EEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

Well girls I have some more before and
after pictures of my kitchen redo!

I know its going slow but after over a
year in the making its getting there!
Its still a work in progress and
I will eventually show
whole room pics after it is all done,
but for now ill just focus on areas that
Ive been working on.

So here we go.....
This first shot is of the dining area in my kitchen...
you can see the old pink
wallpaper in the background
and in this shot I have begun
adding the new wallpaper.

This shot is of the corner pretty much before I started...

I know what your thinking.....

your thinking that the fabric on

those settees is rather ugly!!!

and I have to agree!

I bought them like that with the

intentions of having them recovered.

I like the shape, style and size of

them for the corner,

and of course the price was right:))))

I bought them at Marshall's Home Goods

one of my favorite stores!!!

I had slipcovers made for them,

Changed the mirror above,

I am temporarily borrowing the mirror
below from my friend Ruthebelle,

It was down in her basement

not being used so I took it

home to try out, and then

I painted and hung it up

Im thinking she is going to have

a hard time getting it back from me...giggles...

Hope she isnt reading this :P
Here is a shot with the wallpaper done

mirror hung and slipcovers made

and on the settees.....

Here is a full version of the settee before...

If I lived in Florida it might be considered pretty....

But I'm sure you will agree the after

picture is soooo much more scrumptious!!

I had slipcovers made so that I can wash

them easily since these are in the

kitchen and we will use them alot.

I washed and dried the fabric

before I had them made.

Notice the beautiful lace and

chiffon ruffles I had made for the pillows.

Beautiful yet not practical at all!!! :((((((

If these settee's weren't going to be

used often then these would be fine,

but since we sit here every day

they are not going to work!!!!

So these will have to go in

my living room and Ill will have my
magnificent pillow lady Michelle

make smaller square throw pillows.

This will make it easier to sit

down and get in and out of the settees.

I had Michelle take this wonderful lace that looks

like vintage french net and stagger

the layers for a double ruffle.

Then I had her add a pink chiffon ruffle

behind it to give the lace some

color and a little more weight.

I'm very happy with the end results.

Now on to the other side of the kitchen

in particular my stove and

back splash area......

This is the before shot.....

Isn't it something how you get used to

seeing something every day

and you forget how ugly

it really is....giggles....

Now looking at these pictures I'm

thinking to myself....
'what was I thinking???

what took me so long to beautify that area????

In a second I'm going to show

you what I had made for the new back splash.

You've heard me speak about Nancy

the incredibly talented mosaic artist from

Romancing the Rose Studio

Well in my opinion she is the greatest

mosaic artist ever!!!!!

I love everything she does!!

I was thinking of what to do
for a back splash... at first I

was considering subway tile or bead board...

then I thought why not have Nancy

make a back splash like she would cover

one of her table tops but put it

on a board for me that I can hang.

I asked her if she could and

to my delight she agreed!!!

Here is Nancy on the right in the white

when we finally got to meet in person.

I'm on the left, then my friend Ruthebelle and

friend Trish whose home is the

current jewel of the month.

Trish had bought several pieces from

Nancy and she drove about 4 hours

to deliver them and so we could meet.

She is such a doll and we had such fun that day!!

When she brought in the furniture

we were deciding where to put the pieces

and the next thing you knew we were

all rearranging Trish's

family room pulling out accessories etc....

it was so funny we just met and

this was how we spent our time together

but we all enjoyed it so much...

To us it wasnt work it was entertainment!

Since we all love to do things like

that so it didn't seem odd to us.

anyway back to my back splash.......

here is another before shot of the area....

Now the after!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't it incredible!!!

Truly a work of art!

Some people spend there money on

artwork from Monet, Picasso or???

to me Id rather spend my money on this!

An original piece of artwork from Nancy.

She has such a way of arranging her

china that her work cant compare with many.

Everyday as I cook I can look at this beautiful piece full of the finest

antique china I could find for it.

You should really take a look at Nancy's website.

Perhaps you can own one of her pieces of art!

Now my last delima.....

Do you like the green tea kettle or the pink????

Let me know what you think,

and stay posted to my website, Ive been working on new treasures

and hope to list soon.

and of course will be working on the kitchen more so stay tuned for updates on that as well.

hugs,

San

Kitchen Before and afters

Well here it is....
Reveal day!!.....
Wellll partial reveal day.......
As you know Ive been planning on and talking about my kitchen redo for over a year now.
But because of various obstacles
It has been delayed, :(
The good news is that I have finally
started it and my kitchen is
getting there slow but sure.
I wanted to start showing you
some of the photos so that you can
see the transformation as it unfolds.

So Lets get started....
In this photo below you see the
original pink striped wallpaper,
I started to strip it already.
The china cabinet I had painted green with an
antique glaze a few years ago..
I liked it but I really wanted to have my
vintage china more open and displayed prettier.....
plus I desperately need more counter space
and since we cant do a major remodel at
this time I have to work with what I have.
So my brilliant brainstorm was to remove
the top of the cabinet to open up the top
of the buffet so that it could be used as counter space.

But my brilliant idea was not so brilliant because when we lifted it off we found a gaping hole!!!!

But it was hubbie to the rescue he filled the hole in with wood,

and for now I have the wood covered with a runner,

I'm hoping to get granite counter tops and also put a piece of granite on this piece to make it seem like part of the cabinetry.

I put up this scrumptious pink and cream

toile floral wallpaper from Grammercy.

I hung this shelving unit that someone

was throwing away on the wall.

I think it was part of some type of bedroom set.

I painted it white, and could now display

my china openly but still keep the counter space.

But the display part was a bit of a challenge!!

I can usually go into someones house and

tell them exactly what they need to

change, hang, rearrange...etc.....

but sometimes when it comes to your

own house you can get a block.

I didn't know where to start or what to do.

I stared anxiously at the wall for a long time.

Then decided just to start and let things start flowing....

Well things didn't flow too well.

Everything looked too blah..

too white on white....

I love that look when others do it,

Rachel Ashwell does a more neutral pallete with touches of color,

and Karla my new Jewel of the month does a more neutral color scheme,

Her home is beautiful!

but for some reason when I try to do the look I cant pull it off.:(

I realize along time ago that we can get inspiration

from different sources, we flip through magazines, go blogg hopping etc.. we see ideas that we love but the key is to take the

idea and make it our own,

Come up with our own interpetation of the look.

I dont consider my house shabby chic, or Victorian,

I have found the best way to describe my style is

.......English Cottage......

Its more embellished than shabby chic and has more color, it is full of china, roses and elegance but still very cottage and relaxed.

Not too overdone dark and heavy like Victorian sometimes can be.

I had some friends visiting last week from Paris and when they

saw my house they immediately said "oh your house is so English"

that is what I always thought but it was nice to have it confirmed.

I tend to need more color,

I like soft pastel color but I need more punches of it.

So I decided to paint the back of the shelving

unit a beautiful shade of green.

Its Martha Stewarts Index Card Green paint

that I had mixed at my Benjamin moore paint store.

Just so that the china stood out a bit and

not got so washed out against the white.

Immediately when I saw it I new I like it!

Now I had to arrange the china better,

At first I was arranging it and it looked like china soldiers all lined up.

too predictable and uninteresting.

I started adding other pretty display pieces in

with my limoge china to add interest and more color.

I cut up some pretty hankies into 4's and

used them as little shelf runners.

I decided not to use the rose canisters on this wall after all,

I will use them somewhere else.

I put the pink lemonade canister on the top of the shelf.

That is one of my favorite pieces...

It came all the way from Australia,

Mandii one of my previous jewels of the month

found it for me and sent it.

Notice the mosaic shelf above the

buffet hanging in the shelving unit.

That was made by my friend Nancy who

is the greatest mosaic artist ever!!!!

I will be blogging about her more soon and

also showing another piece she has

custom made for me for the kitchen that

is to die for gorgeous!!

When I saw it I told her I had died and

gone to pink china heaven!!

wait until you see her work!

She is unbelievable!

for now you can look at her website found at

http://romancingtherosestudio.com/

look at her gallery and you will see what I mean about her work.

I still have to get the top of the buffet decorated,

its still not right or the way I want it but stay posted

for more updates on the kitchen and I will

be showing other sections of it as they get finished.

Take a look at the new Jewel of the month for April,

Its Karla's Cottage, and it is beautiful!!

you can see it on my website, just go to jewel of the month.

Hope to post more soon,

things are starting to get better for me,

its been ruff but I'm getting there.

thanks for your support and patience!

hugs,

Sandy

Mushinessss The 3 Stooges Way!

How can I explain to you my dynamics of my family,
When I say family I mean with my parents and especially my brother!
We are not an overly gushie, mushie, lovie type of family,
Though there is no doubt that we love we each other,
And There is nothing we wouldn't do for each other!
We just show our love in different ways.....
We tease all the time and there is not many subjects that isn't fair game!
I kinda think of our family as displaying our love the 3 Stooges Way!

We are just very goofie and show our love in a goofie way!
Especially my brother Ed!
He is the lead stooge!!!
But in the past years we have been faced with much family heartache
that has drawn us together in a way we never were before.
When your young you think nothing will ever happen to you,
but as life goes on you realize things do and will happen.

Life becomes more precious and
we value each other more.
So as a result We have started to
become more mushie with each other,
which I have to say is nice but also difficult to accept at times.
But my stoogie brother did something for me last month that I will truly always cherish,

Let me start from the beginning.....
In January when I had gone to California,
My brother had taken off from work after my father passed away,
One afternoon we drove down to Laguna Beach,
We drove down PCH which is a beautiful drive along the coast!
Its one of my favorite drives.
The California coast line is gorgeous!

