FRENCH bUTTONS...Sharing my love of romantic design

Mia Bella Vintage

2012-02-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

My good friend Melissa at Mia Bella Vintage has a beautiful

older home that her and her husband have been restoring.

They are now in the process of selling their lovely home.

The other week i went up to visit Melissa

and see what else they have done to their home.

Unfortunately i forgot my camera! So i stole these

photos from Melissa's blog.

When i was at Melissa's i only put in one bit of decor suggestion.

I told her the dining room would look fantastic painted a

dark grey.

Thankfully she was not insulted by my suggestion but

thought it was wonderful!

Here is the before of her dining room colour.

It was a pretty blue..

but i thought the room needed a hit of

sophistication!

She just emailed me about loving the colour she chose!

This is the photo that she just posted on

her blog.

I love the way it turned out!!

I also stole some photos from her past posts...

she is so talented! She built all these cupboards

by herself!!! This is a peek at her laundry room!

She really is unbelievable and way

too modest.

A sneak peek into the Master bedroom

I love this new light fixture she installed!

This is her kitchen.

Yes she really truly made

these cupboards herself!!

Sick isn't it???

She is also an amazing sewer! That was the real reason for my visit to her home.
She is to give me sewing lessons!
Way to go Melissa you are doing a great job!

Thanks for visiting and stop by Mia Bella Vintage for some inspiration !

Pamela xo

Spring flowers...

2012-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Over the last week i have had more followers join

my little blog...

And

i want to welcome all of you by sharing past photos

that i love...

and since spring is in the air

these seem to be the perfect choice...

Cherry blossoms always remind me

of my childhood.

We had three cherry trees in our yard

and the name of the street i grew up on

is called

"Cherryhill Drive"

Our guest bath was lovely. The claw foot tub was a dream!

Remember my enchanting

sleeping porch

off my bedroom?

It was so much fun to decorate!

Lilacs ...who doesn't love lilacs...

even the name

beautiful...

A new chapter has begun here at French Buttons...
hope you will still find inspiration when you visit!

Pamela xo

Cat love...

2012-02-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

Lazy Sundays..

and

cats...

go together perfectly...

and if you have a cat

you will

know exactly

what i mean...

I heart cats...

and i heart Sunday's especially when spent with a cat...
I hope to get another one soon...
maybe then Pilot girl will start drinking water "inside" the house again...

Until then..
Hope your week is wonderfully purrfect!
Pamela xo

Cobble Hill

2012-02-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!

It is a beautiful sunny day here on Vancouver Island! It feels like

spring already.

This is the scenery that i look at everyday when i walk Pilot.

Lovely farms and mountains in Cobble Hill...

This is a beautiful lavender farm. Some days i can actually smell

the lavender.

In the summer months i hope to visit this place

and take photos.

Here is a quick peek at our adorable

carriage house...

No, this is not my bedroom

but is this not

a dreamy bedroom??

00/IMG_8577.jpg" />/IMG_8571.jpg" />(pinterest)
I love the colours in this room. Exactly what i am going for in my own.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for visiting!
Pamela xo

Janaki Larsen Ceramics

2012-01-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

As most of you know a couple weeks before Christmas our beloved cat passed away.

Slowly we have been able to remember Acoya with fondness instead of sadness.

But the other day my husband brought something to my attention.

He has always been the one to change the pets water bowl throughout the day

(yes he can be OCD when it comes to things around the home) so i never noticed any of this.

But i did notice Pilot's incessant need wanting to go outside. When we do let her out she

drinks continuously from her outdoor water pail.

Okay so where am i going with this story?

My husband can tell that Pilot has not been drinking the water in this bowl. The water level

stays the same. He even watches her as she eats and sure enough she does not

drink from it.

Why?

Because this is the water bowl that she shared with Acoya.

I contacted Pilot's trainer and told her this story.

Was it just another one of her quirks?

No she said Pilot is grieving and waiting for Acoya to come

back and she will probably never drink from this bowl again.

So i replaced the bowl with a temporary glass bowl.

Sure enough after watching her eat her dinner she sniffed the bowl and walked

away.

She stills goes in Sam's room and looks under his bed and in his closet for the cat.

She even went into our room looking under the clothes wagging her tail in the closet.

It's been the saddest thing.

I'm thinking maybe a beautiful ceramic bowl might do the trick.

Have any of you heard of Janaki Larsen Ceramics?

I found her on Pinterest. She is from Vancouver, BC

Her work is spectacular and i love love her bowls!

I can just feel them in my hands.

The colour tones are gorgeous and soothing... to look at !

Maybe now that i am living here in BC i might come across some of her

beautiful pieces...

Might be a little too nice for a water bowl...

On second thought ...way too nice for a water bowl..

kind of insulting for Janaki to have this on the

floor..

hmm...would be much better on my harvest

table!

In the meantime i am hoping to find a solution to Pilot's not drinking from the water bowl!

Thanks for visiting!
Pamela xo

The outfit

2012-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I have switched to google chrome and my problems have gone away.

The only thing now is i have to get learn this new post system. So my photos

are not in order as to how i upload them!

As much as i love home decor i love love fashion!

I wanted to share some new pieces of mine.

We have beautiful shops here in Duncan...

Fabrications sells gorgeous clothing from Europe...

This top is from there...made in Italy. A gift from my husband for Christmas.

The shoes are from Cardino's an exquisite shoe store in town. Shoes are

made in Spain...nothing from China in this store!

Oh we finally got some snow here in the Valley!

I had to share this photo but was hoping to put it in the end of the blog...

Isn't the view beautiful from our carriage house??

This photo reminds me of home..."Ontario" i love the snow and really

miss it!

And lastly my new funky boots from Wall Street in Duncan!

Aren't they fun?!

Thanks for visiting me!
I am off to play in the snow with Pilot!!

Pamela xo

Blogger Problems again and again and again!!!!

2012-01-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I am experiencing blogger problems once again!
Thank goodness all of your comments are going to my email because
everytime i click on my comments it takes me to a blank page.

I also CANNOT comment on any of your blogs! When i click on your comment
it also takes me to a blank page.
Is anyone else out there having these problems? My link , spell check and preview
buttons also do not work when working on a new post. Very frustrating.
Anyways i wanted to let all of you know i am visiting but cannot comment!

Hopefully blogger will have this straightened out soon.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pamela xo

Master bedroom

2012-01-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Our master bedroom is in great need of a new paint colour. The previous
person who lived here painted the room a deadly shade of "blue"... it drives me
crazy and makes me feel like i am at a hockey arena. She must have been
a sports fan of some kind. That's all i can think.

Here i have posted some gorgeous bedrooms courtesy of Pinterest. I can't decide
whether to go dark grey or light...
I love this first room...but then i would have to find this headboard!

The serenity in this second bedroom is wonderful. Minus the writing on
the wall...not into that. I know my husband would totally hate it and not
"get it!" But the angles are like the ones in my room and the large windows.

Love this black headboard against the stark white walls...
Here's a peak at my room... the blue is very strong. It will take alot coats and

primer i sure to cover.

She left the ceiling and low part of the wall white. Not sure if I should paint

the walls all the same colour. The room is not that big but gets lots of sun.

Which rooms are your favourite? What would you decide?

Until it warms up here i will still be deciding........

Pamela xo

A beautiful home to share!

2012-01-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!

First of all i want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for
all the wonderful uplifting comments in regards to the passing of my beloved
Acoya. Words will never express how you all touched my sad heart and gave
me comfort. We miss the old boy and the house is soooo quiet without him.
He is sadly missed. There will never be another one like him.

Christmas was wonderful and i hope all of you had a wonderful time spending
it with good friends and family.
I still have yet to get photos of our new home but hopefully in time i will have some
to post.
Until then i wanted to share this beautiful inspiring home...
Whoever owns it is one lucky person!

Enjoy...

Blessings to all of you for a healthy, happy
and prosperous New Year!

Thanks for visiting!
Pamela xo

Good bye dear pet...

2011-12-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have been away from my blog for so long now and I was hoping to do
a post on my new home. Busy working lots of hours, moving and fighting
a cold put things on hold.
Last Friday our beloved cat Acoya became sick. We think he had a stroke.
Having just moved into the new place Acoya seemed to have happily settled in.
Going outside and exploring the new yard he was right at home.

He became ill and went downhill quickly and passed on Tuesday night.
Acoya was 16 years old and i was sure he would make it to 25 but sadly i was wrong.
To say i am devastated is an understatment. He was the last of my three cats.

Acoya (as my cousin lovingly put it) was an extrodinary cat full of character.
Extremely intelligent, funny as hell and at times very grumpy.
I have so many stories about this cat they could very easily be in a book.

I rescued him at four weeks of age along with his two sisters. He was nasty as
can be and his sisters were the sweetest. I found homes for them and kept him
knowing no one would want this hissing, spitting kitten. When i brought him
home he immediately bonded with the dog and hated people.

What kepted him from being kicked out of our family was his crazy, funny
antics. He always had us in stitches...even the neighbours loved him.

Acoya was also very beautiful. A huge cat with a big plume tail that was always
proudly up. He had the biggest green eyes.
He knew his name and always came when called. He also knew what commands
like "are you hungry?" or "do you want outside ?" meant. Acoya was unbelievable.

Acoya got along with every cat he met. It was not unusual to see him on our porch
with a stray. I used to think he told them that "his mom would feed them"
He also got along with other dogs in the neighbourhood.

As you can see from this photo he loved our old dog Jack. He thought of Jack
as his mother. When Jack passed away Acoya went into mourning. He would
walk through the house howling. It was quite horrible. That is when he finally
allowed me to hold him. Ten years it took before he actually let me hold him
and he would purr!

