PLEASE VOTE....

Hey all... One of the finest teachers in my district has applied for a grant. The grant is defined below in my blog. Alison taught Wesley, she is a fine teacher at the elementary school here in the McKinney Historic District.  Please go here to vote -- ALISON SMITHWICK,  page 22- Leave me a comment if you voted... I knew I could count on you.  xxoox, Valarie

Project Title
I've Got Stories to Tell

Description
Students often struggle with the idea that their own life experiences are stories worth sharing. Many of our students do not possess a sense of self-worth. Yet, their life stories are powerful and inspiring stories of survival. Whether their struggles are academic, economic, domestic, or all of the above, these children can and will overcome all obstacles in their way. Sharing their stories digitally, creating visuals and soundtracks, can have a profound therapeutic effect.

How will I use the money:
I will use the money to buy premier subscriptions to Web 2.0 resources such as animoto and other digital media creation sites. I will also be able to print and order books created by kids online on sites such as mixbook.com.

Who will benefit:
I work with Tier 2 and 3 students daily and would create "life story" projects with them. My hope is that the benefits from the process and the pride in the products will be visible to other students and teachers and that they will want to engage in similar activities.

Where:
McKinney, TX

How will you use the FlipCam to document your idea?
I will take video of kids working through the memory mapping, story boarding, project development, and product sharing.

When will my project take place:
As soon as I get the subscriptions and materials

Why I want to do this:
Kids need to know that their stories are worth sharing. Sharing experiences is a way to make deep connections and build relationships.

Cleaning Windows.... tell me why??

Don't ask me why I started a beautiful sunny day cleaning windows and plantation shutters! It had to be done, the windows were so yucky and with spring coming soon .. all my time is about to be outdoors. SO early this am, I started... and now I am all done. Whew, I feel so much better but I  promise NO ONE will even notice I have sparkling clean windows and shutters!
I hope that each of you are doing something fun today .. LIKE FIRST MONDAY, OR A DAY @Laurie Anna's visiting Tina & Monica
XXOOX,
Valarie

More Before & After

The "before" is the first photo of our outdoor living space we enjoyed for 7 years.... this was the first day of the remodel - they had poured the slab for the outdoor kitchen ..

And then the "after" of the outdoor living space we LOVE today!

The lamp post was in the front yard when I bought the house -- so I had to keep her... she is quite vintage!

Come on SPRING!!
Happy Thursday!!
Valarie

Tonight we're having...

Heart shaped cornbread and black eyed peas... won't you come join us?
Hope your day was fabulous!
Valarie

More Before & After

This was the side entrance of the house. As you can see she was in a real need of a make-over.. We put in new windows throughout, added the side porch overhang... added columns, railing, fret work, window boxes, a drive way, lots and lots of landscaping over the years, fabulous Blue Denim paint by Sherwin Williams.... and after 8 years here she is now....  xxoo, Valarie

Moment of Silence~

*** Edited to add....PS ... Thanks to each of you for your prayers for my sweet brother in law, he is home resting now, they removed 3 tumors yesterday from the bladder. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2007.... Please continue to pray for him and my sweet sister Fannie! *****

Please lift my brother in law in your prayers today.. we are at MD Anderson in Houston.
Thank you-
Valarie

Have I shown you the "BEFORE"

I was going through some old pictures last night of the blue cottage. This is the BEFORE when I bought in 2002. It was a duplex with two side entrances.  After six months of hard work, new plumbing, new electrical, caulk, sheetrock, (stripped walls down to studs), torn out one of the kitchens, pulled up the drive to the left of the house, pulled up sidewalk... we moved in... See anything can be made beautiful! And the after ..  the Blue Cottage now... all ours after 8 years of hard work... and we are still working on the hardscapes. Will share more this week!

Have a great Sunday!
Valarie

FIND ME HERE ON SATURDAY......

Click here to shop ...
See you all there!
XXOOX!
Valarie

My heart and door are open for business.... please come in..

