Lu Lu's Fluffy Ruffles

Where Did She Go?????

2010-06-02T07:30:00.009-04:00

Its Unbelievable!!
Its been over a year since I last blogged.....

Many of you have emailed and asked me what happened???

Where did you go???

When will you blog again???

We miss you!!
I just want to say thank you so much for all your care and concern.
Im ok but not ok if that makes any sense at all....

I will attempt to explain in this post
whats going on with me...
some of if sad news but of course we
wont dwell on that and I will try to make you smile too.

First something to make you smile!!

Yes this is Pugsie taking a nap!!!!
I didnt have my camera but did have my cell phone.
He is the most unique and funny dog I have ever had!
He gets himself in the most unbelievable posistions.

Look at his tounge....always sticking out
makes him even more the clown!!

Their is nothing like a pug!

and if anyone out their is considering

getting a dog I highly recommend

the Pug breed.

that are sweet, loving, gentle and

will always make you smile!

So Now on to more serious subjects and
the happenings of my past year.
As you all know my father passed away last year.....

When I came home from California I felt almost dead inside...

Its hard to explain but I felt numb and
just didnt feel like doing or seeing anyone.

I forced myself to do what I had to for my
family responsibilities but I
seem to want to do much more.

Then my Lymes Disease was still quite
active so I also had those issues to deal with.

I saw several new doctors and the
good news is that one found a treatment
that seems to have brought me to a
much more functional place.

But then as life goes....Bad news hit again.

You remember my big brother Ed??
He was in the Urkle post a while back,
the one who teases me merciless and the one
I return the affection too. :P

Well he was diagnoised with Lukemia.
It is a very rare form.........
The doctors can find very few cases or research on it.

They dont no how he will respond to treatment or if he will.
I flew out to California a few months ago
to see him while he was in the hospital.......

This is a picture below of me my mom and brother
the day I left to come home.

He was in the hospital the entire time
I was their but was released the
before I left.

This picture below was in the hospital....
as usuall we were teasing and laughing at each other.

Its going to be a tuff battle ahead and I
be making another trip out to be with
him and my mother for support.
So as a result I wont be doing any
of my handmade vintage creations
for a while on my web site.

I cant seem to have the mental energy to focus right now.
The web site is still open with items that are in stock,
but I just wanted to let you know
why you wont be seeing any of my custom
work for little while since many
of you email asking me when????? :)

I truly appreciate your patience,
I want to thank you all for your support, care and concern.
I hope to get creating again soon in the very near future.

Now to change the subject and
lighten things up a bit I
wanted to share some photos of my kitchen.....
It possibly is the the slowest
redo I have ever done....
Im still not finished with it,
but here are a few shots of the finished
buffet and hanging shelf above it.

And last but not least a closing picture
of Pugsie when he was a baby!!
I came across these pictures that I had forgotten about!

He got ahold of my sons pacifier and ran with it....

This is the picture I was able to catch...
its priceless and so captures his personality!!
He makes me smile everyday....
Its incredible the joy animals can bring to your life.

I never thought I would be one
of those "dog people" but I am!!
and im lovin it!!

So I will close for now
thanking you again for your
care and concern.
The human heart reaches out far.
thank you so much
hugs,
Sandy

EEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-25T14:12:00.009-04:00

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

2009-03-29T19:45:00.007-04:00

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!

2009-03-08T09:42:00.006-04:00

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

2009-01-31T14:48:00.018-05:00

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

2009-01-11T16:07:00.010-05:00

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!

2008-12-13T12:21:00.015-05:00

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.

2008-11-22T22:42:00.006-05:00

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!!!

2008-11-01T10:13:00.004-04:00

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 ??????

2008-10-14T08:34:00.001-04:00

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!!

2008-10-01T18:33:00.013-04:00

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!!!!

2008-09-25T12:47:00.008-04:00

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..............

2008-09-21T16:34:00.016-04:00

(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.......

2008-09-12T18:05:00.017-04:00

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!!!

2008-09-07T17:27:00.015-04:00

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!

2008-08-31T22:39:00.007-04:00

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

2008-08-23T18:50:00.015-04:00

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!!!

2008-08-10T08:36:00.015-04:00

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......

2008-08-04T22:37:00.009-04:00

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!

2008-07-29T23:15:00.004-04:00

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!!!

2008-07-22T22:37:00.002-04:00

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?????

2008-07-14T11:01:00.009-04:00

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!!!

2008-07-06T20:01:00.014-04:00

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!

2008-06-29T23:17:00.008-04:00

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...........

2008-06-24T07:13:00.003-04:00

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.......

2008-06-20T18:51:00.008-04:00

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!!!!!!

2008-06-18T09:25:00.003-04:00

Beautiful Girls!

2008-06-15T21:24:00.011-04:00

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!!!!

2008-06-08T09:03:00.009-04:00

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!!

2008-06-03T09:14:00.018-04:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-01T17:18:00.008-04:00

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

Were having a baby!!!!!!!

2008-05-27T20:21:00.008-04:00

Well not we as in me and hubbie,
but we as in our family,
My husbands cousin and his wife are having a baby.....And guess what its going to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yes a little girl!
I am soooo excited I cant stand it!!!!!!!!!!!
Finally a little girl that I can fuss all over and take my pink obsession out on!
Having 2 boys didnt give me any oppurtunity.
and the PUG is not exactly the kind of dog you dress up in rhinestone collars and pink sweaters though I did try!!

This is the pug going ppppfffftttthhhhhh!!! Leave me alone!!

This is the expecting couple my cousin Fernando and his beautiful wife Carolina....Their love story is a real fairy tale come true!

The picture below is my partner Lydia, we have been doing event decorating together and she is unbelievably talented!
Check out my website for more photos of events we have done together. www.mylulabelles.com

Lydia can do just about anything she also trains horses, would you believe this pretty young thing knows how to castrate a horse!! I still cant get over that!