When we got our new dog Pilot he hated her. As you can see from this photo

he was not impressed with this puppy.

So for three years it was a hate relationship for Acoya....
And then we moved across Canada and something changed...

An extrodinary cat that has broken my heart. He will be so missed by us here.

I will miss his daily howls and talking. He was a real talker. I will miss him driving

my husband crazy on purpose. I will miss his galloping through the door...

I will miss the mornings when he turns us all upside down like a tornado with

his crazy antics and getting Pilot all worked up only to quickly disappear to

go back to bed.

Thank you Acoya for 16 memorable years... we will miss you!

Pamela xo

2011-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
My Romantic barn sale was a pretty good success. But mostly it was alot of fun.
Everyone who came loved the barn and the decorating. One woman though
was disappointed thinking it was a 'garage sale!" Sorry it was to fancy for
her ...I laughed over that one!
I am now up to my eyeballs in bubble wrap and boxes as we pack up our
home...
I am feeling like a gypsy with all this moving in the last two years!

After an extremely stressful day of work thanks in part to a nasty customer
consumed with throwing hate my way over nothing... I need to share
some beauty... because obviously this woman has none of it...

I am sorry i don't know the source of these lovely images...so don't yell
at me if they are yours!

Don't you just love a touch of pink in a grey room?

Yes these balloons make me want to sail away tonight... or cast off

the negative energy I was given...

But this photo best describes what I always want most

after a stressful day...

Hope to visit all of you soon.... but first I must get my house in order

give my son some extra hugs and take Pilot girl for her hike!

Until next time be nice to your cashier...it's not her fault things aren't going

right for you!

Pamela xo

Romantic barn sale tomorrow!

2011-11-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I have been gone forever it seems from the blogging world. So much
has been happening here at the home of French Buttons...

Working and getting ready for my barn sale has been alot of work.
Another big change is we are moving.
So between purging for the sale and packing in between shifts at
work you can say it's been a little stressful around here!

I do hope everything flies out the door tomorrow because I don't want
to have to pack it all up!

This little barn is adorable too! Wish you all could attend my sale!

Even to just visit with me..

We are moving December 1st...yes the busiest time of the year!

Moving to another quaint little place in the next town "Cobble Hill"

isn't that the prettiest name??

Our time here at this old home has come to a close and I am ready to move

on....(it will be nice to live in a place with central heat again too!!)

Hopefully my blog will still be of interest to all of you even though there

will be no more photos of claw foot tubs or sleeping porches...

The Carriage house will be given my special touch to look enchanting

for the temporary time we shall be there. We are coming to a cross roads

in our lives here.... deciding whether to stay on the Island or move back

to my beloved Ontario.

"You can take the girl out of Ontario but you can never take Ontario out

of the girl!"

Wish me luck tomorrow.... I am so nervous!

Pamela xo

Shopping fun!

2011-10-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have i mentioned how much i enjoy shopping for clothes???
Yes oh yes i love to go shopping for clothes and shoes!! My favourite
stores are boutiques...i am not the mall type at all. Everything is always
same as the next store. I love the uniqueness and quality you can find
in those little boutique stores downtown. That's what i love about where
i live! Pretty stores with so many fab finds...

I also am loving this Pinterest...my newest addiction...
Here's what i am sharing and hoping to find..

Love this sweater and the colour of it!

Aren't these the funkiest shoes ever???

Oh those shoes!!!

Nothing like a new outfit to get you out of a rut!!

Pamela xo

Romantic Barn Sale!

2011-10-13T09:33:00.001-07:00

If you live on Vancouver Island within distance to the Cowichan Valley
i hope you will attend my Romantic Barn Sale on November 5th at 9am!

If you are interested please leave a comment and i will email you my address.
For security reasons i do not want to post where i live.

Many treasures will be for sale at very reasonable prices...

Lovely china..

Beautiful pieces of furniture like my French Style kitchen island...

Dining chairs, kitchen table and red toile club chairs...

There will also be gorgeous cement pots...very heavy pieces at a steal of a

price... Lots of treasures to discover!

I hope to see you all !!

Pamela xo

Dream home and dream interiors

2011-10-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things to do besides visit blogs is check out MLS listings
and see what homes are being built. Our last home was built by
Mountain View Homes in the Niagara Region and it was lovely. They are
a fantastic home builder that has been around the area for many years.
They are building gorgeous homes in Niagara and this one in particular
caught my eye!

OH it is on my list of wishes!! The interior i wasn't able to post so
i put my own take of what some of the rooms would look like...

Here is how i envision the foyer (photo courtesy of the great blog Greige
located on my blogroll)

Gorgeous living area with oh swoon grey velvet couches! (photo Greige)
And lastly the kitchen (Country Living)

Hmm... i might have to consider moving back home if i want a house

like this!!

Pamela xo

Crown Point Cabinetry

2011-10-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!

Here i am rushing around like a mad woman as i just got called in early to
work. I planned on doing so much this morning at home but things will have
to wait.
I quickly want to share these gorgeous photos with you of Crown Point Cabinetry!
My link button is not working as nothing now on my blog is working so i have
no link for you to access but you can google them. An amazing company that
does incredible kitchens!!

Enjoy!!!

Looking forward to Friday...a day to myself!!

Pamela xo

Botanical Beach Port Renfrew BC

2011-09-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like getting in the car and driving down the
coast.... drive and drive to take your troubles away...if only temporary...

Something must be said about the calming, healing effects of watching the
ocean.... strong , beautiful and at times frightening... like life
itself...

The mountains too are spectacular... rugged and wild..

beckoning you to them...

The still waters of a creek... making you linger in quiet meditation

to ponder your life and where you are going. To stop looking back

over your shoulder at what could have been. Finally realising the power

in your now...

The waves crashing on the rocks as an example you can weather

this storm if you have faith ...

For me being at the ocean is the time to imagine the impossible

to break free of all my limitations. To regain my hope and know that

everything will be okay...

The road before us is not already written out. It is for us to decide.

I like knowing i have a strong guide who is with me all the way...even

if i sometimes have fear...

The enchanting path through the rain forest take me back to being a child

again ...when things were so simple and my father's love was always waiting..

Even our pets fall captive to the ocean...

their excitement overflows...

What child doesn't love to be in nature..

I love sharing this magical place with mine...

The tide comes in and like life itself you must always be aware

or it will sweep you away...

At one with nature...at peace if only for a day with myself...

May your journey in this life be filled with happieness and endless joy...

Pamela xo

Truly French Kitchens..Guest post Arcadian Home Decor

2011-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm Jenn and I write for Arcadian Home Decor, which is an e-commerce website that follows top home decor trends around the world. I'm a home decor magazine and blog junkie, and I spend hours poring over beautiful sites every day. A personal fave: French Buttons, where the blogs are always inspiring (I think owner Pamela and I were cut from the same cloth). Thanks for letting me guest post here today Pamela!

Truly French kitchens follow a simple home decor mantra: keep it elegant and classic. Solid and stately furniture, rich colour palettes, and a bevy of traditional home accessories all come together to create kitchens that are reminiscent of Provence or Paris. Here are eight truly French kitchens.

A dated touch

The weathered kitchen cupboards in this truly French kitchen gives the space an overall dated feel, while the two-toned exposed ceiling beams are a very modern detail.

Wooded bliss

The melange of deep, dark woods in this kitchen give it French flare, while the raw light fixtures create an antiqued look.

A mod nod

The white and stainless steel of this kitchen complement one another beautifully, and the leather bar chairs update the whole style.

Oooh la la for organics

It would seem like there are rolling vineyards outside the door of this eatery because of the organic hues in this truly French kitchen, which is sunny and warm accented with wood.

Country chic

A kitchen in soft beiges and minimal patterns is tres chic, and the wood slat floor is especially pretty to break up the monochromatic colour scheme. Loving the silvery blue charger plate.

A chef's dream

There's no shortage of incredible details in this truly French kitchen, such as a deep farmhouse sink, mahogany cabinets and ceiling, and blue-painted accents.

A storage nook

This antique sideboard outfitted with drawers and a worktop becomes the perfect little nook in a truly French kitchen, ideal for storing fruits, veggies, and other ingredients.

It's all in the details

While the colour of this truly French kitchen is inviting and warm, it's the architectural details that give this space so much personality, like the floating class cabinetry and curvy table legs on the island. And look at those charger plates used as decorations!

What do you think of the post? Comments are welcome! Don't forget to check out the Arcadian Home Decor Blog for more inspirations. Image credits: {1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 -

Walking the Seawalk

2011-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of weeks Pilot and i have not been hiking up the mountain. There have
been numerous cougar sightings in my town. Unfortunately a toddler was attacked (luckily
he is okay) by a cougar as his family were leaving the beach. At least two cougars have been
spotted in the town i live in. One happened to be in my sister-in-laws neighbourhood. Granted
she lives in a very rural area. Yesterday a man was on a local trail in the city when one walked
by him . At first he thought it was a large dog then realised it was a cougar. He immediately contacted the conservation officer. I am so terrified of running into one. Especially since i have a dog with me.

The sightings have been in the local paper warning people and also give advice on what to do if
confronted by one. We have so many deer now in our neighbourhoods. The herds of deer
are just unbelievable here. It is so common to be driving down the road and see them all over
peoples lawns and sidewalks. They are heavily protected here. The bad side to so many deer
as one biologist who was interviewed said... They are bringing the cougars into the community because this is what they hunt. Did you know if my dog is caught chasing a deer
in my neighbourhood i am liable for over a $320 fine?? Crazy .

