Seashore Days

Pink Begonia

2012-02-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

LOVIN' this!

Luscious silk in Pink Begonia. Mmmmm.

This is my new bright pink silk blouse from BCBG/Max Azria.

I bought it on sale, of course,

shortly after Christmas.

I knew I would love this blouse!

It is so flattering on and the color... gorgeous!

The peek-a-boo lace insets are just the right amount

of sexy and sophisticated.

These are the hoops I've been wanting

for some time now.

I will wear these with almost everything.

And now for the piece de resistance...

I spotted this Kate Spade bangle in the case

and fell in LOVE!

The pink is so vibrant and

the 70's ( or is it Art Deco) looking floral motif

is so pretty.

I put all these pieces together with my

JCrew "Minnie" pant which fits like a dream

and I was feeling very

In The Pink!

Here we are on our way to the San Diego Symphony

to see Marvin Hamlish and Jennifer Holiday.

FYI: I'm on an email list so I get notified when there are some

fabulous seats available for only $25-30.

They sound even better when you don't pay too much to get in.

Right?

But first, we saw our beautiful little girl off to her

Winter Formal dance.

It was a really fun night.

Cheers!

Mary

Wishing my dear friends over at Beverly's a very Happy Pink Saturday!

Check out all the pink here.

A Glimpse of My Christmas Home

2011-12-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Happy, Happy Holidays to you all!

I've taken a few photos of my newly finished decoupaged bookcase all decked out in retro style. I've acquired most of these cuties from the usual thrift and antique shops. Some have been with me for decades.

I really had fun stuffing the bookcase with SO MUCH Christmas.

It's a little busy, but I like it.

My Bailey's Cups...

I swear I hear them giggling and singing at night,

"Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin', ring-ting-a-tinglin' too!"

I do love snowmen!

I'm truly a child of the late 60's- Frosty the Snowman,

along with Rudolf and ALL the other Rankin-Bass films

were anticipated with great excitement

year after year!

I have an entire Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer collection;

I'll have to do a separate post on that.

Lots of surfing Christmas decor around this house,

especially on our tree.

Vintage girls from the 1960's.

Love the new remote control flame-less candles from Costco.

I have them everywhere.

I bought oodles of whimsical ribbons from Michael's this year.

All were dirt cheap with coupons.

Love coupons that make things close to free.

Now here's my mantle. It's done in a style that is typically not "me".

I have this new-found affinity with deer. They're here and there around the house, mostly in families of buck, doe and fawn. It's quite a bit more sophisticated than the year I did everything in "Bumbles" the abominable snow monster from Rudolf the film.

I used natural elements like cinnamon sticks wrapped up in bundles to resemble firewood. They have burlap ribbons around them. The gorgeous feather boa was a heavenly find at Roger's Gardens in Costa Mesa at Halloween time. I used it all Fall and now with my Christmas.

It's paid for itself.

I've had the brown, velvet cone trees for years. I was just about to give them away, when I decided to see if they did anything for this vignette. They stayed. I really like the way it looks. And smells.

The pinecones are cinnamon scented and

they smell glorious!!!

When you get within five feet of the mantle, especially if there's a fire going,

the spicy scents envelope you and draw you closer.

I'm so glad to be back blogging! I took a much needed sabbatical and I'm now feeling the desire to share! I've been so inspired by the posts I've been reading this month. I cruise around the web looking for interesting blogs, posts or photos. For tons & tons of beautiful Chirstmas posts, check out How Sweet The Sound.
Last Pink Saturday, I happened upon Judy Kent's blog, French Laundry. She did a post on her Christmas decorating that I thought was just gorgeous and so inspiring! I was so moved by her lovely "Mary did you know" tags that I took one of my many Blessed Mother vases (I collect BVM statues and head vases) and did my own take on acknowledging the Holy Family or at least Mary.

I'll add a photo of that later.

Have a very peaceful, loving and Merry Christmas!

Cheers!

~Mary~

Christmas in the Bedroom

2011-12-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

I love having a tree in our master bedroom.

It casts the most romantic glow and looks so festive!

Unpacking all the ornaments is half the fun of decorating!

Each ornament or container comes with its own memories.

Our bedroom is predominately white with a hint of orange and a smidgen of pink.

I drizzle on loads of pink, silver, orange, white, gold and ivory bulbs. The other ornaments are pretty much the same colors and they just look so sparkly!

Many, many birds of all kinds perch on the branches of my gold tree.

Such a natural and pretty look!

Done!

I love it.

One of life's little pleasures that yields so much happiness -

well for a couple of weeks, anyway.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

~Mary~

Feeling in the Pink!

2011-07-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Fabulous weather we're having at the beach today!

I just need to paint my toes to match my Havaianas.

So Cal is heated up and full of sunshine! LOVE it!

I'm feeling energized and perky and geared up for a fun, and maybe relaxing weekend!

For the past 7 days I've been on a type of fast to cleanse my body of toxins

and lose some weight. Boy did I! I've lost 8.25 pounds! I'm thrilled!

I'm off to walk the beach in about 20 minutes.

Then...I'll be baking.

I'm planning to make this Coconut Cake for Husband's birthday.

It's not until July 4th, but tonight we're having friends in to celebrate!

Normally, I make him a Peanut Butter Cake,

but I thought I'd change things up a bit this year.

Everyone in this household loves coconut. So why not?

Unfortunately, (well, I should say fortunately with this economy)

Husband is booked for gigs the rest of the weekend, through Tuesday.

So we will have a feast tonight!

Okay, they will - not me. I'm sticking to my eating plan.

The kids and I will be at the beach most of the weekend

and he'll pop in when he's not performing.

I'm also making him a surprise.

This is my new cookie cutter bought on Etsy. Husband loves anything Octopus.

So Octopus sugar cookies will be waiting for him

at the beach bonfire on Monday evening, when we watch the fireworks.

I'll try to post a pic of my finished cookies when they're done!

Happy Fourth of July weekend my friends!

Have a FABULOUS time whatever you choose to do!

And of course, Happy Pink Saturday to all the Pink Bloggers out there!

Be sure to check out all the PINK at Beverly's blog, How Sweet the Sound.

Happy weekend,

Mary

A Midsummer Night's Tea Party

2011-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quiet over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine."

The Moon is bright and casting beautiful shadows on the forest floor.

A marvelous night for a moon-dance or

a tea party!

The scent of Peonies, night-blooming Jasmine and Evergreen Trees fill the night air.

A little bunny waits patiently for tea and goodies!

"I am that merry wanderer of the night"

An otherwise sleeping forest is anxious to see what's happening.

"What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?"

Pixies awaken at the smell of Chamomile and Mint.

"Over hill, over dale,

Through bush, through brier,

Over park, over pale,

Through flood, through fire,

I do wander everywhere."

Waiting, gathering.

Two lumps for me please.

May I have a spoon please.

Many thanks!

Crispie treats and Chocolate Madeleines!

"Swift as a shadow, short as any dream:

Brief as the lightening in the collied night."

Before they all knew it, the Moon had drifted away and the Sun was on the rise.

The lively little Midsummer Night's Tea Party had come to an end.

The flora and fauna of the forest slept an extra hour the next morning!

Then they got up...

and had tea.

A Midsummer Night's Dream quotes courtesy of Bill Shakespeare.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful summer weekend.

Have a cup of tea and peruse through all the participating blogs of

The Mad Tea Party

at A Fanciful Twist.
Thank you Vanessa for hosting another Mad Tea Party Event!
I look forward to it every year!

Also, check out those participating in Beverly's Pink Saturday!

Cheers!

Mary

Performing Hippo and Pink Umbrellas

2011-06-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Happy Pink Saturday to you all!

I wanted to share with you my latest creation.

This sparkly little gal is from my Circus Collection in my shop at Etsy.

You can click the sidebar to take you right to the shop.

I had a lot of fun making her.

She's embellished with paint, glitter, feathers, pearls, flowers and ribbons.

In addition to my Hippo friend here, I thought I would share one of my favorite inspiration photographs. I found this about a year ago and I LOVE this umbrella and this backyard!!!

If I had a beautiful pool like this one,

I would have a vintagy pink umbrella poolside.

Not to mention the ocean in the background!

Wow, this looks glorious!

Well, have a beautiful Saturday friends!

