Friday, January 18, 2013

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.

..........................................

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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64 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! It's fun, isn't it!

    I don't know how to describe my blog either! Before I started reading blogs and writing my own, I wouldn't have known a vignette or tablescape from a hole in the wall.

    And I don't paint furniture (but I do cook)!

    I love your blog and your primary colors!

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  2. Hello Carol

    Life sounds wonderful in your little cottage by the sea in California - and what a team the two of you make!
    That beach sunset photo is out of this world - oh to see skies like that!

    Congrats on your blog birthday and I'm so glad you joined in Vicki's party so I could meet you.
    Your journal looks wonderful - lOve the colours!

    Do pop over and see me and enter my giveaway too.
    I'm now your newest follower!

    Enjoy the party
    hugs
    Shane ♥

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  3. Shane,
    I sure enjoyed my visit here at Art and Sand. It was great getting to know you and all the fun things you blog about and create. I LOVE primary colors too :)
    Your home is so beautifully decorated and I love how bright and cheery it is.
    Thanks so much for the look around ;)

    ~Diane

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  4. My blog is a little schizophrenic, as well....but we can always blame that on teaching middle school. I am not able to stop just yet...too many years at home with my kids. They will probably be wheeling me out on a stretcher. Love your house and lifestyle!

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  5. Hi there, it's nice to meet you. I live by the sea too, only in England.
    I love all the bright beautiful colours you have used to decorate your home

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  6. Ha! You do it all..you don't need to cook!! SO thrilled to be a follower of your blog! You inspire me to create whenever I am reading one of your posts!! I love that book!

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  7. I think you know exactly what you're about on your blog. It's wonderful, creative, artistic, full of fabulous photos of your charming cottage and garden. And oh how I'd love to win the book you made!!
    Mary Alice

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  8. I just love your blog and all the adventures in creating and life you share. You are one talented girl and I always enjoy my visits and learn something new.
    Great GYB post!! Love your pics. Enjoy the party and happy creating.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  9. Hi,
    It is so nice to meet you and visit your charming and delightful blog. I also love primary colors and paint mostly in primary colors. Your home and garden are so charming and I loved visiting y0u.
    Have fun at the party.
    Blessings, Erin

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  10. Awesome cottage! I also teach middle school and garden but not by the beach. I came over from 2 Bags Full. :o)

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  11. This is my firat visit and what a perfect post to read! I feel like I really got some insigt into who you are and what your blog is all about. Being all over the place is just fine with me. And your home looks so charming, bright and happy! I'll be following along. Looking forward to getting to know you better!

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  12. How wonderful! I would love to live by the sea! Instead I live by a river in England!
    Thank you.

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  13. Wow... living by the sea must be awesome! I live in the mountains in rural New Hampshire with no sea to be found *sigh* I love your little cottage - it is very homey and bright and cheerful! Don't worry, I think most of our blogs are kind of all over the place... they're about life so they almost have to be all over! thanks for sharing your wonderful seaside world with us... be sure that I will be back for more visits!
    Hugs,
    Beth P
    I'm your newest follower by the way! :D

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  14. I just hopped over here from the blog party and I'm so glad I did! I love your blog and your love of color! What fun! I'm about to become one of your newest followers. I look forward to more of your colorful, cheerful posts! We're sort-of neighbors too...I also live in SoCal.

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  15. I love your cottage! It's pure gorgeousness! We also share a love of kayaking. I'm on the east coast where we kayak in the creeks leading to the Atlantic and the rivers close by. Thanks for visiting me earlier. I'm a new follower!

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  16. So nice to meet you and visit your lovely blog. I have many interests as well, and it is nice to read about all of your interests. I suppose all of those things keep us busy. I found your blog through the Grow Your Blog party.

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  17. You are so funny....I dont cook either!! That is my hubs hobby:):) Loved my visit!! Happy hopping!!

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  18. great post! you're so lucky to have a hubby who cooks.
    love the scenery where you live.
    x

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  19. Sounds like a great life. Love your blog. I'll certainly be following.

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  20. Oh my goodness, Carol! What a wonderful post! I enjoyed every bit of it...especially with regard to the you will NEVER read posts...made me laugh out loud:) I am having great fun with the Blog Party and hope you are, too. Your photos are great and quite inspirational. I like to create little vignettes, too. Your pillows are ab fab...absolutely fabulous! So, please count me in for the giveaway of your lovely little book. I am now a follower! ALOHA!

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  21. Oh my goodness, Carol! What a wonderful post! I enjoyed every bit of it...especially with regard to the you will NEVER read posts...made me laugh out loud:) I am having great fun with the Blog Party and hope you are, too. Your photos are great and quite inspirational. I like to create little vignettes, too. Your pillows are ab fab...absolutely fabulous! So, please count me in for the giveaway of your lovely little book. I am now a follower! ALOHA!

