Suzie's Cottage

My Decorative Bread Box

2009-10-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

I bought this bread box a few months ago at my favorite thrift store for only $9.50. When I bought it, my plan was to paint it white, but now that I make my own appliques I have tons of them at home, so I could use to put on the bread box as well.

On my furniture I always ended up using the appliques that are broken in two pieces or the ones that are imperfect that I was going to throw away...

... but when I glue them on to the furniture and paint over the appliques, you can't tell the difference..

I didn't like the flower on the cabinet glass door and besides that, the glass has many scratch marks that I need to cover.

When I went to Micheal's today, I came across these pretty designer decorative papers that is almost like fabric. I got two different designer paper to cover the glass. I put the polka dot see through paper over the black toil paper for a softer shabby look.

I liked the way it turned out!!

Appliques and My Kitchen Cabinets

2009-10-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!!!!
I apologize to my blog and to my fellow bloggers. It's been over a month since I've posted and "NO" I did not abandon my blog!! I've just been so incredibly busy lately with a few projects and with my daughter. There were days that I tried to post, but by the end of the day, I got so sleepy and tired that I couldn't even sit straight!!

But here's a glimpse of what I've been up to lately.
I've been putting a lot of time into my newest project. I've been working on making the appliques to get ready for French flea market on 10-17. As I previously stated on my blog, I've been making my own appliques and the molding as well for the past few month and I have decided to sell my appliques on the flea market. It's not easy to do this project when I have a full time job, but whenever I find time, I make appliques!! I try to avoid the computer as best I can, because once I start the computer, I would forget the lapse of time and my spare time would be over fast!! This is the biggest reason why I have not been posting on my blog besides getting tired at night.

On top of that I've been re-painting my kitchen cabinet. As you see in photo, it's about 20% complete and I had to put this project on hold until the flea market event. My goal is to finish this project before Halloween!!!

Thank you very much for those of you who stopped by my blog and left me nice and concerned messages..You are the reason why I want to continue my blog!!!

Rooster Party

2009-08-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in a rooster party hosted by Barb to show off my new kitchen theme .Thank you, Barb for letting me join your party!! Please be sure to check out her blog for a list of all the participants.

I am redoing my kitchen in a Rooster theme.

It all started when I found this black and white rooster fabric at the Garment District in Down Town LA back in May. I absolutely fell in love with the rooster fabric the minute I laid my eyes on it and I knew I had to have it in my kitchen!!!

And....here...I made a rooster valance for my kitchen window~~~

Recovered my kitchen chair cushion with rooster fabric~~~

and a rooster tea cozy made by Melanie B for my tea pot ~~~

My mannequin, Sarah!! is proudly showing off her rooster apron made by Melanie B..

My kitchen re-do with rooster has just begun.....

Thank you for visiting my blog!!! :D

Mannequin, Apron and Tea Cozy

2009-08-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

After seeing a mannequin from Melanie's blog, http://www.theoldwhitecottageblog.com/2009/06/my-mannequin.html
I wanted to have a mannequin in my kitchen.

I searched the Internet and found a great website with a variety of mannequins with each one having it's own unique design and price. I bought my brand new mannequin http://stores.shop.ebay.com/displayfashion for only $29.99. For such a cheap price it's very well made. I decided to name her Sarah and she is size 4 - 6

Okay...so;
The main reason I wanted to get a mannequin in my kitchen was to display an apron to give more accent to my kitchen theme and to display the aprons for a special occasions or the holidays..

My current kitchen theme is a rooster. I fell in love with Daisy's cupcake apron which was made by Melanie B for Daisy's birthday gift. I asked Melanie B to make me an apron for Sarah

and here..
Isn't it just so~~lovely?

She also made me a tea cozy as an extra to surprise me..

I didn't have a tea cozy before, but now I do . I especially like this tea cozy because I don't have to take it off to pour tea and it’s reversible!

Melanie is so creative, talented, crafty and she's just my type. I can tell how much love and time she put into my apron and tea cozy. I am so proud that she is my online friend!!!

Please check out Melanie B's blog!! http://sew-sassy.blogspot.com/

I Make My Own Appliques

2009-08-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to paint my kitchen chairs and table for ages ...

Here...I finally painted my kitchen chairs with antique white and recovered the cushions with the same rooster printed fabric as my kitchen window valence that I made.

As many of you know I've been transforming our home to a shabby chic and I've been painting endlessly for furniture reformations and accessorize the furniture using appliques. Also I mentioned in my previous posting that I make my own molds and cast appliques.

I realized that it cost me more money on appliques than the bargained furniture I purchase so... I decided to learn how to make appliques. Here we go!!! I now proudly make my own appliques for my furniture reformations!!

Mirror Transformation

2009-08-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the transformation of the mirror I bought a few weeks ago for $4.99. I really didn't have to do much except cleaning the dust thoroughly , spraying the primer and 2 coats of paint.

Before

I've had this table for a long time and when we had a neighborhood garage sale in June, I was almost able to get rid of it. But now I'm glad it wasn't sold.

I decorated the table with my own appliques that I made and painted it. I saved a lot of money by making my own appliques. Those appliques would have costed me a fortune if I didn't make them myself.

These photos came out blurry, but it looks absolutely gorgeous if you see it!! ^^

Fun Fun Fun!!

2009-08-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Daisy and I rented a booth at the Little French Flea Market for the 3rd time.

I always wanted to be a vendor and it took me years to get the

courage to go out there and sell my things!!

The first time I ever set up a booth was at the Little French Flea Market! What a great experience and everyone is so nice and helpful. Each time we were out there to sell, we enjoyed ourselves and had so much fun that we decided to continue selling stuff at the flea market.

Aren't those cameo necklaces just gorgeous? They were made by my friend Daisy! Jennifer from The Old Painted Cottage fell in love with Daisy's cameo necklace and bought a few for her self and for her friend!! It was SO great to meet down to earth and so sweet Jennifer!!

My great friends Daisy and Aimee

Please visit Aimee's blog to check out her beautiful French pillows and her garden boutique!

Below are some of the bargained items I found at the French Flea market. I actually spent more than what I earned that day! hehehehe! But after all, we just wanted to have fun & enjoy ourselves!!!

UPDATE: VELVET (now called ZIVA)

2009-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

July 30, 2009

Ziva crossed the rainbow bridge on July 27, 2009.

The day that I posted her update below...

http://www.arvsimi.org/ziva.html

----------------------------------------------------------

Hi, Everyone!

I Just wanted to make sure to give you an update on Velvet!!

Click for Velvet's Story

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's an update on darling Ziva (formerly Velvet) whose life Caroline and her group Animal Rescue Volunteers saved last week.

She was rescued and receiving medical treatment!!!!

Click for a video link.

TO EVERYONE WHO SO KINDLY PLEDGED DONATIONS AND HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO SEND THEM, PLEASE VISIT ARV'S WEBSITE; http://www.arvsimi.org/

Uncle Sam's Store

2009-07-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you Uncle Sam for your generosity! Oh! No!!! NOT that uncle Sam!!! Uncle Sam is the owner of the thrift store called "THE COLLECTIBLE STORE". I found his incredible store over the weekend by accident. I am a bit frustrated, because words cannot justify this awesome store and unfortunately he does not have a web site for his store either. If you live in the LA area and enjoy treasure hunt, you must visit his store! You will find just about everything you've been hunting for!! You just name it!

I'm only posting 2 things I bought, because my camera ran out of batteries, but I will post other goodies I got from his store next time.

