat healthy balanced meals and packaged dried up noodles and pop galore isn't on our menu ever.

I always try to have an egg dish one night a week as well as grilled cheese and soup, something to help cheapen the weekly bill but yet I still feel like I am spending such a chunk of our cash at the store.If I could only stop eating and buying gas just think of the money I would have to spend on other lovelies.........Makes me sick truthfully! I love beans and rice though most of my family members Do Not! My neighbor says she only shops the perimeter of the store and is cooking from scratch, which I do most of the time.

When we lived in Montana I belonged to a Food Co-op and we would get bulk deliveries once a month and split it up between all of us.It kept the middle man out of the picture which was nice but also lots of work.I buy all in bulk at Costco, though I am not to sure Costco is as a great deal as they use to be.I wished that we had our own cow, our own garden and some fabulous chickens to lay us some eggs but we don't.

This is how I feel at Costco every week and it is a lot of work too.......

Help my friends do you have any great money saving tips for us all??? I am so tired of making these large grocery chain stores wealthy and did you know that most are owned by oil companies Nice! Imagine that...............I like to shop the smaller local owned stores myself if there are any left.

I know when I was growing up my Mom canned and preserved anything she could find and she planted 30 fruit trees in her back yard of an acre, which are now all gone since my step-dad wanted a very large shop.How those fruit trees are so very missed today.I even remember picking wild blackberries on the sides of the roads to eat and make pie from and we didn't even mind those days.Could you see us now trying to make our kiddos stand on the side of the road picking berries.Lol We even ate turkey eggs because my Mom said eggs got to be so expensive that we couldn't buy them so she went to a farmer and bought turkey eggs and that two would feed the entire family.

It's back to Basics for us for sure.Thanks for listening or any great ideas `cheers Kim

Burlap Luxe Giveaway

2011-05-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Burlap Luxe Giveaway Shelter Me!

My Sweet friend Dore is hosting a Giveaway and the fabulous prize is a handmade sign done by the one and only Dore.
I already have one of these beautiful lil gems I had her make for me and I must say it's very well done.So pop over to take a chance at winning one of these amazing pieces of Art! Burlap Luxe Best of Luck!
Happy Friday! I am off to a very large group of garage sales, wish me Luck! ~Cheers Kim

Fabulously French

2011-05-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is where I placed a few of my new french books and my zinc watering can from Dreamy Whites Love it!

I have had this fabulous Zinc Watering Pitcher for sometime now and just got around to finding a place for it.

This is also where I placed some of my new found love, my french books and glass cloches.

Simply pure Love! That's all I can say..............Ahhhhhh! Also a vintage Chateau key with the lucky number 8 on it.

I have been painting and redecorating slowly.I watch my grandson during the week and I must say I'm getting older and a lil tired and not so much energy as I use to have.Well after chasing him all day that is.

Hope your enjoying your weekend ! I hit up a few sales and found some great lil treasures.

~Cheers Kim

Brocante Anyone ???

2011-05-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile Ladies.........I have been working like crazzzzy these days painting, pickling cabinets and then having a nasty sinus infection.Ugh!

I wanted to show you all my fabulous treasures from my friends Brocante sale awhile back.
I have a friend who visits France twice a year and then holds these amazing lil sales for all of us that don't get to travel abroad.How Sweet is that..............Thank you Sweet Lady! You know who you are...

Here are a few photos from her darling lil shop.It's hard to get photos during the sale due to a small space and so many peeps inside.Also you wouldn't want to stand around taking photos and not get your loot.It goes fast let me tell you.There are peeps who wait hours to be first in-line.I just figure if I am some of the first few I'm good.I'll get what I get and be very happy!

These Books are my new Love! It was Love at first sight let me tell you.They are old, very old, they are rare, very rare, they are hard to find, very hard and these are mine! Thanks to my CoCo, yep my CoCo! I have claimed her as mine and I just have a great appreciation for such a dear friend and person that she is.

So are you ready for the loot .........It's the most I have ever bought from her but I just couldn't help myself this time.

It was hard to get it all in one photo..I got a lil bit of everything I think.I got a few old aprons, vintage fabric, old linen towels, old linen, music cards, a fabulous Paris Trophy pure Love! Very old books, very old rusted keys and a few white linens.

I bought a few extra items to sell in my Etsy Shop and will try to list them soon.Like a few of these music cards and a couple of these aprons.

I also got a few of these sweet lil glass cloches you see here sitting on my other fabulous books.........Simply Beautiful!

I am hoping to go to France this fall or next spring we'll see what works out.I am a lil nervous to fly this September due to it being the 10 year anniversary to 911 and now what's going on.

I will do another Post after I get some photos of where I placed some of my treasures.

~Cheers Kim xox

Blessings

2011-04-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

I Love all the signs of spring and the opportunity to refresh! I have been spring cleaning and painting.It feels real good!

I am enjoying the spring weather and family.Blessings to all! Enjoy your Easter ~Cheers Kim

Jeanne d' Arc Living Now shipping to US

2011-04-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! Jeanne d' Arc Living is now able to ship to the US So here are a few photos of some of the fabulous items they offer. I found out that they only sell to dealers! So sad myself, though one of the blogs I follow has an online store and will be carrying their products so see my side bar blog roll for The Beautiful Life.

I see so many things I am wanting.I am not sure how the shipping is but I am going to find out!

Nothing better than a Momma and her baby.............

These are on my list for sure.Not to sure where I will place them yet but I love them.

I am off to do a lil damage, though I shouldn't be spending any $$$ I just went to a fabulous lil French sale and I am suppose to be saving my $$$ to go in the fall.So maybe just a few lil things....I will check with my accountant.......Lol

I am ready for summer and ready to tear my house apart and start over.

There are so many fabulous things it's so hard to pick just one. Ugh!

Happy Friday to all of you.I am sure we all have a busy weekend ahead of us.So Enjoy!
~Cheers Kim

Athropologie Winner ......

2011-04-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! Hope you are all having a great day......I sure am! I went to my friends french sale last night and I am now going through all my treasures........Fabulous Sale! I will share with you all in another post.

So the Winner is Lolo @ The adventures of Stig and Lolo . I had to write a list from all the entries as they came in and use Random.org. The Winner was # 12 Lolo Congratulations! Please contact me with your information and color of latte bowls you would like.~Cheers Kim xox Thanks to all!

Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 12

{Anthro Giveaway Enter Now}

2011-04-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

These are the most fabulous lil Italian Milk Glasses.You will win 6 of these lil bad boys.

My all time fav are these latte bowls.They come in many colors.You may choose your color.You will win 4 of these.

