Blondie 'N' SC

Mornings~

A few years ao, I used to wake up, lay in bed, stare at the ceiling and think. I would stay there a while, trying to figure out what the impending feeling of doom I felt in my stomach was all about, or why at 6:00 am I was already worried. About Everything.

I remember waking each morning, waiting to see how I felt before I got up and started my morning ritual of getting ready and heading off to work. Day in day out, those feelings would take over my days, pervade the good thoughts and leave me feeling really unsettled.

Really ugly.

Really awful.

 

 

It has been years since I felt that way, on a daily basis that is. Years since endless worry took over anything good to come, but yesterday I woke up feeling that way. It caught me off guard and I wasn't sure how to respond. I tossed and turned for a few hours in the wee of the morning, dreaming horrible dreams, hoping sleep would take over and leave me there. The alarm went off at 5:15 am and I slowly emerged from my bed, continued my morning ritual and slowly drove to work. 

I sat at my desk reading your wonderful blogs, and not finding the connection that I seem to find with so many of you. Work seemed daunting, and I missed my baby terribly, even his "momma, what's that" comments. 

I felt inadequate.

I felt like I didn't measure up.

I felt like my life was being wasted away behind this desk.

I felt like I was missing out on something wonderful.

 I felt a little sick to my stomach, remembering my life when these feelings used to creep in daily.

I was grumpy.

I was Moody.

I was dark & I don't like being dark.

I suppose some days I just have to let it ride, realizing not every day can be peaches and cream.

{which they aren't}

I need to realize that even though these feeling bring me back to a dark place in my life, I am not in that place anymore.

I have been freed from those burdens.

I have made better choices, decisions and learned from my mistakes.

I suppose I am given days like this to remind me of how far I have come, and remind me that I don't want to go back to enduring those MORNINGS.

I love being free.

I love being a mommy.

I love having the pool man next to me.

I love that at times I don't measure up, because it makes me work harder to be a better person, a better friend, a better daughter and a better wife.

Makes me work towards a better life in general.

Morning like this Help me to grow continuously.

Tomorrow will be a new day.

 A new day to make some changes, to make decisions, to make my life happen.

So with these impending feelings of worry and doom temporarily settling in,

I promise to see the beauty in each step I take.

I promise to take small moments with my son and cherish them immensely.

I promise to kiss the pool man an extra time, just for the fun of it.

I promise to breath in the salty sea air a little slower.

To bask in the sunshine just a little bit longer...

& sip my sweet lemonade just a little slower.

For now I will sit in my MORNING, as it is always a reminder that life is meant to be cherished:

 ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Sweet blessings from SC~

XOXO~

 

P.S. Wishing you a wonderful weekend...see you soon~

Muwahhh~

{photos from fabbrunette}

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Clutch~

Morning chickadees!

It is already Thursday, which means the weekend is right around the corner......can I get a round of applause?

When the pool man and I get that occasional night out, or I have the opportunity to meet the girls for drinks & dinner, my purse always becomes a dilemma. Do I want to carry in my huge purse with baby wipes, brushes, crushed golf fish, gum, and random matchbox cars when really all I need is money, my phone and ID! 

 Even holding those 3 items is too much and most of them time the pool man huffs and puffs if I ask him to hold anything in his pockets. So What is my solution?

The clutch~

And Etsy has so many really cute handmade ones!

~ The Classic Pleated Clutch~

  

~ Fall Festival~

 

~ Koto Clutch~

 

~Red Peony Clutch~

  

~Kayla Collection~

 

~ The Hounds tooth Clutch~

 

~ Tattoo Art Floral Clutch~

 

Of course, one cannot rule out a LINEN clutch~

 

Rejive

 

~Bow Clutch~

And, I have to include Vintage in my clutch search as well or this post wouldn't be complete~

 

~Recycled Quilted Clutch~

  

~Vintage lace Clutch~

 

~Three Hearts Clutch~

I believe my problem is solved, now I just need to decide which one to buy!