The shower was a surprise....Carolina got very emotional.............
We had lots of pink everywhere, we tried to disquise the orange and gold walls in my Argentinians cousin's Italian resturaunt(There is alot of Italian influence in Argentina)We put bouquets of balloons all around the room to detract the eye.

The Cake table looked like a pink cloud!!
Reconize this blue dish?? It was one of the purchases that I made on my last antiquing trip that hasnt quite made it to the website yet!
Its a irradescent fenton I collect Fenton so im not sure if I want to part with this one. :p

We hand sorted bags of candies for these containers......
This was the party favor table................I had ordered these beautiful baby rattles from http://www.pinkrosepastries.com/

The are simply scrumptous!!!! I just love them!!! check her site out for lots of other beautiful goodies.

I filled them with candy but ended up having more people than expected so so I filled in with organza bags filled with personalized M&M's and the flower pens that I make.

I will post some better pictures of the rattles later but for now these will have to do because ive lost my camera battery....

We played this really fun game if you ever have a baby shower you should try it.

get all your scrap ribbons, old flowers, wrapping paper, tissue paper, paper plates etcc....

scissors,tape stapler put everything on a big table,

then tell everyone they have to design and make their own baby bonnet using the materials provided.

then they have to wear the bonnets and line up for a contest to see who wins!!!!

There were so many good ones we chose 3 winners..........
It was a really wonderful day and im so happy for my cousin and his wife.....
I cant wait to get my hands on the little bundle of joy. she is due any day now.
I told both of them to expect only pink fru fruie things from me......
and they told me that as far as I was concerned nothing else had ever entered their minds.............

Smiles,
Sandy

The Pug and Meez

2008-05-26T10:36:00.004-04:00

What was I thinking!!!

2008-05-23T09:19:00.001-04:00

That's what I said after I saw my newly installed bathroom faucet!!
I absolutely hate it!!!

To me it looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex with the big body and stubby arms!!!!
The arms have an oldfashioned look but the spout has very modern lines. it looks like Carl Mauldens Nose!!(sorry Carl)
Not to mention I bought a nickle finish when my mirror is Gold!!!
What was I thinking!!!!!

I instantly told my husband after I saw it that it had to be changed!

He looked at me like I had 2 heads and that I had just lost my mind because we had a friend come over and change it for us and I couldnt possibly expect it to be changed now!

But he new the look I gave him back was 'yes it has to be changed I cannot live with this and I wont be happy untill we do'

So guess who won! :)

What prompted this bathroom spruce up was this picture......

One of my bathroom sconces had a short and almost caught fire! Can you imagine!

So I have to change the sconces, while im at it and have the wall exposed I will have to change the wallpaper,

and while im at that I might as well change the faucet because the finish was worn, then since im changing the wallpaper I will have to do new shower curtain and curtains..........

what was suppose to be a simple spruce up has now turned into a much bigger redo.

I made these littleshades years ago.... Sadly they will be retired and I will do something else

This will be the new wallpaper,
its a very pretty soft bluie aquaie paper with a soft scrolly damask pattern, Its from Blonder wall paper Cottage Prints book.
I like it for several reasons, its airy and fresh and the color will allow me to put alot of my Catherine Risi art work and furniture in the room, it will be the perfect back drop and accent to her things.
I need to put wallpaper in that room because its the one room we didnt completely gut and put new sheet rock in, the walls have several layers of wallpaper from previous home owners (and me) which I AM NOT GOING TO STRIP!!!!
Iwill just add to the multiple layers and keep with tradition whats one more!!!! :)
besides they say wallpaper is coming back...

Now because I dont have enough to do between home life, bathroom redo, kitchen redo, dogs, store, website, baby shower for cousin, camping next week, summer, kids home, vacations planned, mystery illness still lurking,
I have also undertaken another project and that was pulling up the carpet in our living room(my sanctuary) and redoing our hardwood floors!
This is my husband saying....."Who pulled up the carpet and is redoing the floors???????????
Actually he is doing the hard part of it but I did clear the room of my millions of Chatchkies
and will hand wash everything before putting everything back(if I remember where it goes) and do some touch up painting....
but at least it will really get a true spring cleaning!!

The floors are really coming out great! My husband worked for 2 full days hand stripping all the paint that was on them from previous owners and he did a beautiful job,

they are almost done!

Ill keep posting pictures of my bathroom project and kitchen project which are also in the works!

then I can say the house is done!! well almost.....

I just have to finish my bedroom,

spruce up my office,

tweak the family room.....then ill be done....oh wait......

smiles,

Sandy

Pugs, Pink Roses, Steak and Antiquing?

2008-05-18T18:02:00.000-04:00

I am often asked how my husband feels about all the Pink Girly home decorations that adorn our home......
And I have to say to my to my husbands credit he is a really good sport and my biggest fan!

He is proud of everything I do and has only played the decorating card twice in our marriage..

Once when it came to decorating our littlest guys bedroom, I wanted blue silk check drapes and they wanted something to the tune of Star Wars or Sponge Bob! Ahhhh!

We all compromised and while there are plenty of star war figurines and space ships in his room we went with a very whimsical and cute monkey themed room in soft blues and greens.....

The only other time he overruled my decorating was when it came to building our outdoor barbeque grill and Island.

You see my husband is from Argentina and the Argentianian men are known for their barbeques.....Wood barbeques no propane here!!!!!

My husband wanted a really big island so that people could sit, eat and talk while he was grilling..... I felt it was getting too large and needed to be scaled down.....My husband very kindly said...."Honey I let you do whatever you want in the house, this is my thing, let me do what I want!"

I took the hint and backed off.... This is the only other time he has interjected in my decorating attempts....
Im glad he did because He is happy and so am I He has the grill of his dreams and I have the pink home of mine!
even the pug is happy because he soooo loves the steak scraps!!!!!!

Here he is taking a nap after a hearty meal! He gets in these positions all by himself!

Of course I plant lots of pink flowers all around the Mans barbeque station :)

Ill post pictures once I finish planting this summer.....

