Lemony Delights*

Hope your weekend was perfect and you had time to enjoy some little delights..

When I brought my new roses home in the car their fragrance filled the car with a lemony aroma.

I planted one of them today and I'll plant this climber next weekend.

Oh my gosh I found this great dish soap that is Lemon citron. I also love this citron hand lotion.

Everything around me today was Lemony! I was using my vintage milking stool to stand on for picking the lemons,

I picked a huge basket of Lemons this afternoon, being in the grove was so wonderful... smelling the fresh scent of the Lemons all around me.

It is interesting that I love love love lemons but yet I am not real fond of the color yellow!

Though I do like a pale butter yellow tone....

Have a wonderful Monday morning!

xoxo,

Me

Cabbage roses*

Happy First Day of SUMMER*

Summer blossoms from my roses are so welcomed! Here are a few from my garden.

I'm going to pick up a few more roses that I placed a special order for. I hope they will like the soil here!

I love the fragrance of the Vintage Cabbage roses. I love love love to have cut roses inside!

I only plant White or pale pink! I enjoy my pallet cohesive.

I have been so busy lately, sorry my blogging has been minimal so I hope with school out I can pick up the pace!

Thanks for hanging in! I have a surprise coming up for yall!

Have a beautiful day and take time to smell the roses!!!

xo,

me

Proud Teachers, Parents and a few Tears!

This morning was my son's bitter-sweet elementary school promotion ceremony!

The ceremony was beautiful! The families were entertained with pretty piano music, guitar solos and speeches. Songs were sang by the 6th grade class. Teachers speeches brought tears to my eyes and I know I wasn't the only one with a hand full of tissue! The ceremony was perfect and all the children were so nicely dressed. It was fun to see how they all looked different without their uniforms... t-shirts and shorts!!!!

We got all the decorating finished inside and outside and it came together lovely. A big Thank you to all the mom's who helped get everything done!

A local nursery "Sunshine Garden's" in Encinitas was so generous to lend us all the beautiful evergreens, roses and hydrangeas! Truly it was a special favor because the family had a 6th grader getting promoted to and other children in the school. We were Lucky, it made the atmosphere alot more special!!!

To top it off the reception inside was lovely too, food and drinks were served.

An awesome video was playing featuring the promoting class doing lots of events and activities throughout the years at the school! The video was designed by a sweet mom of one of the class mates and she presented one to each of the students! I can't wait to sit down with my family and my son by my side to watch it together! Truly a gift that we all will treasure!

Here are some photos!

Our oldest son was with us and it was fun to see him laughing and smiling as I'm sure he reflected on his own elementary school days...

Have a fabulous friday*

xo,

me

Fair well to Elementary school*

I am thinking of all the last days of school I've spent with my boyz.

This one is tough, he is my last one. It will be his last day of Elementary school. I can't believe how fast the years have gone. I remember him starting kindergarden as if it was yesterday.

I wish we could go back a few years and slow things down a little. He is so special to us and it's a joy to be his Mommy. He has been so full of life and keeps us laughing.

I can't wait to get the decorating at the school done. I have been keeping some late nights but it all comes together tomorrow. I will take some photos!

Hope you take a moment to reflect with your children on their last day of school!

I think I will hold his hand and walk him to class one more time....

xo,

me

Summer Herbs

Having this Vintage planter just for HERBS is so perfect, I love how it turned out. I don't think the bunnies will get in this!

My planter is a large metal trough with a back splash. I think it was a sink or fountain at one time. I will turn it into a sink again someday. I thought I would use it as a herb planter until then.

I hope your weekend was fun, the weather was really beautiful here in So. Cal. Closing day ceremonies for my son's little league, and some of the first swimming days in our pool.

Here are some pics I took yesterday!

Have a beautiful day*

xoxo,

me

Happy Memorial Day*

We shall be forever Thankful and Grateful for the meaning of this Day.

It is for the Families and Men and Women who gave their life's honor for their Country.

I am so proud of each and every one of them. I will never forget them.

Blessings on this Memorial Day.

xo,

me

Women of the NEWS*

This weekend I was invited to a Panel Discussion for broadcast professionals. Presented By: Good News Foundation. Held at the Beverly Hills Paley Center for Media.

My cousin Mary knows my story about life after my modeling career and how I transitioned my life. She said I think you will relate to these women. She invited me. She was right, I was so on the same page!

It was so much fun, my cousin Mary {Seated left with pony tail} was on the panel along with three other women.

