The rest of our brood is in Switzerland.
They must be having a wonderful time because we've only heard from them once!

SOME of the nieces.
There are many, many more.

Three generations in one photo.

I thought I would teach the kids
some useful skills.
They didn't seem to grasp the importance
of a beautifully folded napkin.
They will in time.

Dogs are so funny around the holidays.
It's like they know exactly what's going on.

I started to set my table for
Christmas Eve dinner.
We did indeed, have the Festive Beef Wellington that I practiced making back in November.
I overcooked it,
but the meat was so tender anyway.
I started with a tossed green salad
with pecans and cranberries.
It was tasty with a side of
organic winter vegetables
from the local farmers' market:
Parsnips, Leeks, Carrots, Red & Yellow Onions and a couple of whole, unpeeled Garlic Cloves.
Of course, there were Mashed Potatoes too.
The wines that Bill, the sommelier
at the Wine Loft suggested were
Smokescreen, a Napa Valley Chardonnay
and Sharecropper's (made by Owen Roe),
a Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon.
Both turned out to be excellent suggestions.
It was a wholesome meal,
all organic and locally bought food.

Hoping your New Year is festive and full of good things to eat!

Cheers!
Mary

2009 Holiday Tea Party

~Tea with Marie~

This year's annual Tea Party
was transformed into a
Goûter de Noël
That's formal French for Tea Party
or afternoon snack and tea.
I incorporated Marie Antoinette into the theme,
and called the party
Le Thé à Trianon
That's tea at Trianon, for those of you
who don't speak French.
Trianon was Marie's country house and respite from court etiquette.
She relaxed there without the costumes, formalities and pomp and circumstance of Versailles.

These are my invitations.
I usually take a lot of pride and enjoyment in making them.
However, this year I got smart.
Doing a show that closed the weekend before the tea, I cut myself a break
and ordered the invites online at

La Paperie de Paris

at Zazzle.com
.
It turned out to be the best thing I could have done all year.

Brandy in the Sky is the daughter of La Paperie de Paris and they often collaborate their talents for customers. They were more than accommodating and expeditious when designing this invitation.

If you want affordable, cutting-edge, beautiful artwork for your event, this is the team to get. Check them out at Zazzle. (A word of caution, there are many other designers offering similar Marie Antoinette and Vintage French inspired designs, but they are very pricey and lack the customer service that we all miss so much as consumers!)

~Trader Joe's~
Never fails to deliver decadent, pretty and really tasty desserts.

Yes, sometimes we do have tea.
But we do go through a whole lot of Champagne!

My NEW, Vintage, tarnished-gold tree.
Ahhh, I love it.
Thank you Husband for getting this for my anniversary gift!
It really took on the Marie Antoinette look when my old millinery feathers and white plumes were added. This year we couldn't find the box of "my bedroom tree" ornaments. So this is pretty much done in just bulbs and a few ornaments I snatched from the family tree.
I still think it looks done. It's wonderful to fall asleep at night with the glow of the tiny white lights.

My birthday falls 9 days before Christmas.
This stunning bouquet of 25 long-stem roses was a gift from Husband.
He did good this year.

I was thrilled to see some of my favorite people in the whole, entire world!
Aimee graced the party with her presence. I'm keeping this photo to use to get backstage at the Tony awards when she wins.
And she will.
Right after I do.
Hee Hee!

Hey Sister!

My dear friends Leigh Ann and Karen were lifesavers ~ again this year.

They are true friends.
I'm convinced that it takes a pretty competent staff of professionals
or a couple of good friends that know their way around a kitchen
{the ones that don't ask questions, they just get it done}
to successfully execute a party.

Family that made it this year for the first time!

Little Miss Serafina has made it to every Christmas Tea I've had since she's been born.
What a great guest she is!

Little Francesca, made it this year too.
Niece Tiffany looked so beautiful as usual.

Carrot Tea Cake, Eggnog Cake, Lemon Tea Cake, Parisienne Macaroons, Opera Cake, Madeleines, and so many beautiful, French inspired pastries ~
thank you Costco and Trader Joes!!!
Giant Gingerbread Fleur- de-Lis Cookies made by my Maddie.
Italian Wedding Cookies made by my sister Christine (thanks!)

This year's Tea was probably the smallest guest list ever!
I really had to scale down the party because of time constraints and keep spending to a minimum. So just family and very close friends this year.

Maddie always has a table set up in her room for her girlfriends.
I love how we coordinate the look with her room.

Aimee, Leigh Ann (middle) and I

I bought this Red Bolero especially to wear to my tea party.
I love it. Close up, it has hundreds of fine, tulle rosettes.

