missing the bliss

Oh, how I've missed my blog, blogging friends, and blog searching and scanning and dreaming. Sorry. My life now consists of searching the MLS and trying to find cool new digs for my family. Yes, we are moving from our lush house. My HH is returning to his post at his former office. This move will improve our finacial standing. But before we leave, take a look at this cherry. Yes, five

beautiful packed full trees on this property, and here are some of the other lush fuana.

I see that my pics are going to be a scattered mess. Carry on, then. My son had his 4th birthday.

We had a surprise visit from Grandpa all the way from So. California. We didn't tell R that Grandpa was coming. We picked Grandpa up at the airport and R was Shocked to say the least.

He could not comprehend his Grandpa being at the airport. Here they are when they first see eachother. They have a magical connection. One of the reasons we are moving.

We had T-ball season, and finished T-ball season.

And, somehow, I read two books: Pride and Prejudice and my new favorite: the Last American Man..written by Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Love, Pray fame. Eustace Conway is now one of my American Heros for staying true. I watched some of his interviews on youtube. His accent and demeanor are slow, calculating and he is funny. We are going to try to go to his Turtle Island family camp next year. Go check it out. I realize primitive culture and living is not for everyone, not even me all the time. But the read was great. I love you, Eustace.

I also put my garden in. When it gets bigger I'll give you a peek. Hopefully all of my heirloom seed growing madness will pay off. Oh, there was also the fashion show I modeled in with Daisy and Shannon. All in good fun and for the womens' retreat this year. You know how stressful moving is? I have moved six times since 2000. I will try to keep up some postings, pics, and blurbs. Hope you are enjoying the start of summer. xo Juls

go ahead, say red

Red buffet. Done and looking fabulous in my living room. Cost? About $30 dollars. 15 for the piece, 15 for the red regal rustoleum spray paint. Believe me, in the living room, the color is toned way down. It looks so nice. It holds our DVDs and Roman's toys. I wasn't able to really stage the living room. We live there. Let's be real. I was lucky to get these shots as it was. I can't find the before shots. Someone told me that a magnet will destroy photo discs. Isn't that just my luck. First project I really documented well. I'll be more careful about the whereabouts of my disc next time.
This is Stacey, (on right) and Hannah's (on left). Stacey made the most off the hook Mater cake for her son Cole's 4th birthday. (Cole is pictured with his Dad, Loren, tractor- I mean tire tippin.)

Just look at it. The thing is a work of art. Well, it was a work of art.

And if your are have a Cars party for your youngin, Tire Tipping is a fun game. And the kids loved it. Watch how Loren and Cole demonstrate. It was a great 4th birthday party. Happy Birthday, Cole!

Next up: Well, you might not know this, but I am on the hunt for a vintage trailer. Mary Jane Butters (Farmgirl magazine), and the Vintage Housewife have me obsessed with finding one. I have always loved camping. But glamourcamping is right up my alley. Well, I went to Millie's house to check out a Shasta she and her husband had. And look at this: she gifted me with this chandelier. Picured here hanging in my garage.

Well, I could hardly speak. And I promised her that we would set up a blog. Because, guess what? She is an amazing artist, pen and ink, mosaic, tile, quilter, etc.. You can not believe the energy this gal possesses. Her husband John is also a mixed media artist. He welds the most clever animals and such. So stay tuned and I will let you know how it turns out for Millie. You will love her. Now, I just have to figure out how to sell on Etsy for her. Have another great day!

thriftin finds

Here are a few little finds of mine as of late. Reigndeer moss from the Sac. Antique fair. MarilynMarilynMarilyn made up the cute apothocary jar. Here are some lovely perfume bottles from Savers over the weekend. And the jar of cream came from an antique store in Walker, Ca. It has the name "Mary" engraved on the top.

I recently add this background matting to our family photo. It is wrapping papper I bought at Ikea. I thought it came out pretty good.

Until next time, xo juls

spring door

My front door was needing some spring fling. So I went to the dolla store and bought some flowers like this:

and made this for the front door area:

So now the front door has a little spring green. I also had to give my little friend, we'll just call him Buddy, a little bundle to hold.