I've been debating on whether or not to paint it white, but I decided to leave it PINK just as I bought it.

I have really been wanting one of these angel lamp for so long and finally, I am so lucky to find a pair !! WHAT A BARGAIN!!!! :D

And more......

My mom, my daughter and I are leaving for San Francisco today. We're going on a four day road trip for a sight seen for fun!! :D I will see you when I get back!

Mirror

2009-07-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

Okay..
so I 've been searching for a hall tree for a very long time and every single time I thought I found a great one for my house I was unable to buy it. I guess they weren't meant to be mine...One time I found this hall tree that I absolutely fell in love with and I was on my way to tell the owner of the store that I was going to buy it, but this lady ran past me and got to the owner first. It was then sold to her in front of my eyes!!!!!.I was really heartbroken. Okay..it's only a material thing...I survived...Then another time I found the cutest hall tree at Pasadena flea market. It was the perfect size for my entry and a great price for my budget, but it would not fit in my SUV! My car was already filled with other things I bought, like this cabinet I bought. OH!! My Buddha! give me wisdom to put this hall tree in my loaded car!!!

SO...searching for my hall tree continues until a few weeks ago I went to the Simi valley thrift store. I found this huge, but stunning antique shabby chic hall tree cabinet with 3 mirrors.This one was absolutely gorgeous!!! But then I knew this would not fit in my entry way, because it was a huge piece of furniture that would only fit in castle or a mansion! But, I got curious and asked the man at the store about it and he told me this was donated by Mitchell who is Ozzy Osborn's wife and the price was $150.00. You know.. the price was actually very reasonable!! It was a steal! It was the most beautiful piece of antique shabby chic hall tree furniture I've ever seen! I was SOOOO tempted to get it, but then, where would I put it? It's a shame I didn't have my camera with me that day or I would have shown you a picture.

Okay...so that didn't work out...It wasn't meant to be mine...
So as I turned around and headed to the door to way out, this huge mirror standing up against the wall caught my eyes..so I went close to mirror to take a look at it..It was so old and dusty as I expected it to be...the mirror wasn't something I was interested in and it certainly was not my style!! But I checked the price anyway...... $4.99...That's right this mirror was $4.99!
WOW!! I thought... with this price I will transform the mirror to my style and make it to work in my house entry. After a long search of finding a hall tree for my house entry, I've finally found something that was meant to be mine, Thank you!

Please wait to see the transformation on this mirror!!! I won't let you down!!! :D

Tea Time Tuesday!

2009-07-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Kate for hosting the tea time Tuesday event. Ever since I started my blog here at blogspot, It was Kate who inspired me to the English tea world. I am truly fascinated by English tea traditions and history. I've been drinking black tea and absolutely enjoy it!! Please visit Kate's fabulous blog today!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following tea time photos were taken last December at my dear friend's house during my visit to South Korea and I wanted to share these photos with you.

Bow of thanks before tea time has three meanings:

1. Thankful for having some time for oneself.

2. Thankful to the host for the tea time.

3. Thankful to mother nature for providing the tea.

Asian tea cups are smaller than European tea cups, and also lack a handle. My friend, who is a tea master keeps tea ware on the tea table all year round, covers it with a cloth when not using it. After our dinner, we had a lot of tea. Our tea time ended up going past midnight!!! Since we only see each other once a year, we make up lost time, by having tea time.

LEFT-BEHIND MOM AT THE SOUTH L.A. SHELTER

2009-07-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

SAD UPDATE

After I sent out my revised plea for poor Velvet, I received an email alerting me she will be on the red list on Tuesday. That means she is out of time.
The reason is that Velvet has a corneal ulcer--which must be so painful--and seems to have been attacked as she has bite wounds. As if that isn't bad enough she has started coughing.Velvet has so many strikes against her, I'm not sure we can overcome them.

Velvet has so many strikes against her, I'm not sure we can overcome them.

She is still so scared, they had to carry her into a transport cage and wheel her to the medical room as she wouldn't stand up.

I'm not sure what to do at this point. I don't think she'll last past Wednesday or Thursday because the longer she's there, she will just get sicker and be in more pain, and nobody--including the staff--want her to suffer.

Velvet is just so terrified and depressed, her plight touched a lot of people. We have some donations from kind people concerned about her and now that she has these medical issues, any additional offers would be much appreciated.

WHAT HOPE IS THERE FOR VELVET?
WHATEVER THERE WAS EARLIER TODAY IS SLIPPING AWAY.

IF YOU CAN HELP BRING SOME LIGHT TO
VELVET'S LIFE, PLEASE GET HER OUT OF THE SHELTER AND GIVE HER SOME HOPE.

Velvet's impound number is A104633.

Tomika Johnson, SLA New Hope Coordinator:
cell: 323-270-4047
Kennel Supervisors' office: 213-473-4378

SLA direct lines: 213-485-0117, 0119
(Please get the name of the person you talk to.)
All LAAS shelters open until 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.

7-13-2009

If you live in the LA area, Please..please reaches out a hand to this tragic girl!!!

I feel so guilty for not getting out a plea earlier for this sad gal whom I noticed at SLA last Sunday. She looked so absolutely terrified that I wanted to get into the cage, hug her and tell her it would be alright. Except it probably won't, at least not for her and so many other animals packed into the shelter as impounds continue to skyrocket.She doesn't even have a name so I am calling her Velvet. She is a Steffie with the droopy jowls of mastiff. Very cute.

I was told that Velvet came in with a puppy who was adopted, and Velvet became another mom just left behind to die. With her puppy gone she is depressed and frightened.

You can get an idea of what her owner must have been like from that hideous collar she's wearing. Nobody even cared enough to get her a collar which fit, instead saddling her with this huge filthy thing. The owner couldn't even be bothered to cut off the long bit dangling down.

So she and her baby came into the shelter and Velvet had her photo taken with a rope around her neck and her front legs splayed. She is so skinny in that photo. Her head looks gigantic because her body is so thin.

James, the lovely ACT at SLA who goes out of his way to spend time to help terrified animals, went into Velvet's cage and sat down on the floor with her. She didn't come out but she did sniff at James' glove and didn't run away. After several minutes, James decided to carry her out into the corridor because she was so frozen with fear, she wouldn't walk. Once in the corridor, James set her down gently and we sat with her, stroking her and reassuring her to help her relax. It took a little while but she did. She even walked on her own instead of having to be carried. I've seen this so many times before: dogs who shut down in the shelter as a form of protection but just blossom when they are removed from that environment.Velvet deserves that chance. You've depressed if you were behind after your only baby was adopted. What hope is there for Velvet? Only that someone reads this and reaches out a hand to this tragic girl!!!!

If you can help bring some light to Velvet's life, Please get her out of the shelter and give her some hope!!!!

Velvet's Impound number is A104633. She is 3 years old and not yet spayed. She has already been in the shelter over 2 weeks which means she could get sick at any time, so that means euthanasia sooner rather than later.

She is at SLA and her Impound number is A104633

Please Adopt Her Puppies!

2009-07-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Mama Already Euthanized PUPPIES are REDLISTED

If you live in the LA area
Please adopt her puppies!!!!

This is fortune. She was dumped in the shelter with her three adorable puppies. Unfortunately Fortune was euthanized yesterday. Now her pups are all alone, mom is gone and THEY ARE REDLISTED and must get out ASAP. They are only 5 months old and very sweet!!!

