Home Parisienne Collection

A few years ago, Target had this gorgeous collection. But my hubby and I weren't looking to buy outdoor furniture. We didn't own a home. We were living in student housing on campus. And well, it just wasn't on our radar. But I remember really liking the set. And I saved the pictures on my computer. You know, for the day when we would be looking.

This is the bistro set. Perfect for our little garden area, off of our bedroom. It's just a little space, right outside our French doors.

This amazing Dining Set. Perfect for BBQs, and just when we have people over!

And lastly, the conversational/lounge furniture. I really do like this set!

There is something about the style of this set. I really like it. The wrought iron. The color and size of the cushions. But you know it. Now that we are looking for some good outdoor furniture, Target no longer sells this set.

But we still want to buy something similar. I've looked high and low. And I just can't find anything. We want a full set that matches. We don't mind buying it in sections. That's the way Target once sold it. But we want something that matches across the board. Can you help? If you've seen something similar, can you leave me a message? Or sent me an email. Thanks!

Happy Love Day!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! My hubby and I celebrated over the weekend. With a special little trip. We rented a cabin in the mountains. And just "hung out." It was so nice to get away for a few days. With no stress. Or urgent feelings to do all kinds of things.

Tonight, we're going to watch a movie, and have a simple meal. Doesn't that just sound so amazing? I think so. It's something that we should do more often. Just enjoy each other's company. And we're going to do that tonight. :)

The Big Freeze

We're in the middle of the "Big Freeze" around here. It's actually a really big deal. Being that we live in the desert. And we now have between 6-12 inches of snow in our yard. No lie! Our back yard is a little ridiculous at the moment.

The temperatures are ridiculously cold. There is a gas shortage. As in natural gas, for heat. And we are in the middle of "Rolling Blackouts." Because we have 2 power grids that our down. Our electricity is now coming from a neighboring state. It's pretty bad.

We didn't have time enough to cover up our plants. So I hope they make it. My hubby was out in the snow storm last night, covering up pipes. It came that quickly! And luckily, thus far, we haven't had frozen or busted pipes. Thank goodness!

But everything around us is closed. Like I said, we live in the desert. We have no snow plows. No salt trucks. Nothing. It's bad. Funny how we got more snow than our hometown. Which is a few hundred miles north of us. They're used to the snow. Equipped to handle it. But still our state is literally in a "State of the Emergency" situation.

So my hubby and I are "hunkering down" for the next few days. School, work, all that good stuff, has been cancelled! So we're going to watch some movies. Figure out a way to make some dinner. And I'll probably get a lot of crocheting done.

I'm just glad that our pantry is fully stocked. And we're relatively well off. You know, in this situation. We're also considered "northerners" around here. So we're used to snow and cold temperatures. Even if it's -10 outside! What else can we do? Just try and survive, to the best of our abilities.

Mother Nature is just trying to keep us on our toes!

Pretty Doilies

While I was scanning through Annie's Attic, I came across this book. Pineapple Doilies. And now I want it! I don't do a lot of thread crochet. But this book makes me want to start. Aren't these just the cutest? I think I'm going to go buy this beauty. I wonder if it's available at JoAnn's? I have a 40% off coupon. :)

Red Shoes

I've been looking for the perfect pair of red shoes. A little fancy. A lot of fun. But nothing that will break the bank. Honestly, something to wear for Valentine's Day.

I came across this imagine, and I really like these shoes. Can you help me find a similar pair? I've been searching online, without much luck. And I could really use the help. :)

Knitting

I'm starting to feel like Lola. I want to learn how to knit. Really badly! The "knitters" just seem to get all the really cute patterns. The patterns that I want to make. Can I knit? Can I think past the idea of crochet? Because this book, it is just screaming my name!

Yummy Crochet

Do you remember when I blogged about Twinkie Chan? It was a few years ago. As in, when I first started to blog. I really liked her work. But she didn't sell her patterns. And I was so sad!

I must have been under a rock or something. Because she has a book! I saw it today. When I was strolling around Barnes and Noble. I had to pick it up. No second thoughts. I just bought it!



