Not a Cloud to be Found

I try to keep this blog on the positive side, but I am not feeling very positive at the moment, so if you are looking for something to make you smile, better keep browsing...consider yourself warned.  

You know how sometimes when one thing goes wrong then suddenly everything goes wrong and you feel buried with badness?  I feel a bit like that.  It just has been a lot of one crummy thing happening after another, and I am tired of it.  It's all too personal to write about, suffice to say I feel beaten by it, and I don't want to be.

The boy often tells me that I am too open and willing to write everything I am feeling on this blog and I know he's right.  I know the internet is not the place to divulge all my emotions, so I won't go on about all my problems and issues.  I just think I may take a break from this blog for a while.  I think I need to spend sometime offline and get passed this rough patch.   

So please check back soon.  I hope to be feeling better and blogging in another week.  

Thank you for understanding!    

And here she is ladies and gentlemen....The World's Largest Lobster!

I can't really prove that this is the largest lobster in the world, but she sure was large... and tasty looking!

At the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, there were plenty of sea creatures like this one that caught my attention.  Including an Octopus and more jellies than you can imagine, oh yeah!   

I would definitely like to go back someday!

I Seem to Like Female Singers...........

Betty Draper Birthday

I'm not sure why, but the boy's birthday brought out my inner 1950's housewife.  I had a strong hankering to make a huge breakfast for the boy, and bake cookies, and decorate for his birthday and wear a full skirted dress.  And, yep.  I did all those things!  

  Look at all the boy's presents! 

My "Betty Draper" Dress

I realize these are the instant bake cookies, so please don't judge....I just didn't have time to bake some from scratch!

After breakfast and cookies, the boy and I went walking around our neighborhood, and paid a visit to the "Witches House."  Pretty cool huh?

Wishing

I have a few wishes today:

Yes Please 

(From Vanilla Bake Shop)

Would look great on me

Would love to be here

Just a Perfect Day

There is so much to discover in LA and the cities that surround it.  Last weekend the boy and I visited Palos Verdes and we frolicked through these lovely wild flowers along the sea side.  It was fun.  I can't believe we had never taken a day-trip down there before and I certainly would like to go back soon!

Birthday Boy

Today is the boy's birthday!  Yay!  Whoo hoo and hey nonny nonny!  We have a few tenative plans.  I will try to share when it's all over.  But until next time, have a lovely weekend!

Cheers,
Gidget

P.S. That's the boy playing with a previous b-day gift I gave him...aren't I sweet?

"then I'll get some furniture and name the cat!"

My fabulous friend and fellow dancer, Jaclyn offered me a free kitten on Monday night.  This little guy~

But the boy vetoed it.  I never thought I'd want a cat, but I'd really like a pet and he is soooo cute!  Ah well, between the kitten and the boy I can't help but choose the boy. 

nice day in "awsome town"

By far the worst ad campaign I have ever heard, the powers that be have decided to nickname the town I grew up in "Awesome Town."  They are playing this completely cheesy advertisement on all the LA radio stations and I feel like, although I love Valencia, I would probably use a myriad of other adjectives to describe it before getting to awesome...it's not awesome; the planet Saturn is awesome.  I mean, think of the real meaning of that word. 

In any case, due to car issues, the boy and I had to make an impromptu trip out to Awesome Town the other day, so I decided to take stock and see what makes Valencia special to me and how totally awesome this corner of the valley really is...

The Park: 

I spent many a summer's day playing games with all my neighbors and friends in this park.

Max: 

My parents' Jack Russell Terrier, who is definitely the most neurotic and lovable dog on the planet!


My Mom's Decorations:

My mother has always decorated our house for each holiday and every season, complete with a wreath on the door!  She has a wonderful sense of decorating and made our house fun and festive.  I definitely am inspired by her.


The Paseos:

Tree-lined walkways wind all over the neighborhoods, making it easy and safe to walk or ride your bike just about anywhere.  I used to walk the Paseos every day to and from school with my friends.  