Impound#A1041049

My name is Danny and I am an unaltered male, tan American Staffordshire Terrier.The shelter thinks I am about 5 months old. I have been at the shelter since Jun 21, 2009.

Impound#A1041048

My name is Petey and I am an unaltered male, tan American Staffordshire Terrier. The shelter thinks I am about 5 months old. I have been at the shelter since Jun 21, 2009.

Impound#A1041047

My name is Tony and I am an unaltered male, tan American Staffordshire Terrier.The shelter thinks I am about 5 months old.I have been at the shelter since Jun 21, 2009.

Fortune's puppies are beyond sweet and all need a home ASAP.

THEY ARE REDLISTED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are able to rescue or adopt these puppies (A1041047, A1041048, A1041049), please contact East Valley shelter 818 756 9323/4 Veronica 213 435 9152 or Pnina pd53@sbcglobal.net

The Little French Flea Market

2009-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Back by Popular demand
The Little French Flea Market
Saturday, July 18th
8:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m.

Click: Daisy and I will have a booth again!! :D

Ann Sayre-(818)-606-6543 annsayre@sbcglobal.net
At the….Hidden Chateau & Gardens
23130 Sherman Way / West Hills, CA 91307 / 818-610-3228

Please join us for a wonderful day in a gorgeous French garden, TREASURE hunting and spending time with friends. Join us for refreshments, LIVE MUSIC, and amazing merchandise, including cottage Chic, French style décor, antiques, vintage clothing and jewelry, collectables, furniture, linens, and just about anything you want.

$2.00 admission fee

Kitchen Window Valance

2009-07-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone!

I finally made a valance for my kitchen window today. I bought this fabric over a month ago at the LA Garment District, but I have been so busy that I have not really had a chance to do anything. I absolutely fell in love with the rooster fabric the minute I laid my eyes on it and I knew I had to have it in my kitchen!!! I'll use the same fabric to recover my kitchen chairs.

Have a great day!

Lunch Time!

2009-07-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken when Daisy and Claudia took me to a new Japanese restaurant near by my work in Downtown LA. LA is a wonderful blend of many, many different cultures and that is part of what makes LA so special! We have all kinds of restaurants and different kind of food for all cultures and Asian food has the largest foothold in Los Angeles after Mexican cuisine. Have you ever tasted Vietnamese pho? Okay... My co-worker, Brenda and I will have Vietnamese pho (noodle soup) for lunch tomorrow. :D yum~yum~ hahahaha...:D

I WISH for everyone to have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!!

AMERICA, I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!

Outdoor furniture

2009-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

I bought these bargain wick outdoor furniture for our front porch at a garage sale last Saturday. I've always wanted a comfortable out door sofa where i could sit down and relax and enjoy my tea!! The sofa is so comfortable, i even took a nap!! I also want a rocking chair. I feel that a front porch is not a porch without a rocking chair! I think I know where to find a bargain rocking chair....The Salvation Army~~~!!!! Here I come!!!

My New Dining Room

2009-06-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone!!
Wow!! It's been awhile since I've updated my blog. I've been so busy for past 2 weeks that I never had chance to sit down in front of my PC at night. Above photos were taken a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't able to post on my blog. I've finally completed my dining room make over!!

The following are before and after photo shots of my dining room!!

Before

After

Phoenix Story

2009-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Phoenix with Glenn and Seamus.

From Glenn, Phoenix's new guardian:

I first met Phoenix at 1:30 in the morning in Winchester, VA, by that time she had already been in a crate for over 13 hours. I took her for a short walk and a small drink of water and Evan, the driver who had gotten her from Mississippi to Virginia, mentioned that she had been pretty badly abused. She was going to my last stop in Salem, NH, so she was one of the first loaded onto my van. She ended up behind my passenger seat on top of the other crates, so I could turn around just a little and see her and also stick my fingers in her crate. Whenever I used my cell phone or 2-way radio she would sit up and look at me. It wasn't long before I snapped a picture of her with my phone and sent it home. I was smitten. I called Megan, who was in charge of that trip and got some background on Phoenix. As soon as I could I got a hold of Lori, the director of the Salem Animal Rescue League, and asked if I could have her meet my male pitbull, Seamus, also a rescue, to see if they would be compatible. Lori said, no problem, that they would love her to go to someone that they would stay in touch with. The following Saturday, we drove the 2 hours up to New Hampshire from my home in Connecticut and let the dogs meet. She wasn't too keen on Seamus at first, but after a bit we took them into a large enclosure and let them go. They took off chasing each other around and around, and still do every day. Needless to say Phoenix went home with us that day.

Phoenix and Seamus playing in the Connecticut snow.

She has her issues - doesn't care for men or other dogs too much. We have taken her to obedience class where she's become more socialized, some weeks more than others. This helped her get started in doggie daycare, where they've very patient with her, as they had refused her at first. She now goes to two doggie daycares and gets along with (almost) all the dogs. She is a work in progress but brings so much joy to our family. She and Seamus are best buddies.

Sharing a bed

Here's a typical day in the life of Phoenix. She wakes up on our bed, which she shares with her two humans, Seamus and a cat or two, teases Seamus until he finally gives in a gets up to play - he's not an early riser. Then it's breakfast and into the van to drive my son, Andrew, to school, which just happens to be close to about 80 wooded acres with some great trails, two ponds and a couple of streams. We normally walk for about an hour on and an hour or so off leash, with extra time for cooling off in the water. Both of the dogs never stop running, chasing, playing tug with sticks or jumping up on big rocks, it's a non stop show that we never tire of. Once we get home it's time for a snack followed by a good nap under the fan or on the deck. Lunchtime we go for a quick walk maybe half an hour, then run some errands - the bank, post office, places that give out cookies are their favorite. More napping in the afternoon followed by a drive to pick up Andrew and at around 5 or 6 we go to the city park and walk about 3 miles either on the walking path or through the trails in the woods. Then it's home to spend the evening with the family, either sleeping or wrestling on our bed. Around 10 or 11 it's time for another walk, just a quick 20 minutes or so before fighting for the best spot on the bed yet again. This is our daily routine for the most part, they normally go to daycare for one full day and one half day, different locations, so that they can play with their canine friends. We normally go out for dinner with friends on a Friday evening, so they both get a frozen bone, which they love. It also helps with Phoenix as she can be a little destructive but has come a long way. We don't crate either of them, so we just try and be responsible in putting things away.

Phoenix came into our lives the weekend of my birthday, which I spent driving a transport for Homeward Bound. What a birthday present she's been. We've had her now for almost 7 months, and we couldn't imagine life without her. She has been to hell and back (I've seen the pictures) and is still so sweet and loving.

http://hopesanctuary.blogspot.com/2009/05/phoenix-update.html

Project Hope: Phoenix Update

2009-06-04T08:05:00.001-07:00

Project Hope: Phoenix Update

Shared via AddThis

Rescue Story...Think twice before you buy!!!

2009-06-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States' offensive against puppy mills continues. Just yesterday, we arrived on the scene at an Indiana puppy mill, where we found more than 200 dogs in grossly overcrowdedconditions. Under the temporary care of our emergency shelter, the resiliant animals already are showing signs of improvement.
Last week, local law enforcement and The HSUS rescued nearly 400 dogs from the horrific confines of a puppy mill operation known as the Sun Valley Kennel in Kennewick, Wash. We're now busy moving these animals to local shelters, where they’ll be adopted.
Meanwhile, we've been on the ground around the clock for two weeks in Wisconsin, tending to more than 300 dogs rescued from yet another mass breeding operation. And as if all that weren't enough, earlier in the week we raided two major dogfighting operations in eastern Alabama.

