Happy Hearts

After all the Christmas decor is removed, the house seems bare and I actually like that for a few weeks,

but I love that Valentine's Day is the next holiday.

I don't decorate every room, but I have a fun bringing out all my happy hearts.

I'll admit to going a bit overboard in the kitchen,

but the head chef has not complained.

And I will also admit to constantly tweaking things on the shelves.

The guest room has the most Valentine decor -

too bad no guests are scheduled for February.

It's left for me to enjoy

all the Valentine touches.

A little Valentine table setting from last night

will remain until the asparagus fern looks shabby.

I even tucked a few hearts here and there in the garden.

How about you,

are hearts popping up around your house?

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I'm sharing with

French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson - Share Your Cup

Just because . . .

I did not establish any New Year's Resolutions for 2015, but I do have some ideas for the year.

I got my first idea from the magazine, Daphne's Diary, and I give Ricki Jill of Art @ Home credit for my idea.

Ricki wrote a post about Daphne's Diary on January 14, 2014 and I was immediately wanted to find the magazine.

My sweet sister, who was living in London at the time, bought me all the issues for 2014 and recently gave them to me when she returned from life in London.

I randomly began with Issue 2 for 2014 - a year behind, but that doesn't matter.

I got my idea from the very first page in the magazine -

because I love making things and

I love giving things away.

 "Daphne's" idea is a perfect way for me to start off the new year.

So, I am spending the month of January making Valentine hearts and sending my creations on to others.

Actually, the first heart mailed off is not something I created.

I look for heart rocks every time I walk on the beach and when I spotted this rock with a heart miraculously worn into it, I knew just which blog friend would appreciate it.

Each night I sit by the toasty fire with my needlework basket and create.

I am having fun using up scraps of fabric

and bits of wire.

I have to admit, I am feeling a little selfish with this January project - I am having fun both creating and deciding who will receive a heart.

My challenge to you is to take 3 cards (they don't have to be handmade) and mail them off to 3 friends you haven't communicated with in awhile.

I would love to hear back from you what reaction you get from your friends.

A Little of This and a Little of That

The timing of the Grow Your Blog Party

at 2 Bags Full is perfect.

My blog,

just turned one year old.

Participating in the party means I need to describe my blog.

I still am not sure what the blog is about.

Yikes!

What can I say?

It's a bit schizophrenic -

a little of this and a little of that.

My original thought was to use Schizophrenia for the title of this post, but I thought it might scare people away.

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Basically I write about life in our little seaside cottage.

Decorating

Some days I write about decorating and my love of primary colors,

collections,

vignettes - 

all the ways I tweak my home to make it fresh and inviting.

Other days I write about painting furniture.

Did I mention that I like primary colors?

I was not much of a furniture painter PB (pre-blogging) and I had never heard of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  

Seeing all the beautiful furniture pieces being refinished around the blogosphere has inspired me to paint up a storm.

I have to drive 45 minutes to the closest ASCP dealer, but it's worth the time and it is located in a great antiques mall.

Life Outdoors

I might write about my garden, but definitely not right now.

Even though I live in temperate southern California, it has been too cold to work outdoors and the poor garden is not showing off to her best.

I long for summer when I can spend my days digging, weeding and planting.

the dog in the foreground is our precious Dorje during "doggie playgroup"

You will definitely read about life at the beach 

and see pictures of our daily walks

or kayaking adventures.

Creativity

I might write about making pillows out of scrap canvas, 

or using the canvas to make a rug.

I will never write about making slipcovers.

I have nothing against slipcovers.

In fact I love the look of slipcovers.

But I will NEVER make slipcovers again.

Been there, done that and will let someone else experience the aching back and sore fingers.

I'm sticking to pillows.

Then again, you might read about the little books I make.

or the Valentine decorations I have been making.

One thing I will guarantee you.

You will NEVER read a post about recipes and cooking.

I do not cook.

I do not clean.

I do eat.

My husband Steve is a gourmet cook, surfer, tennis player, and artist (not in any specific order).

He takes care of me and the house while I slave away at school.

I teach school.

More specifically, I teach middle school.

 Which also means I'm crazy - you have to be crazy to teach middle school. 

It keeps me young - at least at heart.

Since Birthday Wishes are in order for Art and Sand, there needs to be a present- not for me - for you.

If you would like to win this little handmade quotation book please leave a comment.

I know not everyone is into primary colors

so the winner may request a custom book - size, color scheme and favorite quotes.

Thanks for dropping by Art and Sand.

The Giveaway will close on January 31.

Please come back on February 1 to see who is the winner.

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See all the other blogs attending the party at 

2 Bags Full- Grow Your Blog Party.

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