Succulents....

I bought this old oil lamp last year from my friend JO and an instant planter for succulents it became!  I enjoyed it last year hanging under the pergola. Over the last few days noticing the  succulents have come back.. hardy as ever. Can't believe they survived the winter!  Don't you love the discovery of Spring and all it brings? Smiles! xxox!  Valarie

Happy Easter!! & 400th post winner!!

Hope you all are dressing your nests with the finest to entertain your family & friends.... I am saddling up to ride out to spend time with Mama & sister in East Texas!
Before I go I would like to share the CROWNED CASA is the winner of my 400th post give-a-way! Winning a $50 gift certificate to shop with Laurie Anna!
Blessings to you all!
Valarie

A gift that will last...

Grandson is turning 10!  Not every 10 year old would want this gift.. but I am the MIMI! AND he tells me " I ROCK" so maybe he will love it as much as I loved scrapping a collage of the special memories of the decade of his life!  Ticket stubs of movies we enjoyed, sporting events, camps, retreats, birthdays of the past, his first tricycle, his championship baseball trophy, the Mavericks ball kid, go carts, zip lines at retreat we attended, all of the memories and joy that grandchildren give us! 
Hugs! 
Valarie  


PS.... DONT FORGET TOMORROW IS MY 400TH POST - SEE POST BELOW FOR DETAILS!! LEAVE ME A COMMENT AND YOU ARE ENTERED!! 

basketball anyone?

We are just enjoying the beautiful weather and trying to keep up with our little Jack....
Have a great day!!

PS... #398 POST.. Give-a-way drawing held on 400TH POST!! 

Goodwill find....

LOOK WHAT I FOUND AT GOODWILL THIS PAST WEEK-END!!  I gave this red candle holder a spray of my favorite red paint, added some candle holders on the bottom! It was marked $10 bucks at my fav Goodwill ...  I said "WHERE ARE THE BOTTOM CANDLE HOLDERS?" she said "GOOD POINT, how about $5 bucks"? I smiled and said thank you!!  Can't wait till tonight to a little candlelight under the pergola with LOML!

PS... TODAY IS MY #397 POST.... I am having a drawing on the day of the #400th post!! if you want to enter leave a comment! The give-a-way is to one of your favorite shops in Texas -- you all know, love and adore her.....  she has a booth and a store in Canton.... need I say more? $50 bucks all for you... the winner!! ANYONE CAN ENTER AND ANYONE CAN WIN ... Laurie's Anna's Vintage Home can ship...... 

HuGs!
Valarie

2 rusty bucketS & a pink geranium.. my favorite!

Planting buckets & window boxes today...
Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather!!
xxoox!

MaGic CooKiE BARS!!

Thought I would bake something sweet for LOML and I date night! I love these - my mom called them howdy Doody bars... but i think most folks call them magic cookie bars... either way they are to die for!! 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 cup Nestle chocolate Chunks!! (yummy!)   
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• Instructions
• HEAT oven to 350°F. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
• COMBINE graham cracker crumbs and butter in small bowl. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chunks, and coconut. 
• BAKE 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Loosen from sides of pan while still warm; cool on wire rack. 

Yummy!! What did you have for dessert tonight? 

Happy Saturday night! 

Valarie 

Sharing...

This morning on my walk around the block, I thought I should share this beauty with you. This house is on the main street when enter into the McKinney Historic District. Home sits on the corner of Waddill and Louisiana.  This home has been under renovations for a while, but they are making progress daily. I adore all the leaded glass the many fireplaces, the wrap around porch...... Don't you love it? 

i am here... i promise....