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  22. you had me at primary colors, kayaking & marrying a man that cooks ... you are one smart one. love it!! i'm a new follower. so exciting!! have a great weekend. please stop by my blog for a bit. all the best to you. take care. ( :

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  23. I enjoyed getting to know you. Your sense of humor is refreshing and your home is lovely! As a mother, let me thank you for being crazy enough to work at molding young minds!

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  24. Oh, Carol, middle school? My S-I-L teaches World Geography to that grade and he's not well in the head. Naaa. He loves that age. All I can remember is my daughter at that age. We're still dealing with "issues." LOL Loved your writing and your little house is a joy giver if I ever saw one. I'll be hanging around if you don't mind. Come see me again, okay?

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  25. Happy Anniversary my dear friend!!!...i love your blog for WHO YOU ARE!!! XOK

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  26. I love your blog and what its all about. MINE is the same ...little of this and that... Just blog what I feel .. NEVER know.... I am called The Rusty Pearl.. I too live near the sea. (must say not as blue as yours ) BUT I am most me beside it ...I love all your designs.... and I will be a regular at your blog.. GOD bless and thanks for sharing all of your inspiration ... LOVED it alllllllllllllll

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  27. Ooooh what a sweet looking cottage! Found you through the Grow Your Blog Party...

    And may I add that I adore your use of color??

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  28. Hi Carol, Your blog is very cute and yes, I like primary colors. But, if you visit me, you'll see them a little darker. ;-) I also think we may be "neighbors". Although, I live on the other side of the mountains from the beach. I just recently took a workshop where we started an art journal. I hadn't tried it before and I like it a lot. If I finish it soon, I'll post pictures. I'll be back for a visit!
    Hugs,
    Karen

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  29. I would describe your blog as "Top Notch Perfection"
    It's about living life to the fullest and using every God given talent you have to make it beautiful and comfortable for yourself and your family.
    Have fun with your blog party!

    In regard to the comment you left:
    It sounds like you had a wonderful day. You know, my daughter was teaching kayaking at one time, but I have never been in one. I'm afraid that with my bad back, I might get in and then never get out, LOL. I have thought about giving it a try though. Are yours the kayaks that you crawl into or the ones where you sit on top?
    I'm delighted that you like my journal pages.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  30. What a fun intro post! You are so creative with all the fun things you make. Looking forward to reading about beach living. Cheers

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  31. I absolutely LOVE your Art and Sand Blog!!!! I live a few blocks from Lake Michigan and I exploring our Very Sandy Beach and dunes all the time.. I love the sounds of the Waves and Wind and especially Rain. I also LOVE to Paint Furniture.You are a very artistic person and I reckon a Kindred Spirit. I would LOVE to be in your drawing. Thanks for sharing your world. Hugs Judy

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  32. Hi Carol! Good to meet you and thanks for dropping by my blog today!!
    Your blog looks to be very interesting indeed. And I look forward to following along with you.
    A teacher eh?! Bless you!
    Jim

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  33. Hello Carol
    What a wonderful way to meet like minded women from Grow your Blog.
    Dagmar

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  34. I always love seeing all your creative projects! I had to laugh about the slipcovers...I'll stick to pillows to, but I do love the look of slipcovers:-)

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  35. Hi Carol, glad I found your beautiful blog through the GYB party! What a great place you have, you very fortunate to live so close to the beach!
    I'm looking forward to many more visits!
    Have a great weekend,
    your newest follower!
    Diana

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  36. You have a beautiful blog. I like the easy way you write and the way you take pictures - fabulous. My daughter just started high school, so the middle school experience is still pretty fresh in our memory. My daughter loved it and had a good time there, but I think you have to have a certain amount of craziness to teach there! Kudos to you.

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  37. you are fortunate to live near the beach!! I grew up near the beach and miss it a lot!

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  38. Lovely to meet you. I love all the photos of your home, so many lovely things around your cottage, and as for the beach, marvellous. The most stunning was the sunset on the photo with the dogs though - breathtaking.
    Carolyn
    http://messmuddleandfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/grow-your-blog-party.html

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  39. Carol I love this post. What a great introduction to your blog, I feel like I know you. Thanks for sharing you thoughts about white painted fireplaces, I've been properly warned. Although we don't use real wood.
    And i'm looking forward to the nice weather so I can see more beachy photos. My husband and I dream of moving to the beach. We used to live near Santa Monica pre-kids.
    xo
    Leslie (aka gwen moss)

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  40. What a great post! Love the beachy things. And love your book :-)


    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  41. You wrote a nice post to introduce yourself. I enjoyed reading it, and I will enjoy reading it more! It's nice to meet you and I am going to follow you. I can't get past the picture of your house - I could look at it all day!

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  42. Love love your colorful blog! Yep, middle school is an experience. I will be back to see more of your delightful decorating! I adore beaches and water, and live inland....

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  43. I recently found your blog and I love it! I love your home, your crafts, and I love that you live in my favorite city in the whole wide world. Happy birthday Art and Sand! I will keep coming back to see what great things you have done.

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  44. Carol,
    I'm so glad you visited my blog and thank you for your kind words. That's how I found your blog in all it's loveliness and your beautiful handcrafted furnishings! I love your cottage by the sea! Thank you!

