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July 04, 2009

Red, White and Blue Celebration

Pinkandflags

Happy Fourth of July to you all!!!

Tablesetting

We are so blessed to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oldglory Enjoy the patriotic inspired pictures. Let's celebrate with red, white and blue! ...and a few pink touches too!

Pinkrosecloseup Happy Pink Saturday friends! Thank you Beverly for hosting another amazing Saturday celebration.

Naticalflag

with the beach air close by...

Welcomesign

 <<<<---- This way

Refreshingnearpier

A beautiful day to be at the beach...

Flagflying

Flags flying high to honor our country and the men and women who serve to protect it.

Streetsign

A favorite destination I enjoy visiting... Balboa Island.

Beachhousedecor

Charming beach homes decorated with red, white and blue for the holiday weekend.

Reddoor

Red door, white shutters and blue hydrangeas...aahhhhhh

Bunny A patriotic bunny!

Starfish Colorful starfish, so pretty!!!

Balboaflags Wonderful patriotic flags waving across the Balboa Island bridge.

Gate A welcoming gate with personality.

SweetsYummy salt water taffy close by.

Hat

I bought a new hat.

Friends

Long distance friends enjoying time at the beach together.

Icecreambar Balboa Ice cream Bars are a long time tradition with my family.

Lovefrozenbananas I have to confess I personally order a frozen banana every time we visit.

Ferris wheel

How about a Ferris wheel ride?

Ferry

Or a ride on the Auto Ferry?

Decorating

Have a fun time decorating!

Addingaflag

Add a patriotic touch to your holiday table.

Blueberrymorning

Or a blueberry muffin breakfast to start the day...

I added red rose petals around the muffin for fun!

From spending so much time walking around Balboa Island, now I am feeling creative! Let's make something patriotic.

Embellish

OK, let's start with a 5 yard roll of sealah 1/8" no sew tape and a checkered napkin.

Sealahtapeproject Add the tape to this cute red ball trim...

Checknapkinwithtrim

 Peel,press and stick to the napkin!
Items to make doorhanging Here are all the items I am using to make a special front door creation.

Feelingcreative I put the cute napkin in the wine basket first. Next I added a drinking glass.

Addingwater

I pushed the glass down tight and pour water in the glass...

Mydoor

Here is my red, white and blue creation...hanging on my front door!

Doordecor

Hope you have been inspired to create something for your 4th of July celebration!!!

Have a safe and blessed holiday friends!

If you are feeling crafty and would like to buy some sealah no sew adhesive tape... please visit my parents website....   www.jodeesinc.com  or click on blog with Dee for some creative ideas!

Celebrate!

:KayEllen

June 29, 2009

Gardenia Bloom Memories

Raindropbloom

The first time I smelled a Gardenia bloom was at my Grandma Ruth's house...The aroma was amazing.

When I was young, our summer vacation seemed to be right in the middle of the blooming season.
My sister and I would spend endless days at our grandma's home swimming, helping her in the garden and trying to learn how she made those amazing pies from scratch!

Well, I never did learn how to make her pies, thank goodness my Auntie Vay can make them! My sister is a pretty amazing pie maker too! I guess I loved the garden the best and still do.

Gardeniasandlace

When it was time to go home from my Grandmas after a full day of fun.... she would come outside to say goodbye and hand my mom, sister, and I gardenia blooms to take home. Sometimes we would be half way down the driveway and she would flag us down or run towards the car to make sure we had our flowers. 

Gardeniatraycloseup

Now each blooming season I take out some old lace that belonged to my Grandma.

Lace

I fill up glass dishes and float my gardenia blooms around my home and think of summer memories I spent at Ruth's house.

Gardeniadropsbloom I am presently enjoying my last few blooms ... hoping for a few more in July.
Trayofblooms

Special memories continue...

Laceabdblooms

Thank you for stopping by and going down memory lane with me...

Have a blessed week friends:)

:KayEllen

June 27, 2009

Tea Time!

Look

Look Mickey, it's time for Vanessa's Mad Tea Party!