We went with our cousinRoxanne,
who is really more like a sister.
We spent almost every day of our lives growing up together,
our moms are sooo close.
Together we make up the 3 stooges,
Her being Moe!
Which I suppose makes her the lead stooge...heehee....
Ooopppps sorry Ed youve been demoted!
anyway......
we went had dinner,
walked around the town and shops
and came across this really pretty shabby style
store that had lots of things but one thing caught my eye.......
it was this pillow.....

It saids "Twinkle Twinkle little star what a gift from God you are"
I saw it and in a serious voice said to my brother......
"Ed I think you should buy this for me"
Rox and Ed walked over to see what
I was referring to and they both silently read the pillow
and then after a pause of silence burst out in laughter!!!
I have to admit I laughed too!!
As I said before we know we love each other we just don't express it in mushie terms.
and for my brother ever to say or refer to me as a gift!!
well that would be as the

saying goes....'when pigs fly!!!'
That was the end of that and of course we
teased each other for the rest of the day and week.
Then about a week after I arrived home from California I received
a box from my brother,
I had no idea what was in it and was surprised to receive it.
I opened it and I'm sure you can guess by now what was in it!
Yes the pillow,
but even more wonderful was this letter he included in it.


(Sorry about it being sideways for some reason that's the way blogger uploaded it and I have no idea how to correct it.)
So Ill just tell you what it saids.

"Sis, just wanted to let you know the pillow is right you are a gift and I'm very lucky to have you as a sister.
It was really nice being with you last week I couldn't have done what you did.
Please don't let that cow of a dog use this.
I love you
Eddie
PS If you tell anyone I called you a gift ill kill you."

It was definitely a Kleenex moment and
I will always cherish this pillow and letter,
because it was for this moment that we stopped
being the stooges and became the Walton's!!
(ok now I'm laughing right now too!!
that is a bit to over the top the Walton's we
will never be but I think you know what I'm trying to say!)

And I promise Ed,
The pug will never get his slobberie tongue on this pillow!!!
I love you too my big bubble bass!!

Since its been such a long time since my last post this is going
to be a long one I have lots of things to share with you.
First Ive finally after over a year of planning and shopping started my kitchen redo.
and these are just a few of the before pictures...

This is one of the walls I have this green china cabinet but because I need more counter space I am removing the top of it and doing something different as you will soon be seeing.
the pink stripe wall paper is the old, Ive started to strip it here.


We took off the top which revealed a whole in the top which is throwing a wrench in my idea to use it as a counter top,
but hubbie came to the rescue!!
he put some wood to fill in the hole for now and later we will cover it with tile or perhaps a mosaic??????


Now don't look at my hubbies little bald spot in the back of his head!
He isn't going bald its just the angle and lighting...hee hee...
You know how a camera makes you look 10 pounds heavier,
well it also causes bald spots to appear when there are none!!
I am in soooo much trouble right now!!!!!:P

Ill be putting some after pictures in my next post, I am sooo excited as to the turn out!!
and I think you will to!

We have had a couple good snow storms lately so I wanted to show some pics I took the day after,

It looks like a winter wonderland!

Now last but not least I will close with the pug!

In this picture Pugsie is very upset because my brother

referred to him as a cow in his letter to me!!

Don't worry Pug, I set Ed straight!!!!

Your not a cow!

your a piggie boy!!!

This shot below was the Pugs response to Ed....

He was trying to blow raspberries to him.....

pppppfffffffttttthhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Which made him tired so

Then he took a nap!

Here he is below striking a pose....

looks like he is trying to be a fashion model or something!!

We will close with this,

thanks for all your care and concern and emails,

It really has meant so much to me.

I have been working on new projects for the website,

and hope to list soon.

thanks for your patience and remember Good things come to those who wait!

hugs and smiles,

Sandy

Looking Back

James E. Bowling

8-23-41~1-16-09

Husband, Father,Grandfather,Brother, Uncle and Loved Friend,

Jim died on January 16th 2009 after a lengthy illness.Jim is survived by his wife Pat, who was his faithful companion for over 48 years of marriage, his son James Edwin, daughter Sandra fay Lujan,

grandchildren Brandon, Derrick, Darah and Zachary

Sisters; Christine,Joan, Gail, Ruby and Brother Rex.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Devon.

Jim was a hardworking good hearted man who loved his family and was a dedicated and loyal servant of God.

Jim or Jimmy, as he loved to be called because it made him feel young, was proud of his humble beginnings as a country boy raised on a farm in Kentucky.

Jim will be forever remembered for the many humorous stories he told and funny anecdotes.

We will always love and remember him and look forward to the day we see him again in Paradise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As many of you know already My father passed away a few weeks ago.

I wanted to go and see him one last time while he remembered me to tell him I love him.

His Dementia, Parkinson's and Diabetes getting worse by the day.

I arrived on Wednesday evening in Los Angeles about 9 pm and went straight to the hospital to see him.

To my delight He remembered me!!!

I wasn't sure if he would, I was so happy!

He was very weak but seemed pretty stable at that point.

My brother and I were with him....when the paramedics came in to move him back to the convelesant hospital my father thought they were policeman taking him to jail.

He got very upset and didn't know why they were doing this to him.

That broke my heart and I left the room in tears.

The dementia had his mind very confused, he didn't no what was happening to him.

My brother asked if he could ride in the ambulance with him to be with him.

Thankfully they said yes!

The ride went smooth and my father settled in that evening.

Friday came and my mother and I were with him,

He was very agitated and thought he was working under a semi truck.

He kept trying to get out of bed saying he had to get up and go home.

We had to fight to keep him in bed. We were surprised at the strength

he showed after being so weak the day before.

He didn't realize he was in the hospital. He thought he was at work and wanted to go home.

after several hours of this battle, my mother sat with him stroking his hair trying to get him to relax.

It seemed to work he started to fall asleep.

As we were walking down the hall to leave we heard the alarm go off and saw the nurses go running to his room.

They had an alarm on him if he tried to get out of bed it would go off so they would know and could stop him,, He had no strength to support himself and he would fall.

Anyway, we heard the alarm but we just kept going because at that point we knew there was nothing else we could do to try and keep him in bed.

And we actually thought we might be making him more agitated struggling with him, we were thinking perhaps they could deal with it better as we were not having any luck.

Then about 45 minutes later we got a phone call saying that my father'sheart had stopped and they were taking him back to Hoag Hospital.

By the time we arrived it was too late, my father had passed away.

We were in disbelief......

it happened so quickly!!!!!!

We were actually thinking he was going to maybe recover we saw such a change in him.

But They said he had a massive heart attack.

I am trying to think that this is probably the best thing in the long run.

His quality of life was non existent, being bed ridden, not able to get up,

not knowing where he was at times, being in pain all the time.

Its hard to think of death as a blessing but I suppose in times like this it is.

He is no longer suffering, He is in peace.

The hard part of course is now for us and especially for my mother.They have been together since she was 14 years old.

She has really been his caregiver over these past few years and it hasreally taken its toll on her.

My worry now is for her.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story

I know its not the most upbeat post but I really appreciate so much all the emails you have sent me with your care and concern I just felt the need to let you know what happened during these past weeks.

I also want to share with you a few photos from the trip and of course end with some funny pugsie pictures to leave you with a smile, so please indulge me a bit longer.....

This was me and my father years and years ago..... (we wont say how many years ago!!!!)

I think he kinda looks James Deanish.....

In some ways I was closer to my father than my mother,

What I mean is I was more like him, we thought alike so I understood him and understood where he was coming from and why he did what he did at times,

I usually was the one who came to his defense when mom and dad had their arguments as all parents do.

Though mom was really more my friend and mothers and daughters just have a bond in ways a father and daughter dont but I just understood him so that made me feel close to him.

I remember this picture below like it was yesterday.
I remember the day and it being took, I remember looking at my mom and thinking how beautiful she was and that I had the prettiest mom in the world.
And of course that's my bro glasses and all.
remember the urckle post a while ago. well here is one more to embarrass him!!! sorry Ed!

But wait let me show one more embarrassing picture of Ed!!!!!!
this one of him crying on this FAKE HORSE!!

My brother bless his heart was always crying when we were growing up!
I was always the good child....hee hee......


This is a picture of some of my fathers sisters who flew in from
Kentucky to attend the funeral.
My mother is standing in the back with the green shirt.

This is my nephew Derrick who is in the Army,
They allowed him leave to attend the funeral.
It was a complete surprise, we didn't think he was coming, but
my brother surprised us and just walked in with him!
It was a great moment!


The picture below is of Roxanne on the right and on the left one of my childhood best friends growing up together.
Her name is Kristin and she was my next door neighbor.
Our lives have taken different directions she still lives on the West Coast and I on the East but its nice to know and see friends when you need them. She came to the funeral and over to my mothers after the service.
The picture below is of Kristin and I at one of our home coming dances.
We both had dates but we wanted to have pictures taken together.
Notice our dresses, they are both vintage wedding dresses that we wore.
We were quite different from most of the girls in school at that time.
This was in the year 1979-1980 and the disco era and polyester was strong, but we wore vintage dresses.
Even at that time my love for vintage was developing.

This is a picture of my mom her mother (who is sitting down) she is 78
and 2 of my moms sisters and one of her brothers and of course me.
My mom is so tiny and frail, I'm so worried about her......