Happy clutching girls!

I think I totally just made that word up, but I like it, sounds like I am actually doing something productive!

And before I go, Grace is having a really cool giveaway on her blog to celebrate her 100th post!

I dare ya to pop on over and say Hello! 

XOXO~

 

P.S. I love this quote!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's that, Momma~

Lately conversations between my son and I sound something like this:

"Momma, what's that?"

An airplane

"Momma, What's that?"

A snail

"Momma, what's that?"

The lawn mower next door.

"Momma, what's that?

Greg howling at the ambulance.

"Momma, What's that?"

A Dinosaur

"Momma, what's that?"

An alien, and if you aren't good he might come down in his space ship and get you!

Now move it chopsticks, up the stairs we go to the bath, you stink!

This scenario plays on and on and on and on...pretty much all DAY long.

My son is only 2, I didn't think conversations like this started til he was 3 or 4. Needless to say, I was caught way off guard and most days I have a lot of patients, and I answer all of his questions but yesterday may have been the topper of all chattiness for him as we were wandering through the thrift stores. I do realize he is just inquiring because his little mind is going a million miles per hour taking it all in, and for that I am so thankful, but telling a 2 year old over and over and over, that "that" is a Tree or a flower or a grizzly bear, you would think he would know by now, right? Sheesh! Te hee!

I know many of you have small kiddos at home, so inquiring minds like mine want to know what STAGE you are going through? I am super excited for the "Momma, but why?" Stage! Oh yeah, I can't wait for that one!

And the funny thing that really gets me about this whole momma, what's that stage, is how come it never includes daddy? How did he get a one way ticket out of this show? I think the pool man and I need to have a little talk or perhaps an interrogation just to make sure there was no bribing going on between the two of them!

Cheers to the curious mind of a 2 year old!

 

P.S. It is absolutely amazing what 4 days off in a row does for me, I seem to play better with others and my patients for playing with tractors and dirt grows tremendously...however, snails...that is a whole other story. Ewww, pluk!

I wonder what a week would do for my soul?

I think I should try that one out, real soon! **wink wink!

Beach Town~

It was a crazy weekend here in our little beach town with the celebration for the 4th of July. Since I took Monday off I decided to pack up the baby, the dog and my camera to take some photos of the Calm after the Storm, so to speak.

I longed to live in San Clemente for quite a few years and now that I do I try not to take it's beauty for-granted. Sometimes it is the little things that make our beach town so special.

 

Small restaurants like the Village~

 

Vivid colors lining the streets~

 

Locale Coffee shoppes~

 

Locale Flower shoppes~

 

Locale Surf shoppes~

 

Locale solider remembrance parks~

 

Locale hotels just steps away from the water~

 

What makes me so thankful that I am able to live here is the ability to hop in the car and drive 5 minutes to scenes like this:

 

Scenes that can literally take your breath away.

To able to take my son for walks on the pier~

 

 

 

To able to look up and not care that the sun is hiding or sleeping as I tell my son, but to see large Palm trees, graceful seagulls & breath in the salty sea air~

 

There is no scene better to me, no scene more complete then the ocean~

 

Beauty beyond measure~

 

A quiet still that pervades the air~

A place you can spend the whole day and feel refreshed the next~

 

A place to soothe the aching soul~

 

And hide special memories~

 

Or share new ones~

 

It seems when I pick up my camera, and really SEE my little Beach town, I am reminded of it's beauty all over again.

So today, I challenge you to find the beauty where you live and to share it with us!

Don't worry about the quality of the photos, or who is in them or how many pictures you take, just be there, be in the beauty, you might be surprised what you come home with!

XOXO~

 

 

 

 

Linen & Ruffles~

Hi Girls!

So glad you are here, I have been so excited all weekend to show you my little purchase that happened to arrive last Friday!

But 1st, how was your weekend?

Did you have a wonderful 4th of July?

