YIPPITY-DO-DA, A GIVEAWAY!!!!

It was a little late in coming,
but finally made it........
the celebration of my 100th post....

MY GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm excited to be giving away one of my original chandelier canvas art pieces. I hope you like it. All you have to do to have a chance to be the winner is leave me a comment before midnight on Tuesday, July 22nd. I will put all your names in a hat and have my hubby pick the winner. Be sure to leave me your email so I can contact you for your mailing information.


This is an 10x10 canvas done with a white background and black accents with rhinestone embellishments. So here we go......10 days and counting down towards the WINNER~


Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we've been playing like crazy with our dear friends, Jon and Ludy Kellett. They have been in town for 9 days and we got to enjoy their company 6 of the days. We managed to cram in lots of fun and laughs, swimming in the pool, tubing on the Salt River, eating out, shopping, movies, BBQ'ing, golfing, Diamondbacks game, tennis, happy hour and eating, eating and more eating!!!
Speaking of eating...here we are in front of Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert after a delicious lunch before heading to the airport for Kellett's return to WA.

Jon and Ludy

Here's a peek at the inside of Liberty Market.

We found out this is a very poplular place with the locals.

The food is wonderful, service is fast and the atmosphere is great.

And besides, we know the owner/chef, Dave Trana, personally.

Really though, if you live in the area and haven't tried this place yet, RUN,
don't walk to the restaurant.

You won't be disappointed.

They even have an espresso bar/wine bar right in the middle of the restaurant. Very cool!Our granddaughter's really like it too!

Mmmmm...love this pineapple!
A couple days ago I received a book I ordered from blogger/author, Tara Frey.
She has written a book for bloggers, crafter, artists and creators of all kinds.
The book features 50 blogs with lots of illustrations and inspiration.
Tonight I get to curl up in my favorite comfy chair and
begin to savor all the details of her book.
I can hardly wait.
I'm sure all of you would enjoy it too.

Oh, and I have gotten a little work done this past week. Managed to put the beginnings of 38 headbands together. Only 40 more to go!As this very hot (115 degrees) weekend draws to an end, we are hunkered down inside out house with overhead fans and air-conditioner going strong. But we still wouldn't trade living here for anything. Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. Time for me to start reading!
xoxo Nancy

100th POST

It all started because I felt left out.....you know, technology wise. My daughters, their friends, artist friends of mine, and half of the world, were all blogging....except for me. So 99th post ago I jumped on the band wagon. Not sure what to blog about or exactly how to blog, I just started typing and the words just seemed to fall into place. And now it has become a regular part of my life. It's been such a wonderful experience and I have really enjoyed the comments that I have received on my posts and the new friends it has brought to me. So in honor of my 100th post I am going to do a giveaway. I will surprise you with it on my next post since I can't get a picture of it until tomorrow! Now you will have to check back if you want to try to win it....he,he!

Meanwhile, this is what greeted Frank and I yesterday morning when we came into our dinning room. Isn't she cute. She was so curious, hopping back and forth in front of our sliding glass door. Little did she know that we were on the floor only inches away from her staring back. We have darkening film on our windows so she couldn't see in.




Last Friday we picked up our old friends, Ludy and Jon Kellett for a visit. They flew in from Washington and it didn't take them long to start enjoying our hot weather!



Jon got so relaxed he fell asleep!

We had a great weekend hanging out together. They headed up to Scottsdale for a 4 day principals conference and will come back down tomorrow to spend this weekend with us before heading home.
This evening I am enjoying these sweet, juicy Bing cherries while watching a movie with my hubby. We are a very happy family as our son-in-law, Kyle, finally returned from 2 months in Germany flying missions for the Air Force. Bre and the boys were missing him so badly that I'm not sure they could have made it through another week. It's such fun to see them so happy together.
I really must run now so I can pay attention to our movie. Have a great evening everyone.
XOXO Nancy

GOTTA HAVE IT

COFFEE..............
A 24 ounce, non-fat, mocha, no whip!


That's how I start every morning.....I just have to have it......or it's not pretty!
I have started my mornings with these for the past, hmmmmmm, at least 10 year. Probably longer. Since they got expensive fast, I got my own machine from Starbucks years ago. I have now progressed to my 3rd and most wonderful latte maker, the DeLonghi. It's all automatic and an addicted latte lover's dream.
So that's how my 4th of July started. Meanwhile, my hubby headed outdoors to clean our patio for the evening's guests.
We had wanted to throw a big party, but do to lack of energy, we opted for inviting a few couples for a potluck and swim. Since it was a special holiday I thought I better throw together a few decorations. Thank goodness for the Dollar Store.
A few red, white and blue balloons, 3 sheets of flag scrapbook paper, some star wire and candles and "wa-la"!


Even managed to find a flag banner that fit around our kitchen bar.

After enjoying a delicious potluck dinner of salads, warm BBQ chicken sandwiches, grilled asparagus, brownies homemade strawberry-rhubarb cobbler and ice cream, we hit the pool.