I'm sure you recognize my aunt and Niece Whitney, This is a day we had lunch together...

And of course me and my big brother Ed....

He is such a sweetie and I love him to death even though I tease him!!!

This is my other niece Darah, she is my brothers daughter. She just got engaged!

And now since you've been so patient and listen to my story and looked at my pictures I will reward you with some pug pictures!!!

I want to leave you with a smile,

In the picture below Pugsie got upset with us when we told him he was starting to resemble Jaba the Hut!!!!!

But you have to admit its true!!!

and the truth hurts!!!!!

One last photo is of him sleeping........

Notice his tongue folded underneath his chin!!!!!

That tounge is tooo much!!!

So I will close with this picture of the pug!

I think its all been said for now!

Thank you again for your emails and comments of care and concern!

sweet dreams!

smiles,

Sandy

Lu La Belles Closing

Just wanted to let you all know that Lu La Belles will
be closed for a week or two.
I received news that my father is in the
hospital and spiraling down hill.
He has been ill for some time with Parkinson's and
Dementia as well as some other issues.
So I am flying out to California to
see him and be with my family there.
I'm sure it will be a difficult week ahead with many tears.

But I don't want to leave this post on a sad note,
so I let me share with you some of the
recent events in the Pugs life to
make you smile!!!!

It all began with Me buying the cutest
pink doggie bed for Baby girl!
I purchased it at Walmart!
Well immediately the Pug thought it
was for him and he took it over!!!!

He couldn't even fit in it!!!

He was hanging out the ends he didn't care though!

But Baby girl did!

She didn't like him being in her bed at all!!

She promptly moved him out and she moved in!!!

I took the insert pillow out to give him something

to snuggle with but his feelings were

hurt by baby girls gruffness!!!!

He was very upset about it all that

he didn't have his own special bed!!!!

He resorted to crawling under the rocking chair that

my husband was sitting in at working on the computer!!

He looked sooooo pathetic that our hearts melted

we had to find a way to make him happy!

And we did!!

He got front and center with Daddy at

the computer helping him work!!

He was happier than a pig in slop!!

See I told you I wasn't going to leave

this post on a sad note!!

Pugs is doing just fine!!!!!!

And baby girl is very happy in

her new pink bed!!

take care,

hugs,

Sandy

The Wild Adventures of The PUG!

I know that its been a long time since I last blogged.
It hasnt been because I haven't wanted to blog but its because
Ive been soooo busy that Ive had to put
it on the back burner for now.
between working on special orders for you lovely ladies,

2009 Vintage Hankie Planner

And working on projects for the website, I have been busier than a bee!

Thanks to you wonderful little shoppers, as soon as I

get something posted on my website the item sells and

then I'm back into my mad laboratory

creating more new pretties for you!

My family hasn't seen me in weeks!!!!! :P

I want to thank you all for your wonderful support

I'm very touched that you love my work.

I hope to continue to create and provide things that

you will love and cherish in your own homes.

I still don't have alot of time to blog right now,

I need to get back into the lab,

so I thought I would at least entertain you with some photos of the Pug!

I was thinking you might enjoy seeing what a day in the life of the pug looks like!

So sit back and enjoy but be warned it might get a little crazy!!

First on the agenda is to contemplate.....Nap or Food?????

That is the question!

Nap sounds good!

But wait!!!!! is that food I smell????

Oh false alarm! time for another nap!

This time will try another sofa!

closer to the kitchen!

Aha!!! good strategy I did hear pots and pans clinking!

First at the table!!!

(oh and by the way ignore the ugly fabric on the bench!

I bought these benches with the intentions of slipcovering them in the most scrumptous pink rose fabric! stay tuned for this kitchen makeover)

I'm sure there must be some health code violation being committed here with that tongue

being on the kitchen table but hey he is part of the family!!!

after a hardy meal nothing else to do but take another nap!

So how was that!

This is the mad, wild and adventurous life of the Pug!

and for some people his life may be actually something to attain for...hee hee...

Hope it made you smile.

Stay tuned for more adventures coming

soon in "Wild Adventures of the Pug the Sequel!"

And stay tuned for more pretties being listed early this week!!

hugs and smiles,

Sandy

Moving on.

Ive decided to delete my previous post because I didn't like the way it made me feel.

I want my blog to be a place of peace, serenity and inspiration not a place to gripe or complain.

Even though I feel I'm entitled to and have many

storys to tell I'm not....... I'm going to let it go.

If you have any questions email me directly and we can talk.

smiles,

Sandy

Good News!!!

Well Its November 1st so you no what that means!!!

No im not talking election day, turkey day, silver bella or any other big event coming this month..

Novemeber 1 st means its..........

New Jewel of the month time!!!!!

Now..... Thats what im talkin about! :)

And is this a good one that I have for your daily dose of inspiration!!!
Our November Jewel of the month comes to us from the land down under in
Australia!
It is Mandii’s beautiful Shabby home.
Mandii said when they bought their modern façade home 7 years ago it it likewise started out inside with modern interiors, but boy has it changed!
People say that when they walk into their house its not what they expected. Its more warm and cozy which is the look she is going for.
Mandii describes her style as Shabby Old meets Shabby New!
She loves old pieces of furniture that are marked and dented with peeling paint, each piece has its own story to tell.

She started making over chairs into shabby style and since she wasn’t into that style of decorating she would sell them on ebay without a hitch since she didn’t really like them.
Then her designs evolved and she started making over lamps and lampshades and then onto bigger furniture.
She was also one of the first aussie gals to make Shabby faux cakes etc, they look so wonderful on display without any temptation at all!!
Mandii sells items on eBay every week.
Her eBay user name is- Shabby_Vintage_dreams

She describes herself as just an average everyday stay at home mum with a 4 year old and one baking at the moment, who started her Shabby career while maintaining a home and a family.
Check out her home as featured for the Jewel of the month on my website then check out her ebay site but don’t buy anything I want…hee hee…

Im also going to be listing loads of treasures either monday or tuesday if all goes as planned!

so stay tuned.....

same bat channel...

hugs and smiles,

Sandy

Who am I ??????

Do you ever feel you have more than one side to you????

I often struggle with that issue.....

I sometimes feel like a real froo frooie.. girlie girl...
so much so that some of my friends nick name me the PRINCESS......

There is a part of me that never goes out without

lipstick and mascara....

My hubbie always brings me my coffee and toast in the mourning...

I try to display good manners and etiquette at all times...

and I strive to make my home look like

the type of place

that RACHEL herself would be proud to call her own.....

but then I sometimes feel not so froo frooie and feel more like the Pug!!!!!

Sometimes I just dont care.....
I often go barefooted.... something that drives my husband insane!!
I Often spill things on myself....
it seems my coffee leaps out of my cup an on to my white blouse or sweater!!! ..its really
not my fault!!! :P
and then sometimes my house looks like a tornado just flew by.......

Sometimes I have to laugh and say to myself...... "who am I????" Am I the princess or the Pug??

I have finally come to terms with the fact that I'm all those things....
and that we all have many dimension's to our personality.

and its all those little quirks that make us unique and human.....
Its also a woman's way of keeping our husbands on their toes and keeping life interesting!!!!

I have to chuckle to myself often when I say or do something...
then my husband looks at me with a smile and saids .....WHAAAAT????.....

It makes me think of Ricky Ricardo talking to Lucy....
and I envision my husband saying to me in a
Latin accent......Sannnnn.......you got some splaining to do!!!!!!

But despite my Lucille Ball mentality and antics he loves me......

I often ask him why?????

and he always saids there is so much why!!!

But of course like any wife I don't let it end there and I make him spell it out!!

But the sweetest thing is he obliges......

All I can say is Ive been very blessed!!!

Well enough of all this mushy stuff..... i've also got some more great news......

i've also been the fortunate winner of many give aways.....

I will post about them all soon...

but for now I have to mention this tremendous load of goodies

that I won from the darlin Jessi !

I couldnt believe all the things she sent me!!!!

The sweetest prettiest packages tied up with gingham and polka dot ribbons...
it wore me out to open it all...hee hee....

Just look at all these wonderful scrap booking supplies!!

Jessi is such a fun spunky girl she goes by the name scrappy jessi

you must check out her blog and her etsy site

She has some of the most whimsical and creative items,

and as a bit of blogging trivia .. her nickname is the living Barbie..

Go visit her and say hello you ll be glad you did!

Ive been moving slow still because of the lymes disease...

I'm not responding to treatment as I had hoped so my projects for the website are coming slower than I hoped.

Thanks for your patience Im working on some special orders and some more treasures for the website

One of which im giving you a sneak peek with this picture......

Doesn't it look scrumptous!!! Whats better than something made with vintage lace but something with pink in it too!!

Ill have to keep you guessing though for now and you ll have to wait to find out what it is!!

so stay tuned....

same bat channel!!!

smiles,

Sandy

Beauty and The Beast!!

Well I suppose it depends on whose perspective your looking from.......


In my eyes my Pugsie is such a beautiful sight!!! How can you not love him!!!!
But I suppose in some peoples eyes he would be considered more of an ugly beast!

But I love him regardless....

He is my beautiful baby!!!
Now another thing that can be considered either a beauty or a beast is my office/studio....

When I'm working on projects it does look like a beast not beautiful at all!!!!

But when its clean.........
Its a different story!!

Ive recently done some redecorating so I thought I would share with you the updates....