Banner

We are all excited at the happiest place on earth for Vanessa's Tea Party to begin!

Doubledecker

Kay Ellen told us how much you enjoy visiting the Magic Kingdom so lets start the party!!!

Knock

Knock Knock! Helloooooo come on out and bring your tea cup.

Bunnytea

Wow, that's a very big teacup! Maybe just right for a special friend...Hmmmmm

Blue smile

Sully you can use the Large Pink tea cup...just for you... kitty!!! 

Ding the bell

Almost forgot.... let's ding the bell. Tea Time!!!

Mary smiles

Oh thank you dear friends! I would love to have a spot of tea and join in the fun!

Yellowteacup

OOOhhh what an enchanting cup, perfect for me to use at the party.

Minnieshoe

My feet are really hurting, may I join the party and sit for awhile?

Tilting cups3662823495_cabfe6fec7

Look at those beautiful teacups!I would enjoy using the Daisey tea cup...it matches my shoes!!!
Minniesmiles

So nice to celebrate with you all!!Thank you for a wonderful tea party Vanessa!!!

Daiseycuoforminnie

I feel so special to use the Daisey tea cup.

Marypoppins

I know I am posing for yet another picture, but the sugar bowl is on the table next to me...

Sugarbowl

Plenty of sugar and spoons for everyone to use.

Onelumportwo

One lump or two?

Alice

Oh my!!!I know the Mad Hatter and I would love to join you all for Vanessa's Tea Party... we will be right over after we finish this song...lalalala

Prettycup

Kay Ellen! this is a wonderful tea cup for the Mad Hatter and I to share. He is so messy and spills when he talks, so don't let him have his own cup...shhhhh.... It will be our little secret.

Puppysgone Oh darn...those puppies have escaped again!!!...no time for Tea darling...off to find the puppies and see my new shipments of furs, they just arrived!

Dude

Dude, I totally want to have some tea. No need for a tea cup, just pick out a sea shell for me. Righteous Party Vanessa!!!

Trimming dumbo

Dumbo is getting a trim just for the party! Amazing gardeners at the park...

Ben

Thank you Benjamin, you are doing such a great job!! Dumbo looks amazing. All the landscape at the Disney Resorts are just stunning! Please take a break soon and join us for the tea party! 

Teacupride

Let's all go on the tea cup ride!

Mr.Incredible

I am off to save the world.... but I wanted to stop by and say hello to Vanessa and friends!! Have a wonderful time at Disneyland and the tea party!

Ballons Don't forget to pick out a balloon!

Cookies

Cookies! Plenty for everyone!

Clinkclink

Clink Clink to Vanessa for having this wonderful tea party celebration!!!

Silvercreamer A pleasure to see everyone!

Horse

Make sure and ride the carousel before you go...

Pinkears Smiles coming your way sweet Vanessa!!!

Good Bye

Good Bye from the friends at the Happiest Place on Earth!!!

Cup on the bench If you have time, please stay for a second cup of tea.

Warmup 

Cheers!

:KayEllen

June 24, 2009

Soft Mood

Rosesinawateringcan

Happy Wednesday Friends,

My roses are bursting with color.

Our nice camera was home for a visit over the weekend...I snatched it up and started taking photos! My husband has the favorite camera at work most of the time. It is a very helpful tool for him in his design department.
But I love it too! Can you tell? A soft mood in a photo melts my heart!

Soft

I have been in such a whirl wind this past week... working on a new design project...an unexpected death in the family and my husbands Dad was rushed to the hospital over the weekend.

When life becomes hectic and uncertain, I have that urge to head for the garden, to pray, meditate and dig in the soil...

When I look at these photos I consider how fast life is going by... and it is OK to slow down and take little break...freeze frame if you can, savor each moment a little more, hug your kids a little tighter, and tell those around you how much they mean to you.

Watercan 

Tomorrow is a new day. I will strive to pour creativity in whatever I do...if I feel a little blurry take a time out, and remember God is our comforter he will give us the strength to move forward.