I also have a great lil Cookbook not pictures 100 Fresh Soups.

Just leave a comment.Giveaway ends April 8th.

Happy Monday! Rain, Rain go away & don't come back until next year.......Ugh!

~Cheers Kim

Anthropologie & A Beach Cottage Giveaway Win & A Giveaway

2011-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

I won a fabulous Giveaway from a beach cottage I won a 100.00 gift card.I was so excited! I ordered this fabulous light

to only find out it was way to small and I had to return it........So Sad I had nowhere to hang it.Thanks Miss Sarah~

So that means I had to take a lil trip over to Anthropologie which didn't hurt at all.

They have the most creative displays.I can spend a very long time in that store just exploring all their fabulous ideas.They had a baking theme going on this time and it was darling.I wanted to come home and splash flour allover my kitchen, but didn't.

I also found a few new favorites that I just have to share with all of you.

These sweet lil gems are made in Italy! They are the perfect color, perfect size and perfect price.I bought 8 of them but may go back and get a few more.
I just wish I had open shelving so I could see them all the time.

I also have a thing for these latte bowls, they come in many colors and two sizes.I bought a mix as well as a white set.

I am ready to go back.My daughter fell in love as well and has a long list of goodies she would love to have.

These lil gems are candles and come in the most amazing lil jars.You get two items in one.I will be keeping these lil jars for a very long time.

I really could just bring home everything in that store and be very, very happy!

I could do this in my own home and enjoy all the fun colors............

A wall of mugs fabulousness!

I seriously wanted this! I am on the hunt for a dark brown leather sofa but this would work as well.

This is to die for, the entire set would be something to bring home.

I have soooo many photos to show you I hope you enjoy them all.This is a long post but I have something for you at the end.

So I almost have 200 followers which doesn't even compare to some of you who have 1000's but really I am very happy with my lil circle of peeps! Why would you even want to get so out of control you can't even visit anymore.That's the whole point of this game here right? So I am enjoying my circle of friends.Thanks to all who visit with me.

This reminds me of spring that we are so not having! Ugh........I hope this weekend will be nice.It's in the plan they say.But they have been wrong before, so very wrong!

How fun are these! Hmmmm where could I put them?

If I ever get to build which we are thinking about I would love to have a butlers pantry and have built-ins.Anthro has some very nice built-ins.So does my Grandmother's home.I wish they still built homes like they use to.

Oh here is our lil Man Ryder{grandson}.It was his first birthday the day we went to Anthro.We took him to Sushi {no raw fish} but he loves it & frozen yogurt which he loves as well.We had a big splash for him on Sat so it was just all about him on Mon.He loved all the Ladies! He's such a flirt~

He loves his rice, though we do help him with it.

Life is Good! What more do you need right.....................

So Ladies I decided to do a lil Anthro Giveaway myself..........R U Excited! WooHoo Just tell me what your favorite is in your comment and you will be entered.I am giving away 6 of my new favorite milk glasses & 4 of my new favorite latte bowls which I will let you choose your colors.I also have a lil cookbook 100 fresh soups.If you are my 200th Follower I will have a lil treat for you as well.Giveaway ends April 8th 12:00 Pm.

Happy Friday to all of you! ~Enjoy Kim

Chateau in France....Oh Ya Baby!

2011-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Oh be still my heart! I just couldn't help myself I had to share this Dreamy French Chateau with you.I can only dream but can you imagine living in something like this.I wouldn't ever leave!

This is my favorite photo I had to share first.I love all the colors and all the different textures.Pure Love!

Who would have thought that that Sofa would look good in a Chateau, but it does! Now for those chairs Oh Ya Baby!

Look at all the fabulous funky fun wallpaper! I think I want some, I really do .........

Bold and Funky! Those Frenchies know how to make a statement don't they.

There are 5 bedrooms on the main floor alone and 6 more upstairs that are still unrenovated .What I could do with 11 bedrooms................. I wonder how they heat this place wood? That would be a job.

Oh her she is...........Love at first sight Right! She sits in a wooded area with beautiful gardens around her.

I am going to France yep! I am nervous but I am going.I am saving my $$$$$ and hope to go with my special friend. I hope to go this Fall.If all works out I am on my way.

I may never come back, my family may have to send for me.............

I am going to shop, shop and shop some more.Then I'm going to eat, eat and eat some more................

You say you want to see more.............More Please!

How Sweet is this! Very Simple but very Sweet.

I could sit here for hours food, family and fun.....................

I do have some French blood in Me.My great grandmother is French and my great grandfather is Italian what a great mix Huh!

Do you want to see more? o.k just a few for the road............

It just wouldn't be French without some pink for the soul.Yum!

Just fabulousness I have to say. Though, I know I sure wouldn't want to clean that place.

All Photos VIA Shootfactory

Well, I am off to look at wallpaper samples I just can't stand it! I really do want some.I have a few perfect walls for it.I knew I wanted a change but didn't really know what it was.Now I do!

~Enjoy your day Kim

a jumble of words......

2011-03-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Just a Jumble of Words today

I was just going to share my new/old blog design it's been some time ago now but I had to share and give credit to my blog designers.

I first used Valentine Designs see side button and loved it, though my lil cherubs just looked a lil off .

My darling friend Dore from Burlap Luxe sent me a photo of these sweet lil angels and I loved them! So Miss Dore fixed me right up and now I love it! I wanted a design that reflects my blog name and I feel that it does.Now if I just had great lil whispers to tell you all it would be Perfect!

A lil late but I wanted to give credit to my blog designers and Thanks to my special blogging friend Miss Dore for going out of her way taking her time to be Kind to me.

Kindness:
Kindness goes along way it can just be a simple holding of the door for someone but could have made their day! I try to do one kind thing a day even if it's a simple smile or holding the door open for someone.It makes my heart feel good! How about you?

Sickness:
I have been so sick for weeks now with a bad cold and then this last week a flu bug! I never get the Flu until now and it wasn't good.I hear people are being hospitalized and also have passed away so please if you get a bad chest cold or Flu and it just seems like something isn't right, get to the Doctor.

Taking a Break:
I see that many Bloggers are taking a break and also saying Goodbye to blogging due to to much time spent and to much pressure in posting and visiting.

I am thankful for my lil old quiet blog and happy to have visits from all of you and the time I get to spend visiting all your blogs.If I need a break I take one Life is to short not to enjoy it!

So Please enjoy today because today is the only guarantee we get in life! ~Cheers Kim

Open or Not

2011-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

I have a desire to have open shelving.................I just love the look Do you?

I know it would be lots of work dusting! I know I would have enough to display.