All I can think of right now, is crocheting something yummy. This book just has me craving yarn to crochet with. And something sweet to eat! First on my list, those cupcakes!

What a Big Day!

Yesterday was a pretty big day for me. The kind of day that I've been looking forward to for a while. It gives me the chills just thinking about it. But, I went to apply for my diploma yesterday! :)



Yes, it shouldn't be that big of a deal. But it is. I have a bachelor's degree. But this is for my MBA! I'm so excited. It feels like it took forever. And I'm not even sure if I'll ever work. My hubby and I have kinda planned a family, post-graduation. And to be honest, I'd love to be a SAHM. But it feels incredible to accomplish this! I can't wait until May when I graduate!

Look What I Got!!!

This beauty is mine. :) I've wanted a Serger for so long! And my hubby got me a Singer Serger for Christmas. I just can't wait to start using it. I'm seriously itching to just play with my Serger. You know, get to know it. Because it seriously looks like so much fun! I'm still in shock. I can't believe I own a Serger!

Happy New Year!

What a year! Last year, well it ended pretty crazy. And we're just hoping for a much better year in 2011. Today, I just want to think of all my family and friends. And just be grateful that we're all healthy. And the my Tio is on the road to recovery. Such a blessing!

And to all of you out there, Happy New Year! May it be filled with all your dreams, good health, and lots of happiness!

Merry Christmas

This is definitely not the Christmas we had imagined. Not the quiet holiday, with just my hubby and I. But we are still surrounded by love. And more importantly, by family. And our Tio is holding on. That's the most important thing.

What a tough holiday it is. You never expect that your family is going to be struggling at this time of year. That you will know someone who is fighting for their life. Or that you are planning on spending the day in a hospital. But we're family. And when times get tough, we stick together. And that is just what we are going to do. Stick together. Support our Tia and Tio. And our prima.

Please say a few extra prayers. My Tio desperately needs them. He is not getting worse, but he's still in ICU. It's a tough time for our family. And we could use all the love and support we can get.

Merry Christmas!

Please Pray

Late last night, we got the call. And immediately we were packing a bag and getting on the road. It had to be the longest 200+ mile, 3 hour drive that my hubby and I have ever made. My prima had called. Her Dad, our Tio, was in the hospital. And they didn't know if he was going to make it.

He's in the ICU. Literally fighting for his life. My Tia and Prima are at his side. And all we ask, is that you keep him in your prayers. They still don't know what caused his illness. Or if he will pull out of it. He's hooked up to so many machines. And we just don't have any answers.

Please, say an extra prayer for him. Just take a second to remember him. That's all I'm asking my readers. My Tio is such a special man. He has such a HUGE Heart! And is always doing wonderful things for everyone. He needs to make it. And we need to be here for him.

Winner!

And the winner to my giveaway is... #79, Maggie! Congratulations! Send me your information, so I can get your package out to you. I'd love for you to receive it before Christmas.

I had such a fun time doing this giveaway. I'm definitely going to have to host more. And soon! I don't want to wait for big things like this. Maybe I'll start some kind of "Giveaway Schedule" or something.

But I did want to say Thank You to everyone that entered. I wish that I could send everyone something. Please visit again. And hopefully, you'll win the next giveaway.

Red and Aqua Christmas

With Christmas just 10 days away, I'm allowing myself to dream a little. And when I came across this picture, well I was just so giddy inside!



For as long as I can remember, Red and Aqua have been my favorite color combination. Our kitchen is decorated in this combo. And I just love it. But to see Christmas inspired pictures...well that just made my day!

Now I have tons of ideas for next year. I just need to start getting everything together. How fun is it going to be, to decorate just like this. These colors really do make me smile!

Giveaway Day!

Woo hoo! I'm so excited about Giveaway Day! I honestly don't know if I'm more excited about hosting a giveaway, or getting to enter all the good giveaways!