Some dear friends: Above pic, Chuck and Rosie VanEkin
Below: Sue and Brent Smith
Judy and Marty Barrett
We missed seeing any fireworks, but it was ok, because we had fun enjoying each others company and bobbing around in the pool.

So this afternoon Jami, Mike and the girls came over for a swim and dinner.
Luckily, Sofia really loves the water.

That's how we spent our holiday. With friends and family.
We missed not having our daughter, Bre and her family with us. But thankfully, she and the boys had a great day celebrating with church friends. And best of all, Kyle is only about a week from coming home from this long 2-month+ deployment. You can bet that Bre is counting the days down.
So friends, I hope your 4th was an enjoyable one and that you too spent it with friends and family and remembered to honor our military men and women.
Now it's time to head off to bed since I must be up at 5:30 to go to exercise....oh, yippee!?
XOXO Nancy
P.S. Believe it or not my next post will be my 100th! Wow, I can't believe it. I may have to think about doing a giveaway to one of my loyal blog followers. Stay tuned for details.

BEING LAZY

Gosh, I just realized this evening that I have really been a slacker this week. Only a couple posts. I think I am still trying to get rested up from my Ta-Ta week. Or maybe I just haven't done anything exciting enough to share with all of you. I did manage to get into my studio one whole day and make a few canvas art pieces, but the rest of the time has been spent just hanging out with my sweet hubby. He has a sore wrist and took off 4 days of golf so we have had a chance to just relax around the house this week.
The big treat this morning was getting to see my daughter and youngest granddaughter, Sofia. Hanna went to play with friends this morning so we will see her tomorrow. Jami and the two girls flew home from a week in WA with Bre and the boys last night. Frank and I were so excited to see them this morning. Sofia gave us the once over and then burst into a big smile. That immediately melted our hearts.....she is so sweet I could just gobble her up! She was busy "gumming" her little necklace toy in this picture.

Last night Frank took me out to dinner and then to see Smokie Robinson perform at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. We had awesome seats about 40 feet from the stage in the round. Smokie put on an incredible show. His voice is still beautiful. Best of all was when he sang "My Girl" (which he wrote for the Temptations). That just happens to be our favorite special song. Frank and I held hands and swayed to the music as my heart soared with love for my husband. Nothing like a good 'ole love song to get the heart pumping! As the concert ended I ran up to the stage ramp and shook Mr. Robinson's hand. A perfect ending to a memory making night.

Time to hit the hay as I will be up at 5:30 am for the gym with Rosie and then home to get some food prepared for our Sat. 4th of July pool party with friends.

WISHING ALL OF YOU A WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!
XOXO Nancy

I'M BACK

My Ta-Ta week was amazingly:

fun (fun)

noun

1. 1. lively, joyous play or playfulness; amusement, sport, recreation, etc.
   2. enjoyment or pleasure
2. a source or cause of amusement or merriment, as an amusing person or thing

Celebrating our 8th year together and it only gets better. Here is a picture of all of us around our host's front entry to her magnificent home.


This is an opportunity for all of us to fly in from around the U.S. and spend several days relaxing around MaryLu's pool, eat delicious food, tell funny stories, exchange gifts, get served drinks in the pool by our wonderful "pool boy", Luis, sleep outside under the stars (minus a few of us who need the air conditioned house), drink Hawaiian punch & rum and just relish in the chance to spend time with childhood friends.

This is Benita and our host, MaryLu.


Ta-Ta sisters, Pam and Leilani.
Some more Ta-Ta's.

Gift exchange. MaryLu's theme this night was in celebration of last year's Ta-Ta get together in Delaware at Rehobooth Beach. Each Ta-Ta received a darling frame with a picture of all the girls on the beach. Notice the table's center piece.

Isn't it wonderful?

Our host had just taken a 65 day cruise to several countries and picked up all kinds of great keepsakes. Two of which were authentic Geisha outfits. We were surprised by a Geisha dance by MaryLu and Pam. Absolutely hysterical!!!

We could live like this forever! Check out the view over LaQuinta, CA.

This is an accumulation of seven years of Ta-Ta get togethers. So many fun times.
I came home exhausted but with many great memories. It's continues to be the highlight of my year. These are very intelligent, amazing women. And we know how to cram a year's worth of fun into just a few days. I'm so thankful to be a part of this special group of women.
I'm taking today to hang out with my husband and will hit the studio tomorrow to get back in the groove of creating.
Have a good Monday.....XOXO Nancy

I LOVE MY DAD

Father's Day brings bittersweet memories for me these past several years. I lost my Dad 14 years ago and life has never been the same. He had a bigger than life personality. Even though he was a very successful concrete plant owner, he was an overgrown kid who loved to play.....golf, fish, camp, cards and spend lots of time with his wife, kids and granddaughters. Dad was a very generous man and wanted to make sure that everyone around him was having as much fun as he was. I really did have the perfect "Leave It To Beaver" upbringing. I always felt safe, secure and loved. A legacy that Frank and I are trying to continue through our children and grandchildren. So in honor of Father's Day here are a few pictures of some fun times that my Dad enjoyed.
A salmon fishing trip off of our hometown Whidbey Island, WA in Dad's boat with Frank, my cousin, Mark and his brother-in-law, Kevin.


