Lake Geneva was beautiful*

The weekend already, hope your week was fabulous! I felt it sure went fast!

When I was visiting the midwest I was driving between places and my route took me through a favorite fabulous place.. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.. Oh my goodness... it was October Fest, the town was decorated beautifully. Tall corn stalks wrapped around every post in town and hanging baskets with flowers. This has always been one of my favorite places, even as a young girl growing up in the area. The streets are lined with beautiful trees and the houses are all historical and fabulous. The houses on the lake are sooo amazing! I stopped walked down the the lake side to take a few photos. The building with the vines is the towns book store! Delaney Mercantile is a really cute home store. Loved the open sign in front of the store!

A few years ago my causin Shanon got married here at a beautiful resort called "Geneva Nationals". It was beautiful. It was the first time with my family and it was so fun to share these places where I grew up. They even thought it was pretty special and they are all born and raised in Cali!

I hope your sunday will be relaxing!

xo,

me

Wisconsin Lake Cottages!

I love love love houses!

I never go anywhere without looking at houses.

Truly has been a love of mine since I was a little girl growing up on a lake in Northern Illinois.

On my trip last week, I was in Kenosha,Wisconsin my cousins took me on a little tour of some of the most fabulous Lake Michigan {on the lake}cottages! I thought I would share them with you!

I don't know if you ever visited this area of Northern Illinois or Wisconsin, It is so beautiful... I get very homesick when I see this place!

The weather was like summer! Here are a few pics I took from the Kenosha Yacht club and the shore. Pictures of the garages too.. which I love almost as much as the house! I love garages!

Have a fabulous tuesday!

xo,

me

Na-Da Farm Sale... A midwest event*

How are ya'll... I have been back for a few days from my Illinois & Wisconsin autumn visit.

Mmm..Lots of fun things...I had the best week* First before I left, my best friend, Anita from High school in Tennessee with her husband and son came to visit. I was so pleasantly surprised when they called from AZ where they were visiting and said they wanted to come visit me in So. Cal! I was sooo excited... I haven't seen them in 22 years! We have never met each other's children...We figured out it was before I had my first son and I was still modeling!

We had so much to catch up on and it was as if we just saw each other. It is so fabulous to have that kind of friendship isn't it? It was really hard to say goodbye,two days was not enough but better than nothing!!! I hope we visit more often... I guess the next visit I will be going to Tennessee!

Then I got on a plane to Wisconsin to visit family. My niece Phoebe is there and is she is so Dear to me.

Soooo wonderful to see her and my sister-n-law Priscilla. They have a fabulous historical house that was a "coach" house from an Turn o the Century Estate in Wisconsin. I also spent time with my other cousins in their new beautiful home, they are so sweet and I just love being with them in Wisconsin. They gave me a fabulous house tour along Lake Michigan and the autumn leaves were changing and it was spectacular. The most fabulous homes omg! I will share some houses on another post.

My stay was too short but I was able to get around and see a lot.

I took Priscilla to this fabulous event called The Na-Da farm sale event

It is put on by Ann-Marie from www.nadafarmlife.blogspot.com. She has a blog and she is amazing. I have wanted to go to one of her events since I saw her blog. She was very sweet and all of her family helped her put on this annual event.

I was so excited to go with Priscilla, it was really a beautiful setting in the middle of the prairie and I loved everything! I did a make a few purchases and I was truly grateful we went!

Her are a few pictures from the sale.Visit her blog and you will see more.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Tracy at the event from the blog www.frenchlarkspur.com who is in Illinios. She has a great on line store which I have visited before. You'll want to visit her blog too!

It is nice to be back home but I already miss my family in the midwest!

Here are some pictures I took at the Na-Da Farm sale...

Enjoy your weekend!

xo,

me

Halloween touches*

I can't believe it's October 1st!

It was the most beautiful morning here in So. Cal... Sunshine,warm with Blue skies...

Don't you feel like this time of year for some reason just flies.... Then it will be the Holiday's.

I am soooo excited for my trip to Illinois and Wisconsin!!

The planning is so much fun...I can't wait to see my family there!

