tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205963472024-03-07T18:25:32.763-06:00PegomhPeggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-24322626939432738982018-05-28T20:11:00.000-05:002018-05-29T10:41:49.973-05:00Crafty Events<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was catching up with a friend today when we started comparing notes on upcoming art events. I thought I would share the list with you too. We'll start chronologically. It's happening right now but you might want to put it on your calendar for next year. Carolyn Peeler does a week long event in Tuscany called <a href="http://www.carolynpeeler.typepad.com/la_dolce_vita/" target="_blank">La Dolce Vita Retreat</a> and it is excellent, top drawer. So many great events (art, cooking, antiquing) during the week, I'm so grateful that I went in 2015. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Debby Schuh just announced a week in the Greece isle, <a href="http://debbyschuh.typepad.com/debby_schuh_classes_greek/" target="_blank">Syros</a> in August of this year. It is attractively priced and Debby is another expert on having a good time and putting together a great event. She does a London, Paris, Italy tour and a New York City shopping trip in November, which I've attended and can highly recommend. Debby said she’ll be doing her Greece trip next year too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In September there is an event, <a href="https://artmakersdenver.com/workshops/" target="_blank">Art Makers Denver</a> that seems to be like Art & Soul a bit (although I have never attended so I shouldn't say...). Pam Garrison is teaching a couple of classes and Jenny Doh has a two day class that looks interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stephanie Ackerman has some Whatever Craft House in Newton, Kansas events coming up, with the June event having spaces open. I've wanted to go to this house for forever and so I checked airfare and its only $357. I should go, huh? Stephanie recently posted about a <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2018/05/san-miguel-creative-adventure-2019.html" target="_blank">San Miguel de Allen</a>, Mexico event schedule for March 2019, Meg Duerksen, the owner of <a href="http://www.megduerksen.com/" target="_blank">Whatever Craft House</a> has an event in September. Oh my gosh, y'all, want to hear something neat? I just realized what Whatever stands for... Phillippians 4:8... my FAVORITE verse! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Charlotte Lyons and Meleen have their popular Vermont retreats in <a href="http://housewrenstudio.typepad.com/charlotte/2017/12/register-for-our-summer-in-vermont-art-weekends-today.html" target="_blank">June</a> and <a href="http://housewrenstudio.typepad.com/charlotte/2017/12/vermont-creative-retreat-with-rebecca-sower.html" target="_blank">October</a>. Noodle & Lou and August Wren will be there in June and Rebecca Sower will be there in October. Any of these would be amazing. I keep hoping for a <a href="http://www.noodleandlou.com/" target="_blank">Noodle & Lou</a> class in Houston, since she's in Dallas. It can happen! If you have interest in one, shoot me an email or leave a comment below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were so happy to hear Kim Caldwell announce a new event for next May 2019, called <a href="http://www.artisticbliss.typepad.com/" target="_blank">A Dreamy Bohemian Affaire</a> in Manhattan Beach, CA. No doubt, it will be awesome, having attended previous KC events. Kim, Colleen Moody and four others will be teaching classes. Registration will be this summer. Its always great to catch one of the local flea markets, (Rose Bowl will be the following weekend). </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrh-H5p4YIU/WwystlKzZSI/AAAAAAAAR-8/RdxdmIZCdIkTp-TD2n3g8gIEWNiFaWMBACLcBGAs/s1600/xjSZF2sfngin6ysmrIKIj0mzbYcNvO8LpRDHE0k5XAYpX92IB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span><br /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just so this won't be a post without a photo, I'll include a few pics of my Warrenton finds (above & below).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALZ0QnMlZgVIQnbHv46tBi8FHAWv5s3K4HwsdNVsGKRBkBTrc-oA69ul16MpO-vQGQ8X9vpiAc863HUgHxG7zi9wnsms7wUSQpfYRQgKxN0rtg91NvjFTCFLAfTZlfubd7JnH0w/s1600/a8j6wWw6jqLUaAEnpmK4OdfTu4GQ0Lgs31yf1dxfaJ8pX92IB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALZ0QnMlZgVIQnbHv46tBi8FHAWv5s3K4HwsdNVsGKRBkBTrc-oA69ul16MpO-vQGQ8X9vpiAc863HUgHxG7zi9wnsms7wUSQpfYRQgKxN0rtg91NvjFTCFLAfTZlfubd7JnH0w/s320/a8j6wWw6jqLUaAEnpmK4OdfTu4GQ0Lgs31yf1dxfaJ8pX92IB.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrh-H5p4YIU/WwystlKzZSI/AAAAAAAAR-8/RdxdmIZCdIkTp-TD2n3g8gIEWNiFaWMBACLcBGAs/s1600/xjSZF2sfngin6ysmrIKIj0mzbYcNvO8LpRDHE0k5XAYpX92IB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lrh-H5p4YIU/WwystlKzZSI/AAAAAAAAR-8/RdxdmIZCdIkTp-TD2n3g8gIEWNiFaWMBACLcBGAs/s320/xjSZF2sfngin6ysmrIKIj0mzbYcNvO8LpRDHE0k5XAYpX92IB.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-34770904215414103092016-09-05T16:15:00.001-05:002016-09-05T21:01:19.052-05:00Antiques Week Fall 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm a fortunate gal. I know this. I live in Texas (born in LA and I claim it too). I can go to Warrenton and Round Top for Antiques Week on any day of the week. It's a sweet, pretty hour-and-a-half drive from my house. Hotel reservations aren't necessary. For a junk and antique lover, that's a blessing. Today I thought I would provide an update on my favorite haunts during this time of year, Antiques Week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I start the process each season (twice a year, fall and spring) by checking out <a href="http://www.antiqueweekend.com/C-00.html" target="_blank">this</a> calendar. I look up Cole's and then determine a weekday to start the first trip. I try to leave the house by 7 am but that doesn't always happen. During the second week, I attend with some good friends and we make a fun day of it, starting at 6:30 am! These girls are serious about their junk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The drive from I-10 can go one of two ways. It's a pretty drive that can include some country driving or a more direct route near LaGrange. If I have my camera and thinking about shooting, I will take I-10 to Sealy/Bellville (exit 720) and then up to Bellville on 36. From there I go through Industry on FM 159. Watch the speed limit in town and between towns. You can blow your entire junk spending budget on a speeding ticket in a construction zone (ahem, got a warning, thank goodness!). There's a great shop in Bellville called <a href="http://www.nothingordinaryantiques.com/" target="_blank">Nothing Ordinary Antiques</a> that is a personal favorite with tons of selection. I generally stop on the way back because it opens at 10 and I can't hang around when Warrenton's waiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If I take I-10 to FM 71/LaGrange, I'll make a stop at <a href="http://www.hruskas-bakery.com/" target="_blank">Hruska's</a> Bakery in Ellinger and then take FM 955 to Fayetteville.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">But hold on, I'm getting ahead of myself. For the drive in on FM 159, I generally continue on (if you take the FM 954 exit, you'll come right up to Cole's) to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FayettevilleAntiquesontheSquare" target="_blank">Fayetteville Antiques on the Square</a>. Fayetteville is a great little town that we used to visit for scrapbook weekends at Las Brisas. It has a cute little town square and they have several antiques booths on the square. Pricing has gone up on some of the booths but generally inside the building, it's reasonable. I've always found a great selection of antiques too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">For both shows, any time of year Texas weather can easily be blistering hot and sweaty. Cole's is an indoor show with air conditioning and clean bathrooms. A great time to visit around 3 in the afternoon for a cool break from the heat. In the past I've found two excellent library card catalogs in shops inside and outside at Cole's. There's a great trifecta of dealers near one corner - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wendell.wolff/about" target="_blank">Wendell Wolff</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bungalow29" target="_blank">Bungalow 29</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=575435415965258&set=a.153092044866266.1073741825.100004964132382&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Traci Knighten's shop</a>. I almost always make a purchase at each of these dealers. <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March 2016 finds at Cole's</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More Cole's finds</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Now, let's go in a completely different direction to arrive at RT/W. If you're coming into Round Top from Hwy 290, you will have several options for pit stops before/after. In Brenham, there are three stops for inspiration: <a href="http://truebluehome.com/" target="_blank">True Blue Home</a> in Chappell Hill, <a href="http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/" target="_blank">Holly Mathis</a> in Brenham, and Leftovers (great inspiration). I still haven't made it to the first two but perhaps this season!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Now this is a hard choice whether to start or end the day in Burton. I'm going to strongly suggest you stop at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bayberrysvintagefab" target="_blank">Bayberry's Antiques</a>, owned by Shelby Geshay. The vignettes alone will inspire you and the prices are excellent. I'm personally looking forward to the opening of their B&B. Another great shop for inspiration is <a href="http://www.oldglorystyle.com/texas" target="_blank">Old Glory</a> in Burton. And dinner at the Brazos Belle is a good choice. And there's new game in town, Burton Roadhouse which I think will be a must-stop this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Last season we spent a good amount of time at<a href="http://www.labahiaantiques.com/" target="_blank"> LaBahia</a> and WOW, was it fun.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Plan to spend a couple of hours at this venue. It is packed inside and out, with plenty of inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In Warrenton, I generally start at <a href="http://zapphall.com/" target="_blank">Zapp Hall</a> and go both right or left. At Zapp you can find an awesome booth, <a href="http://tony%20mccray%20rust%20in%20peace/" target="_blank">Rust in Peace</a> from Atlanta, GA. Always inspiring. Going south (towards Cole's) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarWField" target="_blank">Bar W</a> fields are excellent with a treasure trove of good stuff including Theresa of <a href="http://gardenantqs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Garden Antqs</a> this year. The pricing is much more reasonable here too. Heading north past the food booths and through a little gully, I'm addicted to Mexican Street corn. (I don't know any better directions, sorry!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I haven't mentioned Round Top too much. There are a few fields to visit but I'm not one to stop at Marburger Farms. That's more for designers and formal antiques, not junk. Zapp also has a prom one night but since I don't stay at night, I haven't made it to the prom. And Royer's Pie Haven can't be beat but we generally eat there in the summer during Round Top Musical Festival. It's impossible to get in there during Antiques Week. It's still hot as blazes but that doesn't matter - I'm headed to the fields in a little over two weeks!</span></div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-9383006444289740612016-08-30T21:48:00.001-05:002016-08-31T08:41:47.463-05:00Windsor England<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My first trip to Windsor was in October 2014 for a visit to Windsor Castle with my brother and at the urging of my friend, Renee Terry. It is now my </span><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">favorite</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> English excursion outside of London. I now add a night in Windsor to the beginning or end of every London trip. My goal one day is to spend three months in the summer there to escape the Texas heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Windsor is an easy 45 minute trip from Heathrow airport, either by <a href="http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/HAF/WNC/today/1645/dep" target="_blank">train</a> (LHR Terminal 4 to Windsor Eton Central) or <a href="http://www.windsor.gov.uk/visitor-info/getting-here/by-bus-and-coach" target="_blank">bus</a>. I've done both and while I spent an inordinate amount of time researching it, it's simple and easy either way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Stay at least one night in Windsor. I'm a big believer in using TripAdvisor for advice on all things travel. For lodging, on our first trip we stayed at <a href="http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-windsor-hotel/" target="_blank">MacDonald Windsor hotel</a>, voted #1 and it's beautiful. Sitting by the fireplace with an adult beverage or coffee is a nice rest spot in between shopping. I've also stayed at Mercure (also on the High Street but a bit hard to find) too and it's good - I think they've changed the name. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We toured Windsor castle on our first trip and I really enjoyed it. HRH the Queen was in residence and had some visitors - all very exciting. I have to laugh because in one of the TA forums, someone asked why on earth would they place the castle below the Heathrow flight path... The line to tour the castle is not that long, be sure you aren't standing with the "tour groups" like someone did (ahem). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Windsor is a great walking town, all the way down the High Street in both directions (go inside the Windsor Parish church, it's beautiful), and then Peascod, which is a pedestrian street with beaucoup shops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Windsor has about 5 charity shops (thrift stores) and my absolute favorite (and yes, I'm willing to share it with you) is Thames Hospice on Peascod. I found so many great linens, amazing maps and old books (Elvis and Beatles) and a vintage Monopoly game with £ money - that it warranted getting a second suitcase! </span><br />