Thanks to all of you for your support durning my job search and getting settled into my new life as a REALTOR here in North Texas! As you all know I had been selling real estate to family and friends.. so doing something for a hobby then turning it into a full blown career, has been a bit  stressed! I am rolling now, my new website is up.... excited about the opportunities! Please humor me and stop by my website! There are a few kinks to be worked out .. but we are working through them.  Hope you love the look and.... if any of you know anyone in the DFW, North Texas area, I would LOVE to be the girl to assist with their home buying/selling experience! Thanks again... and I will be back to junkin' in no time at all.
Hugs!
Valarie

Sharing.....

Sharing my Valentine bouquet with you and hope that you are having a fabulous week!! I would share my candy... beautiful Valentine box of Turtles, I had them ALL! Yep every single one.... 
Have a fun day! 
Valarie 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy LOVE day to all of you! I wish you all lots of love and happiness today with the ones you LOVE! The winner of my $25 gift certificate to the Munzesheimer is ... Lone Star Queen!!  
XX00XXX! 
Valarie 

More Snow.....

Yes, Yes 2 days of snow posting! For you that read my blog and do NOT live in Texas, please understand we do not get snow in Texas, we get ice, sleet ... the not pretty  white fluffy snow... so therefore I am beside myself with all the white beauty. Sharing a few photo's of my snow covered pecan tree, crape myrtle covered in snow (hard to believe in 2 months it will be blooming with beautiful pink blooms) my street, and another photo of the blue cottage with more snow than yesterday. According to news source North Texas hasn’t seen a winter this white in 32 years. The 11.2 inches of snow that had fallen by midnight Thursday at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport topped the previous record for snowfall in one day of 7.8 inches recorded in 1917 and 1964. The 12.4 inches that had fallen by 4 a.m. Friday also broke the 24-hour record of 12.1 inches Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, 1964. Thursday’s snow also catapulted seasonal accumulation to 15.7 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.That ranks as the second snowiest season ever.  Most snowiest was the 17.6 inches that fell in 1977-78. That year, 13.5 inches fell in February alone, also a record. Now you understand my excitement over a Texas snow!! oh and one more thing... did I tell you that Texas has over 600 school closings today? So all the kids are in the hood playing - sledding down the hill, chasing their dogs, making snow angels... it's a wonderful morning! Come on over - we have hot cocoa! 
Valarie 

oh WOW!! Snowing here at the Blue Cottage!!

Winter Wonderland here, I love SNOW!! So magical! Had to share the little blue cottage covered in the beauty. Hope you all are making snowmen and having hot cocoa!
Valarie

Because.. you all deserve to be pampered and loved!!

In celebration of LOVE DAY! I am giving away a $25 gift certificate to the Munzesheimer Manor Bed and Breakfast In Mineola, Texas! All you have to do is leave a comment of your favorite Valentine's Day memory! And...... if you want to grab my button and place on your blog - you get two entries! Drawing held Sunday!! Go to the website & check it out! LOML and I stay here often.. I love this place... and of course the owners are fabulous folks!  
XXOOX! 
Valarie  

Cup of Tea?

Let's have a cup of tea and celebrate Valentine's Day!! Will you please join me here at the Blue Cottage? Please RSVP!
Giggles!

P.S. THE TABLE IS SET - PLEASE STOP BY THIS POST FOR A SNEAK PEEK!

DreamS...

hAPPy SAtUrDaY!
I have been pondering today- exactly what my dreams are? Do I dream of my wishes to come true, dream of bigger cottages, dream of more family time, dream of fabulous vacations, dream of what peace on earth would look like, dream of no child going hungry at bedtime, dream of finding the cure for cancer... what do you dream about?  Please share with me ...

Help for Haiti....

Please go to this website and donate generously today for the children of Haiti. Thank you Mary for a wonderful gift. 

Smiles.

Valarie 

Website almost up.......

I am excited beyond words... going to give you a sneak peek of my website.... coming very, very soon!! 

Smiles..

Valarie 

Sell the blue cottage for this jewel??