Don't forget to check out all the other bloggers

participating in Pink Saturday!

Cheers!

Mary

Party Planning

2011-06-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

A BEAUTIFUL PINK SUNSET!
Hopefully, the sky will be this beautiful at the beach the evening of our party!!

This summer, Husband and I are renewing our wedding vows

and celebrating our 20 years together!

We've chosen a date with a full moon

and a site across from the oceanfront.

I'm hoping it will be magical.

I want the feeling of the party to convey

SUMMERTIME

BEACH COTTAGE

SIMPLICITY

FUN

My colors are Orange and Blues

I plan to use a lot of white and natural elements like

burlap, sand, driftwood, old wood tables,

coral, seashells

and of course, fresh flowers!

I've been saving images from the web that represent some element of design that I want my party to encompass. I have an "Inspiration Folder" where I keep food, decor, tips, band, and venue info.

These are all images I collected.

Love, love, love Canning Jars.

Be it Mason or Ball, clear or vintage blue,

there will be oodles of them used at the party.

Votive and Tea-light candles

set in sand or crushed shells

and fresh flowers will be the contents

of all my jars.

Soooo Summertime!

This photo looks as if Puck might be bounding out of the darkness any second!

So Beachy!

Perfect for the venue.

This dress!

Navy and Orange...

A perfect pair don't you think?

Burlap and White with touches of Aqua...

Lovely.

More inspiration from Target.

I think this blue and orange bicycle simply screams Summer!

I picture it parked at the entrance of the party with a huge natural basket

filled with jars of Rhubarb and Strawberry jam!

The jam is for the guests to take home.

I've found the most amazing selection of unique and spectacular invitations on Etsy.
I just type in Orange and Blue and tons pop up!

I plan to have strings upon strings of clear lighting -

perfect for a warm summer night.

I'll be making some of the floral centerpieces in large pink Conch Shells.

I have a source at the San Diego Floral Mart for deep blue roses.

They really are very pretty!

Teamed with white and orange roses and real white coral,

I think the arrangements will be gorgeous.

I'll keep you all posted on my Beach Party.

I'm definitely in party mode. Can't think of anything else!

I'm on a mission to make this a gorgeous, memorable event for Husband and me and our guests.

Happy Pink Saturday friends and have a great weekend friends!

XO,

Mary

A Few Good Things...

2011-05-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

It's here!

The invitation to the Tea Party at A Fanciful Twist!

I always have so much fun looking at all the creative Tea Parties that get shared during this incredibly whimsical event.

Stay tuned...June 25, 2011

Now onto other tidbits...

I've been spending oodles of time cruising around Etsy.

I've had great success since launching my shop,

Mermaid Mercantile.

Etsy shoppers really seem to embrace my Circus animals!

I am feeling the love from other Etsy shops and customers.

So I've decided to feature a couple of the incredible businesses I've discovered there.

Bee's Knees Creative

out of Florida makes some pretty amazing cookies!

Have a look...

Darling!!!

Photos are from http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeesKneesCreative?ref=pr_shop

I would definitely buy these adorable cookies!

They come individually wrapped and are PERFECT for party favors.

Love, love this shop!

Next is another shop that I fell in love with,

Loralee Lewis

The absolutely cutest invitations around!!!

I really hate to disclose such a unique and fabulous resource, but I'm feeling kind today.

Check these out...

Love the font on these sweet, vintage invitations!

These are the cutest! She will customize the invitations for you.

Very affordable and oh so cute!

Love this Halloween one!

Photos are from http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoraleeLewis

There are so very many unbelievable items on Etsy!

Take a look at the artistic, unique and fun handmade and/or designed items for sale there.

You can get lost in the hours on Etsy.

Have fun!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, friends,

Mary

Step Right Up....

2011-05-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Now selling in my Etsy store, MermaidMercantile,

are my CIRCUS PARTY ANIMALS!

Featured in my "Anna"s Vintage Circus Party" post,

I've received numerous requests about making more and selling them.

As a result, I've created more and

I'm happy to say, they're for sale here!

I just LOVE Etsy!

When you're there browsing around, take a look at my Etsy store!

MermaidMercantile

Take care friends,

Mary

Sweet Little Flowers

2011-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends and readers!
A very Happy Pink Saturday to you all!

A little pink, a little blue and a peppering of yellow and white.

Yummy little floral centerpieces for a precious baby shower!

These vintage reproductions look like they could have been from the 1950's!

I made a dozen of these for a shower that my daughter was throwing for her friend.

Lots of fun working with the vintage theme.

Don't you just love carnations?

They look so very retro!

Working with scrumptious, fresh flowers and adorable containers and themes takes the monotony out of making so many!

I thought I'd share the work I did here and let you all know the fabulous news...

My oldest daughter is expecting again! The third and possibly last time for them!

I'm thrilled and I'm already thinking about shower ideas for her.

If she has a boy, she'll need a shower because the last one (now 3) is a girl.

Exciting, I know.

Well, have a beautiful Pink Saturday and be well my friends!
Don't forget to check out all the PINK at Beverly's blog this week!

Cheers!

Mary

Urban Gardening

2011-05-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled that after years of being on the waiting list for a plot at the Carlsbad Community Gardens, I've finally got one!

I'm pulling on my Wellies, smearing on some sunscreen, donning a big hat and heading out to get dirty!

The plots are approximately 600 square feet give or take a little. In my plot there are two fairly large fruit trees that were left for me (along with all the weeds).

One is a Loquat and the other, a Persimmon.

Some Community Gardens function as a volunteer spot for restless gardeners and do-gooders. Those gardens are harvested and the food is often shared among the workers who help to grow the crops and less fortunate people who need fresh food.

My garden doesn't work like that. Each gardener pays a semi-yearly fee to "rent" the space to grow her own crop of her own choosing.

All the old-timers there enthusiastically ask me what I'm going to plant. I know I eat a lot of Lacinato Kale and Spinach; so I'll start with those. I'd love to grow some roses and cutting flowers, so I'm thinking of reserving some space for that. I also eat a tremendous amount of tomatoes. I've been told to be careful with any tomato crop because we're so close to the ocean. Apparently, not too many of the gardeners have luck growing them. I plan to investigate that.

Husband has been a real love and built me two raised boxes crafted of Cedar. He also attacked a portion of the weeds. He's really enjoying this as much as I am! He even bought two brightly colored Adirondack chairs for under the giant Loquat tree.

This garden is worth the wait!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends! Get some sun!

Cheers,

Mary

Phyllis - so pretty in pink!

2011-04-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting the

legendary Phyllis Diller!

I was invited to attend an intimate gathering at her home in Brentwood, CA. She occasionally sells her artwork and items from her personal costume collection.

I strolled around almost every inch of her estate and soaked in the ambiance. Sinatra music filled the air as we tried on some incredible outfits that had been custom made for Ms. Diller by NBC or big studios.

We drank champagne and gushed over everything, including the huge oil painting that rested on an easel in one of her parlors of a very serious and

very handsome Bob Hope.

The event was simply sublime!

Ms. Diller, now 94 is sharp as a tack and looks fantastic! She doesn't look a day over seventy!

I was thrilled to go home with a signed piece of her artwork!! She even signed the back "To Mary, love Phyllis" Joy!!! Rapture!

It is a rare and special event to meet your muse. I'm so grateful and excited to have had this moment in my life! I'm usually not starstruck, but this... this was Phyllis Diller, in her own home!

The evening concluded with cocktails at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, then a long, chatty dinner at Lawry's in B.H.

Again, simply sublime!!!

Happy Pink Saturday Friends!

Fabulous Pink Drink

2011-04-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Campari and Orangina

This was the signature drink for my

Tony Award Party

last year.

Garnish with an Orange wedge.

So pretty.

I know! Geez! Why have a coaster if you're not going to use it???

Some party guests just don't get it!

One can mix just about anything with Campari!

It has a bittersweet Grapefuity taste so sweet mixers like lemonade, orange juice, or really any kind of juice taste great with it. Delish!

It's a refreshing drink for the warmer weather we're having now. Well, here in CA, we know it's SPRING!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends,

Mary

PINK & GREEN Saturday

2011-03-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Bloggers! Happy Pink Saturday to you! I'm thrilled to be back participating in PS with you all. I started way back when in 2008 posting Pink every Saturday with Beverly. Alas, I got bogged down with life and stopped blogging almost entirely. Boo!

