West Elm's Kickoff for the Fall Season

Many of you know that I am a customer service rep for West Elm, a division of William-Sonoma.
This week was our celebration of the "Fall Season" and all the new and exciting things that are being introduced as we head into the holidays.

To kickoff the season we all wore the t-shirts you see in the photo below. An airplane hanger was rented to accommodate the ever expanding growth at our local call center to host a luncheon where a display of new fall merchandise was set up for us to see before it hits the stores.

In an economy where fear of the future is witnessed daily on the news, I am happy to say that West Elm is growing faster than Jack's best beanstalk...so much for the news on television.

Aren't the owl mugs below simply the cutest. I know my daughter will want some for her new kitchen when it is finally finished being renovated. Maybe it will be finished in time for Thanksgiving and I will have to buy her a set, as a well deserved hostess gift, she will be doing the cooking if things go my way...

...and check out the adorable soup tureens in the shape of baby pumpkins!

Don't these "Gobble" plates make you anxious for the eating to begin?

I love decorating a beautiful table for Thanksgiving, even if I'm not the one doing the cooking,L.O.L.
The cloche below was part of the beautiful table-scape that graced each one of our tables at the luncheon. What made these centerpieces extra special was the fact that the cookies were made by one of our co-workers, Irene. They were too delicious for words. This is one of the many ways that Irene has made herself a stand out at work. Thanks Irene!




The rocking chair above was a hit with the ladies at the luncheon. We all wanted a turn to sit in it.
...so many cute new things for your holiday table.


After all the frantic shopping you do during the holiday season is accomplished, doesn't this grey flannel (actually micro-fiber upholstered) sectional look inviting?

I loved the little red accent table for adding a splash of color to make your living space more festive.
Who doesn't love a little sparkle and bling on the Christmas tree?

I think everyone can use a little sparkle in their day!



Let the celebrating begin! This is my friend Margaret and her happy face is one the reason's I love going to work in the morning! Thanks for being your cheerful self everyday!

The day after the party would be my friend Susie's last day with us at West Elm. You will be sorely missed, Susie! I hope your future holds only peace and joy for you and your loved ones!

We have so much talent amongst us at West Elm. The photo above is of Robin, who took all the official photos of the event. Can't wait to see them Robin! I know they will be fabulous.

I am so privileged to work with such an awesome team!

An Evening at the Crystal Palace

Forty years ago I didn't care for country western music at all, but that all changed when the girl from Beverly Hills married the boy from Bakersfield. Over the last thirty eight years I have acquired a real love of country music and it's almost all I listen to anymore.

Mr. Honey had a great idea when he heard two of his brothers and their wives were coming to town for a visit. He thought it would be fun for us all to go to dinner at the Crystal Palace and listen to music played by Buck Owens Buckaroos. (Sorry my flash was on for the photo above)

The Crystal Palace is a great place to celebrate any occasion or to just have a good dinner and fun night out.


This mural is at the entrance to welcome in the guests.

Diane and Marjolein dance right on up to the statue of Merle Haggard and smile for the camera.

The Crystal Palace is like a plethora of Buck Owens memorabilia. Buck's Cadillac displayed for all to see above the bar. Old black and white photos of famous celebrities line the powder room walls. I wish I had taken more photos. Old stage costumes and mementos are encased in glass windows that line the surrounding walls to the restaurant.




Once the music starts, the line dancing begins. It's as fun to watch as it is to do.

My sister in-laws wasted no time getting up and giving it a whirl. I'm too much of an introvert and too shy give it a try, but that didn't damper my enthusiasm!






Photo above: my brother in-law Jay and his wife Robin

My brother in-law Forrest and his wife Marjolein.

My brother in-law Dave and his wife Diane.

My sister in-law Sherree and her husband Fred.

Yours Truly and Mr. Honey

Happy Birthday Vicky! September 2

Today my friend Vicky turns 60. For my sixtieth birthday she sent me this darling Chatty Kathy ornament. I was born August 20, but my actual due date was September 2. It is uncanny how many things Vicky and I have in common. We have very similar taste when it comes to decorating and Vicky actually owned the very same dress I wore for my wedding. Though we live miles apart we have remained close all these years.

Vicky and I became friends when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter. We lived in the same neighborhood for many years, until Vicky's husband, Howard, took a job in South Carolina as a professor at the University.

Happy Birthday Vicky! I hope your day is filled with joy. Know that I will be thinking of you with fondness as you celebrate this very special birthday.

Celebrating 60 Years

August 20Th I celebrated my 60th birthday at the beach with my girls. I considered having a big party. The thing is, having a big party isn't really my style. I'm more of a one on one kind of person, who enjoys intimate gatherings with just a few. I'm not the kind of woman that would want to exclude anybody either, so having to limit the guest list due to budget constraints would never do.

Photo below: left to right, Amanda my eldest, Lindsay my youngest, myself, and Brook my middle daughter.
I decided a weekend at the beach with my girls would be just the ticket. I decided that months ago before I knew that my daughter who lives in Boston would be in the midst of moving and would not be able to afford a trip to the west coast.


Imagine the smile on my face when Mr. Honey flew Brook home to be my birthday surprise. That was the best birthday gift he could have possibly given me.

We spent Saturday in Santa Barbara having lunch at Pascuccis and then headed to Restoration Hardware to check out the latest trends in furniture. Lindsay was particularly enchanted with this somewhat space age chair.

Amanda and Brook sweetly posed for a photo. You really can't deny your mother a photo opportunity on her birthday, right?

Lindsay thought her boyfriend would love this lounge chair.

My favorite chairs were these linen upholstered wing backs with the fabulous map of Paris as the backdrop. Brook was quite smitten with the dress forms.

I insisted on one more photo before leaving the store.

On Sunday Mr. Honey brought my grandsons to join us for the day to make my birthday weekend picture perfect!



Below is a photo of my youngest grandson.

My eldest grandson smiles for me.




Below is a photo of my middle grandson with his Auntie Brookie. Mr. Honey teased him mercilessly for wearing his Auntie Lindsay's kitty cat sweat shirt. Being the confidant boy that he is he didn't let his Papa's teasing bother him at all. Shame on you Papa Honey!



At sixty, I wasn't going to let putting on a bathing suit scare me. I've really matured, L.O.L.