On a final note I recently went antiquing and found some great treasures some of which will be listed on the website and also used on future projects to come soon! some pretty jewels for more frames........

this im keeping wouldnt it be cute to put toothpicks in.... what an elegant way to pick ones teeth :P

great vintage millinery....... Love the colors on this portrait plate, cant decide if I should keep it or list it, if Cindy see's it she is going to want it im sure!

That's all for now, have a great day!!

hugs,

Sandy

Thats the story im going with!!!

2008-05-12T10:07:00.001-04:00

Real Life makes you look 30 pounds heavier than you look on computer!!!!

Thats the story I told Tami before I finally met her in person at my brick and mortar.

Im not sure how our paths first crossed but im so happy we did because without knowing it Ive been a fan of Tami Kennars art work for a long time!

A few years ago I purchased the prettiest pink tray with hand painted roses on it.

It was signed by a local artist who made things for one of my favorite shops Gingerbreads in Ocean Grove NJ

Now fast forward a couple years........

I came across this artist only knowing her by her 1st name and boutique on Etsy called
Pinkbuttercreme

I asked her if she would make some signs for my brick and mortar and she said yes that she makes them for a store in Ocean Grove as well.

My radar started going off and I said "Whats your last name?" She told me and I ran and got the tray I love and wouldnt you know it had her signature on it!

What a small world!

Anyway she made some signs for me now the time came for us to meet in person!

Of course it came with some anxiety because of several reasons........

1. what if she is really some crazed lunatic posing as a shabby chic rose artist!!!!! ...lol...(Boy do I have an imagination)

and .........2. Ive gained some weight this year due to a thyroid problem and of course we dont always put our fat pictures on computer for all to see so thats why I told Tami.....

"Remember that real life adds 30 pounds on you than the computer does, Im not really this size im really the size I look on the computer"....lol....
I decided that was the story I was going with!
She seemed to fall for it! :)))))

And im also happy to report she is not a crazed lunatic posing as a shabby chic rose artist :P

Tami turned out to be as sweet in person as she was in our emails.................

And she brought a great stash of signs for me to sell in my store...........
I bought this one on her Etsy shop I just love it!!!!!!!!!

I added it to my favorite wreath, isn't it adoreable!!!!

Check out her site you will be glad you did. http://www.pinkbuttercreme.etsy.com/

On a final note my home is being featured on

http://www.terrysenchantedcottage.com/cottage-of-the-month/?month=5&year=2008

as the cottage of the month

Terry emailed me and asked if she could feature me, I felt so flattered, I remember seeing her on the Oprah Winfrey show and wished she lived near me so she could help me. She has other homes featured so check her out.

these are shots of my living room.....

I painted this pedestal and added a vintage plate......

This is another one of my dress forms that ive been making using vintage millinery and fabrics! I love them!! My signature mark is to use vintage dresses to make their skirts.
have a great day!
smiles,
Sandy

My Toes were crossed!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-06T11:07:00.000-04:00

Its finally here!!!! My Catherine Risi Masterpiece!
When I saw this coffee table on Catherines site I new instantly I had to have it!! It was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw!
The problem was convincing my hubbie that I needed it since it is one of Catherines higher price point items and was going to cost a pretty penny.

I promised him that if I could buy it I would be really really good for a long time.......

He didnt know I had my toes crossed! :P

He still hesitated..... untill I came up with the deal closer!!!!!!

I told him that I had to have it because " the two children look just like him and I"!!

Him the little latin boy and me with the strawberry blonde hair and roses adorning her how much more perfect could it be!!

(Now your not alone in your laughing at this moment all my girlfriends did the same when I told them that one!)

but it worked and he said I could buy it!

I just love it!!! The problem now though is decorating it, since It has all the beautiful painting on top you dont want to cover it with lots of stuff.

And since I have a small cottage I need every display space possible because as you know I like my stuff!

I came up with a few ideas im still playing with to get it just right. but Ill show you what ive come up with for now,

No the Pug is not part of the display but as im trying to work he is trying to take a nap on me so I took this quick picture to show you what I have to go through to get anything done :)

I forgot to add the picture I wanted here but if you look in the first photo or the photo to the right of this post it shows antique cake plate on a pedestal that I placed on the far right hand corner of the table.

Since it was raised it didnt cover the artwork but it gave me a little more display space to put some of my favorties chachtkies (how do you spell that word?)

There is some open space around the main painting so I thought I could put things in those areas.

This picture of the little poodles remind me of my husband and me as well,

Im imaging that he is saying "San.....youv'e got some splaining to do!"

I love those poodles! Im so drawned to them at the antique stores! I cant seem to get enough. I noticed Cathy from Treasured heirlooms bought some and may be listing them on her site soon so ill have to keep checking her site!

Well thats it for now.

Im working on some more frames, ive been getting requests for the pink jeweled ones so Im working on it girls! just still battling this mysterious illness so im not always feeling so great.

but remember good things come to those who wait!

hugs,

Sandy

Annamarie the new Jewel of the Month

2008-05-01T10:07:00.001-04:00

Ive just posted a new Jewel of the Month on my website www.mylulabelles.com
go to jewel of the month and click on the link to see loads of pictures of Annamaries unbelievably beautiful home!
I asked her if I can come and go shopping in her house because I looooovvve everything!
She said I could if she can come shopping at mine...lol...

Chandeliers and chandelier style table lamps all over.......oh my!!!!

Love all the Candles, different shapes and styles but they look perfect together!
I really want this Chair!!
Annamaries home was featured in Country Living magazine last year and was a well deserved feature!

Stop by my website to see more of her home its a real Jewel!!!

hugs,

Sandy

Ive been tagged but not by the Pug!

2008-04-26T13:35:00.000-04:00

As you can see this pug is not tagging anyone!

My little Chancho (thats little piggy boy in Spanish) is quite happy just laying in the window protecting my china (or at least taking a little snooze)

Its his favorite place to be if he is not in my lap.

He is going to be my poster boy for a new movement im calling "Pug Chic! "

Who needs shabby chic when a pug can make your room look like this adoreable!