My husband has been gone away on business. My little one was so sick the last few days, so we've just been hanging around. Of course, I lurk around the blogs. I was so lonely for friends that I started my own campaign on Girlfriends Cafe to get some new blood. So I'm going to put those gals together. The other cool thing is I found a walking partner on Craigs list, and I meet up with her tomorrow. Then my cool blogger buddie was bummed out. But Lordy, she had 40 comments on her blog, A Cottage Industry. You saw her in my last entry. So now she has to read through all those comments. Isn't it beautiful so many women responded to her? That's just awesome. Take care. My red buffet is almost done. Wait till you see it. xoxox Juls

hunting and gathering

Sacramento Antique fair was a great new discovery. I also met the Tracey's from A cottage Industry. It was my first blog encounter with a fellow blogger. And I just had to tell Tracey how her mother turned me on to blogging in the first place. I hope these pics do justice. These girls can put it all together I tell you. They had such a foo foo booth. Really nice. See. Go check their blog if you don't believe me.



I also stopped by Marilyn's booth from MarilynMarilynMarilyn.com. Another foo foo booth. Really so beautiful. She and her husband are such nice people. The weather in Sac was perfect. What a great way to spend a day. What? Oh, did I buy something? Well, a couple of things. But I have to save that for another post. Okay? Because I really have to finish my book club book. I just got into it, and I'm on a roll. What book? Honeymoon with my Brother....















So we did have snow on Monday, just a dusting mind you. My little one was so excited to go outside. Here he is shoveling the snow. Well, he calls it "Crushing the Snow." Such a big helper.










Have a good day. xo juls

Due' Sorella, my Thursday love

Oh, such bliss. I drive a long way to work on Thursdays. On my way home today I thought, "I want to go somewhere lovely on my way home." I prayed and turned the corner to one of my very favorite shops. Still open. I was thrilled. I bought these beautiful items: Fantastic red lampshade. small matted picture, and my first book of vintage music.





The shop, Due' Sorella, is fantastic. So much eye candy. Just like walking into one of these wonderful blogs. The shopkeeper, Julie, is a gorgeous, warm, lovely lady. She merchandises expertly and has a great eye for detail. Obvious design background. I wish I had my camera. You should see her collection of vintage aprons...to die for. And her dressmaker's form, I would have stole her if she wasn't looking. Awesome girl she is. Here is Julie's web site address. She doesn't blog. Tell her Juls4real turned you on. She is located in Carson City, Nevads: http://duesorelladesign.com/. She posts cute vignettes. And here is her logo. I love it. "Due' Sorella" means, two sisters...The photo is Julie and her sister. Ciao

goin to Sac, cuz it's Sunday

Oh, but I've missed posting. So many things came up that hindered my mojo for writing. Health issues, family issues, work just kept me down. I am feeling better. Spring cleaning like a mad woman. (Anyone else doing that?) I filled an entire truck full of things for Goodwill. I just don't want to move anything that I don't use. And I am so hopeful that we will sell our house in the spring. I want to go back to California in the worst way. I miss my family, work, friends -- really great friends. I am painting and fixing the house and will let you peek as I go...


But for now, here is a trove of treasures I thrifted recently. I love the detail in the throw pillow and small container. (If you click on the pic, the pillow is in the background, very red. Love it.) Picked up this sweet footed urn to add to my white pottery collection. I am drawn to white pottery. I have no idea why. There is some silky fabric for more pillow slips. But the best, ultimate, exciting find is the chandelier crystals. I was over the moon when I came up on them.
And then...

I started obsessing about stuff to sell at Blooming Deals. I started noticing cupcakes are everywhere. I searched the Web and came upon these made by mommy24cs on Etsy. Wellllll, then I really started obsessing and jonesing about making one, and I did. I love it. I wanted to make a whole beautiful tray full of the darling things. But I stopped at one. Here is why: I made a bunch of spoons and vintage cones for the store recently. When I went by last week, the owner handed them back to me in a box to take back home. I was confused because she said to bring her handmade stuff. Now, this is the first rejection of my art that I have experienced first hand. I took a couple of days to recover myself.


You know what? So what? So she doesn't like the mixed media art. We are talking about a very small town shop. I felt safe there. It is a place to get my feet wet. So, do I do the cupcakes? I think I will, but I'm not sure







Next, acottageindustry will be at the Sacramento Antique Faire this Sunday. I must go, simply must. It is on Sunday - Saturday is Sabbath for me. I try desparately not to shop or work on Sabbath. It is not easy...So can you believe how excited I am to go to this thing? I cross my fingers my little one doesn't get sick or anything else comes up. Take good care, and thanks for stopping by, xo Juls