I have been trying to get my schedule worked out with everyone. So far everything is falling into place perfectly. My stay will be short so I want to spend the time with a bit of a plan!

Here is a photo of some Halloween decor at my house.

Sorry..I don't do much orange if any!

Have a fabulous weekend, get out your Halloween decorations and let the season begin!!!

Off to my youngest's pop warner football game..

xo,

me

Autumn Cornucopia*

How is your week?

Saw the cutest movie... Put it on your list! How does she do it? It brought back memories of when I had my business! You really take on a lot and wear so many hats, there is no "ME" time at all....

I like to decorate for autumn before I get in to Halloween, It seems these days we rush right into it.. I like to enjoy each season!

Here in So. Ca until the weather gets a little crisp its hard to know the difference between summer and autumn. This year we are having cooler days with a lot of fog, so it feels like autumn.

Here is a photo of my front door from last autumn. All of the flowers and twigs came from around the house. I haven't decorated my door yet, I will wait till I get back from my midwest trip, I will get inspired there, The doors will be adorned everywhere! I will be taking my camera!

Happy White Wednesday*

xo,

me

Welcome Autumn*

Happy First day of Autumn*

It sure feels like it with the cool layer of fog that has rolled in here in So. Ca.

I love Autumn..

I am planning a trip to the midwest, Illinois and Wisconsin. The foliage will be turning and I'll get to wear boots and cozy sweaters and pea coats and all my favorite fall plaids! I'm super excited a special young women is waiting for my visit.... my dearest niece Phoebe... I can't wait! I haven't been in a couple years so I am soo excited to be planning this trip, it means a lot to me! I have a lot of juggling to do with my schedule and my own family, but I never worry it always works out!

So let's get out our plaids,flannels and get cozy, light a fire and make a hot apple pie! The drink!

Hope your Autumn will be beautiful*

xo,

me

Gate Fabrication is spot on!

Hope your having a fantastic week! It sure is flying by... I have been soooo busy.

I love to see progress in all stages, Here is what we saw on our gates today.

Our final approval.. I was thrilled, they got it! I think they are going to be Beautiful*** I love them raw but not sensible... Next week will be the trial fit to get everything screwed and notched before the galvanizing process. I can't wait to try them on!!

We had our first autumn fire last night, I love the crisp evenings.

Oh guess what, there was a rattle snake near the pool last night! Un... believable, I had just walked in the area then my husband and when my youngest walked by he started yelling "What's that sound, sure enough it was a rattler!

Well, that's country living for you!

Good night dears*

xo

me

Frame of the Gate*

I hope your weekend is going to be great! I am in Frame Love right now...

We have been using a temporary construction gate on our driveway entrance since we fenced the property a few years ago.

It hasn't been fun to have to get out of the car and manually unlock and open and close the gates every time you pass through coming and going several times a day!!

We have been dreaming about our gates for years. {Well I have}

Finally we have designed them and they are in process. Here is a picture of the frame so far. It is a mock up and we are loving it.

I have been emailing France for weeks and everywhere for the findings for it.

What a process! It is a lot of work, I guess I could just buy one from a catalog or let the gate people design it but I can't do that!

This is my one chance to design it and get it right!

I'm looking forward to seeing our design become gates.

I get Sooo excited about these things!

My design tip: Educate yourself on the process and make sure your choice complements the architectural style. Don't buy something just because it was a good deal.

Have a beautiful day!

xo,

me

On bended knee...

Today as we all remember where we were... I remember just staring at the TV and trying to digest every word. My youngest son was two and still sleeping my oldest son was eleven. I was thinking...how do I explain to them the reality of what is happening without scaring them. It was tough, we just prayed for the families and stayed silent. I didn't have any answers to offer them.

Today as we were driving home from Yuma, Az I saw flags everywhere.. There was a farmer who had them on all the irrigation posts .. Seemed like a mile. As we approached the stadium area where the Chargers were staring their home opener we were listening to the radio announcements and saw the planes fly over us on the freeway as they left the stadium.

They said 67,000 people in the stands were given flags and were all waving them. How beautiful.

I think we all were on bended knee today in remembrance and respect.

We will never forget.

God Bless America*

xo,

me

Who turned off the lights?

