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.

Almost October

I don't know about you but I am so glad that September is almost behind us.

Tough month......Enough said.

Autumn has always been a favorite season. A season of change- temperature,

fashion, home decor, food, and so much more.

The temperature is more summer like than fall like here. 103 today. 

Much too hot to bake that pumpkin pie we have been craving.

If I had baked it, you would be looking at a photo of a pie instead

of pumpkins.

Several years ago, I shared this recipe for a sugar free pumpkin pie.

I have been making this for years now as J.W has Type 1 diabetes.

He adores it and I do too.

It is so easy to make. Perfect for someone that has dietary restrictions.

***The Most Fabulous Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie***

1. 16 ounce can of solid pack pumpkin (or use your own pumpkin)
2. 2 large eggs
3.  dry brown sugar substitute to equal 1/2 cup brown sugar
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 2-3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
6. 12-ounce can evaporated skim milk
7. 1/2 cup Bisquick

Combine all the ingredients in your mixer and mix at medium speed until smooth.
Pour into your 9" pie pan that has been sprayed or greased with butter.
Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until your knife comes out clean from the center of the pie.
Cool on a wire rack (DUH-hehe)

Simple but good.

Happy October. Can you believe it has been a month since my last post?

Big hugs

They got it all wrong

Back in the day, one of my favorite songs was by Three Dog Night.

Does anyone remember them?

Loved them, loved the song. I was always singing it (off key I might add).

I'm sure I drove people to tears.

The song was about a very lonely number.

The loneliest number that you'll ever do. Even Google confirmed that it is the 

loneliest number and we know Google is never wrong.

I asked hubby to pick a number between 1 and 70.

He picked number 1. SURPRISE!

Jane that is you. Not the horse of course.

Jane has had lots of celebrating going on recently. A beautiful wedding celebration in fact.

When you have a chance Jane, please send me an email with the address you want your

goodies to go to. Also the email that you would like Belle Inspiration to be sent to.

Again, many thanks to Mimi and Robyn for making The French Elements

4 year online celebration a little bit sweeter.

To everyone that entered or just stopped by, THANK YOU.

I am looking forward to many more years (GOD willing).

I am not done with the number 1.  Look who turns 1 tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRECIOUS GIRL!

Can you believe that Newbaby2010 ver.4.0 will be 1?

 I am pinching myself. This year has flown by.

I am so thankful that Jeff finally got to meet her and can't wait until the 6 of

them can be together as a family. I love this photo of Andrea Jeanne. I think

she looks like the Gerber baby. Those lashes and lips..... ooh la la.

Well, I am chained to the machine today. Seriously.... Once I come up

for air, I will visit. I see you all rolling your eyes-lol.

Big hugs

R and B's Excellent Adventure

Guess who took this photo?  No, it was not soldier son or any of the grans.

It was the man in the photo below.

This is the former pilot of Airforce1. How cool is that?

I think he is quite handy with a camera.

O.k., let me back up and tell you about R and B's Excellent Adventure.

My hubby works for one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever 

meet. He has grown his company over the last 50 years and still closes on Sunday.

That in itself is remarkable. He thinks about his employees and what they

would like. How different is that?

  He decided to send several groups on day trips. Our group wanted to go to Santa Barbara.

 AMAZING! (WARNING- MANY PHOTO'S).

 These gentlemen were in charge of Airforce1 for President Clinton and Bush (both).

Mr B. hired them after they left that gig.

The gentleman on the left is the co-pilot. Hubby got to ask them about 911 since

they were flying that day. They talked about how surreal it was and what is 

was like having fighter planes surrounding you. Goosebumps.

These photo's remind me of the Richard Scarry books I used to go

through with the boys when they were toddlers. This is the hangar

with several cars waiting to roll. Look at that floor! I could put my makeup

on in the reflection. Just like at home-hehe.

 This plane was not used but I didn't want it to feel left out so I took a photo.

Some of hubby's friends were on this baby. I think we were in 

the best of hands with the former pilot and co-pilot of Airforce1

flying our plane.

I liked tracking our progress. I didn't know there were Chocolate Mountains.

When we landed in Santa Barbara, this was waiting to take us into town.

This is the coolest jeep I have ever been in. If you saw Hell's Kitchen the other

night, you saw this jeep with their logo over it.

We toured around Santa Barbara and Montecito.

This man was awesome. Brought back those hippy days......

Peace dude.

I thought this pedal car would be perfect for home BUT I would have

to power it.  Much too hot to pedal.

Many sailboats. A regatta was happening later in the day.

This is like a Richard Scarry transportation post.

Remember that little Kardashian wedding? Folks waiting across the street

from the hotel where the bridal party and guests were supposed to be getting ready.

Don't know, really was not following it.

I could move back in a heartbeat...maybe someday.

All good things have to come to an end.

So back to Az.

Backing up the first plane. The gentleman standing at the left was the pilot for

this plane.

I still don't see how they could fit all 3 in there.

Our co-pilot (in the red shirt) was hysterical.

 After we landed he said "yes, we cheated death one more time".

I think you would need a great sense of humor with that job.

Well, that's all folks.

I hope you enjoyed our excellent adventure.

If you haven't entered the giveaway, don't be shy.

Hugs!