He and Mom getting ready to throw a party at their home.
One of many camping trips.
Dad clowning around at Burger King.

Several summers we packed up our trailers and went over the North Cascade Pass to Perrigan Lake for a week of camping, fishing and swimming. This was always a highlight of our year and one that we included friends in. We have the best memories from these trips. My dad took all of us to town everyday for an ice cream cone. We had boat parades on the lake, stories by campfire at night and ate like kings.

But my favorite picture is this one. We were visiting my sister and her family off of Camano Island, WA one afternoon when our daughter, Jami was just little. It was hot that day, so we stripped her down and let her play in the water and sand. Here is Dad with her on the beach.
I could go on and on with stories of the tons and tons of wonderful times we have spent with my Dad and Mom. We were lucky to have lived in the same town and have them be such an intricate part of raising our girls. He would have got the biggest kick out of all these great grandchildren now. He loved kids and was a terrible tease. But we never tired of it and always came back for more.
Thanks Dad for being the best.
Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dad's out there!

XOXO Nancy

A Little Sprucing Up

This past week consisted of dusting, scrubbing, re-arranging, new accessories, carpets and upholstery cleaned........you know, the heavy duty Spring clean thing that I put off until now! It seemed kind of overwhelming at the beginning, but we got on a roll and now everything looks great. It does give you a feeling of satisfaction when it is all said and done. It's been over a month since I have had anything on top of our dining room table besides a red tablecloth. So it was fun to put together this summer centerpiece.
My little yellow birdie "tweets" and move's her head whenever someone walks by! And I don't ever have to clean her cage!!
Last night Frank and I took our grandkids to In and Out Burger for dinner and then to Tumbleweed Park. It's a big play park for kids that is filled with tons of different play equipment. They had a ball and we stayed for an hour or more. Our weather has been so perfect. It will be hard to take the triple digits that are just around the corner.
When we took the kids back to my daughter's house, little Sofia was waiting for us. She was all smiles when she saw us.

I never tire of feeling her baby soft skin. I think her tiny feet are darling and Jami keeps her little toes painted pink! Too cute.
I am now gearing up for my annual Ta-Ta weekend. For the past 7 years eleven of us girls who went to school together from 1st thru 12th grade gather in Palm Springs for 4 days of laughter and play. One of the Ta-Ta's hosts it at her incredibly beautiful home in the Quarry at LaQuinta. We bring our sleeping bags and have an outdoor slumber party on her lawn next to her negative edge pool. She spoils us with Dom Perignon, incredible fresh floral displays on our dinner table, a pool boy who serves us in the pool, massages, facials, chef, maid, gift bags, etc. We live like the rich and famous and LOVE IT!!! This year we will be at her home from Tuesday through Sunday of next week. I can hardly wait. I promise to post pictures when I return. Meanwhile, not sure if I will be posting between now and then.
It will be time to get back to work in my studio when I return. I've enjoyed the break for the past couple months but I need to get a couple orders filled and start building my inventory.
Enjoy your weekend. XOXO Nancy

Shedding A Tear

We said good bye to our daughter, Bre and grandson, Cade this afternoon as they flew back to Washington. It was hard to see them go. Made both Bre and I teary as she and Caden walked through security to their gate. After a month we had all gotten into a comfortable routine. The house is sure going to feel empty and quiet. Luckily, we get to enjoy Coleman for another week before he heads home.

Now to our house.
I am starting to replace some items in the house that I felt needed updating after 5 years. So here is the first replacement.....pendant lights.
I've always wanted a chandelier but I don't have a good place for one. So after looking for almost a year, I came across these modern chandelier pendants. The shade is actually made up of hundreds of thin black threads. Not trusting Frank or my electrical knowledge, we hired a friend to come in and hang them for us. I just love them!
The picture isn't real good as they are black with clear crystals.

On Friday we all attended the grandkids Vacation Bible School carnival. The weather was perfect and The Groves put on an incredible carnival for all the children and their families to enjoy. Our kids had a blast.


All the Bible School kids put on a performance for their families before the carnival.
So tonight I am sitting with my feet up, drinking a Mike's Hard Lemonade and reminiscing about the past month. I am tired, but it's a good tired. We have Cole spending the night tonight and he will transfer to his Auntie Jami's house tomorrow for the rest of the week. Frank and I will roll up our sleeves and get the house cleaned tomorrow and then the carpet and upholstery cleaners come on Wed. We should be back on track by Thursday.
Hope you all have a wonderful week. XOXO Nancy