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Monday, November 11, 2013

One Afternoon with Linda & Gracie

Trying to photograph Linda and Gracie one afternoon in Florida was very challenging. It was mainly because the weather was overcast and cloudy. The sun came in and out. Most of the afternoon there were not much sun at all.

As you know I have known Linda for many years now, but that afternoon she brought her beautiful young lady friend name 'Gracie'. A part of that afternoon was not a good idea to take pictures; Gracie knows how to pose in front of the camera and we had so much fun during the shooting. My only wish that the sun was there. 

Then by the time Linda's turn, the sun were really starting to disappeared. 

As this is only a practice for me; I can only be positive and hoping that I caught some sun shine on some of the pictures. It turned out that I did not get much of sun at all on the pictures. With a little disappointment; I could only take this photo session as a positive experience and I did gain something from the whole session. And that is what most important.

I am very happy that they got to wear the head pieces I made and brought over to Delray, Florida. I will be posting about these head pieces that I created very soon. One night I was obsessed creating head pieces and flower tiaras that in two hours I created 3 tiaras and about 7 head pieces including these two that Gracie and Linda wore. And the next day I created more. I thought it would be nice as a props for young girls to wear during photo shoot. And I love them too that one night while cooking dinner I wore the tiara too!

If you like to see more pictures of this photo session please go to the navigation bar and under 'photography.'




Thank you for stopping by, and have a beautiful Monday!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Catching the Sun Light

I can not seem to focus on my blog lately.  I think I am facing through a transition where I as a blogger has evolved. 

I still love blogging about all of my hobbies in craft, art, cooking and home decor. But lately I am taking a serious consideration in to photography. I have been blogging for almost 2 years now and I  honestly saying that blogging is a place where I can express my creativity; photography is one of them. 

I found out  what I love most in the process of blogging  is taking pictures of things I am going to post and write about. A few months a go; I took pictures of my girl friends and her daughter out door to practice the photography skill I knew at that time. I did take a 2 hours photography lesson prior. Since then; I knew that I enjoy taking pictures of children

Recently I bought myself Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5. I enjoy the program very much. I suggest if you are serious about photography; Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 is a very good photography editing program. I did use Adobe Photoshop Element in the past so this is a big jump and such a joy to use. Later when I am getting better at photography I am planning to use Adobe Photoshop CS6. I do not know the different between the two but since Lightroom is cheaper I am happy with this program so far. I bought mine at Ebay. If you considering in buying Lightroom; please check on Ebay. You can get cheaper over there, but please check the seller rating first.

I am taking a Natural Light Workshop photography online course (here) which started today. I was very happy about what I had learned on the very first day.

Now, I am happy that I finally confessed about what I had in my mind for the last 7 or 8 days. I still be blogging  what I had been blogging about in the past, only right now I am focusing on my photography lesson. As I mentioned earlier; I am evolving and I am listening to my inner voice.  In the transition and the  confusion  for  the past  7 or 8 days I looked deeper into myself and at the same time I felt bad that I did not have the same motivation to write anything on my blog, but I must follow and trust what I felt. Sometimes it is good to  follow what your heart is telling you. And that was what I just did. Do you ever facing a similar situation where you feel like changing or evolving as a blogger? I do not mean by changing that you completely changed your voice. What I meant is you changed slightly. You know what you really like and work for you and what don't.

Last Sunday I was looking around at an antique fair in a church near by our home. On the way home; I took landscaping pictures around the church. I love seeing the sunlight through the foliage tree. With the leaves colors are green, yellow and red; created beautiful golden sunrays that are shining through. It was a beautiful afternoon.







Thank you so much for stopping by!



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 MONDAY

Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Cheri {It's Party Time}
Creative Mondays by Claire
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn
Home Coming {The DIY'ers}

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings

The Trendy Tree House {Create and Share} by Tara
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah

The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree
The Diary of a Real Housewife {The Blogger's Diagest} by Jennie

The Pleated Poppy {What I Wore Wednesday} by Lindsey 

THURSDAY
52 Mantels {Thursday Are Your Days} by Emily
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

Perfectly Coutured {Three-fer Thursday} by Bethany

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
Creating an Artful Home {Fabulously Creative Friday} by Jen
French Country Cottage {Feathered Nest Friday} by Courtney
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt it Friday} by Kate
My romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday} by Cindy 
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen 
Little Inspiration {Create & Inspire} by Kimberly and Angie

The Mrs and The Momma {The Best of Friday} by Kristen

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 
 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Soft Pink Roses + Blue Baroque Bird Tea Set

I am in love with pretty bird motifs lately.  

Years a go I bought my first blue baroque bird motifs salad plate at Home Goods. It was the only plate on the shelve. And I just could not resist the plate sitting on the shelve by itself. Although I collected vintage blue band china even until now; this salad plate is new. We all know that merchandise at Home Goods always incomplete. That's why I love shopping around at Home Goods because you never know what you are going to find. 