Now im sure your thinking......... 'This dog needs to be on a diet!!!!!!
Believe me we do try, but its so hard to resist a face like his....
besides its not entirely his or our fault he has very bad allergies so he has to be on steroids alot and that makes him gain weight.
But now that the weather is getting better up here were going for walks to see if we can help him (and me) shed a few pounds :P

So now your thinking (or maybe not) whats all this talk about pugs not tagging???

what is Lu Lu talking about??..........Well.......................

From Debbie at Purpleflowerfairy, http://purpleflowerfairy.typepad.com

and its kinda a" your it" game done on computers that requires that I now have to reveal tidbits of trivia about myself.

so for better or for worse here goes.........
1. Name 2 scrapbook topics I would like to do........Well I don't scrapbook so I have to say NONE!

2. Name the 2 best places you have ever been to...... Brazil and Argentina Iguassu Falls they are the second largest waterfalls in the world, set in a tropical jungle setting they were gorgeous! Also Hawaii, I went when I was a teenager and still have the memories implanted on my mind.

3. Name 2 things you do everyday..........Get my Dunkin donuts coffee, and always always put on mascara and lipstick, since I have blond lashes without it my eyes disappear and I always put on lipstick, my husabnd used to say where are you going I say no where just need my lipstick, he doesnt ask anymore he knows the routine. :)

4. Name 2 things pretty much everyone knows about you.......... I love Pink! I love antique shops.

5. Name 2 places I wish to visit........Paris....told my husband he has to take me there because I need to get real french perfume (ive almost got him convinced thats the only place I can get it)
and anywhere in Europe, preferably Italy or Spain.

.
6. 2 things you may not know about me.......

I HATE...no I'm TERRIFIED of Spiders!!!!!!!!!..... even the smallest one sends me in a panic. I travel with a shoe in the car in case one shows up while I'm driving I can kill it quickly without having a car accident.
The other thing you may not know about me is I married a younger man.... Now before you start thinking...oooohhh Sandy...you go girl! its not that scandolous he is not too much younger only 3 years. but I had you going for a minute...:P

7. Name 2 nicknames you have had at some point in your life..... this most of you know......
Lu La Belle and Lu Lu were nicknames from my father. and Sissy from the rest of the family.
but not sissy as in you sissy girl( though I suppose that would have fit me I was always very sensitive.) but Sissy as in sister, I think its a southern term of endearment since my family is from the south.

8. Name 2 interesting jobs I have had in life (good or bad)........Well the worst job and I mean the WORST job I have ever had was working at Sears selling televisions and vcr's!!!!!!!!!!!
The money was pretty good because we were on commission, but I loathed having to read and learn all those technical manuals, Why in the world would I want to know the hundreds of functions of a remote control, or how to connect a tv to a vcr!!!!!! thats one of the fringe benefits of having a man around :P.....

It was pure agony for me and often let sales go to another sales person because I had no idea how to explain the product to the customer because I couldn't bring myself to read the manual...So needless to say that job didnt last too long.

Another interesting Job I had when I was young was cleaning houses....

Its unbelievable the way people live in such filth!

Coming from a home where I had a mother who was clean obsessed (you can eat off my mothers floors) the whole experience was an awakening to me to how others lived and never knew exisited.
9. What 2 fun things I do after work........ Well usually after a day at the shop im usually too tired to do anything but if on a rare occassion I do do something it would be to go shopping or meet my family or friends for dinner.

10. Name 2 things that you would like to learn......I have always wanted to paint, really paint..
I do little stuff here and there but Ive always wanted to learn more serious stuff like landscapes or roses like Catherine Risi my favorite!!!!
The other thing I would like to learn is a second language. Spanish, my husband is bilingual so I would love to talk to him in Spanish.

11. What are the last 2 things I have downloaded or cd bought.......... Phantom of the Opera soundtrack...me and my little guy love to listen to it.

and Shania Twain Cd I love her...

13. What are 2 TV shows or movies from Childhood that I still enjoy watching after all these years....... Beverly Hillbillies and Get Smart I love comedies.

Well thats it I think ive covered it all. so now I have to tag 3 more women and here they are..

Cathy from Treasuredheirlooms www.treasured-heirlooms.blogspot.com

Heather from Pretty Petals http://www.prettypetals.typepad.com

and

Christine from Extra Sprinkles www.extra-sprinkles.blogspot.com

Ok Girls.......... Tag!.......... your it!!!!!!!!!

Smiles,

Sandy

New Blog Banner

2008-04-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

As you can see Ive had a little makeover.....

Nothing major just some tweaking and refining. Im hoping you like it....

I still have the lady I had before but now she is just embellished and surrounded by my favorite
elements........ pink roses and fluffy ruffles!!!!!!!!!

I really love the job that Susan over at Spring Street did on her.
Susan is such a sweet heart and such a pleasure to work with.
If your in the need of any website or blog graphics check her out.
She is super patient and believe me I know because I put her to the test :p
www.onespringstreet.net

Ive also changed the name from Lu La's Place to Lu Lu's Fluffy Ruffles.
You know by now by reading this blog why the fluffy ruffles part,
but the Lu Lu's is actually another one of my nicknames that my father gave me growing up.

He called me lu la belle and lu lu (and remember the dreaded Birtha) I hated that name I actually hated all of them but now embrace the first 2....but im still trying to forget the Birtha one.
Note to any parents out there ......Do not give your teenage daughter the nickname Birtha it will scar her for life!!!!!!!!......lol......

Vintage beaded bookmarks.....

vintage hankies with vintage beads............
Ive also opened a SISTER shop to my website http://www.mylulabelles.com/ on Etsy
its called Fluffy Ruffles..............
http://www.fluffyruffles.etsy.com/

Ive opened it as another marketing tool to find customers who love handmade vintage inspired items. My website is still relatively new and im happy with the response to my site but still looking for different avenues to promote my work. so check it out there are so many creative artist on Etsy youll really enjoy it.

