Beet Cake...

Scrumptious...indeed.  I haven't even tried making this delectable delight, but from the look of this video there is no way it could taste bad.  Just see for yourself...

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

I have learned that an artistic view not only comes from beautiful photography but from video work as well.

I am definitely a fan of Tiger in a Jar.  Click on the link for more of their work!

Toodles,

Natalie

Ahem...

Excuse me while I clear my virtual throat, for it has been some time since my last post.  It's funny but my last few posts have started somewhat like this. 

Well it has been nearly 3 months since ventured out in blogland and let me say that I've missed you all so much.  I miss our friendly banter, back and forth how do you do's and I've even missed some new friends whom I haven't even had the chance to become acquainted with.

So as you can see I've dusted my shelves, packed up the old, and now I'm in with the new (new blog look that is).  I figure I needed a fresh start.

So what's new you'll probably ask?  I've been a busy bee.  I've been working like crazy, bought a new car, went on a vacation to Disneyland, been to the beach a couple of times, and we just dropped the kids off at Grandma's house for 4 weeks (maybe that explains why I have the time to blog)!

As for my home decor...alas it remains the same except for a few nick-nacks and new bedding.  My cupboards are still a drab maple and I haven't bought any new furniture.  I can't help but post some pictures of the kitchens that inspire me.  Maybe I can make a weekend trip to Lowe's for paint.  I've already been searching Benjamin Moore's color choices.

I'm really liking this pale blue to lighten things up.

I'm also leaning towards the white subway tiles.

Wish me luck ladies...

It will take some time to get to these levels.

XOXO

Natalie

Sunny thoughts...

There is nothing to bring you into that happy place like 

warm weather, sunny skies, and blossoming flowers.

via

Spring Break is over but love is still in the air...

via

So go ahead and take a ride with the top down...

via

Put on a pretty dress...

via

and take that much needed breather : )

via

We deserve it every now and then!

Thanks for stopping by dolls!

Mildred Pierce

Who can resist?

I tuned in for every episode (which may have contributed

to the lack of weekend blog posts) and I loved it!

Starring Acadamy award winner...Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce.

and the beautiful Evan Rachel Wood as Veda Pierce.

Set in 1920-1930's in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

About a mother's struggles with raising her two daughters on her own...

finding love...

and overcoming heartache.

It was truly a remarkable five part mini-series that had it's final show this past Sunday night.

If you missed it, I highly recommend watching it On Demand if you already have HBO.

If you don't, I advise you to buy it. It does have the usual racy scenes that are trademark of

an HBO show, but nothing too bad.

I applaud Kate Winslet for taking on this role...she outdid herself! Not many can fill the

shoes of the notorious Joan Crawford.

Great job HBO!!

A prayer

Lord help this world,

Our prayers go out to you, 

Help us through the devastation,

Mend the broken hearts,

Ease the worried minds,

Lay your hand on the broken and hurt,

Protect the world from further devastation,

Lord calm the rising temperatures at the nuclear sites,

We call on you for help.

May your will be done...

In Jesus name...Amen.

Nautical Breeze and a long awaited hello...

Hi there my precious loved ones!

It certainly has been a mighty long time. Some of you may be wondering "Where

did you go?" Well, to be perfectly honest, blogging was taking up so much of my

time that I lost sight of my priorities. I'm sure many of you can relate.

Yes I am back today but only with the promise of today. I've decided to dedicate only minimal

spare time to my blogging projects. Hopefully this doesn't seem too unfair to you. I'm torn because I

find that when I'm away, my inspiration for home design falls to wayside. I do miss it.

However, I was letting more important things collect dust.

I gave some of your blogs a quick run through (and I have many more to go)...You all seem to

doing well and your blogs, homes, families are lovelier than ever!

Since it has been ages since I've browsed,

I decided that the warming weather and sweet breeze has me aching for the coast.

So why not hop right back in with some nautical influences?

It just makes me sigh with relief.....aaaaaaaah.

Greens and blues take me away to that happy place.

Navy blue bottles make me swoon. Or and is that dyed water? Hmmmm...

If only I could be this lucky...

via

Don't you just love it when you are inspired by the most insignificant objects?

via

Or how sand and a few candles can make you smile?

Even the simplest kitchen can make you imagine the most pleasant dream

for your home (like the painted screen door for a pantry and mosaic tile counter tops).

There is nothing that can't be created, and no one that can't be inspired.

Have a happy day!

All other images courtesy of Coastal Living

Pasadena

I'm going back to my roots...

California is where.

A trip to Pasadena, Old Town to be exact.

It is a quaint little suburb nestled in the foothills of Los Angeles.

For those of you who appreciate architectural detail and inner-city nostalgia like 

I do, this city doesn't disappoint.

This is a photo taken on Colorado and Fair Oaks in 1890

via

And this is now...

As you can see there are a few more cars (teehee!),

but some of the old buildings still remain.

I just love a city with history.

And I just adore time with my little family...

My precious wee-one  Danielle.

and here is one of my hubby, son, daughter, and mommy hurrying me along...haha!

We enjoyed our time, and it wasn't nearly enough time to take in all the sights.

We'll be back, and I'm sure it will be around the time of the Pasadena Flea Market.

Can you just imagine what kind of goodies I'd find?

I'm already daydreaming about it!

Thank you Pasadena!

Picnic under the trees...

As the clouds start to part and the sun peeks through,

I can't help daydreaming about the spring.

Slowly but surely the weather is warming up.

I look forward to eating under the trees.

It's only a matter of time.

And for you caught in the blizzard of all blizzards...

hang in there.

Spring is on it's way!

A Fabulous Feature: Jones Design Company

Hello my darlings!

It has been a little while since my last post.  Lots going on these days.  I'm

sure I'm not alone ; )

I've missed you so.

Anyhoo...

I came across the most spectacular blog!  Not only is the blog itself gorgeous but

the designs that come from this creative duo are superb!  Hence the blog name...

Emily and Ryan are design geniuses! 

They have an amazing kitchen remodel that I just HAD to feature.

Now as many of you already know, I have a weakness for kitchens. 

I myself, am in the planning process for a kitchen makeover.

Boy have these two inspired me.

Take a look...

Here is a before picture.

This is a photo from before they actually moved in.

Then they had this...

Which is still nice.  I loved the huge chalkboard and dining set in rattan.

After some creative planning and hard work they came up with this...

Oh my heavens!!

I absolutely love the way it came out!  Just look at those shelves!

They extended the island.  What a great idea!

They built the cutest bench that fits the entire theme beautifully.

Each little detail is perfect.

Sigh...a farmhouse sink.

It's just remarkable and worth an honorable mention.

So one more time...

Before

and after

 Great job you two!

Please stop by their wonderful blog Jones Design Company

and say hi.