Last night I tried to write this post but my 3-g was out of charge and I couldn't post it!

San Diego and all of so cal including the Oc were out of power, all the way to some areas of Phoenix.

I was sitting in the dark with candles upstairs with the french doors open, hoping for a breeze!

The air was sooo still.

I could see the whole city of Encinitas down to La Jolla and it was dark and eerie.

We made it through fine, it was so romantic with the candles everywhere! Our house smelled so good from the scented candles! My son in AZ was also out of power at college. I was worried about the heat there for him. It was good to hear his voice on the phone, he said he was fine and that Yuma was lit up like 4th of July with all the generators.

Have a great day and thankful for the electric.

Kids are happy they got the day off from school!

xo,

me

Cocktail Hour poolside*

What a beautiful summer day it was here in So Cal... I have a special guest here tonight, my cousin Mary! We made dinner together and celebrated my birthday. She brought a custom Kimtini cocktail!

What is it you ask... Well it is named in honor of my cousin Mary's sweet friend Kim.

My cousin was visiting Kim and when she left to come here she sent a batch with her.

The recipe is simply fresh squeezed lemon, premium russian vodka, a little sugar to taste and a crushed fresh sprig of mint. We used fresh chocolate mint from my herb garden and it was pretty and delicious.

We chilled the glasses and rimmed them with sugar for an extra sweet sip!

So there you have it, a Kimtini!!

Have a great start of the week....If you want to try this cocktail poolside or just in the back yard you will love it!

Cheers to Kim and all of you!

xo,

me

Lovin my Birthday morning*

This morning I woke up to the sun rising, I looked at the time it was 6:12 am and streaming in my bedroom window.

I thought to myself what a beautiful morning. I began thinking it's my birthday Yeah**

I started reflecting on all my birthday's and how they began from the moment I woke up.. I remember my mom always kissing me and saying Happy Birthday BOO BOO, that was my nick name she called me... My dad used to sing It's a beautiful morning, so sweet {though he used to sing that about every morning}!!! I miss them dearly and wish I could hear those voices...

I always remember beautiful days, I don't recall it ever raining on my Birthday.

August is the best month ever! It is my favorite..

I got up and made Nespresso in my new little pixie, It is going to be a beautiful day!

Happy Birthday to all of you who share my day. Please let me know if it's your birthday too.

We're Virgos!

A pic from my modeling archives*

Have a Beautiful day*

xo,

me

Our Wedding Anniversary*

Today we our celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary!

It was a beautiful day and everything was exactly as I had dreamed! I designed my dress and planned every detail and it was so worth it and that's just what I love to do I could never let anyone else plan our day that wouldn't be me at all!!

It is hard to believe that it was that long ago.

I have my king Daddy home from the hospital last night. He is doing pretty well. A long first week but he is recovering from his surgery well.

I will be glad next year when we will be able to dance with me on our 25th!

We are spending the day just being together and am thankful he's home here with me.

Here are a few pics from our wedding. If you want to see more you can visit my posts from August 2010 where I shared alot last year.

Have a beautiful day filled with love*

xo,

me

Legs, Knees Pretty Please!

This week has been very busy and the topic around my house is LEGS,KNEES & PRETTY PLEASE!

Whats up you ask? Well...trying to be that everything gal, my little pop-warner football player has to make weight so working him out and dieting to be 100 lbs for sat....,my oldest college QB is having his preseason scrimmages and sadly I can't be there and the king Daddy ex player is in the hospital! Oh and trying to work,take care of the dog, house and well you know everything No complaints here..I have it all under control!!

We sometimes hear the line... he didn't have a leg to stand on,wow did that happen this week...

After years of pain and discomfort from playing sports it was time for my husband who had been contemplating surgery to go for it. He had total knee replacement surgery on both knees on monday afternoon. It was a long surgery but the doctor said he was in bad need of the surgery, and didn't know how he made it so long with the shape they were in. His doctor said he expects him to recover well from this and be out of pain. I asked pretty please return him home to us able to do what he loves.

The worst is over and I'm grateful he did both. Why do it twice, get it over with and move on.