Just listed some beautiful one of a kind yet affordable vintage jeweled bookmarks and hankies on my website and etsy.

hope you take a peek!
hugs,
Sandy

Show and Tell Sundays

2008-04-20T16:05:00.001-04:00

Well its Sunday again so that means its time for............Show and Tell Sunday!
The girls over at flickr have decided to arrange this to give everyone an oppurtunity to share our favorite things with you every weekend.
This week the theme is vintage bling!
(You didnt know I had a little bit of poet in me did ya!) :P

This is a picture of my not so glamorous storage container for all my bling! I wish it were some sort of beautiful vintage cabinet but this really works for me because I can wheel it around to where ever im working!
To much of the shagrin of my husband who would prefer I keep my creating to my office and not all over the house.
(I know Ive shown you pictures of my creative process and it aint pretty :P

Here are some shots of the jewels I use......

I have a huge stash but still need more and Im always on the hunt,so that when I sit down to work I like to have lots to choose from.

Pinks are the favorites! But also lavendar hues gives a nice variation to the pink.
Hope you enjoyed seeing my bling(ah ha another ryhme :)

have a great day,

Smiles,

Sandy

Fluffy Ruffle Problems!

2008-04-17T20:35:00.000-04:00

I have really been in a creative mode lately,

So you may be asking.....Whats The problem?

My problem is that...I have trouble letting my projects go!

I design and create things that I would personaly want to buy and keep so with that I put a little heart and soul in every project,

but then it just makes it harder for me to say goodbye to these things.

Case in point... these 2 lamps and the shades I made for them.

I bought the lamps at one of my favorite antique malls,

I just love the porcelin blue and white flowers soooooo pretty and romantic,

I made the shades using fluffy ruffle vintage fabric :) (you know why im smiling)

and then topping it with the sweetest pink velvet ribbon and trimmings They are sooo over the top sweet that im tempted to keep them!

I suppose you will have to check my website to see what I decided to do! :P

hugs,

Sandy

Hankie Pankie

2008-04-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love old hankies? Especially when they have the prettiest fluffy ruffle & lacey
borders.(aha! found a way to use my favorite words again)
You seldom find pretty new ones around anymore.
They are from a by gone era for the most part.

Today we have all kinds of disposable types that I have to admit are quite handy when you have a cold or allergy attack.(my little guy likes to roll them and stick them in his nose so he doesn't have to blow constantly,I know I know there must be some safety issue involved but so far so good and nothing has gotten stuck :P)

But I couldn't imagine using a disposable on a special event where you no there will be many happy tears such as a Wedding.
The occasion just calls for something really special!

There really is no need to settle when you can find so many pretty old ones at antique stores and flea markets.
I like to take mine a step further and embellish them with vintage beads and pearls.
take a look below of some ideas that I do with mine................

I hand sewed vintage beads to the ends of this hankie.

I then fluffed it up and placed it in a little teapot that had no lid.
I found this hankie that someone way back when had folded it in the prettiest way so that all the ruffled corners showed. It had some damage but I bought it anyway so I can learn how to fold it.

Tried putting 2 hankies in one little teapot.
this one had the pretties little pink flowers and green leafs embroidered on it.
Ooohhh this hankie is one of my favorites. it has the softest silhouettes of a man and lady on the 4 corners of the hankie. I also sewed beads on the end.

Then I decided to just put one hankie in each I think I prefer this the best. Other ideas I use hankies for is to place underneath a tea cup and saucer, I even use them to put under little figurines on a shelf to add more interest.
Just listed some beaded hankies on the website you might want to check them out.

hugs,

Sandy

Room fit for a Pug!

2008-04-10T14:02:00.001-04:00

I've had requests to see more photos of my home,
Thats not an easy thing to do because my house is still a work in progress.
When we bought it 8 years ago it was a cape cod cottage that needed to be completely gutted!

we have taken it room by room and are almost there, so Ive only in the past few years started to spend money on decorating, and I havent been able to decorate all the rooms fully,
some are done but others are partially done.
Im sure most of us can relate to that, how many of us have thousands of dollars all at once to decorate our homes. Most homes are gradually done and evolve in taste and style.

Im finishing up on my bedroom so I thought I would at least share with you some things ive done.
This first shot is of Pugsie, he really thinks this is his bed!

One more shot of him because he is sooooo cute!

this is the nightstand is on my side of the bed. I have no idea why I bought that night stand I think it was cheap at the time, but Its really not my style. I have a really pretty french piece that I bought in a soft creamy yellow that Im planning on moving here.

Catherines Risi beautiful hand painted mirror set in the background with more of my favorite pink roses that I sell in the store.
These are my soft yellow silk draperies that have tiny little pearls sewn all over them.I know your wondering what yellow??????? No pink???????

but when I saw this fabric I nearly fell over I loved it so much. and I thought for the master bedroom I would go alittle different I do love yellow as well.

I purchased the fabric through the silk trading company. If I had bought the curtains already made it would have cost me about 1600.00 dollars. Since I couldnt spend that I went to plan B they also sell silk fabric and this particular one was clearanced out for 25.00 a yard regular price was 80.00 they had exactly the amount I need left to make them so the whole project ended up costing me about 500.00

Im a sewer so it wasnt hard but this was my first time dealing with triple lining and that was a bit of a pain but the biggest pain was sewing around the little pearls, My needles kept breaking!

I almost felt like it would have been worth paying the full price and let them do it. but persistance paid off and I survived! though I do have a persistant twitch in my eye. :P

When they are all fluffed up to me they look like a beautiful ballgown! there is nothing like silk draperies to make a room feel and look so elegant.
Close up of the tiny pearls that nearly sent me to the insane assylum.
I still have one more window on the other side of the room to make curtains for and I have to admit I have been procrastinating because of those tiny pearls but I think I miss the eye twitch it gave me an exotic look so I think im ready to start them now.
Hopefully ill have more picutres to share with you soon.