How were those fireworks, rockin' or what?

To be honest, we had a very quiet 4th, just the 3 of us, playing, eating and sunning!

It was wonderful, so wonderful I happen to also be off of work on Monday!

I have no idea how that happened...nope, no idea!

Yippeee!!

Now on to the meat & Potatoes of this blog post.

If you have been reading this silly ole blog for time now, then for one you know that I ramble  A LOT probably more then I should, and two that I am completely smitten with ruffles and linen. **sigh**

A week or so ago I told you that I bought something that I was feeling a little guilty about, probably spent way more then I should have but for some reason I just couldn't resist!

You might also remember my dining room chairs look something like this:

Vintage set of 4~

#'s on the back~

Linen bows from Lola' B's Boutique

& 

 Pillows from White Twig  

You would think that would be enough, huh?

Well, my ruffle craving, linen obsessed self had to take them one step further and now girls, now I can say I am completely, and utterly in love with my vintage dining room table.

I am so giddy...Are you ready???

Ok, deep breath....

Ta Da!

 

 

 

Ahhh, love, love, love them. Hand made, delicately sewn, ruffles and bows galore, what more could a girl ask for???

I know I am totally silly for getting white linen but I really really wanted it, so I went for it, and I have threatened both the pool man and my little punk with the idea that they both can be sold at a very fair price if ANYTHING Happens to my chair covers!

I would sell the pool man 1st of course...

Ahh just kidding...

kinda of...

Well maybe. :)

Being the loving daughter I am, I also persuaded my parents to purchase some pillows from the same lady that fulfilled my ruffle craving for their beach cottage:

 

 

And i think they will fit perfectly in their new house!

So, now that I have depleted my savings account for linen and ruffles, if you will excuse me I need to go and look for a part time job!

Just kidding...

Well kinda...

maybe! Te hee...

The things I won't do for a little bit of girly in my nest filled with boys!

Hey do you think my ruffled seat covers fit in with my new whimsy obsession?

Just checkin'!

Off to make the pool man another 5 minute chocolate cake in a cup!

Ta Ta, see you Tuesday!

XOXO~

 

P.S. I got the beach cottage pillows and the ruffly linen seat covers here!

 

 

 

 

Perfectly Patriotic~

Here is where I confess...I love the 4th of July, love what it stands for and the reason we celebrate. i love that I get Friday off to spend with my family, and I love that such a wonderful holiday allows for bbq's, friends, and fruity drinks...

However, here is my confession, I don't decorate..I never have for the 4th. I know, I know, I know I need to work on that, I also need to work on the laundry, so maybe one day I will get my act together. So before i leave for the celebrating I thought I would share some fun 4th of July decor with you just in case you got all your laundry done and have some extra time on your hands...

{add sarcastic snicker here}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of these projects can be found here. Happy crafting in your SPARE time! Te hee! 

Oh and before I go to celebrate, I just had to laugh, I loves Martha's enthusiasm and her willingness to make us all feel so inadequate...I got a good chuckle out of this here little photo:

 

According to Martha, when you come to visit my cottage, your sleeping quarters will be outfitted in the finest linens, and decor. Towels will be hung perfectly in the bathroom, slippers will be placed by your bedside so the cold tile floor doesn't send a unwelcoming chill up your spine, water glasses and blooms will be freshly placed by your bedside and a wake up call can be arranged with the night nurse.

 

Oh and wait, upon your departure, I will have a small token of my affection and perfect baking skills waiting by the door as a snack for your long journey home!

GAG me! Sorry was that to blunt?

Your welcome to stay at my cottage anytime. Really you are. I welcome you with open arms... just bring your own slippers, and don't think for one second I am baking you something for your departure, I hardly bake for the pool man & his feeling would be hurt..... oh and the blooms may be gently placed by your bedside, just ignore the petals that have been torn off by my 2 year old...& the cat hair that litters the bedspread, try to ignore that too....