So take a look at this week's Pink (and Green). I have something very awesome to share with you all...

This is my new blender from the Ellen Degeneres Show.

Back in October, my daughter Maddie and I went with some of my girlfriends to see Ellen. October being breast cancer awareness month, was all about Pink take home gifts.

We each, yes each of us, got this super pink KitchenAid blender to take home.

This mother is powerful!

So this is my new, life-changing recipe that is an absolute must if you want to change the look and feel of your skin! I recently found out about the incredible benefits of KALE. Yes, superfood Kale.

I knew cruciferous veggies were great in preventing cancer and worked wonders on low levels of energy, but I didn't know the beauty secrets wrapped up in Kale.

So here's one variation of this GREEN SMOOTHIE recipe that has been around awhile.

EVERYTHING I buy is pesticide free or certified organic. I buy locally, several times a week.

Fresh, never frozen for this recipe!!!

Take a few leaves of fresh Kale

Four to eight depending upon how much smoothie you'd like to make at one time

A few mini bunches of Spinach

I buy fresh, organic Spinach (when we're not growing it) in a large bunch made up of many of these mini bunches.

Pink Lady Apples in honor of Pink Saturday!

One entire, cored and chopped apple gets thrown in the mix.

You can use a whole or half of a ripe tomato. I use half.

Tomatoes are fantastic for your skin too!

The juice of half a fresh lemon

And those are the basic ingredients for the smoothie. The following is what I throw in for sweetness or to boost the anti-oxidant, vitamin and mineral content.

Strawberries are seen more and more in the grocery markets as we approach Spring. Here in Carlsbad, CA, were're a huge strawberry producing region, so large, juicy, sweet strawberries are sold at roadside stands all around the beach. Mmmm.

Blueberries- another Superfood!

These do tend to darken the smoothie. So, if you're squeamish about drinking something green, or worse, dark green, well... get over it. It tastes a lot better than it looks.

A fist-full of each is perfect for me.

Spirulina, a supplement that I've been taking since the mid 1990's, when I lived in Hawaii. It is a whole food, blue-green algae, and is 70% complete protein! Better than any steak at only 25%.

It has no taste, but it does turn anything you add it to a lovely emerald green. Needless to say, I didn't get away with mixing it in the kids' oatmeal!

Just a teaspoon is plenty in this drink. So very good for you!

Okay, so I'm just going to say one more thing about Sprulina!

If you can't find a way to consume the powder, try the tablet forms.

I promise you, it's fantastic!

Gooogle its benefits.

A little flax, cuz Dr. Oz said so.

And now, we're ready to pulverize with the mighty pink KitchenAid!

Puree! For a very long time. Really get those ingredients smooth. If you need to add a 1/2 cup of water or so to get it going, that's fine. Try not to use juice or yogurt. That's a different smoothie altogether.

It sounds like I'm doing kitchen renovations! No, Honey, I'm not using a chain saw, it's my new blender!

And, Voila!

Health, energy, freaking fabulous skin in a smoothie.

Okay, so this one is a little darker than most of my smoothies. They all change a smidge from day to day. Sometimes I add more spinach or more of whatever I have on hand and the color changes. I added more blueberries. But if you can't get past the dark green, well... I have no words. Just drink it!

Here's to your continued good health and your gorgeous complexion!

Cheers!

Happy Pink Saturday Friends!

Check out all the Pink at Beverly's Blog, How Sweet the Sound.

~Mary~

Anna's Vintage Circus Party

2011-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Anna's third birthday party was a success!

I wanted to throw my little granddaughter a party...

The invitations were fun and easy; Jolies stickers make everything so simple.

Of course, I did start to think about a circus theme months ago when I came across some adorable

vintage circus paper at Paris to the Moon.

Take a look!

I really had a lot of fun making this come to life!

These are the "Prep" photos or the behind the scenes photos,

as my friend Karen likes to refer to them as she's shooting away with her camera.

Party hats from the dollar store embellished with vintage clown head cupcake picks and gift-wrap ribbons

Keeping the MESS up and out of the way was a task. It seemed to spill into every corner of my home.

These funny little Muscle Men were a find at World Market which always seems to have some really fun and not-so-cheesy party bag items.

I just love them!

Pop-out and put together circus animals found for a buck at Michaels.

I ordered the book, Altered Circus and devoured every page!

This is when I got inspired to paint these plastic animals. Boy, was that fun!!!

Yes, Constance Giraffe is indeed wearing white, cotton undies.

More dining room table mess.

Ribbons bought when I was in the L.A. Fashion District.

Anna's special birthday hat.

Plenty of candies for decoration from Oriental Trading.

Little Miss Anna Banana.

Birthday banner with hanging circus animals! Fun!

Another vintage find!

Karen found this handmade little Raggedy Clown for a whopping .95 at a local thrift shop on Hwy 101! He washed up perfectly.

Orange marshmallow Circus Peanut candy looked so cute in my blue glass sherbet glasses!

I painted the circus train car and plan to decoupage vintage circus images on it. Didn't quite get that done in time. The sweet little giraffe was another thrift shop deal at $3.

The lion came with the unpainted circus train car found at Michaels.

This tablecloth was found at a local antique store.

The vintage images on the party bags were copied from an invitation that I found at my Mom's house. It was from 1956 and was for my cousin's 2nd birthday. The invitations from that era were so incredibly tiny!

In the party bags were three-year-old friendly goodies:

A spongy red clown nose

The collapsible muscle man toy

Put-together cardboard circus animals

Circus animal stickers

Anna's mamma, Jackie made this precious cake.

She didn't get her baking talents from me!

Vintage looking Pink Elephant was found at the baking supply store in San Diego.

The sugar clown and "Joyeux Anniversaire" sugar sign were picked up in Fribourg, Switzerland when Jackie and Christophe were visiting grandparents.

Found Circus Cotton Candy on Amazon!

Animal Crackers for all the guests.

This Circus Tent cupcake tower was an Oriental Trading find.

Jackie made some cupcakes to look like popcorn and others with a darling circus theme.

Peauts in the shell, in case any stray elephants wander by!

The kiddie table was super fun to do!

I used my blue glass sherbet glasses for goldfish crackers, a must at any three-year-old's table!

The Lion Plates were picked up the night before at the dollar store.

$1 for a pack of two. The Circus Tent sippie cups were bought from Oriental Trading.

The kids got to take home the cups too.

Not my idea to put M&M's at each place-setting!

They looked cute but I was trying to go for a Kiddie/Parent friendly menu!

Guests took home their party hats too.

We served mini corndogs, PB & J sandwhiches cut into fancy pastry cutters, bananas and apples with Nuttela dip, raisins and various other healthy, yummy foods.

The adults got Chilli and Sourdough Bread to nosh on.

Of course, there had to be a RingMaster!
Or in my case, RingMistress!

I even had a whip to tame my ferocious lion!

The ring of fire was made from a dollar store hula hoop and strips of tulle in orange, yellow and red.

I bought my jacket at the thrift store for $1.95. Yup! I already had the red top hat from my Tony Award Party last year. I just glued plastic animals on a bright-colored ribbon. White ruffeld tuxedo shirt ,a funky scarf, white pants tucked into black riding boots and and voila! I'm a RingMaster!
All in my closet by the way!

My favorite little man, Philippe!

Can you believe how cute this clown toss game is???

Karen's dad made this decades ago when they were young.

We didn't have beanbags as it originally had, but tennis balls worked instead.

Love this Clown!!!

Party guests having a good time at the playground just feet from the party.

Although the rain was a concern earlier in the week, the park turned out to be an ideal place to hold the party.

Pals from preschool

Max is petting the circus animals!

Anna with best pal, Addison.

Adorable.

Happy birthday to you...

My little Anna Poo had a really great time and I was thrilled to put on this party for her.

I'm so grateful for all the help from my daughter Jackie and her amazing food and baked goods.

GrandPapa and Papa helped out a lot too.A big thank you to our resident gaffer and best boy and personal assistant, Karen.

Hip, Hip, Hooray for helpers.

I had so much fun with all the details. I'm sure this will be a great memory for her to look back on in her baby book.

Well, I'm spent from all this RingMastering.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my photos.

