where do i blog party?

I am linking up to the "WHERE DO I BLOG PARTY"  My space is in the laundry room/office/scrapbook table. This space is pretty quiet other than the uneven washer bouncing around the floor  and  i love my space, pictures of family, buckets of stuff on my shelves that only I could find what I am looking for,  I read blogs, dream BIG, and have been known to work on many digital scrapbooks on my Mac in this space. Coke Zero, Spree and my favorite candle surround me daily. Welcome to my space! Thanks for stopping by! Valarie

I'm back.....

We had a great time camping in the little Shasta... I am telling you for two people she is soooo small, and I hinted all week-end we should go ahead and purchase the Airstream instead of waiting till next year!
It was beautiful weather - lake was sparkling blue, the friends we met there were awesome!  I completed my first 20 mile ((yes that is right!!)) bike ride!! I surprised myself and LOML!

  Our slice of heaven for the weekend! See the sparkling water behind us!

Our new friend... Rocky Raccoon!! Came to visit us every night! Adorable!!

Deer wondering through the park the entire time! beautiful!!

Kim made this amazing monkey bread in her dutch oven!

Kim & Vance kayaking... they loved it! Vance caught his first fish out of it!

As you can see it was a fun week-end!! Hope you all had a great week-end!

Valarie

pEAcE, LOVE and Camping..

Hey all.. I will be away a few days, we are heading to Mineral Wells State Park with friends.. camping, biking, kayaking, and great food!!
This is my trial run to drive the gypsy down, hook it all up, and learn the tricks before the Sister on the Fly event in October.  
I did snag this State Fair of Texas pennant from Tracey (did you all go by her shoppe yet?) I hung the pennant going down the front door of the trailer, along with my bedspring wreath!
Holla at you all on Monday! Valarie

asking for HelP!!

Okay.. I know you all find this hard to believe since I am never at a loss for words or decorating tips... I am at a complete brain lock on how to decorate this little vintage Shasta. What is throwing me off is the aqua! I have always decorated black, white and splashes of red...  and this is such a small small space.. 89 sq feet to be exact.   I was thinking aqua splatter ware hanging underneath the cabinets... (although have not located yet!)  Maybe vintage souvenirs Texas things.. like an old state fair pennants.. (have spotted one thus far!)  Thought about bringing in my silver pieces for a table arrangement full of herbs, or something for the day of the event... What would you do and where??  Here is the deal... I am about to go to my first sister on the fly event and I think she needs a bit of vintage & cowgirl bling!  I am totally open to any suggestions... Hugs! Valarie   

Need something underneath the cabinet!! 

Need something above the windows and ledge! 

Help me!!  

sharing...

I found this here .. I loved it so I had to share with you!
Happy Tuesday!
Valarie

Swimming & School Bells RINGIN TODAY!

Yesterday me and the grandson hit the community pool for one final swim before school started this morning!

Photo in front of the school this morning!  

 

                                Hope your day is full of memories!!

I'll be at TUCKER HILL!

Come see me today! Open house @ Tucker Hill today 1-3 PM! 
INCREDIBLE corner lot in the heart of Tucker Hill on the beautiful tree lined State Street.Enjoy a massive covered wrap around front porch.Interior boasts quality construction,moldings,built-ins,wood flrs,granite,custom cabinetry, and an incredible Mstr. Suite with private balcony and sitting area.Kitchen is incredible with work area and Butler's Pantry.Walk to Founder's Square, park and playground. Modestly priced at 499K! 
Happy Saturday! 
Valarie 

spicy candle lanterns

I spotted these funky candle lanterns here and thought I would share with you! Perfect for  a Fiesta or just think of the different cans you could use! Labor Day week-end entertaining is right around the corner!  Think you will give it a try?  

materials 

• One empty, clean and dried 8-ounce can of Mexican chilies
• Can opener
• Sandpaper
• Hand drill
• 4 jump rings, 3/8"
• 3 pieces of chain or coiled color wire, 8" each
• Dangling charm
• Glass votive holder
• Votive or tea-light candle
• instructions 

step 1 Sand the edges of the empty and clean can at the ridge to remove any sharp points.

step 2 Drill three holes at the top of the can (just below the ridge) in a triangular fashion, in order to attach the chains. Drill two holes close together at the bottom of the can. Attach a jump ring to each hole at the top and one through the two holes at the bottom.

step 3 Hook one chain strip to each jump ring. Gather them at the top and connect with two jump rings. Add a dangling chain to the bottom jump ring.

step 4 Insert the glass votive holder and candle into the can.

step 5 Hang and light.

Happy Friday!! 

