What I've Been Up To...

Springtime is sloooowly creeping in to Southern California...at least here in the mountains. Now that's it's stopped snowing, I keep my eye out for the little signs of life that lift my spirit and light up my face with a smile. Blooming, brilliant flowers, little buds on the oak, birds chirping (and teasing the cats) and weather that makes me want to dance. I looooove thrift stores, flea markets and the such. A treasure found at a bargain makes my day. I found these sweet things at our local thrift store... Easter egg lights to create my Springtime tree, Easter ribbon, a beautiful pearly, ivory and silver frame and E. M. Forster's, 'Howards End'...which I attempt to read every night. All under $10.00 :) Along with the new things of Spring, our house is moving along quickly. Now, with the drywall going up, it's time to choose paint colors. Mr. B and I see eye-to-eye on nearly everything.

But it seems we've found ONE thing we do not...and that would be paint colors. Whereas, Mr. B is more conservative, I'm a bit more ecclectic and a touch dramatic...we haven't seen eye-to-eye since we've received this fan deck of paint colors 2 weeks ago...

So, our compromise? He is choosing the paint color for the entire house....while I will happily turn our bedroom BLUE.

Oh, not just any blue, mind you...but the deepest navy I could find. Here are my inspiration rooms...

And THIS is the color I chose (below)...Club Navy by Ralph Lauren. Bright, white trim, dark wood furniture, possibly white plantation-type shutters. Silver accessories. White, over-stuffed bedding (as above, with the navy stripes)...did I say 'dramatic'?

Mr. B isn't thrilled but we did agree to change it after several months if he couldn't handle it :) It'll look amazing...I think he'll be okay.

A couple of recent trips down to my hometown area of Orange County resulted in a little shopping at a favorite spot, South Coast Plaza. A place that brings back a flood of memories of growing up in Orange County...

The glass dome at South Coast Plaza

The mall (that doesn't sound right), the shopping mecca (more like it), usually has some happening on the weekends. This past weekend had Japanese themes... Beautiful kimonos on display with cherry blossoms trees. It was a beautiful sight...

And with receiving so much love from others lately, I decide to return love to them. Remember the box my lovely, little mommy sent me? I'm getting one together for her. A couple of goodies to start it off from Williams-Sonoma.

and finally getting that Easter goodies box out for the care home.

Besides all the 'fun stuff', I've been working hard at learning a new online real estate program, creating a new way of real estate dealings which will make transactions quicker and more streamlined...but it's doozy to learn. I'm also in the very beginning stages of planning my parents 50th wedding anniversary for next year! What a hoot that'll be :)

Until next time, friends...take time to smile at a stranger, smell some roses and turn up the music and dance. Happy Springtime :)

~ER~