Where is Spring?

1.  While wasting time in a coffee shop before an appointment in the city - this was the lamp shade over our table.  Thought it was a pretty cool find.   Textured with Kim Klassens KK_rest_magic.

2.  With everything still covered in snow and temperatures some morning still in the single digits, I'm looking for Spring anywhere I can find it.  Forcing bulbs helps me patiently wait to see my garden again.  Leaving early for work everyday forces me to take a picture at sunrise for my 365 project.  With the time slowly changing the light is truly beautiful this time of day.   

"As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."  - John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

3.  I'm reading John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars".  It is a wondrously painful story told with humor.  John Green writes young adult fiction - put this on your reading list and make sure you have a tissue close by.  

4.  Embracing pancakes is a big step for me since I'm more of an egg person for breakfast.  My husband has a sweet tooth and has been totally enjoying my latest obsession with perfecting blueberry pancakes.    

5.  Don't you think fire escapes can be a work of art?  Especially love the details and color red on this one.

That about sums up my week for Friday Finds and Random Five - stop by and check out Kim and Nancy's blogs.  

I'll be busy this weekend desperately looking for Spring!

Margie












Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography

Happy March

Happy March.  We were missed by the storm that hit NJ on Monday….not one snowflake.  Can't say the same for southern NJ.  It almost makes me enjoy the single digit temperatures this evening.  

Found these luscious berries at the Fairway on Sunday.  Must admit I solely purchased them for creative purposes, but will enjoy them on my oatmeal tomorrow.  

Textured this photo with Kim Klassen's KK_unexpected and used Photoshop's pen tool to create a path - a trick from the Beyond Layers class -  then added Sweetly Broken type.  Yes, life is berry berry good.  

Have a great week.  

Margie

Stop by Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday to see more textured fun.




Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography

Pink Ranunculus

This week I'm sharing some lovely pink Ranunculus with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday.  Must say these could be my favorite flowers with their multiple paper-like layers.  They could lift anyone spirits this time of year.  I added KK_the veil two times at soft light.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  I had a busy but my kind of fun weekend.  Dinner out with friends on Friday night, shopping with a mani/pedi and a birthday party on Saturday.  Sunday a train ride to the city and brunch with my daughter and friends.  Who could ask for more from a weekend.  

Margie



Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography

Texture Tuesday - Morning Light

Today's Texture Tuesdays theme is light.  My favorite light of the day is morning light.  It's a treat on days off not to wake up in the dark and see the beautiful soft morning light.  This was taken at 8 a.m. with the sun reflecting off the snow outside.  I textured this capture with KK_Auroraweakedweak at 11%  soft light.  As you can see, I'm still enjoying the color red for February.

Sharing with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesdays.  Stop by and see the light.

Margie




Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography

Happy Valentine's Day

1.  Thought I would share a textured picture and quote in honor of Valentine's day.  I'm such a sap for Winnie the Pooh quotes and strawberries.   

2.  This week three of my appliances stopped working and are need of repair…clothes washer, dish washer and microwave.  Luckily my husband was able to fix the clothes washer.  The dish washer bit the dust though - when the snow lets up we will be purchasing a new one.  The microwave will be put on the repair list.  I will miss heating my coffee up 10 times each morning.  Hey, how come appliances always break down in threes.  

3.  Yesterday was another snow day.  These major snow storms are getting old…and I don't even shovel or blow snow.  Did enjoy the day off though.


4. But I still love to bake and cook on a snow day.  Made some delicious scones, soup and Korean pulled pork yesterday.  Though clean up wasn't fun without a dishwasher.

  5.  And last but not least I found this very cool snow web over our storm drain in the driveway and it made me smile.

So that's it for my Friday Finds and Random 5 Friday.  Visit Kim and Nancy's sites and join the fun.  Have a fantastic Valentine's Weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Margie
XOX

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography

Texture Tuesday - Soft

Yesterday was an unexpected snow day... was shocked when I got the call at 5:30 a.m., but was so excited at the thought of all possibilities of the day - I couldn't go back to sleep.  We ended up with about 10 inches and enjoyed every minute of my free day.  I sewed, cooked, snapped pictures, and took a nap.  

The daily prompt for my 365 photography challenge was "soft" and the light was perfect all day.  These were my white tulips from last week and they turned a beautiful soft pink so I added a layer of KK_perfectlypink at soft light and I"m joining Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday.  

Happy Tuesday  - they are calling for two more snow storms this week.  :)  Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Song-ography - The Lazy Song

The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars

Today I don't feel like doing anything

I just wanna lay in my bed

Don't feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone

'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything

I'm gonna kick my feet up then stare at the fan

Turn the TV on, throw my hand in my pants

Nobody's gon' tell me I can't

This song was perfect for this Saturday, didn't get dressed until 3 p.m.  Sometimes you don't feel like doing anything, no joke.  Glad I shaved my legs the day before.  

Sharing this weekend with Song-ography.  Stop by and check it out.  

Friday Rehashed

1.  For the holidays I received a bottle of Vermont Maple Syrup as a gift.  Not having much of a sweet tooth I thought I would try it on some pancakes.  OMG, they were absolutely delicious - now I'm obsessed with what to pour it over this weekend.  The bottle has a stick of cinnamon in it.