The containers for all my flower arrangements were Swans (from my collection).
They represented the beautiful cygnes swimming around in the man-made lakes of Le Petit Hameau ~ the little village near Trianon that Marie commissioned to be made.
I have many framed pictures of the sweet swans that we saw there.
They made such an impression on me.
Hence, the collection of Les Cygnes.

My wreath of evergreens clipped from the neighborhood.

Vases for my boudoir and bathroom.

The kitchen nook served as a prep area.

Fun, kitchy, Christmas collections in the kitchen.

A little Christmas magic in the Guest Bath too.
The fresh Tuberose scented the room with a heady, tropical perfume.

My largest swan held a huge centerpiece arrangement made of tulips, roses, amaranthus, queen Ann's lace, white and cream stock, spray roses, evergreens, and boxwood.

It turned out to be too heavy for the table, so I improvised and ditched the idea of having a roaring fire.

Little swans were everywhere.

My faithful dressform prop.
It has dressed up so many parties.
This day, she donned a mink collar, a sach of green and red striped taffeta ribbon, my wedding earrings, a satin tie belt from Banana Republic, and a vintage, green millinery feather.
She was stunning.

The Boudoir.

The settees got a facelift this past summer.
Gorgeous, crushed silk velvet in a Taupe shade made them perk up and look sexy and inviting.
I love them. It's too bad I have to keep them covered all the time.
I have little people that pose a threat to them. Oh, well.
I guess it makes me like them more when they're exposed twice a year.

This is glimpse of the European Buffet I had painted this past summer. I chose to do something a little bold and whimsical. I love it.
Karen did a maticulous job painting the stripes.

I finally used my Eiffel Tour soaps from Paris.
They looked so pretty on the sink in my dressing area.

This year's tea was again, a wonderful treat to myself.
I love entertaining my friends and tea is such a decadent little pleasure to take part in.
This event makes my holidays special for me, my girls and my friends & family.
I'm fortunate and grateful to be able to host this and to have such a loving husband, who sticks around and helps serve champagne, take things out of the oven, and laughs the whole time.
Oh, and he pays for the event too.
Thanks Honey.

I hope you all had a wondeful holiday and made beautiful memories for yourself and your families.

God Bless,
Mary

Christmas Paper Doll

More art made for
The Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group

This swap was called the Marie Winter Angel (or Fairy) Paper Doll exchange.

I made my doll completely from scratch - no pattern, just drawn free-hand and cut out.
I hinged her arms and legs with
tiny green flower brads.
Her Hair is made of tiny fresh-water pearls and green pearl beads taken from vintage necklaces. She also has a small, brass crown in her hair. Her wings are made from a gorgeous red, satin ribbon that I took off a Neiman Marcus box I recently received in the mail.
Gold foil dresden, red Swarovski crystals, Glittery bows, more ribbon and more glitter!

I think she was worth the mess!
I hope Roxie, my swap partner, likes her.
We'll see!

Lots more to do to get ready for the fun Christmas parties planned.
One more final tomorrow afternoon, then it's playtime!

Have a wonderful week!
Mary

Autumn Dinners

Family Dinners...

Now those of you who know me,
know I really don't cook.
Complex recipes need a practice session.

Setting a pretty table - that's the easy part.

I invited my daughter and
her family over for dinner.
She knows all too well that really means
"Come over and cook dinner for us"!
Madeleine Bixby joined us as well for a taste test.

I took care of the table setting and watched and learned as she made a beautiful and delicious Beef Wellington. This is what I'm planning on making for our Christmas Eve dinner. The problem is, I've never made it before. So I called in the expert. My oldest daughter has the gift of making a gourmet meal out of practically nothing. Given fillet Mignon, puff pastry, shallots and mushrooms, well, she created a scrumptious meal for us.
I took notes.

My recipe didn't call for mustard,
but she made a rub of spices and mustard.
(She's done this before.)

The individual fillets are
elegant and perfectly portioned.
This can also be made with
a beef tenderloin and sliced into portions.
Sear in the juices before wrapping.

So I was in charge of the mushroom, shallot and garlic filling. I forgot to dice the mushrooms. Ooops.

The filling gets spread on the puff pastry
and the fillet goes on top.
It then gets wrapped up
and brushed with an egg wash.
Pop in the oven and bake.

The meal was wonderful!
We had mashed potatoes and steamed spinach
followed by blackberry pie
and vanilla bean ice cream.
I hope my Christmas dinner turns out this well.
I won't have my "kitchen tutor" seeing as how
my daughter and her family
are spending Christmas in Switzerland!