We are now taking our walks through our seaside village. I wanted to share with you
the new seawalk the town has built. This is the first phase and phase two will take it to the
beach. A wonderful walk with beautiful views of Salt Spring Island.

Pilot and Shep are enjoying the views...

In the distance the large boat is the BC Ferry which will take you to Salt Spring Island...

Until winter sets in and the cougars and bears hibernate this is where you will find

us!

Pamela xo

Fall is here today!

2011-09-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today feels like a fall day...cool and overcast. I am not ready for fall considering we had
a very cool summer.

I do like the colours of fall. The natural woods with french toile.
The best part of fall for me is all the apples and fully ripened black berries.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
Pamela xo
By the way i am having so many blogging problems...I cannot link anymore, spell check,
or preview my posts etc. it is driving me crazy because i will not be able
to join any link parties until it is solved!

Mememtos

2011-09-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

We all have mememtos of something special from our lives.
I know i have a few (or maybe more) mememtos that
have special meanings and ties to the past . They all hold something special
whether it be from some great event in our life or it just evokes a wonderful
childhood memory.

This silver Victorian heart was a favour from my wedding. All the ladies who attended
my special day received one. I of course kept a heart and round ball for myself...
Silk flowers from my cousin Karen's (at Ow my Agnst blog) wedding. They were part
of her table centerpiece and i won them that night!

My mother's Roman Missal that she carried down the aisle covered in flowers when

she married my dad...

And lastly when my dad passed away my step-mother asked me what i wanted of my

dad's and i did not even hesitate when i said his old dog book!

I can still picture him reading this beloved book of his when i was a child. He was a huge

dog lover and raised Labrador Retriever's. This dog statue was also his. Everytime i look

at it i am comforted by memories of my wonderful dad...

Do you have any favourite mememtos?

Thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

Images to share and the winner!

2011-09-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am late announcing the winner for my giveaway...sorry. Working and getting Sam
ready for back to school this week has kept me busy!
Before i announce the winner i wanted to share these two beautiful images with
you...
Can you guess the owner of this home?

You would probably think his home would be all black and deathly looking
anyone remember the band "Black Sabbath?" yes i have to admit i listened to his
music growing up...

But his wife has immpeccible taste!

Sharon & Ozzy Osborne!

Now for the winner of my little giveaway!

The winner is ....Becca of Patina Moon!!

Congratulations Becca i hope you enjoy this sweet bracelet!

Thanks to all of you who entered...

Pamela xo

Hello Sunday!

2011-08-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to all of you!

Today is the last Sunday of August and i have to work. I have worked every single Sunday
this summer. I really dislike having to work this day. There is something about working on
a Sunday that i find disturbing. I know so many of us have to do it but it would be nice to have the odd one off once in awhile. To me i like to be with my family. I hate leaving my son
for the day . There are so many things going on right now that i would love to take him to.

But do you know what really drives me crazy on a beautiful, sunny Sunday when i am
rushing around to get ready to go to work?!!
Having to constantly step over this
big lump..........

Our relaxing, lazy, grumpy but oh so funny Acoya..

I swear he does this on purpose... rub it in Acoya ...rub it in!
He is getting so old his wiskers have turned white.

Wishing you all a blessed fun Sunday!
Pamela xo

Giveaway!

2011-08-24T18:42:00.001-07:00

In appreciation of all my followers i wanted to offer a giveaway...
I found this adorable costume bracelet in the quaint town of Coombs. I couldn't pass it
up and thought it would make the perfect little gift...

The sweet owl hanging from the bracelet seemed fitting for this new season of school
which doesn't start till the first week of September in Canada. The beads are the prettiest
shade of blue too!

Let me know if you are a follower for a chance to win...leave a comment for another.
Become a follower if you would like to enter and if you like post this photo on your sidebar!

Speaking of school Sam and i just started back to school shopping today!
Do you know how many shoes stores we went to trying to find these DC running shoes
in his size???? OMG worse than a woman!!! Tomorrow will be spent buying school
supplies. Hard to believe my little boy is starting Middle School!!

Have a wonderful day!
Pamela xo

Coombs, British Columbia

2011-08-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

There is a little town here on Vancouver Island called Coombs. It is such a delight to visit.
About a lovely hour's drive from home. It was the perfect day to go.
I had to share with you this fabulous Italian restaurant. The building is so out of character
for the West Coast. This building looks like something from Europe. No contemporary, west coast design with plank siding. Just pure stucco gorgeousness!!
Enjoy the photos of this captivating building!! This staircase leads to the upstairs of the building which sells awesome chinese furniture..

The side entrance to the restaurant...
There are lots of little shops on this street. Next to the restaurant is a garden store

all these plants and statues are for sale...

The outside terrace. This is where we dined. All around the terrace are bushes of lavender.

The front entrance to the restaurant... Cuckoos it is called. Great Italian food!
Antique shops in Coombs...
The famous market that has an outdoor restaurant. Now look closely at the roof

it has grass on it... you know why?

Goats live on the top of the roof! This is what Coombs is known for "GOATS on the roof! "
It was a wonderful day off and i can't wait to go back!

Pamela xo

De-stressing.......

2011-08-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Most of you can probably relate...when i am over stressed i rearrange.
I love throwing myself into rearranging a room or even a shelf.
I've been known to do this at friend's homes when visiting!

My first day off and there i went changing everything around...
glad i had the house to myself.

I love this painting by Arthur J. Elsley. All his paintings were of children and pets.

This one my mom bought from an estate auction when i was a little girl. I remember

vividly when she proudly brought it home. I fell in love with it as a young child.

It was from a mansion in gorgeous Niagara-on-the-Lake. Anyone familiar with this area

knows it is home to magneficent homes and what Winston Churchill claimed to be the

prettiest town in Canada.

Everytime my husband and i have moved he knows this is the one thing to be handled

with extreme care!!! I decided to place it in the living room so i can enjoy it everyday.

I'm feeling no stress now and soon will be sharing photos

of our lovely day trip to Coombs!

Thanks for visiting!!

Pamela xo

Happy Sunday!

2011-08-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Wishing you all more romantic days....

Can't wait for Tuesday then it is three blissful days off...and it will be spent with
my family!

Pamela xo

Apples!

2011-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Apples !!! I love apples! My very favourite fruit...Pilot's too! Everyday i eat an apple...
right at 3pm too. There is a beautiful apple tree beside our courtyard and it is over loaded
with these lovely green apples. I don't know about eating them but i just had to bring
them in the house for display.

I love this shade of green.

Too pretty to be left outside!

I am now on a five day stretch of working...my son is camping with a friend and his family

so i didn't feel guilty about spending what little time i have this weekend doing a post.

Hope to catch up with all you soon!

Pamela xo

More Italian Florentine!

2011-08-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

My newest Italian florentine purchase are these beautiful nesting tables!

For now i have them on my sleeping porch. They will make the rounds in my house until
i decide where i like them best.

I could not pass these up. When i lived in Ontario i saw them two different times ...and

didn't get them. I always regretted it. So when i came across them again i bought them.

Don't you just hate it when you don't get something and then regret it forever?

This Italian Florentine is addictive...do you think i might be setting a trend here?

I still haven't told my husband about them. .. but this is an early birthday present to myself

...that's okay right??

It is beautiful day here and i am not working which is even better!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and hope to visit you all soon!

Pamela xo

Newest obsession...

2011-07-31T18:23:00.001-07:00

Yes i have a new obsession...my hubby thinks it's Jason Statham...(well yes )
but i am loving the Italian gilded pieces. I seem to be coming across lots of it too!
This is my latest piece...a gold tray.

I also seem to be finding lots of decanters at the thrift shop lately too. Aren't they
beautiful?
This lovely store had one for sale just like the one on the right and the price
was $225!!! I paid 75cents... seriously!
The middle decanter has gold etched on it and the letter "G"...love this one!

This tray is going from room to room until i decide

where i like it best...

She looks pretty beside my tub...

Wait until you see my next piece... I can't wait to show you all!

But first i have to come clean about the purchase to my hubby...

you know what i mean? Maybe I'll just tell him how much he looks likes

Jason!

Thanks for visiting...and a big welcome to all my new followers!!!!

Pamela xo

Fabulous interiors!

2011-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't it always thrilling to come across a designer you have never heard about before?
I was so excited when i came across this fantastic designer...Sally Wheat! Her taste is
fabulous and just what i love!
I had to share them ...
I love love this living room!!
Calming , elegant interiors... my favourite choice in design...

Beautiful grey and white kitchen...

Is this not a fun young girl's room?

I think the cat on the table is icing on the cake...now i really like this Sally!

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer! It is finally a warm day here and i

am enjoying a well deserved day off with my family!!

Pamela xo

Seashells

2011-07-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yes i am still here and patiently waiting for some warm weather to arrive.
This has been a terrible summer for beach lovers here on Vancouver Island. Cold, damp
and grey skies have dominated this season so far. All across Canada people are enjoying
hot, sunny temps!

Everyday on facebook another friend or family member posts about another day at the beach
or simply states that they are cooling off by the pool...yeah rub it in!!

One thing about this awful weather is it makes going to work much easier when it's overcast and cold...

I guess there is some good to having a cool summer but at the moment i can't think of even
one ...
Well maybe i can like no pets being left outside to endure the heat or children left in cars...
why does this happen every year?

So until mother nature decides to turn this summer around for us here on the West Coast

I will be in my guest bath enjoying my shells and pretending I'm on the beach

in Palm Springs...

Until next time... send some heat to us islanders please...or

maybe I'll go on a vacation back to Ontario!

Pamela xo

Beautiful images to share!