Mary Grady: {Cousin} : Anchor women -reporter CBS KCal-TV LA,KCBS-TV.

Susan Campos: MSNBC, reporter anchor/today show.

Lonnie Lardner: Anchor women-ReportingLa Nashville, Chicago, Little Rock.

Kelly Lange: NBC-CBS-2-NBC-4 and hosted her own Talk show women to women.

The panel was made up of all these AWARD WINNING Women.

Each told their stories and what they are doing today.Very interesting how they each have discovered their next phase and are extremely successful.

I loved being there listening to my cousin Mary hearing things I didn't know about her career.

OMGosh I have so much respect for these women whom I met. They didn't have it easy and it was a tough road. A career that only the strong survive. They get thrown into every kind of situation and you better have street sense and the ability to think on your feet and be able to survive and still make your deadline and get the story.

I had no idea, I so enjoyed the panel and meeting all these powerful women. Their discussion was candid and honest. I am so proud of them all!

Mary Hart stopped by along with many other women in the News!

They loved that I was taking pictures and I asked if I could share and they said yes!

After words we had Cupcakes!

Enjoy my photos:

Kelly Lange is holding up one her mystery novels. She's now an acclaimed author has written a series of them.

xo,

Me

Cowboy RL*

I hope most of the world got the chance to tune in to see Oprah's interview with RALPH LAUREN.

All I could say or think was he is just how I imagined he would be.. So genuine and his family and his wife are all cut from the same fabric! A beautiful story and love story, an amazing Ranch.

So darling... I would never leave,except to meet a helicopter up near the Vance....Delivering my Starbucks! Then I would want to go in the beautiful old barn and look at RL fabrics!

I am so glad that I watched. It was a special interview, Oprah did a fantastic interview and really asked the perfect questions! What did you think about it?

I wore a red gingham shirt today in honor of RL*

I found some modeling pics from my archives that remind me of his ranch and the interview! They are fun to see, my kids still ask ..Did I get to keep the clothes? Answer is: sometimes... Usually they are one of so, no!

Have a beautiful weekend *

xo,

me

A Big Congrats wish to my Cousin *TAYLOR* who is Graduating from HIGH SCHOOL*

Proud of you and Love you, See you there!

Cousin

Gail

Lifestyle Extrodenare RL*

On Wednesday Oprah is interviewing RALPH LAUREN my Iconic Favorite ...

I fell in love with Ralph when I was 16 years old... I did a post on him before you can check it out.

You know I'm there... I'll be in my jeans and T with my cowboy boots on watching it!! Or maybe a pink gingham shirt!!!

He's an amazing lifestyle extrodenare he encompasses everything I personally love...

I look forward to Oprah's questions.

Tune if you love RL*

Have a beautiful afternoon,

xo,

me

Love you till the COWS come home!

Oh my Gosh!

This morning my husband says to me you're not going to believe it but there are two cows by our gate!

I jumped out of the shower threw my clothes on grabbed my camera. Yep two cows laying in the bushes by our fence. It reminded me of when our dogs Bentley and Chloe used to get out of the yard and go on little adventures and they stayed together. Our dog Miss Chloe was so calm and friendly she just sat on the other side of the fence looking at them, it was so sweet.

They are so adorable...Like two buddies on a little adventure #238 & #239! I was able to walk right up to them to take these photos. How cute! I am tempted to let them in to eat the weeds!

I have always loved Cows I used to want to have one if I did I would name her DAISY*

Off to make a sign to put up LOST COWS*

Hope your week is fabulous,

It's TRUE... I will love you till the cows come home!

xo.

me

{UPDATE }after I made the flyers, the owners showed up and were here wrangling them up!

So all is well 238 & 239 are on their way back home..

Moments that melt our heart*

"Happy Mother's Day " to all of you Mommies and Mommies to be!

A special bond we all share, we walk the walk, wipe the tears, and can recall all the years.

{Wasn't trying to rhyme, just came out this way!}

I Love being a MOMMIE, It changed my World. I know I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to my Boyz but I wouldn't have it any other way....They have taught me so much and given me the proudest moments of my life..

Here are a couple photos of favorite moments I remember so clearly.

{Photo1} My first Baby Boy, he was six week old and we took him on our first vacation as a family to Mammoth, Ca. We are at Mono Lake. He had severe colic and yep he was crying in the picture!

{Photo 2} 8 1/2 yearsl ater. My second Baby Boy, he was six weeks old and we are leaving to go to his "Baby shower"!