I think I can do it on my own.
There's always In- N-Out!
Just kidding.

Have a wonderful week, my friends!

CHEERS!
Mary

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

Are you ready for tonight?

Pumpkin? Check!
Candy? Check!
Costume?

Do you dress up?
Spooky or Funny?

Whatever you do this year, be it hand out candy or
taking the little ones door to door...

Have a frightful, exhilarating, wonderful Halloween!

We'll be empty nesters for the evening!
So Husband and I will
indulge in a Halloween tradition,
Chili and Reuben Sandwiches.
Followed by a couple of mini
Milky Way, Three Musketeers or Reeses PB cups.
Hey, I said MINI!
Washing it all down with Pumpkin Ale.
I haven't tried the Ale yet, but the packaging sold me!

Have a memorable Halloween.

Happy Haunting,
Mary

Masquerade Ball

My Handmade Mask made for an event in the
Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group.

Made with old papers, gorgeous, vintage, ruffled ribbon from France and vintage gold lace trim.

I dipped the silk flower petals in fine glitter.
The velvet leaves were bought from
One Humdred Wishes.

Velvet, satin and lace make the ties.
It was made to be fully functional.

I lined the back with pages from an old, French paperback novel.
Mod Podge is a wonderful invention!!!

This was a time consuming and expensive project,
but I loved every minute of it.
Mask making is definitely something
I will be doing a lot of.

Have a beautiful day.

Cheers!
Mary

Homecoming 2009

Our little girl is growing up!

I don't know why this was such an epiphany for me; she went to homecoming last year when she was a freshman. And again this year, she was part of a co-ed group that went as friends - no dates. Maybe it was the way she was dressed. Her little black dress, long curled locks, and yes, eyelashes. Fake ones. Oi.

I swear it was just yesterday that I rocked her to sleep in my arms!

Does that mean I'm getting older too??? Nah!

I still look twenty-nine. Okay, Thirty.

Fine*@! Forty.

In any case, she looked beautiful. She had a wonderful time and came home safe. We decided to forgo a limo-bus (they're all getting those these days) and we, along with a couple of other parents drove to and from the dance. We held a pre-dance nosh and photo op for the kids and parents. It went really well.

Beauties.





Cuties.






Coke and a smile.

The table was dressed in Fall decor.

I had an Owl theme going. Glass owls were everywhere.

Black, Cream and Brown were the base colors used.
I served homemade sliders (mini hamburgers) with Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for the buns. They were delish. Everything else was from Costco. Edamame, mini pigs in a blanket, bagel bites, chewy molasses cookies. Just enough to fuel them up for dancing.
Fun night. Memories made.

Marie Antoinette Halloween Banner

Happy Fall Everyone!
All of my artsy creative cultivation classes have resulted in a burst of Autumnal art!

In addition to the acting, I've been a busy little bee making these banner flags for the swap.

I love this one! (above)
"The ghost of the queen"
Very fun to make!

I took images of Marie Antoinette and hand-tinted them with oil pastels.

Vintage jewelry pieces were used to embellish, as well as lace, papers, old ribbons, and feathers.

Masquerade Ball!
Le 31 octobre, 1775
She wouldn't miss it for the world!

Who doesn't love the group Queen???
I don't think they made a song I didn't like.
Killer Queen just seemed appropriate for this banner.
Remember the words?
Come on, sing it!

I created (well it sort of happened on its own) this cool texture and finish by painting on a coat of Mod Podge. It soaked up the oil and got blotchy.
Love that - so unexpected!

Well, it wouldn't be Halloween if I didn't mention the most famous headless queen in history!

The netting over her face gives her an eerie look,
don't you think?

These were made as my first submission to the
Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group
This is an international, juried group of artists that create in various mediums. The one common thread that bonds them is their facination, obsession and love for anything Marie Antoinette.
For those of you who know me, you know I have spent too much time researching, studying and infatuated with French history!
I hope the participants of this swap like my banner.
I'm waiting with anticipation to receive the banner flags from the other artists.
Oooo, this is gonna be fun!
I'm off to do some more Halloween decorating for this weekend (and of course, Halloween.)

Cheers!
Mary

Staying in Balance

In an attempt to wind down and be domestic,

I carved out a little time to bake some banana muffins.

Life has been pretty hectic, to say the least. School, auditions, transitions, etc. All are consuming vast amounts of time and engergy.

I found inspiration in a few over-ripe bananas.

I grabbed some supplies, and indulged in some overdue baking.

Easy. Really Easy.