My Family:

I know it sounds cheesy, but what really makes Valencia an "Awesome Town" for me, is the fact that it's where I grew up and it's where I can always find my family! 

Happy Happy Tape Tape!

Got my Japanese Masking Tape!  I ordered these as part of my supplies for the art journaling class I am participating in.  I have to say, I never would have bought them if it weren't suggested by the teachers, Rachel and Elsie.  But now that I have the tape in my hot little hands I am so pleased I took the plunge and bought them.  They are so cute, colorful and functional.  Who doesn't love that?

She was...an American Girl

When I got my American Girl Doll, it was a new fad, a new company and there were only three dolls.  Samantha, Kirstin and Molly.  I got Samantha and I loved her dearly.  I remember when the American Girl Magazine came out.  I had a subscription and I devoured each issue when it arrived in the mail.  The crafts, the games, the stories---oh I thought it was all brilliant.  I still do, come to think if it.  Perhaps that's why I felt compelled to visit the American Girl Place at the Grove in West Hollywood last week with my mother.  

We knew it was going to be a cute store, with all the girls and their dolls and their outfits, but we never expected it to be such an operation!  It was incredible!  There was a hair salon for the dolls, a doll hospital, a theater, and a photo station where they put a picture of you and your doll on the cover of an issue of the magazine.  Not to mention there was a full service restaurant, all pink with black and white stripes, where the dolls had little special chairs so they could sit with their owners and pretend to eat.  

There were also so many different dolls available to buy!  There were new dolls from different eras in American history, with the books and clothes to go along with them, and dolls you can special order so they look just like you!  You pick a different combination of hair-color,  eye-color and skin type and presto!  You have your own little mini me.  

However, from what I could tell Molly is the only remaining doll from the original three.  No more Kirstin, no more Samantha.  I wonder if those dolls will someday be a collector's item?  Did you have an American girl doll? 

a walk in new shoes

Often I forget how lucky and fortunate I am in life, but I tend to rely on the old cliche of "putting yourself in someone else's shoes as a way of reminding myself just how good I have it.  But thinking in that way, I started to wonder about all the different facets of my life---the different shoes I wear, and all the different things I do.  I'd like to share some of them with you now.

Firstly, the cowgirl boots.  I don't wear these often.  They are scuffed and stained and worn, but I love them even more for precisely those reasons.  They remind me that, at heart, I am a girl who grew up in the wild west of California, and while I am a little bit rock n' roll it's true, I am also a little bit country!

Secondly, the pointe shoes.  These are the shoes that I spent hours and years training to get.  Then they became the shoes I spent years training and dancing in...they have caused me an abundance of pain, yet I still love them.  I still marvel at the things I have learned to do in them.  I still love to get a new pair and see the shiny peach satin.  They really are magic shoes and I love to dance in them.  My feet actually feel the most natural when I have my pointe shoes on!

Thirdly, my Mary Jane heels.  Mainly because they are cute with a capital Q!

Fourthly (can one say fourthly?) my fake Uggs.  I wish they were real, but whatever, these do the trick.  I have to say that when I first saw a girl wearing Uggs with a skirt I thought it was a horrific fashion trend that should never have graced God's green earth.  But then I tried on the Uggs and my life intrinsically changed forever!    

Beautiful Blogger Award! Woo Hoo!

Say What?  I can hardly believe that anyone that isn't in direct relation to me is even reading this blog, but I am so honored that people have taken a gander at my modest attempts at blogging and that some have gotten some kind of happiness from it.  Turns out Sal from Love Quirky has been thoughtful enough to nominate me for The Beautiful Blogger Award!  I am so honored and humbled and happy!  Thank you Sal!  You must all check out her adorable blog.  It's very inspiring and fun!   