Check it out.... Humm.... this is on the main street coming into the District... I was hinting last night to LOML you think we should sell the blue cottage for this??? (yOu DON'T want me to repeat his response!) but I had to share with you.... ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT MCKINNEY LANDMARKS, RICH IN HISTORY. BUILT FOR CAPTAIN TUCK HILL, COUSIN OF FRANK AND JESSE JAMES. INCLUDED IN THE HISTORIC TOUR OF HOMES, MCKINNEY LIVING MAGAZINE, AND COUNTLESS BUS TOURS THROUGH HISTORIC MCKINNEY. TASTEFULLY ENHANCED AND MAINTAINED IN ORDER TO PRESERVE HISTORIC INTEGRITY. LUSH LANDSCAPED .50 ACRE LOT, FULLY SPRINKLERED INCLUDING KOI POND,WATERFALL, AND LARGE DECK FOR ENTERTAINING. 
Well, what are your thoughts??? I can see the ferns hanging on the porch with a swing, all the trim painted in black, flower boxes hanging on the fence... must I dream on??? 
I did ask LOML to reconsider!! 
Have a great day! 

MAGNOLIA PEARL.....

I am such a fan of Magnolia Pearl... are you??  Pop over and say hi to Robin!

Hope each of you are having a blessed day!
Peace, Love and Happy to ya!
Valarie

Tonight we're having...

My favorite salad!   
All you need are these 6 things!! 1)field greens, 2)chopped walnuts, 3)dried cranberries, 4)reduced fat feta crumbled cheese,  5)fresh strawberries and 6)Ken's walnut raspberry vinaigrette dressing! Add a loaf of lightly toasted french bread & a glass of red wine and there you have a nice little dinner.  
xxoox, 
Valarie 

To all my dear friends, 

After nineteen years of putting my dream on hold, I was presented with the opportunity to pursue my dream career. Although it was a forced opportunity, I am thankful to be able to devote all of my energy to the pursuit of my dream.

I am excited to announce that I am now working as a Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams in McKinney! As you all know, selling real estate has been a long term goal of mine. The past three years I primarily sold to family and close friends and along the way flipped cottages in the Historic District for fun. I now have the opportunity to use all the tools I learned while working for a large corporation to market, manage, and sell homes here in the North Texas area. I will also utilize all those years of customer focused training to provide the highest level of service to my clients.

If you or somebody you know is in the market to purchase or sell a home, I would love the opportunity to present what I can offer.  Also, for anyone outside of Texas, I have established a network of specialists that I will be working with on a one -on- one with for any referral .. buy, sell, or lease.   

My prayer is to get the word out to all my friends - all of you- so that I may make  a difference to the single mom who never had a home, to the young married couple buying their first home, a couple retiring looking for the perfect patio home on a golf course, or the empty nester couple, perhaps the college grad buying his/her first condo.. the list of opportunity is endless.   

I always pray to make a difference in someone's life... somehow... someday... I believe this may be it!  

Thank you for all your support! 

Valarie 

PS... I hope you love my brand... website up on Feb 11th - will share when launched!  

National Girlfriend and Sister's Week!!

I am  only as strong as the coffee I drink, the  hairspray I use, and  the friends I have. To the cool women who  have touched my life.   Here's to you!  Post it on your blog!  Thanks to my sweet sister Fannie for sharing!!  

It  is good to be a woman:  

1. We got off the Titanic first.
2. We can  scare male bosses with mysterious  gynecological disorder excuses.
3. Taxis  stop for us.
4. We don't look like a frog in  a blender when dancing.
5. No fashion faux  pas we make could ever rival the Speedo.
6.  We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.
7. If we forget to shave, no one has to  know.
8. We can congratulate our teammate  without ever touching her rear end.
9. We  never have to reach down every so often to make  sure our privates are still there.
10. We  have the ability to dress ourselves.
11.   We can talk to the opposite sex without  having to picture them naked.
12.  If  we marry someone 20 years younger, we are aware  that we will look like an idiot.
13. We will  never regret piercing our ears.
14. There  are times when chocolate really can solve all  your problems.
15. We can make comments  about how silly men are in their presence  because they aren't listening anyway.  
Hope you laughed out LOUD!! Have a great week!  

chocolate chip cookies!

