Create your own Oasis.

I've been working outside and will give you a closer look at creating my oasis today.  I'll even try to tell you where I got it... most of which I just shopped my home. 

When I received my May issue of Coastal Living, it was a thrill to see it as I pulled the mail out of the mail box.  I'm telling you, it is such simple things that make me happy.  So I got this idea for posting some of my thoughts as I flipped through the magazine.  They have a website that has even more wonderful ideas, pictures and DIY articles.  I was going to start with the May issue but instead hopped over to the site and found Create your own backyard Oasis!

Many things are from Linens 'n Things (LNT).  I worked for them for 15 years and have given away so much.  I worked for them till 2008 when the last stores were closed due to bankruptcy.  You can only imagine how hard it is to work somewhere that you love and have to have all beautiful things.  There was a time where I paid them to let me work there (I shopped more than I made!)

Click here for 10 ways to create an oasis.

To me this is so close to perfect.  It is lush and has some color.  It looks like it would still be appealing if not maintained constantly.  Right up my alley.  I'm also taken by the house colors, which I have been scoping out.  (Painting outside in the fall...when it gets cooler again.)

So I have been trying to create my own oasis in paradise.  I wish sometimes that I could just have someone come in and plant all the plants, full grown, of course, and sit back and enjoy... but, that wouldn't have the same exhausting satisfaction.

as you come onto the patio

along the outside

I really like my 'dune' fence around the patio.  It has given it that room feel and I don't feel so much like I am sitting out THERE. 




Greene's 24Hx180L Picket Border Fence @ Lowe's
I just used it upside down for a dune fence

 
 I brought my indoor-outdoor  out and use it to define my sitting area, even though it's just me and Heidi.  She loves it and she just lays there checking out the outside noises.  I love to sit and watch her ears perk up and I wait to see what she hears.

Indoor/Outdoor Palm Rug (LNT)
White Adirondack Chair (Wal-Mart)
Yellow and Coral Adirondack Chair (Winn-Dixie)

I want to move the rug back a bit and use it to define the sitting area.  Behind that (back where I was standing) is the barbecue.  I have two bistro tables I want to use one for sitting, and the other for a place to set things down when cooking.  There is also a shed there too, that I'd like to get brave enough to paint as a Tiki Hut.



planting to provide some feeling, at least, of privacy.



Because I was waiting for paint to dry as I was painting the kitchen table, I was puttsing around and doing things on the patio.

So far I haven't been able to get these to stay up!

... and taking pictures...  I find everything is always and continues to be a work in progress.

The basket is heart shaped
(don't remember where I got it but Michael's is a good place for baskets)
Bamboo bundles (Dollar Tree)
Real Coconut (North Captiva Island)
Shells
Orbs
White mini-lights

my lit palm (LNT)

tiki bar sign and paper shade (Dollar Tree)

I just came across this and have to share.  To me, this is a perfect little sandy "beach" for your children or grandchildren, and easy enough to put together and maintain.  Hopefully you don't have cats or cats that like your yard.  Back Yard Sandy Beach 

I did move the rug back ... I placed the white chair there because the fence ends right there so it gives and illusion of continuing to the pole... it's pulled closer because I had my feet up last night and the drop cloth is there for Heidi to lay on... need to make cushions.

This (kinda) baker's rack is from LNT, too.  Over the years, it has been in the kitchen, living room and bedroom.  I wish I had another one but.... it was actually sold for outside... I want to put herb plants on it and move it over closer to the steps.  Right now, the seagull on top shelf was repainted for top of directional pole; beach bucket candle holder (Yankee Candles); 2 Margarita glasses (Dollar Tree) with candles in; dog water dish; bottom shelf: crank/electric radio.

Now what happened here?

I'm wondering if this is what happens when you put them outside to dry and it is very windy out.  I'll try again.

I did this on a whim... and I like it!  I got bundles of bamboo 3 or 4 for $1 at Dollar Tree.  It's tied with jute twine and I hooked the sign into the top of one piece. (Port of Indecision from Margaritaville). 