Making a good dinner or a batch of cookies always seems to put a little balance in my life. Between taking the train to the university, running to classes, the kids, auditions, getting enough sleep, you know, all the busy work in a week, I need to feel homey.
This works for me.

Mmm. 20 more minutes.

So, I'm back blogging, well, for now anyway.
This has been the longest dry-spell since I started blogging.
I hope to be back on track as before.
Now, I'm going share a batch of sweet, hot, moist muffins with my kids.

Have a great day, friends.

Ciao,
Mary

Update...

I made callbacks!
Yeah!
Please hold a thought and a prayer for me tomorrow;
I'll need it.
I've got some stiff competition.
Keep you posted on the auditions.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Cheers!
Mary

Distracted
the play by Lisa Loomer

Auditions! Auditions!

Okay, so I'm nervous!
School starts Monday for the kids and me. But, this Friday the auditions are held for one of the three productions I would like to have a role in. Callbacks are Saturday and rehearsals start Monday - you know, the day school starts. Whew! What am I getting myself into. I need a monologue for Friday, two Shakespeare monologues for the following week (for a show in February) and lastly, a short 16 bar musical number for the audition for The 1940's Radio Hour.
AND... I'm dieting today, along with getting all my bills paid before school. So, yeah, that's pretty much a recipe for being the big "B". Husband knew enough to run and hide. Well, he had a gig today followed by his regular gig tonight. The kids know to stay clear when Mom breaks out the letter opener, the shreadder, the trashbag and the dreaded Slimfast. I hope to be calmer and more organized and confident tomorrow. In the mean time, I may be a tad too busy to blog. I'll miss you all, but I will be back to catch you up.
Happy Day!
Ciao,
M.

The Merry Old Land of Oz

Come out, come out, wherever you are
and meet the young lady who fell from a star....

Welcome Munchkins to the Wizard of Oz Gala!
Check out all the other participants at
Two Crazy Ccrafters.blogspot.com

I can't tell you all how much I have loved this movie over the decades.
Who hasn't?

I want to travel by bubble!


The magnificent Billie Burke!

Great casting. Margaret Hamilton as Elvira Gulch.

Judy in Technicolor.

U.S. postage stamp.

Tags I made and sold on Ebay.

My favorite shirt.
Bought in Hawaii at the Warner Bros. store in Ala Moana Mall.
I get stopped every time I wear this shirt.
People love it.

(not me modeling - please)

Just happened to see the San Diego Civic Center's Wicked this past Tuesday.
Awesome. Loved it.

My Souvenir from the show.
Defying Gravity is the song sung at the show's climax, end of the first act.

(not me modeling again !!!)

I hope you all enjoy the Wonderful Wizard of Oz Gala.
So long,
Mary

Stay Tuned!

Pay no attention to the
blog with no pictures!

~WIZARD OF OZ GALA ~

10:00 this morning!
please check back then.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Hi Pink-lovin' People!
Wouldn't you just love to curl up on one of these beautiful chairs?
They would go absolutely perfect in my boudoir.
The Orange and Pink are heavenly.
Swoon!

Same shop on Coast Hwy 101~
Girlfriend Karen took these shots, but
she doesn't have a blog! So why let these great shots go unseen?

More Orange and Pink!

I could live here in this Versailles-esque, foofy, Hollywood Regency shop.

A pair of lamps.
Who needs a shade when you're this sophisticated?

Vintage softness. Love it.
Everyone...Please check out all the PINK you can handle at
How Sweet the Sound blog.
Other Pink Saturday participants have really wonderful photos to share.

Happy Day!

Cheers!
Mary

Random Thoughts...

Hello Friends,
Just a random post today to say hi and share a little.
Life is going semi-smoothly this week. I cannot complain too much. The internet connection is, for the most part, working. I've been working at the local community theatre, New Village Arts, as the House Manager for the Comedy Festival this past week. I will only continue until Sunday, the end of their season. It's been okay. I like to see the in's and out's of a production, from an aspect other than a actor on stage.
So I've seen some lists on various blogs. Lists that contain trivial info about the blog authors. Some have been very interesting, funny and touching. Some have been phony, boring and down-right stupid. I do like to know a bit about whom I'm reading but there's such a thing as editing! Right? TMI.
So here's a little unsolicited trivia about me, if you care to know more:



Recycling and NOT being a contributor to global warming are very, very important to me.
Half Italian and half Irish. But raised with exclusively Italian traditions and culture.
I love to walk the beach in the morning.
Pretty much, red wine is the only wine I drink~mostly Cabs.
I spend more time in my pajamas than Heff.
But when I fix up, I go Liza- all sparkly and lashes!
I terribly miss having a rose garden. Fresh cut garden roses are the most intoxicating scent I can think of.
My MUSES:
Bette Midler
Carol Burnette
Rosemary Clooney
Madeline Kahn
Kristen Chenoweth (below)

I have great in-laws! No really.
Christmas music starts playing ridiculously early in this house. Well, now, only on my ipod.
I collect anything mermaid...