Hey, all you sweet friends that email me. I am here and life is grand I promise.  I am however struggling on how to turn off the business and turn back on the fun... I am loving the real estate business.. I can market property my way, (no more corporate), I can make a decision without a 30 page power point business plan, I create my own budget, I can pop in and check on all of you through my blog dashboard for a second if I want (could not do that in corporate, firewall blocked) can go to lunch anytime in the day (not an option in corporate world, had too much work to get out!) so you can all imagine I am loving the flexibility of being my own CEO, my own marketing department, etc...  I do miss finding time to go junkin', work on my tablescapes, re-arranging my cottage, Goodwill AND the many friends you all know and adore that have fabulous darling shops that I have not been to since end of last year!!
I completed the Keller Williams 4:4:3 (boot camp) end of Jan - The 4:4:3 is a fast track to success with 4 sales, 4 listings, in 3 months, it is a way to get grounded for a journey of success.  I am 1/2 way there and have another 30 days to achieve... I am hitting the pavement hard... To date, I have sold 2 commercial properties, and have 2 listings... I am thrilled beyond words and jump out of the bed each morning for a new day of hope and promise. I can not thank you all enough for your support!
Now for all of you in Texas in Denton County, I have a new listing in Lewisville... $178, 000 .. Super home, pristine condition, new roof, new radiant barrier in attic... Won't you send me a first time home buyer (tax credits still apply)?   xxoox, Valarie

P.S. Any referral you send me I pay a referral fee!  

Someone you all know and adore......

Is having a birthday on Friday!! I wanted to make sure you all knew so you could hop over and wish Tina.. Cherry Hill Cottage a very happy birthday!!  Tina, I wish you much celebration and sparkle on your special day!
Hugs, 
Valarie

Is this a Dream?

Could we possibly have this much snow on March 21?  Look at all the snow here @1110! Normally in Texas, all our spring gardens and flowers are in the ground and moderate temps of 65-72. This morning it is very cold, the wind is blowing very hard (look at my flags) and the snow is coming down in sheets!!  Only in Texas!!  I love it!!  Y'all come on over!!
Have a blessed day!
Valarie  

Dreaming all day @Laurie Anna's post!

No doubt Laurie Anna has more energy than many of us put together!!  Go to her website and check out more of the fabulous pictures... I am sharing just enough for you to begin to dream....  oh and one more thing... you can shop on line for many of the "fabulousness" finds that are in these pictures.. like the super cool bottle drying rack, or the silverware molds... yep I'll take both of those please...  Have a good afternoon shoppin' and dreamin'..
Hugs..
Valarie

Ever been to the Lewisville Feed Mill?

Today I had to take care of some real estate business in Lewisville and on the way home this old feed mill caught my eye! I stopped to buy a few of my favorite herbs and when I went inside and saw all the history to this place... I asked... "Can I grab my camera?" Nicest folks ever... family owned business for generations. At the feed mill there are old scales hanging, old signs, the coolest cash register ever, loved the old cabinet with all the seeds, but my favorite for today was the most darling baby chicks! Just in time for Easter! if you ever get a chance stop by... you will be glad you did.. Hope you enjoyed the field trip!
Happy week-end!
Valarie

Iris blooming!

I have 3 blooms this morning.... aren't they beautiful? There is a cluster of 5-7 and normally 3 have bloomed every spring since moving here in 2002. I often wonder who planted the bulbs and what year?  I will call them my vintage iris! 
Smiles..
Valarie 

Boston Fern Hung...

When spring is around the corner, the first thing I buy are boston ferns!!  Hung this one on the front porch... many more hung around the cottage! (crossing my fingers no more freezes!)  

Hope your day was magical!! 

Playing in the dirt.....

Planted red geraniums in my fabulous planters I bought from my dear friend Jo....  (click on link to find her!) Guess what?? Jo has lots and lots of goodies right now!! It is a sunny, beautiful day here in North Texas! 
Come on Spring!   
Valarie 

goodwill find....

OMG look what I found at Goodwill today!! $12 bucks for this cute candlelier.  Can't you see this with candles flickering in the summer overlooking a garden party with the outdoor area covered in beautiful hanging baskets, with tons of potted flowers.... LOVE IT red prisms and all!! (Humm.. I believe a garden party is due!!)
Hugs... Smiles... and Happy Junkin!
Valarie

shopping @ BIG LOTS!