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  45. Wonderful introduction....Primary colors are so much fun. I found you through Jennifer Rizzo's blog. It's strange, because my friend Liz is having me do a header design for her. We were just talking about headers and how people look to your blog to see what the person is all about. If you visit my blog, you can see some of the blogs I have re-designed lately. I don't have any set fees. I have a donate button.
    From your newest follower, Linda

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  46. Love your blog. Hope you''ll stop and visit me as well. Happy creating!

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  47. Love all the letters you show in different places.
    And love these clocks.

    And I do love the beech and the sea, we have to drive a long way to go to the beech, but try to do that at least once a year.

    kind regards from YokkoBears

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  48. I am your newest follower :D
    Beautiful blog with fun photos and I love your lovely giveaway...
    I am looking forward to more inspiration posts from you :D

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  49. I TOTALLY LOVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOUSE. And you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    lucky to have someone who cooks. I would love someone else to own my kitchen.

    Please include me in your in your drawing for the prize. And visit my blog if you get a chance. I have a give away as well, that I am making.

    Elaine
    Retiredknitter@gmail.com
    http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com

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  50. I must admit, I was drawn to read your post because of Thoreau's quote: "live the life you have imagined." I do, almost totally... except for the beach part. My Honey and I imagine ourselves living in a little cottage by the sea when we retire, with two white rockers on the porch where we will spend our days rocking to the slow beat of the surf. Love your blog... including you in my reader for more inspiration.

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  51. Your home is so lovely! The colors, the decorations, the objects...just so inviting! I am a former teacher myself--a bit of middle school in there--and I just love that age. Crazy, no? Nice to meet you via the GYB event!

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  52. Oh my goodness! I am so thankful for the "Grow Your Blog Party"! I may not have ever run across this beautiful blog if I hadn't joined the party. Please enter me for your giveaway of the book. I love it.

    Love your beautiful home. It looks every so homey, bright and friendly. I love your flowers as well. I'm a gardener from way back and still trying to get used to NC soil. I'm originally from NH.

    I am now your newest follower and plan on coming back to visit quite often. I feel so comfortable here. Love it.

    LindaLee from
    CrossN' My Stitches

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  53. Miss Linda above wrote everything I just wanted to write...hm :o) so I just leave warm regards from Germany and from my heart to yours- being a new follower of this beautiful place :-)

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  54. I love the photos of your charming home. I look forward to spending more time reading your blog, once I get through the blog hop (I'm about halfway there).
    Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
    :o)
    Rose
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  55. Love your blog and home.....I want to find a Steve but of course the Jeff in my life may not want to share!

    It is great to meet you through Vicki's GYB party.

    If you have a chance, please drop by nonniescedarchest.wordpress.com

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  56. Just found your log and am enjoying it already. Happy blog anniversary.

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  57. Great to see you are living the life you had imagined! Very beautiful pictures. Happy birthday sandy blog!

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  58. I love your blog! I love to read about your projects. We have a lot in common. We are both teachers, we both love to create, we both do not cook (well, I do when I really have to) and we both have wonderful husbands!

    I will be back to visit your blog often. I love it!

    Terry

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  59. visiting via Vicki's GYB Party and your blog is about LIFE! Beautiful life and I enjoyed my visit. I'm having a giveaway as well.

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  60. Hi Carol, I'm not sure why, but in visiting so many blogs over the past week, yours has really resonated for me. I read some of your older posts, and love your lifestyle: no t.v., a darling down-sized home you are passionate about, staying busy busy busy, getting lots of exercise and fresh sea air every day, STUNNING paintings surrounding you that are painted by someone you clearly love---I admire so much about you and I don't even know you!! Anyway, I'm going to start following you so I can come back and read more.

    I just got back from 4 days at the beach--upper Oregon coast. It was a beautiful, uncharacteristically sunny, quiet getaway and now I feel renewed back home in Portland. I understand your love of the sand and sea!

    Hope you can stop by my blog, too, and put your name in the hat for my giveaway :-)

    Maggie
    www.themagrag.com

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    Replies
    1. Just writing to let you know that you were 1 of 4 winners in my Giveaway at the Grow Your Blog party.

      I just need to have your address to send off your little gift.

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  61. Carol,
    I just loved visiting your blog and reading about your creativity and beach life.
    I too live in So Cal and love it! Yes, it has been a bit cold, but I dare not complain as the rest of the country dwellers would be like, what? Your pillows are so colorful and cheerful too!

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  62. Found you from gingerly made blog so now i follow , love your spirit and all your colors in your house,would love to win your book ,also enjoy your humor,,,Thanks a bunch.!!!!!!!!!!!..google..ag.......martha at berrycherry63@hotmail.com

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  63. What a wonderful visit here - full of excitement, colour, joy and creativity both at home and at the beach. I can see you really know how to get the best out of life! Enjoy and come on over to visit my blog and put yourself in my Giveaway.
    Suzy

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