My Mr. thinks I am Crazzzzzy! I don't think in my current home I could pull it off.We have so many cabinets it may look a lil off and we don't plan on staying here so it wouldn't be a good idea.

I have lots of collections I could use.I have them all tucked away and how fun is that......... Not!!!

I have red transfer ware, green depression glass, white ironstone and green jadeite fire-king.

I found a new house I want to buy, well it's older and doesn't look so great from the front but when you walk inside it's awesome!

The problem is I have to sell the one I'm in Ugh! I hate selling a home, this would be our 3 home we have sold .It's so invasive I would rather just move out first.

photos found net

This is my all time Fav! I'm sure you have seen it before......I have a Love for red & in my Kitchen as well as throughout my home.

     It's Happy Friday Ladies so please Enjoy! I have a busy weekend ahead of myself.I am sooo ready for Spring & not rain a warm Spring.

                               ~Cheers Kim xox

Winner's Are

2011-03-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! I had lots of fun with this Giveaway besides my computer giving me grief............

             I had to do it the old fashioned way instead of Random because of the way I did the Giveaway.

       I was having so much fun I decided to draw a first, second and third place Winner! Woo~Hoo

     The First 1St Place Winner will Win all the Gifts shown in last Posts.Pillow, Basket, Cups & Saucers, Spoon, Book & A Treat from the Candy shop.

        The Second 2nd Place Winner will Win a Basket & The French Inspired Home Book & a lil treat.

       The Third 3rd Place Winner will Win a Basket & Some extra Treats inside from the Candy Store.

       Soooooo here are the Winner's~

                                First, 1st Place is: Shannon with a darling blog I visit often Carbajal fun

                               Second, 2nd Place Winner is: Ann Marie with a darling blog I visit often as well An Old Fashioned Girl

                               Third, 3rd Place Winner is: Joy with a blog full of awesomeness I visit often as well Savy City Farmer

Congratulations Ladies! I will email you all to get your info. I wish I could have picked you all.Your all so fabulous and I enjoy all of you and your awesome blogs.

Please visit often next month because I will be hosting another surprise fabulous Giveaway~

                               ~Cheers Kim

{Giveaway Ends Tonight}

2011-02-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Just a lil reminder to be true to ourselves!

I want to see some of this soon, very soon. I will be posting the Winner tomorrow!

~Cheers Kim

French Inspired~Giveaway #5

2011-02-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

The French Inspired Home is just what I want! In France would be even more Perfect! One of these days very soon Shhhh! I am going to France.Yep!

This is the fifth fabulous gift I am adding to my Giveaway this week.I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.Sorry for photo it's all I could get today.I woke up with the ickies today. Ugh! I so wanted to get up to the Barn House Pre-Spring sale now I can't.Poop!

Enjoy your weekend~Cheers Kim

Giveaway Continued! It's the 4th gift

2011-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is the smaller of the gifts in my Giveaway but it's so Sweet! It's the month for LOVE so I must give you some LOVE right?

This darling lil Spoon that says LOVE is made by Beach House Living I have a few myself and enjoy them.You should check them out for yourself!

These are what my Love got for me on Valentine's day..........xoxo

Have a fabulous day! We are having a lil dusting of snow today but nothing much.Warmer weather to come Woo~hoo!

~Giveaway Continued~

2011-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

~Giveaway Continued~

So here's the Recap: One Lovely Linen Pillow, this French Basket and now these fabulous English Ironstone Cups & Saucers...........

I was going to be adding items everyday for a week until my computer went mad........as well as myself.Clearly I am very addicted to my Computer!

Well I now have it back with a serious attitude adjustment.

To enter just follow my blog if you would so like to & leave a comment.If you would like to Post about my Giveaway you will receive an extra entry as well as an extra gift if you Win!

~Cheers Kim~

Happy Monday..........Or Not!

2011-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

I was sooo hoping that I would have my desktop computer back Friday, but Not! It's in bad shape Ugh.........

It's old, 8 years old.Though I am not ready to buy a new one just yet.I have a old small laptop that I really can't do much on and I am having withdrawals.........Is that bad?

I hope to get it back today and continue my Giveaway! Thanks for being so patient.

Have a great week. ~Cheers Kim

Giveaway on hold, computer issues in the shop for a few days. Ugh! So Sorry

2011-02-16T19:47:00.001-08:00

Chocolatier Anyone..................

2011-02-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

I went to one of the most absolute darling lil candy shops ever............Enchante

It's in the old part of Milwaukie, Oregon. If you live in Oregon close to the Portland area you must go see this darling lil Shop.

This is the front counter, you can see Kimmie the owner off to the left.She is so sweet! It got really busy so I had to just snap a photo.

It looks like a lil Shop in France.I really felt like I went somewhere special.

This is my daughter Lulu and my grandson Ryder.The front of the Shop is so cute!

There is so much more there than just Candy! I'm sure you could find some lil treasure like I did just for one of you lucky Winners!

This darling lil french basket will be added to my Giveaway!

Oh I hope you will Love it as much as I do.I am going back to get

myself one or two more.

Tomorrow I will be adding another gift that goes with this sweet lil basket.Be sure to leave a comment and post about the giveaway for extra entries~

Of course there will be some Chocolate & Treats added as well.I can't tease you all and then not send any treats! That just wouldn't be right.

Seriously it just goes on and on with fabulous lil displays and gifts.

It was really fun to go to such a sweet place on Valentine's to get my loved ones some special treats.I think I will do the same next year!

Yes, I am lovin the Rooster I just couldn't help myself.I wanted to bring him home with me.

I could just go on and on and on.I think this lil Shop should be o tv or in a magazine for sure.

O.K I'm done.Hugs & Kisses xox

Love is in the Air...........Also a Giveaway xox

2011-02-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a fabulous day! Love is in the air....................

I am hosting a Giveaway! Because I think your all so special, it starts today and ends 2~19~11 I will be posting photos all week of what's in the Giveaway! I can't give it all up today........you'll have to come back!

Become a follower if you would so like to, blog about it & if you do and you win I will add something extra special just for you.

This is a beautiful pillow my daughter Lulu made, see sidebar for her Etsy Shoppe or LuLu's Shoppe.The pillows are hand ruffled, not pleated but a true ruffle.They are Simply beautiful! You will get to choose from a few different styles & colors how's that for ya! I will also be adding items all week. Have a beautiful Day~

P.S~Eat Chocolate! xox

A Splash of Red & White for U........

2011-02-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

I have a Love for Red & White together! A match made in Heaven for sure.

When I lived in Montana my home was in Red & White. My Kitchen which to this day the people who bought our home still have the same red Kitchen cabinets, curtains and wall paint finish.It's been 9 years! I can't believe they have kept it all for this long.