I'm the youngest of ten children.
I'm a cradle Catholic, having spent my childhood in Catholic School. Husband went to Catholic school from second grade all the way through to getting his degree from a Catholic University. We're a Catholic family!
With that being said, I firmly believe that my state (CA) is a victim of H8!

I love coconut flavor anything.
I have a great, diverse surrounding of friends.
Happy to say, that I am still very in love with Husband.
Throwing parties is a favorite pastime.
I'm pretty good at it too.
I feel at home on stage. I get a feeling of "this is exactly what I should be doing" when I'm performing.


I like Yoga, most of the positions. My last yoga instructor looked like Simon Baker meets Heath Ledger.
Try concentrating with him re-positioning your hips!
I prefer to give myself pedicures. No one else gets it just right.
Cooking ~ not so much. Baking~ love it.

Okay, I, I, I, that's enough babbling on about me. If you want to know more, you'll just have wait for my memoirs or the E! True Hollywood Story.

Thanks for reading.

Have a fabulous weekend!
Mary

Just Breathe and Create

Okay, so my internet was down for the last couple of days. HUMBUG! Now it's a little sketchy, but working. Do you ever think about how much we rely on everyday appliances and technology? Not really, huh! Well, not until we have to do without. I don't consider myself to be on the computer all that much, but I do use it daily for running my household and for enjoyment. So, after dealing with the stress of yet another curve ball, I am happy to say I've survived. I know, I know, don't sweat the small stuff. I think I need a long, power walk on the beach and some artsy time. I just need some deeeeep breathing and some glitter or oil pastels and a sketch pad! Ahhh, better already.

These pictures are of one of the most peaceful and artsy places I know in San Diego ~ Balboa Park. Home to museums, rose gardens, the largest zoo in the WORLD (I know...cool) great restaurants, the Old Globe Theatre, miles and miles of path to walk and tons of art exhibits, troubadours, international festivals, holiday activities and the list goes on and on and on!

The very old architecture is a mix of styles. Simply beautiful! The buildings alone, are worth the parking mess.

This is part of the park that butts up against the zoo.

The fountains are so pretty and it's fun to watch the little kids swim in them.

A sunflower patch growing along one of the paths. Huge and lovely.
The essense of Summer.

I just love Balboa Park. I must have gone on 50 field trips here when I attended St. Therese and/or when my children attended St. Pat's.

Of course, I ran home and bought some Sunflowers for myself. Since then, Husband has bought me two bunches of the prettiest Sunflowers. I love the Teddy Bear variety.
So friends, take a moment this summer, before it's gone, to de-stress and take in your local beauty. I'm so fortunate to have such a wonderful city around me, from the beaches to downtown.

Happy Tuesday to you,
Mary

and the winner is...

The new owner of Marie-Claire is
Sares from Loveleigh Treasures!
Congratulations to you!
I'm so,so excited for you; I never win anything!
Please email me (link in my blogger profile) your mailing
info and this sweet paper doll will arrive
safely on your doorstep.

I used the random number generator found
on Tara Frey's blog.
That certainly made things simple.
Thank you to all who left comments
and now follow my blog.
I enjoyed reading your wonderful words. Thank you!

A Happy Tuesday to you all!

Cheers!
Mary

The Candy Bar

This was the Candy Bar that I created and set up for
the kids at Maddie's 8th Grade Graduation Party.
The Red Velvet cupcakes were a huge hit with the adults.
Jars filled with homemade marshmallows,
old fashioned candy, extra-long pixie sticks
and M&M packets made up the bar.
The theme of the party was Set Sail.
Everything had a sailing theme.
Perfect for June and graduation.

Each table at the golf club had navy
(even though they look Royal Blue in this picture)
table cloths and yellow napkins.
My floral centerpieces were mostly red, white, blue
and of course, the yellow metal pails.
The tables were assigned with a boat that had
the graduates name and a sailing term.
The sailing term, was then used in the floral arrangement,
instead of just a number.
People got confused and restless.
It's amazing to me how party-goers and parents alike
forget that it's a party, for Pete's sake.
Most importantly, the graduates
had a memorable, fun time.
This event was a year ago, but I wanted to share this fun theme with you.
Enjoy!