This is a remarkable pace of activity. Sadly, these missions are a common occurrence for our rescue teams. Watch this moving video of our rescue of the innocent animals of the Sun Valley Kennel in Washington state. Then please make an emergency contributions today to support these operations and others
like them.
The dogs at Sun Valley -- like those in Indiana and Wisconsin -- had spent their entire lives trapped in deplorable conditions and were forced to breed continuously, all for the profit of the operator. When found, some of the animals were confined to grocery shopping carts, while others spun circles in rusty pens caked with feces. Many of the dogs suffered from malnutrition, urine burns, and overgrown nails.
Because of the efforts of our rescue teams -- along with the assistance of our partners from the animal welfare community -- their suffering is finally over. After you watch this special video, please help ensure our rescue operations can continue.
Tragically, hundreds of thousands of dogs still suffer at the hands of an industry that traps them in a cycle of misery. In the first five months of this year alone, our teams already have rescued more than 1,000 dogs from puppy mill nightmares. We won't stop until the cruelty ends.
Please help make these animal rescue operations possible. Watch our video, then make a special donation today to fund the life-saving work of our emergency response teams.
Thank you for all you do for animals.
Sincerely,Wayne PacellePresident & CEOThe Humane Society of the United States

P.S. Not only is The HSUS on the ground rescuing dogs in Indiana and Washington, but we helped pass new laws in both those states this year to crack down on abusive puppy mills. Help our work to rescue animals in crisis.

Chandelier Makeover

2009-06-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for the right chandelier for my dining room over a year and I'm so pleased with what I got!

A few weeks ago, my friend Daisy saw this chandelier at local thrift store and told me about it. I then rushed to the store next day and bought it for $14.99. I immediately drilled holes for hanging prisms, but i wasn't able to complete the project and kept putting it off until last weekend. My goal last weekend was to complete some of my unfinished projects and I actually accomplished a lot!!! I am most excited about this chandelier makeover...over the weekend!!

I have to say I love my chandelier!!!...

Flowers

2009-05-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

These are fake flowers, but I don't mind using a combination of silk and dried flowers to decorate my home. These lifelike silk flowers can add life and warmth to my home and I can have my home abloom all year round!! :D Have a great day!!

Chair Makeover

2009-05-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Do you like my new chairs? I do....I do!!!

Do you remember the bargain dining chairs I found at Salvation army? Well, ever since then, I've been hunting for a dining table like a hawk and finally, I found it at a local thrift store last Friday. At first I wasn't so sure about the shape of legs and it wasn't just the dining table, but it included 4 arm chairs and 2 arm less chairs as a complete set. I thought what would i do with 6 more extra dining chairs? But this extendable table looked like it had a great potential and with 6 chairs at $40.00. OK..with this price I just could not resist! :D So I bought them!!

Well, do you like my chair makeover?

2 down, 4 more to go!!!

My Current Obsession!

2009-05-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am a new milk glass lover and my current obsession is

definitely collecting milk glass.

It all started when I found my first piece of milk glass at the local

salvation army in February of this year.

Milk glass is so easy to find. As you can see, I have quite a few of them already!
Since February, I've accumulated all of my milk glasses from
Goodwill, Salvation army, flea market and of course garage sales.

Most importantly, collecting milk glass is very affordable!!

Pieces range in price 50 cents to $20.00!!!!

@^ ____^@

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Made in USA

2009-05-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased three gorgeous bracelets from Heather at Hill Crest Jewelry Design. I must tell you that I absolutely adore these bracelets!! The picture on the website is beautiful, but when I actually saw them in person, these bracelets I ordered were much more than I expected them to be. I'm so pleased with the quality of the materials and the beautiful workmanship!!

Thank you so much Heather! for my beautiful bracelets and a wonderful buying experience!!

Daydreaming!

2009-05-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was my birthday and I just wanted to share with you
the b-day card I received from my kids. :D

You see where they crossed out "nothing" and replaced the word for computer?

and than when I opened the card..
it said..
" and hey feel free to join us"
:D

As a working mom, sometimes I feel that after a long day at work, it would be nice to come home and just do nothing, but to relax and go on the computer. But I have two hungry kids, four dogs to feed, do household chores and other projects & volunteer work and etc. But when I have time to sit down in front of my computer at night, I like to post on my blog, but I usually have a hard time to even complete and actually post, because by then I'm nearly asleep and about to pass out.

I wish even just for one day, I would come home and not having to worry about anything, but to do computer!!

The Little French Garden Flea Market

2009-05-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Anne Sayre (an organizer)and Karen

Daisy

I am just so proud of my friend Daisy!! Most of items on this table are hand made by her. Look at those lamp shades!! Absolutely gorgeous!!

We had a great day!!! :D and "YES" we'll do it again!!

These photos are from May 9, 2009 at the Little French Garden Flea Market

Buffet Cabinet

2009-05-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Remember this country buffet cabinet I bought from the garage sale in March? Well..since the cabinet was in such a great condition and it looked so original, I decided not to paint it white, but after i displayed it with all the shabby nick knacks, the cabinet just didn't look right, I mean it didn't seem to fit in.

So here we go...I painted it all blooming white except the center part of the doors. The buffet cabinet is now serving as my nick knacks display cabinet in my living room.

The Little French Flea Market

2009-05-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Back by Popular demand "The Little French Flea Market" We’re doing it again.

On Saturday the 9th of May.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Hidden Chateau & Gardens
23130 Sherman Way
West Hills, CA 91307
818-610-3228

Please join us for a wonderful day in a gorgeous French garden,
TREASURE hunting and spending time with friends.
Join us for refreshments, LIVE MUSIC, and amazing merchandise,
including cottage Chic, French style décor, antiques, vintage clothing and jewelry,
collectibles, furniture, linens, and just about anything you want. $2.00 admission fee

Back in March , I posted we met bloggers Cheryl and Debbie at The Little French Flea Market. I will be there again with my friend Daisy, but this time we are going to have a booth together!! If you are going to be in the area, please stop by and join us!!

FUN! FUN! FUN!!!

Magic Glasses

2009-05-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been blogging for about four months now and for the past 4 months, I have been very busy redecorating my house from years of dark country decoratative style to a romantic Shabby Chic. I get a lot of my decorating ideas from here at blogspot and I'm always learning new things here that are exciting and keep me fresh!!

All the glass items shown in the photos are my thrift store findings. I've seen fellow bloggers creat so many different ways to display glass jars, bottles and other glass decorating accessories and all things under glass just sparkle with magic!!!!

See how Melanie at The Old White Cottage is keeping her dish soap!!

Happy Sunday!

2009-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

My religion is very simple.

My religion is kindness.

-Dalai Lama

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.
And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

-Dalai Lama

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

-Dalai Lama

This is my simple religion.

There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

-Dalai Lama

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not,
there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.

-Dalai Lama

Melanie's 100Th Post Giveaway!

2009-04-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Melanie at " The Old White Cottage " http://oldwhitecottage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sweet-100-giveaway.html

is having a 100Th post giveaway for her gorgeous "dish" and the perfect match "bud vase" for bonus entry!!

Please visit her blog and enter for these lovely giveaway!! Don't miss your chance to win!!!