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The Daniel department store and <a href="https://www.candh.co.uk/haberdashery-c7" target="_blank">C&H</a> store are excellent (go on the second floor). That is where I found awesome map oilcloth (they call it PVC fabric) that I used to recover an old card table. There are several high end stores right past Peascod at the Windsor Royal Shoppes. There's a Cath Kidston next to the MacDonald hotel and the gift shop on that corner (at Peascod) has high quality gifts and the best prices. When you make the turn on Peascod to St. Leonard St, there are several great shops on that street including Vinegar Hill (awesome gift shop). Go down to the fire house (beautiful!) and step in to see the fish monger.<br />
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As far as meals are concerned, my favorite breakfast place is <a href="http://montyscafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Monty's</a> on St. Leonard. Great food, great service and very reasonably priced. Get a latte, you won't regret it. Perfect place to start out before shopping. For dinner we've been to <a href="https://bills-website.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bill's</a> and had a great first meal and an "okay" meal the second time. The décor is industrial chic, Joanna Gaines would love it. And get an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eton_mess" target="_blank">Eton Mess</a> for dessert - it's a tradition started at the University. There is also a <a href="http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/windsor-cafe.aspx" target="_blank">Patissiere Valerie</a>, which is usually good. </div>
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And if Windsor isn't your cup of tea, go to Hampton Court. Fabulous tour of the house and gardens. Great history lesson.</div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-63672515670756459542016-06-18T21:01:00.000-05:002016-08-31T08:43:55.963-05:00London Town - Part Two<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A great way to start off the day is a visit to Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben. I'm a fan of the London Eye (and I don't like heights), it's pricey but a fun way to see all around London. You can take a walk around St. James park to stop by </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Buckingham Palace (through July there is Changing of the Guard every day at 11:30 am). And a walk through Green Park on to my favorite department store, <a href="https://www.fortnumandmason.com/" target="_blank">Fortnum & Mason</a> (a smaller classier version of Harrods) located on Piccadilly. It's a wonderful place to have high tea or get food gifts. My personal favorite is their lemon curd. And the window displays are amazing. Right next door is the largest Cath Kidston store. This is a great place to get gifts, and if you don't at the flagship store, there will be one at Heathrow Terminal 4. Past F&M you will see St. James church with craft booths called <a href="http://piccadilly-market.co.uk/" target="_blank">Piccadilly Market</a>. It's small but I've bought several gifts there. Next door is a nice bookstore, Waterstone.</span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb-FLbB2OPs/V2X8sT2cZhI/AAAAAAAARK0/tzeOYcVix1sCMMvqzrJtkwKG29CCdpcKACLcB/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up is Piccadilly Circus and then go left to Regent St. Lots of good browsing including <a href="http://www.hamleys.com/" target="_blank">Hamleys</a> (toys) and then make a right at Great Marlborough Street for <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Liberty of London</a>. They have a great paper goods shop on the first floor and great fabrics on the 5th floor. I saw Usher there once. They have a wonderful Christmas shop starting in October. Another great store for shopping is <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/" target="_blank">John Lewis</a> on Oxford St. They also have a great store at the airport.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb-FLbB2OPs/V2X8sT2cZhI/AAAAAAAARK0/RaXkAzn6tC4UtM5o9Skigp2Jzrc-sLhQACKgB/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb-FLbB2OPs/V2X8sT2cZhI/AAAAAAAARK0/RaXkAzn6tC4UtM5o9Skigp2Jzrc-sLhQACKgB/s320/IMG_2440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Covent Garden is a fun place to shop and eat, especially on the weekends. You can pick up theater tickets in Leicester Square. My favorite is Phantom of the Opera but we recently saw The Book of Mormon, which was hilarious. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lcycl2vFYI/V2Xw_UtbAKI/AAAAAAAARJg/kW2fGgTUBcAf9laM8mVA-APxYsi_sA7cQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lcycl2vFYI/V2Xw_UtbAKI/AAAAAAAARJg/kW2fGgTUBcAf9laM8mVA-APxYsi_sA7cQCLcB/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I like to stop in at Marks & Spencer (the grocery store) to pick up some lemonade and room munchies. I think its fun to go to a local grocer to see the selection. Boots is the local drugstore, I like to get a little bit of make up or lotion there, as a reminder of my trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">For museums, I love the British Museum (it's located in a neighborhood so get good directions) and <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Victoria & Albert</a> museum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The London Underground is the best way to travel around the city by buying an oystercard when you get there and topping it up, if needed. Their <a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/" target="_blank">Plan a Journey</a> page is a valuable tool. Be aware that many of the tube stations have long steep escalators - not my personal favorite but I take a deep breath and jump on. And if you travel during rush hour, hold your purse close to you at all times. Don't make eye contact with anyone and for heaven's sake, wear dark colored shoes. American's stick out like a sore thumb when they talk loud and wear white "trainers" or worse, sandals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Best way to come into London from Heathrow is the high speed train, Heathrow Express. It is easy to find and a quick 15 minute trip, ending at Paddington Station. Buy your ticket from an agent or the box, it's cheaper than while on the train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Best way to get English currency is when you arrive, through an ATM. Be sure and let your bank know you are traveling internationally (most banks have an online form you can complete) so they won't lock down your account when it is being used in London.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHZ1_hFSShU/V2XzIcmoYkI/AAAAAAAARJs/hFZV7PtNts0GpaBH-zkse1teLqNlspzywCLcB/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHZ1_hFSShU/V2XzIcmoYkI/AAAAAAAARJs/hFZV7PtNts0GpaBH-zkse1teLqNlspzywCLcB/s320/IMG_2182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmlyuYZ2xxbTCeBapVyfFU9IZC26X5i8jcjxmGm2gKZRwvXhRJWWYH6SdvUBRAx3LVCEGidh_pzVCsTkgEv1WoH0jCQhERzCVNnGqkn1KxYZdXr4rByhCLmbBMlSSxo9UMufmdQ/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHZ1_hFSShU/V2XzIcmoYkI/AAAAAAAARJs/hFZV7PtNts0GpaBH-zkse1teLqNlspzywCLcB/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana";">The English love to make up pet names for each other and their buildings too. Here you see the Walkie Talkie, Cheese Grater and the Gerkin. Across the river (not shown) is the Shard. You will be tested on this when you arrive at the airport. Just joshing.</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4l5wI9xnRdo/V2XzrFgFmrI/AAAAAAAARJ4/N5kbfu9Gz-8g5eTm14iMi07MIc3A2IAwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4l5wI9xnRdo/V2XzrFgFmrI/AAAAAAAARJ4/N5kbfu9Gz-8g5eTm14iMi07MIc3A2IAwwCLcB/s400/IMG_2433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've had the good fortune to be on the top floor of the Walkie Talkie and taken photographs of each vista. Click on the photo and you can see the London Eye in the distance and St. Paul's Cathedral straight ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">At night, you should walk across the Millennial Bridge and take a photo of both sides of the river. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmlyuYZ2xxbTCeBapVyfFU9IZC26X5i8jcjxmGm2gKZRwvXhRJWWYH6SdvUBRAx3LVCEGidh_pzVCsTkgEv1WoH0jCQhERzCVNnGqkn1KxYZdXr4rByhCLmbBMlSSxo9UMufmdQ/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmlyuYZ2xxbTCeBapVyfFU9IZC26X5i8jcjxmGm2gKZRwvXhRJWWYH6SdvUBRAx3LVCEGidh_pzVCsTkgEv1WoH0jCQhERzCVNnGqkn1KxYZdXr4rByhCLmbBMlSSxo9UMufmdQ/s320/IMG_2499.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">That's what comes to mind when going to London. Seems like I do a lot of shopping, huh? I'm going to do another post about a must-do visit to the town of Windsor, where HRH the Queen spends her weekends. </span><br />
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-1826858778427201002016-06-13T22:43:00.005-05:002016-08-31T08:40:02.584-05:00London Town<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I work in the insurance business, where you buy insurance in the London market (Lloyd's) and have had the good fortune to need to visit the city a few times each year. It is one of my favorite cities in the world and I thought I would share some of my favorite places. This may need to be two posts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lodging - we normally stay near Lloyd's in the insurance district at the <a href="http://london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html" target="_blank">Andaz</a> or Doubletree near the Tower of London. I've also rented a flat just north of there in Hoxton through Airbnb at $125/night. I've also used Priceline's "name your price" for a 4-star hotel in Mayfair for about the same price. I would refer to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a> for staying in Covent Garden or Westminster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Shopping Markets - my favorite is <a href="http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Old Spitalfields Market</a>, which is near the insurance district. It's open air but covered consisting of market stalls (awesome crafts) and shops and plenty of places to have tea or sweets. I've found great gifts at <a href="http://www.inspitalfields.co.uk/" target="_blank">Inspitalfields</a> and great fish and chips at a little joint called Poppies on Hanbury St. You can spend an entire afternoon exploring the market. I also like to have a simple dinner our first night at <a href="http://www.wagamama.com/" target="_blank">Wagamama</a>, which is a chain restaurant with Japanese noodle dishes. Or go fancy at Chamberlains. Spitalfields market is open 7 days a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Just north of Spitalfields you'll find converted railcars turned into small shops at <a href="https://www.boxpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Boxpark</a> in Shoreditch. It's a funky area with amazing graffiti and you'll feel just a tad nervous, but don't be. Keep going north/east to Columbia Road and an amazing little stitching shop owned by <a href="http://www.jessiechorley.com/" target="_blank">Jessie Chorley</a>. She's very talented and a joy to visit. I also enjoy her Instagram posts. Be sure and pop your head into all the little shops on the road, there's a few resale shops and a garden shop. </span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LX4kkRfGjf8/V19xxwz9DUI/AAAAAAAARIo/RPRa1JPFWYIVHxxPjfJNVbiU20XZaQvFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0vg1R3TF_Snxxpqcb6K1JRQuCZOSMQ05MJlF-n8xsCpmDk2XmUarjBHYlWpM1JUYaNk7UtE69MeUi5mxc2CpoHZFnROFjtaiWGWf2pKLjHBCq0qmhcNZx512Qiyi40WeyXgYPA/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sweetest shop - look at the Steiff dog on wheels!</span></td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you've got a free Friday morning, head south across the Tower Bridge for <a href="http://bermondseysquare.net/bermondsey-antiques-market/#.V19qEo-cFPY" target="_blank">Bermondsey</a> antique market. It starts at 6am and fun for the search. At first look it may seem pricey but keep looking. It's also fun to walk back across the bridge and snap a few photos of the black taxis or red double decker buses on the bridge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I've never made it over to <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/" target="_blank">Borough Market</a> which is on the same side of the bridge, just west of Bermondsey. It's a food market and a lot of people rave about it, I've just never made it there. If you've been there, do you like it and would you recommend it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj0X_oQkvVxWtR9G8X-G9vhfyGDGPwtCRg-sqY7eMzYLmoaTzNi3X-mj9m_UZzICKu0FdE87I1zYkcixJblMhosMgS4LHUTNaYIhC0h5IBcvF037urKlZkeFsQ7FUSpOV8C5rEw/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj0X_oQkvVxWtR9G8X-G9vhfyGDGPwtCRg-sqY7eMzYLmoaTzNi3X-mj9m_UZzICKu0FdE87I1zYkcixJblMhosMgS4LHUTNaYIhC0h5IBcvF037urKlZkeFsQ7FUSpOV8C5rEw/s200/IMG_2229.