I also had a Red & White Bedroom with an amazing White Iron Bed frame that will be going to our beach house soon and a Red bench I have loved forever!

I buy any and all Red & White Quilts! I just can't help myself.

I also have my eye on a Red Cabinet to store them in.We'll see if I can make room for it.

I am sooo missing my red Kitchen today! I would have Loved these floors back then.I don't have any blog worthy photos to share with you though. So sorry~

If I had only known about chalkboard paint back then, it would have been the Bomb!

~All Photos found on the Net, it's been so long I have no idea from where~

I had a very busy Friday and hope to get a good nights sleep because I am off in the a.m to the fabulous Tarte Sale and Artsy class!

Then on Sunday I am off to an Estate Sale with my Mom in hopes to find my Dad a desk & some finds for our Beach House to be.........

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

~Cheers Kim

Is this it or Not! { Beach House Living}

2011-02-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

So, I spent Friday at the coast looking for a vacation beach house.It's really harder than I thought it would be.

We want an Ocean view of some sort and not right on the Beach, those homes are like about 200,000.00 G's more and there is never any parking.

We need parking for at least 5 cars at one time and a boat.We also need 4 to 5 bedrooms & 2 to 3 bathrooms, a master on the main floor and no stairs to get into the house and we need to stay within the budget.We also don't want to do any work to it, move in ready would be nice.

This is what we found on Friday and it seems to be pretty perfect! It has almost everything on our list.We ran out of time and still would like to see a few more.I'm not sure why we just didn't stay the night and start over on Sat. oh well!

Some you just drive up to and simply say next, knowing they just won't work.

But I am Lovin this lil Gem.It feels right! It backs up to a car lot but you only see the rooftop.

I like an all white kitchen but beggars can't be choosy.I will just take what I can get.We are so tired of renting and always having an issue with the place we have rented.The sewer backs up, it's dirty, there is nothing there as amenities in the kitchen.So we are very excited.
My Dad decided he would sell his vintage sprint race car to buy our family a beach house.It's up to myself and my Mom to find the best of the best.

This home is 3 years old, has never been lived in.It had to have a retaining wall behind it and I guess the builder was never told until it was almost done and then he ran out of money and lost it.Sad for him.

Do you see the rooftop? There is a fence as well.Standing on the deck you really just look over the top of it.I hope it wouldn't be to much of and eyesore.

I have a good feeling about this one! Though we would like to see a few more.

This would be our ocean view.I would hope in the future no one would build behind us.I do worry about that.It would have to be a very tall building to block the view.

So is it a keeper or not! Hmmmm I wish I could go have a sleep~over before buying it. Is that weird? Maybe so.....Should I ask?

Happy Friday ~Textures

2011-02-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

It's a great day here in Oregon, gotta love it or leave it here.I am off to the Coast today to look at another beach home I hope this is it! I would love to have it closed by spring time~

I will post pics and let you see as well when I return.
I am going to eat fish and lots of it.
I am going to get my feet wet, always do.
I am going to bring smoked salmon home for my family.I'm so good to them.
I am going to get a coffee at my favorite place.
I am also going to stop and buy some of the most amazing bread ever.
I am going to have a fabulous day.

Here are a few photos I took of my youngest daughter over the weekend lil Miss Maddy or Madison is her given name but she doesn't like it!

I was messing around with some textures and really enjoying them.

Oh my girl has grown so much this last year.Where's my baby!

I really like this one for some reason.I didn't have much time to play with them yet.Though I did get our Taxes, my daughter's & my sun-in-laws all done in the last day to find out that federal won't even process them until after February 14th Nice !

Enjoy your day!   Take time for you.................

                         ~Cheers Kim

It's on it's way!

2011-01-26T23:18:00.000-08:00

So sorry the sale is over for now.I am not sure why but the item is now at full price.Keep watching they may lower it again.

Thanks to Miss Lolo @ Stig and Lolo who posted the news to get over to Wisteria and order up one of these bad boys!

So that's just what I did and it's on it's way.Woo~hoo! It's a massive bottle rack @ 3 1/2 ft tall and I am sooooo excited! It also was an amazing price @ 37.25 with the discount code Lolo gave out as well.Thanks so much!

I also had to pick this up for my new studio/craft room.My darling daughter painted it grey for me today.What a sweet lil thing she is......It's small but will be nice to have an area to sew, craft and scrapbook.

I love Wisteria and often forget about them.Though I am now on their email list so there will be no forgetting them now.

VooDoo Donuts~ for those on diets don't watch

2011-01-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

So not to fond of the name VooDoo Donuts that creeps me out a lil but this place is very popular so we had to at least try it out once.It's bright pink, plays very loud music, has vintage furniture in it and some real characters working there.

Portland Oregon has the most amazing restaurants, food carts, bakeries, donut shops so I feel pretty blessed to get to have so much available to us.I lived in eastern Montana for 6 very long years and was very place bound until you are you really can't relate.So I do try to get out and try all these fun places at least once.I wished I had my camera to take pics of the store itself but it was spur of the moment.

It's in NE Portland off Sandy blvd down from my Grandmother's home about 50 minutes from me but we get in there pretty often. Not to the donut shop to my grandmother's Lol

They have a list a mile long of all the varieties, they even have vegan donuts.A dozen is 10.00 if they pick for you if you pick it jumps up to 18.00 ouch! So I let them pick and this is what we got! Fruit/Froot loops, bacon, cookies, m-n-m's yummmmO! o.k we won't ever be going back but at least my kids can say they have tried it!

Let me tell you this place was packed and it was 2:30 in the afternoon.They have two locations and they are always busy.Wow! Fat Bars make you some money...........................and I did notice that everyone in there was pretty much on the thin side.Go figure! They also were all in their cars chowin down.I did wait until I got home so I could share the moment with my family.You would be so proud of me 50 minutes in the car with a dozen donuts Ugh! I put them way in the back Lol No not really.

I did eat one myself I tried the white one it was lemon chiffon and was o.k but nothing to write home about.We cut the rest in half and by the next day the rest got tossed in the garbage, kinda a waste but at least we tried them.I try to do fun things for my kids out of the norm here and there.

I hope you enjoyed our trip to VooDoo donuts with us, until next time.

~ Cheers Kim

I Won, I Won, I Won......................

2011-01-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

                          I was so blessed around Christmas to have Won not 1 but 3 fabulous Giveaways! I have been wanting to share my new treasures with you.

