Things I am digging

I love World Cup soccer! Every match is pretty exciting.

A very clean and dust-free house!

The Jacaranda trees just finished their annual blooming (I love the purple flowers). That's the tree in our backyard.



Walking with Mum in our lovely local parks (Tumbleweed and Veteran's Oasis), usually with the borrowed dog (Gizmo).













A perfect omelet with basil from the garden and vidalia onion.

Ernesto's bronze stag (a birthday gift).













Currently harvesting/eating from the garden: Basil, tomatoes and cucumber.














Ducklings in the pond out back.









Things from this morning's walk: A mama and her four baby quail (no photo ~ seriously, those guys move way too fast to snap a pic), really neat cacti, woodpeckers at work, some tacky patio decor.


















Lemonade with mint. It tastes like summer in a glass.

Estate sale finds: Tons of stamps (used and unused), vintage metal deer marked "Germany" for E's Christmas stocking, label maker tape (old school kind), large amber vase from Italy.

Three fans blowing in our bedroom at night.

Taking the niece to a Phoenix Mercury game (professional women's basketball) and Mum saw us on TV (we were in the second row). Look for Emmi's yellow shirt to the right of the basket.

Currently

Current Books: My Life in Paris, by Julia Child and If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name by Heather Lende
Current Playlist: Sade, “Soldier of Love”
Current Guilty Pleasure: eBay and watching movies on my iTouch when I travel
Current Color: Bronze
Current Drink: Really cold iced tea
Current Food: Grilled chicken breast, salad with some ingredients from our garden
Current Favorite Show: Hoarders and cake shows
Current Wishlist: Italy
Current Needs: Vacation and new lamp for livingroom
Current Triumphs: Finished watching season 15 of ER and our garden
Current Bane of my Existence: Weather is not nice anywhere (heat, humidity or rain)
Current Celebrity Crush: John Stamos and Goran Visjnic
Current Indulgence: Fresh watermelon
Current Blessing: Home at last
Current Slang: “Good Night, Irene!” Note: I have no idea why I say this; it just sounds better than “Oh my goodness!”
Current Outfit: Boxers and a tank top
Current Excitement: Motorcycle trip to Colorado is coming up
Current Mood: Mellow and content
Current Link: http://www.regretsy.com/

Thanks for this idea, Julie!

Italy + Letters + Romantic Comedy = Sweet!

I saw a sweet movie tonight called "Letters to Juliet." It is set in Italy, which is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, and seeing Tuscany like that makes me want to go right now. I loved the soundtrack that features some Italian pop music and Taylor Swift. Cute love story! Here's the story from the movie's Facebook page:

Letters To Juliet is an enchanting story about love—of encountering new sparks and rekindling old flames. When a young American, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), travels to Verona, Italy—the romantic city where Romeo first met Juliet—she meets a group of volunteers who responds to letters written to Juliet seeking advice about love. Sophie finds and responds to a letter that has been lost for 50 years, which inspires its author Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy to find her her long-lost soul mate. Together, the two women embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever—a journey filled with laughter and companionship, discoveries about themselves and the meaning of true love.

Love Vintage Swap!

I posted about a Love Vintage Swap a few weeks ago and now I'm ready to reveal the exchanges. What fun it was to hunt for specific items for both of my exchange partners. There was a trip to the antique mall in Chandler and several thrift stores, as well as raiding through my own vintage goodies.
Here's what I received from Alicia in Flagstaff, Arizona -- she sent me record album covers, two magazines (one with Queen Elizabeth on the cover), ephemera, Valentines, a book and lovely postcards.
From Georgiana in Singapore, I received several Chinese children's books with the library cards in them (The first picture has a great illustration of a motorcycle). She also sent an apron, hairclips, black and white photos and a harmonica.
Here is what I sent to them: To Singapore, I sent a Monkees and "I Love Paris" album and two 45 records of Cher and the Beatles. I also sent a couple of children's books, two French books and a paperback of the Beatles. I found a very mod turquoise-color plastic bangle and a scarf and included miscellaneous ephemera and postcards.
To Flagstaff, I sent a lot of vintage sewing items/notions/fabric/booklets/patterns. I also sent an apron in Alicia's favorite colors, wrapping paper, a porcelain deer and miscellaneous ephemera and postcards.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

You are gonna love this little lady!

Fun with Fotos

First picture is of my darling niece, on her 12th birthday,
in her new chef's jacket. She really enjoys cooking!

On one of my recent trips, I ran low on chonies (underwear), so went to Super
K-Mart and got these. I based my purchase because it said, "Wedgie Free." Classic!

I love cooking for Nesto and when I make homemade tortillas, they do
not come out very round. I think this one is shaped like a stingray.

Gotta love a 1966 Cosmo magazine. Thanks, Angie!This sign was on the outside of a convenience store in North
Carolina. The "No Loafing" part made me chuckle.

I snapped this in front of the grocery store that I frequent. Parked at the bike
rack is a 3-wheeler with a basket, not locked up, and note the plastic skull
mounted on the front fender -- to give it that "bad ass" look. I live in the midst of several retirement communities, so most likely the bike belongs to a senior citizen.

We Love Illustrated Ink

This very talented Texas artist, Leila, is having a giveaway for one of her original art pieces which she titled, "Gothic Graciela." She is inspired by Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and tattoo-art. I have purchased lots of postcards and one print from her. The company is called "Illustrated Ink." Here is one of the postcards that she designed; you know how I love cupcakes!