What's Up?

It feels like months, not days that I have been on my blog and making my rounds visiting all of you. Please know you are loved....Even if I haven't left a comment, I stop by to see what you have been up to!

I took a little time off because I needed to get focused on something....ME! I know all of you are loving, caring women (sorry Drew, my brother-in-law who is cool enough to admit he likes my blog!) who constantly give, give, give to everyone. We have families, jobs, a home to take care of and SOMETIMES we drop like a pinball to the bottom of the life machine. I finally had to carve out some ME time. Took some deep breaths to figure out what Nancy needs in her life...what Nancy would like to change, to be even more scrumpdilicious than she already is. Well, the answer....HER HEALTH. So I decided to join WEIGHT WATCHERS. Saturday will be two weeks

and I can't wait to weigh in on Saturday. So far I'm doing marvelously. In the past I've either dieted, or exercised, but never together. I've always thrown in the towel when a holiday came up, a birthday needed to be celebrated and gone off track never to return.

I have an AMAZING leader at my weekly meetings who is just so snazzy I want to hug her every time I see her! I've been an ANGEL planning out my meals and getting on the treadmill and exercising (WW likes to use the word "activity"). I am pumped up and just love ETOOLS, their on line program that helps your track what you are up to. And hey, isn't that my "grow your bangs out" mentor on the cover of that magazine? Yup, I'm pretty sure it's her! BTW progress report, the bangs are now down to my top lip...yeah! Veronica Lake, WATCH OUT!!!

Anyhow, I just want to encourage anyone who feels like they have gotten lost in the shuffle of life to tell yourself YOU ARE IMPORTANT!!! Just as important as all of those people you constantly take care of all the time. SO schedule some YOU time. Get a manicure, take a bubble bath by candlelight, find a juicy novel and curl up in bed an hour earlier than normal and tell everyone you're tired and going to sleep! Carving out time for you to have quiet to think, and make you a priority in your life because YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!

The "BOB" Haircut

Ever since I was very young, I always thought the "BOB" haircut was tres chic! I loved watching movies set in the 20's and 30's and thought the movie stars were incredibly sophisticated. The slim line of the dresses, usually chiffon with sequins and the stars all had characters that were strong, sophisticated and feminine all wrapped into one.

Move into modern times, and it's still a haircut that is just timeless. No matter what your face shape, I think it looks fabulous on everyone.

Marion Davies, such a classic beauty. She was the starlet who was the girlfriend of William Randolph Hearst and if you ever get a chance to go to central California, you MUST see Hearst Castle...but that's a post/pictures for another day :)

In inverted "BOB"....shorter in the back, longer in the front, which I have been told by a stylist or two is always flattering on the face.

Here is my mentor picture. Clean lines, classic, chic. Now many of you have goals like to loose X number of pounds for New Year's Resolutions (don't worry it's on my list too every year) but one of my MAIN goals is to develop PATIENCE and grow my bangs out. I really need hair therapy, because I've already been in the bathroom twice, with them combed down, scissors in hand, ready to relieve myself of the agony of having them hang right at the wrong spot. I think of the shame I would face, tail in between the legs, going back to my stylist, having to admit defeat and then I somehow muster up enough strength to set the scissors down and make it through another day and let them grow.

I know I have fellow friends out there who understand this. The last time I didn't have bangs was 2nd grade. (we won't do the math how many years ago that was right now) If there was a 1-800-DONT-CUT-BANGS hot line number, I'd be their numero uno client. Wish me luck!!!

P.S. I have the picture of Jenny printed at home and at my desk at work as a visual reminder to put the scissors down. I may need some support from time to time, and felt the need to reach out to my peeps. Kind of like therapy. "Hi, my name is Nancy, and I've gone for 6 weeks without cutting my bangs". Next........

Fairy Doors

I'm not sure when I came across seeing the first one...but I can tell you, it was love at first sight!

weefolkoutfitters

enchanteddoorways

fairyvillage

vflora

kaboodle

It makes me happy knowing that there is someone out there crafting these little treasures. Can you imagine being at a cocktail party "So...what line of work are you in?" "I make fairy doors"...I love it! Hats off to the artisans and the believers to add a little magic to their garden or home. Whenever I have grandchildren ( don't worry nobody is married...or even engaged yet, so family members reading this post don't let your imagination run wild) I am definitely going to have a fairy door in my house, and fill their heads with enchanted stories!

Acorn Collection

I originally posted these pictures in March, but HECK...I wasn't even friends with some of you back in the day and wanted to show you my Acorn Collection! It IS fall after all! I feel like my house just comes alive during this time of year...and I become like a little kid excited for the upcoming holidays. The anticipation is WONDERFUL! These are my little place card holders I purchased at Nell Hill in Atchison, KS. What a wonderful store!

My fall table setting, with yes....you see right....acorn and leaf confetti!


My acorn pie crust attempt!

My red transfer ware plates, with you guessed it...ACORNS on the rim of the plate!

Acorn cakelet pan from William Sonoma. So cool! Made them last fall and use edible gold dust to brush the tops. Everyone loved them!

My Acorn teapot set that my sweet co-worker bought for me. He said it had my name written all over it!

