Hints of Spring

The first snow drops have arrived in my yard! Spring is surely arriving soon – these snow drops give me hope. Meanwhile, I’m greeting spring in my own home. I’m putting away the red-and-white decorations (candles, tablecloths, placemats, fluffy throws, decor, pillows) I had up for Valentine’s Day. I’ll replace them with my pastel pink, …

Fabulous and Fun Friday

White peonies with just a tinge of pink in the center, adorn my dining room It’s a beautiful warm, sunny day in Seattle. I refuse to spend the evening indoors in front of a TV or a computer screen. I won’t even eat dinner inside a restaurant tonight. Tonight, I’ll eat dinner in my backyard …

Friday in Mid-September

One of my dogs enjoying playing “King of the Hill” on the dog park’s newly delivered autumn bark pile QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: It’s mid-month. Need to pay any bills? Make any doctor, dentist or vet appointments? Anybody in your house need a trim on their haircut? Drop off any Netflix or Redbox DVDs …

Get Ready for the Weekend

Some of the potted fall flowers that greet guests on my front porch QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Need to fill up with gas for the weekend, get cash out of an ATM, return library books, return Redbox and Netflix DVDs? Go through your fridge and throw out any leftovers or takeout food or sack …

Summer Beauty and Primping

What I’m wearing on my eyes tonight: Moonshadow Palette by Sephora It’s summertime! Give yourself time (and permission) to lounge about a bit, enjoying sunshine and warm weather. I’m primping today, preparing to go out to dinner tonight with the girls. We’ll be eating in an outdoor cafe, so I’m using my foundation with the …

Nothing Wrong with a Little Retail Therapy

Acrylic Stacking Old Fashioned Glass, at Crate and Barrel I was having a bad week, so took a sunny afternoon off for some mental relief and retail therapy. Maybe this wasn’t the healthiest way to deal with my present difficulties, but enjoying a mid-afternoon glass of white wine at an outdoor restaurant, browsing the extremely …

Friday, Awaiting Spring

Fuzzy Chicks for Easter Decor, at Williams-Sonoma QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Spiff up your home for the weekend. Empty or fill dishwasher as needed; wipe kitchen counters; empty trash can andtake out recycling; wipe bathroom sinks and counters; replace hand towels in bathrooms and kitchen. De-clutter entryway, mail table, coffee table and dining table …

Spring Cleaning While You’re Sick

Spring Cupcakes, at Dean & Deluca I’m trying to keep up with my self-imposed Spring Cleaning schedule, but now that I have my second cold in as many weeks, I’m losing motivation. I’m not looking for busywork, but I also don’t want to have a lot more catchup work to do when I’m healthy again …

Frozen Friday

Sunshine on the treetops across from my house, early in the morning Snow, frost, ice, hail and a cold snap have come to Seattle. Today I’m dressing extra warmly, making a huge pot of hot tea, and being very careful how I walk on slippery grocery store parking lots. QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Get …

“Try Something New Week” Continues

Pink Heart Jewelry Box Cake, at Dean & Deluca It’s still “Try Something New Week.” Have you challenged yourself to try new things? QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY: Do you know what friends you’re spending time with this weekend? Get on the phone, Facebook, or your email and make some fun plans! Fill up with …