Fabulous Friday

When I was out shopping last week I saw this sign and it rang true for me. It certainly is true that the people we know can indeed dull our sparkle, and sometimes it is best to avoid the people that don't have our best interests at heart.

But lately it is me who is dulling my own sparkle, it is me who is not always acting in my own best interests, and it is me who is choosing to look on the not so bright, bright side of things.
Why are we sometimes our own worst enemy, instead of being a best friend to the most important person there is, which is ourselves?  I don't think it is selfish to say we are the most important because unless we take care of ourselves, we have nothing to give to our friends, our families, or the world.

But I do recognize what is happening in my own mind, and that is half the battle. I think we can choose to be happy, or choose to be unhappy.
Overthinking is one of my worst traits, and tends to make me see more into a situation than is really there. And of course, I see the bad, never the good. But I am trying to change that, and that is progress.

It is going to be a gorgeous weekend here in the Seattle area, and I have chosen to make it a good one.
Here are some things or ideas that I have found and wanted to share with all of you. Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend!!

Still need a Father's Day gift to give to the Dad in your life? These great make-it-yourself gift ideas from Martha Stewart will be sure to bring a smile to his face.

These sparkly and fabulous sandals from Payless look a lot like the ones I have been seeing on Pinterest for hundreds of dollars. The price for them? Only $16.99!!

Do you need a yummy tasting summer inspired dessert for a party or gathering? I so want to make this Summer Strawberry Cake from the Baker Upstairs blog.

I was super inspired to get working on some projects when I saw this great filing cabinet make-over from Apartment Therapy.

Can a toaster be glamorous? Take a look at this one from Michael Graves Design for JCP. He has come up with a way to make kitchen appliances look stunning. 

Happy Friday!!

Fabulous Friday

 

Spring is definitely here in Seattle, which I am so grateful for. We are having some gorgeous sunny days, and of course, the rain comes and goes, as usual. If you waited for the rain to stop here to do something, you would never get anything done.
This weekend I am hoping to hit some yard sales and maybe find some terrific things to buy. But I am also getting rid of things, so maybe this is just an endless crazy circle, I don't know.

Anyhow, here are a few things that have caught my attention this week. Here's hoping you all have a Fabulous Friday.


Here is a cute way from Etsy to tell Mom you love her for Mother's Day. I really like this for the kitchen.

From Daily Candy, here are 23 new pet products for your dog or cat to enjoy.

Here is a fabulous recipe for Buttermilk Berry Muffins that I can't wait to make. The recipe is from one on my favorite foodie blogs, 101 Cookbooks.

If you need a little Spring in your wardrobe, check out these super cute floral printed jeans from Old Navy.

If you are planning to visit San Francisco, make sure to visit the all new Exploratorium on Pier 15 for a fun time with the kids.

Photo from Elephantine

Fabulous Friday and the Book, Happier At Home

By Patricia

It is a pretty well known fact in my family that I love reading self-help books. If you look at my book shelves, you will see everything from The Secret to the Dalai Lama's How To Practice, The Way To A Meaningful Life.
And awhile back, one of my kids asked me during a particularly painful time in my life if any of these books had really helped me. And I said "Yes, because what if I hadn't read them? Maybe I would be a bigger mess than I am right now".

Thankfully, I am in a much better place than I was back then. I am a big believer in taking help and comfort where you can get it. Whether it is from family and friends, or church or your work, or a book, take what is offered and heal yourself.
So here is a great new book by Gretchen Rubin called Happier At Home. Wouldn't that be a great thing, if we all could be happier at home with our spouses, our children, the things in our house, and increase the love and joy there?

Happier At Home shows how to increase our happiness, and also how to learn to appreciate the happiness that already exits there. With chapters about family, neighborhood, marriage, interior design and more, the author shows us the art of practicing happiness in our lives every single day.

And the truth is, if we are not happy at home, we are not happy out in the world, and we are not making a positive contribution to others. I liked this book very much, and it did open my eyes to see how I can make myself happier, more fulfilled, and more content at home.

I hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend shared with people you love, whether you are at home or someplace else.

Fabulous Friday - It Was Like Rainbows And Christmas.

By Patricia

This morning when I woke up I had no internet. A call to my provider said it was out because of a wind storm and would be back sometime in the late afternoon.
If you are a blogger or love Facebook, have an online business or for whatever reason you have to be on the computer all day, not having it can make you crazy. It totally made me crazy today. But on the other hand, it was sort of like having a heavy chain taken from around your neck and being allowed to be free again.

I got a lot done today actually. Here is my list:

1. Did 2 loads of laundry.

2. Watched 3 Sex and The City reruns. ( A guilty pleasure, I didn't watch it when it originally aired)

3. Made brownies.

4. Went to the post office.

5. Chatted with the mail carrier when he delivered my package from Amazon.

6. Found all of my library books, including the one I swore up and down I had returned.

I have to admit, it was kind of nice not having the computer take up my day.
But when my service was restored, it was kind of like rainbows, and Christmas, and all that good stuff.
Yes, so many of us are addicted to our time online. And this has shown me that it is good to walk away for a break.
I'd just like to be the one who decides when that break should be, not Mother Nature.

Fabulous Friday - Hello Yellow

It's been proven that the color yellow makes us happy. It's the color of sunshine and maybe that is one of the reasons. I mean who doesn't love a beautiful, sunny day?

So with fall here, and the winter months that will follow, don't forget to keep a dose of yellow in your life. Whether it's in your wardrobe, or your house, or a pretty bunch of flowers you bring home or to the office, yellow will help keep you feeling sunny.

Here's hoping you all have a Fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend doing something that makes you happy!

Here are a few things from around the web this week that I'd like to share with everyone.


1. Check out these adorable Duckie Rain Flats from Anthropology. They are a cute way to keep your feet dry when the rain comes.

2. How about making some Fried Buttermilk Donuts with Glaze from a packaged mix? Perfect for a fall weekend breakfast.

3. Celebrate National Pasta Day on October 17th. Make a pasta dish and give a cheer for this yummy food favorite!

4.Here are some great ideas and usable patterns for carving all those Halloween pumpkins you'll soon be buying.

5. Want a classic and cozy bathrobe that will last for years? This is a great one from Nordstrom.


By Patricia

All images from my Pinterest boards.

Fabulous Friday - A Martha Stewart Halloween

By Patricia

Nobody does Halloween better than Martha Stewart. Years ago I started being in awe of this woman with the ability to make Halloween the scariest, funnest, and craftiest day of the year.
From her Halloween TV specials, to her Halloween magazine, she has all the ideas you need to make this the best Halloween ever. And the fact that she dresses up in a costume every year that is always over the top, well, that just makes me love her even more. Yes, I do love my Martha!!!

I have found that planning out your costumes, your decorations, and party if your having one, ahead of time really does save a lot of tears and frustration. From your child, and you. So take a peek at Martha Stewart's new Halloween magazine and let it inspire you and your family to have a fabulously spooky Halloween!!


Here is a few things from around the web that I liked this week. I hope you all have a Fabulous Friday and a lovely fall weekend.

1. Go here to Martha Stewart's website which is filled with all kinds of wonderful ideas, projects, recipes, crafts and much more.

2. Get 50% off these darling classic children's coats from Daily Candy Deals online. Better hurry though, this sale ends Monday.

3. Try a deliciously yummy recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Brownies In A Jar from the blog The Gunny Sack. You will love these!!!

4. I have fallen in love with this pretty navy blue dress from Shabby Apple that would be perfect for any occasion.

5. Enjoy regional food, wine, and beer at a Fall Harvest Celebration at Seattle's Pike Place Market on October 12. You're sure to have a good time!

Fabulous Friday - Are You Small Town Or Big City?

By Patricia

I love big cities. Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Seattle all have a very special place in my heart. The one and only time I was in New York City was twenty seven years ago. I had three young children at home, and was seven months pregnant with the fourth.

