european country antiques

July 1, 2014 By in Uncategorized 11 Comments
Hello, dear friends.  I have recently discovered a great blog filled with great taste in decorating and adventures.  The name of the blog is An Urban Cottage.  The best part of it is that Steve lives in the Boston area.  His blog has become a great resource for me in finding great places to shop and visit. 

A couple of months ago, Steve did a post on a store in Boston called European Country Antiques.  The Mister and I had a luncheon in Boston one Saturday, so we went over and took a look afterwards.  

Loved these colorful plates and hutch.  The Mister told me if I brought home one more rooster, he would put me out in the hen house.
Lovin’ these end tables.

I think the Mister got sick of me oohing and aahing so he went downstairs solo.  I also promised him we would stop for ice cream if he was a good boy and didn’t whine too much.

Love the wheelbarrow.

They had some really pretty copper pieces.
Thanks, Steve, for introducing me to my new favorite place!  


Hope you’re staying cool!




It’s A Good Day When I Make A New Friend!

June 30, 2014 By in Uncategorized 13 Comments
Hello good friends.  I had the most delightful lunch today with my blogger friend, Mo, of Mocadeaux. I discovered Mo’s blog awhile ago and have enjoyed every minute of her posts about wine, scrumptious recipes, and her life in California and Chicagoland.

We discovered a lot about each other during our lunch.  We graduated from college the same year, won’t tell you what year, though.  Who cares that she went to the almighty University of Notre Dame and I went to a small, Catholic girls college that closed due to lack of interest?  As long as there are no SAT’s involved… Mo and I can still be friends.  

Mo’s school



My school


Another crazy thing… Mo knows one of my best buddies, Jelly Bean!  OK… I know what you’re thinking…



Mo’s children live in the Boston area and she promised to call me for lunch when she is back in September.  Hopefully, our favorite reader, Denise, will join us next time!

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly why I blog. 
It’s always a great day when I make a new friend!  



Here’s to new friends!

Warning…
Be careful who you honk at!

Happy anniversary, Mister!

June 27, 2014 By in Uncategorized 22 Comments
Happy 24th Anniversary, Mister!  In the spirit of “grand gestures” I have made an appointment at our local tattoo parlor for you to have our vows written on the body part of your choice.  This way, the world will see your undying devotion to your supermodel trophy wife.

I, also, want the world to see my devotion to you.  Since I am allergic to tattoo ink, I have taken the liberty of ordering this little trinket of your love.  Don’t worry, it is being sized as we speak.  All you have to do is pick it up after 5 tomorrow.

You’re welcome.

Then

and…

Now

Have a wonderful weekend!




Dude’s Visit In Her Own Words

June 26, 2014 By in Uncategorized 8 Comments
Hello dear friends.  Fasten your seatbelts.  My buddy, Dude decided that she would write a post chronicling her visit last week.  If you missed the true story my post, you can find it here.  

*****

I had such a great  visit with Katie!! I was so excited to see the beautiful and transformed new abode….and to meet the wild and crazy new offspring, aka Chowdah! He’s adorable …but, I gotta say I was about to call 911 the few times I was alone with him…I think he thought I was imported to be his play date! I repeatedly had to tell him  “no bite, Chowdah” to which he responded with some serious barking!  Oh, he also stole my makeup bag and tried to head to Boston with it. See Exhibit A at end of post.



 When it came to the outside of this beautiful property, Chowdah seems to have found comfort on every flower bed on the property , especially the hosta …… 




 Hoda and Seek 
with Chowdah 



 After trampling all of the hosta, he found a resting spot.

  

But, don’t get me wrong he IS adorable . I’m a little concerned because Katie’s not used to male offspring,  so I can see that he’s definitely giving her a run for her money…no downtime in that house when Chow is awake!!



 Happily,I  can report that I left The Massachusetts “Maison” with a few priceless pics……..


 Katie’s evening attire…a dress with pearls and …..sneakers and peds?!?! I know that sneakers have made a fashion comeback, but like this?!? Did she forget that she had company?!? Or does she think she’s setting a new trend?!? 






I managed to shoot this video that captures “Life With Chowdah.”



Exhibit A


Thank you, Dude, for “your account” of your visit.  I asked Chowdah for his reaction.  He said,”No comment.”

As far as I am concerned… All I can say is for being in the fashion forecasting industry, you are waaay behind the times. “Snogs” (my footwear- half sneak/half clog) and pearls are the cutting edge.  It will be all over the runway next year.


Happy Thirsty Thursday!





A New Friend

June 25, 2014 By in Uncategorized 21 Comments
People often ask me why I blog.  When I first began, I did it for two reasons.  The first one being that I needed to do something with my time and fill in the void left by my two girls leaving me for college.  The second reason was that I love to write.    I ended up enjoying it so much more than I had ever dreamed.

I never expected the added bonus.  I have met so many wonderful people through the world of blogging.  Most of them I have yet to meet in person.  But the ones that I have had the pleasure of meeting like Megan and Allison, Denise, and most recently, Mary have added so much light to my life. 


Mary wrote me the sweetest note and told me that she lived about an hour away from me.  After I read her note, I knew I had to meet her in person. 
   
We have so much in common!  She is a preppy empty nester and loves to read and walk.  She doesn’t walk like me – 10 minutes and then I have to take a rest ’til the end of the day.  Oh no – she walks for TWO HOURS!  They would have to call the EMT’s if I walked that long.  Speaking of which… Mary works part time as an ICU nurse at one of the best hospitals in Boston.  I’ve had my share of dealing with nurses in the past few years. I strongly believe that nurses are the unsung heroes of the medical profession.  I truly respect them for their hard work and compassionate hearts.

Another coincidence – Mary’s sis-in-law, Sandy lives in my old home town of McKinney, Texas and knows some of the same people I do.  Love small world stories!  

Anywho… back to Mary.  She gave me a great tip.  I usually listen to music when I walk.  She said she listens to podcasts from NPR and the time goes by so much faster.  I tried it yesterday and she is right on the money. Good bye Donna Summer and KC and the Sunshine Band — hello NPR!

 We also chatted it up about what we liked to read and she told me about a new book that just came out.  It got great reviews on Amazon.  Has anyone read this?

Amazon


So after my delightful lunch my new bff, Mary, I stopped by Barnes and Noble to pick up my new book.  As I walked to the car, I noticed these beautiful pots at Derby Street Shops and couldn’t help myself from taking a few pictures. 











Happy Hump Day!