Boardinghouse

2010-11-10T21:42:00.004-06:00

I'm always good for a post in support of the CMAs.....

Good Job Miranda!!!! Us Texas Gals Luv Ya!!!!!!!!!!!

I've said you're the ONE for years!!!

GYPSIE VILLE LIVES

2010-10-30T18:20:00.001-05:00

BOOOOOOOO

2010-10-25T21:33:00.002-05:00

My sweet daughter asked me tonight why I no longer blogged. I responded, I do, when I have time. Then I paused a moment, and thought... I have time!!!!!
We so love Halloween at our house. We fancy ourselves to be quite creative....
We mask ourselves divinely.....

and dream of balls sublimely!!!!

2010-09-02T21:33:00.002-05:00

Why I love Tripp's friends......

He'd never share great shots like these.....

Thanks, my friend!!!

Pictured from left to right: The Sean Spicer, The T-Ripp Wells

2010-08-10T00:29:00.000-05:00

...a new place to dream

2010-08-08T13:17:00.000-05:00

2010-08-08T12:59:00.001-05:00

My baby now lives with the Tigers....

2010-07-16T22:25:00.002-05:00

This time last year I wished for a dreamy swing....

This time last year I made myself a dreamy swing....

This time last year I did not dream that my dreamy swing would still be propped in the garage. Does anyone know how to tie really good knots??!!

2010-07-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

Pleasant
Dreams...

2010-07-13T21:44:00.004-05:00

June 6, 2010.... HE MADE IT!!!! We have a Graduate!

Counting back - Send off to the "Harvard on the Bayou!"...

Senior Celebration

"the homecoming group 2006-2010"

Mix in some sister celebration!!!!!!

The Culmination!!! The JJ Pearce Class of 2010!!!

Proud Mom & brother!!

LSU orientation introduces us to Mike the Tiger...

Amazing Spanish Creole architecture....

Classic deep south heritage....

LSU

Tripp's future......

2010-06-12T17:01:00.003-05:00

Your life is on the scoarboard...

Go have a ball!!!

The score? A tie! Go USA!

2010-06-11T22:55:00.002-05:00

I love nothing more than finding a new source of eye candy, inspiration & desire...

Whippy Cake is my new yum, yum spot! Wouldn't you love to be the one to hand out these goodies????? Aren't you dying to know what is in them??!!!

Such fun and frivolity!

And divine-ness in tiers!!!!!!!!

2010-06-02T22:51:00.005-05:00

1966
The year of the horse....

Tiffany's Paloma Picasso Chinese Horoscope Horse Charm

Popular, cheerful, perceptive, tendency to talk to much, good with your hands, weakness for the opposite sex, impatient, hot blooded, independent, love of crowds.

Would my friends recognize me as such???

What's your sign????

2010-05-28T17:26:00.003-05:00

This is what I opened my front door to see this morning..... No, it is not an anniversary present from my mister (though I did wonder for a moment). It does, thankfully, belong to a neighbor's child.... hopefully, one not staying long, but the longer I looked at this poor neglected thing, the faster my mind began to spin ....

Everyone knows of my love of the AirStream ...

And my fascination with the Gypsy Wagon ....

Do you think the neighbor's decrepit camper could be made to look so grand???

I don't think I'll be making them any offers.

2010-05-26T21:12:00.004-05:00

Artfully original and wonderfully handcrafted, Marrika Nakk designs might just be my favorite. What will I be wearing to my baby's graduation??

The Rodeo Cinderella Skirt (shortened a bit)

Peasant Blouse,

and Luccehese 1883's!

I love an occasion to dress up TEXAS style!!!!

2010-05-25T20:52:00.002-05:00

Just off the air waves..... New beautiful wear from Pearl.

2010-05-25T00:37:00.004-05:00

Have you heard????

CAKE BALLS?????

Quite the thing at all the Grad. parties....

Check back, and I'll tell you the secret.......

Ps: Google pic - not my tatted wrist!!!!

2010-05-24T22:44:00.006-05:00

Before we begin..... Apology # 1: I have forgotten, in my bloggy absence how to place pictures in chronological order.

Apology # 2: I have, in my bloggy absence forgotten how to turn pictures so that you can view them straight on.

Apology # 3: I have neglected in my bloggy momma-dom to edit unsavory behavior........ PROM 2010
Lake Palestine

Our beyond Divine lake house on Lake Palestine, outside of Tyler!!!! Could there ever be a more perfect after-party sight???? I have learned, it is not about the party, but all about the AFTER PARTY!!! The Kids have truly made this an art form in itself.

Pre-Prom photos - of coarse I missed all of the "Pre" festivities.... I left for the lake early to set up and chill before the party began. Gary and Callie were in charge of T's preparation and photos!! I think they did a phenomenal job!

Tripp, Rob & Elise. A threesome that have been together since they were babies.

Tripp & Callie

Both mine, of coarse!!!!!!

T & Sean

Sean will be attending Baylor University on a FULL BASEBALL scholarship!!!!

T & date, Anna showing off her REALLY COOL lace boots

T & Anna... Anna is a Future Horn Frog!! Hey Soul SISTA... Riff Ram Ba Zoo....

The "Group"

The "Boys"

The TALL boys!

T & Anna

Boys with flowers

A boy and a dad.

PROM 2010 - JJ PEARCE HIGH SCHOOL RICHARDSON, TEXAS

2010-05-19T21:53:00.002-05:00

It is a real good thing our blood runs PURPLE....

Be it TCU purple....
GEAUX Tigers!!!

2010-05-18T21:21:00.002-05:00

I've tryed all year to slow this day down.... In two weeks my baby is done. Off to camp in Arkansas then on to Louisiana to Harvard on the Bayou AKA LSU!

A bit of fun with friends first...

2010-05-11T22:04:00.002-05:00

Coming to a neighborhood near you......

PROM, 2010!!!!!!

.......