{Photo 3} My youngest son with me.

I can still smell them when I look at these photos, it's beautiful to remember every detail about our children. I know my Mom used to tell me stories about me when I was little, I used to ask her how do you remember that? She replied when you're a Mommie it's your heart!

I've come to cherish what she meant.

Missing her every Mother's Day, not the same without her.

Have a Beautiful Day filled with precious Memories*

xo,

Me

May Day*

May Day* I remember last year this time I was hosting my big event.

"The Olivenhain Grove Sale". It was a wonderful event in my Lemon grove at my house.

We had the best time all of the people who came out to support it was fantastic. It turned out Fabulous! I have spoke to many people who came and they have asked when is the next one?

I don't have one planned.

{I had a couple of neighbors who complaints made it impossible to do it again.} After the fact we heard through other wonderful neighbors who came to support the event {they} complain about everything! Get a life right!

It was only intended to be a one time event.Though I will work on something!

I hope you had flowers on your door yesterday for May 1st. I used to put flowers on my neighbors front doors at the beach. The tradition is so beautiful it brings back lovely memories I had fun doing it early in the morning before they woke up,they would always know it was me!

Here are some flowers from my garden for you! *Happy May *

xo,

me

*Royalishes*

*Royalishes* I say...

What do we love most about the Royal Wedding? Let's ponder this a moment...

Can we really answer that question! Do we really love the pomp and Circumstance or the Traditional Etiquette of protocol...I really think its personal but overall I feel we love the Romantic Pageantry of it all***{THE DRESS}

I remember watching Princess Diana getting out of the Carriage. Really that's all I remember. I have that Beautiful image of her in her Wedding Gown.

My favorite has to be the Carriage, Horses and of course THE WEDDING DRESS*

I love how it is kept a secret up until the moment The Prince will see her in it.

That is what it is supposed to be. Who shows their fiance the dress before!!

It is a special Intimate moment for the Bride and Groom. A extra special gift for the guests to witness that pure moment between them!

This all makes me reflect on my own wedding!! Aren't you doing the same right now?

I kept my Dress a secret too. The Color was the biggest secret. It was so difficult but so worth it!! It was a complete surprise.

No one knew except my seamstress because I designed the dress and headpiece. My Mom and my Dad a tiny bit though they didn't see it.

Here are a few Photos: Our Wedding day and my Dress and the White Carriage I rode in. I wouldn't change a thing even many years later. Our little fairytale..

Enjoy, Get your wedding pics out and reflect a little.

It's the whole Romance and Love Story of the two people whom lives will be forever joined and changed. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it**

Remember the moment when you first saw each other on your Wedding Day... Gives me chill bumps**

xo,

me

PS. If you want to see more..look back at my older posts from August 2010, I posted the whole month of Pink and more from my wedding*

Topiary Kiss*

This topiary has grown to be HUGE!

I shear it about twice a year. When I was shearing it this weekend my son said, "It looks just like a Giant Hershey's Kiss" I love it. Its Rosemary, smells really wonderful.

My Iceberg Rose Topiary's are blooming nicely! I have three in a row like little pompoms***

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful spring weather we are finally getting here in So. Cal.

Happy WHITE Wednesday*

{Take time to smell the Roses}

xo,

Me

Simple touches*

I hope your Easter was a special day for everyone..

Here's wishing you a belated Happy Easter filled with hand holding grace,

blog hugs, chocolate bunnies and pink champagne mimosas.

The day was filled with being together as a family and simple touches that remind us of Family and all the blessings we have.

Photos:

*Easter basket ribbon with a Zinc "P"

*Root beer from my childhood in the Midwest, a favorite little place.. "Dog n suds".

My son's comment... Mom the best root beer float EVER!!!

*A Easter egg holder filled with things from my garden, Lavender,Mint, and lemon from our grove.

Enjoy your Monday*

xo,

Me

Scale Love*

Vintage scales are so fun! To think that these were used in all kinds of buisness trades is so cool. I found this one several years ago. This is the actual Pink color it was when I found it.

New York is stamped on the metal. It has two glass circles on each side. I was told it was a jewelers scale.

I have a white one as you see in the photo, I also have a large one I will share another time.

I love them all...

Details....Someone might be in luck... Because I have this PINK SCALE FOR SALE!

It is $140.00 plus shipping.

{If you are a follower of my blog and you bring 3 new friends over to follow just let me know by email who they are and I will pay the shipping $$$}

Anyone interested send me a email and we'll take care of the details.