And now I get to nominate 15 of my favorite blogs for the award as well.  Here goes~

Cordelia of Being a Lady
Brooke of On the Wings of a Dove
J.Loo of Made w/ Love
The Girls at Love & Lavender
Emily of Let's Keep this Sophisticated
Gina of Paper Camera Scissor
Audrey of Parcel Post
Danni of Oh Hello Friend
Holly of Robot Love
Sasha of The Foxy Robot
Alex and Mina of Sending Postcards
Megan of Just Awful
Alli of One Pearl Button
Lauren of A Fabulous Fete
Julia of Wonderful Creation


Seven fun facts about yours truly:


1.  I am a UCLA Bruin through and through


2.  I've always wanted to collect vintage lockets, but have the hardest time finding them


3.  I've a penchant for school supplies


4.  I am a ballet dancer and dance teacher, though I didn't dance or teach for about five years


5.  Sometimes I wish I were Audrey Hepburn


6.  My favorite thing to do is hang out with my family


7.  Cheez-its are my favorite snack, but I hate the taste of cheese!

Now, for the Rules:

if you choose to accept the award you must

- Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
- Copy the award and paste it to your blog.
- Tell us seven interesting facts about yourself.
- Pass this award on to 15 fantastic bloggers you have discovered.
- Contact your nominations and let them know they’ve won.

Tell Your Story Class

I signed up to do my very first online class in art journaling the other day and I must admit I am pretty excited about the whole thing.  It promises to be a very good learning experience and hopefully a lot of fun.  We've been given an initial assignment to make an introduction page and the things people have come up with are all really cool....I am slightly intimidated to be honest.  But figured I'd at least share the cover I made for my journal, as I am quite happy with how that turned out. 

Between Rodeo Blvd and Camden....

I found LOVE:

 This is very unusual to see a display of artistic expression displayed along the normally pristine white walls of the shops and restaurants in Beverly Hills.  I was feeling kinda blue and was pleasantly surprised when I saw this lovely painting on the wall of a bev hills shop. 

My Teeth Ache from too much sweetness!

I just discovered Volume 25 on Etsy and I am completely crushing on several of the adorable prints!  I so want to add one to our wall of art and photos.  Here is just a sampling of what Jessica does; so cute!

Fun with Frames

This is what happens when the boy is out and I am left to my own devices~

Imaginary Vacation Kit

Happy Monday!

Hope y'all had a lovely Easter.  Mine was very nice indeed, and included a pretty size-able earthquake, thanks for asking!  Before I post pics from our Easter Extravaganza I wanted to post a little how-to / printables for you to take your own "imaginary vacations,"  as I have gotten a lot of good feedback on the subject of my trip to Tahiti last week.  (Well, some good, some comments questioning my sanity!)

First off, you have to decide where in the world you want to go.  And it really can be anywhere, although certain locations obviously allow for more activities and authenticity than others.  I picked someplace tropical (Tahiti) because I was yearning after some time lazing in the sun, and living about ten minutes from the beach, I figured I could keep the delusion going on outdoors too.

Here's some location suggestions:

~Pacific Islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, even Hawaii)

~Paris (oui, oui!)

~Ireland

~South Africa

~India

Once you decide where you are going to go, you should spend a bit of time (and maybe a bit of money) preparing to create your destination.  For instance, if you are going to Ireland, create the rolling green hills by covering your couch with a green sheet or table cloth.  Picked to go to India?  Create an Indian palace in your living room by throwing pillows on the floor and draping brightly colored material or scarves (chiffon or tulle works best) all over the ceiling.  Do a quick google image search and print out pictures of important landmarks or buildings that easily associate with your destination, such as the Eiffle Tower or the Arc de Triumph if you are vacationing in Paris.  Going on an African Safari?  Gather a few plants (real or fake) and create a jungle in your room and hang a mosquito net around your bed.  There's no end to how far you can take the preparation of the space, and likewise, if you'd rather not turn your flat upside down to create the place, you can always keep it simple and leave the rest up to your imagination. 