2010-02-11T13:45:00.002-06:00

YiPeeee!!! It's a Snow Day!!
Who says it never snows in Texas? After our first White Christmas in who knows how long, we are dangerously close to celebrating a White Valentine's Day.

I hope everyone up east is staying warm and cuddly. I certainly feel for you.... A little snow here in Texas might as well be a blizzard to us!

2010-01-23T20:20:00.004-06:00

Thank you for not forgetting me....

Life has been crazy good lately. My new job is divine. My mister has a great new job as well, that he is very excited about. My Boardinghouse Carpet Bags have been selling faster than I can make them, and the plan is still to get a new site going to promote and sell them. All I have to do is get my spring line rocking. The designs are drawn and materials are picked out. I think you'll love them. I sold so many more at Christmas than I ever dreamed possible. Thank you so much to all my wonderful clients. As far as I am concerned the economy is looking up. I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs and am so sorry for my absence, but it did take me some time to get back into the swing of the working world. I can't wait to catch up with everyone.

Over the next few days (weeks?) Check out the new pampilloniajewelers.com website. This is where I spend my 8-4 each day. It is quite a cool place to be!!!
hugs, hugs, and more hugs! kim

2009-12-08T22:41:00.004-06:00

My Christmas list:

What's on your list??

2009-12-06T14:39:00.002-06:00

Everyone loves a parade!!!

Especially at Christmas time! This is the City of Richardson annual Christmas parade where every group, yes, EVERY group in Richardson is represented. Every Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Adventure Guide, Band, Gymnastic team, dog, pony, old car club, new car club.... Get where I'm going?? This wonderful event takes hours and hours and hours to make its way through town. What you can't tell by the photos is the temperature, a big ole 30 degrees. Oh so cold. Luckily Mr. Race's band was in the "first wave" and we were in the car by 10:00 after getting there at 7:00 for the staging. Whew, what a day!
Race is the kiddo in the middle. The one in a hoody only. I have no idea where his coat was.

2009-12-03T07:31:00.004-06:00

I love chocolate and peppermint!! My favorite treat is a Hot Fudge Sundae made with peppermint ice cream and hot fudge. YUUUMMMMMM!!!

These little bitties did not disappoint!

Good luck finding them. I've only seen them at JoAnne's fabrics.

2009-12-01T20:12:00.002-06:00

My yearly dilemma....

White lights?
Colored lights? I always go with the color. It is just my more layed back, playful style. Oh how I wish I could be the elegant sophisticated "Snow Queen" of the white tree, but alas I am meant to remain the ever crazy "Queen of Hearts".

It is good to be back with you. I've started my new job. It feels like I've started a new life, but I think I am back in my bloggy groove. Thank you all for your loving comments. It is great to be missed.

Both photos from "A Fairy-Tale Christmas" by Karen Anderson

2009-11-13T21:42:00.003-06:00

If diamonds are a girl's best friend,

Then what would that girl's dream job be??

I know, but I can't tell you yet! To be continued....

2009-11-12T21:32:00.001-06:00

Interested?

2009-11-12T21:13:00.002-06:00

To Tweet or not to Tweet?

I don't get it it.... How to Tweet??

Help, me!

Please!

I've an account I don't know what to do with.

How do I post it?

Where to post it?

How do I "Tweet"?

Help!

It can't be hard.

Please, I can't be left behind......

2009-11-10T08:44:00.003-06:00

As I layed down last night after a full day in my studio,

My mind so cluttered from creating,

I craved a little "white noise" to settle my thoughts....

2009-11-06T09:02:00.002-06:00

I left out a few Blessings in my previous post....

Thank you, my wonderful blog friends! Thank you, for so many thoughtful and inspiring comments. You are a Blessing to me!!!

I am so glad I sound positive because I actually feel like Lucy looks!! It is funny because my husband keeps getting on me for being so negative. I tried to explain to him the difference in being positive and living in La-La Land. He didn't find this funny. We have had six weeks now to digest, grieve and get over the shock and fear, and I think we are both a bit relieved by the whole ordeal.

Have a wonderful weekend, my Blessings! I'm back to my sewing machine.

xxx kim

2009-11-04T08:25:00.002-06:00

Angela Henrie has posted her November give away. It is a most beautiful sentiment of Blessings. November and December are certainly the months to count our blessings, but this year they have a whole new meaning for our family. My traveling man recently found out his position in his company was being dissolved. Effective immediately. No warning, no negotiation, no explanation other than economy. The news came on the very same day our oldest son received his acceptance letters to both the colleges he really hoped for. On the same day I had finally decided to take my designs to the next level. My man has never had to look for a job. Not ever. He went straight out of college into his field because of lifelong family ties, and from that job into his present position (the one that is no longer). This was a division that my hubby was hired to create and take national, which he did and did well. He thought he would be a part of this company until he chose to retire, so to say he has been in shock is an understatement. My Job for the past 17 years has been CEO of our household. I have many, many hours of volunteer work, Junior League, NCL, PTA President, Auction boards. I have taught parent/toddler art classes, and made divine purses, but how viable is this in today's economy? Long story short, we have come to a crossroad in our lives.

Our Blessings are becoming more and more evident every day. They come in small forms of phone calls of support from people we have not seen in years expressing so much love I can hardly fathom. They come from the communication between my hubby and myself that had all but died out over the past few years of his traveling. What we originally thought a tragedy has somehow taken our relationship to a new level. They come from the gentle push that God gave us in his timing. I think sometimes something has to be bad enough to bring you down to the point where you can see it as a Blessing. When things are always good and easy (though this is certainly a blessing in itself) you don't always recognize the real Blessings in your life.

We have decided to take the twenty years of experience and exposure that hubby has earned and start our own business. Why not? Hubby can do everything he has been doing for someone else on his own. We have tossed the idea around so many times before. The economy has to come back at some point, and we will be ready and waiting to take it on. I am still terribly worried about my youngest child's private school tuition and College and the likes, but I strongly believe in Fate. It is time and I feel Blessed beyond words that we are able to take the leap. Blessed that we have a loving family to support us. Blessed by our friends who have been so encouraging. Blessed, in all honesty, by the strange shocking reality that everything does happen for a reason, and yes, when one door does shut another will open (even if it is a little rusty!). I am Blessed we have talents we recognize, and the opportunity to let them shine.

