Rust and Roses..... in Phoenix (caution- lots of pics)

Every once in a while, you meet someone and you know they are destined for GREAT THINGS.

Years ago, I was transferred to Phoenix. I was with Clinique as a Regional Education Manager

and had been for many years. As a "trainer" I met many people and traveled like a Mad woman.

I know you are not supposed to have favorites, but one young lady stuck out. I always enjoyed spending time at her counter. She knew her stuff and I was pleased she was on the line. 

She WAS destined for great things!

When I left the company, I received letters, cards, and other keepsakes.

Well, you already know I hang onto things that are important to me.

A couple of years ago, I opened a box that I had not been in for ages.

On the top was a card from Shelly. I read it, got a little weepy and put

the box away. You know where I am going with this. A couple days later,

I happened to be in the Melrose area of Phoenix doing a little shopping. I went 

into a wonderful shop. There was a woman with her back to the front door. I walked in,

she turned around and it was SHELLY! I started screaming (and of course happy dancing

because that is what I do) and we started to catch up.

Shelly owns 2 incredible shops (it was 1 at that time). Rust and Roses, and

Sirens and Saints. Right now she is closed and on a whirlwind buying adventure.

The shop reopens August 17th. I took so many pics when I was there last. I thought I

would give you a glimpse into her magical world. She does have an outdoor area as well

but this post will only show her main shop. Sirens and Saints and her outdoor area

will be in another post. 

That way, I will have to post again soon-hehe.

Here goes.... lots of pics. ENJOY!

Are you still with me? THIS STORE IS DIVINE!

I can't wait to see what she brings back. 

She has a good eye and a good heart. That was obvious many years ago.

Stay tuned for Rust and Roses Part 2.

P.S. Thank you for your kind words about Army son. Things could be better but

they could be a whole lot worse. I'll be takin the better.

It could have been this

 When I was carrying on about the Italian fixer upper, I could have had this. O.k, maybe not "have" in that sense of the word

but we were right there.

To refresh your minds, this is the Italian Fixer upper.

This or.....

This?

This stunning villa is called La Pausa and it belonged to

Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel. It was build for her by The Duke Of Westminster.

Staying in Menton, we were up and down this area on a very regular basis.

Roquebrune Cap Martin is to die for.

I could have been getting ready to start my day in a setting like this.

 But no...... I am thinking about this.

The potential of the fixer upper.

La Pausa was on the market and I didn't know. 

Can you even begin to imagine the stories that house could tell? Ooh la la!

Alas, it has been sold and not to me-hehe.

Check out the link if you have a chance. The pics are swoon worthy.

Be still my heart.

On another note, Army son (aka Jeff) has his surgery tomorrow,

What is left of 3 disc's in his neck will be removed. Titanium brackets and screws

will be inserted and the the vertebrae will be fused.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Life is a little crazy for him

right now and I just wish I could make things better. SO......please keep him in your prayers.

Many thanks!

Happy week. Love and hugs

P.S. Pretty pics compliments of Sotheby's Realty.

My Italian fixer upper

So, I have wanted a little place to fix up for a while.

Whenever we are in France, I always pick up the "dream books" that are in front of the 

realty offices. They are swoon worthy reading, let me tell you.

Since we were so close to the Italian border, we decided to visit. Big mistake-hehe.

I am not a picky person BUT I do have some requirements.

There has to be a fabulous market.

This is one fabulous market. Just look....

Such variety.

And there has to be lots of these....

truly majestic flowers.

 Besides food, I need a regular market to fill all the other needs.

O.K, I checked off another requirement. Loved the market.

 I would love a beautiful walkway to my house.

Are you ready? AMAZING!

There is more.

Hubby has to look good while crossing the bridge to get home. 

This is an eye rolling moment. Love ya hubby!

Just across the bridge. Ahhhh.

I require a killer view. Are you ready? 

THIS IS THE VIEW FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.

The angels are singing.

Now, I mentioned a little fixer upper. I can see the potential in just

about everyone and everything. This house is no different. It just

needs a little LOVE.

ARE YOU READY?

It has potential, just needs some minor repairs.

The back is quite spectacular as well.

Just a little work. Hubby could actually see the potential as well.

So, there you have it. Just keep going back to the view.

We had a great time, it went by way tooo fast.

I purchased some goodies which will eventually make it

to The French Elements. Can I just say VINTAGE and EXQUISITE.

Back to reality today. My car broke down on the way to the store and had to be towed 

to the dealership. Not going to stress but going to focus on my little

fixer upper. I may be walking everywhere (very European).

Hugs and love!

Ciao

Greetings from the south of France

Oh my goodness...... having the time of our lives.

We have experienced so much already. 

Sunny days, gusty wind, rain, HAIL.

It all seems ok here.

Keeping this short, just wanted to say "bonjour".

big hugs to each of you.

P.S. I have taken so many pics. It will be a fulltime job going through them.

He Said...(part 2)

FRANCE.....and she started running around the house screaming.

Actually, he had me at FR. Didn't need to finish the word. We leave

for France day after tomorrow for several weeks. Pinching myself and 

thanking God. I can't wait to visit some of my favorite markets again.

Hopefully, we will return with some good finds. I hope to post while there, ok,

I said HOPE. Not promising. Hehe.

If I don't show up back here or on Facebook, I am probably floating

somewhere in the Med. 

Love and big hugs!

Au revoir

photo- google images

Text-me

Easter wishes

I am so thankful for the greatest gift of all.