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">And while we're on this side of town, an interesting excursion is taking the boat down to <a href="http://thamesriverservices.co.uk/sightseeing_route.cfm" target="_blank">Greenwich</a> where the world's clock is set (Greenwich Mean Time) - you can stand in two time zones. It's a sweet little town, nice to walk around with a small crafts market, a maritime museum and the Cutty Sark. The boat can be caught at the Tower of London where you will ride down the Thames river to Greenwich and then up the river to Westminster and Big Ben and the London eye. It's a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANhjZ8iI948/V197JQGXEFI/AAAAAAAARI4/xztqUsjF87k2fRbi6c7NLLtJQiMjO4VhACLcB/s1600/DSC01817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANhjZ8iI948/V197JQGXEFI/AAAAAAAARI4/xztqUsjF87k2fRbi6c7NLLtJQiMjO4VhACLcB/s320/DSC01817.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">If we're talking about antique markets and London, of course we have to talk about <a href="http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/" target="_blank">Portobello</a>, with market day on Saturday. I don't care what anyone says, you should go and see it. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's crowded. And you really should experience it, at least once. Take a look-see in some of the brick & mortars. There's a vendor that sells printers blocks and trays - my hearts desire! Start as early as 8 am and walk the entire street. Stop at <a href="http://www.biscuiteers.com/" target="_blank">Biscuiteers</a> and <a href="http://www.cathkidston.com/" target="_blank">Cath Kidston</a> for a look-see (but buy at the large store on Picadilly - later post). Have some breakfast at <a href="https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/mikes-caf%C3%A9-london-2" target="_blank">Mike's Café</a>, across from Notting Hill Bookstore. Or eat from the street vendors. Just experience it! And keep walking on Portobello, past the crowd until you get to the vendors that lay their wares on the ground. Now you may find something you must have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I'll come back this week with more London shopping suggestions. </span></div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-83555211554350357842016-04-20T21:19:00.001-05:002016-05-08T10:21:46.629-05:00Have You Been There?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today I rediscovered an awesome store in central Houston near River Oaks. Tell me if this looks familiar and that you've been there? It's like visiting London, Paris, Italy, NYC all in one store! I saw products from all of these locations while I was there. I was so surprised, as they recently expanded and have even more amazing gifts and lovelies. I loved these sock animals, especially the pink cat on the right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS76sYFn1bM/Vxf4zk0iabI/AAAAAAAARC0/Y-oTdZrltUAI4nOsDNIdToYOikeaCTO_gCKgB/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS76sYFn1bM/Vxf4zk0iabI/AAAAAAAARC0/Y-oTdZrltUAI4nOsDNIdToYOikeaCTO_gCKgB/s400/IMG_4766.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next I came upon their Maileg displays, which of course, I love. </span></div>
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Maileg is a Danish company started by Dorthe Mailil. I fell in love with it a few years ago when I saw it on <a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Nanacompany</a> blog and then recently, at my friend, Tove's house. </div>
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Little did I know I could find it in Houston! I recently purchased some of their characters online from <a href="http://www.mysweetmuffin.com/" target="_blank">My Sweet Muffin</a>. I have two prams, a bed and ironing board (here's the bed and a pram). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDZRgctekTZ7iPAbZbIJx-bEHE4p6ZuDhDdm6FZo4ppfovMyl7gPgtLxGIvcUjz517gjBxr4ZIGZTjudrDKSOchqFdKNsg6rXIAjXcjPpC2ihE03qmlxcP5YUT9QN4gib0dL6Q/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDZRgctekTZ7iPAbZbIJx-bEHE4p6ZuDhDdm6FZo4ppfovMyl7gPgtLxGIvcUjz517gjBxr4ZIGZTjudrDKSOchqFdKNsg6rXIAjXcjPpC2ihE03qmlxcP5YUT9QN4gib0dL6Q/s400/IMG_4758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Okay, I got off subject, back to the store. They have an adorable pet section, with plenty of choices. I love this display rack. <br />
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I couldn't quite capture in this photo how great the pet display is, with the two elephants and then animal heads on the wall. You will have to go see it for yourself.</div>
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Aren't these dishes adorable!</div>
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The store displays are a designer's delight, full of inspiration and absolutely unique with huge signs everywhere. Where do they get this stuff? Do they make it?</div>
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The Traveler section will make a Texan proud with its <a href="http://www.catstudio.com/" target="_blank">Catstudio</a> pillows and glasses. See that sign? It says Round Top Inn... Tourists Rooms Meals. Way cool. </div>
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I remember seeing these assemblage dolls at Bloomingdale's in NYC in 2010. They are stunning, look at the details. I'm a big fan of John Derian's decoupage trays. I always say I'm going to buy one but somehow walk out of the store without one.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFdMsSu0nFg/VxgdrQDlFaI/AAAAAAAAREQ/oLwn5zfnT2YGul-6qpwkPCBh-Ja0lim6wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFdMsSu0nFg/VxgdrQDlFaI/AAAAAAAAREQ/oLwn5zfnT2YGul-6qpwkPCBh-Ja0lim6wCLcB/s640/IMG_4782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These soaps caught my eyes, they are just beautiful. They were next to some lotions and potions from Italy. I even saw the soap I purchased in Tuscany last year at this store...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKkXYOhJJps/VxgfZaRLdHI/AAAAAAAAREc/fm-deNNg-bED4-Q0rZbdh12-qFidBUb6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKkXYOhJJps/VxgfZaRLdHI/AAAAAAAAREc/fm-deNNg-bED4-Q0rZbdh12-qFidBUb6gCLcB/s400/IMG_4786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These statues are amazing, and I only captured a few of them.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And if you know a flamingo fan, there was plenty of merchandise to select...</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0DgPDYMjw0/Vxgk2FU5RII/AAAAAAAARE4/ha_LkN0qaoUgOc9S6YrKRBrFksW3yREkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0DgPDYMjw0/Vxgk2FU5RII/AAAAAAAARE4/ha_LkN0qaoUgOc9S6YrKRBrFksW3yREkgCLcB/s400/IMG_4775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although this one had a strange looking baby in it... I had to shoot from the other side. The face is freeeeeaky!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The final display I'll show are these cute coasters. A good laugh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, tell me. Have you been to <a href="http://www.kuhl-linscomb.com/" target="_blank">Kuhl-Linscomb</a> lately? It's owners are Dan and Pam Linscomb. It's a great shop that provides inspiration and great gifts. I didn't leave empty-handed and I will definitely be back. </span></div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-76422354087158728172015-02-06T22:53:00.002-06:002015-02-06T22:59:07.549-06:00Project Show & Tell<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Long time, no speak. Here are a couple of projects I recently finished that I thought you might enjoy and I hope inspire you. I LOVE <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pegomh/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and was inspiration by this <a href="http://efootprints.com/wp/?p=2684" target="_blank">purse organizer</a> made from a place mat. I found two singletons in my kitchen and made these:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZV6qb1GVa3XUAJAxsbrpY3E02WgJK9Q_atGGJi40nKi3ZHvAkzIwpSzDdyUNiQh6mBibrdKOz0yQV6zbsnPhOQLII7VO6NwZ3rfrA86Dh1zauMCOqwMRtH6LfXPtOZk-2qOong/s1600/placemat+organizer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZV6qb1GVa3XUAJAxsbrpY3E02WgJK9Q_atGGJi40nKi3ZHvAkzIwpSzDdyUNiQh6mBibrdKOz0yQV6zbsnPhOQLII7VO6NwZ3rfrA86Dh1zauMCOqwMRtH6LfXPtOZk-2qOong/s1600/placemat+organizer.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is a simple process of folding the place mat long-ways (what some folks call hot-dog style) towards the middle and then adding a colored hair tie to one side and a button on the other side. Sew the button on first (obviously - which I didn't the first time!) And then sew straight lines based on the measurements of your purse contents. I just eyeballed it. Fold it over & slip the hair tie around the button and you can start filling it up. With the black one I made a few pockets too tight so for the yellow one (summer style) I made sure they were wider. The middle can hold larger items, like my hand sanitizer and mints. I just grab it firmly when I'm lifting it out of my purse. It such a great idea - I love not having to dig in my purse for a pen or whatnot. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The second project was actually an original idea <bing><bing> Imagine that! These <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10035702&N=&Ntt=baby+hangers" target="_blank">hangers</a> are available at The Container Store for $8 and I thought it would be cute to add the baby's monogram to each side. I searched through my alphabets for the right size and color and attached - some were stickers, others I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beacon-3-In-1-Advanced-Craft-4-Ounce/dp/B001683NAO" target="_blank">Beacon's 3-in-1 craft glue</a>. I love that stuff and use it on everything. Container Store also have zoo hangers - I thought these were cuter. The note was chipboard that I covered with baby paper and inked the sides. I thought about adding pink ric-rac to the top, but didn't go overboard. </bing></bing></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqfFSKXf12M/VNWVb24V0CI/AAAAAAAAQsI/80n_BIGK-CI/s1600/Baby%2Bhangers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqfFSKXf12M/VNWVb24V0CI/AAAAAAAAQsI/80n_BIGK-CI/s1600/Baby%2Bhangers.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a couple more projects on the board for the weekend. I'll post as soon as I finish them. Thanks for looking.</span></span></div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-10277238070741256422014-07-21T22:29:00.000-05:002014-07-21T22:33:01.429-05:00Finally!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello there! I've had problems with uploading my photos on Blogger and I finally solved it by changing to Firefox. I know, its almost a year later. Whew - I have alot to say! I've spent the past year making banners with my next door neighbor (Hi Kathy!) and learned a few things along the way, that I thought I'd share. Technically its a rosette banner, like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTW8ISP-aKM/U83XjU96IfI/AAAAAAAAQAw/58FNAR7YQu8/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTW8ISP-aKM/U83XjU96IfI/AAAAAAAAQAw/58FNAR7YQu8/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Banner Instructions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Select patterned paper or cardstock and cut 1.5" x 12" strips. Each rosette will be one and a half of the 12" strips or 18" (minus 2 cuts - explained in a minute). I use a <a href="http://scor-pal.com/scorpal-c-2/?zenid=tt71s4fe34i5prs5m66l32m570" target="_blank">Scor-Pa</a>l and score every half-inch. Combine 1.5 strips by cutting off one score on each end of the short 6" piece - that will make attaching the ends to the 12" piece in sync (i.e. peaks and valleys will match up). Attach with a hot glue gun and hold 15 seconds. Make the rosette by flattening the 17" piece and add a small scrap of chipboard to the front and back (for stability). This will take a little practice and you have to "work" with the rosette. The center hole should be small, almost tiny. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Print your letters (OH BABY) either in MS Word or using Martha Stewart's alphabet found <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226239/banner-template" target="_blank">here</a> on white cardstock. If you're using Word, change the font size to 155 and pick a nice clean font like Arial Black and allow enough space between letters to punch using the Marvy Mega scalloped circle <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Uchida-Clever-Lever-Scalloped-Circle/dp/B000S15NX0" target="_blank">punch</a>. You can decorate the punched letter different ways: 1) rub some diamond stickles over the black letter. Do this at the very end of the project 2) drag different colored stamp pads across the edge <i>and</i> the surface of the punched cardstock - to match the rosette (patterned paper) 3) for the font, print only an outline and color the inside with colored pencils - to match the rosette. You can also add stickle dots on the scallops - again at the end of the project. Attach the letters to the rosette with a glue gun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I use a grosgrain 1/4 inch ribbon to string the sign and attach it using two staples from Tim Holtz tiny attacher at the top of the rosette. This takes some practice and will feel awkward the first 20 times - trust me. Leave enough ribbon to hang from the ends. I use a piece of cardboard as a spacer between each rosette. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It really would be easier for me to do a youtube video but I've never done one so I've tried to be as explicit as possible - its all been learned through trial and error. I first attached everything using redline tape and that just got expensive and didn't hold perfectly. I've made a ton of these - its a nice gift for a girl's bedroom, especially if their name is unusual. </span></div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-26115750167204200442013-09-24T12:57:00.001-05:002013-09-24T21:23:42.533-05:00September Ketchup<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the end of August, I had the chance to attend <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Bishop-TD-Jakes-on-Reconciling-With-Family-Members-Video" target="_blank">Oprah's Lifeclass</a> in Dallas with Bishop T.D. Jakes as the teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was on the fifth row and going to ask a question, but they ran out of time. Disappointing, yes but I had such a great weekend that the disappointment lasted 2 seconds. I also had a fabulous dinner at <a href="http://www.theporchrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">The Porch</a> the night before. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found these baby shoe molds in Canton</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since I hadn't been to Dallas in a while, I wanted to check out the square in old <a href="http://www.mckinneytexas.org/index.aspx?NID=115" target="_blank">McKinney</a> and made my way north as soon as the show finished taping. I had a great time checking out the shops and actually ran out of time, because I wasted time eating! I fell in love with <a href="http://www.happinessisquilting.com/" target="_blank">Happiness is Quilting</a> - lots of beautiful 30s reproduction fabrics. They're famous for their Dutch chintz and she had plenty of it. I loved the look at <a href="http://www.ambrosiatexas.com/" target="_blank">Ambrosia</a> and spent some time at Homepieces talking to the owner. She has a gorgeous piecrust mirror that I wanted but walked away. Now I'm obsessed with piecrust mirrors (scallop) - hopefully I will see one at Round Top this week. Another very cool and trendy place was <a href="http://www.patinagreenhomeandmarket.com/" target="_blank">Patina Green</a> - <em>loved</em> looking at their shop. Take a look at their blog and tell me if you don't agree. Awesome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On Friday I headed over to Canton for <a href="http://www.firstmondaycanton.com/" target="_blank">First Monday</a>, something else I haven't done in a while. If you've never been to Canton, it is something to see - prices are good and there is plenty to see. I found some goodies but it was absolutely too hot and after a couple of hours I rented a scooter so I could get around and see everything. I found 4 wooden shoe molds, some typewriter keys, printer blocks and small insulator knobs (great for box feet). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There was something new at Canton that I haven't seen before - <a href="http://laurieannas.com/" target="_blank">LauraAnna's</a>, an amazing shop down the street, towards I-20. It's vintage meets new, if that makes sense. I bought some papers, a clear plastic milk carton/creamer and dog creamer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I spent the night in Gun Barrel City (eat at Hector's) and headed over to Waxahachie the next morning. And boy, am I glad I had the opportunity to spend the entire day there because there was alot to see! Obviously, I was going to <a href="http://www.thecraftyscrapper.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Scrapper</a> - one of the best scrapbook stores in the world with the largest stash of May Arts ribbon. Next month <a href="http://www.oneluckyday.net/" target="_blank">Paula Cheney</a> will be teaching three classes and I'm going to miss that, boo hoo. Next door is the Dove's Nest and I finally got to eat at the tea room - something that has never happened before. The chicken salad was yummy. I started, however, at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cozeeslittlecottage" target="_blank">Cozee 's Little Cottage</a> on the next street and found a TON of stuff that I love, and I bought some of it too! See below. A red rimmed enamel cup, baby shoes, cutter quilts, a book and two Dutch figurines - and that's only part of it. They had great displays and there wasn't much in the store that I <em>wasn't</em> attracted to! You know, sometimes how a place just speaks to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">They suggested that I go over to the Red Barn (one street over) early since it isn't air conditioned and I'm so glad I did. I found this beauty sitting on a bench and when the girl said $10, I couldn't run fast enough to grab her. She is really big and yes, the bottom of her shoe is missing some paint but she is perfect otherwise. I love her and don't think I'll sell her - she's huge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, long story short, I made my way until about 5 pm up and down the streets of downtown Waxahachie and had a good time doing it. It was Labor Day weekend so I still have two days at home to unpack and enjoy my new playthings. The End.</span></div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-74704401130406883502013-07-14T21:56:00.001-05:002013-07-15T07:43:47.877-05:00Junking July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A couple of weeks ago I went up to The Woodlands for CKC, a scrapbook convention in order to work with Cheryl Mezzetti at the Splash of Color booth. I thought it would be fun. And it was but man, oh man - it was a lot of work, standing on your feet the whole time. Definitely something I'm not used to doing. The saving grace was that I got to hang out with one very cool chick, Cindy. She worked too (because I signed us up for this craziness) and so we laughed about it together. I don't think she's going to listen to any more of my cockamamie ideas. Yeah, oh well. Here's the product I got for working those two days: some Silks paints and modeling cream and other goodies. We also got paid but there just isn't enough money for me to do that again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday we traveled to Fort Bend County Fairgrounds for Junk Hippy Roadshow. My first time there and while I did find some good stuff, it was not enjoyable and we were out of there within an hour. It was super crowded with small aisles and sticky hot even though it was inside. They allowed strollers/carts and it just wasn't enjoyable. Want to see what I found? My favorite find was a vintage quilt for $45. I just love the colors and its in great condition. Also picked up two trays - I already painted and papered the bottom home turquoise in order to hold my washi tapes. The other tray I'll use for my little bits. I just went through them last weekend and put them in a couple of plastic cases but I think this will be nice to have some laid out. It has the months of the year across the top - not sure what it was used for. And the prayer is just so adorable, made of burlap in pinks and blues. I just love it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O3urpMukzg/UeNZM_x8t4I/AAAAAAAAPWY/4u69nhVvcLg/s1600/DSC02076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O3urpMukzg/UeNZM_x8t4I/AAAAAAAAPWY/4u69nhVvcLg/s320/DSC02076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">From the top left is a sweet English biscuit tin (good to hold treasures), a couple of scoops - I'm not sure why I wanted the galvanized one but the wood/metal one is cool. Loved the vintage quilt teddy bear - he's a bit worn but I couldn't leave him. The ticking fabric is a small remnant and a couple of linen pieces - the circles will be good to cut up. The other white piece will make an excellent fabric book cover. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After that we headed south/west to Glenflora and the <a href="http://glenflora.com/" target="_blank">Glenflora Emporium</a>, where I always find something good. I still have to thank Sandy Hoho for telling me about that place. And then over to Wharton (which is right across the road) with of course, a stop at Bucee's for a cold drink and some beef jerky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In Wharton we walked into a junk shop that had a bad mold smell and I was wondering how long I could stay but then it faded. I saw these baby bed pieces and she said $5 each! And the other baby bed had a price tag of $85 so I passed it up but when I asked, she didn't have the rails so she said $10 each. Now, tell me - aren't they perfect chalkboard signs... We saw several at JH.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And finally, I love <a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/" target="_blank">this</a> blog (nanacompany) and really do want to start quilting and sewing more when I look at her gorgeous handiwork. After one blog hop (which I cannot find now!), I saw this fabric and fell for it so I had to order it. It's called Petal by Tanya Whelan and I got it from Shabby Fabrics. I also saw some gorgeous French map fabric (<a href="http://www.shabbyfabrics.com/Paris-Flea-Market-C194.aspx?s=Name ASC&p=1" target="_blank">Paris Flea Market</a>) there that I had wanted to order previously and, so I did. In two different colorways - blue and pink. The little heart piece is hand stitched, I found that at Glenflora. I figured it would make a sweet book cover on a fabric book. Loved the shape of the flower frog ($1) and the glass piece I don't know what those are but I have two of them. I also found some chippy wood pieces at Glenflora and a nice small strainer at JH. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We also made our way to Rosenberg and had a great hamburger at Another Time Soda Fountain and then we called it a day. Whew - a long day, that started at 8 and ended at 5... It was so nice to hang out with Cindy and do what we love to do best! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And now the fun starts. This weekend is a scrapping weekend with the girls at Camp Allen, a place near Navasota - my first time there. Cindy said there's scorpions. Dammit. And the following weekend is a plane ride to Baltimore and a visit with Megan and some work after that. But on Thursday, Cindy and I are headed to southern Louisiana, a plantation and some good times at the inaugural <a href="http://www.southerncraftacademy.com/" target="_blank">Southern Craft Academy.</a></span></div>
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<br />Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-52534247126139468052013-06-23T22:03:00.000-05:002013-06-23T22:13:21.019-05:00Weekend Time<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an easy weekend around these parts... When I have few commitments, I like to find a new recipe or two on Pinterest and give them a spin, which is what I did. I made BBQ pork ribs and a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655858405726/" target="_blank">Lemon Thyme Pasta salad.</a> It is a great summer salad with a nice light taste, I definitely recommend it. I also made <a href="http://mybakerlady.com/2013/02/19/oatmeal-lemon-creme-bars/" target="_blank">Oatmeal Lemon Bars</a> which are simple and good: made from Oatmeal cookie mix and condensed milk. Today I made crockpot <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/07/slow-cooker-garlic-and-brown-sugar.html" target="_blank">Brown Sugar Chicken</a> - its made with soy sauce and brown sugar and garlic. It had too much soy sauce for my taste, I won't be making it again. Oh well, you win some and lose some.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wanted to enjoy a simple weekend at home after spending time last week decluttering by removing accessories in my den, kitchen and master bedroom, thanks to the influence of The <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/06/beautiful-distractions.html" target="_blank">Nester</a>. Originally, I had no interest in following it because I don't consider myself a decorator or a person who buys pillows. I don't get the whole "throw a lot of pillows on your sofa" thing. Or bed, for that matter. But when she mentioned that she got busy without the distraction, it got my attention. AND when I started removing ALL THAT STUFF that I didn't realize that I had. Stuff that was given to me and you feel like you have to display it. Please. If I gave you something and you don't like it, it's okay to give it away. I promise. I don't <em>know</em> what I'll be bringing back, but I will say I enjoy the clean surfaces now. It <em>is</em> freeing. Or maybe just different, but so easy on the eye when you come home from work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And starting next weekend, life takes off like a rocket with plenty of weekends planned. <a href="http://www.ckscrapbookevents.com/CKScrapbookConventions/CKCHouston.aspx" target="_blank">CKC Scrapbook Convention</a> will be at The Woodlands next weekend and I'm going to split booth duties with my friend, Cindyw1I. (think about it). <a href="http://www.cherylmezzetti.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl Mezzetti</a> of <a href="http://www.splashofcolor.us/" target="_blank">Splash of Color</a> needed some help so we both said, why not! Should be great fun. On Sunday in Round Top will be the 4th of July concert at <a href="http://festivalhill.org/" target="_blank">Festival Hill</a> and after seeing last months concert, I definitely don't want to miss it. It starts at 3 pm. Let me know if you go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">July is FULL of wonderful events. Junk Hippy is going to be in Rosenberg on July 13th. I had hoped to have a booth there, but no such luck - they were sold out. Still going to go to check it out. With Michelle Burrus back in town, we're headed to <a href="http://campallen.org/" target="_blank">Camp Allen</a> (my first time!) for a weekend of scrapping/laughter. The last week of the month will be packed with a work trip to Baltimore, but I'm making time for my friends, Megan and high school friend, Julie who lives in Falls Church, VA. And then Cindyw1I and I are setting off for her first trip to Louisiana, a day early so we can explore and then on Friday we'll head over to the Bocage Plantation for the first ever, Southern Craft Academy which is being hosted by <a href="http://aimeebroussard.com/bocage-plantation/" target="_blank">Aimee Broussard</a>, <a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/" target="_blank">Susie Harris</a> and <a href="http://www.sheskindacrafty.com/" target="_blank">Stacy</a> Haycock. After we had signed up, we found out that Angel Stormo and <a href="http://laughoutloud-heather.