The airlines were selling round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to New York for $88. I knew if I didn't go then to the place I had always wanted to see, I probably never would. My husband and I went for a week, and it was one of the most lovely and romantic times of my life. From the carriage ride in Central Park on a misty morning, to breakfast at the Plaza Hotel, New York stole my heart.

The fact that I am no longer with my husband doesn't take away from the memories that I have of that time we shared together. And it certainly doesn't change how I feel about New York City. I love New York and I do want to go back.

But I also have a soft spot in my heart for small towns. My family and I once lived in a tiny California town that was a stand-in for Mayberry. The Mayberry of The Andy Griffith Show, so that should tell you that it was charming and expensive. (And if you don't know what I'm talking about, google it.)

Across the water from Seattle is a tiny town called Port Gamble, which was founded in the 1800's. It is so picture perfect, it almost looks fake. The Gilmore Girls could have easily been filmed here, and Luke's Coffee Shop would have fit right in. It's a pretty place, and many of the original houses have been turned into businesses. The above yellow house serves a wonderful cup of tea during the day, and turns into a bistro during the evening.

My daughter Samantha and I came here with the children a couple of days ago to walk around and enjoy the end of these glorious fall days before the rain comes. I still debate with myself, do I love  city living or small town life?
How about you, if you had your choice,which do you pick?

Fabulous Friday - Pie, Coffee, and Bakery Love

Photo via the beautiful blog, elephantine.

By Patricia

The Seattle area is blessed with many great things. Our fabulous city, the water, the mountains, the people, the coffee. I could go on and on about this place I love.

But you know what else we have? Great bakeries. And lots of them, too. Are you a bakery person? I know I am, and one of my favorite places to meet one of my kids or a friend is at the bakery.

To sit down and share a cup of coffee and a piece of pie or a muffin with someone I care about is one of the small pleasures I treasure in my life. I am finding these small moments begin adding up to a happy life.

So take time to sit down, meet a friend, share a laugh and a pastry, and I think you might agree with me. There is such a thing as Bakery Love, and I don't just mean the donuts.

I hope you all have a Fabulous Friday, and a great weekend with the people you care about.

Here are a few things from around the web I would like to share with all of you.


Would you like a pair of FREE Glasses?
Check out this review to get a free pair, and see the lovely girl modeling them who is my 20 year-old daughter.

A pretty cardigan just in time for fall, and only $34.95 !!

These Pumpkin Pie Ruffle Footless Tights are so cute for a little girl. They can go under her Halloween costume, or wear them just because they are fun. Lots of other cute stuff in this Etsy Shop, too.

Try this delicious Food Network recipe for Ina Garten's chicken chili. It would be perfect for a fall dinner.

Love books, want to meet authors? Northwest Bookfest 2012 is being held this weekend in Kirkland Washington. If you are anywhere in the Seattle area, I highly recommend going.

Fabulous Friday - Window Shopping, It's Free, Fun, and Fabulous!!

By Patricia

Do people still use the term "window shopping"? You know, when you are going shopping just to "look".

When I was a little girl in Los Angeles, my mother and I would put on our dressy clothes and go to Downtown to window shop. Back then all the major department stores had beautiful window displays, especially at Christmas time. My mother and I would have a lovely lunch, and often didn't buy much, but we had a wonderful time "window shopping".

A few days ago my daughters and I got together to do our own kind of window shopping. After coffee and muffins at a great bakery, we strolled around some local shops, just looking.
Of course, the best part was the talking, laughing, and just being together. Just like it was with my Mom.

I hope you all have a Fabulous Friday, and enjoy these last days of summer. It went so fast. And here are a few things I found I wanted to share with all of you.


A pretty, vintage dress for only $1?? This lady knows how to shop cheap, but always chic.

Go see Tonia's great DIY for making a seriously gorgeous pillow.  Your friends will be amazed by your talent!!

You can buy your child a cute pair of rain boots for half price, and the company will donate a pair to a child in need.