Slip Cover

2009-04-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

Remember? A few weeks ago I went to the garment district in LA and purchased some fabrics? http://suziescottage.blogspot.com/2009/04/los-angeles-garment-district.html

Here are the slip covers I said I was going to make with the fabric I bought. WOW! Making the slip cover was a challenge! Sewing was the least difficult part, but to make it fit to the chair was my biggest headache even though these are armless chairs! Well, as you see the photo, it's not the most greatest fit slip cover, but I'm okay with it! It will work for me for now...

Margarita Stewart: Essential Oils

2009-04-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Margarita Stewart: Essential Oils

Dining Chair Make Over

2009-04-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

http://suziescottage.blogspot.com/2009/04/thank-you-salvation-army.html

Okay, here we go again! After a couple of primer, a few coats of spray paint, and a new cushion fabric, it will be proudly served for my dining chairs! Now I need to go hunt for a dining table. I wish my luck doesn't run out at Goodwill or Salvation Army!!!! ^___^

Bacon Sloppy Joes

2009-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thank You, Donna!!

http://mytastytreasures.blogspot.com/2009/04/bacon-sloppy-joes-and-macaroni-salad.html

A few days ago, I finally found a cook blog I've been searching for ever since I started blogging. It is : http://mytastytreasures.blogspot.com/2009/04/bacon-sloppy-joes-and-macaroni-salad.html. As much as I enjoy decorating, I love to cook and I am very interested to learn many different recipes as well. I fell in love with Donna's blog immediately, because I love the way she posts step by step photos and her recipes and her cooking directions are so real and honest. It reminds me of mom's home made meals! In addition, I love her sense of humor!! The whole time I was reading her blog, I couldn't stop laughing. She is great!

Tonight I followed her cooking recipe and made a Bacon Sloppy Joes for a dinner and my kids loved it!! A busy mother who works a full time job needs a quick meal like this one!!

Please visit Donna's blog even if you are not a cook person her sense of humor will not disappoint you. Thank you, Donna!! I love your blog and I am so glad I found you!!!!

Thank You, Salvation Army!!

2009-04-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

I found these five great dining chairs at the Salvation Army today. The chairs are well made, sturdy and they are in great shape!! Okay... most importantly, I only paid $3.75 for each chair!!!

The Los Angeles Garment District

2009-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

My friend Daisy and I went to the LA Garment District http://www.fashiondistrict.org/ for fabric shopping yesterday.

As I expected, it was packed with people. I work just a few blocks from the LA Garment district so I often go there for a quick shopping during my lunch hours on weekdays, but it wasn't as crowded as it is on weekends. One of my cousin owns a whole sale jewelry and accessories business in there, but I got so tired of walking I didn't even stop by their store.

It was so crowded that we would get separated from each other. Hey, Daisy!! I'm here!!!!

You know how Toile fabric is expensive at retail stores, at garment district, you could get it around $5.00 per yard and if you buy more than 10 yards, you'll even get a discount!

Because the time was so limited, we only went into a few fabric stores even though there were more than 10 blocks of fabric district.

I'm going to bring my daughter here for her middle school graduation dress this year.

Although I am not so crazy about perfumes, I was so fascinated by the blocks of whole sale perfume district. Literally any brand name you want would be found here and you would've paid fortunes at department stores.

In additions to fabrics, I bought a few other things.

The small nick knacks like these angels are usually sold by a dozen. I bought them for a dollar a piece.

These are the fabrics I bought for my dining room cushions, pillows, and slip covers for these 2 old chairs. For the wholesale prices I paid for each item, and all the fun we had, it was well worth the long walks and the drive there on the weekend.

Living Room Makeover

2009-04-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

I've been redecorating my living room as you all know and I am satisfied with the results so far! Anyways, tomorrow i'm going to the LA garment district for fabric shopping for my 2 old

antique victorian chairs. I've been meaning to make slip covers for them but, making the slip cover is a challenge!!!

Shabby Chic Wall Paper Frame

2009-03-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I bought this shabby chic frame at the Hollywood Thrift store for $5.95 last month. I liked the size , the shape and I even liked the wall paper print of the frame. But the print had a water stain and my plan was to replace the wall paper to a mirror some day when I have the time to do it.

Yesterday, I spent all day fixing and painting the treasures(?) that I've been wanting to use for my living room make over. As I was going through my nick knack piles in attic, I found that plate rack standing right next to the frame which I completely forgot about.

Well, here they are now!!! After a couple of primer and a few coats of spray paint, they are proudly displayed on my living room wall.

Chicken Marsala

2009-03-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS:
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1 Tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1-1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/3 cup dry Marsala wine
2/3 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup all-purpose flour for coating
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Mix together the flour, salt, pepper and oregano and add the flour mixture to a Ziploc bag, add chicken and shake!

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in oil over medium heat. Place chicken in the pan, and lightly brown. In same skillet saute mushrooms and onions in pan drippings; cook, stirring, until slightly tender.

I used my own home made chicken broth

Add Marsala wine,chicken broth and oregano. Cook over high heat until liquid is reduced by half.

SERVE chicken mixture over rice or (Pasta). Sprinkle with parsley.

Okay, Let's Eat!! :D

Romantic!

2009-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

I bought that shabby chic mirror at Marshall for $19.99. I thought it would be just perfect in my dining room and I also had the idea of hanging plates around the mirror.

I also decided to display the tea pot & tea cups from the dish set that my mother bought me from Germany years ago in the plant stand shown above.

It looks romantic!!

I put my expression on the shelf!!!!

Country Kitchen in a High Rise Apartment

2009-03-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

I found these kitchen make over pictures from a popular Korean web site. Land space in South Korea is very limited. Over 60% of the population live in high rise apartment complex and Koreans generally dislike living in a house. They much prefer living in apartments, because of the convenience it affords. Most complexes are near shops, schools, entertainment, and provide building maintenance for tenants.

The owner of this kitchen is a house wife who made her modern kitchen into a warm and cozy country style in her high rise apartment.

In her kitchen, from the kitchen cabinets, to all the furniture and decorating items were all made by her!

Although she lives in the other side of the world from us, I thought she shares the same passion and creativity in decorating as the ladies at our blog spot and I wanted to share her make over photos with you.

Mary Cassatt Gallery

2009-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

La Toilette
c. 1891
Oil on canvas
39 1/2 x 26 in.
The Art Institute of Chicago

Young Mother

1900

Oil on canvas

92.4 x 73.7 cm

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Young Woman Trying on a Dress

1890-91

Drypoint and aquatint on cream laid paper

37.7 x 25.6 cm

The Art Institute of Chicago

Lady at the Tea Table

1883

Oil on canvas

73.4 x 61 cm

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Summertime

c. 1894

Oil on canvas

100.7 x 81.3 cm

Terra Foundation for the Arts

Young Women Picking Fruit

1891/92

Oil on canvas

132 x 91.5 cm

Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh

Mother and Child

c. 1900

Pastel on tan wove paper

71 x 58.5 cm

The Art Institute of Chicago

Mother and Child

1889

Oil on canvas

90 x 64.5 cm

Wichita Art Museum, Kansas

Portrait of a Little Girl

1878

Oil on canvas

89.5 x 129.8 cm

National Gallery of Art, Washington

The Letter

1890-91

Drypoint and aquatint on cream laid paper

34.5 x 21.1 cm

The Art Institute of Chicago

Le the (Five O'Clock Tea)

1880

Oil on canvas

25 1/2 x 36 1/2 in (64.7 x 92.7 cm)