2011-07-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I have not blogged in such a long while and since today is my day off
since last Thursday i thought i would share some lovely images.
It's difficult to find a balance with work , blogging and of course my family. Blogging
has taken a huge back seat. I am following all of you but don't have time to comment.
Rush , rush , rush!

I love this first image of this gorgeous kitchen. Love the grey cabinets. I am thinking
this is my dream kitchen now!
( Photo courtesy of Griege ..)

Love this settee . Perfect for my harvest table
(photo Room Seventeen )

This living room is gorgeous and love the chalky whites

(photo The Vintage Rose )

(Photo courtesy of The PaperMulberry )
I hope you enjoyed these beautiful images!

Pamela xo

Summer's first roses for Canada Day!

2011-07-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day Everyone!!

Today is our country's birthday! A long weekend hopefully for most of you.
I am working today but have the rest of the weekend off. We plan on having a barbecue
with friends to celebrate this special holiday!

My pink climbing roses are in bloom now...

I love these roses as they keep blooming all summer long. They smell heavenly too!

Just in time for summer a sweet new dress...

Oh i can never resist a pretty dress. Especially with ruffles in a lovely champagne colour!

Too bad i can't wear it to work! But i don't think it would look right with a black

apron over it...

It will be perfect though for my summer birthday.

Wishing all my fellow Canadians a wonderful and fun Canada Day!!

Canada eh?

Pamela xo

Graduation

2011-06-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Sam's graduation from grade six...elementary school. I can't believe the time has
come. Back home there is no middle school but here on the island this middle school is from
grade six to grade nine. High school starts in grade 10. I am not ready to have my boy in
middle school. Kindergarten seems like yesterday. I remember when he graduated from
kindergarten. I was a mess. I became so sick i even lost my voice...yes i am pathetic.

I cried every year until we got to grade three...then i managed to contain myself and just
take it as another year completed. Good for me.
I don't know about tonight though... I will be the bumbling idiot mom crying in the
crowd.... it's okay Sam totally expects this.

I cry when he brings home projects with A's on them...I cry over the reports...yes i need
a life...

Oh wait i do have one now as i have gone back to work after 12 years of staying home.
It has turned everything upside down. Crazy shifts , sometimes long and exhausting..
thank goodness my husband does it all for me at home.

The pets don't like me working . Have i mentioned this?
Pilot gets totally weirded out when i come downstairs in my uniform...maybe it's the
unattractive totally unsexy uniform that gets her. But i know it bugs her
because now she eats the cat's food. She never did this before...it was the cat who ate
the dog food.

Tonight i am wearing my new outfit. So nice not to be wearing a black and brown uniform at night...

Hello pearls ! Haven't seen you in awhile...maybe i'll be wearing you tonight!!

There is going to be surprise awards at tonights function. I think i should bring some tissue

maybe just bring the box...

Well i am off to get pretty...apply some water proof make-up ...

Hopefully tomorrow i can get caught up with all of you since i have the day off!!

Thanks for visiting !

Pamela xo

Rain Chains

2011-06-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!! It's seems like forever since my last post and i am so far behind on my
visits to all of you. This working sure has thrown my life for a huge loop...don't know if i like
that or not. Thank goodness i have an amazing husband who does it all at home for me!
Father's Day he made us all breakfast and then because i had to work on his special day
he made the dinner too! Such a good , good man !!

I wanted to share with you something that is really cool here on alot of the homes on
Vancouver Island. Rain chains!! When i first moved here i had no idea what these chains where
that are coming down from the house instead of downspouts...
Some creative soul out there thought of this i guess to make all that rain we get in the fall
more enjoyable.
This is a brand new home that is for sale here. I won't even tell you the price.
These rain chains come in all kinds of designs.... I have seen flowers, buckets
and plain chain styles.

Isn't this fun? I will have to get some more photos of homes with them.

I just love them!

Well i am off to work and i hope to be visiting all of you very soon!!

Pamela xo

In love with grey...

2011-06-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!! The last couple of weeks my life has been turned upside down as i started
a new job. I can say i am so tired right now and my brain is on complete overload. I have
not had a job outside of the home for 12years! I am behind on my posts and visiting all of
you. I have also started a design course and that has fallen to the wayside as i get in the
groove of working. All things will hopefully fall into place soon or maybe i will just fall
out of place instead!!

I am loving grey in the home but i am really loving it in the wardrobe!
Sharing with you my new outfit of dreamy greys...

If anyone from Denmark is reading this post i want to say to you I LOVE YOUR CLOTHES!
This outfit is made in Denmark and the quality and texture is unbelievable...

Their designs are so unique and i love visiting all their clothing blogs!

My favourite new find...grey suede sandals...yummy!!

(now i must make that long over due pedicure appointment!!)

Hope you all enjoyed this .... I hope to visit all of you soon...

but until then i am going to have a well deserved nap before my head blows

off!

Until next time ...thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

My neighbourhood

2011-06-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my neighbourhood!

Most of Vancouver Island remains pretty undeveloped. Lots of untouched land, forests and
just natural areas exist everywhere. It is very beautiful but it took me awhile to get used
to the untidiness of it. Mounds and mounds of wild blackberry bushes grow everywhere.
I am used to seeing everything tame, cut and manicured. Here you will see lots of wild
grasses , overgrown brush and thick forests.

This first photo is my neighbours driveway in the cul-de-sac! It looks like you are in
a rural town doesn't it? But you are not. I wish you could see the house hidden back here.
It is a historic Arts and Craft home but they have a no trespassing sign. Actually it is owned
by a camp that is located around the corner. They bought the home to use for camp members
to stay in when visiting. That's all i know about it.

This is my neighbour and good friend Carol's house. This is her backyard!! I am taking
this photo from her deck. A million dollar view. We sit here and watch the Ferry go to
Salt Spring Island.

This is the street i live on. Sam loves to ride his bike here.

This land is directly across from my house! It is undeveloped. It usually has a herd of

deer , Bald Eagles and lots of rabbits in it. All winter i watched a Bald Eagle nest in the one

tree. This is the view from the end of my driveway. My neighbour has ocean front property.

There are alot of homes on my street but you can hardly see any of them. This home is

across from me beside the empty field. .It's an older home and this style is not common

here.

My next door neighbour has over 5 acres . You cannot see their home it is on the ocean

as well. This is their RV. I think everyone here owns an RV!

Our yard. Hopefully we can start having bonfires before the fire ban starts! Sam loves

fires...roasting marshmellows is his favourite!

Here is my new neighbour by the way...

Isn't he cute? I keep seeing black wild bunnies here too!

Thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

Sparkling Butter Toffee Cookies

2011-06-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

These are the best cookies going! Easy to make and oh so yummy!
I made these cookies on the weekend when Sam had a friend sleep over.
I overheard his buddy saying to him as he ate one "Sam your mom is an awesome cook!"
If you can please a picky kid you know they are good!

Here is the recipe:

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup English toffee bits or chips (I use the bits)
Sugar

Heat oven to 350degrees. Combine sugar, butter, egg and vanilla in a large mixer bowl.
Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy(1-2minutes). Add flour, baking
powder and baking soda; reduce speed to low. Beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes).
Stir in toffee bits by hand.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Flatten each with bottom of glass to 1 1/2 inch circles. ( If glass sticks, dip glass in sugar).

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned. (DO NOT OVER-BAKE)
Sprinkle with sugar while warm. Cool completely.

Join me at Friday Foodies by Gollum
Enjoy!!

Pamela xo

Lilacs and a confession !

2011-05-31T11:46:00.001-07:00

My lilacs are in full bloom and they smell heavenly!
I love them in my old ironstone jug !

They look so pretty in my sleeping porch.

You are probably wondering what i meant by a confession. Well i have to share a secret

here with everyone. I started blogging the exact same week as another blogger. Her blog

took off like gun fire i think she is the most popular blog out there. But what took me

for a huge surprise was when she set her farm table with those...gasp...mason jar glasses!!!!

I could not believe how everyone went nuts over them!!!

Why was i shocked? Well you know how all women hate the LAZY BOY CHAIR? It is a huge

bone of contention for most right? My husband thank goodness is not one of the lovers of

those hateful chairs but there are some things he will never tire of!

About 15 years ago we went on a little vacation to Northern Ontario...what is known as Cottage

Country.

We stopped at the local hardware store and bought four of those "too die for" mason jar

glasses. Yes at first i thought they were great!!! I have to say i was the first one of anyone

i knew to have them.

Unfortunately when my husband likes something he sticks with it forever..(well that's good for

me) he LOVES these glasses and they are the only ones he uses!!

It drives me nuts because to me they were bought for a summer time glass not all year so

as years have gone by I HAVE GOTTEN SO SICK OF SEEING THEM ON THE COUNTER!

I am down to two and just before i started blogging i kept thinking when the heck are these

last two going to break??? I have alot of beautiful glasses that don't get used.

So i started blogging and all of you have embraced them like they are the holy grail

so i guess i will make peace with them ( i haven't told my husband how popular they are

because he will never let me live it down!)

I just find it so humorous that something that i have hated

you all love !

I guess I will live with them a bit longer and they do go nicely

with my homemade toffee cookies!

Thanks for visiting !

Pamela xo

West Coast Architecture

2011-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am now able to comment and blog again! My follower list keeps
disappearing though!

Friends and family back in Ontario always ask me about the homes here in
British Columbia. I thought i would share some with you. The style and architecture
is completely different from where i come from. The style out here is mostly contemporary West Coast designs and Arts and Crafts design.

Harding plank siding with lots of cedar. You rarely see brick and sometimes there
is a bit of stone work.
This first home here is for sale right now. Listing price $768,000! Wow! I have
to mention that the homes are at least $300,000 more than back home and
i still have not figured out why!