Can't get enough of West Elm's darling white owl kitchenware? Look at these sweet Owl Espresso Mugs on their website.

Visit Equipment for the beautiful, crazy and inspirational pictures you'll see there.

Fabulous Friday - First Impressions, Does Your Home Say Welcome?

Photo via little blue deer

By Patricia

I just love this picture. To me, it says welcome into my busy, full, and happy home.

I think those are the best kind of homes, where families are busy, friends drop by, the wonderful aroma of dinner on the stove. Life isn't always as wonderful as this of course, but we can try, we can make the effort to bring happiness into our homes no matter what the circumstances.

Does your home welcome in your friends and family at the front door? With fall coming on next month, maybe now is a good time to get your entry way in order. Clear out the clutter, put up a wreath, organize, do whatever it is you need to do so that your home says "Welcome". After all, there's no place like home.

Here's a few things from around the web this week, and I hope you all have a Fabulous Friday!!

Are you going to Bumbershoot this weekend? It is Seattle's biggest music festival, and you are sure to have a great time!!

Owls seem to be everywhere these days. Even on a butter dish from West Elm for only $5.99.
So cute on your table!!

A simple, good old fashioned recipe for apple pie. Make this easy and delicious pie with all those Fall apples that you will have.

Go see this sweet little bird necklace on Etsy. It would make the perfect gift for any occasion.

Subscribe to this magazine that has been read and loved for generations. Take advantage of the great deal being offered for a year's worth of issues for only $5.99!!

Fabulous Friday - The Passionate Shopper

By Patricia

I used to have a terrible shopping addiction. I blame my Mother.

I know everyone blames their Mom for everything, but in this case it's really true. My mother was a hoarder, but not of trash and junk. She loved new stuff, and she shopped and bought things with a passion. If I needed a new toaster, she would tell me to pick one out from the three brand new ones in the bedroom. Needless to say, this was kind of a problem for her, and it turned out to be a problem for me as well.

I love to shop, my daughters love to shop, and I'm pretty sure my granddaughter will love to shop, too.

We jokingly say we can't help it, it's in our genes.

But since I am on my own now, I've had to say goodbye to Ralph (as in Lauren), and say hello to Will. As in Goodwill. Yeah, it's been rough... But my life is what it is, and I have learned to be a different kind of shopper. A thrift shop shopper, and the truth is, I am loving it!!

My daughters have joined me in this adventure, and the thrill of the hunt is exciting and addicting in it's own way. And I am proud of myself that I didn't fall apart at having to change my lifestyle so dramatically.

The white vase in the picture above is from Goodwill. I love it's classic simplicity, and in the old days I would have bought one similar to it from Pottery Barn. I am perfectly happy with this pretty vase. And it wasn't even $2.99 like the sticker says. That's because it was Blue Sticker Day and all blue sticker items were only $1.29!!

What's that old saying, when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade? Well, I have been making lemonade, and it's beginning to taste pretty sweet!

So here's hoping all you readers out there have a Fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend. And here is a few things I've found from around the web.


Love these colorful Fall Flats for only $16.99. Cute!!


Bumbershoot 2012 is going to be AWESOME!


Love The Barefoot Contessa? Here is Ina Garten's new book that is coming out this fall.


Oh Happy Day is one of my favorite blogs, filled with so much creativity and beauty.


This Etsy Shop has the most darling cases for your iphone!

Fabulous Friday - Stirring It Up In the Kitchen

photo via Eddie Ross

                                                                                  

Are you ever bored in the kitchen? Do you make the same meals, the same dinners, the same way?

After cooking for a family for 35 years, you can bet I  ran out of ideas!!

Now that my children are grown and I am no longer married, there is a lovely freedom in all this. But sometimes it does feel good to get creative in the kitchen. To do something different. Especially with all the inspiration from blogs and Pinterest. So I am vowing to put my creative efforts in to cooking up something yummy and sharing it here. We'll see what I come up with!!