A little bit of my random acorn collection...ceramic, wood, felt, wrought iron...I'll take them in way, shape or form!

My Acorn plaque that sits on our mantel

My Acorn wreath that is up YEAR ROUND....a gift from my sister :)

I've been tagged

My Best Bud Melinda tagged me from Country Dreaming and the rules are you are supposed to post 6 random things about yourself.....then tag 6 more people. I usually don't like tags, but I always love to learn more things about my blogging friends, so I am going to be compliant. Plus if I don't, Melinda might flick me next time I see her, and she has a pretty mean flick!

Okay six random things....let's see what fascinating things I can rummage up....

-I have a complete filing system for all the things I tear out of magazines that I might find useful at some later point and time (I can hear you thinking..."She's a little OCD!") I have files for recipes, decorating, home improvement ideas, etc. since I have way too many magazine subscriptions.

-I have a sachet of dried lavender that I rub over over bed pillows before we go to sleep at night. It makes for the most heavenly of dreams.

-I feel compelled to bake everyone at work a homemade birthday cake, whether they are in my immediate area or not, because I like to celebrate their special day. I have a list in a drawer and know all their favorites.

-I think whoever came up with the bumper sticker "PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS" was genius. Nothing makes me happier than sending someone a box of specially selected presents, specially gift wrapped, with a handful of glitter thrown in on top (don't comment if you work at a post office) to unsuspecting family/friends.

-I have a serious problem buying books and need to find a local chapter of book buying anonymous. I belong to a book club and order monthly as well as patronize Half Price Books and Borders on a regular basis, and fantasize about having built in bookcases through out the house. I get butterflies (the good ones) when I see home that have those floor to ceiling libraries, especially if there is a rolling ladder to access all the treasures.

-One of the best days in my entire life was when I went snorkeling at Poipu Beach in Kauai. The minute I was able to see all of the tropical fish in the water swimming around, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I floated on top of the water for HOURS mesmerized with all their beautiful colors.

Okay now to pass the assignment.....You can do it!!!! I pick the following folks:
Please forgive me if you are a tag free zone....let me know and I will select someone else.

Carrie at Cottage Cozy

Elizabeth at Gossamer Wings

Becky at Holiday In The Sun

Martha at Lines from Linderhof

Julie at Living in the Wine Country

Valerie at From Our Front Porch Looking In

Rules of the Game:

-Link to the person who tagged you

-Post the rules on your blog

-Write 6 random things about yourself

-Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them

-Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog

-Let the blogger know when your post is up on your site

Shaun the Sheep

Most people are blogging about wonderful french grain sack pillows, or how wonderful it was meeting the Farm Chicks at the Antique show....and then there's me. Don't get me wrong, I want to own a French grain sack pillow and meet the Farm Chicks, but my latest addiction is buying dvd after dvd of Shaun the Sheep. Now you may be familiar with him if you have little ones.....or if you happen to love Wallace and Gromit (which I do...alot). We celebrated Dan-the-Man's birthday last Thursday and after eating dinner, cake and presents forced everyone to watch one of the dvd's I had. There's no talking, just antics. There's a farmer who is clueless what his sheep herding dog Bitzer is up to when he should be minding his flock of sheep. I guess it's the kid in me, but I have a new love. I've found that Target sells a few story lines you can find in the kids section, and as always Amazon has a great selection. I'll be the one in the living room with my gnome p.j.'s on and a bowl of popcorn watching Shaun if you are wondering what I'm up to at night.

Castle

Is it just me? Am I the only one????? Is this or is this not the sharpest thing that's come out on tv lately or what? Here's something to sink your teeth into. Cat and mouse...detective.....muder....mystery.....and a lovely little anticipation of a tantalizing flirtatious chemistry between a novelist and detective. I am NOT one to watch tv....if I do it's PBS, or National Geographic, or my favorite person in the whole world...Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel. But this show takes the cake....I love every episode. It makes me giddy with excitement to watch it. I actually just found out you can watch missed episode on line. I'm ready to pre-order for when the seasons come out on dvd. I can not get enough of this show! You know what's great about it, beside the witty writing, the twist in the plots...they never turn out like you think how they are heading. I love a good mystery and you add the sizzle undercurrent between Rick Castle and Detective Beckett.....sigh....it's right up there with the anticipation of a good Jane Austin movie. Heavy sigh.

P.S. Monday nights at 9:00pm on ABC (CST)

P.S.S. Bummer....the Season Finale was May 18th....now I don't know how many Mondays I have to wait until it's back on again (oh yes, it got renewed!!!) Amazon is selling Season 1 on DVD...Release date Sept. 22....somebody have mercy on me!

Mushrooms

Aren't these just the cutest things? They are ceramic mushrooms. My niece had them all over her garden. Nice resting spot for the fairies don't you think? When I was a little girl I have a crystal clear memory of playing outside and making a house for the fairies. I cleared the area with a pine needle broom and made a house for them out of twigs. I also made furniture from leaves and whatever else mother nature could provide. I sat and waited for what seemed like hours for the fairies to arrive. I was sure if I laid absolutely still they would feel safe to approach their new home I built for them. My Mom called me inside after a while. There was no doubt in my mind the fairies came shortly after I went inside and slept in the new home with the stars shining brightly upon them.