I didn't post any photos of this home in case the realtor got upset. So just the outside.
It is a beautiful home. I like the low maintenance front yard. This home is built on a mountain
so the back has two levels going down. It has an amazing view of mountains and the lake.

This next home belongs to good friends of ours here in the Cowichan Valley. It is only two

years young so the gardens are just being put in and the driveway still has to be finished.

This is the view from their living room. You can see Maple Mountain, Salt Spring Island and

Cowichan Bay from here. Amazing view!

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my American friends and family!!!

Pamela xo

Blogger still will not let me comment...please post if you are having problems!

2011-05-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yes i am still having problems leaving comments on every one's blog!
If you are also experiencing this frustrating problem please post so we all can know
who is and who isn't !
I went to Blogger help center and they are aware of the problem. Let's hope they are working on it! This is stressing me out !!

In the meantime i thought i would leave you with this photo of my beautiful old Chinese
tea pot and bowl. I have no information on it. The marking is just a little orange line.
If anyone has information on this let me know. I would greatly appreciate it!

Even though i cannot comment on your blogs please know i am
visiting!!!

Pamela xo

Blogger is not letting me conment!!!

2011-05-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
This is a quick post to let you all know that blogger is not letting me comment today on
any blogs!!!

I have spent the last hour trying to get my comments across and it will not let me.
Anyways i thought i would share with all of you a photo of my home back in Ontario.
I staged the house myself and it made the front cover of this well known Realistate
magazine here in Canada.

I am quite proud of it...so that's why i am showing it off!

Today here in Canada it is Victoria Day also known as May 2-4 weekend... 24 as in
a 2-4 of beer....just a little bit of Canadian humour...we are after all known
for our famous Canadian comedians who have made it big in Hollywood!

Hopefully blogger will let me comment tomorrow ...so have a great night everyone
and enjoy the fireworks!
Pamela xo

More living room photos and a gift!I

2011-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I thought i would share more photos of my living room.

Recently i have

had some new followers (thank you!) and they missed previous posts on this room.

Last week i started a home staging course so it's kinda draining my creativity.

Don't get

me wrong i am enjoying it alot.

I seem to be flying right through it too...hope that's a good

thing.

When i have completed this course i have the great daunting task of trying to find

clients (or victims!) and since i don't know a soul here on Vancouver Island it's going to

be tough.

I sent an email to a Realtor who has this listing that's been sitting on the market for

quite sometime. I told her i would be happy to stage her client's home...it REALLY needs it.

Surprisingly she emailed me right back and wanted to know if i had any before or after photos

or a Website. A Website? Well i have a blog ? Does that count? So i sent her the link and told her my blog showcases my design flare, rearranging , making do with existing pieces etc... I never heard back from her.

Do you see that tag hanging from my candelstick holder ??

Here is a close up of it.... The lovely Cindy Adkins from Whimsical Musings sent this to

me for no reason at all! Isn't she the best?? I am so late in showing this off. But Cindy

i want you to know how much i love it! It has my initial on it too!!

This blogging community is the best!

Thanks for visiting...and if you know anyone here who needs their home staged

let me know!!

Pamela xo

Brass is back!

2011-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It has been so long since i last posted! Time has slipped away ...to where i have no
idea! Anyways it seems that brass is now back again!
So good thing for me since i have some very nice brass pieces kicking around the home.

For my wedding shower i received this very beautiful solid brass lamp. I mean solid
too it is extremely heavy. So now that brass is back i have put it back into my living
room... Remember my post about my brass coffee table? I received so many fantastic comments
about it that i have decided i am leaving it how it is. It's funny how this table is suddenly
popping up in home decorating magazines too!

Thought i would share some photos of my living room again...

This last photo is of a home that is for sale on Salt Spring Island here in Canada...

just take a look at their coffee table!! Well this home is listed for over 2million dollars!!

This really convinced me to keep my own coffee table and leave it the way it is!

Thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

It's been awhile since i have talked to my mom. After much reflection i really have to thank her
for being the type of mom she was to me and how she raised me. Sometimes we become just like
our parents or we become completely different.

The reason i want to say thank you to her is not a single day goes by that i do not
hear the words "You're the best mom ever!" from my son. When i hear these words i know
i am not repeating traits that i vowed never to do. It's not easy...we learn from our parents.
We all do our very best in raising our children. We cannot in the end lay blame or find fault
anymore . We just have to look at things with a loving perspective and tell ourselves they did
the best they could.

Learn from others mistakes and shortcomings. Let go of blame and anger. Just be the best
you can be and love love love !
And please leave the "constructive criticism" alone!
You will be glad you did ... because in the end you'll be remembered as

"The best mom ever!"

With love
Pamela xo

Pet Party!

2011-05-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

Acoya !!

ACOYA BEAR

as we call him...

Mister grumpy...

He will be 16 years old this year!

He's never been a people person type cat...nope

he only ever liked other animals...

It took over ten years before

i could cuddle him and he would purr...

That's because when the dog died

he went into extreme mourning.

He begged to be held

and he would howl all day throughout the house

looking for our dog...

It was very sad..

He howled so much he lost his voice for a long time.

We had two other cats as well that he got on

just fine with...

Acoya is the funniest cat ever...

his antics are hilarious

they should be in a children's book

yes ..he is that funny!

It makes up for his nasty mood swings..

Then Pilot girl came along...

He hated her...

It was a fight everyday with those two..

We moved when Pilot was three years old.

This move entailed us having to stay in

hotel rooms every night of the six day journey.

Imagine a dog with two cats that

hate her...

I was dreading the journey.

But something happened after being

on the road

for six long days...

The second night of living in our

new home I heard this LOUD thumping

noise at 3am!

I asked my husband what the heck is that

noise

...He replied it' Pilot thumping her

tail because Acoya is nuzzling her head!

I couldn't believe it!

So this is where you will find

Acoya

every

morning....

Acoya you never cease to amaze me!

Debbie at Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing is having a fun Pet Party!

Come on over for the fun!

Pamela xo

Restoration Hardware

2011-05-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

The other day i was visiting a new blog and she had a link to Restoration Hardware. I wish

i never clicked on it!

Have you checked out this place?

If you haven't don't!

If you are like

me you'll be swooning all day and hate everything you own and want to redo all your rooms.

Then you will realise that it is impossible to do this because you are not married to Bill G...

anyways i saw this gorgeous baker's rack and just wanted it sooo badly in my kitchen.

So this is the story of my life... i constantly make do with what i have or improvise with junk

laying around to try and get the look i am after. Sometimes it works sometimes it just

leaves me crazy.

My husband has all these cheap wire racks left over from our last home. This one in particular

was in a spare empty closet doing nothing. So i made it into my own version of

the baker's rack without paying $1000!!

I am really liking the look...it says french to me!

If you are up to the challenge click here... Restoration Hardware and check out this

amazing place. But warning it may cause decorating anxiety!

I also want to thank all of you for your inspiring creative suggestions and wonderful

advice on my brass coffee table! After much thought i am keeping it like it is...

plus i heard brass is back! I just won't clean it ...i prefer the non-polished looked!!

Today i am joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for her Open House Party!!

Pamela xo

What are your ideas??

2011-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Calling all you fab DIYer's out there! Help!
Here's my problem... I have this antique brass and teak coffee table.
I really like the style of this table and it is also indestructible.
The problem is i am not a huge fan of the brass.

I love those old black tole painted tray tables and i was thinking
of somehow doing that. I just can't decide what to do here.

That's where you all come in!
Please send me some ideas!!

In case you are wondering what that pink thingy is...well that's a puppy Kong. Pilot's puppy
toy which is too small for her but she LOVES it and we call it her BABY. She likes to drive
us nuts with it...she gets pushy with her toys. So if you come over don't say the word BABY
because the next thing you know it is in her mouth and she will be pushing you with it.
Okay back to
the brass table....

Here's a close up of the brass. See the green patina on the edges ? I love this and wish
the whole thing would go like this. Anyone know how to do this???

Or do you all hate it like my boys do? My son calls it the big cookie sheet!

But i love it because they can spill stuff , drop stuff, or anything and it will not hurt it!

My ideas are spray it black , make it more patina looking or rubbed bronze look?

I appreciate your thoughts on this!

Pamela xo

New shelf in bedroom

2011-04-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

My roses having died away but still looking pretty gave me an idea
for my bedroom... The space above the bed was crying out for something. I had a mustard coloured shelf
so i painted it white... and decided to hang it over our
bed...

My pretty bird sign that was my first and only giveaway i have won from
Anne of Bird/Like... (thanks again Anne!)

My only piece of chintz ware that i own... i love this pretty cup and saucer!

I know my cousin Karen of Ow, my angst will appreciate this leather bound book of Jane Eyre..Karen this book is lovely but i need a translator with the old English grammar!! I will stick to the movie!

Thanks for visiting me!

I'm partying at Kim's blog Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesday's!!!

Sherry's No Minimalist Here for her Open House Party !

Pamela xo

Tea Cups on Chandelier

2011-04-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hanging from my candle chandelier are my Limoges tea and coffee cups...

They never get used and are much too pretty to be hidden away.
I decided to hang them in my sleeping porch...
Last summer they hung from the chandelier in my guest room.

Today I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for

OPEN HOUSE Linky Party!!

Pamela xo

Pink Roses for me...

2011-04-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i just could not pass up these beautiful pink roses any longer! They've been calling out to me every time i enter this store and quickly walk by them... I can hear them every time calling out to me...Pamela...Pam...Pammie...we know you want us! Don't you deserve to treat yourself to something special for once?? Okay I'm crazy... but i just wish these photos were scratch and sniff so you could smell their heavenly perfume! I couldn't decide where to put them ...so i played with them all day... I really liked them on my dresser. They immediately perfumed my room!