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Lydia Seated at an Embroidery Frame

1880/81

Oil on canvas

65.5 x 92 cm

Flint Institute of Arts, Michigan

Driving

1881

Oil on canvas

89.3 x 130.8 cm

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Lydia Crocheting in the Garden at Marly

1880

Oil on canvas

26 x 37 in (66 x 94 cm)

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Children on the Beach

1884

Oil on canvas

38 1/2 x 29 1/4 in (97.6 x 74.2 cm)

National Gallery of Art, Washington

Child Picking a Fruit

1893

Oil on canvas

100 x 65 cm

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

The Bath

1890-91

Drypoint and aquatint on cream laid paper

36.8 x 26.3 cm

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Banjo Lesson

1893/94

Pastel over oiled pastel on tan wove paper

72.2 x 58.6 cm

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

Autumn

1880

Oil on canvas

93 x 65 cm

Musee du Petit Palais, Paris

Young Girl at a Window

c. 1883

Oil on canvas

100.3 x 64.7 cm

Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington

The Boating Party

1893-94

Oil on canvas

90.2 x 117.5 cm (35 1/2 x 46 1/4 in.)

National Gallery of Art, Washington

Girl Arranging Her Hair

1886

Oil on canvas

29 5/8 x 24 5/8 in. (75.1 x 62.5 cm)

National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

----------------------------------------------

MARY CASSATT Biography

Mary Cassatt.
Reproduced by permission of

Archive Photos, Inc.

remains known as the painter and poet of the nursery.

-----------------------------------------

Born: May 23, 1845

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Died: June 14, 1926

Mesnil-Beaufresne, France

American painter and artist

American painter Mary Cassatt is considered a member of the French impressionists, a nineteenth-century style that emphasized impressions of scenes or objects. Best known for her series of paintings of a mother and child, she also portrayed fashionable society.

Early life and career

Mary Stevenson Cassatt was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 1845, the second of Robert and Katherine Johnson Cassatt's four children. As a child she lived for a time in France. The family then moved to Germany so that one son could pursue his studies in engineering, while another son could gain special medical attention. Upon returning to the United States in 1855, Mary studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1866, against her father's wishes, she began her travels in Italy, Spain, and Holland. She finally settled in Paris, France, where she shocked her parents by revealing her intentions to pursue a career as a painter.

In 1866 Cassatt began her studies in France, where she came to know other famed French painters, such as Charles Chaplin and Thomas Couture (1815–1879). After a pair of rejections, she exhibited at the Salon (French art galleries) and met the famed painter Edgar Degas (1834–1917), who later became her mentor (advisor).

Soaring career

Despite Cassatt's success at the Salon, her heart lay with the impressionists, and in 1877, at Degas's suggestion, she joined the group and exhibited with them in 1879. Her work sold well, particularly in Philadelphia, and she in turn bought paintings by the French impressionists. She also helped American friends, such as the Havemeyers, form their collections of impressionist paintings. Cassatt remained strongly American, as do many expatriates (those living abroad). She wrote the American painter J. Alden Weir (1852–1919) that "at some future time I shall see New York the artists' ground."

Cassatt's brother, Alexander, brought his family to Paris in 1880, the first of many trips. Although she never married, she was enchanted by her nieces and nephews and excelled in painting children, who dominate her subject matter. Although her early works were done in an impressionist style, she

Painting style

Cassatt stopped being an impressionist painter midway through her career. Her early works portray the delicacy, the effects, the play of light and shadow of the style, but she never seemed to use broken colors and her use of complementary colors was slight. Paintings like La Lo have impressionistic qualities and have the instant effect of being caught out of the corner of the eye. Her paintings of mothers and children, however, are figurative and three-dimensional. The drawing is classical and complete, and the color, far from being light and separated into its component parts, is flat and sometimes rather sharp, much like the Japanese prints that influenced her so much. These careful figure studies, completely finished, seem to exist entirely in the atmosphere of the nursery, with no sound except the little cries.

The paintings of Mary Cassatt, filled with light and joy, give a false impression of this strong-minded and somewhat difficult woman. She was at her best in her relations with other artists, for only in this environment did she consider herself among her intellectual equals. In later life she suffered from ill health and failing eyesight and was totally blind at her death. She died in her home at Mesnil-Beaufresne, France, on June 14, 1926.

Outdoor Green Tea(Cha) Ceremony

2009-03-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken about 2 years ago when I went to South Korea. There are 5 tea cups so you could tell that there were 5 of us that joined in this outdoor tea ceremony.

We had some home made rice cake for the desert.

This lady is a Tea instructor and a very good friend.

I and as well as many other Koreans drink green tea not only for the taste, but also to have a quiet moment to focus on the inner being while drinking tea. So drinking tea is not only tasting a flavor, but it also means " thinking the flavor". I drink to focus on my soul and to clear my mind.

Milk Glass Lamps and Buffet Cabinet

2009-03-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

I found these old milk glass lamps at Goodwill last weekend. I've seen milk glass lamps lik those being posted by fellow bloggers and they were having a store wide sale. Everything in the store were 50% off so when I saw a guy at the Goodwill was just putting out those lamps on the shelve, I just grabbed them as fast as I could and then I checked the price. They were $7.98 each. WOW! 50% off from $7.98 is less than $4.00 right? You can't beat that!!!So I got them all!!!

I know exactly what I'm going to do with those lamps. Just wait and see! :D

Okay, so my son and I were on our way to the market last Sunday and I saw a huge garage sale. So I decided to stop by for a quick look. As soon as I was getting out of my car, something caught my eye. It was that buffet cabinet. I asked the lady who was having a garage sale the price of that buffet cabinet. She said it was $80.00. I thought $80.00 was not so bad, but I wasn't really looking for a buffet cabinet so I didn't want to spend $80.00. So I just walked away, then she said $70.00! I didn't respond, then she said $60.00! I still didn't respond to her. Finally, she said $50.00!! I said it's sold!!

Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

2009-03-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, 4 medium potatoes, 1 medium onion, 2 carrots, 1-2 hot green pepper, 2 green onions

Sauce:

6 tbsp. soy sauce, 4 tbsp. chili powder, 3 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. corn syrup, 3 tbsp. rice wine,

3 cloves garlic, chopped, 2 dash of sesame oil, 1 tbsp. sesame seed power, 1 tsp. pepper

1 can chicken broth

Preparation:

1. Marinate chicken with rice wine, ginger powder, black pepper and garlic salt for about 30 minutes.

2. Rinse the vegetables and cut potatoes, onion,hot green chili pepper into medium pieces.

Cooking:

1. Heat a deep skillet or a pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add olive oil into the pot. Add chicken and cook until chicken is lightly browned.

3. Add vegetable and 1/2 prepared sauce, then stir it for a few minutes.

4. Add chicken broth cover and boil 8 minutes.

5. Add rest of the sauce and boil for a very short time.

6. Add green onion. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seed powder.

7. Serve with rice!

Okay, let's eat!!

Pipsy and Snowflake

2009-03-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

These are my new foster dogs Pipsy and Snowflake. They were dumped together by their owner over a month ago. They were on a red list (scheduled to euthanasia this week )and our group rescued them out of the shelter last week. The shelter thinks Pipsy is about 14 years old and Snowflake is about 12 years old.

Poor Pipsy and Snowflake..getting ripped out of their home after 14 years and dumped in the shelter must have been a terrifying experience for them.