Visit Angela Henrie today and let her know what a Blessing she is. She is so generous, talented, loving and infectious in her spirit. I have been Blessed by her blog friendship.

2009-11-02T08:41:00.005-06:00

Coming Soon....

If you are in the area on November 12th & 13th, please visit me at the Shelton Commons!

2009-10-30T15:07:00.003-05:00

My best Halloween costume attempt was the year Tripp was 10, Callie 7 and Race almost 2 (8 years ago). Callie was Angelina Ballerina complete with home made nose, whiskers, ears and tail. She swears I made her carry the book, so everyone would know who she was. I don't remember that part, but I probably did.

Race was a little red devil!!!

I even made them each a matching candy bag.

Tripp was the Headless Horseman. We made his pumpkin head out of paper mache and a beach ball. The thing he is carrying is a lantern on a stick.

I'm not so good this year.... Race is a Clone Trooper from Party City, I don't even know Callie's plans yet, and Tripp is visiting his camp friends at the University of Arkansas. It's their Homecoming this weekend, and he's there for his official "campus visit". I don't know which is scarier, my house in these pictures before I worked on it or the fact I let my high school senior (yes, this innocent, young headless horseman) go on a college trip, not only for Arkansas' party weekend but also on Halloween! BOOO!!!!

Happy Halloween, Y'all!!

2009-10-30T07:31:00.007-05:00

This mess, believe it or not, spells

P-R-O-G-R-E-S-S!

I love the creative process. I have all the time in the world to imagine what I want to do. I am constantly sketching designs, making lists of materials, searching for the inspirational eye candy, pouring through my treasured trinket stash. Is this why the only time I actually get anything accomplished is in the wee hours of the morning?! From this point on, I am only working set work hours. Well, after today, maybe. I'll be at Race's school all day for their fall festival presentations. Have a super day before Halloween!!

2009-10-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

Pleeeaaase don't forget me.....
The good news about my absence, I am busy, busy working my fingers to the bone. My hands are a strange shade of purple, brown, yellow from dying leathers and lace. My poor fingers are calloused and raw from beading. Though this picture is old, I have all new designs almost ready for my trunk show next week. I can't wait to show them to you, and guess what, I will be adding a second blog in November to showcase and sell them to you, my friends, just in time for Christmas wish lists.

2009-10-25T19:46:00.001-05:00

Welcome fall.

image: Eddie Ross

2009-10-23T12:33:00.002-05:00

My mister is in Oklahoma for the start of deer season. Have a told you he's a hunter??

I think this would be his dream bed in his second childhood.

I stumbled upon Hiccupings this morning. What a bloggy find!!!

I also found my would be dream rooms while I was there.

I am okay with this one as a grown-up.

All pictures from Hiccupings.

2009-10-20T20:36:00.005-05:00

Pumpkins are beginning to arrive.

They are finding their places.

Fingers are burning in anticipation.

Gertie has returned for her midnight tea.

Bats have been caged,

but are trying to get out.

Spiders are creeping,

Goblins are smiling.

Heads are shrinking.

Ready for the frolicking sugar frenzy to commence!

2009-10-16T23:53:00.002-05:00

My Holiday Trunk Show is less than a month away!

I am not ready!!
I need some major inspiration...

... this will help!

2009-10-15T21:54:00.004-05:00

I can't wait to get out in my yard this weekend to pull all the weeds trying to take over my beds, trim the ivy, prune the topiaries and finish out my fall color. What are your plans?

2009-10-14T13:44:00.005-05:00

I must admit I live in a very masculine house.

Yes, it is warm and cozy.

Yes, I do love its Texas, country style.

Yes, I did love my grandmother's leggy, Edwardian tufted, red upholstered chairs. They added a bit of femininity and formality amidst the deer mounts and elk.

My husband discovered much to my dismay that they are not recliners.

Here are a few of my favorites that I have invited to my poor chair's funeral.

I'm hoping some will decide to stay.

2009-10-13T09:17:00.005-05:00

I'm back!!
I certainly did not mean to be gone so long. I apologize sincerely for my absence, but thank you so much to those of you who continued to send me sweet comments and e-mails. Especially to you Jacqueline for even writing about me! To the followers who dropped me..... I must say I don't need fickle friends anyway.

So, where have I been?
At the mum shop of course. Slaving away over ribbons and bows, hot glue and bears, trinkets and bells, red and blue, white and silver.... It's all a blur now.

Texas Homecoming Mums 101:
The tradition of Homecoming mums supposedly started in the 1920's when boys would give their special HC date a live mum corsage with ribbons in their school colors to wear to the HC Football game. Over time glittered writing began to appear on the ribbons, trinkets were added, bells, bells and more bells became the rage, and eventually in the 1980's the real mum flower was replaced by an artificial flower. The ribbons got longer, bears or school mascots made appearances in the center of the flowers, and the trinkets and decoration became a sort of scrapbook of the couples interests and activities.

Seniors are traditionally solid white and silver. Some kiddos choose to have a bit of the school colors mixed in, their favorite colors or their future college colors.

Underclassmen's mums are in the school colors.

Girl's mums are long and are pinned on or have a ribbon to hang around their necks. They can be quite heavy.

Boy's mums are shorter "Garters" worn on bands around their upper arm. Cowbells make these too heavy to stay on, so they are generally loaded and I do mean LOADED with smaller noisy bells.