It was "Mimi night" last night and here is what we baked up! As you can tell from the photo he was a bit focused on wrestling! However, I did manage to keep him on track until these yummy cookies were in the oven. This was the first time I tried this recipe, they were very good! Recipe credit given here! 

Hope you all have a wonderful week-end! Smiles! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter flavored shortening
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavored shortening, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla .Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

You asked?

How many different fabrics do I have in the master bedroom? Well, I counted around 7, but I figured since they are all black and white I am gypsy chic! Right??  Matching fabrics or bed in bag is not my personality at all, as you can tell from the polka dotted dust ruffle to the damask print in the comforter to the different pillows on the bed. My favorite chair, my mom gave to me one year for my birthday, now covered in toile! My favorite wall lamps covered in black white check.. so it is really a hodgepodge of black & white fabrics that warm my master suite and my heart! Thanks for asking about all my prints and I hope you find what warms your heart in your home!
xxoox!
Valarie  
  

Meet my friend Fredda Perkins!

I have to share this adorable,cutest ever craft cottage. I met Fredda a few years ago in the garden club, she also loves in the Historic District in the most stunning home in the district. Please go here to read about Fredda. She and her daughter will inspire you! Her home, her life, her love for all her crafts are amazing. Please read more on her daughter's blog here! (Another talented one!!) Fredda, we all so enjoy your talents! I am glad to be in your company!  oH... and click here for Fredda's fabulous mosiac work! Leave me your thoughts and I pass on to Fredda!
xxoox!
Valarie
(p.s. Make sure you click on ALL links in the post!)

Amazing!!

Kim at Daisy Cottage, You are an amazing person and I adore you and your blog! You make us all feel loved and special everyday. If you have not met Kim hop over and introduce yourself and enjoy her beautiful blog and roses for you today!
xxoox!
Valarie

I have been a very bad girl.....

Sorry to not have answered some of your questions so here goes to all the sweet gal's I have not responded too...
1) What is the actual color of the blue cottage? Color, Denim by Sherwin Williams, the trim is Ink also by Sherwin Williams.
2) What is the color of my dining and living area? Color, Sands of Time by Sherwin Williams
3) Are my hardwood floors orginal to the house? Yes and No..  The hardwood floors added to the kitchen in 08. At that time I also had the entire cottage hardwoods stripped, restained and hand scraped.
4) Do I have a new sofa? LORD, NO! This sofa was once all red, but had her redone and I designed the look, mixing 5 fabrics.. had this amazing guy recover -cost me about $375  and yes... he also did the wingback chairs for $125. i bought the wing back chairs at an auction I attend regularly in Edom
5) Have I found a job? A job no, a new venture yes ... will share soon.
6) Are all my kids out of the house and are we empty nesters? YES, THANK GOD!
7) Why do I blog? I LOVE LOVE people! I love to share my life, that I have been blessed with. Hopefully this life I lead will inspire or make someone smile. I guess it is just my way of giving back.
8)  Would I consider helping plan a wedding? YES.. YES.. As you all know I have been in events and marketing for 19 years in corporate America so yes.. I would be thrilled to help anyone or review any type of a contract for your event.  ( I have done 3 weddings the last few years and it is pretty cool)
9)  Why do you call your husband LOML and what is his real name? His real name is TIM and  he is the Love Of My Life... so I always call him that.
10) Why don't you do more post on MIMI Thursday?  under my label "What is a MIMI?"  I had a strange comment on my blog about my grandsons - it freaked me out so stopped for a while.. will continue to do but not with face photography.  This person was blocked from site.
11) Am I from Texas?? Yes... a native Texan, I was raised in East Texas, went to Elementary school in Greenville & Winnsboro, before settling in Canton in the 5th grade, Canton High grad 1979, moved to Tyler in 1979, Mckinney in 2002.
12) Someone emailed me - you talk about your MoM often - but never your dad is he deceased? My step father raised us three kids.. wonderful man-passed away in 94, taught me everything I know about life lessons, hard work and horses. My grandson is named after him.  My biological father is living.. enough said!
I hope I answered all the questions... and thanks for being a follower.. I love you and would never want to neglect any of you fabulous gals!
Happy SATURDAY night..
Valarie

I have a makeover.... your thoughts???

