Remnants of the Past...

I decided it was time to do something a little frivolous, a little ridiculous, and a little something JUST FOR ME. At the end of April, I am making a 13 hour drive down to Cambria, California to stay with my Auntie and Uncle at their beautiful little cottage nestled in the rolling hills of this amazing coastal town. Their property is something out of a magazine...imagine a darling home where a giant scrolling wire candle chandelier adorns the front porch - hanging above a fabulous old farmhouse table that has hosted many a summer eve dinners with close friends - amazing food, even more amazing wine...a place that you could sit, and look out over the front of their property with the scent of lemon blossom drifting along and beckoning you to stay forever. They have a giant lemon tree and a beautiful avocado tree literally gracing the front walkway, not to mention roses, jasmine arch ways, and fresh tomatoes and lemon cucumbers down the way. Wild peacocks freely roam the property gracing us with their presence. They share property with a pie and gift shoppe too. Precious.
I am timing my visit, with the "Remnants of the Past" Flea Market and Antiques Show that is hosted twice a year in Nipomo, CA - about an hour south of Cambria. Last Fall, Rachel Ashwell - THE Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic, was the guest vendor. I could kick myself for missing that, but I am going to make this show, come hell or high water. I.AM.SO.EXCITED. This is something I want to do, and feel that I need to do - for me, by myself. Time to reflect, time to free my soul and take the adventure I have been waiting for. My oldest cousin, Kristi, is coming over from Fresno to join me, and my Auntie of course will go with me to the market, but the trip itself as a whole, is for me. While I'm down, I will do a little shopping in San Luis Obispo as well - which is between Cambria and Nipomo. The cutest little downtown you've ever seen full of boutiques, cafes, studios, and did I mention boutiques? Imagine NW 23rd, remove the Portland grunge and add California upscale Coast - coastal air, sun, and happiness. It's not nearly as expensive as the Carmel or Santa Barbara area, but much cleaner and nicer than anything I could compare it to as far as Oregon beach towns are concerned. *Sigh* I might never come home! There is just something about this area that has a magnetic force straight to my heart and soul. I am mesmerized by its allure and every time I'm there, a trance-like state of happiness sweeps over me that I cannot explain. Maybe it's the sun, maybe it's the lemon blossoms, or even the wine, but regardless of what calls to me, I'm praying this trip will be a memory-making experience and a time for me to open my heart and mind and for God to speak to me through this adventure...specifically about what my future holds. 3 things I seek: Guidance, wisdom, and clarity. I believe he will speak. I will listen. I leave 6 weeks from tomorrow and I'm already anticipating so much. Please pray with me that I receive those 3 things and more importantly - that I listen.
The pictures below are from my road trip to California from April 2010. That trip was the last time I saw my dad alive and healthy. 200 pictures taken, and not a single one with him. Oh, how I miss him...

Cupcakes!

Ok, so I have to brag a little...

I made these for a friend's Hawaiian themed baby shower a few weeks ago. When I took the cake decorating class last fall, we didn't learn how to make a "plumeria," so I was a little worried when I committed to making Hawaiian cupcakes that I'd end up with something resembling a bad daisy! After a few practice flowers though, I was a little impressed that I figured out how to free-hand these blooms and they actually looked like plumerias! I made about 60 white flowers out of royal icing the night before - which was the longest part of this project. The next morning, they had hardened beautifully. I painted the centers with frosting coloring and a paint brush. While those were drying, I whipped up a batch of aqua butter cream frosting and with a giant fatty frosting tip, swirled a nice sized dollop onto each cupcake. With the plumerias already hardened, it was easy to just plop them on top of the cupcakes! I only needed half of the flowers too, and because Royal Icing is just sugar and water, these flowers keep safely for MONTHS in Tupperware, so I'm ready for my next Hawaiian themed party :) They turned out so cute, I just had to share!

New found inspiration...

Hello friends. I apologize for the last depressing post. I have been extremely sick lately and it's clearly having an impact on my emotions AND blogging! I am finally on the mend and crawling out of my slump - discovering new energy and inspiration leading into Spring! Thank GOD :)

Last Monday, I went up to Tigard for the Portland Market. It was just what I needed! With the helpful eye of my classy, yet trend inspired friend Brittany (a huge THANK YOU to you, Britt), we scoured racks and racks of beautiful clothes with the seasons ranging from today, clear through "holiday"...which I don't even want to think about yet! With that being seen and said, we focused on our Spring and Summer collections. One word: DELICIOUS. Beautiful detailing, fabrics, colors, cuts, OH.MY.GOSH. I cannot wait. Ruffles, roses, beautiful draping fabrics, silks, tencel, French terry, and the most amazing cottons you have ever seen or felt. I may have slightly overspent my budget (don't tell Tomster) but I could not resist. I am absolutely convinced that my customers won't be able to resist either. Brittany and I gushed over everything we touched. I know between the two of us classy gals, everything will be a smashing hit even if Salem is a tad behind on some of these beautiful trends! My new motto is "trend with me"...hopefully people get it! I am mad at myself for not taking pictures of the day - samples, venue or otherwise...so I apologize for yet another pictureless post, but once everything starts trickling in, have no fear...pictures there will be!

Oh, and on an unrelated note, have you heard the new Adele cd "21"...? Don't even bat an eye - BUY IT! It is glorious.

Ok, that is all for now. I will update another happy post (with pictures) soon :)