2.  Every morning my neighbor across the street and I leave for work at the same exact time.  Almost once a week our cars almost collide backing out of our driveways.  Unfortunately it's bound to happen someday.  

3.  My Tupperware cabinet explodes every time I open it.

4.  Love living near a small cemetery that has nine angel statues.  

5.  The other night we opened an expensive bottle of wine for no reason at all.

Sharing this Friday with Kim Klassen's Friday Finds and Random 5 Friday.

Just a few random thoughts from the week.

Wishing you a fantastic weekend.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Friday Finds - Gerber Daisies

This Friday Find was a mandatory purchase from Trader Joe's.  I cannot deny myself flowers this time of year and made a special trip just for a bundle of instant happiness.  

This capture was used for Kim Klassen's "Day 17" Beyond Layers assignment "Whisper".  This class is blowing my mind with processing knowledge and enjoyment.

Well where did the week go?  Feel I'm finally back into the groove after the holidays and getting things done and working on "balance".    I'm so looking forward to the weekend and a special birthday dinner for my friend Susan.  Stay warm and enjoy!

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Simple Pleasures

Burr it's cold in NJ - 7 degrees this morning (-16 with wind chill).  Hope this lovely purple spool can warm our spirits.  It was created using kk_shine texture for my Kim Klassen Beyond Layers online class and I'm sharing it on Kim's Texture Tuesday.  I'm including a picture of the original capture, which is the true color purple.  Think I like the softer muted tones best.

Part of my New Year's plan is to participate in a 365 Day Challenge Project - taking a photo every day and uploading it to Flickr.  So far I'm on day six…wish me luck.  Stop by and check out my progress.

Stay warm.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Unwritten

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

Cool song this week for Song-ography.  Had it in my head all week and when my husband pulled out the log book for 2014 to start our financial journal -  snapped the shot.  

Stop by Kathy "Song-ography" and get a song in your head for next week.  

Margie

Texture Tuesday - Balance

The word I have chosen for 2014 is "balance".  I have given it a lot of thought and feel it is important to find balance in your life. Finding a healthy balance of work, home life, love, family, friends, health, exercise and passions is key. Time management and not becoming too obsessed with one thing is something I'm going to work on this year.  

So have you picked your word for 2014.  I'd love to hear about it.

Today I'm sharing with Kim's Texture Tuesdays.  Kim has opened up her Beyond Layers class to Test Kitchen members and I'm loving every minute. Up to Day 8 and this photo is from Day 4 Vision & Blur assignment. Used Kim's KK_simplicity texture and followed her recipe to create this image. The flowers are Ranunculus - one of my favorites.  

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Home for the Holidays - Song-ography

This picture was taken at the train station on a snowy night in Westwood, NJ on my iPhone.  Thought it would be perfect for this week's Song-ography - "Home for the Holidays".   The town of Westwood actually has a town event in December called "Home for the Holidays" every year.

Love living by a train line, I can hear the train whistle blowing off in the distance at night as it passes through each town.  Also, its a very convenient to get to the city.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and stop by Song-ography for Home for the Holidays.

Margie



Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Friday Find - Lantern at Sunset

   

The sunset from my deck was unbelievable on this evening and both these photos were taken within a few minutes.   I'm sharing today with Kim's Friday Finds - I used KK_chill at 30% in soft light on the lantern photo and kk_2801 at 3% in multiply on the chairs.  

Hope everyone had a merry little Christmas this week and enjoyed special time with family and friends. We had snow on Christmas Eve which made the evening even more magical.

Tonight we went to the movies to see "The Wolf of Wall Street" which I thought was excellent.  It may not be for everyone because of the language, nudity, and 3 hr. length, but it will definitely win awards for acting.  

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend.

Margie

Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Texture Tuesday - Christmas Eve

Sending you all peaceful holiday wishes and celebrate with gratitude and good fortune to have crossed paths with each of you throughout the year.  I thank you for sharing in my creative journey and hope you will continue to join me next year for more new discoveries in art, photography, and recipes. I appreciate every comment and word of encouragement you leave - it positively keeps me moving forward.  

I'm sharing today with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday by using KK_Chill.  Thank you Kim for your online classes that have opened the door to a whole new creative editing world for me!  Hoping the New Year will bring John back his health and you all get to go home.  

Happy holidays.  

Margie



Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday

Silver Bells

Today I'm playing along with Song-ography since "Silver Bells" is one of my favorites holiday songs.  This photo was snapped with my iPhone last week in Westwood, NJ.

Yes, soon it will be Christmas Day!




Linked to:  Boogie Board Cottage, Alderberry Hill, Dwellings, Rain on a Tin Roof, The Chicken Chick, A Stroll thru Life, My uncommon Slice of Suburia, Savvy Southern Style, Gingerly Made, Live laugh Rowe, Farm House Porch, Domestic Super Hero, Jennifer Rizzo, Costal Charm, Cedar Hill Ranch, Lamberts Lately, Textured Tuesday, Friday Finds, Quotography, Simple Things Sunday