Most of you may not know that I have done custom order curtains for customers so feel free to inquire.
hugs,
Sandy

Michal Negrin!

2008-04-07T22:49:00.001-04:00

I recently came across this web site on designer/artist Michal Negrins designs and home,
If you love Roses and Romance then you will love it!

Its just gorgeous!

You must check out the video clip below of Michal beautiful home.
In case your not familar with Michal this is a little bio about her.

Michal Negrin has been creating Victorian inspired whimsical designs in jewelry, home décor and clothing for more than two decades.

Inspired by mixing the old and the new and color combinations, Michal Negrin personally designs every piece of jewelry, home décor and clothing that carries her name. She uses a variety of techniques to craft her pieces and believes in blending styles, schools, designs and colors to create her unique neo-Victorian and vintage style. Michal Negrin believes that when someone buys one of her creations, it is revered as an item to be enjoyed for a lifetime

Michal believes in giving women all over the world the right accessories to express their personality, strength and femininity.

Click on the link below to take you to the video,
youll love it!
hugs,
Sandy

http://www.michalnegrin.com/templates/windows/Movie_popup.aspx?d=2221&lang=EN

Fluffy Ruffles

2008-04-05T18:33:00.000-04:00

I'm a real girly girl and cant get enough of poofie, froofie things.
( but believe me I do have my moments where I'm not so froofie)

I would love to have my whole house filled with things that have fluffy ruffles!
Don't you just love the way those 2 words sound?(Try saying fluffy ruffles three times fast :)

I think my love for all things pretty and pink started when I was young and I dyed my aunts white poodle pink. (don't worry the dog was fine but my aunt wasn't happy)

Since that time Ive always liked pretty things.

I always wanted a daughter to do all the girly things I always wanted to do, but ended up having 2 sons who I adore and will have to wait patiently for granddaughters(hopefully shes not a tomboy)
Until that time you all will have to be my guinea pigs (I mean that in the nicest of ways)

Ill take all my froofing out on you and hopefully make lots of things you'll adore.

My first item is the lamp shade above. Its not for sale because I made some mistakes on it but I have more of the materials so I'm going to do another one that I plan on putting on the website.

I made it from vintage little girls dress, vintage lace and millinery from an old hat.

So I hope you don't mind if I consider you the little girls I never had ( that does sound better than guinea pigs) and I will try to give you lots of beautiful things to adorn yourself and home with.
hugs,
Sandy

I Must Confess!!!!!!!

2008-04-02T21:59:00.000-04:00

Ok the gig is up!
You caught me!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no choice but to confess.....

Less all the sweet compliments you have been emailing me lately about how you love the website goes to my head I must tell you something!
I have a secret.......

Well not to my family they know all to well what the secret is that im about to tell you!

And thatis.... the secret is......................

I am a messy, messy artist!

Whew!!!! its out!
Seems Ive done it again..... spread my work to the kitchen table and as you can see its Chaos!

Dont ask me how I get work done but I seem to work at my best like this.
I pull everything out because im not sure what I want to use and I try different things to be sure its the best and before you no it I have the scene below...........

This is a Cinderella dress that im making out of a vintage hat. See the Pathmark water in the background... my favorite brand of water......

Working on special order lampshades so have all those supplies out as well. and also a custom pinkie belle for another customer.... more pathmark water...
The great hat I just bought on my last antiquing trip trying to decide if I want to take it apart.My Shabby chic file folder beneath the rubble holding favorite pictures..... and of course my water bottle!

My husband just walked by chuckled and said "Someone's got a big mess to clean tommorrow"

I had to laugh myself otherwise I would cry......:(
So now you have it!!!!!!!!!

You have the truth about me.....
My house doesnt always look picture perfect.
I feel much better and more human that now you know,

but all this mess does have an end,
ill clean it all up and put it away for a while and my house will be habitable again
I will post new items they will sell and then the process will start all over :)
untill then....
good night!

New Jewel of the Month April 2008

2008-04-01T09:16:00.000-04:00

Good News Girls!
I just listed the new Jewel of the month for April on my website!
Im lovin this one!
Its coming to us via my old stompin grounds California,
Cindy has done a beautiful job decorating her home.
Cindy is a stay at home mom, whos career as an attorney ended when her twins were born.
She has 4 children ages 4-13
When she was pregnant with her 4 year old son EVERYONE, including Cindy thought she was having a girl.
Thats when the shopping for all things PINK began. She developed a love for shabby chic/cottage style decorating, then her expected girl turned out to be a boy so could not make the nursery pink after all, but the rest of the house was fair game.
Cindy is inspired by the fresh clean, comfortable look of shabby cottage style and she realizes not everything can be PINK, so she also intergrates white, green and yellow in her rooms.
Cindy said she cant imagine changing her decorating preference, but if she does it will be the biggest yard sale ever! Cindy also has an online e-boutique you can visit at..... http://www.cutepinkstuff.com/
Just go to my website at http://www.mylulabelles.com/ and go to Jewel of the month click on the link that will take you to all the pictures of Cindys charming home!
hugs,
Sandy

Shop Shopping

2008-03-29T11:10:00.001-04:00

Hi Girls,
My sweet hubbie took me out the other day for a drive and to have a little dinner in this very quaint seaside town not to far from our home.

The town also has the fringe benefit of having some of my favorite
antique shops. (ha ha..........he knows how to make me happy :)

I was looking for wonderful treasures to breathe new life in to and design some beautiful pieces of art for the website.
I found some beauties, so I thought I would share some of them with you..........................

I found the most wonderful vintage lace, this was so inexpensive that they might as well have been giving it away!
I bought the frilly hat in the background. I Dont no if Ill take it apart and make something or keep it as is?

The sweetiest little hankies.............................

Loved this little vase with roses, looks like a tree or something. Im crazy about figurines.:P

Look at these gorgeous hats they were calling my name from the window!

Loads of pink millinery I can use on many projects!

Im going to regret not buying this it was a silky cover of somesort in the softest blue and lace trimmings all around it.