That's it for today.  I'm working on a list of things... I'll keep you posted as I go along.  Have a great day!!

CHEERS!!

All About MOM

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the most cherished lives on the earth is the life of a mother. Wrapped in feelings, affection, and care, a mother does all the chores necessary to keep her children delighted. Mother, who has experienced many colours of life, knows her children very well. Even a glimpse of her children tells her what's wrong with them or what is going on in their mind. She acts as the backbone of the family always standing against the wind and giving protection to her family. The real lady within a married girl is characterised when she takes steps towards motherhood. She maintains a great bonding of love and affection with all of her children. She guides the son to lead his life in the world full of uncertainties. When she conceives a daughter, her life becomes complete. That she has someone with whom she can share all her miseries and to whom she can transcend all the values and etiquette's her mother has passed to her, maintaining the legacy. Next, will give you an insight into the great bonding shared by daughter and mother. Have a look:

The Great Bond of Mother and Daughter

Victoria Secunda ponders about the great bonding of mother and daughter as, Victoria might not be aware of how universally thoughtful insight she has made in above statement about the golden relation. Though the two of them witness several erratic ups and downs throughout their lives, but the invisible thread of warmth keep them together.

A daughter imitates her mother at an early age putting her mom's jewellery and cosmetics. She, consciously or subconsciously, takes a keen observation of how her mother dresses up, how she communicates in society, and how she handles various situations. Eventually, her mother becomes her role model. At this stage a daughter likes to involve her mother in everything she does. It may range from study material to friends to outings and to choose a dress for her. She accepts what her mother chooses for her without giving it a second thought. When appreciated, she feels proud for having a mother making the perfect selection for her.

Sooner the daughter grows up and enters into college days where she perceives herself as matured and stable. She wants to open up to the external world and fly higher and higher in the atmosphere gaining maximum exposure. The biological and hormonal changes also act as a catalyst provoking attitudinal changes. Forgetting about all the childhood days, she wants to be heard and understood within the family as well as outside. She wants to take a stand for her opinion wanting appreciation for 'her' choices. There comes a critical situation leading to a hiatus in the harmonious relation of mother and daughter. In most cases mother becomes overprotective in order to avoid any mishapping because of immature growing daughter. This over protection results in a distance between daughter and her role model mother. The two converse as minimal as possible. Mother silently plays a vital role at this stage providing imperceptible backing to her daughter. She protects her daughter keeping an eye around her and making sure that she is not involved in any undesirable tasks. With the intelligence and patience of mother this phase is also passes.

Most of the fortunate daughters commemorate a U-turn in their relation with their mother when they complete their college. It usually happens when girls realise that the indispensable comfort lies in the vicinity of their mother. The daughter actually becomes 'matured' by this age. Mother welcomes her back into her affectionate zone and with time the bond becomes stronger than ever before. Especially the time of her marriage when mother acts as a friend of hers preparing and guiding her for the next phase of her life. By this time the girl realises that her mother is also a woman who has suffered a lot through out her life in order to bring up the family. She feels obliged to pay homage to her mom in whatever way possible and decides to follow her footsteps.

"A daughter is a mother's gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters' role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships."

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I love you!

The golden relation never looses its charm, however, sometimes the polished surface is not visible to people. Cherish your mom and your daughter because these are the two who will never leave you alone in any situation. They are always by your side holding you up even if they are not physically present with you.

This BUD's for you!

This BUD's for you!

This can be crazy!

Just a quick post.  I'm having problems up-loading pictures to my page Journey's End on Facebook...very frustrating!  and even trouble being able to do things there.  But I had to share~

I am standing in my kitchen, drinking coffee and look out the side window...I can see the side of the dumpster...from my window I can't tell what it is but I can tell you it was furniture.  I turn away and go into the living room... I sit... I get up... look again and start getting this crazy feeling!!  I have to see!!  I grabbed a bag of garbage... the dog and we drive to the dumpster!

And this is what I see:

The chairs were in perfect condition, a couple with cushions.  The table had some strange made over top and the wood chair was in need of love... decisions... decisions...decisions...