A few days a go I went to Marshalls and saw the same exact blue baroque bird motifs set again. I could not believe my eyes and after almost 2 years later?  Only this time I saw 2 sets of creamer and sugar bowl and one that I thought a small vase. {I could not figure out what it was. It was almost look like a creamer but larger}. So immediately I grabbed the sugar bowl, creamer and the little vase. But then I was not sure about the vase so I put it back on the shelve. I bought only the sugar bowl and creamer. Went home. That night I could not stop thinking about the little vase. So the next day I went back to get the little vase and it was gone. I saw only a set of creamer and sugar bowl which I already bought a day before. I looked and looked but could not find the little vase. Don't we all have experienced this; should have bought it first time saw it. Little dissapointed, I walked around  to see what else is new over there. Hello! I saw a set of tea cup and saucer with similar motif on the other side of the section. It was so pretty and the set tied with  a pretty ribbon. Felt very happy I said to myself you are mine now. I immediately grabbed them and paid. It was my lucky day.





These two vintage birdie post cards were bought in an antique store in Nyack. Nyack is a small historic town by the Hudson River in New York. Last Sunday we drove up there to have brunch and walked around the little town of Nyack. I thought those two birds are cute and lovely.

My gut instinct is telling me that one of these days I will find other pieces of similar set, may be at Home Goods or Marshalls again, or may be at TJ Maxx. The hunt for this pretty blue baroque bird set will be continued and for sure that I am on the look out for them.



Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed my pretty blue baroque bird tea set.
Have a great week end Everyone!



 photo Linkedto_zps7da192d4.jpg
 MONDAY

Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Cheri {It's Party Time}
Creative Mondays by Claire
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn
Home Coming {The DIY'ers}

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings

The Trendy Tree House {Create and Share} by Tara
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah

The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree
The Diary of a Real Housewife {The Blogger's Diagest} by Jennie

The Pleated Poppy {What I Wore Wednesday} by Lindsey 

THURSDAY
52 Mantels {Thursday Are Your Days} by Emily
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

Perfectly Coutured {Three-fer Thursday} by Bethany

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
Creating an Artful Home {Fabulously Creative Friday} by Jen
French Country Cottage {Feathered Nest Friday} by Courtney
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt it Friday} by Kate
My romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday} by Cindy 
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen 
Little Inspiration {Create & Inspire} by Kimberly and Angie

The Mrs and The Momma {The Best of Friday} by Kristen

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 
 




Pineapple Upside Down Cake {Decorated With Baked Pineapple Flowers}

I made this Pineapple Upside Down Cake in the past. And this is one of my favorite cake. But this time instead of putting and arranging the pineapple slices on the base of the pan, I chopped them up and mixed with the batter. So the base has only the melted brown sugar and butter which will be the top part of the cake when turn it upside down. Then I decorated the cake with the baked pineapple flowers.
 











::Recipee:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For the topping.
~ 3/4 cup brown sugar
~ 2 oz. (4 tbsp) butter
~ 1 small ripe pineapple, trimmed, quartered, cored and cut into 3/4 inch thick slices.

For the cake.
~ 8 oz. (2 cups) cake flour
~ 1-1/4 tsp baking powder
~ 1/4 tsp salt
~  4 oz. (8 tbs) unsalted butter at room temperature
~ 3/4 cup sugar
~ 1-1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest
~ 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
~ 2 large eggs
~ 2/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt

Heat the oven to 350 deg. F and lightly butter the sides of an 8 inch square pan.

Make the topping.
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the butter melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil and pour into the prepared pan. Spread with a spatula to coat the bottom evenly. Carefully scatter or arrange the pineapple slices evenly in the topping, overlapping them slightly. Gently press the fruit into the caramel with the spatula.

Make the cake.
Sift together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until fluffy and lighter in color about 3 minutes. Beat in the orange zest and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each addition. Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the butter mixture and, on low speed, mix just until the flour disappears. Add the yogurt and mix until just blended. Gently mix in the remaining flour. Scoop large spoonful of batter onto the fruit; gently spread the batter evenly in the pan. Lightly tap the pan on the counter to settle the batter. Bake until the cake is golden brown and a pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Immediately run a paring knife around the inside edge of the pan. Set a flat serving plate on top of the pan and invert the cake. Let the inverted pan rest for about 5 minutes to let the topping settle. Gently remove the pan and serve the cake warm or at room temperature.