Was a little pricey though and I was trying to be good so I passed on it. :(

I desperately want this piece of furniture! Ive had my eye on it for several years but its pretty expensive, so I keep passing on it. Im hoping they will one day lower the price. (will have to lower it alot)
Im thinking they dont really want to sell it thats why they put such a high price on it.

I think I would rather have this than a big diamond ring! am I crazy?

Its so pretty! ..................... I dont even have a spot for it but im sure I could find one.............. I told hubbie we will have to put an addition on the house so I can have a place for it and buy it. He didnt see my point of view :(

Well thats all for now..... Hopefully I will put all these treasures into some great projects for you on the website. stay tuned...........

hugs,

Sandy

Vintage Cinderella

2008-03-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Here I used an old handkerchief to make a pretty edge.
I wanted to create a tiara or crown that seemed like royalty.

all vintage jewels
used marabou feathers

Ive been in the creating mood lately,

I suppose its because Ive been home so much lately.

So I thought I would share pictures with you of my latest projects.

I am doing a group of collage work using vintage fabrics and millinery.

the theme is Vintage Cinderella

I'm trying to stay away from the typical thoughts of Cinderella in the Disney store and create something more vintage.

This is my first one and I will be doing some tweaking but I'm pretty happy with it so far.

hugs,

Sandy

Fit For A Queen!

2008-03-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Since I have been home sick for so long I have had a lot of down time.

Hearing all this talk about Tiaras on MMP got me wanting one.

I did a little investigating on how to's and came up with this one.

Its my first so I learned a lot from it,

what to do and what not to do.:P ................. but I'm still pretty happy with it. :)

As you know my first love when it comes to materials to work with are vintage jewels.

So this crown is entirely created with vintage jewels.

I'm going to experiment more with making them and see what I can come up with,

and see if I can develop a version that is more cost effective,

but its hard not to totally load these up with jewels.

A crown or tiara is certainly something where less is NOT more, This is a project where you can really go over the top!

hope you like it.

hugs,

Sandy

And The Winner Is......................

2008-03-21T18:11:00.000-04:00

It was really nice to hear from all of you this past week,

and I hope you stop by again and say hello and let me no what you think of the site and what you would like to see more of on the website.

I want to be sure I provide you with the products you want.

I'm going to be trying to list more decorating ideas and projects that I'm working on for you to perhaps get inspired.

But its now time to announce the winner of the Blog giveaway........

I turned for my trusted assistant to help be sure the drawing was done in a fair manner.

And you've probably already seen on the paper above who the winner is, it is Anita, from Spokane Washington. She made a purchase as well as left a comment so that increased her chances of winning.

So Congratulations Anita, ill have your package out soon.

hugs,

Sandy

Finally Giveaway Time!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-14T21:24:00.001-04:00

So sorry its taken me so long to give you the details about the contest or give away that im having ,but this flu has really gotten the best of me.

Finally im Doing much better, so its on with the show!

Its really very simple,

To be entered in a drawing held on March 21st all you have to do is leave a comment for me here on my blog and say hello anytime from now through the first day of spring,

My little guy has told me the day is March 20th,

Even if he is wrong (which he usually isnt, his memory is incredible)

thats the date were going with :P

No purchase is necessary .....................BUT...........................

If you do make a purchase on my website, each purchase will give you 3 extra entries into the drawing so that will increase your chances of winning!(sorry not good on previous purchases)

You will win all the beautiful items in the pictures above which include........................

a signed Christie Repasy Rose canvas

2 beautiful vintage rose plates

a sweet green urn with roses and flowers and ........................last but not least............

one of my vintage jeweled picture frames that I design and make.

This one is done all in golds, pearls and aurora borealis stones.

Boy I wish I could enter!!!!!!!!!! :) I cant but you can so get started!

Hugs,

Sandy

Its Contest Time Again!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

Dont have time for details now...........................

...........................................................Must go antiquing! :P

More info to come..........stay tuned, same bat cave.........same bat channel!!!!!!!!!!
(am I giving my age away :0)

Hugs,
Sandy

We Have a Winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-27T10:24:00.001-05:00

Its been really hard to decide on the winner of my contest,

Ive had so many creative entries!

Their were many that I wanted to use, but I had to pick just one.

I really liked my husbands submissions,

The Koo's Koo's Nest, or The Love Shack, Which might be fitting to describe my house but I didn't think many of you would like to describe your homes as Coo Coo.....lol....

I really wanted something that felt right for my shop My Lu La Belles,

When I had to choose a name for my store I thought of different ideas but wanted something that I could relate or identify with, and Lu La Belles was a name that my father used to call me when I was a little girl, he used to call me Lu Lu, Lu La Belle and Birtha, (don't ask me where that one came from, believe me when I tell you I hated that name)

I actually hated all the nick names, but now as an adult I view those little nicknames as something endearing between me and my father. (except for birtha! I still hate that one...lol...)

Lu La Belles felt right it was cute, fun, whimsical and to me sounded southern which made me happy because I love my southern roots.

So in trying to decide a name for my new category on my web site that will feature my viewers beautiful homes I wanted something that I could identify with, something that felt right and fit my site. As I said I had a lot of great suggestions,

but the one I went with is.......... drum roll please.........................

I went with "The Jewel of the Month!"

This was submitted by Debbie at the Purpleflowerfairy blogspot.

When she submitted it I thought this is perfect! since the whole reason I opened my store in New Jersey and my website was to find a market for the vintage jeweled picture frames I design and create, I love working with jewels old and new, and try to find a way to add them to everything.

By referring to our beautiful homes as jewels I thought was just perfect and it fit my site.

Thank you so much Debbie for taking the time to write and give your suggestions, This whole process was allot of fun.

She will win the beautiful jeweled frame in the picture above. I will be listing the first home on my site anytime now so keep checking at mylulabelles.com under the the Jewel of the Month to see shots of Sherry's beautiful home.

Thanks to everyone who entered,

Hugs,

Sandy

Lu La Belles first Contest!!!!!!

