Paper Dolls...Or Furniture?

As a child, I played for hours with paper dolls. Dreams of having lots of beautiful clothes and accessories would twirl around in my imagination. Sometimes wish I could just fold a few tabs and be instantly dressed - LOL! What about decorating? It would be great to have a grand selection of paper furniture and accessory that fit on a cardboard sample of one of my rooms. Sure, I have a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program and it's very helpful, but it isn't the same as paper...nor as easy, simple or fast. Would you rather play paper dolls or paper decor?

Woman of Mystery

February has me thinking of Love...and Mystery! Being *a woman of mystery* is not in my nature, but it sounds so romantic. This woman would be smart (I.Q. and emotionally), elegant and confident. She'd speak more than one language fluently and she'd be organized. Yes, organized. Imagine a sexy, mysterious woman frantically digging in her floppy, over-stuffed handbag trying to find her car keys or contact case? 
She'd be cosmopolitan (not the magazine; the definition). Occasionally she'd wear a vintage hat that shows one smokey eye and a hint of her ruby lips as she descends a grand staircase. What kind of home would she live in? What's one word you'd use to describe the woman of mystery?

Plastic or Paper?

This is moving crunch week! Ah, the humble, hard-working moving box. What does one do with them afterward? *Cricket sound* Yeah. Below are some pretty amazing ideas. Oh, by the way, we actually went with all new plastic color-coordinated bins because they're weather-proof, washable, reusable, non-mildew and stack-able inside each other without taking much storage room - important when you're downsizing. Ever make anything functional out of cardboard?

The Signs of Love

As a kid you found *love* was expressed in many unusual ways. Depending on your age, your admirer may have stuck his tongue out at you. This seems to be an enduring, international expression of love. *wink*   If you had long hair (like I did), he pulled your braids.  He may have passed you a note in class.  He may have shared his lunch. How about the Valentine class party? Your heart fluttered as you opened each cheap white envelope looking for HIS valentine. You read it and re-read it, right?  A *big spender* may give you a doll. There are endless expressions, but here are these examples.  Oh yeah, show me some love!

A Valentine Story with a Twist

He was truly in love with her, but he needed to show her in a tangible way. He was not a *man of means* so what could he offer her as a token of his love? He needed to REALLY impress her. The idea came to him and... It. Was. Brilliant...literally. The next day he felt the diamond ring. The yellow gold was so smooth....

"Hello. Is this Tony's mother?" the teacher asked.

"Yes it is."

"I thought I'd better call you. Your son brought a diamond ring to class today..." she began.

"A what?"

"Yes. He had it in his desk. He planned to give it to his little girlfriend," the teacher continued, "It looks like the engagement ring to a wedding set. It's a little extravagant for a first-grader." 

"A diamond ring....a DIAMOND ring...." Mom shook her head trying to comprehend it.

That night you better believe my brother was taught a lesson about love, giving and taking...especially his mom's first wedding set. Anyone else love diamonds or diamond-inspired decor? Diamond tufted headboard; Diamond-cut crystal votive; Diamond wallpaper; Diamond tufted footstool; Diamond pattern marble floor; Diamond tufted leather chair; Diamond patterned iron fence.

 

No Man...or Woman...Is An Island

I'm not rich, but I've had my own island for the last 20-plus years. Okay, kitchen island, but how did I get along without one? I do EVERYTHING on our 6 foot island, (which my honey custom built). The one in our previous home was an 8-foot long, beautifully customized island, but it didn't have a deep prep sink with a garbage disposal like our current island, so that was my request. In the Lake Community home, my honey and I each have a sink with a whisper-quiet disposal (photos 2-5). I can't tell you what a luxury a second sink and disposal is! Old Sweetwater will be a challenge to outfit with an island, but somehow...even if it's tiny, I want one. Anyone else blessed with *owning an island?* p.s. Everything is going smoothly so far and we should be moved before the end of February!

 

In the Pink...

This saying came from the 18th century and refers to something being perfect. To me, *in the pink* describes my mood today....maybe it's knowing Valentine's Day is coming soon? It's been my favorite holiday since I was a little girl! Maybe it's that the days are growing slightly longer? I also look forward to seeing all the Valentine roses. Anyone else *in the pink?* Pretty pink pillows; Pink rose teapot set; Pink Bombay chest; Pink Rose vintage gown to drink your tea in! Pink wallpaper; Pink Rose Bug; Pink Rose lamp (I have a white one); Pink Rose Chair; Pink Rug; The way I feel!