I wanted a canopy affect for the bed,

So I took two Rachel Ashwell Simply Shabby Chic lace curtain panels.... sewed them together at the ends...then took ribbon,

tied a bow around certain areas,

then just hooked it on a few nails strategically placed.

I pulled the lace panels to swag a bit.

I really love the affect..

In another house I did something similar and I used tiny grapevine wreaths to swag the fabric through.

I made these tea cup sconces I can light candles in them if I want.

I'm working on a few custom orders for these but will eventually have them available on my website http://www.mylulabelles.com/

This vinyette is on the nightstand next to the bed......
I used the same Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic lace curtains on the windows but thought I needed a little more punch of color so I used pink curtains underneath the lace to make it pop a bit more.
Its still very soft though.
I love the 3 tiered glass shelf on the night stand.
I bought it while antiquing and it allows me to display more of my smalls very nicely, and make the most of the display space. Something I learned with my brick and mortar.
When your paying rent for a store you make the most of every square foot that you have.








I bought this clock in Connecticut at an antique mall. I had driven up there to go to this wonderful fabric store and took a little detour to this huge antique mall where I found some incredible treasures, this being one of the best!!!

In the softest pinks and blues my favorite color combo!!!





The Lamp shade I made,
I have had this lamp..... well my husband had this lamp from his single days,
I found it packed away and said where did you get this!!!!!!
He said 'that ugly thing!!!"
I said this isn't ugly I love this... anyway to make a long story short,
Ive been waiting to find the right lamp shade for it and finally decided to make one.......

I used this beautiful ribbon and flower garland that I purchased from Holly at www.hollydoodledesigns.com then I wrapped it around adding more flowers and a vintage hankie embellished with vintage pearls and beads that I sell on my website...www.mylulabelles.com

I love the way it turned out and will do some more perhaps for my website.

This is another angle of the room,

its to the left of the bed.

do you recognize the mosaic mirror????

that was suppose to be in the bathroom redo but I ran out of room in there. so I am using it in here.

I collect fenton amongst other things.
Notice the figurine lamp I converted into a tea cup candle sconce.....
I can put a little tea light or votive in there. I will be making some of these for the website as well.

So that's it...

sometimes a beauty sometimes a beast but I love it regardless!

I will show you the other side of the room in a future post.

stay tuned....

same bat channel!!!

smiles,

Sandy

Can you believe this!!!!

I tell you!!! ...........this guy is tooo much!!!!
He really thinks he is human and as such entitled to all the
privileges one would expect as a human!
For those of you new to my site this is my love able pug 'Pugsie"......... aka...Chancho, piggie boy, gordo, fat boy or simply as The Pug!

He has a ferocious appetite especially when he is on steroids for his allergies.....

so he is always on the prowl for food...

we can not leave anything unattended other wise he will get into it.

these shots are of him desperately wanting the left overs on the plates from dinner,

but I was keeping one eye on him at all time...

He knew it and was trying to wait me out!!!!!

Eventually he fell asleep in this position!!!

He eventually woke up but I had removed all the tempting treats...
I suppose he refused to accept that everything was gone so had the nerve to actually get up on the table to be sure nothing was left!!!!

Doesn't he look so pathetic!! Poor baby!!!!

Now if this were the Lassie show and we had to try to interpet what the Pug was trying to tell us here I would say he was saying "Mom.... I need my ears cleaned!!!

(that's a box of q-tips he is laying his head on!)

Here he is trying to get my ice coffee!!!!

Here he is waitng for dinner to be served!!!!

I'm telling you these pictures are not staged!!
He gets in these positions all on his own!

But he is not all trouble!!! he actually has a spiritual side.... Here he is praying that I let him eat dinner with us!!!

And here he is doing his Bible reading with the Family!!! Such a good pug!!

Now to change directions a bit but not too much the Pug is still part of this......

What your about to see now is classified information!!

The scene is the top secret location of my fabulous office where all the magic begins and all my creating happens!!

and its a rare glimps of my creating space that not many eyes are privy to. and the following pictures will tell you why!!

Right now though its not looking so fabulous!

When I'm working I pull everything out and as a result looks like this!!!!

There is not an open space in sight and poor Pugsie
(because he has to be by my side every minute of the day)
actually got into and fell asleep on a box of my vintage fabrics!!!!!

But how could I get upset at him! Look at that face!!!

Since I am usually always working unfortunately my office looks like this alot!!

Thank goodness for whoever created doors!! this one is shut alot!!...hee hee...

This is one of the projects I was working on.... a vintage hankie phone and address book!

Complete with a little bling!!

Coming soon to http://www.mylulabelles.com/

Now to update you all on my health issues.

I really appreciate all your emails sending your care and concern! Thank you so much!

I went to the doctor yesterday and got the blood test results and

I do have Lyme's Disease. Its back again!

So while I'm not happy I have Lyme's disease I am happy that its not worse and this can be treated.

I responded well to treatment last time so hopefully will again.

My thyroid is still not up to normal either so that is not helping my energy levels so he bumped up my medication for that.

I'm also very low on vitamin D so I need a supplement for that.

Still checking out a few other female issues but other than that if all goes well with the Lyme's treatment I should feel like my old self and running the streets again!!!!

Thank you again for all you emails! I really appreciate it!

From my family to yours comes lots of smiles and Hugs!!!

Sandy

Im sorry..............

(These two photos from Jenn at Sweet Eye Candy Creations) I have to apologize.....

Ive been neglecting my blog lately and as a result I didn't give Jennifer my new Jewel of the month on my website http://www.mylulabelles.com/

the proper representation she deserves!:(

First let me explain......

The mystery illness that hit me earlier in the year is back

We still don't no what were dealing with but right now I'm going under a battery of tests to figure it out....

Its possible its a Lyme's Disease Relapse or perhaps my on going thyroid issues that Ive been suffering from or ??????

but whatever it is, it has hit me hard again, so im taking it one day at a time right now.

Now that being said, you now no why I'm not on top of things right now.

but I feel bad mostly as I said for Jennifer because her home is so beautiful and deserves to be seen and recognized!

Not only is her home wonderful but so is her blog and website http://www.sweeteyecandycreations.typepad.com/

Jenn has some of the most fun and whimsical designs.

Her things just make you smile, I posted a couple pictures of her work at the top of this post.

She uses a little bit of whimsy, vintage, feminine, sweet, and puts them all together to create little works of art anyone would love to have.

She takes special orders to make things more unique and personal to you in fact she is working on one for me!!!!!

To see what I mean you have to take a look at her site, you will fall in love.

Here are a few shots of her home......

These are shots of her dining room, which was featured in Romantic Homes magazine.

This is part of her kitchen..... I love the bench!!!!
This is the beautiful Jennifer with the new addition to her family!!!
You must go see more of her home its just lovely!

Go to my website http://www.mylulabelles.com/ and click on the JEWEL OF THE MONTH

Now on to my latest project from the Sweet Six online Art Retreat,

I find doing my little projects therapeutic and haven't been able tokeep up and do all of the projects from the retreat but this one I couldn't resist because it was working with some of my favorite things....

Vintage hankies, vintage millinery and flowers.

I added several layers of hankies on top of each other for extra detail.....
I love the little bird at the end, I bought it from Heather at http://www.prettypetalsboutique.com/

Isn't she sweet!!! I just ordered another one to put at the other end.
The whole design is called a bunting though I have no idea why its called that,


Ive been meaning to ask Heather .......


Maybe you know why????

I posted a full shot of it at the very top of this post I tried to cut and paste it to move it down here but had no success.

My Sweet Connie I need you agian!!!! (update my sweet chickadee Connie did it for me! thanks again sweetie!!!)

Well that's it for today,

hope you go check out Jenn's home you'll be glad you did!

I hope to post more new items on my website, wish I could tell you when but right now just taking one day at a time, so the best I can tell ya is to stay posted.....

same bat channel! :)

smiles,

Sandy

This just in..Update.. I was going to save the world today.......

I was going to save the world today......... But........
Something glittery caught my eye!!!!!

Shop update............I just finished listing some wonderful treasures on my website www.mylulabelles.comHere is a sampling of a few.....

This is my Marie Antoinette Belle.
I love the way she turned out.....

I had found this image of Marie Antoinette and had someone duplicate it on fabric for me but it could only be done in a small size otherwise we would loose image quality.

I had to make her small to make up I made a lace mat of sorts to frame her out.

I gathered lace and added it around the edge.

I also listed a few new vintage jeweled picture frames........
And if your looking for beautiful office supplies check out the vintage millinery phone and address books I designed as well as cordinating flower writing pens!

Your desk will never look so good!!!!

Also I posted a new jewel of the month.......

The new Jewel of the month comes to us all the way from Macon Georgia,I

ts Jennifer Hayslip's beautiful home.

Jennifers home has been featured twice in Romantic Homes magazine, as well as a special feature of her daughters room in their Romantic Bedroom and bath issue currently on newstands.

As long as she can remember she has loved all things vintage and old,she considers herself and old soul....

Jennifer has followed her grandmothers footsteps and is currently a borard member for the Macon Historic Preservation society.

In her earlier years Jennifer loved Victorian but after awhile found it took dark, stuffy and fomral.

Her look evolved and she now has developed a mix of shabby chic vintage with a touch victorian.

She enjoys the lighter relaxed feel of this style.

Jennifer also has developed a website in which she designs the most beautiful whimsical and sweet items thay just make you smile!!