Cheers,

Mary

A Night with Judy Garland!

2011-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday night I took my mom to see Judy Garland in concert.

Well, kinda...

The legendary voice and film archives of Judy Garland were combined with the San Diego Symphony performing live to create this remarkable concert event at Symphony Hall.

"Judy Garland in Concert" featured over two dozen of Judy’s greatest musical hits, including "The Trolley Song," "The Man That Got Away," and of course, "Over the Rainbow." Swoon!

Mom & I watched wide-eyed and listened as Judy Garland's dynamic life in song unfolded as she performed on multiple screens, accompanied by the orchestra in the classic repertoire and arrangements that thrilled worldwide audiences back in the 40's, 50's and 60's.

Using breakthrough technology, this fabulous night of entertainment had rare home movies, photographs and the star's own reminiscences.

Her son Joe Luft was there!

Indeed a magical and timeless concert experience.

Perhaps the next best thing to having her there in the flesh.

Simply sublime!

Where have I been, you ask? Well...

2011-01-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hello again my friends. I see that many of you have been checking back faithfully to see if I've posted anything new. Several followers have sent emails asking what's up,where am I, what am I doing, and most compassionately, am I okay. Well, first off, let me say that I am very sorry for leaving you hanging. I know we all get busy and I am a firm believer in blogging without obligation. However, four and a half months was quite a barren stretch! Thank you all for the emails.

I was attending my last semester at Cal State SM and I am thrilled to say, I am officially done!!!

I have received my degree in

Visual and Performing Arts/Theatre

(different from the one I received last May)

and I'm finally exhaling.

Nineteen units, a play and a capstone project that was quite ambitious were sapping all my time and energy.

But that's over now and ...

I'm done.

Well, for now anyway.

So, I'm back and have so much to share!

I've missed blogging and blog-hopping and reading wonderful comments!

Let's get together soon!

I'm off to celebrate!

Happy New 2011 to you all!

Cheers!

Mary

MID-WEEK ADVENTURE

2010-08-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

A day trip to Costa Mesa with Best Gal, Karen.

We stopped in at

Paris to the Moon,

one of my favorite boutiques ever!

I picked up this adorable circus wrapping paper

in the background here.

There were several different circus themed papers;

I bought three!

I think little Anna's third birthday party will have a

circus theme for sure.

The shop was crammed with the

expected "unexpected"

novelty items.

I have come to expect to be astonished and pleasantly surprised upon

entering this little place.

The items range from vintage to vintage reproductions to

strange to hilarious.

Then there are the exquisite items and

the can't live without

doo dads.

After we left Paris, we hit just about every thrift shop

down the coast.

We also ventured into some extremely high end

design showrooms. Wow!

Gorgeous stuff for people with

no children

and very deep pockets!

We then went to Crystal Cove. Lovely!

Had a refreshing

Cucumber Margarita

(Karen had the

Pomegranate Margarita)

and some steak nachos at

Javier's. Really good Mexican cuisine with a gorgeous view.

There's a

Juxtaposition Home in there

with lots of fabulous items.

And of course, there's an incredible bakery there.

We went inside.

(cue choir of angels now)

Creme Brule Bread Pudding Loaf

I picked up one of those and a carrot cake with cream cheese center muffin for Husband.

He ate it all without sharing.

YUM!

We finished up the day in San Clemente looking through wonderful boutiques

and antique shops.

I bought a darling cherub vase in a thrift shop there for $4!

We found succulent plant shops and got ideas for our patios.

I can't wait to implement all the inspiration I absorbed.

Fun day!

Thanks K for taking me with you to pick up your "new" car in Costa Mesa.

Until next time my friends,

Back in San Diego!

2010-07-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Home again after a month

at Fresno State.

It was intense and awesome.

The experience has impacted my life in many positive ways.

I'm happy to be home
with my family.

I'm ready to start
my "big project"
(more on that later.)

I participated in the Steppenwolf Ensemble Intensive Classes, that included Viewpoints instruction with the renowned Alexandra Billings, Improvisation Technique with Second City veteran, Dave Razowski, Shakespeare with Royal Shakespeare Company veteran, Rob Claire, and Fitzmoris Voice work with
CSU Fullerton's
Evelyn Carol Case.

I'm very fortunate to have had such an experience.
I'm grateful for the invaluable gifts I received through this program.
I recommend continuing your training in
whatever field you're in.
Keeping up with the young, up and comings is challenging, but exciting and certainly not boring!
I loved being around motivated, driven, young minds as well as the
generous and encouraging instructors.

Cheers!
M.

MERMAID'S Tea Party

2010-06-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Mer-friends

and welcome to my

UNDERWATER TEA!

I'd like to invite all of my

Pink Saturday friends to

swim around for pink sightings.

Vanessa at

A FANCIFUL TWIST

is hosting this blogasphere-wide

virtual

Mad Tea Party!

Click the link to see her

outstanding party

and to find other

creative and whimsical participants.

Thanks for stopping by for a spot of tea.

Hope you enjoyed

the Seaweed Cake,

the Salt Water Taffy,

the Brine Shrinp Madeleines

and the yummy Chocolate Seashells.

Ciao,

Pink Pretties

2010-06-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday Friends!

This photo was taken at a birthday party by my dear friend Karen.

I would love a cake like this with an adorable pink ribbon made of frosting.

Check out all of the pink participants at

How Sweet The Sound

and have a lovely week.

Cheers!

Pretty in Pink

2010-06-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday my friends!

Here are a few Summer inspired

shots I hope you enjoy!
Check out
How Sweet The Sound
for all the fabulous
PINK participants!

I do love my flip-flops

in warm weather!

Havianas happen to be

my faves and in PINK too.

Swoon!

~ A pink patio umbrella ~

So pretty in sheer pink.

Hot Pinks!

So the following images are in black and white and not

PINK, but I couldn't resist including these bathing beauties in this post...

Well the marine layer has been exceptionally thick for the last few days. I thought about doing my Pink Saturday post on strawberry lemonade in my vintage pink glasses. I felt more like making hot chocolate

it was so

gloomy and chilly!
Brrr!

So more swimsuit photos it is.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Ciao!
M.

The Graduate.

2010-06-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

GRADUATION DAY.

My son graduated from high School
last weekend. We were very proud
of his accomplishments.

It was a big event
with over 300 graduates.

Held at the Jenny Craig Pavilion
at the University of San Diego

There he goes,
with his anatomy teacher
giving him the "thumbs up".

Grandparents flew in from
Hawaii and presented
him with beautiful leis of
orchids and kukui nuts.

A very proud moment
for Husband and me.

Two nights earlier,
a Baccalaureate Mass
was held for all the graduates
and thier families.
It was beautiful and moving.
And as you can see,
it was also held on the last day
of finals for the seniors!!!

Spencer in the yearbook.
He surfs daily and takes
full advantage of
living in a beach city.

Of course!
BEST HAIR
in the senior class.

This is the collage that
Husband made for Spenny.
It's a reminder of his fun,
carefree days of high school.

Surfing
and playing guitar ~ his life.
Spencer plays guitar and sings
at mass every Sunday night
for the last several years.
He's really very good.
I think he'll be a
household name someday.

Oh yeah,

I graduated too.

I actually graduated in Spring of '09,
but
I never walked.
So I decided to do it this year.
Why not?

Husband and I
celebrated this step
with a couple of beers
and some sushi.
It was a memorable night.

Hope you all are enjoying
your week and gearing up
for the weekend!
Happy Thursday to you all.
Until next time,
~ Mary ~

Celebrate!

2010-06-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

A time to celebrate.

I've had many things to celebrate in the last couple of weeks.

Momentous, life changing strides as well as everyday victories.

I'm thrilled to report that
as a result of sharing one of my latest accomplishments, or reason to celebrate, I won this fabulous piece of quilted art from

Pam Kumicich at
The Artful Diva

I left a comment on her blog last week when she was having a giveaway.
She asked to hear about any particular celebrations that
we might have had recently.
Naturally, I'd just graduated
the night before,
so I enjoyed telling her all about it.
And I won!
It was actually done randomly,
but nevertheless, I got it.
This lovely, artsy, whimsical reminder
to celebrate life.
The little things along with
the pivotal moments.

Thank you again to Pat for her
excellent craftsmanship,
meticulous details and
fun, playful style in her artwork.
I just love it!