But to get down to business here. My giveaway is for a baby blanket. A yellow and white one. I thought that would be a bit more fair. :)

Here is a close up. It's a little more true to color. Ya, don't forget to take your pictures ahead of time. Like me. I just took these, and it's after midnight here. So the lighting isn't the best.

And this is a shot of the blanket. I hadn't noticed how crooked it is. But you get the idea. :)

All you have to do is leave me a message with your favorite Etsy shop. I'm always looking for new places to shop at Etsy. You have until midnight December 19th. Good luck everyone!

Oh, and don't forget to go by my tia's blog, and my prima's blog. They're both hosting wonderful giveaways too!

Cowboy Boots

I recently "splurged." And I bought a pair of Cowboy Boots. Very similar to this pair. And they are so comfy! I've always had at least one pair of Cowboy boots in my closet. The real ones. The kind you go to an actual Western Store for. But when my last pair wore out, I never replaced them.

And what a shame. I hadn't realized just how much I missed wearing boots! They are so comfy! I'm glad I invested in another pair. And I just might have to go out and get me another pair. A pair of brown ones. It's really nice living close by the outlets. We have lots of big outlets not far from where we live. And you can get some really good prices. But there is one thing that is for sure, nothing, and I mean nothing compares to the comfort of a good pair of boots!

New Guest Room

We've slowly been putting our home together. And some things, have just taken a lot longer than others. But finally, after a Black Friday Sale, my hubby and I agreeing, and a deal we couldn't pass up...we finished our Guest Room.



This is the bedding set that we picked out. With curtains, a rug, and a set of lamps, we paid under $200. I don't feel so bad now. We didn't break the bank. And our guests finally have a room that is "put together." It feels nice. 2 guests rooms done!

Honestly, I use to feel bad when people would stay with us. Especially my parents and my in-laws. But now, I feel good. They have pretty and comfy rooms to stay in. Nothing could feel better!

Now if we could just finish the rest of the house...

2 Magical Years!

I'm still amazed. It's been 2 years since I married my best friend, lover, man of my dreams. Fern is honestly, the most amazing man I know. He is so kind and gentle when I need him to be. But "tough as nails," when I need a good kick in the butt!

I can't believe how quickly time is going by. It's just flying! And I'm not sure where it's all going. I feel like it was just yesterday, when we met. And fell in love. But somehow, we're those "married folks." Are we still "Newlyweds." Does that end after 2 years? I don't think so! Especially since it feels like we just got married.

My favorite parts of the day, still include my hubby. Like when we're sharing a quick breakfast before he goes to work, and I head to school. Those quiet moments over coffee. When my sleepy eyes meet Fern's. Or when we're laying in bed. Falling asleep. And my hubby is whispering "sweet nothings" into my ear. Absolute perfection!

I just can't imagine my life without Fern in it. I can't imagine growing old with anyone else. No one. He's the man that makes me a better woman. The person that challenges me. And loves me. Regardless of the things I do.

I don't know if it's possible. But I swear, I love my hubby more with each passing day. I LOVE this chapter in our lives. Just the two us of. Learning so much about each other. Our love growing and getting stronger. I know without any doubt in my mind, I married my best friend 2 years ago.

Happy Anniversary Fern!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is truly one of my favorite days of the year. When we celebrate our family and friends. Our "togetherness." And we're just happy to break bread together. It's a magical day.

My hubby and I feel so grateful to spend this day with all of our family and friends. To share a meal. And to be part of "the bigger picture." It's important "to grow our relationships." And to make tighter and stronger bonds with each other.

On this day, I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! That you may have plenty of delicious food. And lots of "togetherness" with the ones you love!

A Royal Wedding

So what do you think of the upcoming Royal Wedding? I'm really excited! This should be a pretty wonderful affair. Maybe not as over the top as Princess Di's wedding. But still very grand.

I also like the fact that Prince William asked Kate with his mother's engagement ring. That's just a beautiful gesture. And a nice way to incorporate her into the mix of things.

Another thing that I just have to say, didn't Kate just look amazing at the announcement? I think I'm really becoming a fan of this color of blue. At least for clothes. So stunning! I wish the happy couple many years of happiness, love and health.