:KayEllen

June 22, 2009

A Warm and Charming Home

Hello Everyone,

A busy week filled with drapery installations and selecting home furnishings. I enjoy adding final touches that truly make a difference in pulling a room together. The most recent addition of valances in this home met my goal of adding some warmth to the windows. 
Warminguptheslider

The cascade sides of this box pleat valance added not only a beautiful pattern but also a softening shape to the straight edges of the french sliders.  

Familyroomquilt
I encourage my clients to decorate with their own touches ... showing off their creativity. In this home beautiful hand made quilts add warmth and charm. The goal when choosing the valance style and pattern was to compliment without distracting.

Flowersinthevalance

The window treatments, created by my mother, include a bendable wire product  [Sealah 20 gauge wire shaper] that allows bending and shaping fabrics keeping the drapery treatment in place. The wire inside the hem to makes the crisp fold... Peel, press and stick then bend it into place.

Boxpleatslider  

The drapery installer was thrilled because it made his job a lot easier when it was time to dress out each valance. 

Pleatcloseup 

A touch of plaid for contrast in each inverted pleat.


Displaying memories

Here is a beautiful heirloom quilt displayed in the corner of the dining room. Soft velvet squares adorn this eighty year old treasure.

Cornerquilt

Vintage quilt

A special memory of a Great Grandma's love of quilting...

Bumblebee charm

A new valance with bumble bee charm for the office.
Valance of bees

Fabric valances can really warm up a shutter. This box pleated valance frames the window nicely.
I enjoy mixing fabrics on a valance and the checkered buttons are a great finishing touch on each pleat.

Boxpleat valance
My mom again used her sealah shaper for crisp folds in each pleat.

Summer blooms

After all the valances were installed we headed outside to see the summer blooms in the garden.

Eyechicken

And the new chickens only 2 months old! Still too young to lay eggs...but so cute.

Sunflowergarden

Such a pretty summer planter of flowers...

We have had June gloom and very mild weather the last couple of weeks. I know the heat is coming..but for now we are enjoying every minute of the mid 80 temps in southern California...and so will the flowers!

Canihelpyou

This chicken was very curious about my camera. I will have to come back and visit when they start laying pretty brown and blue eggs!

Gardenbirdbath

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the tour of this charming home!

If you are interested in the 20 gauge bendable Sealah Shaper you can order it on my parents website: www.jodeesinc.com

Until next time.

:KayEllen

June 19, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

Pops and kyle

Hi Friends,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my DAD for so many wonderful memories and moments we have shared as time goes by...

A special DAD and grandpa ... the picture above gives you a little glimpse of what makes him so special, when he is with family, doing anything that makes them happy - he is happy. My DAD shows an unconditional love for our family and a special bond with his grandchildren.

Even though my DAD has traveled all over the world, if you asked him his favorite destination ...

Papas favorite place 

He would say, "On the lake driving my boat." I have enjoyed countless memories throughout the years boating and water skiing with my DAD, family and friends.   

When I was young I wanted a new pair of water skis. I drew a picture of the skis I wanted ... the following summer my DAD surprised me with bright white water skis with cute yellow smiley faces on the tip of each ski! Just what I had drawn in the picture! I loved those skis! My sister and I used them for many years. Ahhhh, fond memories of special times at the lake.

PapaSmiles

My DAD coached and came to every sporting event  my sister and I were ever involved in. He also tries to be at every soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball, rugby or running event that his grand kids are in ... he is always so proud of them.

We are all so blessed to have such a supportive DAD and Grandpa!

Specialgrandpa 

Thank you for your love and support for all of us Dad! Happy Father's Day!

We love you Pops, may God Bless you at this special time,

:KayEllen and family

June 17, 2009

A present in the mail...

Mail

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share with you... Scrappy Jessi chose my name for a contest she had recently!

Goodies

What fun I had unwrapping this package:)
She has darling things online for sell...if you order something from her shop, I guarantee it will be an adventure just unwrapping your treasure.

Thank you Jessie!

Crownnecklace

What a pretty necklace.I just love it!