These are so fun to use for display, I used this one in my store years ago and put Baby shoes on it!

On a scale of 1-10 I hope today is a 10!

xo,

me

*Beach House Memories*

Yesterday was such a Beautiful Day here in So.Cal.

I woke up this morning with memories of the Boyz "play house" my husband built at our Beach House...

When he first told me he was making a play house, I thought how cool, he will love it..

Well... I was gone for the day and I came home and their was this huge platform on beams about 15 feet in the air... I said my little 4 year old isn't going up their by himself!

It turned out Fabulous, he loved it and it worked out just perfect. The neighborhood kids loved to come and play there. It was a perfect design element for the landscaping. The flag flying,the beautiful Ocean view!!!!

I have such wonderful memories of my Boyz and their friends there.

This was our first home I was lucky to have full reign on design and decorating.

It was a special place...

Hope your having fun Playing House....

xo,

Me

Off to a Baseball game..

Petite Bunny Canvas*

Hope your having a lovely week.. I haven't had a moment to blog...

I will try to get back in the swing this weekend...

Here is a little favorite piece of art.. A Petite little cavas that has a Bunny on it. I have had it for years and I keep it out all year. Its is about 4" wide x 3" tall.

In the yard near the pool there is a little metal sign that says "Bunny Crossing" we have alot of wild bunnies here at the Country house...

Usually I do love to really decorate for Easter, I am keeping it minimal this year since were in a project phase..

Have a beautiful Thursday!

xo,

me

Oh...... If you have Children the movie "HOP" is FABULOUS!! I even loved it!

Definitely the whole family will enjoy it...

Vintage Zinc Moulding*

It's Friday.... This week has just flown by, I haven't had a moment to blog!!!

I thought I would share another Love of mine.

I have these Zinc Tin mouldings, They came out of a old Hotel. They have beautiful details, here is a photo of just the Wreath detail!!

I have two of them and have a plan for them one day...

I just love that these architectural elements were used in buildings. I love the History of them.

I love Zinc!! Visit for more posts on them later*

It's The Picket Fence Inspiration Friday, I just linked up my kitchen view!

If you click the button on my side bar it wil take you there!

Have a Fabulous Friday ya'll..

xo,

Me

Details around my Garden House*

This is our Vintage garden house it's just aged to perfection... The old carved elements, The chippy White paint, can't believe what I discovered when I was sweeping it out over the weekend.

I knew we put a french drain in it but I never noticed this engraved word, SON....Of course I took a photo of it wouldn't you? It gave me chills because my son had just left to return to college...

It was so pretty the way the warm little ray of sun was on it, almost saying to me "Mom I'm always around you."

I had a cool idea for it and I made it,turned out very cool.

Awe... I'm saving those photos for a different post!

Here are a couple more pictures of.... My Favorite Little House!

Hope your week is beginning Fabulously,

xo,

Me

P. S. The white fireplace photos from the post the other day are also from inside the Garden House.

Window Accourtements*

Hope your Sunday is relaxing, peaceful and your enjoying quiet time alone or with family and friends... Mine began with taking my oldest son out for breakfast, he was home for three days from college so we like to soak up as much time of his as he allows... We took our dog Miss "Chloe", she enjoyed being with us I presume! {She's quite lonely and sad with out her BFF Bentley, as we are too.}

I drove my Princess car, it was a beautiful day to drive her. After breakfast, a trip to Target... You know it's a love / hate store with me, I {love} to go because I get all the paper items, laundry etc. But I seem to mosey around a bit while I'm there so I {hate} how I spend to much time doing that!!!

I came home and packed a goodie box for my son to take with him back to school.

After he left I was watering some plants near my son's bathroom windows and I fell in love all over again with our windows and the stone pediements I had made. They turned out better than I thought they would.. I can't wait for the whole house to have them!! Here are a couple pictures I took... Enjoy*

Now I'm going to get dinner started!

My design tip: When your choosing window styles, selecting the look that fits the architecture of your home is essential.

Don't just buy windows because they are inexpensive {Cheap} and you like the style. Labor is the same to install quality.

If you need help, ask a professional. Choose carefull they are expensive, you will have to change them all out to have a cohesive look. Use a professional you don't want a leaky window.

{Our windows are "Pella" Archectural Series, low e, shatter proof, dual glazed, invisible screens.Paintable wood inside aluminum clad exterior}.

Have a wonderful evening*

xo,

me

P.S. I'm already missing my son in his room!!! It's been two hours....