Happy PINK Saturday!

2010-05-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

It is the 2nd Birthday of
Pink Saturday!!!

Hosted by Bev over at

How Sweet the Sound

Pictures of my new pink sheets.

Love them.

Buttery soft, cotton sateen.

Look who's reporting in for naptime!

Little Anna naps in her Mimi's bed.

She loves all the pillows
and the soft, comfy sheets.

Have a beautiful weekend and
CONGRATS to Beverly!

Pink Saturday was recently
featured in Artful Blogging ~

that's a really big deal. WOW!

Check out all the wonderful Pinkness

going on with all the participants.

Until next time,

Cheers!

A Beach Wedding!

2010-05-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Lovely ideas for a Beach Themed Wedding.

As much as I adore fresh flowers,

I think these shell bouquets are

absolutely exquisite!

You know me,

I love anything having to do with shells.

Cakes and Cupcakes to carry the theme...

I'm in such a beach mood, can you tell?

With Memorial Day Weekend

just a mere day or so away,

I've got party and beachcombing

on the brain!

Check back here for my
Pink Saturday post!

It's Bev's 2nd Anniversary

and I'm celebrating

with lots and lots of PINK!

Till then, my friends,

Mary

Bring back the Cap!

2010-05-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

It feels like Summer is here!

Today, I'm officially done
with my semester,

having turned in the last of my

Chemistry worksheets yesterday.

Wooo Hooo!

I've plans to go to
the gym that I just joined,

but I need to swing by the
sporting goods store first.

In hopes of saving a
very expensive color job

on my hair, I'm going to
pick up a bathing cap!

I don't know how many swimmers

at the beach or the pool
wear them these days,

but, frankly, I don't care.

I paid way too much for
my blond highlights

to ruin them with
chlorine or salt water!

Besides, there are some
really cute vintage reproductions
out there on the market.

I think I'll just
bring them back into fashion!

Fabulous!

Okay, so here are my new picks for this year's swimsuit:

Love both of these!

They're from www.ModCloth.com

Well, I'm off to the gym and possibly the beach to follow.

And as I mentioned before,

Wooo Hoooo!

Ciao, my friends,

Mary

Mad Tea Party! Can't Wait!

2010-05-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

I am beyond thrilled that I will be able to participate in Vanessa's

Annual Mad Tea Party!!!

Last year, you may recall, around this time, we had our flood.

We were living in a suite in a hotel across the street from the beach.

As much as it was an unexpected vacation, I was unable to resume my life until we moved back into our home, 42 days later! Alas, I had to drop out of this

wonderful event last year.

So I'm already starting on preperations for this year's Mad Tea.

Of course, it will have a

Mermaid and underwater theme,

as so much of my art has.

Maybe a little inspiration first...

Pink, whimsical and mermaids. LOVE!

Found these adorable
Starfish Wands on Etsy.

And the seller is local,
here in San Diego!

CustomKids

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46923255/8-starfish-party-favor-wands

So pretty.

These may be a little more my style.

I found these a few weeks ago at Anthropologie.

Husband loves the octopus!

I'm planning on doing a whole
Octopus themed party for him.

The tablescape is going to be gorgeous!

Look at these
incredibly cool dinner plates.

The way the arms are curling around
the edge is simply beautiful.

I'm so looking forward to this
Mad Tea Party!

Please be sure to check back on
June 26 to join in the fun!

Cheers!

Mary

And.....Scene.

2010-04-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, that was a long time between posts!

In my defense, I've been uber busy and recently closed a show.

It was controversial and edgy and quite the experience!

Agitprop, Activist Theatre is never boring!

Yes, that's me in the Sumo suit.

It was a metaphor;

the show was full of them.

After I peeled off the Sumo suit, I revealed my "real" self in a skimpy maillot with a bikini-ish back. Oi!

I've got a kimono on in this shot, but that was cut and I just wore the swimsuit!

Oh, the things we do for the love of acting!!!
I'm definitely more comfortable in my skin now.
After you take it off (not completely) for an audience,
you really learn to love your body and your body image.
It's quite liberating.

Curtain Call.

With all my 20 something peeps,

I was the only older actor in the show.

It keeps me young and very hip!

My teenagers may not agree.

It was fun doing a show again.

The last one before this was in December.

I do enjoy being onstage whether it's an edgy, ensemble

original project, as this one was,

or a big time production by

some old time, published playwright.

So, I've got finals this coming week and the next.

I most likely won't be posting until after then.

Till then, my friends,

Happy May!

Mary

Easter Basket Fun

2010-04-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Making baskets this year for Husband, the kids and the grandbabies.

I picked up a few baskets at the thrift store in Encinitas, bought a whole lot of candies, some fun stuff and some really cute ribbons. This is fun!

Above you'll see my attempt at being green this Easter. My handy shredder made "Easter Grass" and pleanty of it. I love the color and texture of paper sizzle grass, so I usually buy only one bag and sprinkle it on top of the shredded paper grass. This way I stay green and still get a really cute, grassy look in the baskets.

A few favorites!

Found these adorable sugar cookies at Home Goods in Encinitas. Perfect for the little kids' baskets.

Trader Joe's never seems to disappoint in the candy department. These malted eggs are so delish! Loved these Lemonade Bubble Gum Balls.

Perfect for Maddie's basket.

Goodies for the little kids' baskets.

More favorites!

Ribbons! Ribbons!

And more darling ribbons!

This cellophane wrap is covered in smiling bumble bees!

I brought this back from a tiny paper shoppe in Switzerland.

So I'm done with only two of the six baskets I'm working on.

The "teenage" baskets still need ITunes cards and some surf wax.

I'm buying a parking pass for our local beach parking lot

(yeah, we have to pay now)

and putting it in Husband's basket.

We're off to Balboa Island for Easter weekend. I can't wait.

Thanks Karen for your wonderful generousity; we can't wait for this weekend!

Have a wonderful, memorable Easter.

Ciao,

Mary

Ideas for My Valentine?

2010-02-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

What to do this year!!!

Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Nah. Too everyday.

Maybe a decadent chocolate cake?

I could sneak some good for you chocolates in his sock drawer, like I did last year.

I was gone for Valentine's Day in '09.

This year, I'll have a rehearsal from 12 to 8 pm.

So, I really need to be creative!

Any suggestions?

My merman isn't hard to please.

He loves sweets and he's always happy

with whatever I do for Valentine's.

I could make an Island-Style meal

that reminds him of home ~ Hawaii.

I'm always grateful this time of year.

Thankful that I have romance, playfulness,

humor and devotion in my life.

After all these years,

He's still THE ONE!

Until next time my friends,

Mary

Callback Today!

2010-02-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm not going to a callback in New York, or even L.A. for that matter.

Those days are in my near future,

God willing!

But for now, it is San Diego County community theatre.

I love this map of many of the theatres on or near Broadway.

Perhaps, I'll need it one day!

Possibly this summer, I will be studying with one of the founders of

Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago.

That theatre was founded in 1974 by the now famous, Gary Sinise, along with Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry. The professional resident ensemble theatre company was formed a year later and included John Malkovich. Joan Allen joined the company in 1977.

So I'm immensely looking forward to that experience. One month of intense, ensemble work from 9 to 6 daily.

I can't wait!

My application/resume awaits approval.

For now, I'm off to read for a part in a musical.

Remember, there are no small parts,

only small actors.

Until next time,

Mary

Bonbonnieres Cup

2010-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Made for another Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group swap.

I actually made this bon bon cup about three weeks ago,

but didn't have the right sized box to mail it off in.

That goes to show how bogged down I am and

how little I have the car anymore!

Well, it's off today to Arizona to its new owner

along with some fabulous Swiss chocolates.

I know it certainly is not in traditional Valentine colors, but hey, that's not really me!

It has plenty of hearts on it and I think it was made in the spirit of the Queen, rather than have her image on it.

I'm happy with the way it turned out; I hope it is well received!

Have a great week my friends,

Mary

My Latest Production

2010-01-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

~The Fatal Cure~

a student written and student directed production at Cal State S.M.

"Rolanda", my character was quite the cougar!

It was a little creepy, but I enjoyed every minute!

It was an interesting role,
both challenging and fun.

I really enjoyed being the villianess.