These lovelies can be quite expense, well over $100, so a number of years ago our high school PTA decided to open our own "Mum Shop" run by parent volunteers to save money for the kids and raise money for the school. We rent a store front a block from the school from June through our HC date, and settle in making the mums from start to finish. A lot of the basic ribbon cutting and construction is done by the students earning them service hours through their various clubs and organizations. There are mothers who make the name loops, braids, fluffy bows,dress bears and finish (putting all the wonderful goodies on), not to mention the sales staff. I am a finisher, bear dresser and bear designer (I am very proud to say). We are able to make a much nicer product at half the price of a florist. This year we made 1,000 mums bringing in around $50,000. About $35,000 of this should go directly back to the school. Volunteers sign in their hours under their children's organizations, so the money is divided by the volunteer hours.

Do you think we are crazy??!!?? Not at all. This is my favorite volunteer job. I get to visit with other mothers and friends that I only see at this time of the year. People take time off work to volunteer, and believe me, this is one time I truly know every bit of gossip out there!! Our kids get away with nothing from August to October.

What is crazy is the entire week it took to recover and catch up on sleep. This could have something to do with the fact that I chaperoned my Senior's after party at the lake for two days, another story for another day.

(Click on the following pictures to see the details)

Tripp's Senior garter. The theme this year was "Vegas", so his has some Vegas goodies as well as a Swim Bear sporting his State Medal!!!
Callie's first mum!!!! As a freshman, hers is all blue and red. You can't see it very well, but her bear is a Softball bear with a bat and ball, and giant bow on her head.

There are "group" mum exchange parties where the couples all get together for desert and to exchange their mums with their dates. The parents are invited to take pictures. Callie and her date both had games that night, so they just exchanged at our house.

The bottom of Callie's date's garter.

The bottom of Tripp's date's garter. Check out her cowbell with the hat. We added red in with the traditional white.

Tripp's date's mum modeled by me!!!!

Callie's date's, Tripp's date's and a garter for the swim coach just to annoy him. He is from Michigan and just can't understand why we do this.

Happy Homecoming fellow Texans!!!!

2009-09-23T21:33:00.002-05:00

Quote of Yesterday......

Keith Richards would not be the rich man he is today without Mick Jagger's walk!

-Kimberly Wells

...... Don't ask!

2009-09-23T20:35:00.002-05:00

Taking a quick break from "mumming" to say HELLO!

Had to borrow a "Freshman" model!!

Homecoming in Texas is AWESOME!

2009-09-20T08:36:00.005-05:00

Are you ready for some football.... Food?
I am so sorry for this picture. I just couldn't resist. I do have to be careful sometimes when it comes to Jerry since his grand kids go to school with Race, but he does loves him some stadium!

Now, on to the good stuff. I am going to share my favorite dip. This dip has put 10 pounds on my hips, so I want to share the love with all of you! Fluff like misery loves company. About a year ago I had this heavenly concoction at a Mexican Restaurant, and I have been trying to replicate it since. When it comes to my favorite restaurant meals, it is not enough for me to be able to go out to eat them. I have to know how to make the meal myself. I have to own the recipe. I have to tweak it and make it divinely mine. This is my obsession! This yummyness they called CC dip was covered by a melted white cheese. Okay, simple enough, off to the Central Market Mexico cheese shelf I went. After trying each and every white cheese created, even the processed white American cheese, nothing worked. They would not melt to the right consistency, they were stringy or gummy, and all turned to rubber as they cooled even with cream added. I spent a Fortune. I almost gave up. One day while on the chip isle of Walmart Market I noticed a very plain looking jar of White Queso, medium heat Dip. Their "Great Value" store brand label. This $2 jar was something I would never buy, but something compelled me. You have to know what I'm going to tell you. This was it. This was the illicit cheese. Oh happy day!!!! So here you go....

In individual bowls put 1 scoop guacamole (recipe follows), poor the white queso cheese dip that has been heated in the microwave over the guac. Just enough to your taste. Don't swamp it. Then top with freshly made pico de gallo. Serve with chips or on home-made buttered flour tortillas!!!! For this dip, I do not put the jalapenos, cilantro or lime in the guac. The pico has these in it, so there is no since to.

Guacamole: 3 avocados mashed
3 jalapenos seeds and membranes removed (I leave some seeds, we like it hot) finely chopped
2 or 3 crushed garlic cloves (or to taste. We like lots of garlic)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Cilantro chopped amount to your taste
a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Pico de Gallo: Finely chop and stir the following together.

Roma tomatoes, Jalapenos (membranes and seeds removed, keeping some seeds for desired heat), small white onion and cilantro. Amounts to your need.

Happy Football Season, from my kitchen and couch to yours!!

2009-09-18T12:55:00.003-05:00

Anthropologie has me begging... I do desperately need a new shower curtain. We also need groceries. It's a shame we have to eat. With all that extra allowance $$, my house could be so wonderful. Oh well, another addition to my Christmas List.

2009-09-17T11:19:00.001-05:00

Have you heard???

The lights are on!!! She is open!

She is back!

2009-09-16T20:49:00.005-05:00

I don't know how Noah did it. I have three dogs refusing to wade out into the water-logged yard to go to the bathroom. This has gone on for five count them 5 days! Where are they going?? When are they going?? Will this ever end?? Yes, I know I was singing with joy the other day, that was before my animals became neurotic. My kids became neurotic. My husband became neurotic...

2009-09-16T09:13:00.005-05:00

"There are four questions of value in life........ What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for?

The answer to each is the same.

Only love."

-Johnny Depp

Via Magnolia Pearl

There is so much to love...

My back yard birds.

My dogs, all three.

Animals, in general.

The beauty of dance and Chanel Number 5.

Old Carousels.

Texture and tone.

Cotton Candy.

Creative People.

Friday Night Lights.

Silly Teen Agers.

2009-09-15T12:45:00.003-05:00

The damp, drizzly weather makes me want to be in the kitchen, so... The dogs and I have baked a cake.

German Bundt Cake to be precise. Ettouffee', Boudin & Bean think I should share the goodness with you.