                         This win was from Pretties And Posies I thought it was just one beautiful Silhouette but it came and I clearly didn't read the post correctly because it was 3 fabulous treasures.I was so excited.It was a beautiful Silhouette, Pom Pom Grey Pillow and 3 lovely Candle Holders Wow! Thank you Melanie & Iron Gate...........

Then a 50.00 Gift Certificate from The Barn House Boys so I could shop for whatever my lil heart desires.Love them!

These White English Ironstone dishes are another post, but are from Barn House Market Place.Thank you Barn Boys........

Then from Worthy Goods a gorgeous handmade Linen Cross Stocking.................Made very well I must say! I Loved it so much that I had to buy another to match it.Very pleased! Thank you Ladies.........

I had to work a lil for this one, you had to guess how many corks were in this cloche and I came the closest with like 278 and I think it was 312.How fun though!

I even ran out to buy a Lotto Ticket because I was feeling so Lucky! But that's where it ended. I enjoy Hosting Giveaways, I enjoy winning Giveaways.All in all Blogging is the Bomb!

Barn House

2011-01-16T00:53:00.000-08:00

I will let you in on my secret source of Jadeite Ladies......................

                                  Barn House Boys     They are listing Joe's private collection for the last 20 years in there Market, so hurry on over there if you are in need of some fabulous pieces.

Dreamy Green Jadeite~Fire King

2011-01-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

I first fell in Love with the luscious green Jadeite by Fire King on my first trip back to Montana about 18 years ago and it was love at first sight............................

I was a Lucky Lady to just land a lil more Loot to my collection.I also enjoy using them and the color is easy on my eye as well........................

Do any of you lovelies collect Jadeite??? I have a source if any of you would like to know??? I'll let you in on the dirty lil secret......................

I had a very happy Friday today! I had Lunch & shopping with a very special new friend today and it was so nice to just be me Who I am! Not feel like you have to pretend to be better or different than you are.We're all people, real people and we all have some sort of a dark secret in our lives and I mean any issue and some choose to cover it up pretend that everything is all o.k when it's really not and today with my special new friend that I feel was heaven sent for sure, I could just be Me and it was o.k.This Woman is amazing, she is so kind hearted and isn't afraid of just being Her.I haven't found to many people like that these last few years and have chose to keep to myself, but so happy to have found such a sweet soul to call my new Friend & I met her blogging how cool is that.I will keep her a secret for now.

May you have a fabulous weekend Enjoy!

The Winner's are~

2011-01-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who entered and keep checking back I hope to do another Giveaway in February as well, I'm feeling the Love!

  The Lucky Ladies are :

#18  Kate~From Salvage Dior, a beautiful blog if I do say so myself     Salvagedior.blogspot.com

And the second Winner   is............................

#33 Judy~From French Laundry, another beautiful blog to visit French Laundry Blog

I will be emailing these ladies or contact me with your info! Congratulations!

Thank you for all your visits, sweet comments and friendships.Best Wishes to you all in 2011.~Cheers Kim

Oh ya do you see those black and white floors in the photo above? That's what I am looking for to put in my Kitchen this spring.Love them! We have had tile flooring in the past and hate it, it's so hard anything and everything that hits the floor is shattered into a million pieces and we can't match the wood flooring to our trim unless we change it all out.We don't plan on keeping this house forever so it just wouldn't be worth it do so.So I guess I am lovin these bad boys.

Have a Rockin good day!

100th Post 100+ Followers Giveaway Time!

2011-01-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

                  It's my 100th Post and I now have over 100 Followers!

         So this means I need to have 2 fabulous Giveaways.So I am asking all of you What would you like to Win?


A 65.00 Gift card or bag from French Larkspur~I have just ordered a few fabulous items for myself.

A vintage Gift, picked by Me~

A 3 Tier French Wire Basket from my Etsy Shop, see sidebar~

A Linen Pillow from my Daughters Linen Shoppe on Etsy, see sidebar~

A 65.00 Gift card or burlap bags from The Beautiful Life

A 65.00 Gift card from The Barn House Boys

A 65.00 Gift Card or Jars from Farm House Wares

So leave me a comment,become a follower if you aren't already and would like to be, let me know what you would like to win.It could be Pottery Barn,Restoration Hardware.You get to decide when leaving me a comment.I am doing 2 Giveaways.The Giveaway goes through 1-11-11.

A Thank You to all of you that stop by for a visit and leave me a comment.I am very busy in my real Life and don't get a lot of time to hang with friends, make new friends and visit, or just have me time. So this is a lil place I can go and escape the rest of my world!

My new treasures~

2011-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hello January! Bring it on..............

I usually don't like January all the rain nothing to look forward to but this January is different.

Do you see that amazing table? I am having one made and so hope it turns out to be very close to that one.I found the photo and can't remember where Ugh! Wished I did so I could ask about the finish on it.

I found this darling man semi~retired that makes furniture and charges about half of retail price which I then can afford.I love handmade and I love recycled wood and he is doing both for me.He is using 100 year old growth Oregon Pine for the table.I have been waiting for over a month and over the holidays we had to use a plastic craft table because I sold my old table, not thinking it would sell in just a few short days.Here is my wood this is how it starts.

Here is another table he has made for another client.He then stains, paints to whatever finish you may choose.

I have had to wait so long due to trying to match the legs on the inspiration table.I think it makes the entire table and have stood my ground to please, please try to find them.He thinks he is so very close it would be hard to see the difference.I hope he is right!

I also have had my eye on one of these Salvaged Wood & Steel Shelving Units from Restoration Hardware but at 1995.00 + shipping it was way more than I would ever spend. So I showed the photo to my new BF and he said he could make it for more than half the price and if I did it before Christmas he would even make me a better deal...............Merry Christmas to Meeeee!

He and his sweet wife have like 5 grown children which one has just moved out of state and they were trying to get enough money to fly them home.So I helped them out as well as getting a Smashing good deal!

I should be getting them in the next few weeks and I am soooo very excited and can't wait to show you all...........

They really weren't my Christmas gift I sold items on Etsy as well as Ebay and my old table so I could afford these all on my own just from selling items I don't us any longer.That also made me feel good to not take away from my family.

The Shelving unit will be made out of recycled barn wood and vintage casters.However it turns out I am sure it will be amazing! I am trusting him to do these off of photos and measurements.

Have a wonderful first day of the Year January 1 st.

Smashing Good Time!

2010-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

      Just a note to wish all of you a Happy and Safe New Year!

      I enjoy visiting all of you more than posting for sure, even though I have so much I could share with you at times I feel like it's almost bragging and I have a hard time with it Why? I don't know, others don't seem to mind.

      I have met some really nice and sad to say not so nice people here on blogland.