Valarie  

BELIEVE

Here at the blue cottage we may not have it all together but together we have it all. 

Thank you LOML for the beautiful roses last night, thank you for believing in me and my crazy dreams, thank you for loving me when I am not so easy to love. I hope that each of you have someone in your corner who believes in you ... it makes life so much easier! 

Happy Thursday!  

Valarie  

White Wednesday!

                                  Chippy pieces found at First Monday!

One of my chandeliers! I have an obsession for them!

White pedestal found at a barn sale, very white & Chippy!  Happy White Wednesday! 

Tea?

Gather around for a glass of tea and let us all discuss our Monday and week ahead!

What is on your agenda this week?  
Smiles,
Valarie

Pine Cove rocks!

Last Sunday I dropped off a very enthusiastic camper at Pine Cove!  Pine Cove is nestled among beautiful pine trees in my old home town of Tyler.  Go here to read more about Pine Cove and registration for next year... it sells out very quick!  Yesterday morning I left McKinney early heading East to pick up my grandson.  I could not wait to hear about the week and how his life had been impacted and all the friends & memories he had made.

I found him here when I walked up playing basketball.. I was lucky enough to get a very sweaty hug!! We hugged and he told me he would see me at the assembly!

So many kids, so many proud parents, I spotted my guy!! 

And he spotted me in the assembly! 

Afterwards each camper was given an award (why do i always cry at these?) The counselor had such nice things to say about him.... he said Wesley is confident, creative, and has a adventurous spirit!  I thought yes, that is what I see in him as well.  I am so proud to be a part of his life and thankful that my daughter allows me to be so active in his life.  Hope you loved your visit at Pine Cove today!  Hugs, Valarie

Good Morning Friday!

Sunlight welcoming a new day!
Have a fun day!
Valarie

Arkansas Bound!!

Do you know how to call a HOG???? 

LOML and Jonathan left the blue cottage early this morning heading to Arkansas for a day of fun and then to the University tomorrow to move back in the dorm. Hard to believe summer is past and school bells are ringing!  On the way up today they are going to spend the afternoon and tonight at Lake Fort Smith State Park paddling the kayak, then tonight grillin steaks and chillin out spending the night in the Serendipity Gypsy.  

Leaving the blue cottage with all the boy toys! They love the kayaks & bikes! I let them take my sweet little vintage trailer! Hang on Serendipity Gypsy! ((I hope the boys are gentle with her!!)) 

Bye LOML!!  

                          BYE JONATHAN!! STUDY HARD! 

what's in your box?

Window box beauty! Impatients, creeping jenny, moss roses .... 

Happy Tuesday!
Valarie

JuNK GypSY JUNK-A-PALooZA WaReHOUSE BLOWOUT! JuNK GypSY JUNK-A-PALooZA WaReHOUSE BLOWOUT!

y'all come on out! FriDAY, AUGUST 27 , 9am-7pm!!!

GiVE good junk a HOME! vintage home decor!

discounted prices on tonz o' STuFF! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO! 

Y'all want to ride down to College Station? go see the gypsy girls and then head over to the Dixie Chicken for a little bbq, beer and a game of pool? 

Just sayin! It would be a fun day!  

did you notice??

Just curious if you noticed my new header!! After much frustration of trying to do a collage without photo shop or photo smart or having figured out this Mac... I reached out to Amber! I love Amber @Sprinkles on Top!! She is the most patient person, she listens to what you want NOT  what she thinks you want, and then she executes THE NEW LOOK in such a timely manner! I totally recommend AMBER!!  Hope you love it and if you don't well.... :)  I still do!
Happy Saturday!
Valarie

Peace, Love and Happy Friday!

Elephant ears in my side yard!
Happy Friday!
Valarie

The Sound....

Of trickling water makes me feel cooler while we are battling 105 degree days here in the Lone Star State!  Inside our home all of the plantation shutters are shut.. shutting out the beauty of the natural sunlight shining in our bedroom and living area each morning. My outdoor baskets, ferns and flowers are all wilting and we have assigned watering days now.  We need a need a good ole' Texas thunderstorm to cool things down soon!  Stay cool and come on over for a glass of sweet iced tea this afternoon! See you here! Valarie

I promise....

To never complain about snow and ice again!!
Happy Summer day!
Valarie

DREAM!

What are you dreaming of today?? 

Me? Cooler temperatures here in Texas! 

hAPPY tUEsDaY!! 

Valarie 

Moment of Silence~

Please pray today for LOML (love of my life), family and friends.  LOML's mother passed away on Friday, Memorial this evening.

Today I pray for stillness in the hearts of all family and friends, and to remember past memories and blessings she bestowed upon them. 

Valarie