China!

When I was a little girl I never imagined traveling all the places I have been lucky enough to go to....so when Steve asked me to go to China I was excited and thrilled....

We planned a quick fun getaway to Hong Kong, Lantau Island and Kowloon! I loved it!!! Steve has been all over China - Beijing, Shanghai, Tiajin, etc., but this was my first trip to Asia....there were people 24/7 everywhere we went! This one one of the busy streets we were at in Hong Kong - there are high end stores (Mont Blanc, Tiffany, Bulgari - even people lined up to get into Chanel their economy is so good!) In between the high end stores are street markets - fish mongers, etc. You can buy anything you can imagine on these streets.....

At this market the fish mongers had fish in barrels, fish on ice, and these fish were so fresh they kept their lungs and heart in them and you could see the hearts beating....now that's fresh!

At this market they slaughter and sell every piece of every animal. On 'display' here is tripe, tongue, heart, kidney and tail!

This was a fresh produce market and we also went to many famous markets - Stanley Street Market, Ladies Market, Jade Market and our favorite the Night Market and we went there several times. We loved the outdoor food service and activity all mixed in one area....and Steve was happy to sit there and people watch while I shopped away....they love to 'bargain' there and you negotiate back and forth and it is quite the experience.

One day we went to Victoria Park where they were having a flower show. There are very very few parks or flowers or greenery anywhere in Hong Kong or Kowloon....the locals flock to these flower shows and take endless pictures of tiny blooms and blades of grass....

One day we rode the subway to Lantau Island and took the 35 minute, 4000 ft Tram ride to the Monastery and Big Buddah....loved this...the tram made several turns and we went mountain to mountain high above the Wisdom Walk and Path of Buddah

Few cars and the intent of this picture was to capture the bamboo scaffolding they use over there - no OSHA - no hard hats - no wonder they can get things done so fast. They can build a 60 story highrise in 4 months. We rode the double decker bus all over Hong Kong (30 cents US)

One of the food stands at the night market....night after night we enjoyed shrimp, dumplings, noodles and more....every meal was perfectly delicious and no napkins anywhere - they put a roll of toilet paper on the table and when you go into the bathroom no toilet paper so bring your own!
One night we ate in a 5 ***** restaurant and it was not nearly as fun.

In Hong Kong they pretty much tear everything down to build a new skyrise, however in a few pockets we found some old world treasurers....

We rode the Hop On Hop Off Train and the Tram to Victoria Peak....loved this view of Victoria Park with the concrete jungle in the background. Every night at 8 pm they have a laser show across the harbor where 40 buildings on each side flash lasers syncronized to music....amazing

Some of the old and new....old world British influence and Chinese skyscrapers

Even with all the wealth they still have the 'Junk' Saipan boats where people live on them in the beautiful harbor....we snapped this shot on one of our many trips back and forth from Kowloon to Hong Kong on the Star Ferry (25 cents a trip!)

We loved Lantau Island and walked the 200 steps to the Big Buddah and went to the monastery and ate at the vegan restaurant in the monastery.....so wonderful.

I have a million more pictures and the trip home was a bear (28 hours, thanks United) however I would do this trip again in a minute. It was so interesting and was wonderful to be there with Steve and I do have to say I felt sorry for America once I saw the Chinese technology, order, structure and wealth.....buy American everyone!!! Let's support the USA - we are almost a 3rd world country compared to what I saw!!!

Whoooooo says Thrifting is for the Birds?????

Just back from an incredibly long and draining trip to see my parents in Snowy Idaho....we drove and took the dog with us and between hospital visits, doctor visits, some home repairs and errands here and there I managed to come home with a few treasurers and when I unpacked them I noticed they were all bird related!!!

On the road we stopped at one thrift store and I found this cast iron owl, a set of white doves, one natural colored dove and a little set of three owls.....

At Cracker Barrel I found little blue bird S&P shakers and I bought two sets to place around areas in my house....this little guy sits on the bird house table I thrifted and re-purposed and put the birdcage on it with sea shells.....

His partner is on the coffee table in the Living Room by my sea shell lamp and pictures of the boys on the beach and the shot I took of a rainbow right over our house....