        I have learned a lot and always enjoy learning.I thank you for your visits and comments and friendships.My Best Wishes to you all in the upcoming new year.May many Doors open for you in the new year.I know I am looking forward to a new fresh start.

     ~Soooooo have a Smashing Good Time My Friends~

                            ~Cheers Kim~

I made it...............

2010-12-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ugh! I have to say it has been a very stressful time for me and a lil hard to enjoy the Holiday Season.

Though, I have enjoyed my lil escapes to Blogland and seeing how Fabulous all your Christmas decor and goings on have been.I didn't get a lot of that up at my home lucky to have our tree up and a few other decorations.

My oldest daughter decided to move out three days before Christmas and have the entire house in a mess...................Young adults for you! At first it was I will wait until after Christmas I promise and just as soon as she got her key to her first apt. she was packing and expecting all of us to help her pack and move as well.No notice but a few weeks no household items as well.So Mom (me) of course ran around trying to find her kitchen items, towels, pictures and furniture days before Christmas!

I did my baking Christmas Eve and that was a mess I should have just went out and bought our treats! What was I thinking..................................

I am sad to see her go, but also happy for her to move on with her own Life.I don't feel like she was really ready but as young adults are we ever ready? I'm not even sure as an old adult if I am ever ready for what Life throws me at times.

I would love to be relaxing in that beautiful home and just Enjoying Life!

I hope to post about my Christmas wish list and gifts!   My camera broke just a week before Christmas. I was so sad it's only a year old.

Though my special Mr. went out and bought me a new one for Christmas! I am so excited to get to mess around with it.

Canon Rebel XS   EOS, EF-S 18-55 IS Kit Woo-hoo!

My Mountain Survival Kit

2010-12-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

We spent a lil family time up in our hills this last Sunday gathering some greenery and I always take a survival kit because you just never know.This is mine Coffee, Thermos with hot water, Country Living, a Blanket and a Basket full of snacks just in case.

Here I am with my Lil Man Ryder.It was his first time seeing the snow and he loved it.

In this photo is my Gift of the year an item that I just love and think that everyone else should as well.It would be the red Stanley Thermos.You see last year I wanted it sooo bad.I get the Sundance catalog that I so adore and they have one in there but for about 39.00 + shipping so about 50.00 and I just couldn't see spending that on a red Stanley.

We live in a small town with hardly any shopping, though we have a BI-Mart and some of you or most of you may not know what that is.It's like a small K-mart of some sort and my husband is always teasing our Girls about staying in town and buying their clothes from BI-Mart or whatever they might need which is a big NOT! So I go in their the other day and to my surprise they have my Stanley for a fraction of the $50.00 for a steal of a deal of $16.99 so I am Loving it and I hope others that will be receiving it do so too.

This is one of my older daughters and her new family.The oldest hates to be cold and won't go with us, even if we promise she just has to get out for photos.She is a sunny kind of girl for sure.

My youngest enjoying her hot cocoa.

Here I am with my Mr. Manly he was hunting earlier in the day.He loves it up here in the hills, as so many other men we past along the way up.I think we were the only family/women up there.

Lil miss thought I should post another photo of her, so here she is my lil sweet pea. Not! We are a pre-teen and lord help us!

O.k just one more of my lil Mr. I am enjoying him so much and couldn't imagine them living away from us.We get to see him every morning and kiss him goodnight every night.

So to sum it up! Our house isn't spotless very lived in, our decor is far from Perfect! We do have a houseful, lots of laughter and good times.We are Living Life and that's what it's all about.

~Cheers Kim~

Brrr Baby, it's cold out~

2010-11-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

I'm ready, so bring it on~

I L.O.V.E the Snow.I lived in Eastern Montana for 6 years, I grew up on Mt. Hood Skiing and I just have a love of the cold and Snow.

I don't mind a lil rain but we get more than our share here in Oregon. Ugh! I hate the dark skies.

I have a love of red and even more so with a blanket of snow around it.

I so could live here and be very Happy!

For some odd reason it reminds me of Christmas and Santa.LOL

{photos found}

We as a family are going to try and get up into our hills and play in the snow and pick a lil greenery for swags tomorrow.

If I could get there on this it would be so perfect! But our Toyota Tundra or Jeep will have to work.Oh well! I can dream a lil.

So I hope you all have a fabulous Sunday.May you end your Holiday with Blessings & Fun...........

Are U Ready!

2010-11-19T20:33:00.000-08:00

Are U Ready..........Yes I'm Ready.........then let the Party begin with the Barn House Boys~

The Boys are not only back with their online shop they are also holding a Mega Giveaway!

Just a few fantastic items I would L.O.V.E to have ...............How about U! Hop on over to Barn House Boys to enter to win.Best of Luck~

Cabbages & Roses Giveaway!

2010-11-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Cabbages & Roses Giveaway not just 1 but 4 Fabulous Giveaways Oh does that ever make my Heart Sing~

Check them out on Dreamy Whites Blog and see the list there.

Good Luck!

A New Kitchen

2010-11-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Enjoy~

So we are still on the hunt for a new home and or ideas.So I went to look at another home and I really didn't like any of it but the kitchen......................

I think a farmhouse house sink would have looked great in there as well.

I really don't know what makes me love it so,but I
do...............I even love the blue!

It wasn't very big or very fancy but it sure looked great.I would add some more open shelving and more decor if it was mine.I wished I liked the rest of the house but it's a No Go!

Enjoy your weekend~ Kim

Salute!

2010-11-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

Salute to Our Vets! Thinking of you today....

{photo found}

love our flag

love our country

love our freedom

love our troops

love red/white/blue

God Bless U!

Crazy Walls

2010-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

I really, really think these walls are amazing!

Photos were found and now I can't even remember were I found them.

We are hoping to build a home in the next 2 years because we can't seem to find one we love and I would so love to do something really cool like these walls.

So I guess I would have to start collecting vintage recycled wood to acquire this look.

I also would have to hire it out because I know my Mr. doesn't have the patience/time to do all this himself.

I have some time to do some research.I don't want it to look to Beachy though, do you think it's beachy or rustic?

Well whatever it is I Love it!   I know I want texture, recycled items, beams, wood ceilings painted white, wood floors, white kitchen w/open shelving on some walls and NO stairs I am so sick of our stairs always hauling everything up and down them.Ugh!

Jump start your Monday~Kim

PS~I am moving pretty slow and just trying to get caught up from my weekend.Another coffee might help!

Tarte

2010-11-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

             ~ Artsy Tartesy~

It was a fabulous fun time! I enjoyed all the women, all the shopping and I learned some wonderful craft techniques.I was there from 10:00 Am to almost 8:00 Pm but well worth it.