Here's to a Fabulous Friday, and a weekly round-up of great things from around the web.

The best ever chocolate chip recipe!

Tour this cozy vintage Seattle home.

Chocolate truffles you'll go mad for!

Don't forget to check out Goodwill online for sale days, coupons and more.

Ever heard of Father Rabbit?


Have a great weekend!

Fabulous Friday

A few days ago, my daughter Megan and I went to go see Woody Allen's new movie "To Rome With Love".
I don't think I have ever been disappointed by a Woody Allen movie, and this was no exception. It was charming, funny, and filled with a cast of well know actors perfectly suited for their roles. I don't know how Mr. Allen seems to pull a movie out of the rabbit's hat almost every year, but he still does. And I love it.

It also amazes me how he is able to pull in multi-generational audiences to see his films. My daughter is 20 years old and had wanted to see this movie because she had seen the previews. I was thrilled that she liked it, and can see Woody Allen movie marathons with her in the near future (of course she hasn't been informed of this yet, he-he).
I highly recommend this film if you are a Woody Allen fan, and even is you're not, I'm sure you will enjoy it very much.
 I have found a few things around the web this week that I would like to share with you all. Here's hoping you all enjoy your weekend and that you have a Fabulous Friday!


An absolutely astonishing bedroom makeover on a budget.

Fall is just around the corner, and you'll love these $24.99 red boots!

The blue angels will be flying high this weekend at Seafair in Seattle.

Do you read this online magazine? We love it!

A great recipe from a lovely blog for what to do with all those ripe berries.

Fabulous Friday

~ By Patricia ~


This morning I am headed over to Pike Place Market in Seattle to see what's new. I know the tourists will be there, and it will be overwhelmingly crowed by this afternoon. But this morning, it will be lovely to stroll down the main arcade and get a little bag of freshly made sugar and cinnamon donuts, and a great cup of coffee from the original Starbucks.


I really try not to take Seattle and all the wonderful things here for granted. It's easy to do that, just like it's easy to take all the good things in life for granted. I've been a little cranky lately, but today I realized I do have a lot in my life to be grateful for. I know this is true for all of us and no matter what is going on, there are always things to give thanks for.

So here's to having a Fabulous Friday, and to saying "thank you" for all you have been blessed with.
And with that, here are a few things from around the web that I like this week.


The perfect $49.95 trench coat for fall.


Pop into the 8oz Burger Bar in Seattle for a free slider in honor of National Hamburger Day on Saturday.


Here is the perfect car to be driving in London during the Olympics.


Love the talented and charming artist Kelly Rae Roberts and her blog.


Absolutely dreamy Lake House you'll wish were yours.

Fabulous Friday

~ By Patricia ~


I have fallen in love with the color pink.

All of my life, pink has never been a color that I have been attracted to very much. Even as a little girl, I did not gravitate towards pink the way my friends did. But now I can't get enough of it!

I have been buying a few pink things, a blouse, a pillow, a flower vase. I have even created a Pinterest board called "Think Pink". I am loving pink, and having so much fun with it that I hope I don't loose this new love.

How about you, how do you feel about pink?

Here again is my round-up for the week of great things I have found on the web. Hope you enjoy them and hope you are having a Fabulous Friday!


Love hot dogs? Here's 20 ways to eat your dogs, including The Tech Billionaire Hot Dog.


Love snooping in other people's stuff? Go to closetvisit.com to peek in these fabulous closets.


Super easy, super delicious Breakfast Casserole recipe from Trader Joe's.


Watch an Elvis flick and get free popcorn at the annual Bite of Seattle, today and Saturday.


Darling and Funky! Would you wear these yellow Mary-Janes?

**  We also want to let everyone know the winner of our Tori Spelling celebraTORI Book Giveaway is

Annette of mimilovesall8. Congrats Annette, hope you enjoy this book!!! 

Fabulous Friday

                     

~ By Patricia ~

Isn't this pink VW bus the cutest thing you've ever seen? I love it!!