They added a touch of romance to my sleeping porch too! I bet you are all tired of seeing my sleeping porch?

You know what's really funny but i should not be surprised...

my husband has yet to notice them!! I bet he thinks they are fake!!

That's okay i like keeping it that way!!

Pamela xo

Enjoy your weekend!

2011-04-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sharing some photos of Sam and Pilot... Where did my little boy go? Seems like yesterday he was just a little toddler... I keep telling him everyday to stop growing ...stay as you are ...but he won't listen to his mama!! Whether you are with friends or family i hope your weekend is a happy one! I'm enjoying mine with my boy and of course our( meat head as my hubby affectionately calls her ) Pilot girl ! Pamela xo

Pretty pieces...

2011-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Pretty pieces for everyone to enjoy... Chunks of Polish amber and multi-coloured fresh water pearls... I feel summer coming... Romantic grey freshwater pearls... I am in love with grey right now and i love my grey pearls...

Wishing for summer... so i can wear my favourite..." Turquoise "with a hint of

red coral...

What pretty pieces are you waiting to wear?

I'm linking up to Blue Creek Home for Treasure Hunt Thursday so come on over!!

Pamela xo

My treasured quilts

2011-04-10T14:23:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! Today i wanted to share with you my collection of treasured quilts that are in my cedar chest. Most of these quilts have huge sentimental value to me. They are all handmade with lots of love. Here are four of the quilts that i own... This first quilt is very old. It comes from an antique store. This quilt is queen size and very light weight. It is the perfect cover for hot summer nights. I love the colours and pattern.

The middle quilt pictured here was made for me by a dear friend of mine. For ten years

we lived beside an elderly widow who made beautiful quilts. She and i became very close..

my son came to think of her as another Grandma. This was a gift for my husband and i for

always helping her out being that she was alone. The quilt is on our bed throughout the winter

months. It takes the chill off on those damp nights.

This quilt is a crib quilt. She made this for my son. Don't you love the kitties and the colour pink? You are probably wondering why in the world she made my son a pink girlie quilt!

When i went for my last ultrasound when i was pregnant they told me i was having a girl!

So my neighbour the whole time i was expecting worked on this pretty piece. After i had my "boy" she brought the quilt over with a matching pillow and said "You told me you were going to be having a girl!"

Well i had a few girl things with me at the hospital waiting for baby... and one of the things were these adorable baby shoes..

I have kept the shoes because Sam loves to hear the story about how he was supposed

to be a girl. His favourite part of the story is when he was delivered and the doctor announced it's a boy! After that the nurse said to me "Pamela i wish you could have seen your husband's face when the doctor said "it's a boy!" His jaw just hit the ground!

So these shoes hold fun memories for Sam to pass onto his kids...

This last quilt my neighbour made for Sam. It's a lap quilt...perfect for when he watches television. These quilts all hold wonderful memories for me.

I'm joining the party over at The House in the roses for Show off your Cottage Monday!

Thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

An old trunk with vintage linens

2011-04-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today i wanted to share with you my very old vintage trunk filled with old linens. I love the old photo of the Victorian girl and her parasol... I have one just like it ...shown here...

As i have mentioned in previous posts all my linens and old bedspreads are

from my Italian grandmother...

Today i had to drop off some donations to the local thrift store. While i was there

i thought i would have a look around. I came upon these beautiful old spools of thread.

I love the colours...

Now i will have to go back next week to see what treasures are lurking!

I'm joining in the fun at Sherry's No Minimalist Here's linky Open House Party!

Blue Creek Home for Treasure Hunt Thursday!!

And French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday !

Come on over !

Pamela xo

Cherry Blossoms in the Guest Bath...

2011-04-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

Looks like my Cherry Blossoms in my antique galvanized jug won hands down! Everyone seems to love the rustic look with pretty flowers...( i know I've been feeling pretty rustic these days...but that's another story!) This is my guest bathroom which I've posted about before. It seemed like the perfect place to display my blossoms... This room gets the most sun in the entire house! That's a pity...too! It's on the far end of the home...we shut this area off during the winter months. Now that spring has finally arrived it is time to open the shades and let the sun in!

I wonder who my next guest will be this summer? The bath is all pretty and ready!

Come join me over at Faded Charm for White Wednesday!

Thanks for visiting...

Pamela xo

Happy Sunday!

2011-04-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

My cherry blossom tree is in full bloom! I am having so much fun with them today... i just haven't decided which vase suits them best. More photos tomorrow... Now back to some restful time with my boys! Pamela xo

The Passage Way Room

2011-04-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the room we refer to as our Passage way room! This room is where we read, enjoy a glass of wine or cup of tea and it houses my ironing board. This is also where the staircase is to our bedrooms. We love this room. It has it's own door so we can simple lock out the world! As you can see in this photo Pilot is perfectly content. She has to be everywhere we are... she loves this room . She sleeps here at night. I think it's because she likes to wait for us at the foot of the staircase...it's her way of guarding us. This is also our cat Acoya's favourite room ... Cat's love to be up high and he is no exception. For a fifteen year old cat he still has spunk...just wish he would hunt the mice that keep getting in. I think he's a tad lazy! From this photo you can see where he tight rope walks this ledge...

I some how loaded the photos back wards back this is where he starts..

he jumps from the stairs to the shelf...

and he ends up here...so the black blob is my old lazy cat!

Now back to my glass of wine and this month's issue of Romantic Home's

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Pamela xo

Spring on The Sleeping Porch!

2011-04-01T07:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone! At 6 am sharp this morning the tree frogs and Robins started their song... i do appreciate them but could they wait another hour before declaring the day? Here a some photos of my Spring Sleeping Porch! It was so warm and sunny the perfect day to play! It brought back memories of being a young girl decorating my doll house...

Today I am joining My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday!!

Do you know My Romantic Home was the very first blog i found

when i discovered the world of blogging? From this blog i found so

many of you!

I am also at The House in the Roses for Show off Your Cottage Monday!

Enjoy your day!

Pamela xo

Tree frogs and the Sleeping Porch

2011-03-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Today was a beautiful day here in the Cowichan Valley!! The sun actually came

out today and stayed!!! We reached a high of 18 degrees or if you could

say 66 F!

The tree frogs and Robins have

started to sing at 6am this week!

Please! Do you know how loud

tree frogs are?

That is all we hear from our

bedroom...

Speaking of bedrooms

because it was so beautiful and warm today

played around

with my

sleeping porch!

Here's a peek

so far...

More photos tomorrow so please come back!! Pamela xo

Painted Hall tree Stand ...

2011-03-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Awhile back i had transformed my old hall tree stand. It was a dark wood that i repainted creamy white. I thought i would share photos of it since many of you have not seen it. Here is the after...

Before...

This is the front foyer in our home...

I love my closet doors. They have that old french feel..

Another old mirror. This one is right by the door. Great for last minute primping

last chance to fix yourself before you go out the door...

If it's not Pilot on high guard barking her head off to let me know someone is

at the door these pottery chimes work great...

actually i prefer the sound of them to Pilot's bark of death...

So now i am off to party with these ladies...

Element Interiors ... Whassup Wednesdays

and

Savvy Southern Style...Wow us Wednesdays !

and

No Minimalist Here !

Come on over and have some fun!

Pamela xo

Spring with pink!

2011-03-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

This morning when i awoke this is what i saw from my sleeping porch... A lovely burst of pink blossoms!! It's warming up too. Spring is here and time to lighten up the bedding. It also means putting away the heavy robe and bringing out my cotton ruffled one... My grandmother's pillow cases come out from the cedar chest to be switched with the heavy winter pillows... Away goes the heavy comforter for the light pink and white quilt...

The dresser gets a fresher look with my old embroidered

linen. On another note I wanted to share with you my old chest I have had for many

years. I almost parted with it when i moved. I am so happy i didn't. Birds seem

to be the latest craze in home decor... It fits right in.

Happy Spring Everyone!!

Pamela xo

End of Spring Break

2011-03-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

It's starting to look like spring around here in the house...

Spring really begins in February on Vancouver Island. We are about 4 months ahead
of the rest of Canada. Maybe even more considering Eastern Canada was hit with another
ghastly snowstorm. My girlfriend posted about the snow on face book. I have to say
that cured my homesickness instantly!

My collection of bunnies are starting to come out of hiding. I love bunnies but
even more now that i have my son. He was born in the year of the Rabbit so
bunnies are very special now...hence the growing collection...

This pretty basket my son made me a few years ago for Easter. It is made from
string. I love it. Especially the blue lace he chose for the top...

Here in the Cowichan Valley where i live (not Vancouver ...everyone thinks Vancouver
is Vancouver Island...it's not. Vancouver is the mainland. ) the school board give
the kids two weeks for spring break.
I guess it is a mixed blessing especially if you are a working parent.

We did not go away this year. So yesterday I took Sam to the Royal BC Museum.
It was a wonderful day with so much to see and learn about...
Yes these are stuffed owls..beautiful..they had so many varieties of birds ...

We viewed Canada's claim to fame ...The famous Emily Carr...
her artwork is sensational...

Sam learning about bugs...when we got to the snake section

i disappeared...yuk!

After the Museum we went for lunch at a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant...

I think he had a fun day!

Tomorrow is his last day of Spring Break ...my last chance to try

and beat him to a game of chess...the kid's been creaming me at the game!!

Until next time...sending lots of green to my Eastern Canadian(and American) friends!!