The best part was the incredibly long, uncomfortably long, evil laugh.

The cast was small and we had a fabulous time and a lot of laughs during rehearsals.

A Shakespearian moment.

Yeah, there were a couple of those.

Packin' Heat!

Yes! I got to carry a gun (or two).

She was a force to be reckoned with.

We closed this production in

mid-December.

This is what I love.

Creating a wild character and

bringing her to life for an audience.

"Rolanda" the evil leader of a futuristic anarchist cell

was a hit with audiences during the run.

And really fun to play!

A Gift From France

2010-01-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise from my daughter Jacqueline

(and my son-in-law Christophe)!

I had asked for the Marie Antoinette tea for my Tea at Trianon Tea party, but, alas, I could not find anyone in Paris or Zurich to pick some up for me and ship it off lickety-split, in time for the December Tea.

But she picked some up for me anyway, on her way home from Europe, last week.

How thoughtful!

I have tried the Pistachio, Rose Petal and Raspberry flavors.

I'm not sure what the others are.

I will know soon enough, as I plan eat (savor) one each day till they're gone.

The Marie Antoinette Tea is

so flavorful and robust.

A delight in the late afternoon!

Laduree is one of the most renowned bakeries in Paris.

An exquisite display and packaging of some very tasty delicacies.

They don't do mail order! So you have to make the trip to France, Switzerland or Japan to enjoy Laduree.

This September, Laduree will open its doors in New York City!!!!

I simply cannot wait!

Well, Friends, I'm off to indulge in a cup of hot French tea and a Parisian Macaroon.

Mmmm. C'est bon!

Until next time,

Mary

Love, Gratitude and Fun in 2010

2010-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a year

that really counts.

I plan to make pivotal choices in 2010

about my health, career and life, in general.

Even my smaller decisions are going to be thought out

and really matter!

In light of the recent, horrific earthquake in Haiti, I wish you all a safe, healthy and calm 2010.
Love, Gratitude and Fun.
Let those words guide you through your daily life this year.

Until next time,
Mary

2009-12-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

The rest of our brood is in Switzerland.
They must be having a wonderful time because we've only heard from them once!

SOME of the nieces.
There are many, many more.

Three generations in one photo.

I thought I would teach the kids
some useful skills.
They didn't seem to grasp the importance
of a beautifully folded napkin.
They will in time.

Dogs are so funny around the holidays.
It's like they know exactly what's going on.

I started to set my table for
Christmas Eve dinner.
We did indeed, have the Festive Beef Wellington that I practiced making back in November.
I overcooked it,
but the meat was so tender anyway.
I started with a tossed green salad
with pecans and cranberries.
It was tasty with a side of
organic winter vegetables
from the local farmers' market:
Parsnips, Leeks, Carrots, Red & Yellow Onions and a couple of whole, unpeeled Garlic Cloves.
Of course, there were Mashed Potatoes too.
The wines that Bill, the sommelier
at the Wine Loft suggested were
Smokescreen, a Napa Valley Chardonnay
and Sharecropper's (made by Owen Roe),
a Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon.
Both turned out to be excellent suggestions.
It was a wholesome meal,
all organic and locally bought food.

Hoping your New Year is festive and full of good things to eat!

Cheers!
Mary

2009 Holiday Tea Party

2009-12-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

~Tea with Marie~

This year's annual Tea Party
was transformed into a
Goûter de Noël
That's formal French for Tea Party
or afternoon snack and tea.
I incorporated Marie Antoinette into the theme,
and called the party
Le Thé à Trianon
That's tea at Trianon, for those of you
who don't speak French.
Trianon was Marie's country house and respite from court etiquette.
She relaxed there without the costumes, formalities and pomp and circumstance of Versailles.

These are my invitations.
I usually take a lot of pride and enjoyment in making them.
However, this year I got smart.
Doing a show that closed the weekend before the tea, I cut myself a break
and ordered the invites online at

La Paperie de Paris

at Zazzle.com
.
It turned out to be the best thing I could have done all year.

Brandy in the Sky is the daughter of La Paperie de Paris and they often collaborate their talents for customers. They were more than accommodating and expeditious when designing this invitation.

If you want affordable, cutting-edge, beautiful artwork for your event, this is the team to get. Check them out at Zazzle. (A word of caution, there are many other designers offering similar Marie Antoinette and Vintage French inspired designs, but they are very pricey and lack the customer service that we all miss so much as consumers!)

~Trader Joe's~
Never fails to deliver decadent, pretty and really tasty desserts.

Yes, sometimes we do have tea.
But we do go through a whole lot of Champagne!

My NEW, Vintage, tarnished-gold tree.
Ahhh, I love it.
Thank you Husband for getting this for my anniversary gift!
It really took on the Marie Antoinette look when my old millinery feathers and white plumes were added. This year we couldn't find the box of "my bedroom tree" ornaments. So this is pretty much done in just bulbs and a few ornaments I snatched from the family tree.
I still think it looks done. It's wonderful to fall asleep at night with the glow of the tiny white lights.

My birthday falls 9 days before Christmas.
This stunning bouquet of 25 long-stem roses was a gift from Husband.
He did good this year.

I was thrilled to see some of my favorite people in the whole, entire world!
Aimee graced the party with her presence. I'm keeping this photo to use to get backstage at the Tony awards when she wins.
And she will.
Right after I do.
Hee Hee!

Hey Sister!

My dear friends Leigh Ann and Karen were lifesavers ~ again this year.

They are true friends.
I'm convinced that it takes a pretty competent staff of professionals
or a couple of good friends that know their way around a kitchen
{the ones that don't ask questions, they just get it done}
to successfully execute a party.

Family that made it this year for the first time!

Little Miss Serafina has made it to every Christmas Tea I've had since she's been born.
What a great guest she is!

Little Francesca, made it this year too.
Niece Tiffany looked so beautiful as usual.

Carrot Tea Cake, Eggnog Cake, Lemon Tea Cake, Parisienne Macaroons, Opera Cake, Madeleines, and so many beautiful, French inspired pastries ~
thank you Costco and Trader Joes!!!
Giant Gingerbread Fleur- de-Lis Cookies made by my Maddie.
Italian Wedding Cookies made by my sister Christine (thanks!)

This year's Tea was probably the smallest guest list ever!
I really had to scale down the party because of time constraints and keep spending to a minimum. So just family and very close friends this year.

Maddie always has a table set up in her room for her girlfriends.
I love how we coordinate the look with her room.

Aimee, Leigh Ann (middle) and I

I bought this Red Bolero especially to wear to my tea party.
I love it. Close up, it has hundreds of fine, tulle rosettes.

The containers for all my flower arrangements were Swans (from my collection).
They represented the beautiful cygnes swimming around in the man-made lakes of Le Petit Hameau ~ the little village near Trianon that Marie commissioned to be made.
I have many framed pictures of the sweet swans that we saw there.
They made such an impression on me.
Hence, the collection of Les Cygnes.

My wreath of evergreens clipped from the neighborhood.

Vases for my boudoir and bathroom.

The kitchen nook served as a prep area.

Fun, kitchy, Christmas collections in the kitchen.

A little Christmas magic in the Guest Bath too.
The fresh Tuberose scented the room with a heady, tropical perfume.

My largest swan held a huge centerpiece arrangement made of tulips, roses, amaranthus, queen Ann's lace, white and cream stock, spray roses, evergreens, and boxwood.

It turned out to be too heavy for the table, so I improvised and ditched the idea of having a roaring fire.

Little swans were everywhere.

My faithful dressform prop.
It has dressed up so many parties.
This day, she donned a mink collar, a sach of green and red striped taffeta ribbon, my wedding earrings, a satin tie belt from Banana Republic, and a vintage, green millinery feather.
She was stunning.

The Boudoir.

The settees got a facelift this past summer.
Gorgeous, crushed silk velvet in a Taupe shade made them perk up and look sexy and inviting.
I love them. It's too bad I have to keep them covered all the time.
I have little people that pose a threat to them. Oh, well.
I guess it makes me like them more when they're exposed twice a year.

This is glimpse of the European Buffet I had painted this past summer. I chose to do something a little bold and whimsical. I love it.
Karen did a maticulous job painting the stripes.

I finally used my Eiffel Tour soaps from Paris.
They looked so pretty on the sink in my dressing area.