I just took the wood chair.  I still go over and over it... I don't need outside chairs... I have 3 and I'm the only one that sits....I'm teaching Hiedi to sit up on another.  If I were to re-do it to sell, I have no where to put it right now.

So I am motivated again to clean up the patio and clean up and out the shed...

When we got back in front, we had a visitor!  And then it started to pour!

Have a great week-end!

Ready for the beach? UP-DATED

If you are waiting for warmer weather and those winter blues to go away, changing up a few things can always help... and don't forget your flip flops! 

Not by the beach? Bring the beach home to you,  for you!   A little beach wear goes a long way... whatever you're wearing...jeans, shorts, Capri's... first thing is first and there is nothing like being able to just put on a pair of flip flops!  Hey, we even wear our flip flops with a sweatshirt!  These are my going out flip flops!

My favorite flip flops

These are my favorites right now.  I love the color and I also got them in black!  I'm set for a while.  The everyday price is $9.99 at Pay less!  I use my old ones around the house and yard and they have lasted a couple of years.

While I was getting my flip flops, I was talked into and bought Brash Nail Polish in Totally Teal.  I know all too well about add-on sales and just giggled to myself but I love this nail polish!  It isn't to thick or too thin... just right.  It goes on nice and smooth and one coat is enough for coverage.  It dries quickly; quicker than some of those thin polishes.  It lasts!  It doesn't chip and rub off the next day or after washing your hands... you know what I mean?  I wore it for a week before taking it off because working on a project and sanding doesn't work with a manicure.  With a touch up, my toes still look pretty!

I just saw this on their website and it would be perfect for both pair of flip flops!  I am a freak for handbags and this one is a shopper, so it would be great to through a day out stuff in it.  It's on sale now for $16.99!

Don't forget sunglasses!  Ask me where mine are and they are more than likely on top of my head.  Mine are black frame, dark lenses and almost, if not, Jackie O's style.  I have always worn this style and many times had raccoon eyes after time in the sun.  These are now prescription glasses but I also look forward to getting dark lenses reading glasses.  The importance of shielding your eyes from the sun can't be stressed, even for children.

These are very similar to my Rx sunglasses but they are actually a Solar Shield that fits over classic glasses.  I'll have to take a look at them for over my reading glasses for outside reading...or close up projects.

I don't know about you, but I like a good moisturizer, and found it so hard to find one that works for me.  I finally found one that was recommended by my doctor's assistant.  Eucerin  Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair.  It works great and I need to use it again.  It helps much better when you use it! I used to and will again rub it in before bed.

I probably avoid the sun more these days than ever.  When I expect to be in the sun I do use a sun screen but have realized I should use it everyday.  I will be searching for one during my next trip down the drug store aisles.  I also want to look for a self tanner.  I had one I used and it worked well as a healthy skin glow.  I will no longer use one on my face (out of orange nightmares) but just arms and legs.  I use a mineral bronze lightly on my face, if anything, for color.  I am very fair and have made some bad sun mistakes in the past.



I'm sure everyone has a favorite candle.  I'm a big fan of Yankee Candles.  They have some great fragrances that will take you to the beach, starting with Sun and Sand .  It smells so much like Coppertone, and congeries up childhood memories of the beach.  They have so many delicious smells of summer to choice from.
And they have great beachy accessories:

So there you have it...Flip Flop Till You Drop!!

UP-DATE:
I forgot one more thing:

the beach house, flip flop and SEAGLASS

where I'm supposed to be...

Being right where I am supposed to be~

What does that mean?

What does it feel like?

Close your eyes
Take a deep, deep breathe
hold it
exhale slowly
feel that feeling

feel at peace

Everyone has their journey to travel.  Each journey unique to each person.  Some of us arrive sooner than others; some of us think we've arrived sooner than we do.  There have been times we thought we'd never arrive, no less move along, wherever there may be.

Just because you may be where you are or where you're supposed to be, doesn't mean the journey is over ~ it goes on.  But take the time to:

relax,
continue to learn,
do what able to do,
and most important:  ENJOY these moments!