How to make the flower pineapple, {here}

~~~oo00oo~~~

Good luck Everyone and Happy Baking!



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 MONDAY

Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Cheri {It's Party Time}
Creative Mondays by Claire
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn
Home Coming {The DIY'ers}

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
The NY Melrose Family {Whimsy Wednesday}
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings

The Trendy Tree House {Create and Share} by Tara
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah

The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree
The Diary of a Real Housewife {The Blogger's Diagest} by Jennie

The Pleated Poppy {What I Wore Wednesday} by Lindsey 

THURSDAY
52 Mantels {Thursday Are Your Days} by Emily
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

Perfectly Coutured {Three-fer Thursday} by Bethany

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
Creating an Artful Home {Fabulously Creative} by Jen
French Country Cottage {Feathered Nest Friday} by  Courtney 
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday} by Cindy 
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy 
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen 
Little Inspiration {Create & Inspire} by Kimberly and Angie

The Mrs and The Momma {The Best of Friday} by Kristen

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode 



Friday, October 25, 2013

Sweet Pink Collage/Journal {October 2013}

This is a long overdue post. I should have posted at the beginning of the month of October like I usually posted my collages/journals in the past months. Since October is not over just yet; I decided to post it today and I really like this month's collage/journal.

Although this is not a typical fall/winter colors, I still think it is a sweet and lovely color for this time of the year. My intention to do a collage/journal is for me to have fun and I do not particularly stick to any season, theme or color. I just played around with images and pieces I have at that moment.

What about you? Do you have a journal that you created recently? 















Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a beautiful Friday Everyone?




 photo Linkedto_zps7da192d4.jpg

 MONDAY
Pursuit of Functional Home by Judy
Twelve O Eight {Inspiration Monday} by Tanya
Lines Across {Monday Funday} by Rachel
Sumo's Sweet Stuff by Sumo
It's So Very Cheri {It's Party Time}
Creative Mondays by Claire
The Dedicated House {Make It Pretty Monday} by Kathryn
Home Coming {The DIY'ers}

TUESDAY
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia by Kristin
The Blackberry Vine {Tuesday To Do Party)
Lady Bug Blessings {Handmade Tuesday} by Kristen
Not Just A Housewife {Show Me What Ya Got} by Stacy
Cup Cakes And Crinoline {Project Inspired} by Mary Beth 
A stroll Thru Life {Inspire Me Tuesday} by Marty

WEDNESDAY
The Blissful Bee {Work It Wednesday} by Amy
Savvy Southern Style {Wow Us Wednesday} by Kim
Raegun Ramblings

The Trendy Tree House {Create and Share} by Tara
Clean And Scentsible {Inspiration Exchange} by Jenn
Green Willow Pond {What We Accomplished Wednesday} by Deborah

The 36th Avenue {The 36th Party} by Desiree
The Diary of a Real Housewife {The Blogger's Diagest} by Jennie

The Pleated Poppy {What I Wore Wednesday} by Lindsey 

THURSDAY
52 Mantels {Thursday Are Your Days} by Emily
The Charm of Home {Home Sweet Home} by Shery
The Grant Life {The Life of the Party} by Kelley
Saving 4 Six (Welcome To Think Tank Thursday) by Carrie 
Made to be a Momma {Homemade by You} by Katie 
The Shabby Creek Cottage {Transformation Thursday} by Gina
A Glimpse Inside by Allison

Perfectly Coutured {Three-fer Thursday} by Bethany

FRIDAY
Dear Creatives {Inspiration Spotlight} by Theresa
Creating an Artful Home {Fabulously Creative} by Jen
French Country Cottage {Feathered Nest Friday} by Courtney 
Chic on a Shoe String Decorating {Flaunt It Friday} by Kate
My Romantic Home {Show and Tell Friday} by Cindy 
One Artsy Mama {Shine on Friday} by Amy 
If It's Not Baroque {Week End Creativity Round Up} by Lauren
The Dedicated House {Anything Blue Friday} by Kathryn 
A night Owl {Create and Inspire} by Kimberly
Craftberry Bush  {The Inspiration Gallery} by Lucy
Happy Hour Project {Happy Hour Friday} by Adrienne
Diana Rambles {Pin Me Linky Party} by Diana
Truly Lovely {Fancy This Friday} by Kassy and Kayli
Finding Fabulous {Frugalicious Friday} 
504 Main {Tickled Pink} by Holly 
A Stylish Interior (Stylish Friday Finds} by Karen 
Little Inspiration {Create & Inspire} by Kimberly and Angie

The Mrs and The Momma {The Best of Friday} by Kristen

SATURDAY

Suburbs Mama {Suburbs Mama Sunday} by Rita
Nifty Thrifty Things {Nifty Thrifty Sunday} by Vanessa
Flamingo Toes {Think Pink Sunday} by Bev
Pink When {DIY Sunday Showcase} by Jennifer
Twigg Studios  {Sunday Show Off} by Aimee
Crafts A la Mode