Cheers!
Mary

Blogaversary Giveaway & Pink Saturday

A Very Happy Pink Saturday to you all!
Ce cygnet... is my pink post for today's Pink Saturday.

I just love this wonderful, vintage swan!

She's so elegant and lovely!

Another find from the antique mall
in Ocean Beach (love that place).


I'm excited to be blogging again.
So sorry for the absence and no warning!
Thank you all for the emails -
No, no, nothing was terribly wrong, other than just being busy.
Sometimes I just fall off the planet!

ON TO MY GIVEAWAY!!!

This is Marie-Claire.
She hails from Giverny, France and is the proprietress of
son propre salon de thé.
(her very own tea room)

She's made of new & vintage papers, chenille stems (arms), gorgeous, silk and velvet ribbons, vintage buttons, velvet ric-rac, vintage pearls, and of course, authentic tea bags!

Pretty Papers!
Gold embossing glimmers on her"gown".

She loves a good cup of tea!

Limon? Lait et miel?

She's original and very, very pretty.
She's quirky enough to not be your average Paper Doll.

I enjoyed creating her immensely!
Her love of a great Tea Party is so very me.

Marie-Claire was created in 2007 and has been in a glass cupboard since then.
As much as I love this doll, I know another tea lover/ doll lover will be happy to have her.

So friends, I have chosen Marie Claire as my gift to one special reader.
If you would like to own her, please become a follower of this blog
and leave a comment on this post.
On August 3, I will randomly choose a winner.
Thank you for stopping by and celebrating
my 1 year anniversary of blogging.
I have enjoyed every minute of this blog.
The friends I've made across the country
and abroad are truly fabulous.
I am blessed.
What a good idea it was to start this blog.

Cheers!
Here's to another year blogging!
Mary

Je suis prêt pour l'opéra

I am ready for the Opera!
What will it be tonight?
Perhaps Puccini's Turandot?
Nessun Dorma... I swoon just thinking
of the melody in my head.

Brass and Mother-of-Pearl inlay
Opera Glasses from the thirties.
An exceptional find at a tag sale.

Can you picture an 18th century opera-goer, in say, Paris, with her hair piled high and adorned with gorgeous Ostrich plumes and roses? Maybe a silk, satin bow tied simply around her neck.
The only sound as the curtain parts is the crumpling of taffeta as she shifts a bit.

Don Giovanni begins!

The pale pink of the Mother-of-Pearl shell inlay is simply beautiful.
I can't help but imagine using these.
Unfortunately, one of the lenses has some condensation on it, making it blurry.
Still, an incredible find and an unbelievable price tag.

I'd love to know your favorite opera.
Please comment and let me know.
Let's start a conversation amongst ourselves, shall we?

Something French like Carmen?
Anything by Puccini, really anything...
Madama Butterfly, La Boheme, Tosca and Turandot.
Maybe something more modern and musical theatre
or popra, such as Phantom or Les Mis?
No? How about Porgy and Bess?

Tell me what you love to listen to.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Tomorrow begins the Giveaway! Woo Hoo!

Ciao!
Mary

Pink Toilet Insurance

Trent and Robin Coletta with daughter Lillian, 15, of Williston.
Lillian is fundraising for her mission trip to India by selling "insurance" to her neighbors and friends. If they purchase the "Flowers n' Flush" insurance they can be guaranteed
this pink toilet will not be placed on their lawn.

I think this is hilarious! I've never seen extortion presented so sweetly.
Happy Pink Saturday to all.
Remember to check out all the PINK out there from participants at
How Sweet the Sound.

Ciao,
Mary

Ship Chandelier

Hello Friends,
I'm excited and confused about an objet d'art I came upon this afternoon, while shopping with Husband. It was a ship chandelier. I have loved this piece (well, one like it) for about three years now. I first saw it hanging in a room featured in one of our fav magazines, Romantic Homes.
I then saw it showcased in a gorgeous beach decor store in La Jolla (Seaside Home). It was then that I saw the price tag. Ouch. A whopping 3 grand. Pretty. Whimsical. But not quite what I would dish out 3 grand for. An Italian vintage ship chandelier, yes. But not that one. Today's find was a fraction of the cost of those seen earlier.
Okay, so I need your help. Please leave a comment and let me know if you think this is too over-the-top. You may be able to grasp my home's decor by browsing some of my earlier posts that have pics. I definitely have a tropical, quirky look to the place with seashells, mermaids and Hawaiian things about. I'd love your input. Yes or No. This would be over my dining table and would replace the yucky ceiling fan. Oh, practical things, they just upset me.
Hope to hear from you soon; we don't want to miss the 20% off sale.
Mahalo!