You can visit her website at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5236723

also visit her blog its always so much fun and a real treat at....

http://sweeteyecandycreations.typepad.com/

but first check out her beautiful home photos at http://www.mylulabelles.com/

just go to "Jewel of the Month feature"

that it for now! enjoy!!!

smiles,

Sandy

Ok Girls dont Laugh!!!

What your about to see is a little over the top!

Ok maybe a lot over the top!!

But regardless I like it!!!!

Its my interpretation of the bath salt bottle project that Natasha Burns gave all of us students on the Sweet Six Online Art Retreat..

ill talk more about this retreat in a minute but first here she is!!!!

My Marie Antoinette Bottle!!

When I was working on her it just took on a life all its own...

it started taking on the look of a ball gown like I felt Marie Antoinette would wear......

I was in a creative coma when the Marie Antoinette project craze was going around so now I'm catching up for lost time and doing Marie Bling!!

The online art retreat is a lot of fun....

It is being put on by a group of 6 of the most talented and creative ladies....Holly Abston, Natasha Burns, Cheryl Dack, Jennifer Hayslip, Heather Kowalski and Analise Sledd.....

thus the name Sweet Six...http://sweetsixstudio.typepad.com/

the retreat is for one month we get 3 projects a week to create and make our own.

at first I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I am, but I have

found it very enjoyable and challenging.....

Its not that the projects are too difficult its just that it forces you to come out of your comfort zone and do something or try something you normally wouldn't do.

The Picture above is of my interpretation of the the most precious little lantern project that Heather from Pretty Petals designed for the retreat.

I was able to pull out all my vintage millinery and create a little fluff to add to the rest of my froofe in my house...hee hee..

As you know I'm big on fluff and froofe.....

I hung a vintage crystal from the bottom to catch the light.. I have it hanging from the chandelier in my office,

I'm also big on sparkly shinny objects :)

I cant wait to see the other projects were assigned to do for the rest of the month

The retreat goes through the end of September.

I had one last summer hurrah when my brother came to visit for just 2 days but it was so nice to see him and tease that lovable lug!!

He drove up from Washington DC where his fiance and him were dropping off her son for college at John Hopkins University and getting him set up in his apartment.
This is his 4th year and he will graduate early with a masters degree...
talking about smart genes..... he's got them!!!
anyway..

My brother has a work conference in NY so was able to stop off for a few days to catch up a bit with his YOUNGER sis!

It was short but still had a lot of razzing each other time to get our fixes!!!!

I will be posting some wonderful new treasures in the next few days on the website....www.mylulabelles.com

and will be sending out a newsletter, also I will be posting a new Jewel of the Month a real beauty!!!

so stay tuned.....same bat channel!!!

smiles,

Sandy

All Dressed up with no where to go!

All dressed up and no where to go but right in my office!

and thats where she is going to stay!!

( No Cindy you cant have this one!!!!.... hee hee.....

This is my current project that im working on my Jeweled Vintage Millinery Dress Form who is dressed to the nines.

Since I work so much with vintage jewels and vintage millinery I thought I should make myself a dress form that has the best of both of my loves.

She isnt finished yet but I thought I would show you what I have so far.

Part of the fluffie froufie thing at her waist is part new flower
that I sell on my website http://www.mylulabelles.com/
and also a wonderful old hat that I bought in Lambertville NJ a few weeks ago.
it has the most wonderful vintage flowers and feathers on it I couldnt bare to take it apart and liked it right on her waist to accent it so there it will stay!
I put the vintage jewels and vintage collar on the fluffiest fluffy ruffle created from the bottom of the vintage prom dress.

I adorned her neck with some of my favorite vintage necklaces and jewels and the most I beautiful vintage pearl collar.
I added the blue to the top to connect the top with the bottom.

Im not going to do too much more with the body of her since I really want the star of the show to be the jewels, the floofie froufie feathery thing and of course the beautiful bottom so I think im going to look for a pretty soft white lace to cover her body in.
Ill post more pics when im done with her along with
more pictures of my office which has also gone through a makeover that ill be posting soon.
I cant wait to show you more but Im putting her
on hold for a while because Im working on some special order vintage millinery dress forms for a few of you and also some frame orders so im catching up.
Stay tuned....
Same bat channel!

Girls (well women) In the City

I suppose I should clarify that even further....

It actually was two old ladies.....(don't worry we call them that with the deepest of looovee!)

two getting up there and creeping up on 50 ladies....(and the old ladies don't let us forget that!)

and one 21 year old young lady....Who we all found the perfect husband for! If we can only convince her of that!

I recently had my Mother, Aunt, cousin and niece all visit from California
and want to have the New York experience in a mere 10 days...
including some side trips to other states if possible!!!!

AAAHHHHH!!!!

I played hostess, tour guide, chauffeur, restaurant critic, and entertainer extraordinaire!
So let me begin by introducing everyone....






From Left to right Is my mother Pat who we lovingly call shortie,

Then my cousin Roxanne I wont tell you what her nick name is...

next to her is her gorgeous daughter Whitney who wanted to come to NY to have her first drink When she turned 21 on Tavern on the Green!

To the right of Whitney is Me if you didn't recognize me already.....

and then next to me is my aunt Darlene,
and of course my little guy.



When they first arrived they were first greeted by the pug!

My mother and Whitney has met them on previous visits but not the others.

He thinks he is a human and made himself right at home at the table.

Our first outing was to go into Manhattan to Tavern on the Green so Whitney can have her drink.

since we went in on a work day and the congestion was terrible and difficult to get a cab we had Whitney be our sacrificial lamb sort of speak........

We put her out on the street corner to hale a cab...after all who wouldnt stop for her!!!!!

But before the drink was a little snack at Papaya hot dog stand..... World famous!
Then on to Tavern on the Green..............

It is named that because its right on Central Park and is a must see for anyone coming to New York..............So beautiful chandeliers everywhere and in every room.......

Whitney ordered her first drink at the bar and it was a Cosmopolitan........

Bottoms up..............

BBBlllllHHHHh!!!!!!
She didn't really make that face...hee hee... she is a good sport and did it for a good picture moment.

Here we are upstairs in the bar it was closed but we just took pictures.
After several hours on the patio talking, eating and drinking it was on to Central park where we took a beautiful walk......
Its hard to imagine such beauty in the middle of that concrete jungle..........

Then it was time to jump on the subway and have the subway experience........



Nothing saids I'm a "TOURIST "so "MUG" me more than TAKING PICTURES on the subway...hee hee....

but hey! we had to capture the moment....

Then it was back home................
The picture of this bug below is not suppose to be in this spot but I still cant figure out how to move it without starting over so ill just explain this and move on......

This bug we found while having a barbecue one night and in my 14 years of living in Jeresy have never seen one like it.

I have no idea what kind of bug it is anyone have any ideas????

I lovingly call it the Carl Maulden bug im sure you can guess why...hee hee...

I tend to call alot of things Carl Maulden remember the faucet post????

Below is Pugsie giving Whitney a kiss goodnight!

On another night we made homemade pasta.

My husbands relatives brought me a pasta machine from Argentina and now my husband and son only want that.....

its really good once you have it you don't want store bought again......
Here is Roxie trying to be domestic...hee hee......

Here is Whitney and Rox relaxing after the hard work of making the pasta....
notice the wallpaper in the background. I'm getting ready to redo the kitchen its partially started.
the paper on the left will be the new paper......

Then we did manage to find time to drive over to New Hope Pennsylvania about 2 hour drive from my home.

Its an artsy town with lots of galleries and shops and across the Delaware River is a town in Jersey called Lambertville loaded with Antique shops.....

We actually liked Lambertville better than New hope, though New hope is more widely known but we found it a bit commercial and too touristy we loved the antique shops in Lambertville.

We had lunch in this wonderful house/restaurant and inn and we exchange gifts just because....





This vintage doll brooch I purchased from Jenn at Sweet eye candy Creations

http://sweeteyecandycreations.typepad.com/
when I saw it I knew it would be right up Rox's alley.
she loves really whimsical fun things and she pinned it on right away....

While antiquing I saw this Chandelier that I really really want!!!

but don't think I'm getting!!! :(

This is a covered bridge in NJ near my house......
We did so much more and had soo much fun and could go on but ill stop for now....

I was very sad to see them go sometimes your happy when company leaves but I actually wasn't, I was very sad.......

Even Pugsie had a little mourning period......

They all promised not to wait so long before another visit and so our saga our story will go on.....

The never ending story............

But now that summer is drawing to a close and vacations are done for a while I am now going to be working on new projects for the website.

I know you all have been asking and thanks for being patient so soon I will have more goodies for you!!!!

It's Pink Bathroom Reveal Day!!!

Dont you love that show???

Clean House..... with Cici Nash.... I love when she saids foolishness and mayhem and of course

Reveal day! She is so funny!

Thats what it is for me today..... Reveal day.....

of my Finally completed bathroom for you all to see.....

It only took me about 3 weeks!

not quite the one day I thought I was going to do it in!..hee hee...

Oh well :P

Ive got alot to show you so I wont spend alot of time talking......

Here goes.......



This shot below is the area next to the commode area I put a little french end table to hold necessities and display my beautiful perfume bottle collection.......








Some are vintage and some are ones that Catherine Risi paints as you will see my house and especially this room has loads of Catherines work, I absolutely love her work and cant seem to get enough of it!

Love this little shoe I bought it on my way up to Maine......

I made the curtains the panels using Rachel Ashwell Simply Shabby Chic from Target....Rosalie pattern.... I did a smocking affect to the top of them so if I shut them the gathers stay evenly distributed.