1 yellow cake mix
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
1 3-oz package instant vanilla pudding
1 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs added 1 at a time

Beat the above for 8 minutes @ medium speed.

Mean while mix the following for the filling: 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup crushed pecan pieces

In a well greased bundt pan, put in another 1/4 cup crushed pecan pieces, topped with half of the cake batter, sprinkle in the filling evenly and finish up with the remaining cake batter.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Cool 8 minutes then glaze with: (mixed together)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBL milk
1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1/2 tsp vanilla

The pups also wanted me to let you know this picture is not them. They are much better mannered, and would never climb on the table. This precious pic. is from Paul Costello.

2009-09-11T23:27:00.002-05:00

We are singing in the Rain here in Texas!
It is a blessing!!

2009-09-10T16:12:00.004-05:00

PAPER DOLLS

Hours and hours of snipping

Tears over tares

Drawing my own

Glitter and Glue

Accessories too

Boxes full

Always affordable

Mixing and matching

Saved through the years

Fancy, cute, old, new

I Love PAPER DOLLS

If you're lucky enough to live in Connecticut, you can check out Jennifer Paganelli's Paper Doll class on October 10th and know how jealous I am.

2009-09-08T10:48:00.005-05:00

I stole some time this Labor Day weekend to sew for myself!!
This is a horrible picture of me (I think I had just gotten puppy nipped), but it shows off my new, super cute Minnie Edmonson Peasant Dress/Top.
I stumbled upon Minnie and the wonderful shop she teaches at, Domestic Bliss, while googling my favorite fabric designers. In fact this is how I discovered all my favorite blogs. Unfortunately, Minnie, Domestic Bliss and all the great fabrics are in Mesa, AZ. I am not, but not to fear, they were kind enough to let me order. Check out both of their blogs here and here. They are so much fun, and delicious eye candy. My new obsession is getting to Mesa to actually take one of the classes. My travelin' mister's office is in Phoenix. I might have to tag-a-long on one of his trips (he'll love that. hahaha).

Domestic Bliss carries Heather Bailey, Amy Butler and Jennifer Paganelli among others. You would think I could find these fabrics somewhere in Dallas, but I have had no luck. Just look at this cabinet full!! They also host all kinds of special events check out their Blissful Living blog for a schedule of upcoming festivities. You Arizona girls are so lucky to have these talented, creative people near you.

The fabulous Minnie in one of her darling creations. This looks like such a fun group!!

Thanks, Minnie for putting together my patterns and fabrics. This pattern was so quick and easy, and it fits like a dream. My hubby even likes it! I can't wait to see what you're up to next!!!

2009-09-06T14:44:00.005-05:00

I hate the first few weeks of a new school year.

So many meetings. So many appointments. So many supplies to buy. So many teachers to meet. So many lunch accounts to fill. New bedtimes. New carpool times. New homework philosophies. New expectations. New responsibilities. New reading lists to buy. New athletic schedules. New activities. New clubs. OVERSTIMULATED kids. OVER INVOLVED parents. Still so hot. Take me away already!

I hope to get back to my own life soon.

2009-08-31T13:20:00.002-05:00

Congratulations, Jaqueline!
I drew your name from my grandmother's birthday post.
Email me your mailing information, and I will get your
party favor mailed right away.

PS: I'm having a camera issue at the moment,
but I will be posting pictures of your treat.

2009-08-30T21:59:00.001-05:00

Enjoy life!

We'll chat soon.

2009-08-28T23:44:00.002-05:00

Have a great

weekend, Baby!

We are road

tripping across

Texas!!

Swim Cap 2009-2010

2009-08-27T22:19:00.003-05:00

2009-2010

SENIOR VARSITY

SWIM CAPTAIN

Way to go Tripp!!

2009-08-27T14:10:00.001-05:00

Will you be here???

2009-08-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

Thank you, friends, for all your sweet comments while I've been getting the three kiddos into their new school year. It is amazing how exhausting it has been. Last week was filled with back to school shopping, meet the teachers and celebrations, and the past two days have been filled with back to school committee meetings. Whew!!! I already need a vacation. Throw in this baby puppie's potty training, and I'm almost certifiable!! Good news, the Travelin' Mister starts a couple weeks of heavy travel tomorrow, so I'll be down one child! LOL!!!
In response to several comments on my grandmother's up-coming 100th Birthday celebration...

Meet Dorothy Kate Fry McDonald, or Cockle Mommy, born August 31, 1909 to Nanona and Bill Fry in Burnet, Texas. This beautiful picture is dated 1926. She would be 17, the age Tripp is now. Her hair is auburn and her eyes are blue.

This first picture I couldn't help but post. It is one of my favorites of my grandfather, Johnny McDonald, Poppy, as boy with his dogs. Cockle and Poppy were high school sweethearts. Poppy passed away in 1987.

The second photo is my great grandmother who passed at age 101 in 1986 (talk about stories!), and my grandmother in January of 1910. The back of the picture is printed below. I love the Gibson Girl look and the beautiful gown. We still have this gown.

Cockle and Poppy moved to Burkburnett after they were married and built a life around the oil fields. They rented a property from my grandfather's mother until they could pay cash for their own home in Wichita Falls, while paying cash for all their automobiles and sundry items. My grandmother had to take out a credit card after Poppy died to have "credit" as an independent woman. Can you imagine?? She still pays cash to this day, and will lecture you about the evils of owing a bank or credit company. She loves to travel, and has been to many, many foreign lands. She told my mother recently that she has been traveling again, but has been unable to get to Mexico. Only we know these travels are in her mind or maybe her heart. She has a very creative and artistic soul, one of her traits I am most proud to have inherited, and loved to garden. She always brought a rock home from each of her travels for her rock garden. I think this is one reason I love the Lucille Ball movie "The Long, Long Trailer". Do you remember the scene??? She taught me most everything I know about the kitchen. To this day I miss waking up at her house on Thanksgiving morning and smelling the goodness that was in store. She has always been a modern metropolitan woman. She worked out several times a week at the "Spa", she was an avid reader, a faithful Baptist playing the organ at Sunday services, a member of countless bridge clubs, and did her shopping in DALLAS! There are so many, many stories she could tell of the changing times. Automobiles, Oil, Travels, Fashions and Friends, but these are some of the things that come to my mind most immediately.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my original post of Cockle's Birthday for my party favor drawing. I will be drawing the winner on Saturday (my Birthday)!