You'd think I'd be bored or lonely but I'm not!  My days fly by.  I still have a journey to continue; lessons to learn, things to come to terms with and things to get better at.  But I finally realize I can make it through anything ~like it or not~ as long as:
I must remember:

God keeps granting me the serenity;
acceptance of things I cannot change;
change the things I can; and
wisdom to know the difference.

I can tell you stories and invite you to share, as you can too.  But you haven't  walked in my flip flops nor I in your heels.  Where I have been has taken me to today.  When I could, I would give you anything or do anything so that you'd never have to wear my flip flops.  I hope you too learn from your journey and get where you can say, "I am right where I am supposed to be!"

The past is gone,
the present is a GIFT
and the future is but a dream.

I am free to be me and do what I love... enjoy the journey.

an INSIDE day!

Yesterday was another HOT one and an INSIDE day!  The sea breeze was colliding out there ... just hoping we would actually get rain.  It is so dry here and I've been bad keeping up with watering.  Yeah, we did get rain!

Over the week end, I brought the table inside.  I originally thought I would finish it up outside but the grass (weeds) got cut and it flew onto the table.  I was happy it wasn't wet with paint, wax or poly.  I'll finish it in the kitchen. 

So from here to there:

I put the table cloth on right away.  Before I start waxing, I wanted it covered so not to get any thing on it.  Now I am looking at the chair, and although it isn't done, I'm wondering if too bold next to the table.

First thing is first... let's finish the table!  

I did spend the day inside and I'm wondering if it's already summer here.  I finally made some headway in straightening up the living room... which is a relief.  But during my breaks I keep thinking I want to do something to the top of the table but decided I'd use the lazy susan instead.  I wanted some type of Gothic Cross but couldn't find exactly what I wanted,  so started designing my own...

It is starting with an outline of a wall candle holder in the kitchen:

and I'll dress it up like this:

This to me is fun.  It's another INSIDE day, although the humidity is down.  I am on a roll with a few things so I want to keep going on those things and see how far I can get.

I hope you have a great day!

"SUPER MOON"

Heidi and I went outside last night to wait for the "super moon" rising.  I didn't see it coming up so thought maybe it was going to be too cloudy,  gave up and went back inside.

I was on the computer, getting lost with one click after another and I don't remember what time it was but all of a sudden  OH NO !!

Grab the dog, the camera and out we go.  I don't understand but as I tried to focus on the moon and was in a hurry...like the moon was going somewhere and I had to get the picture before the moon disappeared!

Then I paused a moment to just look at it.  I'm using a new camera and although it is a simple point and shot (Nikon Coolpix) it has all these settings I've yet to use.  The picture above was night portrait, which caused the flash to go off and just an okay picture.
I knew the flash wasn't helping so switched over to night landscape.

I found the Man in the Moon!!  I was excited as I laughed to myself remembering all the times in the back seat of the family car, watching him follow me home; making sure I got home safe.  I'd say Good night Mr. Moon when we got home in the drive-way.

I see the moon
and the moon sees me
The moon sees the somebody I'd like to see.
God bless the moon
and God bless me
God bless the somebody I'd like to see!

Good Night, Mr. Moon!

RECAP: From Dumpster to Kitchen

RECAP:






BEFORE: table from side of the dumpster

sanding the entire table






never would have gotten off all the gunk without this!



came with attachments and a case



prime the whole table with a brush

rolled on Brushed Orange paint

rolled on a second coat of the Brushed Orange on the top

using Folk Art acrylic paint for the edge

this is what I've used so far

used a 'chip brush' to paint the whole table
yellow (BM Dalila) EXCEPT the top

started sanding around the top edges... to see...

getting the layers of all the paint colors and wood

So far, I am into this table for less than $50.00.  But because the only thing I will use up and not use again is the Brushed Orange paint, I'm looking at it as so far it really the only real cost is $2.94!!  I am liking what I am seeing and very happy with my dumpster table!   I guess I can actually start calling her my TREASURE!

TREASURE!!!