The balloon I made using sheets, the pattern is identical to the Rachel Ashwell Rose blossom pattern but as far as I no is not.

If you look closely below some simi hidden treasures behind the glass of the cabinet... more of Catherines bottles inside the........

My version of tea cup lighting below, I added this chocolate cup to a sconce that way while im soaking I can put little votives inside to illuminate......






Love this little girl box below.....

Got it on a trade with Ruthabelle.......

I purchased this old table chandelier below, sprayed it soft white, added crystals in an array of colors, pink, blue and clear then added the pink beaded shades (available on my web site)

I love the way it came out!

This is the area just as you come into the door of the bathroom........

This antique print is one of my treasures I purchased while in Buenos Aires Argentina

I was looking for something really special and this was it.....

I bought it in their antique district..Its the prettiest lady dressed in pink and blue and holding pink roses...

notice the pink flowers painted on the frame.....

This is the area to the right as you walk in thats where the tub and sink are....

I made the little slip cover for the seat of the chair out of those same sheets I mentioned earlier....

And the shower curtain I made using Rachel Ashwell Simply Shabby Chic curtain panels...

I used 3 in total so I could have a full gathered look I used clip rings for the rod and have a liner inside to protect from the water.......

Im debating if I should paint the mirror a soft white or if I should keep it gold....

right now im leaning towards keeping it gold....what do you think???

I did the same treatment on the wall sconces that I did on the table chandelier....





Well thats not all if you want to see more pictures of the pinkest, frufriest bathroom this side of the Mississippi click on the link below

www.mylulabelles.com

Ive made myself the jewel of the month for August

(well semi precious jewel of the month since its just one room and not an entire house)

I have other homes to feature in the coming months but its been so busy here for me I havent had time to work on them.....

to see more of my pink fru fru bathroom or visit my website click here www.mylulabelles.com

smiles,

Sandy

Its been a whirlwind......

This has got to be one of my busiest summers to date!!!

its all good though, lots of memories being made! :)

Just thought Id share a few pics from our recent trip in the New England states,

Cant show too much because I have to get back to the bathroom redo!

you know the one I just knew, would take me a mere day to complete! .........

(I'm rolling my eyes right now)

well this room has given me a run for my money and though I'm 95% done it will continue to take some tweaking...... I will post pictures of it in a couple of days.

But for now I will entertain you with pictures of my trip up the East Coast....

The picture above is me, hubby and little guy in front of the Breakers Mansion in Newport Rhode Island.....

If your ever there its a must see.....

The Vanderbilt's lived like royalty and the house inside was more elaborate than some castles I have toured.

The shot below was taken at the Portland Maine light house.

Just gorgeous it was everything I thought the rocky shore of Maine would look like....

Below the picture is my niece Brogan she was visiting from California and went on the trip with us....

Here she is having the Maine Lobster experience.....She wasn't impressed ....

(Can you imagine??? who doesn't love lobster)

She is a typical California health food kinda girl and doesn't eat allot of meat.

that's why her skin looks like porcelain and she is as thin as a rail!

I did get her addicted to Dunkin Donuts coffee while she was here.

A few days after she got home she would call me whimpering....

"I need my Dunkin!!! "...hee hee...

Oh well more for us!!!!!

My husband and I tried to become vegetarians one time it lasted about 3 days then we saw a billboard for a steak restaurant and that was the end of our vegetarian days....

My husband is from Argentina and their main diet is beef.

He could eat it mourning noon and night.

and yes you guessed it he is thin and low cholesterol!!!

Well im off to finish my pink frou frouie bathroom......

but before I do I have just a few more things I want to share with you.....

Ive been a very lucky girl and bestowed with some wonderful awards from some other very sweet blogging ladies who are very talented and have great blogs.....

The first one is from my Marina Capano she has a blog called.....' Only cute things'

http://wwwpurocolor.blogspot.com/

Marina has a home decorating show in Argentina and has developed a following here in the states.

She honored me with the Brilliant Weblog award........

I never thought of myself as brilliant but if Marina saids so it must be true...hee hee...

thank you Marina!

I will try to live up to this very nice award!!!

The next award I receive was from Melissa from 'Its a Charmed Life' blog

http://charmschooljewels.blogspot.com/

You must visit Melissa..... she has a website that she designs and sells the most wonderful fun charm bracelets using the most unique items.......

Ive been trying to buy one but they sell out so quickly!

Melissa bestowed upon me the Arte Y Pico

The originator of the award said that "this award is dedicated to the many who nourish and enrich the spirit and creativity of others"

I feel so honored that Melissa felt that I met that criteria and chose me to receive this award.

Again I will try my best to live up to this award......

I'm suppose to pass both of these awards onto 5 other ladies who I feel are deserving and believe me when I tell you it was a hard choice there are so many good blogs out there that have inspired me..........
but Ive narrowed it to the following blogs........

Cindy from the 'Romantic Home' http://romantichome.blogspot.com
Cindy is always working on projects in her home and sharing the how too with us.

Connie from 'Living Beautifully' http://connie-livingbeautifully.blogspot.com
I just love Connie!
She is like a breath of fresh air so funny and witty! you will love her!

Heather from 'Pretty Petals' www.prettypetals.typepad.com
Ive told you before how much I love Heather and how she has inspired me.
She is one talented girl!

Alice from 'Romantic Thoughts from Alice' http://romanticthoughtsfromalicew.blogspot.com
She has a beautiful blog and always has the most amazing photos.
She also does web design and blog work she is most talented!

Jo-Anne from 'Vintage Rose Collection" http://vintagerosecollection.blogspot.com
Jo-Annes site is one I have gone to from the beginning she is sooo talented and her work and site are beautiful one of the ones I go to for inspiration when I'm having a block.

I have to add one more because I feel she is most deserving.....
and that is Polly from Counting your blessings http://countingyourblessings.blogspot.com/
Polly has a great blog that is full of things she allows you to use to design and create your own blog. she has free banners and all kinds of downloads. check her out its a must!!

So that's it for now.
I hope to be taking pictures of the bathroom tomorrow for you all to see so staaaayyyy tuned!!
lots of hugs coming your way!
Sandy

Bathroom Sneak Peek!

Well this bathroom thing is taking me much longer than I expected!
Between vacationing up in New England, having my niece here visiting from California,

as well as working on special orders for customers im moving much slower than planned.
I always think something is going to take me less time than it does.
I am always doing a million things at any given moment but I actually dont multi task well!
Im constantly asking my husband what was I suppose to be doing?????...hee hee
Id be lost without him!!!!
anyway many of you have been emailing me asking for photos of the bathroom so im giving you a sneak peek since you have all been so patient.
Im still working on it and hope to be finished by the end of this week,

if all goes well.....

but untill then here are a couple of shots to peak your interest!

Im only showing you a little so as not to spoil the surprise,

but as you can expect its going to be very pink and froo froo.....

and also display some of my favorite things like a chocolate pot or two!

What!!!!!

You never heard of a chocolate pot in a bathroom?????

My line of thinking and justifacation is that while im taking a hot relaxing bubble bath with candles luminating I could have a hot cup of coco while soaking! :)))

Hey! It could happen......:P

and thats the story if anyone asks WHY???????

Stay tuned!

same bat channel.....same bat channel!

smiles,

Sandy

Good things comes to those who wait!!!

Soooo sorry to keep you girls waiting about the bathroom redo!
I have so much to tell you!!!!!!
But the majority will have to wait because im on vacation up in Maine right now.
I dont have alot of access to a computer.
But to give you a tidbit of info of what going on here's the story.......
Started the bathroom....
Of course nothing went as planned!!!!!
Only got a small section painted and the shower curtain made.
Hubbie was coming home at a time I would be gone so I left a note on the door of the bathroom saying...
"Remember you said you would love me for better or for worse!"
I didnt hear anything from him untill a couple of hours later when he text me on my cell phone saying he was at costco,
I texted him back saying "okie dokie and by the way I love you your the man of my dream :)))))).....and dont spend to much money!
(he has a tendancy to go alittle hog wild in costco and grocery stores hee hee.
He then replied" Ill only spend enough to help me recover from pink bathrooms!!!!!
I had to laugh and knew he was doing the same!
I went fishing for a compliment and asked "do you still love me????
He answered "Now and always!'
I tell ya he is such a sweetie and good sport, there is little he ever gets upset about.
So by now your guessing I did a pink bathroom. but actually youll still have to wait and find out.
Im not happy with the pink I chose and am considering painting it blue now.
but I may try another shade of pink first.

Hang in there girls! the conclusion is coming soon!
smiles,
Sand

Hmmmmm...Which is it?????

She Loves Pink.........

She Loves it not..........

She Loves blue............

She loves it not..........

From the clues in this picture can you tell what color scheme Ive chosen to go with for my bathroom???

Lets seee...... Blue Crystals?? so it must be the blue????

But wait Pink crystals and pink in the background must be the pink?????

But then again maybe I'm going with the pink and blue combo??????

......Hee Hee.......

I guess you ll just have to wait and see!!! ( imagine sound of evil maniacal laughter while rubbing hands together)

I'm going to have to start working on it soon before my Hubie reads my blog and discovers what I'm up to!!

I asked him the other day...."have you read my blog?"

He replied ".... No.....why did you get another ticket"

Now my first response was'......." What!!!!! you haven't read my blog??????

How can I expect the masses to read it if my own husband doesn't take the time to read it!!

I then instructed him that he must start reading it.... every day!

even if I havent posted anything new

but I said looking with a guilty face..... dont start yet!....