2009-08-17T22:01:00.004-05:00

Okay...back to what I started a while ago. Several of y'all left me comments on these wonderful things. My, favorites of coarse were those of you who had no idea what these could be, but for the most part the comments were somewhat correct.
Those of you who think these are the "Bigger than life, Homecoming Mum" available only in Texas, are, for the most part, right...These are the "boy" version of the mum. The GARTER. These poor boys have to wear these monsters on their arms!!! They are not pinned, stapled or strapped around their necks like the girl's mums are!!! They have to have the muscles to hold them up.
My favorite comment referenced the mum being decorated with as many trinkets as a florist could apply. This is my favorite because there are no florist here. We run the Mum Shop as a school fund raiser. Raising over $35,000 yearly.

The Homecoming Mum itself came to be in the 1920's as a live mum flower corsage with streamers given from a boy to his date for the homecoming football game. This tradition continued, evolving in the '80's to an artificial flower and streamers to the floor! They showcase the recipient and the giver's interests in the trinkets and decorative additions. Most have a school mascot or a dressed bear in the center of the flower, and all are defined by the noise they make. A girl's mum can hold any number of cowbells, and boy's garter will be weighted down by many, many bells and whistles. Our high school, JJ Pearce keeps the tradition going with underclass men's mums and garters flashing the school colors of red and blue while the seniors are defined in white and silver. There will be individuals who flash bold ribbons of pink, purple or their soon to be college colors, but they are grounded in the senior white and silver. I made the above garter on the right with the bear showcasing my son as a football player, varsity swimmer, his weightlifting and if you look really closely his earring. The one on the left has a deer with a rifle among its streamers. It is amazing the detail that goes into these amazing things!

Back to our Mum Shop... We take possession of a retail space in July and set up shop. Mother's work around the clock cutting ribbons, gluing flowers and making ribbon points. My job? I dress bears and finish. The past three years I have dressed 150 football bears each season. This year? 25 Swim bears!! I like my new job. Once the season is underway, about the second week of school, and the kiddos begin to ask dates to the October 5 homecoming, I will be working non-stop to finish out the mum. I will attach bears, bows, bells and trinkets. Some will take up to four hours to complete. Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite things about our high school. It is so much fun to see the look on the kids faces when they pick up their mums, and to have the dates squeeze your neck in gratitude for the extra effort you give to their flower. Is this really only in Texas?? I can't imagine we are alone, but then again we do stand alone!!! Happy Football Season Y'all!!!

My Grandmother's Birthday Celebration Give-Away

2009-08-15T22:17:00.006-05:00

It's almost time to sing Happy Birthday to a very special girl. Put on your party hats and your cutest dress.

It is her day to shine, be pampered, and eat all the cake she wants!

It is her day to be the queen of the day, the decade, the CENTURY!

Happy Birthday (almost), COCKLE! A girl only turns 100 once!

Why am I not waiting until the actual day, August 31st?? Because in your honor I want to give a party favor to one of my visiting friends. Join me as a friend/follower and leave me a comment between now and August 29th, and I will draw a name for a very special gift.

2009-08-14T19:55:00.002-05:00

Isn't this bag too cute?!?

Weekend inspiration, my friends.

sorry, source unknown

2009-08-14T17:30:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a better weekend than this poor soul!!!!
Ouch!

2009-08-13T18:26:00.005-05:00

Me gusta!!!!

In my opinion, quite possibly the perfect kitchen.

2009-08-12T14:27:00.005-05:00

Lovely, bright , vivid colors really make my day!

You know what else makes my day??? My very first award! Given to me by the Blogging Queen of the Social Scene, Bunny at the Paris House. I visit Bunny everyday for tips on everything from home and garden to fitness and fun. The best thing about her is her friendship. Though we've never met I consider her a dear friend I want to visit with daily! I send this award on to another amazing blog friend. Designer, domestic diva and mother, Angela Henry. Angela's blog was the catalyst in the creation of mine. She is a daily inspiration with amazing creativity and a love of family, art interiors and life.

Bunny posted ten things about herself, but I am answering with only five things about myself that you may or may not know:

1) I live 1 mile from where I grew up and all my children except the youngest have attended the same schools I attended. In fact my drill team picture is still hanging in the athletic hall at the high school today.

2) My youngest child attends a private school that focuses on learning differences. He is dyslexic, dysgraphic, ADD and touched with Asperger's Syndrome.

3) I am a 6th generation Texan!!!!!

4) I too lost a baby. I had an ectopic pregnancy rupture.

5) I was an only child with a younger half sister who I never got to know. I just found out she has a blog as well, so hopefully she and I will become friends through our blogs. She has a beautiful new baby girl who I can't wait to get to know!!

Thanks again, Bunny!! You made my day!

Yellow and pink chairs from Ada & Darcy

Chandelier from La La Lovely

2009-08-08T19:05:00.003-05:00

Time for the Saturday night bath!

I must think this one is twice as nice!!

2009-08-07T22:28:00.001-05:00

Sending you weekend inspiration...I plan to do some sewing. what are you planning to do?
inspiration from sis boom

2009-08-06T17:56:00.004-05:00

I love birds. I could sit mesmerized for hours in the yard watching them swoop and soar.

This little chandelier makes me practically giddy with joy. What a simple project with a such a spectacular outcome. Just add a couple millinery birds, butterflies or flowers to a beautifully drippy, wonderful light. I have got to do this.

The room this little pretty hangs in isn't so bad itself!