This little pair sits together on the mantle by my Seth Thomas clock and hand turned bowl I was given....don't they look sweet?

I painted the cast iron owl a yummy gold color and he sits on the TV next the the family picture I love so much. The little owl trio I think I might keep for Halloween....

Now, back to the stack of paperwork, unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, projects waiting to be attended too....yes, true, am living the dream here!!!!

v

~~~~ Weekly Thrift Store Finds~~~~Simple Pleasures

This weeks treasurers, and missing 4 glass candlesticks that were getting all sparkly clean in the dishwasher and a beautiful brand new filigree shabby chic frame that was out of the shot....total $28.00. Love this farm set - barn and lots of John Deere stuff (noise activated) and animals and vehicles I know my boys will love....some pop beads (new in box, fisher price) to go with my original ones I have from when Adam was a baby....the boys like to make long strands of them to have their Monster Trucks run over them....a great set of old world bookends with globes that rotate - love these...remind me of that fantastic old globe table I saw in Palm Springs - still waiting on the price to drop on that one...also some incrediblocks that are discontinued and very collectible.

The other day our neighbors got a new appliance.....We asked the delivery team for the box and they were more than happy to give it to us. I remembered how much fun my kids used to have with old appliance boxes and I knew the boys would as well. The next time they came over, we brought it in, I made a door and windows (ok, a little crooked but a pretty stylish design don't ya think)....they boys got out their crayons and 'decorated' it....

Dylan decided to name it 'Our Kids Playhouse' and I love that....he drew a rainbow over the front door and he did a really good job!!!

The loved taking turns getting in together and ate their snack in there and of course if you look you can see Baby (Mickey) was tucked inside by Brody...

This is Brody checking out the door before it was decorated or filled with toys.....when they went home I found everything from goldfish crackers to my old cell phones they play with to Monster Trucks, Thomas the Train, flashlights and crayons.....it was entertainment for hours and it is rainy today and they are coming back over.....we will have hours of fun with this simple pleasure.

What simple pleasure is in your life?

Rewards of Volunteering.....

I used to volunteer so much when I lived in LA....Methodist Women's Group, Leukemia Society, Church Attic....then when we moved here and the kids were in school I volunteered in many things that supported such as, Boy Scouts (Den Mother) and Girl Scouts (Troop Leader and Cookie Chairman) started the yearly fundraiser for SRHS for Girls Athletics, Cancer Society and Diabetes foundation....but as of late (past couple of years) I have been donating items and money, but not hands on time. I forgot how rewarding it was to give of your time to something you really believe in....I was happy to help with the tables and food offerings at the recent VIP Race Reception at the Museum....here are a few pictures of the most wonderful event that brings so much awareness to the community here in SD....

The lobby looked so beautiful with the special lighting and the tables were dressed with black tablecloths that I purchased and tied with turquoise organza ties....the food station was upstairs and quite busy....we think there was over 200 people in attendance....Steve and I are in this crowd somewhere....

Dr. Parzen welcoming the guest to the event....love the LCD lighting in the background

The beautiful lobby before the guests arrived....

We had 2 food tables that overlooked the lobby and the beautiful lighting....

It is true, when you give you get.

What have you given lately?????

Taxes ~ Marathon Week ~ Thrifting ~ Valentine Fun

I worked long hours all week, including about 10 volunteer hours and babsitting the boys and worked and worked on taxes every spare minute I had....I needed a break so I went Thrifting on Thursday and found this little treasure for $9.95!!! I had to remove the car seats from my car to get it in but I was determined and had a little fly by help loading from Kristen.

It is a Power Wheels jeep complete with battery and seats both boys.....I polished it up with Armorall and cleaned it up really good (after these pictures were taken)

I also found these three crystal candlesticks for my collection/projects and the cutest pull/push stick that has a king sitting on an alligator that chomps when you push it - total for all 4 = $2.00.

Friday we had a big night at the Museum and I will post on that once I get the pictures - it was a magical night and I can't wait to share. I got up early Sat and finished up the prep on our portion and was ready to play - I felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders....