I forbid him under any circumstances to read my blog until further notice!!!!!!!!!!

Only when I give him the OK si I expect him to bookmark and read it .......

even if I haven't written any updates.....

In which case im sure after these strict instructions NOT to read it he will now go to check it out later to see what im up too!! :P

so I suppose I better get busy........

I'm off now to buy my decorating supplies for the bathroom!

will be blogging soon with after pictures.

smiles,

Sandy

My Decorating Delima!!!

To Do or Not to Do that is my question!!

I'm feeling a little unsure about what to do with my bathroom.

I'm trying to do a simple cosmetic redo......

nothing structural since we gutted most of the bathroom 8 years ago and we are in the middle of a kitchen redo so I don't want to give the hubby a coronary when he discovers what I am up to!!!!

He likes the room and I did too but you girls know how it is we women need to change, update and spruce up.

Our homes are rarely ever really done!

So Here's my plan.........

Ill keep it simple...... just paint and decor.....

I can do it one day while he is at work..... when he comes home ill tell him I have a surprise for him and to close his eyes!

Then while he may be dreaming a Mercedes in the driveway or something like that...... Oh wait that's my dream!!!!

Hmmmm what would be a surprise for him??? I got it!!!! a home cooked meal in the hot summer!!!!!

yeah thats it!!!!

He will be expecting dinner but instead...........

I will make the big reveal!!!!

SURPRISE!!!! Our new pink and blue Bathroom!!!

Can you imagine the look on his face!!!! How could he be disappointed!!!!!

He will be sooooo amazed and happy with the way it turned out he will forget all about not getting a home cooked meal, Mercedes in the driveway or anything else that might have been going on in his innocent head!

How does that sound????

Good you say???

Great!!! cause that's the plan I'm going with!

I may even cook that meal..... a hearty pot roast in the middle of summer to sweeten the deal and ensure he is happy!!

Now here is my dilema....

I want to do the bathroom in a pink and blue color scheme because its my favorite color combination so I have several options to choose from...... I need your help.....

Option 1.......

Option 1 is a Rachel Ashwell British rose fabric as the shower curtain and soft blue paint.

I hung the solid blue fabric next to it for you to visualize........

Now Option 2........

Option 2 is Rachel Aswell British Rose shower curtain with pink walls.... again the pink fabric for visual purposes........

Finally Option 3..........

Option 3 is Rachel Ashwell Rosalie shower curtain with pink paint on the walls...

Please leave a comment or email me and tell me what your favorite Option is 1,2 or 3 and which direction I should go in, since I have to do this quick and I have no room for error it has to look stunning the first time when hubby comes home!!

Here are some of the accessories that will be in the room that I just purchased...

I love this mosaic mirror I got it in a trade deal that I often do with a friend of mine.

This pink piece is and old dresser that was married together with a top of something???? found on the side of the road, a friend painted it the softest shade of pink.

I had it in my store for display but brought it home I love it!!!!

Of course it will be chauchkie upped when I'm done..... Now here is the biggest delima of all!!!!!

I told you that I have wallpaper on the walls that I put up 8 years ago.

I put it on top of wallpaper(I know forgive me for I have sinned!)

but the walls were damaged and at the time we couldn't put up new sheet rock so I just covered it and it did the job at the time..

but I still cant put up new sheet rock the kitchen is the priority right now! and I want this to be as quick and painless as possible so should I................dare I say it...........

you no what I'm thinking!!!!!

But I'm afraid to speak it less I commit the unforgivable sin in decorating!!!

But I'm thinking of painting over the wallpaper!!!!

There its out there! !!! I said it!!!

I know!!!

Don't scold or think any less of me but I have seen it done and it doesn't always look HORRIFFIC....Does it???

Here is my line of defense......

I have very little wall space most is broken up by windows, bathtub, mirrors, furniture, laundry room door, bathroom door. and by the time I hang all my other chautckies and things very little of the painted wallpaper will be seen!!

I was going to re wallpaper but I don't want to go to the expense if I can avoid it (remember I'm trying not to become a divorced woman!)

So tell me what you think, Ive never done it before so I'm not sure if it will look really awful so if you think I shouldn't do it I wont. (well maybe I wont Ive been known to buck the system!)

but ill try to listen to your advice....I think.... :P

Dont forget to tell me your option for fabric and paint combos!

One last thing I just listed a new jewel of the month and its a beauty!!

The beautiful home is owned by Beth a very talented woman, it reflects her feminine and elegant taste and I know you will love it...

To see more click here http://www.mylulabelles.com/ and go to Jewel of the month!

hugs,

Sandy

Eye Candy!

MTV Cribs: Pam Anderson
Video sent by MTV

Its been a really crazy week for me!

Filled with chizziling concrete in the

HOT BURNING SUN........an other unspeakable horrors that

I will whine about, oops... I mean blog about in a future post! :)

my fingers are chizzled to the bone and I cant move right now or even type.

So this will be short but sweet post .... full of sweet eye candy!

If you havent seen it yet click on the link to see Pamela Andersons gorgeous home!

You will love it!

smiles,

Sandy

Visit the official site www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/cribs/series.jhtml
MTV Cribs get's a V.I.P. pass into the ultra-glamorous home of Pam Anderson
© 2008 MTV Networks

Here comes the bride...........

Isn't it funny how going to a beautiful wedding makes you want to do it all over again?
The Gowns, flowers and romance of it all.
Its how being around a newborn..... smelling the Johnsons baby lotion..... looking at their little fingers and holding them so close reminds you of the beautiful precious moments when yours were little.
It Just makes you want to have another baby!!!!!!
( that screaming you hear right now is my mother jumping up and down with joy in California!)

Being around my little niece has certainly put the bug in me!!!!!
(that thump you just heard is the sound of my husband fainting on the floor)

But in this post I don't have any announcements to make!
Sadly my baby days are over......
Ill just count my blessings for my 2 handsome boys and wait for grandchildren.
(Which by the way Brandon if your reading this I can wait a bit longer for!!!!!)

So since I cant have anymore babies and I'm not getting married again.......
I have found the love of my life.....
I have to find other ways to capture the moments that those blessed events bring.
Beginning with indulging my little niece that was just born with the fru fruiest things I can find.......... and I can create and design these beautiful dress forms......dolling them up to the nines!!
(whatever does that mean???)


Ive done many of these in different sizes and styles but this one was a custom order for a customer. She requested a bride.
I added vintage pearls to the bottom of the dress for added detail and pizazz!!
I really wanted to keep her!!!!
as I do with most of my designs, I put my heart and soul into all my projects......
I don't skimp or short cut.....
I use the most beautiful vintage materials and make my things as if they were for me and staying in my home.
( which is why I'm never going to become a millionaire in this business and my husband should keep his day job! hee hee)
I really want my customers to get something that is really special and truly be an heirloom piece for their family.

As I said It is hard to let them go because my work takes on a little part of me....

but when I get all your beautiful emails telling me how much you love what Ive designed for you then I'm happy I did.

I know that the little part of me is in a good home and well loved...... and I suppose that's why any of us doing what we do, we just want to share what we love!!

smiles,

Sandy

My 15 Minutes.......

I'm sooo excited!!
And I just cant hide it!!!!
(Sounds like I'm getting ready to break out into a Pointer Sisters song......)

That's because my art was finally published in a national magazine!!!!
and not just any magazine but one of my favorite magazines Romantic Country!
Its my 15 minutes of fame!

When I first started making my vintage jeweled frames about 20 years ago it was just a little hobby something I did for myself and friends.
Then people kept saying you should make these and sell them!!

I thought to myself 'I love them but will anyone else really want to pay money for them?????
One day I had an opportunity to open a little shop with a friend...
Here was my chance...

So I took the plunge!!!
In the beginning I got mixed responses to my frames,
the reaction was either "oh my those are soo beautiful or oh my how gaudie!" hee hee

I grew a little thicker skin and realized that my frames arent for everyone,
and I also realized that I didn't need every ones approval either!!

I started developing a following and people came to my store looking for what new items I had created.
I expanded my shop to include furniture and home decor and then decide to go online to find an even wider market for my frames....

Then about 6 months ago Fifi O'Neill editor of Romantic Country emailed me and said she would like to do a feature on my beautiful frames!!! (her words :)

I couldn't believe it! Me!!! ..... she wants to feature me!!!!!
I felt like I was dreaming and would soon wake up to realize it was only a dream.

but this time it wasn't.....
this time my dream came true!

When I saw the feature in the magazine for the first time
(thanks to Cathy from Treasured Heirlooms)
it was at that moment in time that it hit me ............
I'm a real artist!

I think I must have felt, what most struggling artist feel when they are finally recognized for the first time as someone with something worthwhile to offer the world,
Its at that time that you finally feel legitimate....

But don't worry even though its nice to be taken seriously, I wont ever take myself so serious or get such a big head as Ive seen many often do.
Some think they are the only ones with any talent and everyone elses work is trash!
I dont ever want to be like that.

I realize that their are so many talented people out there waiting for their moment to shine and they will be next....they will have their time and perhaps ill move on to other things....
but for now ill continue to make fun of myself and my life my mistakes and successes and especially tease my hunkie brother Ed.......

but for an instant.........for a few moments........... its nice to sit back and have someone say nice job!

I really want to Thank you for all your support, emails and comments of congratulations it really means a lot!

smiles and hugs,

Sandy
Heres a peak at some of my new listings and soon to come listings...

Beautiful Girls!!!!!!

