Claire Forlani

It's hard to find people who share the same appreciation of the very long movie "Meet Joe Black". I love it and that is when I formed a liking to Claire Forlani. I think she is beautiful and was delighted to be reminded again about the fact that I think her home is very lovely as well.

{photos snagged via Escapade and Mimi & Meg as featured in Domino}

Happy Father's Day!

As we departed my parents house on this fine Father's Day, I witnessed what to me is just the norm....my Dad getting the kids all riled up. He is such a playful soul. I reflected back and remembered that was one of the reasons as a child why I loved him so. Now the next generation gets to bask in all of the fun except they see a tall 6ft 5in white haired man and I still see the dark haired handsome Daddy that woke us up with a song and made "potato patutties"....I regret to say there was a time that I didn't quite appreciate some of the Daddyisms that happened back in the day. I must have been pure crazy to not like the song, "So let the sunshine in, face it with a grin", blasted in my ear at dawns early light....and to not appreciate recycled tater tots from that night before made into a delightful breakfast surprise is even more astounding. Man things have changed because I'd gratefully take any one of those things on a platter (platter optional).

I'm pretty sure that Dad ranks as one of the top people to have shaped and influenced my life. Can't say I'd want it any other way really.

I'm also pretty sure that my kids will say the same thing about their Dad (AKA my husband) as well...I already think that he is top notch.

I still laugh @ this picture taken last year...

What a couple of Dads!

{It's electric}

Hi there my friends. It is the weekend and I want to do the electric slide or something like that. Well actually the real story goes something like I want to do a really cool post but only have time to post a quicky one picture post because we are cucucu--coo--razy. My sweet little boys were born on this day three years ago and I can't help but feel so blessed. They have brought such an electric current to our home that has lit up this home like the brightest of sun rays.

Hope everybody has a fabulous weekend!

P.S. - Did you know that Toy Story 3 is in the theaters today? Go Buzz & Woody!

P.S.S. - That picture hanging on the mantle reminds me of the game of Candyland we just played....except if I were playing the game right now I would rather draw a double yellow card.

Happy birthday to my 3 little engines!

{photo here}

the beach {part one}

Just got back from a nice CA excursion. The first part of the trip included just our little family and the second part included my parents, siblings and all of their kids. We were a little nervous because it was the first trip we took ALL of the kids to stay in a hotel with just husband & I. I felt a little bit sorry for the people in the hotel rooms above, below and to the sides of us. I don't think we've ever gotten so many stare downs. I forget that there may be a possibility that we stick out whenever we go places. We did a few various activities that mostly included a tour de southern california beaches, including the following:

Solana

La Jolla

Encinitas

Coronado

Aliso

Laguna

Huntington

Out of all of the beaches I think that I am still partial to Coronado. The sand is so soft, fine and has the most beautiful gold specs that glistened in the sunshine.

I would love to hear anybody else's take on southern California's beaches.

Thanks to anybody who gave me some great suggestions....we really had a swell time.

{Kingsdown by the sea luxury fisherman's cottage}

If I was say in the UK today I would have no problem going to the unspoilt and quintessentially English seaside village known as Kingsdown by the sea to stay in the above home. They do rent it out you know. It is located just steps from the sea and has easy access to London just incase one would want to hop on the train and visit the lovely Helena. Isn't it so charming?

{Home found via Unique Home Stays}

P.S. - Happy Weekend!

red

Sometimes all it takes is just a little red. When decorating I think usually shy away from red for some reason but I do love it in small doses.

here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here