2008-01-01T09:08:00.001-05:00

Ive finally found a way to showcase all the pictures of your beautiful homes that you have been sending me.
We all love to share pictures of our homes, ideas and accomplishments, so with that in mind I'm going to start a new section on my website that will highlight a different home every month.
Lyndsay at www.shabbysuite.com has been doing this for some time, her site is great! It has been such an inspiration for me. (My house was the shabby suite of the month for march of 2007)
I love sites like because we cant seem to get enough pictures of the decorating style we all love in magazines. (with the exception of Romantic Country magazine, this magazine is wonderful and is giving us what we want.)
Ive been trying to figure out a way to do this on my web site and slowly but surely I'm learning a little more about this thing called a computer, :)
I found this great site that will let me to do really creative things.
Its an online service called Slide.
This site allows me to download photos and then present them as a slide show for you to see. (scroll down and see the vintage jeweled slide presentation below)
I think for now this is going to work great, or at least until my computer skills improve and I learn something new. :P
So start sending me the best shots of your favorite rooms in your home, show us your decorating ideas and accomplishments and all the things you love, maybe your pictures will be showcased here for everyone to see and learn a few new things.
(Sherry get that chandelier hung! :)

Now for the contest part,
Before I post all the beautiful pictures your going to send me, I need a category and a name for the category to list those pictures under on my website.
Put those creative thinking caps on and help me come up with something to call this new section.( for example Lyndsay has the shabby suite of the month)
If your entry is chosen you will win one of my vintage jeweled picture frames that I design and create.
email your entries to www.mylulabelles.com
you can also send me pictures of your home there.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Hugs,
Sandy

Intollerable Working Conditions?

2007-12-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

I often get asked when I will be listing new items on the website.

At times I am good about getting things listed but at other times it seems to take me a while. I just thought I would show you one of the reasons why at times it takes me a while to list.

First I will admit that my biggest obstacle is the computer illiteracy that many of you know that I suffer from, in addition to struggling in front of a computer trying to remember how to add a category, edit a page or simply try to figure out what a tool bar is :P (Sherry and Chris you know what I mean)

I also have to do all of this while my 40 pound Pug tries to work his way into my lap!

It seems that he feels I am his personal bed,

The minute I sit down he has bionic hearing and radar which sends him running so that he can jump up on me. I have never seen such a chubby Pug move so fast!

He doesn't care if there are obstacles for him to overcome if there is a way up he will find it.

The particular night these shots were taken I pulled my chair close up to the computer so he couldn't get in front of me, but he managed to wiggle under the chair and climb on top of the printer at my feet, he then just whimpered and looked at me with these sad pitiful eyes that no one could resist.

The rest is history as the photos show.

I let him up on my lap, gave him a pillow to rest his head on so he could fall into a deep sleep and snore louder than my husband claims I do, ( Something I insist is a figment of my husbands imagination.) :P

He was happy and so was I after all how could anyone not love his sweet personality and adorable face. Pugsie makes my heart melt.

I did manage to get some work done that night, but next time you may be wondering 'when is she going to list some new things?'

just remember these photos!

My Big Brother

2007-12-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

Today my brother and I were talking about our lives, the successes and the mistakes we have made, something he said made my heart sad. But first let me me tell you a little about my big brother Ed.

Ed is one of the hardest working, kind hearted, loyal persons I know. He is full of laughter and has a great sense of humor. When his 3 children were young he worked 2 or more jobs to make ends meet. I often felt inadequate compared to what I felt he had accomplished, I have always wondered if I could do what he did. So it surprised me that he felt like he hadn't accomplished much and was down on himself because he feels he makes the same mistakes over and over again. It hurt my heart that he felt that way, I want him to know all the good he has accomplished in his life. We all make mistakes.

To lighten things up I told him this saying which is one of my favorite sayings and I actually read it on the back of a sugar packet in a Chinese restaurant,

but I still found it very profound. :)

It said "It is better to have tried and failed then to never have tried at all"

So simple but so true.

There have been so many times I have not done something because I was afraid of failing, What if I don't succeed, what if I make a fool of myself, what if......

but I realize its not failing that we should be afraid of, its not trying at all, that's where the failure is!

All we can do in life is try, try to make changes, try not to hurt one another, try to do what is right. We will fail sometimes and often repeat mistakes, after all some habits die hard, but the important thing is that we try. The effort we make will be recognized by others and that effort will say something about who we are.

I'm sure I will make more mistakes in my life and when I do I will recall that famous proverbial saying on the back of that sugar packet, then I will go and recall another one of my favorite sayings which is " Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal With It!"

Caution Mad Scientist at Work

2007-12-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

Ive been working on getting more of my vintage jeweled picture frames that I design for my website out and listed as well as designing some other projects that will be coming soon, but as I was working I had to stop and chuckle, I began to think about images of peaceful, creative artists in the country side painting on the top of a hill over looking a river or forest, and I thought to myself this scene does not capture my work enviorment!

My work area looks more like a Mad Scientist at Work!
Not only do I have my office turned upside down but I have moved to the kitchen table and made it impossible to have breakfast, lunch or dinner there. My family is eating their meals in front of the teli which I don't think they really mind.

I have tried and tried to be more organized when I work but it never happens. I need the controlled ciaos when I'm designing. I used to weep and tell my husband that I don't know why I cant be more organized! But then I read this article that changed my life......

It said that creative people tend to be very unorganized. It was that whole right brain left brain scenario. Alas! I had an explanation to why I was the way I was, and rather than investigating to see if the article is really true I have decided to accept this explanation and live in peace. I'm not disorganized I'm just creative....lol... well at least that's the story I'm sticking to when ever my husband looks at me with a raised eyebrow while I'm working. :)

Hugs,

Sandy

The Pug

2007-11-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the pug in all his glory, I know he looks like I posed him on the chair but he got in this position all on his own. As most of you know he gets into the most hysterical positions.
This is only the first of many photos to come of my baby.
Hugs