Today I found this adorable outdoor mat at Big Lots!  I bought these cute hanging baskets.... they had round & square ones! I had to hang them. A reminder that SPRING is on the way!   Big Lots has plenty for you too!
Happy Thursday!Valarie

Have you printed your blog to book?

J-Mac told me about this cool website where you can turn your blog into a book! Well, I thought I would give it a try for my 08 postings.. Only blogged for a few months in 08, so I gave it a try. My book came today and OMG!! I am nuts over it! Website is blog2print. I am very impressed with the quality of the book, pictures are super clear. A very cool way to reflect and capture your life, family, decor, and fun.  (shown in photo are the front and back of the book!)
Hugs & Happy to ya!
Valarie

Want to move to Plano?

This is my listing in Plano!  On the market for 14 days, listing for $287,000! 
This beautiful custom home has the look of Timeless Elegance, situated on a large corner lot in Parkway Estates. Front entry greets your guests with stunning leaded glass surrounding the entire front door. As you enter into the two-story foyer you will find a Formal Dining Room conveniently located near the kitchen. The oversized Family Room features an impressive massive brick gas starting fireplace and has rich picture frame paneling. The nearby Gameroom is separated by a wall of French doors and offers a vaulted ceiling, two skylites and wood planked walls. There is a Master Suite and a Guest Room on the main level on opposite sides for privacy. The spacious Master Suite features a wall of windows, two walk-in closets, both with built-ins. You will love the updated stainless steel appliances in the island kitchen, which includes a Bertazzoni 5-burner gas stove top for the Chef of the house. Throughout the house you will find extensive wood flooring, crown molding and special ceiling treatments. The backyard has 4 fruit bearing trees and a wonderful covered patio for your summer entertainment!  Know anyone that would love to call this beauty home... visit me here! 
Have a great Monday!  
Valarie 

For all of us that have a bit of Gypsy Heart!

I love this new song by Miranda Lambert!! She graduated high school with my son in 2002 from the city of Lindale, Texas!! I am a bit partial to this little country gal.. Go here to see her new Airstream remodel in the making... 


Here are a few lines from the song.... Enjoy! 
Sometimes I wish I lived in an Airstream
Homemade curtains, lived just like a gypsy
Break a heart, roll out of town
Cause gypsies never get tied down

Sometimes I wish I lived on a mountain
Drank from a stream instead of a fountain
Id stay there, top of the world
But I was born a red dirt girl

Unbridled or tethered and tied
The safety of the fence or the danger of the ride
Ill always be unsatisfied

Sometimes I wish I lived by a pier
In a lighthouse with a chandelier
Id watch everybodys ships come in
And then Id sail away with them

Unanchored in the storm
Or safely on the shore
If this is all I need, why do I want more

Happy Friday!! 

Valarie 

Blogging friends are the best!

Hugs to each of you... I am still here... working, working on my business! Thanks for the emails asking if all is okay in my world.  We are all fine and blessed.
Valarie

Before & After

OKAY ... MORE OF THE BLUE COTTAGE BEFORE & AFTER .. This is the West side of the cottage. Since this home was a duplex .. there was a driveway on this side that went down the side of the house (crazy, since the garage is on the east side of the house!) we torn it out and had tons of concrete hauled off, don't you love the vintage block window (that was the bathroom) I pulled out the vintage block window and added a stained glass window.... tons and tons of landscape and bed prep work... (also notice no HVAC photo in the first photo .. yep that cost us!) Photos are both angles from Tim office and then street view. I was most excited when I added the awnings in '08. Hope you enjoyed the tour.. This spring we are adding another flower bed (3rd photo) to the right of the photo so the beds will mirror each other - think we will add some pebbles for walkway .. grass will not grow here too much shade... xxoox! Valarie

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