Inspiring

My mom is an inspiration. Let me tell you why...

She has lately been trying to decorate her home. And as she's looked for what she wants, she hasn't been able to find it. So, what I have a tendency to do is buy something that will "work". I like it for a while, then decide that it's not what I really want and try something else that isn't exactly what I want but will "work". You see the pattern, right? Well, my mom hasn't fallen for the "it will work" line. She finds a way to get what she really wants. For example:

She had a bunch of quilts and blankets in her bedroom, but couldn't find a quilt rack that she liked and that would fit the need that she had (she wanted it bigger than any she could find, in a finish that would match her bedroom set, with a shelf on the bottom for bags and purses). So she went to a local carpenter, told him what she wanted, and asked if he could build it. He said he could and a month later the quilt rack looks beautiful in her bedroom. And the crazy thing is, it didn't cost any more than ordering one online would have cost (cost + shipping). But she was able to get a piece of furniture that she loves!

Granted, not all of mom's designing has cost equal to getting something that's stocked. But I tell you what, the cost of replacing things over and over with "workable" items sure adds up! And I'm pretty sure that she'll save money in the long run. I'm very excited to see if the frame lady can cut the mat that mom wants for family pictures. It sounds amazing!

California

We just got back from a visit to California. The day we drove out of town (no airport in this small Colorado town) it was snowing. California was a welcome change.

I saw my first tide pool. It was incredibly neat! The anemones, snails, mussels, DH saw a crab. It was fun. I'll definitely look for more.

The flowers in California are always one of my favorite things to see. There are different flowers blooming year round. This was the first time I'd seen this one. And now I can't remember what it's called :(. But I do love the flowers. There is such a variety that I haven't seen anywhere else.

We went to the San Diego Zoo. I loved it! I think I had more fun than either of the kiddos. It's an entire post it itself, so I won't post a dozen pictures here. I know this one of the snake turtle isn't in focus, but it's the best that I got of it. Here's a little laugh at me: When I first saw all the turtles swimming (which I've seen before) and saw one of these turtles, I thought (and said to DH) that I never knew that turtles have such long necks! Their shells hide more that I thought. Um, yeah. Then I read the plaque. And it's a species of turtle. Not all of them have long necks. Oops!

And of course there's the beach. I ADORE the beach. I could sit and stare (and photograph) the beach ALL DAY EVERY DAY. Not an exaggeration. It's good we only go to California for visits, because nothing would ever get done if we lived there. Sunny, overcast, rainy, high or low tide, crowded or empty. I love it!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

On Tuesday, I was invited to a birthday lunch for a friend whom I've known for a long time (20+ years), we just haven't done much in the recent past (10 years). I was informed by the hostess that she wanted to have the gifts homemade, but felt bad about such short notice, which 1- tells you that you're supposed to bring a gift and 2 - you should be creative and make something anyway, short notice or not. So, since I have no idea how my friend decorates, all my crafty supplies are packed away, I was pretty out of ideas. Enter chocolate covered strawberries:

I covered a cardboard flat with wrapping paper (love double sided tape!), shredded some red cardstock, artistically placed a silver tray that just happened to be available, and proceeded to dip the strawberries! N helped with that part and actually turned out some beautiful berries. Unfortunately, none could be gifted, since she licked off the drips instead of letting them drip! The addition of matching ribbon, with bow, completed the look.

It was an incredibly easy gift, and was oohed and aahed over at the lunch. I decided not to tell anyone how easy it was. I'll definitely be keeping it in mind for the future!