The shelter is packed with dogs due to large number of owner turn-ins! Since the economic crisis really hit, people are not just dumping one pet in the shelter; they are dumping two, three or even four at a time.

If you look at the LAAS website, you will see a lot of dogs coming in together with consecutive impound numbers. It's very SAD.

Status of My Diningroom Re-decorations

2009-03-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my old dining room with-out dining table and chairs. I got rid of my dining set that i bought at Ikea and I've been looking for a nice antique dining table set ever since, but i haven't had any luck yet.

I've been re-decorating my dining room little over a month now.

I've showed you bits and pieces of pictures through my other posts and here is the picture of the progress I have made to my dining room so far.

Very shabby chic, huh?

I have to admit I still have a long way to complete my dining room project, but I wanted to go ahead and share the status of my dining room project with you.

I plan to make the curtain and valance for the window next week. I also need to pick-up the chandelier that Esther bought me from the Thrift Store. I have to buy some prisms to decorate and hang them on the chandelier. I decided to paint the bench in the photo(bought it at Joannes) white and use it as a chair in the dining room. I'm going to throw on some cushions and pillows to make a warm and cozy feeling. My mom bought me the china sets from Germany years ago and i need to find a nice spot to display them.

These are the next steps that I plan to do in my dining room.

I thank everyone for visiting my blog!

Have a nice weekend!

We met bloggers, Cheryl and Debra

2009-03-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hi, Cheryl!

Hi, Debra!

These photos were taken at the French Garden Flea Market last Saturday. The photos on top are Cheryl from Cheryl's Fascinatingfinds http://cherylsfascinatingfinds.blogspot.com/and Debra from The English Cottage Collection http://thenglishcottage.blogspot.com/ When I saw Cheryl,I remembered seeing her picture from her blog. I particularly remembered her, because she was a cottage of the month and her decorations were just amazingly beautiful...Wow what a small world!

Cheryl and Debra both had a booth there. They sure had a lot of goodies!!! Michelle the owner of the Bella Cottage bought her truck loaded. hahahaha :D

It was really fun meeting bloggers in real world, especially meeting people so down to earth like Cheryl and Debra.

Thank you Cheryl & Debra for posing for my pictures!

A beautiful smile of my friend,Daisy!! :D

Isn't this a brilliant idea? They used an old chair to

put plants to make a beautiful mini garden pot.

I think that it was cute and really unique!

Okay Daisy, how much did we spend that day?

I'm a Material Girl!

2009-03-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hello, ALL!!

Today, I was given a material Girl award by Kate and Gina

at K & G Book Club http://kandgbookclub.blogspot.com/

Please drop by their blog and say hello to them!

Thank you, Kate and Gina for sharing your beautiful postings and for

the award. You made my day!!

Stevie

2009-03-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

This was my foster dog Stevie. Isn't he cute? He has the cutest eyes and short legs! He was finally adopted by a nice family last Sunday! My daughter was especially attached to Stevie while he was staying at my house. He slept with her at night and everywhere she went, he followed her around. She begged me to adopt Stevie, but deep inside she knew that we always have to leave a space open for a new rescued dog. That one open space will save a precious life and that is how it has been for so many dogs we fostered.

Stevie will have a good happy life with his new family. He is going to eat a lot of rice since his new family is an asian family. Ever since he first came to us, rice was his favorite treat!! I will always remember him as rice boy!

Daisy's Home Deco

2009-03-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures of my friend Daisy's home when i went over to her house last week. I love her home decorating style, because her choices of decorating items make me feel very cozy and warm. I remember when i went her house for the first time. I felt right at home from the moment I set foot on her house. ... I like the decorating style that I could feel comfortable without having to worry about knocking over some decoration objects. I wouldn't want an accident by touching or staining the couch or table cover, but to enjoy a cup of tea and have a good time. Daisy's home reminds me of Daisy, a kind and warm-hearted person who will always be willing to welcome you.

"Shabby Chic Heaven"

2009-03-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

I live about 20 minutes away from the Bella Cottage. I pass by the Bella Cottage when i go to home depot, but who would of thought that a beautiful store like The Bella Cottage could be found in such an industry area?

Once you enter the store, it's like a shabby chic heaven!

Those appliques in the frames are the samples that The Balla Cottage carries in their stock.
Since they were on sale. I bought quite a few of them.

They also manufacture beautiful bed head board in all sizes. I was so thankful that Michelle, the store owner let me take the picture of her shop and warehouse. Michelle and her assistant are not only pretty, but also down to earth, they made me feel so comfortable & welcome!Their offices are as I thought impressively decorated in all white shabby chic which I obviously love!

Please visit their website at:

http://www.thebellacottage.com/

I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

Mini China Cabinet Makeover

2009-02-27T00:36:00.000-08:00

I bought this mini china cabinet at the Rose Bowl flea market for $120.00.

Those appliques are on sale now at the Bella Cottage.

I love it!!!

Secretary Desk & Hutch

2009-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

I finally completed my secretary desk & hutch makeover project today,

thanks to my kids!! They ate corned beef with rice and some leftover soup

from last night for dinner. I'm going to cook their favorite "beef curry rice" tomorrow!

Blue And White

2009-02-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

I Love blue and white!

Mirror

2009-02-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

Before

-----------------

After

-----------------

I painted it antique white and I want to put some appliques around the edge.

Cake Pedestal

2009-02-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

I found 2 more cake pedestals at Simi Valley thrift store on saturday.

I Love Country!

2009-02-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

Robert Duncan Gallery

Why I Love Country Living
By Rick Rouse

As someone who has lived in both places, I can tell you that country living certainly beats the hustle and bustle of city life! Living in a rural area has advantages that simply can't be bought at any price.

In the city I was bombarded with the sounds of horns blowing and sirens blaring. In the country I'm soothed by a chorus of whippoorwills, bullfrogs and crickets, along with the pleasant sound of a cool breeze flowing through the trees.

On congested city streets I had to deal with frustrated drivers and careless pedestrians. On winding country roads I have to try my best to ignore the postcard-like beauty of the farmland and forests so I can keep my eyes on the road.

Yes, country living is the lifestyle that I, like most people who have had the opportunity to experience it, prefer. Instead of pushy salespeople knocking on my door hoping to leave with some of my money, I have warm, friendly neighbors dropping by with baskets of fresh vegetables from their gardens. Not to sell of course - they simply enjoy sharing the rewards of their country lifestyles with others.

Living in the country means that I can get up at 8:00 in the morning and enjoy a leisurely jog down a deserted lane or simply sit on a riverbank under a huge shade tree with a fishing pole in my hand.

City folks have the convenience of a store on every corner. I get to enjoy the tranquility and peace of mind that results from watching colorful birds flitter around my lawn or deer grazing in my neighbor's pasture field.

Yes, I do enjoy my country lifestyle very much! Having spent much of my life living in various cities around the world, I can now enjoy the peace and tranquility of my country home. For me, a country lifestyle makes it easy to look forward to the next day!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Someday I wish I could live in the country.

Shrimp Stir Fry With Chinese Cabbage

2009-02-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

-------------------------------

1 pound shrimp, peeled and divined
1/2 pound boneless chicken or pork, ( optional)
1/2 pound frozen squid body( optional)
1 cup sliced Chinese cabbage (bok choy)
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
5 shiitake mushrooms
1/2 can asparagus
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 tbsp rice wine
3/4 tsp salt, pepper
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 can chicken broth
2 and 1/2 cornstarch with water
2 tablespoon sesame oil

Direction:

1. Season shrimp (squid) with salt and pepper.
2. Cut chicken or pork and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet or wok and add sesame oil over medium high heat. Add garlic, and ginger and stir well for 30 seconds.