2009-08-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

Can anyone tell me why I can no longer change the font, size of print or color of print on my post? When I go to write a new post it gives me the script of the pictures not the actual picture and calls my post an edit even though it is a new post. What's up???

2009-08-05T21:17:00.002-05:00

If you ever find yourself on I-30 going through Royse City, Texas, you'll want to make this stop!!! I personally recommend everything on the menu...especially the ribs and the cabbage!!! Thanks, Scott, for a perfectly smoked pig!
xxx kim

2009-08-04T22:43:00.001-05:00

Doesn't this look like fun?

2009-08-04T09:29:00.003-05:00

I Love these reds. Especially the dresser on top.

As the work goes on in Race's room, my vision for it is taking a more definite shape. I now am obsessing on this shade of red for his dresser. since I will be re-painting three of the walls (always prime first to keep the integrity of the chosen paints color - easy to say now), I am asking if anyone out there knows of a really good RED paint color.

While I'm waiting to hear from you, I will be driving 45 miles to take the HOG that the travelin' Mister and little man shot this weekend to get smoked. Sounds like a job for the Mister doesn't it? He's travelin'.

Red Dresser from Laissez Faire
Red Table from Retreat by Kennedy

The Makings of a Wonderful Day!!!!

2009-08-03T21:51:00.004-05:00

Thank you, Angela, Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!! It is always wonderful to get a surprise in the mail, mixed amidst the bills and junk...

Wrapped in "brown paper packaging tied up with strings"....always one of my favorite things!

You couldn't have chosen anything better for me! I love the turquoise (of course, I am a Texan), the pink (a given), but the phrase was perfect!! Thank you so much!! I Love It!! You not only made my day, but quite possibly my summer. You are an angel!! Your creativity amazes me. Your generosity astounds me!
Thank you, Angela

Visit Angela Henrie at justthejewelry.blogspot.com

2009-07-31T22:21:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the Summer before it's behind you!

Tis the Season

2009-07-30T22:00:00.002-05:00

It is getting very, very close to my favorite season!!! Before I say too much, I want to know how many of you know what these are. I've heard this is a Texas phenomenon. Leave me a comment and let me know.

2009-07-30T15:45:00.002-05:00

...Hi! My name is Bean. I'm really happy with my new home, but I hate my new brother!

Hi. My name is Boudin. I hate my new brother. I want to eat him.

I was concerned with the reaction of the wrong Alpha Male. Who new the mister was a Chihuahua man?

8 ounces of happiness.

Thanks for the happy thoughts...please send them Boudin's way!!!

2009-07-30T00:57:00.001-05:00

Fantasy Land by Tim Irving

Because I seem to be living here...

2009-07-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

Please think Happy thoughts for me today...

Angela Henrie sent out some wonderful advice to us mothers in her recent post.

She said every once in a while it is an amazing thing to do something WILD and CRAZY with your children.

Well, I'm taking her advice this morning...

Sometimes what makes the kiddos happy, isn't so true for the hubby!

Please send Happy thoughts to my travelin' Mister!

To be continued...

2009-07-27T20:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I don't have to ring his neck!

In fact we are kinda thinkin' he's pretty great...

I blamed him for my computer issue, but this time it was a automatic virus protection that completely shut me down.

The mister saved the day, got me back on line without loosing a thing! Kisses

2009-07-26T19:42:00.002-05:00

the travelin' mister has temporarily (he better hope it's temporary) killed my blog...he tried to fix something that probably was not broke, and well, there you have it. I'm blogless!! I'm sending this from his laptop, which I am normally not allowed to touch. While I'm having this issue, please don't forget about me!!!!!!!! xxx kim

Whim and Whimsy

2009-07-25T10:00:00.004-05:00

I don't as a rule like to re-publish pictures I've seen on other blogs, but I do keep quite a large file of my favorites to pull from for inspiration. Don't we all?
This morning I put together some of my my favorites to inspire the weekend. I love these because of their whimsical nature, but they seemed to scream a theme all their own. They are shouting, "Go green, my friends"!
Some of these are older, and I do not have their origins. Please forgive me for this and correct me at will. Have a great big, whimsical creative and green weekend! xoxo kim

grindley_and_graves

Michael Eastman Photography

Lily G (here)

Brabourne Farm (here)

Country Style via Brabourne Farm (here)

2009-07-24T14:17:00.004-05:00

My great grandfather, William (Bill) Fry was a published author and poet. Sadly he passed before I had the chance to know him. I recently came across a photocopy of one of his books of poetry in a drawer. The actual book is safely packed away in box at my mother's house. She does not share my belief that wonderful family heirlooms should be enjoyed, but that is a topic for another day. What I wanted to share is his Introduction to the book. I believe he wrote this between 1900 and 1910:

Introductory.

Friend, when on these pages

Perchance your eyes may look-

For fun instead of wages

I write this little book.

Full well I feel this feeble pen

Unequal to the task,

But I, like you and other men,

A candid hearing ask.

And should these pages you amuse

My effort is repaid,

If I can drive away the blues

By something I have said.

I think this sums up my purpose in this blog.

2009-07-23T21:28:00.003-05:00

They are posted, and these are my favorites...The New Magnolia Pearl Clothing Collection.

You can see the entire collection here.The cut, so awesome!
The trap door, so cute!

The colors, so soft!

The top, so dreamy!

If you are not familiar with Magnolia Pearl, trust me on this one, it will make you feel like Cinderella... if she were a Texan!!

2009-07-23T17:39:00.002-05:00

While sanding the day away on little man's pallets for his pallet bed (he actually did a lot of the sanding with me). I had visions in my head of new bedding. I want to keep it simple and neutral, khaki or white with bold punches of color in awesome pillows like these. Little man wants lots of green. This is a huge change from his ultra calm and serene robin's egg blue room with toile bedding. I think I will paint the three walls opposite the chalkboard wall white and his remaining furniture either white or a bold primary. He wants his bench cushion reupholstered in zebra "fur". This would be fitting since this is where the wild thing is!