This year's tea was again, a wonderful treat to myself.
I love entertaining my friends and tea is such a decadent little pleasure to take part in.
This event makes my holidays special for me, my girls and my friends & family.
I'm fortunate and grateful to be able to host this and to have such a loving husband, who sticks around and helps serve champagne, take things out of the oven, and laughs the whole time.
Oh, and he pays for the event too.
Thanks Honey.

I hope you all had a wondeful holiday and made beautiful memories for yourself and your families.

God Bless,
Mary

Christmas Paper Doll

2009-12-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

More art made for
The Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group

This swap was called the Marie Winter Angel (or Fairy) Paper Doll exchange.

I made my doll completely from scratch - no pattern, just drawn free-hand and cut out.
I hinged her arms and legs with
tiny green flower brads.
Her Hair is made of tiny fresh-water pearls and green pearl beads taken from vintage necklaces. She also has a small, brass crown in her hair. Her wings are made from a gorgeous red, satin ribbon that I took off a Neiman Marcus box I recently received in the mail.
Gold foil dresden, red Swarovski crystals, Glittery bows, more ribbon and more glitter!

I think she was worth the mess!
I hope Roxie, my swap partner, likes her.
We'll see!

Lots more to do to get ready for the fun Christmas parties planned.
One more final tomorrow afternoon, then it's playtime!

Have a wonderful week!
Mary

Autumn Dinners

2009-11-09T21:45:00.001-08:00

Family Dinners...

Now those of you who know me,
know I really don't cook.
Complex recipes need a practice session.

Setting a pretty table - that's the easy part.

I invited my daughter and
her family over for dinner.
She knows all too well that really means
"Come over and cook dinner for us"!
Madeleine Bixby joined us as well for a taste test.

I took care of the table setting and watched and learned as she made a beautiful and delicious Beef Wellington. This is what I'm planning on making for our Christmas Eve dinner. The problem is, I've never made it before. So I called in the expert. My oldest daughter has the gift of making a gourmet meal out of practically nothing. Given fillet Mignon, puff pastry, shallots and mushrooms, well, she created a scrumptious meal for us.
I took notes.

My recipe didn't call for mustard,
but she made a rub of spices and mustard.
(She's done this before.)

The individual fillets are
elegant and perfectly portioned.
This can also be made with
a beef tenderloin and sliced into portions.
Sear in the juices before wrapping.

So I was in charge of the mushroom, shallot and garlic filling. I forgot to dice the mushrooms. Ooops.

The filling gets spread on the puff pastry
and the fillet goes on top.
It then gets wrapped up
and brushed with an egg wash.
Pop in the oven and bake.

The meal was wonderful!
We had mashed potatoes and steamed spinach
followed by blackberry pie
and vanilla bean ice cream.
I hope my Christmas dinner turns out this well.
I won't have my "kitchen tutor" seeing as how
my daughter and her family
are spending Christmas in Switzerland!

I think I can do it on my own.
There's always In- N-Out!
Just kidding.

Have a wonderful week, my friends!

CHEERS!
Mary

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-10-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for tonight?

Pumpkin? Check!
Candy? Check!
Costume?

Do you dress up?
Spooky or Funny?

Whatever you do this year, be it hand out candy or
taking the little ones door to door...

Have a frightful, exhilarating, wonderful Halloween!

We'll be empty nesters for the evening!
So Husband and I will
indulge in a Halloween tradition,
Chili and Reuben Sandwiches.
Followed by a couple of mini
Milky Way, Three Musketeers or Reeses PB cups.
Hey, I said MINI!
Washing it all down with Pumpkin Ale.
I haven't tried the Ale yet, but the packaging sold me!

Have a memorable Halloween.

Happy Haunting,
Mary

Masquerade Ball

2009-10-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

My Handmade Mask made for an event in the
Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group.

Made with old papers, gorgeous, vintage, ruffled ribbon from France and vintage gold lace trim.

I dipped the silk flower petals in fine glitter.
The velvet leaves were bought from
One Humdred Wishes.

Velvet, satin and lace make the ties.
It was made to be fully functional.

I lined the back with pages from an old, French paperback novel.
Mod Podge is a wonderful invention!!!

This was a time consuming and expensive project,
but I loved every minute of it.
Mask making is definitely something
I will be doing a lot of.

Have a beautiful day.

Cheers!
Mary

Homecoming 2009

2009-10-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Our little girl is growing up!

I don't know why this was such an epiphany for me; she went to homecoming last year when she was a freshman. And again this year, she was part of a co-ed group that went as friends - no dates. Maybe it was the way she was dressed. Her little black dress, long curled locks, and yes, eyelashes. Fake ones. Oi.

I swear it was just yesterday that I rocked her to sleep in my arms!

Does that mean I'm getting older too??? Nah!

I still look twenty-nine. Okay, Thirty.

Fine*@! Forty.

In any case, she looked beautiful. She had a wonderful time and came home safe. We decided to forgo a limo-bus (they're all getting those these days) and we, along with a couple of other parents drove to and from the dance. We held a pre-dance nosh and photo op for the kids and parents. It went really well.

Beauties.

Cuties.

Coke and a smile.

The table was dressed in Fall decor.

I had an Owl theme going. Glass owls were everywhere.

Black, Cream and Brown were the base colors used.
I served homemade sliders (mini hamburgers) with Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for the buns. They were delish. Everything else was from Costco. Edamame, mini pigs in a blanket, bagel bites, chewy molasses cookies. Just enough to fuel them up for dancing.
Fun night. Memories made.

Marie Antoinette Halloween Banner

2009-10-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Everyone!

All of my artsy creative cultivation classes have resulted in a burst of Autumnal art!

In addition to the acting, I've been a busy little bee making these banner flags for the swap.

I love this one! (above)

"The ghost of the queen"

Very fun to make!

I took images of Marie Antoinette and hand-tinted them with oil pastels.

Vintage jewelry pieces were used to embellish, as well as lace, papers, old ribbons, and feathers.

Masquerade Ball!

Le 31 octobre, 1775

She wouldn't miss it for the world!

Who doesn't love the group Queen???

I don't think they made a song I didn't like.

Killer Queen just seemed appropriate for this banner.

Remember the words?

Come on, sing it!

I created (well it sort of happened on its own) this cool texture and finish by painting on a coat of Mod Podge. It soaked up the oil and got blotchy.

Love that - so unexpected!

Well, it wouldn't be Halloween if I didn't mention the most famous headless queen in history!

The netting over her face gives her an eerie look,

don't you think?

These were made as my first submission to the

Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group

This is an international, juried group of artists that create in various mediums. The one common thread that bonds them is their fascination, obsession and love for anything Marie Antoinette.

For those of you who know me, you know I have spent too much time researching, studying and infatuated with French history!

I hope the participants of this swap like my banner.

I'm waiting with anticipation to receive the banner flags from the other artists.

Oooo, this is gonna be fun!

I'm off to do some more Halloween decorating for this weekend (and of course, Halloween.)

Cheers!

Mary

Staying in Balance

2009-09-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to wind down and be domestic,

I carved out a little time to bake some banana muffins.

Life has been pretty hectic, to say the least. School, auditions, transitions, etc. All are consuming vast amounts of time and engergy.

I found inspiration in a few over-ripe bananas.

I grabbed some supplies, and indulged in some overdue baking.

Easy. Really Easy.

Making a good dinner or a batch of cookies always seems to put a little balance in my life. Between taking the train to the university, running to classes, the kids, auditions, getting enough sleep, you know, all the busy work in a week, I need to feel homey.
This works for me.

Mmm. 20 more minutes.

So, I'm back blogging, well, for now anyway.
This has been the longest dry-spell since I started blogging.
I hope to be back on track as before.
Now, I'm going share a batch of sweet, hot, moist muffins with my kids.

Have a great day, friends.

Ciao,
Mary

Update...

2009-08-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

I made callbacks!
Yeah!
Please hold a thought and a prayer for me tomorrow;
I'll need it.
I've got some stiff competition.
Keep you posted on the auditions.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Cheers!
Mary

Distracted
the play by Lisa Loomer

Auditions! Auditions!