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather Bellanger</a> will also be attending. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay, I have two more events to tell you about... So you won't be able to say, I wanna go but I didn't know about it! In early September, there may be a road trip to St Louis involving a Girlfriends Getaway at <a href="http://forkeepssake.typepad.com/forkeepssake/girlfriends-getaways-in-2012.html" target="_blank">For Keeps Sake</a> store. It all started when certain girls from Chicago and Maryland threw out the suggestion and then BOOM, there's a party in STL. It will be awesome and we're hoping that a few others can join. ALL kinds of people to see in STL: Barb Reininger, Dre Walter, Kathy Northup, Sue Keleman, and Nancy Wethington. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Final event is not until November in Los Angeles, called <a href="http://spellboundevent.com/" target="_blank">Spellbound</a>, which reminds me of Silver Bella. I'm excited to go back to LA after having a fabulous time in January at French General. <a href="http://catheholden.com/" target="_blank">Cathe Holden</a> of Just Something I Made will be teaching, along with Kaari Meng of <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_blank">French General</a>. It's going to be awesome. Cathe is one of those people who's career has taken off, she has a great new book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1452111049/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373493&creativeASIN=1452111049&link_code=am3&tag=jussomimad-20" target="_blank">Rosette Art</a> and yet, she is so incredibly kind and down to earth. I love being around her as well as being inspired by her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay, weekend is coming to a close. I hope yours was good. I'm ready to get the week started for all these good things that will be coming down the pike. Note the two blonde bombers here:</span><br />
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-77666191593561674712013-06-09T22:26:00.002-05:002013-06-09T22:28:13.082-05:00Festival Hill at Round Top<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am probably the last person on the planet (of Texas) to NOT know about the symphony concerts at Festival Hill in Round Top. Saturday, after running around to the outlet mall in Cypress and a few other stops, I was invited to attend the 43rd Round Top Annual Music Festival with my neighbors. We stopped at <a href="http://www.royersroundtopcafe.com/" target="_blank">Royer's</a> first, and I had a fabulous burger and we took pie to go. You can't leave there without pie, of course.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royers - source</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJQ_I7u-ojZZx1G2i6RReZHfHCONdsu6DRq2e9JfIyGc6EMLrvnzjKgTu-7XVU4EXHlxNbRDDnSBvTr-0FCFtwEtdxzddrRrGyjBMN6Qo_gnC5nGXEOru4pZNIgFn1oWEsIHfVw/s1600/concerthall-roundtop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJQ_I7u-ojZZx1G2i6RReZHfHCONdsu6DRq2e9JfIyGc6EMLrvnzjKgTu-7XVU4EXHlxNbRDDnSBvTr-0FCFtwEtdxzddrRrGyjBMN6Qo_gnC5nGXEOru4pZNIgFn1oWEsIHfVw/s320/concerthall-roundtop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: Junk Gypsies</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, have you been to the concerts at Festival Hill? There's a wonderful story attached to it but I'm not sure <a href="http://festivalhill.org/about/history/" target="_blank">where to start</a>. This guy, James Dick is an accomplished pianist and has set about establishing a fabulous institute so that young people can learn and practice their craft - kids from all over the US. International teachers! Little by little the concert hall has been put together - in the past there was no roof or air conditioning! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I cannot explain just how incredible the concert hall is. Take a peak <a href="http://festivalhill.org/campus-facilities/festival-concert-hall/" target="_blank">here</a> to get an idea, but you should really go and see for yourself. I spent most of the concert looking up and around at the gorgeous wood and architecture. It's mind-blowing. And the acoustics are perfection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What I thought was so cool was the second half of the concert. They moved the grand piano to the front and James Dick came in and played with the orchestra. It is good to be James Dick, I tell ya. You build a place and then you get to do what you love with a lot of people watching you. He deserves it. I cannot say it enough - just how gorgeous the architecture is and how much you will enjoy the music.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The concert season is 6 weeks and it just started. Spend a Saturday afternoon or evening there - the tickets were $30. June 30th is the patriotic concert and from what I hear, it is not to be missed. I will definitely be there. So cool.</span></div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-20743259635548161292013-04-06T00:09:00.001-05:002013-04-06T00:10:26.334-05:00Friday Finds<div align="justify">
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Last Friday I headed over to Warrenton to see what I could find. I made it there at noon, after stopping at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g55468-d512634-Reviews-Newman_s_Bakery-Bellville_Texas.html" target="_blank">Newman's bakery</a> for breakfast, of course. It was already busy but not packed. Warrenton is down the road from Round Top. I may have explained it before, but its miles and miles of tents/booths with cool stuff to collect/antiques/funky finds. Here are a few things I saw: </div>
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I stopped in a Cole's and met Kevin Novak of Bungalow 29 in Granbury. He and his wife make some awesome projects, especially with yardsticks. These are owl bags made from ties, light from roof tile and the yardstick table with drafting prints, scrabble room divider. Just over and over, cool stuff. </div>
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I loved this display - I snagged a couple of gym baskets for $15 each (look at the lower shelf)<br />
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While this isn't my style, this vendor obviously had style</div>
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Anything with maps/globes is a good thing - these are lamps. His whole shop was cool.</div>
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You can find lots of initials now.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KN0ZPUs1hU/UV-i-3izEHI/AAAAAAAAPO0/He2Xq5-YiDg/s1600/IMG_6320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KN0ZPUs1hU/UV-i-3izEHI/AAAAAAAAPO0/He2Xq5-YiDg/s320/IMG_6320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ran into my friend, <a href="http://andsewitbegan.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Ronda</a> and her pal, Mary.</div>
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I found this P at Urban Market earlier this year:</div>
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Today I stopped by an estate sale and a couple of resale shops, with my neighbor. Found an awesome board for $1.50, a couple of beautifully illustrated books (one on barns and a Currier & Ives), a sweet pink bag that I'm going to make into a journal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3GU0_RuqBkyNy1Kht3HZhhxWyrhXVruXbReDGXq0Z8YCDp1eyjtfk03Yc3m5yE1F2Fw-vlChmu8ghYk5EesSz9Q3wtxGdpPAM6o0tnQsRt3i5_mxOX_3t0lQhBdqCsMNf0vizw/s1600/estate+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3GU0_RuqBkyNy1Kht3HZhhxWyrhXVruXbReDGXq0Z8YCDp1eyjtfk03Yc3m5yE1F2Fw-vlChmu8ghYk5EesSz9Q3wtxGdpPAM6o0tnQsRt3i5_mxOX_3t0lQhBdqCsMNf0vizw/s320/estate+sale.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I took off Thurs and Fri - no special reason, just seemed like a good thing to do. I put together this cork map that I found in London last time, at Inspitalfields - an awesome shop that's, well - In Spitalfields Market. I stuck it on a black foam core board and stuck pins in the places I've been. Want to find some red push pins. The black ones don't show up so well. </div>
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I bought a man's shirt and made this wine gift bag. I'm going to make a small pouch with the other sleeve and perhaps a pillow with the body of the shirt. The gift bag was easy - just measure a wine bottle (I happened to have one!), stitch up the bottom, and I added a pleat/tab on the sides so it would "sit" nicely. I think they call it "box the corners". Is that right? The Pinterest tutorial says to add ribbon or elastic, but the sleeve closes nicely with the button. I punched a tag and used some baker's twine.</div>
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Just think, I still have the whole weekend left! More craft to come. </div>
</span><br />Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-63287442509115820412013-03-20T22:54:00.001-05:002013-03-20T22:54:00.838-05:00Oh Baby! Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to make a little banner for a guy at work who is expecting their first baby. Okay, that doesn't sound right but you know what I mean. I'm going to tell you how to make it but I'll save you from making all the mistakes I made. Normally when I make a banner, I use Martha Stewart's alphabet, which you can find <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/350310/birthday-party-clip-art-and-templates/@center/326420/martha-stewart-clip-art-and-template-crafts" target="_blank">here</a> under birthday templates. But I really wanted to use pink and blue letters and hers are all black. So I used MS Word and picked a font from my collection (<a href="http://fontzone.net/font-details/Elephant/" target="_blank">Elephant font</a> at 140) and used Word Art/Outline to change the outline to pink/blue and colored them in with colored pencils (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sanford-Prismacolor-Premier-Colored-Pencil/dp/B00006IEEV/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1363835690&sr=8-5&keywords=132+prismacolor+pencils" target="_blank">Prismacolor</a> my favorite!). I know - a lot of work. For some reason, when I printed the pink from my printer, the color was <em>off</em> no matter how much I worked with the RGB percentages. After wasting an evening with the printer, I was <em>determined</em> to do it my way! I also looked at stamping or embossing but I didn't have the right stamps so this was the final solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I printed the letters on white cardstock and punched them out with a scallop punch using the <a href="http://www.uchida.com/p-20-clever-lever-mega-craft-punch.aspx" target="_blank">Mega</a> size Marvy scalloped punch (its pink). They have several sizes and you can do two layers, if you're ambitious. My ambition got waylayed by all the "issues".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I made the rosettes by hand. I know, please don't lecture me about silhouettes or cameos or other machines that can do 10 at a time in twenty seconds... I have a Cricut from Black Friday four years ago - it's been used twice. I'm not buying another machine that doesn't pass the three month rule. I cut strips of pink and blue paper one and a quarter inch wide, 8.5 inches long. I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scor-Measuring-Scoring-Board-SP101/dp/B001C0XFF4" target="_blank">Scor Pal board</a>, and scored two at a time. With two strips of paper I attached both ends at a peak/valley (the end of the strip) with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Enterprises-Premium-Line-Craft-yards/dp/B0037CCBZU/ref=sr_1_3?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1363836622&sr=1-3&keywords=red+line+tape" target="_blank">red line tape.</a> Now I made a mistake with the adhesive, YOU should use a hot glue gun when making the rosettes. Cut a circle out of chipboard (I save it from all kinds of packaging) and you can add patterned paper to make it look nice. But use the glue gun, seriously. It takes a bit of practice getting the rosette to lay flat but just keep working with it. Its also optional to add a chipboard circle on the front, underneath your letter for stability. For the rosette to take shape, I set it inside my redline tape roll to get a consistent shape of the rosette.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I used white ribbon and attached it with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tim-Holtz-Idea-Ology-Tiny-Attacher-With/dp/B00AQ7A340/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1363836907&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=tiny+attacher" target="_blank">tiny attacher</a> (stapler). Not the best option - it was a pain getting it to catch the ribbon. It would be much smarter attaching it to the cardboard circle on the back side with the hot glue gun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And because I had trouble attaching the already assembled rosettes, I had to improvise with the ribbon and add some baby boy/baby girl ribbon at the ends and I threw on a plastic diaper pin to boot! So, there you have it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On a side note, I am looking at getting a rosette die - either the Memory Box or Tim Holtz, after I read <a href="http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/the_classroom_new/2011/04/rosette-die-comparison-memory-box-and-tim-holtz-alterations.html" target="_blank">this</a> article. I want one that I can adjust in size. I hope the article covers that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And by the way, I haven't had a chance to look at Cathe Holden's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rosette-Art-Instructions-Beautiful-Rosettes/dp/1452111049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363837447&sr=8-1&keywords=cathe+holden+rosette" target="_blank">Rosette Art</a> but I am sure it is fabulous. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let me know if you have suggestions on improvements - I'm open.</span></div>