I don't know the origin of this picture, but I love the colors and the bolsters.

These ball pillows are McKenzie Childs'. I have ball pillows in every room of the house. I love them. I will also do a giant one as a floor cushion!

2009-07-22T22:47:00.008-05:00

Camp looks like it's been good so far. My Big T looks to have gained some weight and some facial hair (could he also be wearing a wig???). It's a good thing camp is like Vegas...What happens at Winnamocka stays at Winnamocka!

Lucky for me his little sis took pictures while she was there!

2009-07-22T08:38:00.002-05:00

Stop your workouts ladies, and run don't walk over to Lisa Go Lightly's for a wonderful Marilyn give-away!

2009-07-21T09:38:00.004-05:00

SERENDIPITOUS: Lucky in making unexpected & fortunate discoveries; lucky; having or bringing good fortune.
[from the characters in the Persian fairytale, The Three Princes of Serendip, who made such discoveries].

Little man's room has been needing revitalization for a growing kiddo. One thing holding this off is that he loves, loves, really loves, well loved his bed. Oops! Yes, we had a tragedy. His bed frame broke this weekend. It was very old and just gave way. while he is broken hearted, I am thinking of the possibilities. Namely this one posted here the other day. I immediately fell in love with this bed. I even called the Travelin' Mister in to see it. I was thinking it would make a fun guest bed for the sun room, but now in light of this tragic development, I think it would make a great big kid room. With this on one side of the room and the opposite wall in chalkboard. Maybe a short and tall ladder painted cute to reach varying heights on the chalkboard and buckets filled with chalk. Who wouldn't want to hang out in there? Travelin' man thinks I'm crazy, but I think it's just too cool. I even like the lanterns from the ceiling, but of coarse in boy colors! or maybe Little Man and I could make a great big funky mobile to hang. Since I'm almost finished with the kitchen (yes, I know I've been saying this for months, but I really am close now), I will be starting this ASAP! I should tell you that the mister's response was..."What's wrong with just leaving his matress and box springs on the floor? You know college day style" Rest assured, I let him know what was wrong with that idea!!!

2009-07-17T08:21:00.003-05:00

Thank you! Thank you,

For all your sweet comments the past couple days. You make me feel loved, so I'm sending you my love! Happy Weekend!

This love filled image is from the fabulous CHEZ FIFI.

HELP!!!

2009-07-15T20:19:00.014-05:00

I need your help...
As you know, we have two English Bulldogs.

Callie's dear, dear,oh so wonderful, best, super best friend in the whole wide world's (here goes a good shot at the spelling...) Chihuahua had puppies. My dear sweet child has formed a bond with one of these sweet things. She caught me hook, line and sinker with this one!!! From the moment we got our SECOND bulldog and named him Boudin, I said, "we need a chihuahua named 'Cracklins' ".

My super wonderful idea is to pick her up from camp, Sunday, with this little sweetie in toe. Hubby is on board if it is free and a female (one of our bulldogs is a male, though fixed, and will most likely try to EAT it). As for the free, what the travelin' mister does not know, won't hurt him! As for the male part, I am not God.

He's actually the darker of the two that you can't see so well. My need is this...I know nothing about these dogs, that I can't spell their name. Do you think one can co-exist in my CRAZY family? If so, it would make for one happy hormonal teenage girl, and that is worth BILLIONS in my book. Plus, I would be the favorite parent for a brief moment in time!!! HELP ME PLEASE!

2009-07-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

I can't wait for this!!!
Opening day is August 7th.
I'm thinking this movie deserves a very festive dinner pre-party.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the very least.

T is for Tuesday, T is for Trash

2009-07-15T09:21:00.002-05:00

Don' t judge me on this one...
Tuesdays in my neighborhood are "large item pick-up" days. what this means is if you have tree limb's, furniture, garbage that is too large for the regular pick-up, you can call the city and on Tuesdays they will pick it up from your front curb. What this also means, is occasionally you can hit the mother load on your way to the grocery store!!! I try to restrain myself, when I see something priceless on the side of the road, as my family seems to think this is the absolute lowest form of treasure gathering, but sometimes it is just too hard to resist! Especially, when you can see a great pile a block away. Yesterday was one of those days. As I passed the junkiest looking house you've ever seen, I nearly missed seeing it. My view obscured by two other women loading, and I do mean loading their Suburbans with really great junk. They had antique vanities with big round mirrors, benches, great frames and bed frames. All really wonderful. If I had only left the house 10 minutes earlier...I did manage to get this really cool rusty, old push mower with the wooden handles to sit in the garden, and this charming glass lamp (one of my "Boardinghouse" shades). So I was happy!! When my travelin' mister returns, he won't even notice, and with the kids at camp they are non-the-wiser!

Fete Nationale

2009-07-14T20:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Bastille Day to all!!!

Someday I will be there under the Tower to celebrate with you!

Get the picture?

2009-07-14T08:36:00.002-05:00

I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it...

2009-07-13T17:23:00.006-05:00

Wanderlust...

...Carry me away!

2009-07-12T20:08:00.003-05:00

Speaking of the gentle sound of water...
After a full day of fun and frivolity in the 100 plus sun...

We wished upon a floating bubble, and just look what we got:

A very unexpected thunder shower!!!

Quite fun for the five minutes it lasted!!

2009-07-12T11:05:00.002-05:00

My favorite fountain (no mom, these are not my dirty dishes)!

Have I told you I love garden fountains? I have three running constantly, but this is my fav.

Have a happy Sunday. We are off to drive eight hours to take Callie to camp. At least I'll get to hug the oldest while we're there. He still has four more weeks!

2009-07-10T14:56:00.006-05:00

I am so HOT! I am so BORED!
I think I'll have a party...

Oh can you imagine the possibilities?!? click on the invite to read the details.

All images from Tracy Porter's "Dreams From Home"

Sorry this post is so messy...it is my first attempt at scanning. See, I am bored!!