You have to love Amber! You know it is pretty cool when you say I want something light, whimsy, and stick my cottage in there too.. and she comes up with this! Amber you Rock!
I love my Friday already!
Valarie

We're having..

Chicken Stir Fry tonight here at the blue cottage!

Credits given here...  

---

2 whole chicken breasts
1 lg. can pineapple chunks
1 lg. bunch broccoli
4 to 5 carrots
2 onions
1 green pepper
2 c. mushrooms
2 stalks celery
1 to 2 tsp. minced garlic
Soy sauce to taste
Stir-fry sauce to taste
Sesame oil (to stir fry in)

Par-boil chicken breasts, skin and cut into pieces (save water). Chop all vegetables. Drain juice from can of pineapple chunks and marinate cooked chicken pieces in juice for 1/2 to 1 hour. Heat sesame oil in wok or very large frying pan. Add vegetables, starting with hardest (carrots) and adding remaining vegetables little by little. (Adding the onions with the carrots gives a better flavor.) Then add chicken with pineapple juice.

Cover wok and let vegetables steam. While vegetables are steaming, cook rice in chicken water. After vegetables are cooked enough (do not overcook) stir-fry vegetables (should be semi-crunchy). Add pineapple chunks. Serve over cooked rice.
oh p.s. I added in roma tomatoes as well
It was very yummy!
Valarie

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE ~JUNE 12TH~ AND COME TO MCKINNEY FOR THE HOME AND GARDEN TOUR.  In our club we only have the tours every two years! So you can only imagine how hard we work for this event. It is beautifully done, the homes are magical, and yes the gardens are splendid!  Won't you save the date and come spend the day with me?  I am the publicity girl for the club so if each of you could spread the word on our blogs.. I will hug you and appreciate you very much!!
I knew I could count on you all~
Valarie

I have my LOVE banner!

Thanks Tina for the reminder to hang the LOVE banner!  I am so glad Mika made my LOVE banner!  If you need one or two email mika2682@aol.com.  
XXOOX,
Valarie 

Sharing LOMLs 50th Birthday...

** edited to add, per the email requests**

Pine Mills Catfish, 2205 S Fm 14, Mineola, TX.  Tel: 903-857-2021 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey all.. wanted to share the beautiful scenery while we celebrated in LOMLs 50th! It was a misty, cold, foggy morning. As we went out for a morning drive the countryside was amazing! Deer everywhere, wondering through the neighborhood like tamed animals, aren't they beautiful?  The Lakes.. so calming! We then proceeded to dine here..  THE BEST CATFISH EVER! If anyone of you would like to visit Holly Lake, leave me a comment and you can stay in a cabin -guest of us.. check the map about 1.5 hour Dallas.  LOML had a fabulous 50! Thanks to each of you that left comments!
Hugs to all,
Valarie

Shhhh... It's LOMLs 50th tomorrow!!

Hey gals.. heading out to Holly Lake Ranch for a little celebration with LOML ... It's his big one!! 50th!! If you would please leave him a wish, advice, or anything you like. I will share photos and the wishes upon my return. 
xoxo-
Valarie

Lemon Tassel!

Thank you Cindy, I am enjoying my lemon tassel.
When I have one of those days - I hear the little birdie on my shoulder say "When life gives you lemons made lemonade"... Here at the blue cottage we have plenty of lemonade these days!!
Grins..
Valarie

Frame~Vintage Mirror

The picture frame I found on a curb and painted natural canvas and sanded the edges.. the mirror hanging inside is an old vintage mirror that I found at a local junk store. I love the reflections in the mirror of the collectibles on the shelf with a glimpse of the chandelier hanging.. This is in my Mom's room when she comes to visit.
Giggles..
Valarie

Vintage Frames....

An old vintage frame with the top of a vintage serving dish hanging inside the frame. Hanging proudly in my dining room. You can hang anything in a frame right???? I'll be sharing more frame photos this week!!
Valarie