It is not about the meal (although we love it),

the clothes, the baskets, the eggs, but about life.

Forever. May each of you find that gift this year.

Big hugs,

Barb

March Happiness

Two posts in one month, go Barb, GO!

I wanted to share some photo's from BOHO Farmers/Flea Market.

I have to tell you that this virgin had a marvelous time. Hubby went also

(he was a virgin too) and is still talking about it. The people, the setting, truly

fantastic. It was wonderful to connect with some facebook friends too.

This was taken from my area looking toward the back of the house.

Debra's booth is at the right. That gal had some fantastic finds!

This booth belongs to one of the sweetest gals on this planet- Sabrina.

I had to dodge a few times because women were literally running to see her goodies.

Couldn't you just move into her booth? 

I sort of moved in there-hehe. She took me under her wing and loaned me some

tables and other goodies so I could spread out a bit more.

WhimsyJunk was my other neighbor. Those gals were full of life as you

can see. Helpful too! Next time I will be using the little BOX attached to my phone for credit cards.

Thank you ladies!

This is another shot of Debra's booth. She and her hubby did an

amazing job and boy did her goodies fly out of there.

O.k, here it is. Humble but it definitely worked!

My hat is off to Caroline and her family. Amazing, amazing, amazing!

If you have not visited her, you NEED TO.

Caroline has talent galore. You will want to spend some serious time on her blog.

Click below to see some true eye candy. Her house and yard.... a dream

Boho rocked!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

love and hugs

Where has the time gone?

You know you haven't blogged for ages when you can't remember your password.

That took about 5 minutes. Maybe it is a sign -hehe. I am kind of like

a bad penny, you just can't get rid of me. You know, I started out 2012 with

good intentions but LIFE got in the way. That is a good thing. 

The past several months (oh my goodness) have been jam packed.

God has opened up some unbelievable doors and closed others.

I feel very grateful to be where I am today. Grateful is good!

Some things don't change. 

I have been working up a storm but it doesn't feel like work.

It feels amazing and I am thrilled to be walking through those open doors.

If you live in the Valley of the sun, (or need a little sunshine) please visit

BOHO FARMERS/FLEA MARKET next Saturday.

I am so excited to be a vendor. I can't wait to meet those I have only chatted with 

via blogger or facebook.

 I may not visit my blog as much as I used to but I still keep all of you in my prayers.

Until the next time (Lord knows when that will be -hehe),

sending you lots of LOVE AND HUGS.

XOXO

BANG....2012 has started

HAPPY NEW YEAR (better later than never).

Well, I have to tell you that 2012 started with a bang. A health bang.

No boring details... I promised hubby that this year I would not

"put it all out there". We will see how long that will last -hehe.

Friends on facebook, (personal page) this is old news. It is

too easy to text a quick update.

Hubby just read this and shook his head laughing! I know....

 I pray that this year brings peace, joy, and blessings that will

run after you and chase you down! Sounds good, huh?

Maybe this year I'll have a few more posts than last year. Hehe.

Have a Blessed week.

BIG HUGS XOXO

Merry, Merry, Merry

Hoping that your Christmas wishes come true.

My wish for each of you is lots of love, happiness, and good health.

Each one of you is a blessing to me. I am thankful that I have had the 

honor of getting to know you all better. Although I may be scarce

around my blog, I hold each of you in my heart.

May you have a truly Merry Christmas.

Hugs and so much love.

XOXO

So much to be thankful for

 

This time of year brings so many emotions to mind.

I have so much to be thankful for.

This has been an interesting year. A year of many highs and many lows.

A year of adventures that were pleasant surprises. A year of good

health and "not so good" health. A year of contrasts, like every year.

I know I started the year out with good intentions (blogging). Each year the number really 

fluctuates. 2008- 126 posts, 2009- 104 posts, 2010- 117 posts,

AND 2011- 44 posts including this one. My oh my!

Even though I don't blog like I used to, I still adore each of you.

I pray that your Thanksgiving is blessed with good friends, family, and love.

May God bless our military (army son and family, this means you especially)

while they continue to serve this great country. Can't go into detail.......

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and may God continue to bless each of us.

Big hugs

Looking forward to a blessed week

 

Isn't this lovely? Still pinching myself....

I hope I haven't confused my blog?  I know I don't post

like I did but I still Post when I can. After receiving emails telling me that

I still had comments off, I tried to change that. We will see if it worked.

I think I like the old blogger better. I know, I know...

Have a blessed week and I'll see you later.

XOXO and hugs.

Back home

What a view......

I am still pinching myself.  Hubby and I went to Spain and I can tell

you that it was quite the adventure.

This is the view from our balcony. Gotta love the Med!

The weather was delightful (for most of the trip).

I took so many photos that my fingers cramped up.

That's a good thing-hehe.

So much to see..and do...and eat!

 Isn't he cute? 

I just had to include this photo. Hubby looks right at home.

We found many treasures but I think I 

may have to hang on to them for awhile.

The chandy above was not for sale but I

couldn't resist taking a photo.

Isn't it lovely?

I am beyond tired (the 9 hour time difference is not my friend) so

I will sign off now.

See you soon. after some sleep.

Big hugs!

He said

and she said YES!

Getting ready to leave for a little adventure.

Perhaps some treasure hunting will be involved.

I am turning off comments to avoid the inevitable spam.

Stay well and see you later.

  Big hugs

photo from google, text from me.

I know the photo looks like the two of us-hehe.