2009-08-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm nervous!
School starts Monday for the kids and me. But, this Friday the auditions are held for one of the three productions I would like to have a role in. Callbacks are Saturday and rehearsals start Monday - you know, the day school starts. Whew! What am I getting myself into. I need a monologue for Friday, two Shakespeare monologues for the following week (for a show in February) and lastly, a short 16 bar musical number for the audition for The 1940's Radio Hour.
AND... I'm dieting today, along with getting all my bills paid before school. So, yeah, that's pretty much a recipe for being the big "B". Husband knew enough to run and hide. Well, he had a gig today followed by his regular gig tonight. The kids know to stay clear when Mom breaks out the letter opener, the shreadder, the trashbag and the dreaded Slimfast. I hope to be calmer and more organized and confident tomorrow. In the mean time, I may be a tad too busy to blog. I'll miss you all, but I will be back to catch you up.
Happy Day!
Ciao,
M.

The Merry Old Land of Oz

2009-08-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

Come out, come out, wherever you are
and meet the young lady who fell from a star....

Welcome Munchkins to the Wizard of Oz Gala!
Check out all the other participants at
Two Crazy Ccrafters.blogspot.com

I can't tell you all how much I have loved this movie over the decades.
Who hasn't?

I want to travel by bubble!

The magnificent Billie Burke!

Great casting. Margaret Hamilton as Elvira Gulch.

Judy in Technicolor.

U.S. postage stamp.

Tags I made and sold on Ebay.

My favorite shirt.
Bought in Hawaii at the Warner Bros. store in Ala Moana Mall.
I get stopped every time I wear this shirt.
People love it.

(not me modeling - please)

Just happened to see the San Diego Civic Center's Wicked this past Tuesday.
Awesome. Loved it.

My Souvenir from the show.
Defying Gravity is the song sung at the show's climax, end of the first act.

(not me modeling again !!!)

I hope you all enjoy the Wonderful Wizard of Oz Gala.
So long,
Mary

Stay Tuned!

2009-08-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Pay no attention to the
blog with no pictures!

~WIZARD OF OZ GALA ~

10:00 this morning!
please check back then.

Happy Pink Saturday!

2009-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Pink-lovin' People!
Wouldn't you just love to curl up on one of these beautiful chairs?
They would go absolutely perfect in my boudoir.
The Orange and Pink are heavenly.
Swoon!

Same shop on Coast Hwy 101~
Girlfriend Karen took these shots, but
she doesn't have a blog! So why let these great shots go unseen?

More Orange and Pink!

I could live here in this Versailles-esque, foofy, Hollywood Regency shop.

A pair of lamps.
Who needs a shade when you're this sophisticated?

Vintage softness. Love it.
Everyone...Please check out all the PINK you can handle at
How Sweet the Sound blog.
Other Pink Saturday participants have really wonderful photos to share.

Happy Day!

Cheers!
Mary

Random Thoughts...

2009-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
Just a random post today to say hi and share a little.
Life is going semi-smoothly this week. I cannot complain too much. The internet connection is, for the most part, working. I've been working at the local community theatre, New Village Arts, as the House Manager for the Comedy Festival this past week. I will only continue until Sunday, the end of their season. It's been okay. I like to see the in's and out's of a production, from an aspect other than a actor on stage.
So I've seen some lists on various blogs. Lists that contain trivial info about the blog authors. Some have been very interesting, funny and touching. Some have been phony, boring and down-right stupid. I do like to know a bit about whom I'm reading but there's such a thing as editing! Right? TMI.
So here's a little unsolicited trivia about me, if you care to know more:

Recycling and NOT being a contributor to global warming are very, very important to me.
Half Italian and half Irish. But raised with exclusively Italian traditions and culture.
I love to walk the beach in the morning.
Pretty much, red wine is the only wine I drink~mostly Cabs.
I spend more time in my pajamas than Heff.
But when I fix up, I go Liza- all sparkly and lashes!
I terribly miss having a rose garden. Fresh cut garden roses are the most intoxicating scent I can think of.
My MUSES:
Bette Midler
Carol Burnette
Rosemary Clooney
Madeline Kahn
Kristen Chenoweth (below)

I have great in-laws! No really.
Christmas music starts playing ridiculously early in this house. Well, now, only on my ipod.
I collect anything mermaid...

I'm the youngest of ten children.
I'm a cradle Catholic, having spent my childhood in Catholic School. Husband went to Catholic school from second grade all the way through to getting his degree from a Catholic University. We're a Catholic family!
With that being said, I firmly believe that my state (CA) is a victim of H8!

I love coconut flavor anything.
I have a great, diverse surrounding of friends.
Happy to say, that I am still very in love with Husband.
Throwing parties is a favorite pastime.
I'm pretty good at it too.
I feel at home on stage. I get a feeling of "this is exactly what I should be doing" when I'm performing.

I like Yoga, most of the positions. My last yoga instructor looked like Simon Baker meets Heath Ledger.
Try concentrating with him re-positioning your hips!
I prefer to give myself pedicures. No one else gets it just right.
Cooking ~ not so much. Baking~ love it.

Okay, I, I, I, that's enough babbling on about me. If you want to know more, you'll just have wait for my memoirs or the E! True Hollywood Story.

Thanks for reading.

Have a fabulous weekend!
Mary

Just Breathe and Create

2009-08-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my internet was down for the last couple of days. HUMBUG! Now it's a little sketchy, but working. Do you ever think about how much we rely on everyday appliances and technology? Not really, huh! Well, not until we have to do without. I don't consider myself to be on the computer all that much, but I do use it daily for running my household and for enjoyment. So, after dealing with the stress of yet another curve ball, I am happy to say I've survived. I know, I know, don't sweat the small stuff. I think I need a long, power walk on the beach and some artsy time. I just need some deeeeep breathing and some glitter or oil pastels and a sketch pad! Ahhh, better already.

These pictures are of one of the most peaceful and artsy places I know in San Diego ~ Balboa Park. Home to museums, rose gardens, the largest zoo in the WORLD (I know...cool) great restaurants, the Old Globe Theatre, miles and miles of path to walk and tons of art exhibits, troubadours, international festivals, holiday activities and the list goes on and on and on!

The very old architecture is a mix of styles. Simply beautiful! The buildings alone, are worth the parking mess.

This is part of the park that butts up against the zoo.

The fountains are so pretty and it's fun to watch the little kids swim in them.

A sunflower patch growing along one of the paths. Huge and lovely.
The essense of Summer.

I just love Balboa Park. I must have gone on 50 field trips here when I attended St. Therese and/or when my children attended St. Pat's.

Of course, I ran home and bought some Sunflowers for myself. Since then, Husband has bought me two bunches of the prettiest Sunflowers. I love the Teddy Bear variety.
So friends, take a moment this summer, before it's gone, to de-stress and take in your local beauty. I'm so fortunate to have such a wonderful city around me, from the beaches to downtown.

Happy Tuesday to you,
Mary

and the winner is...

2009-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

The new owner of Marie-Claire is
Sares from Loveleigh Treasures!
Congratulations to you!
I'm so,so excited for you; I never win anything!
Please email me (link in my blogger profile) your mailing
info and this sweet paper doll will arrive
safely on your doorstep.

I used the random number generator found
on Tara Frey's blog.
That certainly made things simple.
Thank you to all who left comments
and now follow my blog.
I enjoyed reading your wonderful words. Thank you!

A Happy Tuesday to you all!

Cheers!
Mary

The Candy Bar

2009-08-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

This was the Candy Bar that I created and set up for
the kids at Maddie's 8th Grade Graduation Party.
The Red Velvet cupcakes were a huge hit with the adults.
Jars filled with homemade marshmallows,
old fashioned candy, extra-long pixie sticks
and M&M packets made up the bar.
The theme of the party was Set Sail.
Everything had a sailing theme.
Perfect for June and graduation.

Each table at the golf club had navy
(even though they look Royal Blue in this picture)
table cloths and yellow napkins.
My floral centerpieces were mostly red, white, blue
and of course, the yellow metal pails.
The tables were assigned with a boat that had
the graduates name and a sailing term.
The sailing term, was then used in the floral arrangement,
instead of just a number.
People got confused and restless.
It's amazing to me how party-goers and parents alike
forget that it's a party, for Pete's sake.
Most importantly, the graduates
had a memorable, fun time.
This event was a year ago, but I wanted to share this fun theme with you.
Enjoy!

Cheers!
Mary