Also that wake up call...Uhm, yeah the night nurse retired a few years ago {we are still searching for her replacement}, hence the piles of laundry waiting to be washed. Therefore, you will have to ignore those piles as well...try not to TRIP over them on your way down the hall to your room...remember there is no night nurse to help sooth your wounds.

But, COME On OVER, we would love to have ya!

Now go, have a wonderful 4th of July!!!

Let the celebrating begin!

 I get out of the office at 3, can happy hour start at 3:01?

Just curious!

Cheers!

 

P.S. Be safe... TA TA!

 

 

Impressions~

On occasion I come across a couple photos that really leave a solid impression in the back of my mind and heart that fuel the fire beneath My Dreams. A photo here, a treasure there and the wheels start to turning.

 Lately those wheels have been turning like a large steam engine and I get all fired up inside, to the point I can't sleep with the 100's of ideas fluttering through my mind. I know so many of you can relate. So today, I would love to share a few photos that really get my engines moving and the spontaneous side of me wants to quit my job and follow My Dreams....but the rational side always wins (I hate that rational side, really I do!)

So with that crazy messiness I just spewed out of my mouth, off we go with what i consider constant motivation to follow My dreams:

 

 

 

 

 

I am still looking for a chandelier like this...No luck and yup, you know what that means...

TANTRUMS....ACK, Pluk...so childish I know, I know i know!

Deep breath....and exhale.

Now, are you ready?

These last few images....sum up what makes me Giddy like a school girl and what My Dreams are made of:

 

 A little different then what you had in mind?

No...

GOOD!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Say the least, I realize that each set of photos above convey very different styles, textures, colors and visions, but they all leave these silly little impressions on my heart...i am whisked away to la ~la~ land...and I certainly love how that feels! I think they also serve Margaritas in La~la ~ land as well, i'm just sayin'.

You wanna join me?

And with that...

I am motivated to move, to scheme, to plan and to follow My Dreams.

So if you will excuse me, I off to do all of the above!

Cheers to following what leaves impressions on your heart!

Psstt, did i tell you I have Friday July 3rd off from work???

Snoopy dance followed by a Pirouette piquee added here.

The week is looking better and better!

Cheers big ears!

 

P.S. Mom, are you there? Look closely....**wink wink**

{Photos via: Atlanta Bartlett;  Coastal Living ; Country Living}

 

 

 

La Petite Chocolate Cake~

Well hello there...so glad you came back!

It was the whole Chocolate cake scenario, huh?

I KNEW IT!

Let's not waste any time, and get to it....

This here sweet, delicate piece of chocolate cake took me exactly 5 minutes to make.

Go ahead and read that one more time....

YUP, 5 minutes, less time then it takes to get my 2 year old dressed, and let's not talk about how long it takes to get him out of the house, that is a whole other story.

Here is what you will need:

4 Tablespoons flour

4 Tablespoons Sugar

2 Tablespoons cocoa

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons milk

3 Tablespoons Oil

3 Tablespoons chocolate chips (optional, but really? why not?)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 Large coffee mug (microwave safe)

Here is what you have to do:

Add dry ingredients to much and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, and yup, you got it...mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

{make sure not to over cook, cake will come out dry}

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!!

Allow to cool a little, tip chocolate cake out onto a plate if desired.

And...

Indulge!

( I suppose you could share, that would be stupid, but you could!)

Now if you lived in my Nest and lived with the pool man, I am sorry.

Whoops I mean, Two of these chocolate wonders would be made as 1 serving, with chocolate ice cream on the side and if it was a Saturday, or really any day that ends in "Y", chocolate icing would be heated and drizzled on top as well....perhaps with a dollop of whip cream...& no, there is no sharing in my Nest.

Get your own!

Happy cake eating darlings...

See you soon!

 

P.S. if anyone can tell me where to find these sweet little chair drawings, I would be ever so thankful, I am a bit obsessed and frustrated I can't find them...you would make the pool man happy too, 'cause I would stop throwing temper tantrums all over the house.