Beautiful Girls!

Hunkie Brothers.......
Beautiful Girls.......
and The Pug!
Today's post will have it all.........
well except the hunkie brother that was just a teaser...............
though some hunkier photos of my brother will be coming I did promise him....
lets just say I paid him off....(you girls no my delima!!!!!):P

It did occur to me though that though you have seen alot of my family you haven't seen one of the most special girls in my life.....

and that is my Babygirl....

she is the beauty part of the beauty and the beast duo that rule our house

(Pug is feeling a little down because he has to share the limelight today)

Babygirl can be a real tuffie...... and the Pug often is put in his place by her....
Then.... she can on a moments , be as sweet as pie.......
She has my husband completely wrapped around her little finger....
When my husband comes in the door she goes right to him rolling all over his feet waiting for a belly rub..... and all the odes to baby girl start....
I told my husband "How come I don't get that kind of hello when you come home?"
He said "because you dont throw yourself at my feet and let me scratch your belly when I come home" hee hee
Ive decided to be happy with a hug and a kiss!!!!!!!!

Here she is just from the beauty parlor..............

It was her first haircut... my husband stayed with her the whole time to hold her while they groomed her because he didn't want her to be scared she has a very sensitive side.............
Isn't her bob adorable!!!!!!

I always loved bobs but have decided they are not the best cut for me,

I did get one and thought I liked it until I came home all excited I said "Honey how do you like my haircut?"

Anxiously waiting his reply hoping he would say oh you look so young.... exotic....or beautiful......

He replied....."oh I like it..... you look like a newscaster!"

I said What?????? a newscaster????? not you look so chic??? your gorgeous....You look 10 years younger.... you never looked so good.....but I look like a newscaster???

It wasn't exactly the reply I was looking for......

anyway my poor hubbie has since learned that when I ask him how do you like it? he saids beautiful I love it!!!!!.hee hee....

what we put our poor husbands through!

Enough about me, Now its time to show you more of my beautiful girls.........

Here is my new beautiful niece Angelina...... she is just a little doll...........I was able to spend the afternoon with her and gave mom a little break.....poor mommy you no how it is in the beginning!!!! No sleep at all!!!!!

I dont look this good even with sleep!!!!! But I have one more thing to share with you......
here is the pug getting ready to introduce my new line of beautiful girls....
the latest in my vintage jeweled frame collection. Ive been working on a new set preparing for some special news that will be coming soon in regards to them!!!!

They will be listed soon on my website so stay tuned!!!!

http://www.mylulabelles.com/

smiles,

Sandy

You Saved me so Jewels for everyone!!!!

Well Girls I think my brother is a happy man!!

All the ooogling and googling and the odes to Ed comments have calmed the savage beast!
His ego has been saved and he now truly believes he is a stud muffin!
It appears that im out of the woods.....
at least for now!!

Some of my relatives loved the blog posts so much they think I should do an Ed Blog....
All Ed... all the time ....
because we all have so much stuff on him! hee hee....
My sweet brother makes himself such an easy target he is just one of those loveable lugs you have to tease!
so the idea is very tempting!!!
I may have to keep it as my black mailing tool though to keep him in line just in case he really does figure out how to do a blog and post those pipi photos of me!

So now the time has come to pick a winner out of all the wonderful ladies who helped get me out of trouble.
I needed a trusted assistant for this job and as usuall the pug is always right there for me.
His tounge was the perfect device for picking a random name out of the box!!

But I did have to tempt him a little so I put his favorite treat cashews in the bowl......
He wanted them so bad but wasnt quite sure what to do, he didnt no if he should eat the paper or not.

finally he couldnt take it anymore and went for it....... along with the cashews came a few pieces of paper stuck to his tounge.....
I managed to pull one out before he swallowed everything......
and this was the lucky winner........(excuse the dog drool and chewed up cashews):P
Cindy from http://www.romantichome.blogspot.com/
Cindy has a great blog where she talks about her decorating and how to projects.

But she isnt the only winner today because im going to reward you all with featuring a new jewel of the month for June. So everyone gets jewels tonight!
Im a bit late because of so much going but as they say good things come to those who wait...

You are going to love Heathers home.
Heather from http://www.prettypetals.typepad/ is one of the most creative and talented girls Ive come acrossed in a long time.
She is simply incredible!!
I told her she finds ways of reinventing the wheel!
She brings new life to things we already use
for example.......we all have ribbons,
but Heather will take a ribbon hand dye it add sevral other layers of ribbons and create a work of art!

I bought this blue one from her its scrumptous!!

I love Heathers style and flair she inspires me and im one of her biggest fans!!!!

Heather describes her style in this way.........

"I absolutely love anything vintage and love to decorate my home with an eclectic mix of antiques.

The color blue, chippy paint, and roses are my weaknesses. You will find a lot of blue in my home and I love to mix it with a tiny bit of pink, lots of green and a bit of brown. This color palette is so soothing and warm to me and I often find myself choosing these colors without even thinking about it.

My Mom has always loved antiques and I have defiantly become my Mother's daughter in that respect.

I would go to shows with her and help her set up her booths.

One of my fondest memories was hanging up her linens on the racks that she had for display and admiring all of the pretty lace.

Now that I have children of my own, I love seeking out treasures for our home at antique shops and creating a pretty comfortable home for us without spending a fortune."

click on this link to see her beautiful home

http://www.slide.com/r/8C3AMq70pz9hyC8r2ygJXat9FElV3Dfz?view=original

Enjoy,

Sandy

Help!! Im in trouble Contest!!

This is an update on the brother story below!!!!
I just got a voice mail from my brother who is not amused at my posting his Urkle picture for the world to see.
He said he is going to open a website so he can have a blog.......
(poor baby he doesnt realize he doesnt need a website to have a blog :P
bless his little Urkilie heart!



He is going to dig out every pippi longstocking photo ( I did kinda look like her I went through an akward stage!!!)
every pig tailed, thumb sucking picture while wearing my little house on the prarie bonnet that there is.
(fortunately there are none hee hee...I hope :P
He saids its it payback time!!!
so the only thing that might save me is if you all leave a comment telling my stud muffin brother Ed what a cute little boy he was,and further more....what a hunk he grew in to!!!!!!
dont let me down girls!!!
otherwise im in big trouble!!
And to make it worth your while Im going to have a giveaway....everyone who enters a comment on this post telling ED how handsome he is ,will be entered into a drawing to win something really good.
They will win one of my vintage jeweled picture frames that I design and sell on my website.
this is it below.....beautiful dainty& scrolly frame embellished with vintage blue and pink stones.
couldnt you see a little baby picture in it?

So hurry girls and help me out before my brother starts a blog!!!!

smiles,

Sandy

Oh Yes I Did!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok maybe I didn't!!!!!!
It depends on who's perspective your looking from......
What am I talking about?
I'm referring to our camping trip down on the Jersey Shore this past weekend.
Did I camp or didn't I ??????

We almost didn't go because of the health issues Ive been having but since we weren't really camping..... camping I decided to go....
We stayed in deluxe cabins that had Television, AC, Full Bathroom and Kitchen, Living room,
separate bedroom, microwave etc etc.....
under those circumstances I felt I could handle it........





Now that's where my rugged, hiker, fisher, sleeps on the hard ground in tents brother's
perspective comes into play!

He insists that this is not camping at all but more like staying in a luxury hotel!!
He is not letting me live this down and refuses to acknowledge that I actually went camping!!

I told him this is the way the Northerners on the East Coast camp so as they say....
"When in Rome"......
and besides this was hardly a luxury hotel but I suppose in terms of camping conditions it was.
We were very comfortable and I layed really low resting alot around the campfire and the pool.
(oh did I forget to mention they had a pool?)

This is my brawny brother Ed.......
I know he is not looking real lumber jackish in this photo but he did grow up and loose that Urckle look and I had to post this picture just to razz him...hee hee...(I'm gonna get it now!!)

This is us together almost 2 years ago.....what a difference 35 years make!!
I didn't do my usual antique scavenging because I didn't have the umph!! but I did go to a couple stores that I always visit when I'm down that way....
If your ever down the Jersey Shore say perhaps visiting Atlantic City and your looking for a side trip while hubbie is doing his thing you should come a bit north to this town called Tuckerton NJ...

Its a cute coastal town that has some points of interest you will enjoy the first of which is......

This wonderful restored Victorian home that has been turned into a Tea room and gift shop.

Its called The Lizzie Rose...........

She doesn't have alot of antiques but she does have some beautiful things and some antiques that have been turned into treasures.
look at this mantle clock below made from an old teapot and creamer!
I thought these were very whimsical they are actually the shells of crabs that have been hand painted. I didn't buy one but now I wish I had.......
Right next store is another beautiful old Victorian house that has been restored to its full grander and glory!!!!
They did an amazing job and have converted it into a restaurant called Main Street......

We weren't able to go this time around but next time for sure!!!
I then went to this other group of shops right behind this called the Town Square......

and I bought this chandelier...... I thought it looked like a hot air balloon.......

The face of the shops look like an old vintage town and inside they have a co-op arrangement of booths and stores with everything from scrap booking supplies, shells, candy, Vera Bradley,
etc.....

It was really a nice getaway and my little guy as usual didn't want to come home!!!

He loves vacation life.....

but I am glad to be home from my ruffing it camping trip as they say there is no place like home!!

Oh also im a little behind posting the new Jewel of the month for June but will have it up in a few days so stay tuned....

smiles,

Sandy