I felt sorry for Terri, Kristen, Cindy, Auntie Joy and Kelly that they all had to repeat the day on Sunday.I bet they were very tired.................They are the most fun, loving women I have ever met and just a blast to be with.They are the Party that's for sure.

We got to Shop at Tarte Sale early Friday night with food, drinks and great company.

Saturday was the Artsy Tartesy Class with Terri Brush she is an amazing artist.Terri holds Art camps allover you should check out her site.

This is the beautiful crowns we made, my daughter thought she would model it for you.We also made a glass box to set it in on a velvet pillow.I think I should take a better photo...........Oops!

We were fed breakfast and lunch as well as snacks.We were given gifts a papier-mache snowman made by Terri herself, a darling lil apron made by Cindy and cute lil Tarte button sign you could turn into magnets and white chocolate pumpkin mints Yum!

The tables were beautiful! It was more than I was expecting for sure, over the Top......................

This is just one of our food bars we were served, very well done, food was Fab!

This was the Bar area Friday Night they served darling lil drinks in jars with red/white swivel straws w/fresh cranberries.Yum!

The Decor was Simply Amazing! Cindy and Joy did a beautiful job!

There is so much Fabulousness you really don't even know where to start...................

Sad to say it's Tarte's last sale in Her barn she has to move...........................If your in the area you can catch the last sale this Sat for directions see Tarte

  Do you see the darling straws? Love them, I must get some..........I so wish i knew how to get my photo's larger? Though you can click on them to in large.

~Cheers Kim

What a Treasure...

2010-10-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! Just a few shots of my Girl.We went out scouting for a great place to take my Girl's Senior photos and I was thrilled to spot this red old vintage truck just sitting there in an old Mill.

We took over 500 shots and came up with about 20 great ones.My girl Lindsay we call here LuLu was expecting and didn't want here photos taken until now.

I knew these would be my Favs, though she wasn't so sure.She thought the river shots would be way better but she was wrong, soooo very wrong.

I am so proud of her holding it all together when Life throws you a lil curve, finishing school, becoming a Mother and setting Life Goals.Way to go LuLu.....................You are my rock!

My Girl chose Life and new everything would be o.k when I wasn't even so sure myself.My Girl put her faith in God and trusted him.Way to go!

I am just so proud of her I had to share.Thanks for listening!

~Monti~

2010-09-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

I got over to Monticello Fall Show and it was Fabulous!

I Love hearing the water and the Birds chirping {wishing I had a sunporch} I could spend hours in there Enjoying!

I was wanting some of these, but left them behind.

If I knew we were getting the Beach House I would have bought these right up.Though we can't agree on a price so we are waiting until mid October.

They have lots-n-lots of vintage Cameras that I would like and may go back for......................................

There are 3 major sales I want to attend in the next 3 weeks so I have to really watch my $$$.

There was so much that I wanted I just couldn't decide , so I decided to go home and sleep on it.

I did come home with some adorable boxes of Chalk......

I Loved this Booth not sure whose it was but I could have bought them out.They are inside the store......................

You will need one of these if you get over there Darling!

I loved this old laundry cart and didn't even look at the price.I just got mine from Restoration Hardware it's a lil smaller I am thinking I should have went a lil larger. Dang!

I wanted to curl up here and just stay for awhile, didn't think they would like that though.

Happy Friday! Enjoy~Kim xox

~Beach House~

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

It was a long day but we found one...............................

It's new and has sat empty for 3 years , not sure if that is a good thing or not.

We made an offer and have until tue to wait....................Ugh! It was a low offer though our understanding is that the builder needs to get out from under it.

It's on the bay, it's 5 bedrooms, it's beautiful and we Love it!

The siding will turn that beachy grey over time that I love..................

So we wait............................

~Beach Search~

2010-09-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to all of U! I am off to search for our new Beach retreat....................Our family is getting together and buying a Beach Home.We are all so excited! Here are a few we are interested in........These are reduced in price and seem to be a good deal even though they seem a lil high to Me.

The females want Beach side/view the males want bay side/view for fishing.Here are a few we are looking at this sat:

This one is Beach side/view my fav...............

This one is bay side and is my Mr's fav............

This one is the most $$$$ believe it or not and is across the street with a Beach/view ..............We all like this one.
I feel guilty though due to the economy.This has been a 20 year dream for us and it now seems to be a good time with interests rates so low.I will let you know!

Labor Day 1999~Sep 6th

2010-09-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Labor Day 1999 Sep 6 th~

I remember it well.................It was 3:00 am got to the Hospital by 5:30 am and you arrived by 7:30 am and only because we had to wait for the Dr. to arrive.I could have just had you at home.No meds, no iv, no monitor you came so fast.

My Sweet Baby Girl you are growing up so fast.................

Happy Birthday We Love U!

