Where has the summer gone? Fall totally got away from me. This is my first post after our European trip back in the summer, AND it's about getting ready for the holidays...............I always put up our tree before Thanksgiving so we have additional time to enjoy it. Busy decking out my home for the holidays as the Sarasota Orchestra will be having their Musical Morning at our home on Dec. 9th. They will bring a four piece musical group to play Christmas chamber music and serve breakfast to 85 - 100 people. A good fund-raiser. It always sounds wonderful and exciting when I say "yes" many months out, and now....................it's almost here. Lots of work and preparation getting ready but I know it will be fun.

More later, as it isn't quite finished - needs a little tweeking......

A Busy Summer -

No time for blogging..... I will be sooo behind in reading my favorite blogs -

But, will put a day aside to read and enjoy your fantastic photos in late summer.

Happy blogging to all!

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Just snapped this photo last week while in Washington D.C. on a night tour.....

Lets all remember what our flag means to our country while celebrating.

Do you have a family tradition that you remember doing on the 4th as a child?

I remember cooking out hamburgers and having lots of watermelon and home-made ice cream.

Then, family and friends gathering at dark to watch the neighbor's fireworks......

Now, my husband and I head to our beach condo on Siesta Key and watch the show right on the beach. It's fun to invite friends over and still have that same traditional food along with some special desserts, of course.

Planning Attire!

I simply LOVE beautiful accessories and must take them along on trips to feel "put together" with the finishing touches............

"Glamour Girl" is an appropriate name for this scarf in my boutique

designed by Mary Frances

"Petals and Pearls" so perfect for a summer wedding or garden party

My old and CHIC French display cabinet

In planning my attire for a week away I'm trying to select a new bag for a special dinner out. Of course I could put "to good use" one from the collection I have at home but decided to treat myself to a new one from my shop/boutique. For those that do not have a boutique, I must tell you, a HUGE problem when ordering is - "one for shop and one for me".....Not only with jewelry, bags and personal items but with home accents as well. (Won't go there just yet - later.....) Anyway, I have a passion for these exquisite bags by Mary Frances - some of you may not realize that she designs lovely scarves as well. Yes, the bags HAVE been around for awhile - but still quite popular and lovely.....

My "Mermaid Girl" - display

A little new jewelry would be nice as well.....

Designs from Jay Strongwater, Cynthia Bloom, Elaine Coyne, etc....

Such decisions.....

I will be away for over a week - happy blogging to all.

Morning Stimulation.....Coffee time....

I must get my visual stimulation going first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. I have a favorite chair in the living room for the first cup and enjoy my favorite things........then, I pour another cup and head out to the lanai. (I do this winter and summer - thank goodness for the wonderful weather in Florida) I so love the pretty flowers and take in my passion for statues as I sip my morning blend. So thankful for peace and quite in the mornings. Surrounded by all the beauty of nature and listening to the birds - just like the song.....What a Wonderful World.................What do you do while having your morning beverage?

A darling old cherub outside the screen



He actually squirts water when the pool comes on

Old Teakwood - French Style of course

My husband has a passion for golf ----so had to have him

Pretty in Pink

SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA

Siesta Key, Florida - view from our lanai

Lovely Siesta Key beach - one year ago tomorrow where my husband and I got married.....

We have a condo on this beautiful beach and enjoy going there on weekends. So peaceful to walk on the beach and visit the Village for dining and fun.

Where is your favorite place to stay and dine on THE KEY?

Later I will post some photos of our fun condo on the beach......my husband says I have turned our casual beach condo into a French Chateau - I haven't really.....just a few French touches here and there......

Until later.......A Shopowner -

LOGO for my store/boutique in Florida / near Sarasota

This is my logo that I created prior to opening my store two years ago. Wow, did I say two years? SO hard to believe how time has flown by. This little logo is on the front of my ivory European gift bags in a pretty matte gold. In keeping them neutral as well as classy I can add all colors of lovey and fun tissue paper - depending on my MOOD or the season. SO FUN. Notice how I took a Frenchy-Euro home and added the palm trees to fit in with Florida. I am still pleased with this logo as it fits my store - lovely European finds -
Do you have a favorite style in custom bags? Perhaps from a unique shop you have visited?
Until later - A DAY AT THE SHOPPE

SHOP DISPLAYS

Very old Staffordshire & Majolica