Pamela xo

London House worth dreaming of!

2011-03-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!

Today is raining on the island but the birds are singing away as spring is finally here!

I just had to share these gorgeous images with you of this outstanding London

home. Everything in this home is chalky white and yet it feels to me so warm and

inviting. I am in love with this home!!

The home owner has impeccable taste. The detail is incredible. Everything

is perfectly balanced and matched...

The kitchen is very modern as you can tell from the other photos this is an

older home. I love this kitchen...

The bathroom is amazing...

What i love about this child`s room is the punches of colour used through her

dolls.

Another child`s room...

This must be the master bedroom.

Glenda from the gorgeous blog The Paper Mulberry kindly let me use these photos.

If you would LOVE to see more photos of this beautiful home please visit

Glenda`s blog ... The Paper Mulberry
and take a look around her blog while you are there. You won`t be disappointed!

Pamela xo

Love

2011-03-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

My last post was about the two dogs in Japan. One was injured and the other one

stayed by his side. After i posted it i found out they were both rescued.

Thank God!

But that story made me think of my own dog Pilot.

Her best friend is our neighbour's dog Shep. She truly loves him.

We hike together a few times every week.

Some days Shep is busy so Pilot and i walk alone. But every time we walk by Sheps long

driveway Pilot starts dancing in the air!! She bucks like a deer and starts screaming...

really German Shepherds are very vocal dogs. She just goes crazy looking for her Shep.

It is a wonder he likes her though. She is half is size but bosses him around...and poor Shep just takes it every time...

Pilot and Shep...

It just amazes me all the time how animals just like us are capable of

loving each other...

Happy first day of Spring Everyone!!
Pamela xo

Bloggers Day of Silence

2011-03-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Pamela xo

Pets of Japan

2011-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

This morning my son was watching videos on his Ipod...there is never anything on television
so he usually researches things or watches funny videos. He likes to learn..actually he
thrives on it.

Sam studied Japan this year at school. He loved it and learned so much.

This morning he was very sad on the brink of tears. He was watching a video of a dog
who refused to leave another dog that had broken his leg. These two dogs were just
friends.

This got to me being a huge animal lover. It is so horrendous what these people
are going through.. it has even affected their beloved pets. When disasters happen
we don't always realise it is not only the people who suffer but their beloved pets.

We can all relate to the pain
and horror we would feel seeing our pets hurt...
Please not only keep the people of Japan in your prayers but pray for their
beloved pets as well. And if you can make a donation please do..

I am sure the people of Japan will thank you for it.

Pamela xo

Swedish grey painted table

2011-03-15T16:37:00.001-07:00

The painting bug has really gotten me! Nothing seems to be safe around here...

I have had this maple table for a few years now. It was my parents table when they

got married. That would put the table at least fifty years old!

I painted it the same colour as my island a Swedish grey colour.

At first I was going to paint the table white but changed my mind.

I am really liking the greys now.

Naturally I forgot to take a before photo. I found this photo from a few years

back of the table. You don't see all of it but it shows the colour of the wood before.

After my parents had it for many years it got passed on to my brother and his family.
That's where it took a real beating. My brother has three kids and they love hockey

(hope they are not reading this post!) and I swear they played it on this table!!

All the years my parents had it not a scratch could be found but as soon as it

went to my older brother well it got a lot of loving' put into it!!

So it when it passed to me I knew it had to be painted or refinished.

The maple colour was too dated for me so I opted to paint it!

The colour matches perfectly with the dining room chandelier too.

Here's another photo of the island in the same colour...

My blue glasses look lovely against the grey...

Ready for an elegant lunch...

Today I'm joining the fun over at Kim's Savvy Southern Style

for Wow us Wednesday's!!

And also come over to Elements Interior for Whassup Wednesday!

Come on over and have some fun!!

Pamela xo

Around the bedroom

2011-03-13T21:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! It has been a very horrific few days for Japan and
hopefully like me you are all sending prayers and loving thoughts.
It does seem trivia to be posting about a bedroom but I always believe the best
we can do is to send positive , happy and loving thoughts.

The town North of us had to close down their school and stay on high alert.
A town my husband grew up fishing in. Scary to think we are not immune to
nature's wrath.

I really do believe in the power of prayer and everyday I have

prayed for the people of Japan...

We still have to carry on with our lives but we keep the people of Japan

in our hearts.

We must still love and laugh and enjoy things that make our heart's sing...

The house in the rose is having a link party today...SHOW OFF YOUR COTTAGE MONDAY

I'm taking my little blog over there so please join me in the fun!

Until next time...Sending prayers and much love to Japan
Pamela xo

Something about shoes....hmm...

2011-03-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

What girl doesn't love shoes??

I love shoes..

heart

shoes

.I could spend all day in shoe stores..

One rule of thumb when shopping or just gazing in shoe stores...

Do not bring your

husband and son. They don't get it. All your hear is?.."Are they practical"

or "Mom, how many pairs of shoes do you need?" ...

We live in an area that has the most fab shoes stores!! It is a dream come true

for me! .

Shoes for the serious shoe fetish!!

I seriously need a pair of these... now that I'm on the West Coast I have

to have a pair of rain boots...but not any rain boots...

Love these.. I won't even tell you the price...

So what did my husband say when I pointed these babies out to him

"Are they practical?" ...he says to me as it is down pouring outside the store

and he even had to run back to the truck to get my umbrella!!!

Next time I head to the city I'll be leaving them both behind

or maybe I will just drop them off at Future Shop...and they can

find something that's practical!

Sending heartfelt prayers to Japan...thank God here on Vancouver Island we
were untouched even though we had strong alert warnings all morning.

Pamela xo

Homemade Mac and Cheese

2011-03-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here's tonight's dinner for the family! Homemade Mac and Cheese...
This is a really easy dish and it is very economical. It takes no time to
prepare and it is not from a box.

1pkg of Cream cheese

2Cups of milk

1 tsp Dijon Mustard ( i use the grainy one)

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (you can use mild or medium)

2 tbsp flour

1/4 cup of butter

salt and pepper

package of Penne noodles

For the topping:

3 tbsp melted butter

1/4 Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (don't use plain too boring)

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Melt butter in heavy pot. Whisk in flour till smooth.

On medium to low heat whisk in milk then add cream cheese, Dijon mustard,

salt & pepper

whisk till cream cheese has melted and no lumps.

Turn off heat and add grated cheese into melted sauce. Stir

till completely melted.

Cook Penne noodles according to package directions

I want to note here that I use Penne noodles

because they are so wonderful in holding

the delicious sauce inside. When you bite into

the noodle you get a burst of sauce

Make topping

Melt 3 tbsp butter

Add 1/4 Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Mix well

Once noodles are cooked add

them to the pot of sauce

and stir till all is nicely mixed.

Grease a casserole dish

add noodles and sprinkle

breadcrumb mixture to the top.

Bake in 400 degree oven

for 20 minutes only

Easy...simple...yummy!!

Enjoy!!

Pamela xo

Today I am linking up with Designs by Gollum

for Foodie Friday!!

White Wednesday

2011-03-09T14:45:00.001-08:00

Today is my first white Wednesday!
I just thought I would share some images of white from around my home...

Yes my house is so old that the keys to the doors are skeleton! Hope we
never lose it...

These two vases here are my beloved Kaiser made in Germany. I love them.
The colour and milky texture...

Even my son who is only eleven appreciates their beauty! He wanted me to put
them where they could be seen more. He is a funny kid!

I don't sew...yet...but here is my cheater slipcover...the top layer is my
lace french panel. Yes the panel is right from France. No boys are allowed
to sit on this chair...especially with cheese puff fingers!

An image from my bedroom..

My heirloom baptism gown. My son the last to be baptised in it.

Today I am over at

Kathleen's blog

Faded Charm

for

White Wednesday!

Thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

French blue cabinet

2011-03-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!

I have that paint brush fever...nothing seems to be safe in my home lately!
I decided my old china cabinet was in need of some wowing!!

So I painted her up a beautiful French blue... My Mason's Pink Vista china really stands out now!!

This was the before...

I know ...I know something needs to be done about these walls. But you have not really

seen the size of this room or how high these ceilings are!!! I can only imagine the gallons

of paint it will take...and money!!

My peacock feathers look lovely against this colour...

Meet me over at Kim's blog Savvy Southern Style for WOW US WEDNESDAY!!

Lots of wow going on over their!!

Thanks for visiting

Pamela xo

Ladder back chairs painted white

2011-03-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Everyone!!
I have finally completed painting my ladder back chairs!! OMG this was not fun to do!
I applaud all of you out there who do this on a daily basis. Patience is not one of
my strong points and I wanted them painted like yesterday.

It is all coming together nicely in the kitchen. I like the calmness of white.
Especially since my cupboards are red and this kitchen gets no sunlight at all.

When you think you have completely finished a piece do you ever walk away

and then come back to it to find you have missed an entire side???

Yes this happened quite a lot here...

Here's before the chairs were painted. I like them white so much better!

More photos to share...I just could not stop taking photos...I love the look so

much!!

Alaina from Arbor House Lane

said to me the other day ..." I bet you're walking around your home with a paint brush

in your hand looking for something else to paint!"

Yes...Alaina I am ashamed to say after all the complaining of painting these

chairs that is exactly what I am doing!!

I'm joining Jennifer Rizzo at Refresh your room party !

Pamela xo

Homemade Pizza

2011-03-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today I was all set to finish my painting. The weather was up to 6 degrees (sorry eastern
Canada!) so the area that I've been painting in wasn't too cold.