Please stop by her blog and say hello.

Also Jessie is asking for prayer right now...her Dad is very ill in the hospital.

Thinking of you today sweet Jessie. Hugs and heart felt prayers coming your way,

:KayEllen

June 14, 2009

Shiny and New

Splash

I have been excited to show you a few new pictures of the design project I have been working on.
The back splash is done. The tiles are hand painted and glazed. Each tile piece is beautiful and complements the granite nicely.

Stove

The wood floor is completed and looks warm and inviting. I chose a stain a little lighter then the cabinets. I like the contrast of wood tones.

Fridge

The new shiny fridge adds sparkle to the kitchen.

Microwave

The handles and knobs look great. Need a space saving idea? The new pull out microwave is a great way to save counter top space!

Newfloor

The floor tile is installed and looks beautiful in the entryway.

Showerdesigning 

What about this shower? Didn't it turn out great! The drawing and measurements worked perfect for the space. We had a great tile installer too...he did all the hard work:)

Well back to designing...

:KayEllen

June 13, 2009

Day Dreaming

Dream

Here is a place I enjoy visiting. Just a few miles from my home and a nice walk to get there. If it's a planned visit I take my camera, sketch book, and calendar.

Sketch

I can sit and daydream or work on a drawing for a client, maybe recheck some appointment's in my day planner.

Lookup

Away from my desk, my stress lifts...

Agingbeauties

It is a quiet tranquil setting and the fragrance that surrounds the garden is amazing.

Fragrant petals

Day dreaming begins...

Petals fading

Another week has faded away like these lovely petals.

Bloomingbench

A restful weekend enters...

Passionred

Blossoming ideas and plans for a new week yet to come.
Sideveiw
 

Find a place where you can be creative or just day dream and relax...

Cluster 

We all need down time to recharge and reflect.

Petuna

Happy Pink Saturday! Make sure and visit Beverly at www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com and say hello.

Weathered  

Back to daydreaming...

Goodmorning

Good morning sunshine!

Have a blessed weekend.
:KayEllen

June 09, 2009

A Delightful Celebration

Ballons

Hi Everyone!

Decorating

We had a delightful celebration for our son graduating from Poly High School. Picture perfect weather too!

Bears  

I made a quick wall hanging for the front door with school spirit of course!

Brothers3611866301_eb78eca2ec

Brothers smiling.

Bubbles

Bubbles blowing...

IMG_2431

Family and friends arriving!

Kim

My funny sister Kim helping me get the food ready. She went to Poly High School class of 1982!

Dinner

The open house was a lot of fun, we had a steady flow of family and friends for the evening.

Eating

We set tables up all over the yard. Lots of laughter coming from this table.

IMG_2414

Captain Jim and his lovely wife Martina took a day off from sailing to wish us congrats.

Kylesbearfriends  

Here are few of the 2009 Poly Bear graduates that came over to celebrate.

My bearfriends 

My friends Terry and Kelly stopped by. They graduated with me from Poly High School... class of 1979, thirty years ago!

Lisa

My friend Lisa and brother-in-law Eric are looking at a Poly High School yearbook that my grandmother Ruth is in from 1932.

IMG_2400

Grandma Barbara is looking at a scrap book my son made in his literature class for his senior project.

IMG_2416

Here comes our friend Mark with more balloons? OK, hand one out to every guest! lol

Sande,dee,vicky

Here is Sande, my Mom and Vicky. Close friends after all these years and you guessed it... Poly graduates!

Cuthecake

Let's cut the cake please...

Graduation 044

Here are more dear friends that came over...The Corbin family...both parents graduated from Poly!

IMG_2422

Lot's of cousins!

IMG_2427

More cousins...

IMG_2409
The youngest cousin.

Graduation 048
Graduating cousins from rival schools! shhhhhh

Morganfam Wait, more cousins and a sweet Aunt and Uncle too:)

Gradsinrobes

Happy Graduates! The class of 2009!

Gradwithfamily

We are proud and excited for our son.


:KayEllen