The boys came over Saturday afternoon and while the battery was charging we played out front with the boys and pushed them all around the cul de sac in the jeep and got some good exercise and lots of laughs and fun.
Even Gramps helped push - the weather was perfect and we played all afternoon until dark and then came in for dinner and then we watch 'Stuart Little '- Brody was so into the movie, cheering and talking and all - I was watching him watch the movie. They boys stayed overnight and Sunday a.m. we all went to the swap meet and then came home and made Valentine Sunday lunch for the whole family for Sunday dinner a la Valentine theme....we had heart shaped sandwiches (egg salad and chicken salad) a wonderful new Asian salad I made and cheese cake with cherries on top.....I love this picture of Brody pushing 'Baby' in the jeep....to Brody Baby is his little brother friend and he shares everything with him.....

Not the best picture of the meal - but a fun lunch to make and it was nice enough to eat outside and enjoy the family.....

What is it about completing taxes that liberates me....granted I only completed the prep for our appointment later this week and still have my parents to do, but I feel so unburdened - so accomplished.....what accomplishments free you????

Tax Time and a side of me that emerges this time of year.....

The bain of my existence this time of year....tax prep....ugh....2 full tables worth and it took 1 whole day just to sort through it....I so dread this time of year and am usually not a procrastinator, however, this time of year I see that avoidance side of me emerge big time....

.....so why not declare a get away to the Palm Springs area for an overnight stay and some play time!!!! Rocky, Steve and I hit the road!

We stopped by the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and the Coach Outlet was having a huge sale....most purses 50% off then an additional 30% off....I got a $200.00 bag for $26.00 - it had been marked down, then the additional off.....the store was jamming and almost everyone was buying 2 - 3 bags....so many cute ones to drool over....we looked for suitcases at Tumi but too pricey and then found a few other things as we browsed around....also had a great dinner, played some games and stopped by a few thrift stores....they have so many in that area! I saw an awesome old world globe that I would have loved to have but it was just too much.....

When we got home I was still not ready to hit the tax prep so I finished off my little Thrift store table for the stair area. I painted it Sat a.m. before we left, then distressed it when we got home and I love the way it looks....not too crazy about the items I put on top so will have to play with that a bit....I have about $12.00 total into this table...

I also painted and shaded my cast iron Fleur de Lis door stop that I got last week....it was kind of blue black and I painted in Venetian gold and did the shading with black....I have about $2.50 into this....

Paid some bills, worked on some other projects....but now I must make myself face the tax table.....well, maybe I will do my Valentines first and then for sure I will work on tax stuff.....unless of course I can find another distraction.....

What do you have to do that you just dread???? How do you motivate yourself?

Weather.....Wondering....Thrift Store Finds....

When daily our SD weather is so perfect... last night we played outside with the boys until dark....

.....I wonder how people live in the cold....I have been in snowy areas and was in snowy SLC last week and it was so beautiful but I just can't imagine having to wear coats and gloves and warming up cars trying to manage little kids in snow suits, pushing a grocery cart, getting your mail.....and how do you go to yard sales and eat at outdoor cafes in the snow??? I have a new found respect for those in the Midwest and east who take this all in stride....

Isn't this a little beauty....very old and in great shape...$9.95 at the Thrift store...it is perfect for the little alcove turn on the bottom of my stairs....some sanding, a coat of white paint and some distressing and then it will be a perfect little addition....not sure what I will put on top of it just yet....any ideas???

A wonderful door stopper Fleur de Leis (this is a funny story, Kristen had seen it there earlier in the week and almost got it for me but passed at the last minute - I am glad it waited for me!) I think I will paint it dark gold and sponge on some black paint texture....and 4 really unique and beautiful glass candlesticks for my craft projects....this entire group was $14.00 and once I washed those candlesticks they really sparkled!

Also bought this other very heavy 2 tiered table (on the right) that I am not sure what to do with but I have never seen a heavier table and it is old, old, old....it was $3.95

We all had bouts with the flu over the weekend - it was ugly....all slowly recovering....hoping to stay healthy and get some projects done!