It was very windy here which is unusual for the Island and high winds are
not a good thing here. Especially when your house is surrounded by
Arbutus trees...the hardest trees going. One branch can do so much damage.
Ferry's going to our lovely Salt Spring Island were also cancelled. I had a
feeling something was on its way... sure enough our power went out...for 2 1/2 hours!
Well that ruined any plans I had of painting.

So no post showing off my newly painted cabinet! Instead I made a homemade
pizza and thought I'd share my recipe with you!

Homemade Italian Pizza with roasted red peppers, Italian Salami and mushrooms.

I make my own dough too. It's really simple and not time consuming like most
think. It tastes alot better than store bought.

Just set aside 45minutes and you have a wonderful homemade dough...

And a nice easy peasy sauce...

Delicious and oh so good ...even the next day!

Sam loves it in his lunch...

Easy Pizza Dough

1 pkg dried yeast (1 1/2 tsp)

1/2 tsp sugar

1 1/2 cup lukewarm water

31/2 cups white flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 large egg

olive oil

Sprinkle yeast and sugar into warm water and mix. Allow to sit for 10minutes until

mixture begins to bubble.

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl, make a well in the centre, pour in yeast mixture

and beaten egg and gradually work in the flour to make a dough.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead thoroughly until smooth and elastic at least

5 minutes. Use only enough flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface.

Place in lightly oiled bowl, turn dough to coat with oil and cover with a clean cloth.

Allow to rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in volume. Punch down and then stretch

out onto pizza pan or cookie sheet. I also lightly grease my sheet with shortening.

Add sauce and choice of toppings. I use mozzarella cheese too.

Bake at 400 degrees for only 20 minutes no more no less.

Pizza Sauce

1 Can tomato paste

1 1/2 cup water

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves of garlic minced

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp rosemary

or just use 1 1/2 tsp of Italian seasonings

Mix paste , water and oil

Add garlic, salt, pepper and herbs

let stand several hours

Enjoy!!

Pamela xo

Muffins and Paris plates

2011-03-01T11:51:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!!
Today I am going to share my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe!
They are quite filling and packed with yummy flavours!
First I want to show you all my white luncheon set with Paris scenes...
I love the shape of these coffee cups... retro looking

Here is a close up of the scenery on the china...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins...

These are so heavenly good... that I promise you ...your plate will look

Like this when you are done!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 1/4 cup oats (quick cooking )

1 1/4 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ( I used milk chocolate!)

1 cup chopped pecans

1 1/4 cup flour (all purpose)

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1. Combine oats and milk. Allow to stand for 15minutes.

Heat oven to 400 and grease 12 cup muffin tin

2. Stir egg, oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans into

oat and milk mixture.

3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add Oat mixture to flour mixture,

stirring until just moist. Fill each cup and sprinkle tops with remaining brown

sugar and pecans.

4. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes

Enjoy!!

Pamela xo

Still painting... and lovely gifts from friends!

2011-02-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Yes I am still

painting!

I am just going

to show you two

of my ladder back chairs

that I have finished.

Four more chairs

still have to be painted

but I couldn't wait to

show all of you

what they are starting to look like!!

I'm just way too excited over this...

So much better!!!

The question is

what the heck

took me soooo

long to "think"

about doing it???

know

it's this thing called

BLOGGING!!!

I have always loved to decorate, paint and

rearrange...but

since I started blogging

creativity has

just come

ALIVE

in me!!!

Last week I won my
very first giveaway!

Anne from Bird Like

sent me this gorgeous wood

sign with a bird and nest on it!!

I love it!!

I love anything with birds on it.

It is lovingly displayed in my kitchen.
It truly fits in with my stuff!

Thank you Anne!

Her blog is lovely and if you love birds

like me you will love her blog!

I also received another gift!

This is from my beautiful friend

Becca at Patina Moon

Becca's blog is gorgeous and very

artistic like her!

She sews, makes crafts and takes the most amazing photos!

I also love the music on her

blog!
Becca sent me this beautiful

heart for Valentine's Day...

I love the hand stitching, colour

and materials she used.

This beautiful heart is also displayed in my kitchen.

Thanks Becca and Anne!

And thank you all

for visiting!!

Pamela xo

From Rustic to Swedish french... more photos cont..

2011-02-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I have been playing around

with my newly painted

island

and just thought

I would show some

more photos...

Here she is all rustic...now

i hear this is in

the unfinished look.

Isn't that the way?

You change something

and the before

now in!

Well I don't

care I was

tired of

it looking unfinished!

It feels calmer

and cleaner

to me now...

Paint colour

is not white

but

Grey Cement

by Benjamin Moore.

Ignore the ugly coral orange walls
I did not paint the dining room this
colour.
It has to be changed sometime.

The iron handles really stand out now...

I am joining my first linking party!!

I am going over now to party
with
Kim
at
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE!!
So
come on over
and join the fun!!

Pamela xo

Painting away!

2011-02-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday everyone!

Awhile back I had blogged about

my plans for painting a few pieces of furniture.

My island, china cabinet and ladder back chairs

were on the list of a makeover.

Melissa from Pink Satin Sashes

knew of the paint colours I had

planned on using for the different

pieces.

Melissa who has become a

dear friend to me

showed up at my home

on Friday

with all the colours of paint

I planned on using!

She really is a great warm hearted person

I still cannot believe

she did this for me!

Saturday I tackled the island

with the colour

cement gray ...

I couldn't be

happier

with

the

results!!

Before...

TA DA!!

I am just loving this piece now.
It screams french to me
with a Swedish touch!

Now it just needs a gorgeous white kitchen
to live it!
Thank you again Melissa...
you have been such a wonderful
friend!

Now for those other pieces...
two ladder back chairs down
4 more to go!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend
and
thanks for visiting!

Pamela xo

Sharing recipes Friday!

2011-02-17T21:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

This is my second sharing recipe Friday.

It only took me 3hrs to work on blogger!

Some days I really dislike blogger. You'll see what I

mean by the last photo!

Today's recipe is

Pasta and Meatballs

This is my fast version for a week night.

I usually do a 2hr sauce with meatballs

but tonight it is the 30minute one.

For Meatballs:

1/4 cup Fresh breadcrumbs (I buy mine from the local bakery)

1/4 cup grated asiago cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley(not the curly)

1 shallot finely chopped

1 large garlic clove grated into mixture

1/2 tsp salt and pepper, dried oregano

2 dashes Tabasco sauce

1 large egg, beaten

1 1lb lean ground beef

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix

thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and chill mixture

in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350. Remove mixture from

refrigerator. Shape meat into mini meatballs

about 1/2 to 3/4 inch rounds and place

on foil lined baking sheet.

Bake on centre rack of over till cooked through

about 10 -15minutes. Reserve meatballs.

For Pasta:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion finely chopped

2 garlic cloves , chopped

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp sugar

1/4 cup white wine or chicken stock

1 280z can diced tomatoes and juice

1 cup of 35% cream

1 tsp finely chopped parsley

Shaved asiago cheese

Package of Spaghettini pasta

Heat olive oil in deep dish saute pan over medium heat.

Add onion , garlic, bay leaf, red pepper flakes and sugar.

Saute mixture , stirring continually, until onion

begins to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir in wine or stock and saute until liquid

evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add tomatoes and juice to pan and increase heat

to medium-high. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat

to medium-low, cover pan, and simmer, stirring occasionally to break

up the tomatoes,until mixture is thickened, about 30minutes.

Meanwhile , cook pasta in boiling salted water (the water should

taste like a day at the beach) cook till al dente. Add do not

rinse pasta!

Uncover pot and add cream to tomato sauce, followed

by the meatballs. Simmer sauce until thick and meatballs

are heated through, about 5 - to 10 minutes.

(here are the meatballs right before being put in the oven)

Add chopped parsley and cooked pasta toss
until combined. Season to taste with salt
and pepper. Top with shaved asiago cheese.

My camera refused to co-operate
so I am sorry
but
my photo is sideways!!

But you get the picture ...right?
or
else
turn your screen
on its side!!

Pasta and Meatballs
a great dinner on a Friday night!!

Thanks for visiting
and hopefully next Friday the photos
will be right side up!!

Pamela xo

Pink to white in the kitchen

2011-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I have been living

with the previous owner's

pink back splash a little too long...

now I LOVE pink...but the

black splash was

really

getting

me!!

Noise pollution...it

was stressing me out.

spend ALOT

of time in this kitchen

and

it is a very dark room.

I know by this photo you see sun streaming in

but this is very rare and it is just a small area

that sees any day light.

I told my husband

that was it

I had enough ...I was going to paint it white!

I still had half a gallon

of paint

left from

Sam's room...

The colour

was just what

wanted...cotton fluff...perfect!

Every time I looked at this

diamond pink back splash

it reminded me of a circus...

not

the look

I want

in a

kitchen..

After...

It makes the kitchen so much
brighter
and expansive!
I
LOVE
it!

The best part
is it
feels
cleaner
to me...

Just a quick fix
made
a
world
of
difference
and now it
does not seem
so
dark !

What do you think?

Now if only I could get the walls painted....

Thanks for visiting
Pamela xo

Romance on the Sleeping Porch

2011-02-12T08:20:00.001-08:00

Happy weekend everyone!

I thought the perfect

place to

celebrate

Valentine's Day

would be on

sleeping porch!

This area of

my home

just

seems to

scream

Romance!!

I love the view to this room

from my

bedroom...

The weather is getting milder..
today is
raining
but
the sleeping porch
is covered
so
nothing
can get wet!

What's for dinner you ask?

How about

some

bon bons

right

from

France!

Romance on the Sleeping Porch!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway

the rules are on my

last two posts!!

Pamela xo