<br />Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-16585336392783794622013-03-05T22:00:00.002-06:002013-04-05T23:17:18.345-05:00Killie<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I took a trip to the other side of the earth: Perth, Australia. It was amazing. But that's a post for another day. The day after I arrived, I got a phone call at 3 am from my brother, telling me my little dog, Killer, a 13 year old perfectly healthy dachshund was hunched up. He got better during the day and we decided to wait til Monday for a visit to our regular vet. The diagnosis was discopondolitis or arthritis - I can't remember exactly. Meds were involved and Killer improved and was his old self until Wednesday when he had another "attack" - hunching up and not moving, plus lack of appetite. Another trip to the vet resulted in more steroids and pain killers. </div>
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My business trip involved several presentations and getting to know my co-workers that I support in our Perth office. I also planned to stop in Sydney for four days of R&R and fly home on Tuesday. I had booked a nice apartment through <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3479153i?cid=E_OWNERINQUIRY_DB_O_20130208_propertyurl_text_LPROP" target="_blank">Home Away</a> - on top of the Swissotel. Qantas has a route from Dallas (which is 45 minute flight from Houston) to Sydney (16 hours) and 5 hours to Perth. Throw in a couple hours of downtime and its basically 24 hours. I<finger snap=""> decided to cancel the Sydney leg and return home on Saturday. </finger><br />
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<finger snap="">Anyway, those are just details. At home (waking in Perth at 3 am and arriving in Houston at 5 pm the same day!) I found a doggie that was like a stranger - more interested in sniffing my bags than saying hello. Sunday morning he was his usual self and my heart lept. But there was a seizure on Sunday and Monday morning, I knew it was time. We sat in the special room at the vet for a while - they were super busy so Killer and I spent some time, first on the table, then walking around then finally he curled up in my lap on a towel and just rested. This dog was the kindest and fiercest protector but so gentle with kids. He started life with my husband but quickly became "my dog". He loved to swim. Some folks claimed he was a humper. He loved to sleep right up next to you and many nights he pushed me to the edge of the bed. He was stubborn. And I still can't believe he's gone. The house feels empty and void of his presence. It's shocking. He was such a protector - even at 11 pounds, he thought he was the killer dog. He wasn't afraid of the Akita next door. I am so glad he had a good life with me and I could hold him when he left. And I cannot wait to see him again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.</finger><br />
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-23300649420127518982013-02-18T21:50:00.001-06:002013-04-17T18:26:08.106-05:00Pretend Its January<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmd2gMH6_3Q/USLn9cQCf2I/AAAAAAAAPMQ/Hayal2ExNh0/s1600/DSC01941-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmd2gMH6_3Q/USLn9cQCf2I/AAAAAAAAPMQ/Hayal2ExNh0/s320/DSC01941-001.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpX4u7WTMM/USLnrPQJUwI/AAAAAAAAPMI/hvXIMykVmnM/s1600/DSC01943-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSpX4u7WTMM/USLnrPQJUwI/AAAAAAAAPMI/hvXIMykVmnM/s320/DSC01943-001.JPG" width="320" /></a>and it didn't take me this long to tell you about the October email I received about <a href="http://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_blank">French General's</a> Art of Craft event in Los Angeles in January. I've read about it for four years and in that moment, when I read that three former Silver Bella teachers would be together again, I knew I had to go, so I clicked the BUY NOW button and I booked miles for the airplane fare. It was such a terrific weekend, I am so so glad I made it. I left Thursday morning and returned home Monday afternoon. California was cooler than normal but still gorgeous. I didn't book my hotel til the very last minute, paid too much but enjoyed my stay at the Embassy Suites in Glendale. Glendale is a nice little town, with quaint antique stores, a fun outdoor mall and some nice restaurants. On Thursday afternoon I hung out near the Grove, had a healthy lunch at medocino farms and checked out a few antique stores. Best one was <a href="http://wwwlahardware.com/" target="_blank">Liz's Hardware,</a> which was jammed packed but pricey. Still fun to look around. I met my cousin, Len for dinner that evening in Glendale. It was so great to catch up with her and give her a wall hanging like <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655856401202/" target="_blank">this</a> I made. She has a wonderful gift of making you feel so loved and understood.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French General Los Angeles, CA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carla, Julie B, Julie, Connie</td></tr>
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Friday morning I checked out some antique stores in Glendale and made a few purchases; a beautiful album from 1882 and some hankies, lunch at Home near French General and our first class started with <a href="http://housewrenstudio.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte Lyons</a>. I sat in the back alone until a bevy of girls waltzed in including Julie Baxley from Silver Bella days and her bestie, Carla and two Cali girls, Susan and Sally. It turned out to be the most fun table in the store - I lucked out! And the store is everything you dreamed about. Charlotte's class was a book for stitching and starts with a beautiful blue/white vintage quilt - gosh, it was awesome and I wish I had more of that quilt! Next came <a href="http://rebeccasower.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Sower</a> with a stitching fabric bracelet. There were four small rectangles and it was so fun to design within a tiny box - I loved the challenge. I also purchased another RS <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/110197522102077751/" target="_blank">journal</a> of gray and peach - it is.so.yummy! I'm still using my first one by adding notes and receipts from my daily life - I love it. I should probably stop here - its getting late and I need to start and finish a journal project tonight. I'll try my best to tell more of the story tomorrow. </div>
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In the meantime, tomorrow will be another day of Lists in <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/2013/01/52-lists-week-1.html" target="_blank">52 Lists</a> by Morea Seal. I've started mine and cannot wait to make a journal of it. I'm on week 5. What a fun project!</div>
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And I did catch <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Downton-Abbey-Episode-1/dp/B004KAQQ5E" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a> fever, a bit late starting in Season 3. But you can watch Season 1 and 2 (which I did) on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for FREE if you're a Prime member (which is a bargain, btw). That show just gets into your head and won't leave! I love it and also looking forward to Masterpiece Classic's <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch-online/previews/mr-selfridge-preview/" target="_blank">Mr. Selfridge</a> March 31st. I wonder if Laura Linney will introduce it, also? Does your mind speak with an English accent also?</div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-41240748171952816202012-12-27T13:17:00.002-06:002012-12-27T13:17:51.484-06:00Chicken & Dumplings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This.is.the.start... of two great meals! Chicken in the crockpot and if you're lucky like me, you have a neighbor who has rosemary in their garden and she lets you come over and take snips of it, as much as you like! I learned something new about crockpot cooking from Pinterest, but I lost the original pin. Put 4 pieces of crumpled up aluminum foil underneath the meat... that simple! I was skeptical that I would taste foil, but you don't. I also did it with a pork tenderloin. Now tis chicken is so juicy, its amazing! </div>
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Okay, here we go, start with a whole fryer/roaster - get a large one, salt and pepper it, slice up some onion, throw on some garlic, slice a lemon and tear up some rosemary. Put some of the onion/lemon/rosemary inside the bird. And be sure and clean out the chicken really good, (shame on me - I don't save the neck and gizzards, I just toss 'em) cut off the big hunks of fat - there will be plenty enough for the stock. Don't forget to throw the 4 balls of foil underneath. Throw a few carrots and potatoes in there, if you're so inclined. Cook it for 8/10 hours - 6 if you're in a hurry. </div>
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Now that's a great meal, with some potatoes (baked or mashed) the carrots can be your veggie. The chicken is super moist and juicy. And frankly, I'm not a chicken fan but I like this kind. For the second meal, pick all the meat off the bones and strain the juice - keep them separate and refrigerate overnight. The only reason to do this is to let the fat gel and scrape it off. </div>
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The new day - skim the fat off the top of the stock. Melt 2 tbsp of butter and throw 1/4 cup flour on it, stir and let it brown up for a minute or so and then slowly add your stock. Or you can cheat and use Wondra. Add another box of chicken stock (32 oz), throw in the chicken meat. Add 1-2 cups of water and 1-2 cups of half and half. Slice up a couple of carrots and some celery if you have it. With all those liquids, you'll need to salt and pepper it all. Now I'm lazy about dumplings, I use canned biscuits, about 4-5 rolled out and slice in half, then in thirds. Throw them in all that liquid and let it cook for at least 30- 45 minutes or longer. Now, enjoy a bowl of it with maybe some cornbread. I love crockpot cooking and Pinterest!</div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-71957695016738919052012-10-09T21:12:00.000-05:002012-10-09T21:12:07.342-05:00Sleep 'n Pancakes<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I'm on a roll, I'll share a bit some things. Nothing too deep, don't worry! I started about two weeks ago, going to bed at 10 pm and waking at 6 am - in order to get 8 hours of sleep. I was tired of feeling tired when I woke up each morning and wasting about 2 hours, from 10 - midnight on the computer doing nothing important. I'm here to tell ya - getting an 8 hour sleep each night is pretty wonderful! And when I don't stick to the schedule, I definitely feel it in the morning. I probably miss the mark once a week, but overall I'm proud of myself for taking care of myself. Simple thing to do and worth it.</div>
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Second subject. Well wait, do we need a photo here? Just to break it up. Okay, let me go get one. Here are a bunch of quilts I have. I need to sell some... I had a friend say in an email the other day something about her "good intentions" of getting creative with all the things she's buying was getting old! Do you ever feel that way. Struck a chord with me. That's what they should call Pinterest... the land of good intentions.</div>
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Second subject is breakfast for dinner. My brother and I have been doing most every Tuesday night for the past couple of months. At IHOP on Washington/I-10. Its so fun to have breakfast for dinner - what a treat!</div>
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And last subject is... travel. I'm going to London on Friday for work. Well, I'm going a bit early so I can shop at Portobello Market and Spitalfields Market and a few other places. At the end of the week I'm jumping on the Eurostar to Paris for two days and one night... Yikes! I don't speak French and I'm going alone but hopefully I will immerse myself in France and enjoy every moment. Its going to be a good week!</div>
Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-65502590242412771912012-10-06T15:48:00.002-05:002012-10-06T15:48:39.338-05:00Oprah's LifeClass<div style="text-align: justify;">
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If you haven't seen my FB posts, I was invited by my good friend, Theresa to attend a taping of the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/oprahs-lifeclass.html" target="_blank">Oprah Lifeclass</a> show in Houston at the Hobby Center yesterday. I had tried to win tickets in the lottery myself but to no avail. T was the lucky girl! Finally, the big day arrived and I was ready! We had tickets for the afternoon taping and Pastor Rick Warren, of The Purpose-Driven Life was the guest. There was a 2 page list of instructions for attending which included wearing bright colors, eating a big lunch and don't be late! We had a nice lunch at the original Irma's on Chenevert. </div>
