Simple Pleasure's Bits

Here's a look at a few things I've been loving lately. 

Need to get back to this....

Love these bar stools

What a great idea!

Gorgeous

Am loving the idea of painting the ceiling

Love

Hope your having a simply wonderful week so far!

Simple Pleasure's Of My Week

My guilty pleasure Dry Bar Scottsdale

When the weather is cool enough, like it was this past weekend....I so enjoy Arcadia's Market Place

Wine and some painting, what a fun time at Art of Merlot in Scottsdale

Red Velvet Cake at LGO

Happy Tuesday...Welcome back!

Three Day Weekend

 I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. It has been crazy busy around here with some new projects I'm working on. I promise to get back in the groove after this long holiday weekend. I hope you are getting ready to enjoy the long weekend with some fun activities! 

Simply Easy Recipe

I'm all about quick and easy recipes that call for minimal ingredients for the days that I don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. And since I'm always struggling to incorporate more organic greens in my daughter's and I diet, I decided to try out this pea prosciutto salad recipe I came across in Real Simple magazine. Not only did it take me less then 20 minutes to make but the combination was utterly perfect on a warm day. I'll definitely be making this one more often. 

Summer Colors

While I love that pastels are a hot commodity this summer season,  I usually opted for my usual black, white and neutrals.  But this Mother's Day, my fourteen year old daughter gave me the coolest gift to adding in some color to my wardrobe, and I think this is the perfect way to start.

The color is Trouville from Nars - A cosmetic line I'm completely obsessed with! 

Happy Monday   

Special Mother's Day

This is a very special Mother's Day. My 82 year old mother is cancer free!!  I was five years old when my mom was first diagnose with breast cancer. I remember not being allowed to go see her in her room, after her surgery, so my dad took me outside the hospital and around back to wave to her through her room window which was on the first floor. I have a nice memory of her sitting upright in her bed, hair and make-up done, while smiling waving back to me. Late last year her cancer caught up to her again. Once again we had to figure out how to tackle this once more. And that she did! She had the lump removed a couple of weeks ago and she is doing fine and cancer free! She is a tough one I must say, and I thank my lucky stars that she is my mom and doing well. This is one of my Favorite pictures of her at the beach. Beautiful! 

Happy Mothers day to all the amazing mamas out there! 

Grey In The Kitchen

Simply love this.  The grey cabinets with the marble are amazing!  

What do you think?!

Recycled Dog Toy

Want to know what to do with all those old t-shirts filling your closet and drawers?  Turn them into a fun "Tugga Toy" for your dog!!  This project is so simple You’ll probably end up making one for your pooch, and ten more for every dog you know. You can find the easy how-to "right here". 

Can't wait to put all of those drab t-shirt to good use.

Hope your having a great week so far!

Finding Vintage Furniture

A simple stroll in a antique mall or thrift store to buy vintage furniture is something I love doing.  I get lost in seeing all the ways I can reuse something old. One thing I learned, is that you could  spend more than you intended.  I have friends that do this as a job and they shared with me a few simple rules to follow when making purchases. 

Turn the piece over - Make sure all the original wood, plastic, screws, nails and everything else is there, and that the wood matches. Differences in color usually signify repairs. Expect some wear and tear on older items. Sometimes, older pieces with repairs, especially professional-grade fixes, aren’t even devalued.

Open doors and drawers. Wiggle knobs. Sit down. Armoires, buffets and dressers should be treated as such. If something’s amiss, you’ll know right away. Chairs, stools, benches and sofas shouldn’t give. Move along if the seller won't let you test.

Check the upholstery. Other than obvious signs of damage, do foam cushions seem hard? Is fabric torn along seams or slightly stained? If you’ll have to reupholster a piece, that should be reflected in its price; try to negotiate cost. 

Inspect the finish. Wood furniture is generally painted, stained, lacquered and oiled. If you’re open minded about a few dings and chips, then the world is your oyster. Keep in mind: If you’re investing in something really, really old, its original finish should be intact, no matter how decrepit. Otherwise, it’s not worth as much — maybe not even half. 

This is a great side table I bought for my dauther's room from Audrey's in Phoenix. She always has such great items and great prices. 

TGIF

Whoo hoo it's Friday!! Is this not the cutest thing?!!

Wishing you fabulous weekend!

Insight

This is a reminder I have to tell myself quite often. Everyone’s path in life is different. I am embracing my path and welcome it with open arms. Dare to be different! 

Hope your having a great week so far.