Mary

Pink (and green) Saturday!

Monogrammed Plates...
In very Lilly Pulitzer designs.

I love these for the patio.
Anything with a monogram is appealing to me - I'm crazy for them.

The Greek key design is a favorite of mine.
It's so retro and South Beach!

These plates (plastic) are offered in many different color schemes.
The nautical colors are fabulous. The Pink and Green Collection has more than what I've shown here. They have a fun kids selection too.
Check out LAplates.com
or Horchow.com

Happy Pink Saturday Friends!
Check out all the lovely pinks at How Sweet the Sound (link in my bloglist).

By the way, I'm coming up on both my 100th post and my "blogaversary"!
Check back in the next week to see what I'm planning.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Ciao,
Mary

The San Diego County Fair

Family outing 2009.
Despite the marine layers staying all day and glooming up our skies,
Summer is officially here. We know that because...
The County Fair is here :)

Growing up in San Diego, all ten of us (Tarantinos) would venture up to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to the County Fair. In the seventies and eighties it was still called The Del Mar Fair; it has since been changed to
The San Diego County Fair.
Same place,
same battered and deep-fried food,
same rides.

The "jumbo" corn dog.
Enough dog to feed a small country.
Much to my chagrin, I ate it all, with little help, in just under seven minutes.
Yeah, I know. I paid for it about a half hour later.

Love the fair!

Jumbo Corn Dog was followed by a caramel apple.
Okay, in my defense, it was a piece of fruit
and it's THE FAIR for cryin' out loud!!!

The Flower Show.
One of my favorite exhibits.

Gorgeous.

Lovely!

The Music Exhibit:
I couldn't resist. I still really love Stevie Nicks.

The highlight of our day at the fair was....
SWITCHFOOT in concert.

We were pleasantly surprised.
They are very awesome live.

Husband and I had a fun, romantic time.
He attempted to make 8 baskets (basketball shots) in 15 seconds.
Yes, he is really good, but not that good.
After 3 rounds at $5 a pop, he concluded that one must get every shot in 2 seconds or less to win; it was near impossible to win. Helloooooo - Einstein, that's how they make money, Dear!

Then there was the giant steer and the giant horse.
Good Lord!

Fun. But I had a Food Hangover all night.
Detox! Detox! Detox!
Fruit and water all the next day.

Hope you're having a wonderful summer, friends.

Happy days,
Mary

My Chocolate Garden

My soon-to-be Chocolate Garden...Mmmm

Don't you just love the idea of a Chocolate Garden?
I know I do. These gorgeous Chocolate Cosmos are so easy to grow.
Now, they don't actually smell like chocolate, but they look like they could.

Chocolate (Mahogany) Nasturtiums
Edible, but spicy not chocolate flavor.

I've heard so much about Cocoa Mulch - good and bad.
The potent, familiar, inviting aroma of chocolate is emitted from this mulch- the perfect compliment to a Chocolate Garden. Except that I've read some pretty poor reviews about its toxicity to animals. That's not an issue for me as my dog is an indoor pampered pooch. The other bothersome comment was that it causes a yucky mold as it decomposes. I know that's common with mulch, but some say it's really unpleasant. So I'm trying out a small amount in my Chocolate Garden just to experience the wonderful scent.

Not just all flowers in this garden. I've decided this year's tomato crop would follow my chocolate theme. Of course there are chocolate tomatoes! I haven't the faintest what they taste like, but I'm about to find out this summer.

Although I've always loved
Chocolate Cosmos, this garden
definitely sparked my imagination and inspired me.
The Roald Dahl Garden -
A fantasy garden, just like his books.
I would have expected his garden with peaches after his famous James and the Giant Peach...
But no, this is a Chocolate Garden after my all-time favorite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.


This is the cover of my book that I received as a child. I don't remember the year I received it, maybe around fourth grade or so. I devoured it just like chocolate.



This is the book I bought for my kids. I knew they would love it and they did.

Fabulous!

Simply Delicious!

The 70's film was indeed, a bit weird.
But, hey, it was the 70's, right?
The iconic umpah loompah songs made cinema history.
I just recently watched the newer film version of the book with Johnny Depp, and I loved his interpretation of Willy Wonka. Still is for me, a really fun movie.