~Cheers Maddie U Rock~

{ Part 2 }

2010-08-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

~~~~Part 2~~~~

I found my cord, well really it just showed up on the floor Hmmmm!

Here are a few more items from my Summer Scouting's.I have only been scouting in my small area which makes me even happier that I don't have to venture out to far.

I found this cute lil red tool cart.When things slow down I will give it a new paint job.

I only spend a few $$$ per item.My husband says junk should be FREE..................I hate to break it to him it isn't.

Rustic watering can, very vintage.Found these treasures just around the corner from my house.

My new white cart will house my Mg's and a few other things............A great price at 5.00

I couldn't help myself it reminds me of my dad taking his lunch everyday to work.

I collect vintage clocks.I let them find me.This cute lil Baby Ben found me for just a few $$$$.......................It's black on the backside

It was hard to get a good photo of this hanging scale outside.It doesn't have a home yet, soon though.Looks a lil dirty too Ooops!

I saw these in the Pottery Barn Catalog and wanted one.This one was a great price at 6.00 I should have bought the other one.What was I thinking?

This is a French wall water container, not sure what I will do with it.

This is what I do with all the vintage frames I find.I paint them and sell them in another Etsy Shop I have but have been taking a break this year for some reason.

I will have lots to get caught up on this Fall.

I have so much more to show you, so there will be a Part 3.I love to see what others find out on their hunts.So please share.

To Be Continued~

Summers End~

2010-08-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an End~

School is starting for us on Monday, My Scouting sales are coming to an end.

We are trying to fit the last few adventures in.

I can't find my Camera cord hmmmm! Who has it now? So I can't add my photos of my Part 2 Scouting for sales yet............Soon I hope.I have some wonderful item's to show you.

So enjoy what is left of our Summer until it Ends...........

{Photos Found Love them}

We think we have it Rough~

2010-08-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

We have no idea how to truly do without that's for sure....................

I know for a fact my Children do not!

They are concerned when their cell phones don't work or the internet or cable goes out.......................but they always have a roof over their head's not to hot, not to cold, clean clothing and food.

These are Photos from the 1930's and during the depression.

They make you stop and think ! Is it really that important that I redo my room again...........or buy new furniture just because I want something new ?

We all want bigger, better, nicer, newer and that is the problem with the United States...........We are a throwaway Country not like Europe or other Countries and if they had been throwaway Countries we wouldn't have these amazing vintage antique treasures that we all want to get our hands on.

I am always so pleased to see items recycled, repurposed and saved from the landfills.Older is better! It was made to last, now it's made to have to buy another in the near future.

My Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law have lost everything, their jobs, their cars, their home.The very one thing that gives you the sense of security and comfort they have lost.They have been very lucky that the lender hasn't sent them a notice as of yet.They have been living in their home for over a year with making no payment.I think it's only because they live in Montana and no one has bought their home when it was up for auction so they would rather have someone in it than let it set empty for so long.

The banks were bailed out and had a job to do but I have yet to hear that one family has been saved from being homeless and had their loans reconstructed.They say hire an attorney, are you kidding me! If you are having a hard time already how are you going to hire an attorney for thousands of dollars.........Simply Crazy!

It makes me angry they have gotten away with this.I feel is all they have done is profited from this great tragedy.I also have heard that Banks have made promises took peoples money and still gave them an eviction notice!

This is what people are resorting to homeless, camping, living in their cars.Oh I know some people say it's their fault they didn't prepare themselves but are any of us really that prepared ? We all have loans, we all owe, we all are just a few paychecks away from being homeless.

We have sent food, money, clothing to our family trying to help them and keep their heads just above water.I feel that it could be us! We could be next.People think they are safe and finding out they aren't.

This was considered a Dream Home can you imagine ? A real fixer upper.

We ourselves are trying to cut back and not buy so much or what we don't really need.I have donated my Girl's clothing that they have outgrown to others in need .My daughter wears uniforms to School and that has helped out a lot.

We have a group that is trading, sharing services and products to help each other out.We have bought food in bulk and split it up.I am trying to teach my children not to get caught up in the material world that we live in today.Yes, would I like those new pairs of shoes I saw yesterday absolutely, but do I need them Not so much!

We have traded and bought my Grandson's clothing at garage sales.I wanted new plates and found some amazing white Homer Laughlin restaurant plates at a sale for .25 each can you believe it.I bought 20 of them for a total of 5.00.I will have to do another post on my awesome Loot !

So everyday I am grateful we have jobs and still have our cars and our home to come home to.It's made us think differently and plan ahead a lil better.We aren't using any credit these days closing any we have had.I don't think it's getting any better I am seeing more and more empty homes, closed businessess.More and more people are out of a job.Families are living together once again moving home with parents.

So my very best to all of you and I hope you are all safe from this great tragedy and hope it doesn't get worse.

~Blessings Kim~

When I Grow-up~

2010-08-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

When I Grow-up~



                                 I want to be an Old Women~

You ask Why?  Because if I make it to be an Old Women then that must mean I have lived a good long life.

I am now 44 and if I could have another 44 years I would be ever so grateful.

I Love Life, Living it, Enjoying it, Embracing it,Changing it, Experiencing it.

I Love the World, it's ever so Beautiful.

God is Good~

~Vintage Finds & Happy Dance~

2010-07-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

Vintage Finds~ A few weekends ago I ran into this Estate Sale on a side road thinking that I'm sure there won't be much but a quick look won't hurt.......................Oh was I so wrong, sooo very wrong!

I couldn't even carry all the loot I found in just a few short minutes.I was scooting it on the ground with one foot trying to carry and gather more as I walked through the sale, at last a young Man came and offered me some help! Amen I thought, now I had free arms to gather up more treasures.

I was sooo excited I seriously wanted to do the "Happy Dance" right there, is there something wrong with that? Wanting to do a Happy Dance over junk? Do I need help? My Mr. thinks I do...............................

This was my all time Fav and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it hanging there.....................

The most amazing part of it all to me was that I got all of this Loot for a whopping 34.00 bucks! Yep, all for only 34.00 another "Happy Dance"

The best part of my shopping trip is that they told me to come back next weekend for another sale..................Woo~Hoo !

To Be continued..............

My Lil Angel~

2010-07-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

My Lil Angel~ Ryder James-Owen     3-28-10





This Photo was at the end of our Photo Shoot but my fav so I Posted it first:

This is My Daughter LuLu and Her Family:Brandon & Ryder:

Ryder is such a thinker and always has a look of deep thought:

This would be Moi {Grammy} with my first Grandchild:

We took these photos in my Master bedroom and on my bed:Our Room is becoming the place to be:

  Ryder was a very good sport and didn't seemed to mind:Though His

Mother has taken thousands of photos of him.It's become the norm....

Daddy and Ryder:

Mommy and Ryder: This too is one of My Favs!

Simply Priceless:I can't get enough of Him

I hope you enjoyed seeing part of my Family.This is what keeps Me sooooo very busy and side tracked, but I love them dearly so it's all worth it.

Winner~Country Home Mg

2010-07-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Winner of my Country Home Mg is~

Farm Girl Paints Congrats!

Thank you to all of you who entered my Giveaway! I wished I had enough for all of you.............................Please do stop by again soon.I do have another Fabulous Giveaway just waiting to be displayed..........................Though, I have a few other Posts I would love to do first.

Come-on-over Giveaway!

2010-07-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome! While I was out buying my Country Home Mg..............I was thinking of all of you...............So I thought I would buy not only 1.........................

but 2, one for you (well 1 Lucky you) and one for Meeee!

So leave a comment and on Monday I will draw the winner!

OMG! It's back, It's really back.............

2010-07-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

Country Home is back.........................

Late Summer issue, next issue due September.

I am so excited I can't even put it in words.This was my all time Favorite Mg.I have the last 2 years saved and I just couldn't part with them.I never could understand why? It was gone.....................

I hope all of you are just as excited as I am.I can't wait, Sign me up!

Independence Day !

2010-07-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

So I hope you all have a safe July 4th and enjoy! July is my favorite month maybe because it's my Birthday Month and It's close to the 4th so I always think it's a big party just for me.I also love red/white/blue and brings families together.I also Love being Free.

We are going to a kiddie parade, carnival, rodeo and then the 4th of July parade then of course BBQ and fireworks.Our lil town whoops it up that's for sure.

So let me know what you do on July 4th~