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I bought a new green ombre shirt that has a hint of sparkle in it!</div>
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We arrived early and there were lots of preparations on the set. A guy cleaned that desk top twice!<br />
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My friend, Theresa. We were in Mezzanine, one floor up and no cameras. </div>
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Here's Oprah when she first comes out. Very gracious. They taped two shows that will air in January. They referred to Rick Warren's 10th anniversary edition of his book,which will be coming out in January. </div>
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The conversation between Rick Warren and Oprah was very relaxed and fluid. Both shows went very smoothly, no retakes. I don't know if they rehearsed everything but it is exactly like what you see on TV. During each break, she'd tell Dean (the stage director - in the bottom left photo below) - Let's keep going, Dean. </div>
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During the class Oprah would take notes and they would show them on the screen above. It was interesting to see her handwriting. During the breaks, she would keep discussing the issues. Only once did the makeup people come out.</div>
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At the end, Oprah thanked Houston for it's Southern Hospitality. She explained she couldn't do pictures with one person, she did visit with the front row and particularly this one girl - she talked to her for probably a full 8 minutes. I think it was a girl who told her story about feeling less than/hating her appearance. It was pretty amazing because she spent a long time talking to her. Someone else asked for her shoes and she said no - that they actually fit and felt good! She still kicks them off when she's at the desk.</div>
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A full crowd. If a seat was empty - they brought in a filler. Comcast was given a whole slew of tickets, I guess they'll be promoting OWN.</div>
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And then a final good bye, leaving the stage with her security man, Rick Warren and Dean behind them. See all the bright colors - everyone was dressed to the nines!<br />
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It was a fun experience, so glad I got to go. While they had some rigid rules in the two page instructions, they were very relaxed at the theatre. It was touching at times to be there - inspiration stuff. The show runs so smoothly, which of course, after 25 years of doing it, but I was still surprised - it is just like you see it on TV. Thank you, Theresa for inviting me! It was a bucket list item for me.</div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-29438318777358807382012-10-02T21:48:00.006-05:002012-10-03T22:11:31.268-05:00Warrenton Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I owe you a few pictures of the goodies from Warrenton. It always takes me a while to do that because you have to get good light, set it up, take the pics, edit the pics and then yes, finally post the pics. </div>
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These are the linen tableclothes I found. They will make good fabric for angels or pages. Or maybe one day I'll get around to make a handkerchief pocket holder... one day.</div>
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Here's my bisque doll that was $25. They had 3 for sale at Cole's for $320.</div>
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These are little insulator bulb things <span style="color: red;">(Sandy said they're fuses)</span>... I think they will make good feet for a box. And I love red and blue so I picked up the hankie.</div>
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Do you even know what this is? First thing I thought was an angel doll body. Of course. Its also the agitator for a washer... With a coat of white paint you won't know the diff.</div>
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I saved 2 of the yardsticks for myself - nice thick ones. And it said Dutch Boy, so I had to keep it. Isn't the card catalog exquisite with the dove tails. It was $32. I know, right.</div>
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I've been cooking like a fool on the weekends. Last weekend I made Cream of Cilantro soup on Saturday and Sunday I put another whole chicken in the crock pot with rosemary and lemon. Then I picked it, threw in a little cream and dumplings and we had chicken and dumplings. Really, really good and so flavorful. I'm telling you - throw a chicken in the crockpot, ball up some foil and place it in the bottom, add some carrots, season up the chicken and add some rosemary inside and on top and lemon and you will thank me. Promise.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">EDITED TO ADD:</span></strong> Yes, the foil keeps it out of the juices, so that it "steams". Learned it from Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15199717462483432/" target="_blank">here</a>! It is super moist.</div>
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It's a big week here. Oprah is coming to town Friday and I get to be in the audience on Friday afternoon at Hobby Center. She's taping her show, LifeClass. I am beyond thrilled. I'll let you know how it goes.</div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-40219763942366715042012-09-28T21:17:00.003-05:002012-09-28T21:25:05.287-05:00Warrenton in the Fall-ishIt's time for Round Top again. I live about 1.5 hours away, so its an easy day trip. I took the day off of work on Thursday and took along my camera; here are a few shots. <br />
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I loved these scuffy little red boots, but not at $85.</div>
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Lots and lots of flower frogs - saw them everywhere.</div>
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I actually go to Warrenton, through Bellville - such a peaceful drive and a good breakfast at Newman's Bakery. First time ever, I stopped at Nothing Ordinary and didn't buy anything. When I saw this pink Maytag, I thought of Lori Bunda Wilson in Calgary, who was kind enough to show me her shop. And Cindy Vratil - I know they both would love this. Wouldn't it be a fun drink cooler for parties.<br />
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I bought a bunch of yardsticks and promptly sold them to this girl. Look at the legs - she needs plenty. Loved her creativity. She's from Granbury, TX. I want some piano keys.<br />
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This booth, Johnny and June was just setting up but I loved the antler dress form. </div>
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I love old doors, maybe I'll take a ride over to ReStore tomorrow...</div>
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Plenty of linens and lace all over the place. Click on it - I love how they're just up in your face!</div>
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It was blazing hot, 91 degrees, even though I arrived at 10, but 12:30 I decided it wasn't fun anymore so I headed inside to Cole's. It was nice, not so crowded. I scored two beautiful white tableclothes, I'll show pics tomorrow in a booth right outside of Cole's (to the left). She sort of screamed at me when I asked for the price... first she said $50, then she corrected herself to $15. ITS A FLAT PRICE FOR ANY ONE - she shouted. It was sort of comical. I decided I needed two. </div>
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And I'll take a photo in the daylight of a gorgeous card catalog I snagged - $32. Gorgeous oak, one wide drawer and a beautiful Globe Wernicke label. I saw many spool cabinets and one special round oak spinner with fabulous handles on each draw - probably 80 drawers. $2750. But worth every penny. Why didn't I take a photo - maybe it was just too painful to walk away - no remembrances.</div>
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I have to share one more photo, okay maybe two. Isn't this light fixture awesome - great green/yellow hues.</div>
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And my dogs just don't like their photos being taken. Here's Grace, before she went to the beauty shop...If that ain't the evil eye!</div>
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Sorry, Junior was crying for equal time... so, there!</div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-1962905099357071682012-08-25T10:15:00.002-05:002012-08-25T10:16:27.157-05:00Pintesting<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good morning. It's my birthday weekend and I have some chickies coming over for crafting, so with the pressure on to get the house in order and no time to dawdle, I thought I would post a few pins I've tried and love... Wish me luck in getting the pins and pics posted properly... it will either be a boon or a bust!</div>
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Okay, but wait. Heather pinned a bunch of chihuahua pups, so I have to look at them, look at my pic of my chihuahua and debate on whether I should post a pic of Junior because he's blond but his nose and all is liver, not black like all the others. No posting. Back to the task at hand.<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855949294/" target="_blank">Peach Smoothies</a>... I fixed these for a brunch and we now have them every other Sunday (when I remember to pick up frozen peaches). Very yummy. And yes, ours look just like that.</div>
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<img alt="(Summer) Peach Smoothie 2 cups fresh orange juice 1 cup peach greek yogurt 2 cups frozen sliced peaches 2 tablespoons raw honey or 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon nutmeg Blend all the ingredients until smooth." class="PinImageImg" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/139189444703446261_II64fwrb_b.jpg" style="height: 276px;" width="138" /></div>
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I also made these <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855949297/" target="_blank">Brie and Apple Tarts</a>, several times. Very yummy too.</div>
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<img alt="Brie and Apple Tarts - also made this with swiss - delish!" class="PinImageImg" height="200" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/32791903506388650_41fCARBr_b.jpg" style="height: 290px;" width="131" /></div>
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Next, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855902948/" target="_blank">Strawberry upside down cake</a>. Good but wasn't crazy about it, for some reason. You may think differently.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655854768047/" target="_blank">Fig and Proscuitto Pizza</a> from Pioneer Woman. To.Die.For - this was my first foray into Pinterest Recipes, I believe. I need to make this again. It was so friggin awesome.</div>
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Oh, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655856301320/" target="_blank">Crescent Rolls Chicken</a> - really good (and no, not so good for you) but nice dinner. I made it a second time with Harvest Tomato soup - not so yummy.</div>
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I made this last night, simple and fabulous</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655856396548/" target="_blank">Peach Crumble Cake</a></div>
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Julia has many good recipes on her board - good inspiration. (is there bad inspiration?) I'm running out of time ...</div>
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You will notice there are about 150 pins on my Craftiness board. Dang, I'd better get busy. Here are a few projects I've tried...</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855566294/" target="_blank">Fourth of July Wreath</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855158754/" target="_blank">Monopoly Box</a> - I'm constantly on the lookout for games at my thrift store.</div>
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And nows a good time to make <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655856389982/" target="_blank">these</a>... think we'll do that today. In looking at this board, man I've bought alot of supplies - I need to get crackalackin... for sure!</div>
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Oh, wait - just one question. Am I the only one that does this. Do you see a blog post or a pin and then become obsessed with buying the supplies? When I saw a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/30680841181960093/" target="_blank">gumball machine</a> filled with white buttons, I was possessed. Personality flaw I guess... Hope you enjoy your weekend.</div>