Yes! we're still in the hotel.
I'm told this week is it.
For real!
I'm not holding my breath.
So I will start on my Chocolate Garden as soon as I'm back home.
I will sit amongst my chocolate flowers and veggies and sip my wine (you know how well wine goes with chocolate) and nibble my organic chocolate bar or those heavenly chocolate-covered sea salt caramels from Chuao.
I'll feel just like Charlie!


A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
-Willy Wonka

Theatre Awards

While living here in the hotel, I attended the MiraCosta Theatre Awards. Not an easy task, finding something to wear, getting ready with limited space, makeup, coiffing supplies, etc.
But we went and I'm glad we did.

Seeing friends and scene partners and fellow
Actor's Academy Alumni was delightful!
They all looked glamorous and happy!

Two of my favorites- friends and scene partners from both Our Town and Heartland, Aimee and Michael. Very talented, both of them!
I was once again acknowledged for my role in Heartland and my nomination for the Irene Ryan Award. They have a spoof portion of the evening where people are awarded, or rather "Nailed" by students and faculty. I "Got Nailed" for...
Being a One-Woman Broadway Show!
I'll cherish that forever!!!
A compliment from one's peers is truly an honor.
I think that meant as much to me as making the
North County Times Top Ten
List of Best Performances in 2008 for San Diego County.
That still blows my mind!

A really fun night!
I'm eager to get back on stage.
AND, I'm eager to get home! Yes, we're still here at the hotel. Can you believe it? Over a month, now. WOW.
Well, my friends, have a super weekend.
I'm blogging less these days, but I will be back soon.

Cheers,
Mary

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday!

Pale Pink Swan Planter at Vignettes.
Once again, Girlfriend has my back with
fresh new pink photos!

Karen took a drive out to Vignettes and found these gorgeous, vintage swan planters. Knowing I LOVE vintage swans, she snapped these. I don't know how much they are, or if they've been bought, but I'm hoping they'll soon be mine!!!

More Pink!

And more pink.
If you're in the San Diego area, it's worth the time to check out Vignettes,

an eclectic boutique by the beach featuring the most beautiful items. I have a link here on my blog to the right, under my J'adore list.

I hope you all have a wonderful and happy weekend.
This is the one year anniversary of
Beverly from How Sweet the Sound
sharing Pink Saturday with the rest of the blogging world.
She started with just her own contributions and then opened it up to anyone.
What a fun concept! Thank you Beverly for your organization and inspiration!
Happy Birthday Pink Saturday and Many Happy Returns!

p.s. We're still at the hotel!! I feel like Heloise - though this is not quite the Plaza in NYC.
We should be home by next weekend. I miss my plants and neighbors and stuff and CAMERA.
Cheers,
Mary

Update to my last post...

Hi friends,
I just wanted to clear up a bit of confusion as to whose trailer is pictured in my last post. It's not mine! I found this photo at a fantastic site featuring renovated vintage trailers. We finally, after about a year of talking about it, found a diamond in the rough, and brought her home. Our aluminum, 1959 Zenith is 21' (bigger than the cutie 12' -16' ones I originally wanted) was bought just before Mother's Day. Our neighbors were pretty unforgiving with their comments. But we assured them it was off to be parked on a dirt lot, close by, so we could pretty her up. They obviously could not see this trailer for what it could be, only what it is now. I feel sorry for people with no artistic vision. How boring life must be for them. Anyway, our vintage trailer has a toilet and a shower and all the original wood, hardware and sink. We plan to attend some of the shows for collectors to get resources for vintage parts. It will be so much fun to restore this gal to her 1959 glory. We'll keep it the shiny (well in time it will be shiny) aluminum and not paint her pink. The surfer boys would have nothing to do with pink! Maybe the next trailer will be a cute, little, pink, girly one that I can tow myself. Then I can join Sisters On The Fly!
So, as much as I loved the photo of the pink pickup with matching trailer, I must explain that, no, it's not mine. For great photos of vintage trailers, check out these sites and blogs; they're some of my inspiration:

The Vintage Housewife

Sisters on the Fly

Vintage, Pretty Shabby Blog

VintageTrailerCrazy.com

Have a fabulous Sunday and Memorial Day!

Mary :)

Happy Pink Saturday -May 23

Should I paint our "new" 1959 Zenith pink?
I think we'll just polish up the aluminum to look like Ricky and Lucy's trailer.
I can't wait to work on it.
Have a fun Saturday, my friends.
Cheers,
Mary

The ELLEN Show!

Hi Friends,
I'm off to the Ellen Show today in L.A.! Maddie is a really big fan. She gets to take the day off from school to do this! My girlfriend Julie organized the whole day-trip.
Should be fun; I hope we get in.
Cheers,
Mary