Music is essential to making your vacation fun and authentic.  So be sure to gather up enough tunes from the locale to last as long as you want to stay on holiday.  Nature sounds that fit the place are also a great way to set the scene, like a distant waterfall, or the sounds of exotic birds. 

Food also plays an important role in make-believe holidays.  So map out some authentic cuisine from your destination and try to do as much prep the day before as you can.  That way you aren't slaving over the stove when you are supposed to be taking it easy....that is, unless you have a boy like mine who can do the cooking for you! ;)

Dress the part.  Dressing like a tourist can help to make you feel like you are one.  I know it's silly, but it can also be sort of fun.  The day before your trip, put aside or "pack" a few outfits that you think you'd wear in that location.  Ie: bathing suit if you are going somewhere tropical, maybe a 1940's style safari outfit with khakis, crisp white shirts and boots if you are heading to the jungle...you get the idea. 

Finally, prepare some activities for your holiday that are, again, representative of the place you're visiting.  Sure just your basic R&R is nice, but it has the potential to get old after a few hours.  It's a good idea to plan a few low key activities that you wouldn't normally do.  If you are in Hawaii, use fresh flowers (purchased the day before) and make a lei.  Or gather some shells and make a pooka necklace.  If you are in Paris, grab some paints and a beret and make something beautiful to hang in your very own Louvre.  Or get dressed up in your best "Night at the Opera" dress and go see the Paris Opera Ballet (via dvd, oui!)  If you are in Ireland, visit the "pub" and learn a few Irish shanties or dances with a pint of stout.  If you're on an African Safari, have someone else hide some of those tiny animal figurines you sometimes see on birthday cakes all over your place.  Make a list and go out and see if you can find all those animals "in the wild."  Take pictures of all your activities and make a little travel journal documenting your adventures.     

Lastly, send a postcard to a loved one telling them you wish they were here, or send them a note on your hotel stationary!  Obviously don't send it to anyone who would get confused, or send the men in white coats after you.  Again, it's just something fun that makes the "trip" feel even more official.  Also, be sure to really commit to being "on holiday."  Let others know you may be unreachable and turn off your phone, your computer....It's important to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of your regular routine, so let go, shut down and reboot your own hard drive with a lovely and restful imaginary vacation!

Here's a few printables to help you on your journey:

Vintage Postcard~

Download and Print

Download and print on opposite side

Hotel Stationary~

Download and Print

If you want even more help setting up your holiday, leave a comment and be entered to win another Lilac & Lace giveaway.  This time it's your very own "Get Away Holiday Kit."  (I will try to add a picture soon!)  Complete with everything you need to enjoy an imaginary vacation to Hawaii!   Winners will be picked on Friday.  Bon Voyage! 

Spring Sprucing

As you can see I have decided to change around the blog layout a little bit.  Still not so sure I like it completely, but figured I'd give it a try and see how I feel about it in a few days.  I feel like it comes from the urge to do some spring cleaning.  And despite the fact that the weather has been a bit weird here in the hills of beverly,  I'm experiencing the spring cleaning urge in full effect.  

Over the passed few weeks I have been "sprucing" up the apartment here and there.  And I have a few ideas for ways to invigorate my wardrobe (aka: make my old clothes feel like new ones so I don't have the urge to shop!)  I plan to share some of these projects with you when they're done and IF they come out alright!  

Until then,  HAPPY EASTER!       {photo from Martha Stewart.com}

April Fools!

Pinch Punch, 1st of the Month, no returns!  Welcome to April Chickadees!  This is a good month because:


~There may be a celebration of a certain kind for a certain important person this month!


~We are one step closer to Summer!  


~It's Easter on Sunday and that means lots of chocolate eggs and of course....Bunnies!


Here is an Easter Bunny the boy and I caught on film the other day.  It was sooo cute and completely unfussy about our presence.  
Easter Bunny from Heather Toner on Vimeo.