I wish it were at my local beach so that I could mosey up to it and order a fruit shake, and then sit in the sun and enjoy it. Heaven...

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I always feel that after it's over is when the lazy days of summer really begin. Evening concerts in the park, a delicious grilled dinner on the deck, and my favorite summer treat, a big root beer float.

Hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday, and a great weekend doing something you love.

Here's a few goodies I liked this week. Enjoy!

Cheap and Chic? Yes you can be both with this dress for only $19.95, and there is a chance to win $1000!

Here are 27 delicious ways to cook summer corn.

Visiting Seattle this summer? See this outdoors event guide.

I'm loving this cute necklace from this great vintage on line shop.

When I win the lottery I am going to shop here.

(Photo courtesy via Tumbler, Island Oasis)

Fabulous Friday

~ By Patricia ~

As summer starts getting into full swing, most of us are spending more time outside on our decks and patios. I found these simple yet lovely chairs at one of my favorite shops in Seattle. They would make a fun and cheerful addition to any outdoor area.
When I looked at the price tag on these chairs, my first reaction was "oh we could make those!". That seems to be my families' standard line for anything that is out of our price range. Unfortunately our confidence is way bigger than our talent! But I'm sure many of you talented readers and bloggers could make these chairs, and they would turn out great.
Whatever you do this weekend, if it's making chairs, making dinner, or making a baby smile, enjoy these last days of June.
Here are a few things I liked around the web this week. I hope you like them too.


Love coffee drinks? Want to win $10,000?


Gorgeous bedding makes for a dreamy nights sleep.


Rootbeer waffles recipe from Trader Joe's.


In Seattle today a Ferris Wheel like no other opens. (Scardy cats shouldn't ride this!)


These French Market Baskets are perfect for summer.

Fabulous Friday

~ By Patricia


Marilyn Monroe got it right with the above quote.
It takes courage to think and act in ways that others may say are ridiculous. It takes courage to march down your own path, faith in one hand, a vision for your own new life in the other. I know I am not alone when I look around and say this is not working for me. 
I need more, I need different, I need to risk appearing ridiculous.


Here's to hoping you all have a wonderful weekend, and that whatever you do, or whoever you are with you experience joy. And don't be afraid to be ridiculous.
Here again are a few things from around the web that I think you might like.




See this fun way to tell time this summer.


I would love one of these hand blown glass beauties.


Need a pretty summer purse for less than $30?


Here's a photo challenge from one of my favorite bloggers. (and a peek of a fabulous Seattle Bakery)


Great decorating idea for what to do with an old map.

(above photo by Matt Jones via Coco + Kelley)

Fabulous Friday

                                                                                  

~ By Patricia ~

I'm beginning to think I need an umbrella as big as this one. We are living up to our rainy reputation here in Seattle. The weatherman says the sun is coming out today, and I can't wait. I would love to go on a picnic this weekend at the beach.
Here are a few things I've found around the web that I like, and I hope you do too.
I hope you have a fabulous Friday!


Can you believe only $4.95 for this beautiful summer top?

Cute idea for a Mini Cooper.

Super yummy raspberry muffins to make on a Saturday morning.

A white t-shirt and khaki shorts, who knew it could look this fantastic?

Chic and fashionable at 80? Yes, and you can see the lovely ladies here.



(picture above from of Look TV)

Fabulous Friday

~ By Patricia ~

It has been a wet and wild week up here in Seattle.
Flowers blown off trees, beach parties cancelled, and new umbrellas bought are just some of the goings-on here. But you take the good with the bad, and make the best of it. And it's almost the weekend, so we are not about to let all this rain dampen our spirits!
Hope you are having a fabulous Friday, and here's a few great finds from around the web this week.
Check it out!

•  This is beautiful.

• You'll love being in the kitchen if you're wearing this beauty. 

•  Want to know Rachael Rays' secret to making a fantastic burger?

•  Pretty summer sandals at a beautiful price!

• Perfect instructions on how to use a french press. 

Have a wonderful weekend!