4. Add meat, stir fry 1 min. Add wine.

5. Add carrot, mushroom, Chinese cabbage, shrimp, squid quickly one after the other stirring each time.

6. Add chicken broth, corn starch with water. Season with pepper,soy sauce and cook until the shrimp is fully cooked and opaque. (About 2-3 minutes.)

7. Add asparagus.

8. Serve over rice

OK, Let's Eat!!!

Secretary Hutch Make Over

2009-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

It still needs to be painted one more coat and the final touch up by the appliques area.
Oh! and the nobs needs to be replaced with the one

I bought from the Bella Cottage last week.

I want to put some appliques on the hutch molding area on top.
I went to the Bella Cottage yesterday to get some more appliques,

but I missed her by 4 minutes. She leaves at 5:00pm on Fridays.

I guess I have to put this project on hold until next Tuesday. :(

This flying angel is actually not an appliques.
It is made of plastic and they are used for wedding decorations.
However I painted and glued them on the hutch.
Aren't they gorgeous?
Those angles were a dozen for a dollar! It is way cheaper than the appliques.
Thanks to Esther!! It was my friend Esther's idea. :D

I would say.... my secretary hutch make over is about 70% completed.

" Benji "

2009-02-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Benji was a lost dog wondering around the neighborhood in North Hollywood. I tried desperately to find his owners, but sadly I had no luck. So I took him in and fostered him. He was filthy and thin, but didn't show any signs of abuse. He was so obedient and friendly I was almost certain that he used to be some one's loving pet.

After just one week after Benji came to my house, I decided to find his new owner rather than to list him through Life 4 Paws, because he was so good that i didn't even need to train him or try to correct his behavior. He was well ready for a new family. That's how Laura who is my co- worker adopted Benji. The photos shown on top are the actual photos I showed to Laura before she adopted him. As soon as she saw that pictures, she just fell in love with Benji. Who wouldn't?

Benji is now "Jack" living the happy and good life with his new mom.

The End

Chili Cheese Elbow Pasta

2009-02-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

.....................

1 lb ground beef
1 can tomato sauce

1 can chili sauce(no beans)
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1 onion

American cheese, Velveeta cheese

Salt

1. Place chopped onions, and ground beef in large skillet. Cook until ground beef is well done. 2. Cook elbow noodles in water for 9 minutes
3. Add both cans of tomato sauce and chili sauce to the cooked ground beef and onions

3. Add chunks of Velveeta and 3 pieces of American cheese and allow to melt, stir constantly. 4. Add drained elbow pasta and mix well.
5. Salt to taste

Let's Eat!!

Thank you, Daisy! My kids loved it.

Tier Table

2009-02-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Here is my $14.95 tier table I got from the thrift store on Saturday with Daisy.

I painted today so I thought I'd just share a picture with you.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

2009-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken at the Rose bowl Flea Market last Sunday.

This time, my daughter came with us too. She bought a few vintage clothes for herself. :D

I almost bought the hallway tree in the picture. It was $130.00
and I thought the price was pretty good. It was an unusual design and
size wise it was just perfect for my house front door hallway.
Unfortunately, it didn't fit in my car. Oh~well!!

LOOK at these bird house lamps!!
Aren't they so pretty?
The lady who sells them actually created the design and made them as well.
She has so many beautiful shabby chic furniture's that I look forward to
see her booth every month. Her price is also very reasonable.

A lot of vendors didn't show up, because it rained that day.
But I found what I was looking for..
http://suziescottage.blogspot.com/2009/02/chandelier.html

Spicy Chili Chicken

2009-02-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

-----------------------------

1 whole chicken, cut up and marinated with salt, wine and milk for an hour in the refrigerator.

For Marinating:

1 whole chicken

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon wine

2 tablespoon milk

Sauce:

1/2 onion

2 tablespoon chili sauce

1 tablespoon Korean hot pepper paste ( optional)

2 tablespoon pancake syrup

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon wine

2 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 teaspoon ginger powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

In a deep pan, fry chopped onions until
lightly golden and pour prepared sauce into the pan for a quick boil.

Add baked chicken into a pan and mix well with sauce.

Preheat oven for 365°F and place in oven for 5 minutes.

Soooo Many Goodies

2009-02-15T00:28:00.000-08:00

Paid for $14.95. It was already sanded and ready to be painted.

I'll paint it white.

So shabby, huh? It was only $5.95

-------------------------------------------------------
After I dropped Daisy off at her house, I went to Simi Valley
and I found many good treasures!!! :D
I shop at Goodwill almost on a weekly basis.. hahahahaha

$1.95

Between .49cents - $1.95 per piece

The whole thing cost me $5.50

Cake Pedestal with Cover $2.95

I liked my red dining room wall, but after so many years with
the same wall color,I needed some change...
So I finally started painting my dinning room wall "yellow".
I painted one coat today.

" Flower "

2009-02-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Please meet our "Flower" , my other 4 legged daughter. Flower used to be my foster dog for a few weeks before she was adopted to a wealthy family in Beverly Hills. Well, money couldn't buy happiness for our Flower. Just a few days after she was adopted, she ran away from her new family so my daughter and I went to Beverly Hills forest area for a week looking for her. On Friday, close to midnight, we finally found her!! We were ecstatic!!! Well, next thing I knew is that she has became our princess for LIFE :)

KISS KISS...Look at that face..WOW, we just love our Flower!!

My Past Christmas Decorations

2009-02-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas is long gone,but I didn't get a chance to post my decorations.

So here we go!! A few Christmas pics from the past...

As you see, I enjoy Christmas decorations very much!

Chandelier

2009-02-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

I bought the mini china cabinet for $120.00.

I'm thinking of using it

as linen cabinet after it's painted white.

I found the tea pot at Salvation Army last week.

I paid the lamp for $4.75 at Simi Valley Goodwill
and the plant pot for $1.50

I finally completed my mission on Sunday at Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market. I found a beautiful antique chandelier for $55.00.

Candle Holder

2009-02-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I got that candle holder from Salvation Army for $1.00.

I spray painted white and I love how it turned out...

"Shabby Chic Look"

Cake Pedestal, Candle holder

2009-02-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Daisy and I went to the Saugus swap meet last sunday.

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!

I paid $10.00 for each and I love them! I'm looking forward

to find many good deals at Pasadena flea market this sunday.

Creamy Pasta With Bacon And Shrimp

2009-02-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

Prep Time: 15 min.

Cook Time: 15 min

Ready In: 30 min

Serving: 4

Ingredients:

7 - 10 slices bacon

10 med shrimps

10 slices mushroom
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces spaghetti
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sorry! I will post my completed recipe later tonight ..

I need more space for pictures, but I don't know how.

I have to read and figure it out.hehe

" Natara "

2009-02-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

My two daughters, Natasha and Natara

Natara and her 6 puppies were rescued under a bush in Compton area.
All her puppies were adopted by good loving families and I adopted Natara.
Some people said that I could have adopted my other pure breed small foster dogs,
but I don't really care about breeds or size. I love them all.
My other adopted dog, Flower, is also a mixed breed dog.

It's really hard to explain, but when I first saw Natara,
I just fell in love with her immedietly.
It's like, love at first sight. hahaha

I love my Natara!!!! KISS KISS