 

Ta Ta!

 

 

 

 

Garden Elements~

Howdy ho girls!

How are ya??

Did the weekend fly by or what? Wowzers...

I always forget that I live where people vacation, and this weekend it was evident that summer is here as everyone flocked to the beach. The sand was packed with sunbathers, surfers and sand castle builders a like... I am so fortunate to live where I do, and I try not to take it for-granted!

Speaking of being fortunate, a few weekends ago, my best friend and I had an hour or so to walk around some small shoppes in San Juan Capistrano after brunch with the girls and get this, hold on to your seats we were able to shop sans children and husbands..sigh...it was wonderful. However I might have embarrassed my friend with my picture taking, but it sure was worth it...

 As I was checking out the treasures and snapping photos it occurred to me, that one of my favorite elements, besides whimsy now a days to add to my Nest include vintage architectural/garden elements. I love the feel of rusted baskets:

 

Chippy paint candle sticks:

Old garden tools:

 

And wrought iron benches:

 

The endless possibilities for Vintage Wooden boxes:

 

 

Filled with assorted plants and flowers:

 

The cottage appeal of Vintage step ladders always catch my attention & for $10.00 this one was a steal:

 

Old fire engines:

 

And perfectly sized salvaged Glass containers to hold buttons, vintage game pieces, ribbon or pens:

 

I almost grabbed a couple of these for myself as they were only $7.00....but I was a good girl and left them there with hopes to return soon. Very.soon.

Wouldn't some of your garden roses look fantastic in a couple of those salvaged glass jars?

 

 

Or in a metal white bucket?

 

Garden succulents could be found by the cup full:

 

Or the pallet full:

 

The garden herbs smelled wonderful as well, but it was the chair that really caught my attention:

 

 

Of course whimsical pieces could be found nearby:

 

 I firmly believe every nest needs a sign like this, just as a reminder that sometimes, just sometimes it is ok to:

 

 

My favorite spot of the day included these old bistro chairs that sat out front of a quaint little restaurant:

 

How perfect would these be on a wrap around porch with some burlap pillows for comfort?

After writing this post I think I have convinced myself to run over and pick up some of those little salvaged glass jars, and I also think I have convinced myself that another day of brunching with the girls and shopping with my BFF is in order!

Uhh Oh, it looks like i am being called to duty as my son just decided to poop, yup you read that right, poop on the floor...really? Potty training is super fabulous, I love it!

Cheers to garden elements, brunching with the girls and a shopping trip to inspire !

XOXO~

 

P.S. Swing back around tomorrow for some chocolate cake in a cup!

And, no I am not teasing you! Te hee!

Muwahhh...

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Perfect Weekend~

A Perfect weekend might contain a setting like this:

{via: Daisy Pink Cupcake}  

Or maybe a little of this:

 

And this:

 

{via: Atlanta Bartlett}

Or maybe some snuggling in a cozy room like this:

 

{via: Atlanta Bartlett}

Or some celebrating with friends:

 

Or kickin' it in my a wedding dress:

 

Or my Tutu:

 

{via: fab obsessed}

Or maybe just maybe spending the day aimlessly wandering around taking photos:

 

Or dressing up and being spontaneously beautiful with my best friend:

 

{via: Fab Obsessed}

However your weekend is spent & whom ever it may contain Live it to the Fullest!!!

Fill your arms with just one more bundle of pink peonies.

Run your toes through the sand and breath in the salty sea air.

Snuggle your babies just a little bit more.

Spend an extra half hour out in the garden.

And go for it, splurge on the extra glass of wine at dinner!

Muwahhh!!

Happy Friday!

Oh and Happy Birthday to my friend Tracy!

XO~

 

P.S. Grandma is taking my lil' punk on Saturday night...a night at the canals for him!

So you know what that means, one more glass of wine for me at dinner!

Yippee!

Cha~Cha~Cha~