It really makes you appreciate how important our legs and knees are. They support us for life and they also support us psychologically. When our legs are strong they move us in directions that are productive and self sufficient.

I love that he will be strong and will get up and down without pain and take walks on the beach and of course up and down the ladder with a beam on one shoulder. I'll have a sweet icetea ready and a kiss to thank him!

The pic is my legs in advertisement from my modeling archives!

Have a beautiful day and remember how grateful we are for strong healthy legs and knees...

xo,

me

My Favorite Sea Legend "Jacques Cousteau"

This is a world record post for me so bare with me... my funny little story I thought y'all might like!

My son was talking about a series on TV called Shark week .

So I began thinking of a pretty awesome Modeling campaign I did for The Cousteau Society and Us Divers.

The day started by taking a small boat with a makeup person, stylist and myself out of off Long Beach Harbor to this Huge vessel. We were lifted up to this boat and were greeted by Jean-Michel Cousteau, Jacques son and Dominic his lead diver.

Jacques was supposed to be there they though he would be meeting us by a small boat too. They had just received a telegram on the boat that he was in France and had an emergency to tend to.

Our location was Catalina Island , It was a beautiful winter day {Jan} The water was so calm and clear. The campaign was for Us Divers I had to get into this shark tank and be lowered into the water about to my knees! Yeah... Scary! The rest of the shoot was on the boat and on land another day. The boat was on it's maiden voyage. It was just built for Jacques in France.

After the shoot Jean-Michel and Dominic asked me if I have ever dove. I said no.. Oh,will suit you up and we would love to take you on your first dive!!! I stood there and was so excited, guess what I said... No Thank you. I was terrified because I didn't know any of them and I thought to myself what if something happens...They kept trying to persuade me and said we aren't going to let anything happen to you!

Can you believe I was such a chicken!!!

Anyway they dove down and got sea urchins and pulled a knife out and just ate it in the water! Of course I politely said No Thank you to that too.. I'll wait for dinner, I said!

On they way back the staff and chef prepared a fabulous dinner and we all sat together around this long table in the dining galley and I couldn't stop thinking about{my Dad} and how cute everything was. The china had their monogram on them and the stemware were etched... You know I wanted to ask for a place setting sooo bad!!!

I regret not asking for a plate!

They gave me a t-shirt to change into and I wore it at dinner.. LOVED LOVE LOVED it. I almost wore it out... now I don't wear it anymore because I want to save it just for the memory!

Sooo when I told my fiance {FYI this didn't go over well...} and my parents about the shoot and that they wanted to give me my first diving lesson and I said No Thank You they couldn't believe it.. I tried to explain to my Fiance that if he was there I would of... He said to me.. HONEY, you were with the most experienced divers in the world, It doesn't get any better than that... He was so right. Yikes I surely missed an opportunity of a lifetime!.

Enjoy the snapshots from my camera taken from the shoot. Jean-Michel has the grey beard a beautiful man and so much like his father. Dominic in the water with his sea urchin snack!

A little bio on My Favorite Sea Legend*

French born Jacques Cousteau was the explorer of the Worlds Oceans.

He dubbed it as "The Blue Continent". He was a story teller, movie maker, underwater marine ecologist and scientific observer. He was fascinated with and explored shipwrecks, he made his first underwater film entitled "Shipwrecks". During his trips he filmed movies. All of which he won academy awards for.

He later in his career, saw the result of nuclear waste being dumped into our bodies of water and he carried out many public campaigns against it.

In his name, the Cousteau Society was founded,which would work to protect marine life.

Jacques was awarded the UN environmental prize and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Ronald Reagan. Also known for his and his inventions, the aqua-lung underwater breathing machine,underwater camera gear that was then bought by Nikon.

My dad loved him, we watched all his explorations and I wished my dad could of been with me on my amazing booking! He talked about it for years and he asked me to describe the ship and the details of my day over and over!

Thankful for the my personal and awesome memory... I have so much respect for Jacques Cousteau and his team for what they have contributed to the world.

He shared with us his experiences through his documentaries and his work.

Let's keep his legacy alive...and keep our waters and earth clean*

xo,

me

P.S. I still get teased about not accepting the lesson !!!!