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Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-67758270044368439432012-06-25T21:21:00.000-05:002012-06-25T21:21:02.504-05:00CWhatIC<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRXhtlOjF7rvYPm-HtUzoFVmz4vDfnrMrKmrBLx2w-0M0MBTeJUv7wLdj8msTaRtWVCJtfn0IED1E7IbhrL0c521_Vti1ZKhfrO1-55uQ7fSOTl4b4nkMSkJRA2vpp8hjhoQdAg/s1600/IMG_6060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRXhtlOjF7rvYPm-HtUzoFVmz4vDfnrMrKmrBLx2w-0M0MBTeJUv7wLdj8msTaRtWVCJtfn0IED1E7IbhrL0c521_Vti1ZKhfrO1-55uQ7fSOTl4b4nkMSkJRA2vpp8hjhoQdAg/s320/IMG_6060.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra8NETr9BX8/T-kTd0F6OxI/AAAAAAAAO0A/mwcNJGkTVtU/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra8NETr9BX8/T-kTd0F6OxI/AAAAAAAAO0A/mwcNJGkTVtU/s320/IMG_6048.JPG" width="320" /></a>I'll beat you to the punch, before you even say it. I can't help myself... really. I hit two great estate sales Friday - one in River Oaks (wealthy) and my neighborhood (not wealthy). I am so fortunate that we work our 40 hours in 4.5 days so that I am free to roam on Friday afternoon. I found a bag of jello molds for $2 and spray painted a few the baby pink and glossy turquoise. I set the doll heads on top to give you an idea of where we'll start - there will be alot more gussying up to do, for sure. I'm sharing them, so if you want one/some, let me know. I scored pretty well at the RO house, handled by Roger Howard - he's fair. I love the graphics on the Our Home book and the tiny prayer books have incredible color pictures. I also picked up what I thought was a flat sheet to cut up for a slip cover pattern for $1 - only to unfold it and realize it is a gorgeous all-white duvet cover with a beautiful cut-out pattern (what do you call that?). So, I can't cut it! I wish I had picked up more as there were several. Also found more Setwell wooden hangers, a large wooden chopping block. I don't know what my affinity to wood chopping blocks but this one is 2" thick and I just want to use it for the foundation of an art piece. It sure won't be easy to hang. It was $3. I also found a friendship book, which will provide many lovely cut outs for art projects. And then a formal dress for $15 with YARDS of lace and ecru rose and flower appliques. It is gorgeous. </div>
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At the 'hood sale, I scored on a cheaper scale - I've been wanting an oil can but they're so darn expensive at Round Top - this came out of a 50 year old garage for $1. See the red folding ruler - isn't it amazing! And a STACK of maps from all over the world! A large roll of vintage flowery purple and green wallpaper. Another setwell hanger and we called it done. </div>
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I showed the 50s wooden play pen I found in tomball on Facebook - I just couldn't help myself. It is in pristine condition with a little bit of cleaning. I know. what can I do with it? I imagine taking it apart at some point. The colorful little beads are so darling. </div>
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I am working on a plan to sell stuff. Really, I am. In the meantime, I'll be searching estatesales.net on Fri morning to see where I need to go. </div>Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-80481175370335084382012-06-03T11:16:00.002-05:002012-06-03T11:16:28.282-05:00Country Living Fair<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally... here's a rundown of my long weekend in Austin. I left Thursday morning and did the usual. Stop in Bellville at Newman's Bakery for a country breakfast (eggs, bacon and biscuit) and then my favorite antique store down the street, <a href="http://www.nothingordinaryantiques.com/location.htm" target="_blank">Nothing Ordinary</a>. Don't get spooked by the front room, go down the hallway to the back, where all the good stuff is! I don't think I've ever walked out of there empty handed - I found a silver sugar bowl, baby shoes and milk white lid.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DHVt1fIT04/T8uARwM1pLI/AAAAAAAAOzE/ql7EfL9ZTwM/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DHVt1fIT04/T8uARwM1pLI/AAAAAAAAOzE/ql7EfL9ZTwM/s320/IMG_6405.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then I went on the search for Travis County Exposition, which is on the east side of Austin for the Country Living Fair. Only problem was, I was a day early. Yes, I didn't check the date and it started tomorrow. No worries, I headed to South Congress for <a href="http://www.uncommonobjects.com/" target="_blank">uncommon OBJECTS</a>, the thrift store down the street and also found a great eatery, Hopdoddy Burger Bar. It was yummy, by the way and I was the only person in the place without a tattoo. Ran into <a href="http://www.jbsmercantile.com/" target="_blank">Jenni</a> and Jared Bowlin on the street. Also saw actor, Aziz Ansari. I know I didn't know who he was either - he plays on Parks and Recreation. I mentioned the thrift store, its across the street and down the way from UO - nothing this time but I've found great stuff there in the past. I found tiny wooden baby shoe molds at UO - SIX of them! Yeah. These are the smallest I've found but they didn't have any needle marks in them so perhaps they were samples? Must be.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvDIZEzQJE/T8uIhCVJA1I/AAAAAAAAOzQ/71cMq-kqxNY/s1600/DSC01640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvDIZEzQJE/T8uIhCVJA1I/AAAAAAAAOzQ/71cMq-kqxNY/s320/DSC01640.JPG" width="240" /></a>So on Friday, I made my way to the Country Living Fair, you know, when it was open. Part of it was in a barn (the affordable stuff) and the other part in the arena (way over priced, but fun to look at). There was one particular shop that was my favorite - great stuff at good prices. I found a 14" St. Theresa statue for $48. I think she's chalkware. I also found some stitched ribbon in red there with ABCs and FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. I also found the two silver heart ornaments - they're a bit heavy and unique. I also found a bit of white trim, two yards of fabric in 30s kitchen style and these two cigarette silks for Australia and Egypt. At work those are two of my territories so I thought they would be fun to have. I'm not sure what a cigarette silk is though... I had all the stuff piled up but the picture was awkward. I really need a class on styling for photographs. <br />
My overall view of the CL Fair is that it was nice but not fabulous. The CL Fair, (like so many other events) have vendors who are looking for the designers, who will pay $48 for a pair of blue felt baby cowboy boots, even though Jenni Bowlin had them for $18. I think thats what we'll start calling them, Designer events. Urban Market is pretty much a designer event. You can pick off a few good bits but overall you walk away shaking your head. Probably the best junk event I've been to is Junk Bonanza in St. Paul, MN last September. It had TONS of junk that I love at super reasonable prices. You know, a yardstick for $2 instead of $10.<br />
One cool thing that happened at the Fair was that I met <a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/" target="_blank">Susie Harris</a>, a Louisiana blogger and sign painter and her fabulous sister, <a href="http://madeinthesouth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Missy</a>. I had a great time visiting with them, talking about all that we love, comparing notes. Bloggers are cool and girls from Louisiana are the best. Susie has great pictures from CLF and also some great recommendations for their 50 states article. We went to the Red Onion last weekend, on my way back from Destin. Very cool place.<br />
I thought I would share two recent finds on line: a child's Singer sewing machine and a child's sewing machine from the USSR/Russia. Cute, huh. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pekDDMUiSsM/T8uIuv0eT1I/AAAAAAAAOzY/YKXOkCQvVdQ/s1600/DSC01647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pekDDMUiSsM/T8uIuv0eT1I/AAAAAAAAOzY/YKXOkCQvVdQ/s200/DSC01647.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRr_kLTWSuBAYt5WepeUoU-06uKUZbmPiYa3sujuw82z72hdT2njwAWC3wTqikMDRHwznmpeyBJAOgagTpEKgDfpsxVMiAP-liTHFt8mbRGc8IIw_RA47lafLcUw_ysvI6VIcaQ/s1600/DSC01645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRr_kLTWSuBAYt5WepeUoU-06uKUZbmPiYa3sujuw82z72hdT2njwAWC3wTqikMDRHwznmpeyBJAOgagTpEKgDfpsxVMiAP-liTHFt8mbRGc8IIw_RA47lafLcUw_ysvI6VIcaQ/s200/DSC01645.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And now to a bit of a confession. I'm trying to organize and sell, and stay out of the estate sales and thrift stores. Well, let me restate that. I can still go but I can't buy. I am tired of the Room of Shame and want to use what I have and sell what I don't love. We'll see how it goes.</div>Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596347.post-66421183033507557872012-04-29T13:54:00.000-05:002012-04-29T21:54:25.563-05:00'Bout Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4Ov4i9BtIyLJQ7akI0Sza-c1Nleh1rM5J15o_C0qJdS2CZmEHEIA8RwfJ5awnFx10MCIIYI_iku0OHg79RslrKmu4BX7hdefxoShYUDCusKMCQRFQcVImhyanE4Hi-cEWAkKSw/s1600/2012-04-030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4Ov4i9BtIyLJQ7akI0Sza-c1Nleh1rM5J15o_C0qJdS2CZmEHEIA8RwfJ5awnFx10MCIIYI_iku0OHg79RslrKmu4BX7hdefxoShYUDCusKMCQRFQcVImhyanE4Hi-cEWAkKSw/s320/2012-04-030.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkwq7XEHLWUHmtoHr4Jys_sW0OIcTyxYSkV8fay9CspScBO3wz0Hrwp-E9CkbOsMiCIw2faA8sLneAPTCVdk6HNM3N8B6jBroMvjYMUzjaTY6ShauGAGq-ORXLzcaKGKhNgCwjw/s1600/DSC01622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkwq7XEHLWUHmtoHr4Jys_sW0OIcTyxYSkV8fay9CspScBO3wz0Hrwp-E9CkbOsMiCIw2faA8sLneAPTCVdk6HNM3N8B6jBroMvjYMUzjaTY6ShauGAGq-ORXLzcaKGKhNgCwjw/s200/DSC01622.JPG" width="150" /></a>The last weekend in February I went down to Lake Jackson with four girlies for a weekend retreat of crafting. Normally we have a room of 20 girls, this time it was an intimate group - all the same age and gosh, we had a blast. We almost literally had a blast once we looked underneath the structure at the wiring which was a mess of extension chords - yes!... and I worked on a few projects: a banner I started in <a href="http://housewrenstudio.typepad.com/charlotte/2011/07/the-creative-.html" target="_blank">Charlotte's</a> class at The Creative Connection. That is a picture of me with my Dad and TWIRL has a story <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/thoughts/twirl/" target="_blank">here</a>, which makes the picture significant. I surrounded the frame with blue butterfly trim from a tattered hankie and a photo album frame. I also started a fabric book of quotes and a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/231020655855132743/" target="_blank">birthday book</a> from Pinterest. It's about 1/3 finished - I'll work on it next weekend during National Scrapbook Day at H's house. I used a damaged tablecloth and printed the quotes on special fabric called <a href="http://www.joann.com/printed-treasures-printer-fabric-sheets-sew-in-5-pkg/prd29322/" target="_blank">Printed Treasures</a> that I purchased in NC at a fabric store. There's a bit of ribbon, lace and stitching on the pages - I'll add some buttons too and some batting between the two pages and stitch them together into a book.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3R2dQ7PLWc/T52LNyfc9PI/AAAAAAAAOyY/9UWnOU22HUM/s1600/DSC01443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3R2dQ7PLWc/T52LNyfc9PI/AAAAAAAAOyY/9UWnOU22HUM/s320/DSC01443.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgIXUmEdZg4/T51c1gzGa3I/AAAAAAAAOxk/nxu79ncBNS0/s1600/DSC01462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgIXUmEdZg4/T51c1gzGa3I/AAAAAAAAOxk/nxu79ncBNS0/s320/DSC01462.JPG" width="320" /></a>After the weekend away, I headed on a two week work trip that started in Cairo, Egypt for six days with a posse of 10, on to London and then finishing up in Aberdeen with a visit to our North Sea operations. I was quite nervous about visiting Cairo because the anti-American sentiments were prevalent but it was totally unfounded. Such an eye opener, such an amazing visit to see another part of the world, and the Muslim culture. I feel so fortunate to have these opportunities. See in the background the Giza pyramids? This is a typical scene in Cairo - THOUSANDS of buildings half finished, half-occupied, laundry on a line in the dirty air. The people were extremely kind. We spent the first day sightseeing at the Citadel (1st photo), Sakara pyramids and Giza pyramids with a stop Friday night at Khan el Khalili (an outdoor shopping mall) where I smoked apple-flavored shisha tobacco & purchased a few perfume bottles. I didn't like Giza because the hawkers were in your space since tourism is down 70%. We spent one day going to our local operations and another in meetings with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Petroleum and EGPC. The Minister of Finance was all pomp and circumstance and pretty impressive - we were treated like royalty. That doesn't happen to insurance folks. So much about Cairo, I don't want to forget. We left Houston on Wednesday and left Cairo on Tuesday, heading for London. It was the usual business meetings but several nice dinners, including one at The Goring Hotel, where Kate stayed the night before she became Princess. I spent the weekend at Portobello market where I found a few more printers blocks and tons of nice lace. On Sunday I headed over to Aberdeen for meetings on Monday and then back to London on Tuesday. I walked along Cromwell, had a fabulous lunch at Paul's, then a visit to Victoria & Albert museum. It was a long two weeks but I loved every minute of it. </div>
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I have one other photo to show you from a few weeks ago... around 10 pm we heard a crazy sound - a crunching sound but not from a car wreck and metal... it ended up being this tree releasing its roots and tippng perilously close to my neighbors house. Crazy, huh! Click on it to see how it crushed the iron fence. Its been taken out and replaced by two new trees but kind of sad to see such an 80+ year beauty go.</div>
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I'll blog this week about my trip to Austin, attending <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/country-living-fairs" target="_blank">Country Living Fair</a> and meeting and having a nice visit with <a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/" target="_blank">Susie Harris</a> and her sweet sister, <a href="http://madeinthesouth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melissa but I call her Missy</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>Peggy Houston, TXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515205627496033612noreply@blogger.com2