Sometimes when I actually look at something in my house with fresh eyes I begin questioning whether or not that something is worth keeping. Over time fabric edges fray, colors fade, glass chips, and metal discolors. There comes a point when objects need rejuvenation OR elimination. 

Summer Time Lemonade

April is winding down which means Spring is also winding down and S U M M E R temperatures are on the horizon here in north Texas. Before we know it, summer time lemonade will be in everybody's hands on the deck, beside the pool, on the porch swing, and under the shade tree. 

For friends in northern USA, Canada, and parts unknown, you all are probably shaking your heads at this thought because Spring is just arriving at your doorstep.

Benefits of Native Plant Gardening

With the rise of the American suburb following World War II, owning a home became an attainable American Dream for most middle class Americans. Along with the American suburb came the manicured lawn that over time even became regulated in city codes. Fertilizer, pesticide, and weed-killer became requirements to maintain the "perfect" lawns. Weekly mowing, edging, watering, and treating grasses, flowers, trees, and shrubs are now part of most Americans weekend activities. 

Gone were the naturalized plants and unkempt looking yards that were our grandparents' yards. However, with many major cities imposing water restrictions, homeowners are once again looking to native plants to use in their gardens as a way to need less water. 

Juggling Cats, Trees, Internet, Phone, Upgrade Miles

Juggling as fast as I can, there is still the possibility that something is going to crash to the ground. Indeed, there have been some crashes this past week. 

Are there times in your life that you cannot seem to keep up with all that is calling your name and DEMANDING attention? Just when you think you have the rhythm down, smoothly juggling three things in the air, smiling as everything leisurely glides through the air, from out of nowhere a fourth object is thrown to you, then a fifth, and you juggle faster and faster. 

Taking Stock And Selling a Family Home

Spring is the time when many people take stock of their surroundings and do some Spring cleaning. It just feels good to declutter, to breath a little fresh air into our surroundings, and to freshen up our spaces. 

Selling a family home needs some special cleaning and organizing in order to present the house to potential buyers as a house to buy, not a home to visit. For us, these last steps in preparing Mother's house to sell are our final steps in saying goodbye to her and our family home. Bit by bit, day by day, her home to visit has become a house to buy.

Made in France - Waterman Pens

fabriqué en france 

Made in France 

pens

Presents brought home for family, friends, or yourself when traveling always seem more special when the item actually is made in the country visited. Going to France this year? Then here is a great idea about a gift that is made in France and truly is one-size-fits-all. Stylos (pens) are excellent items made in France to bring home as cadeaux (gifts) to loved ones.  {Disclosure: affiliate links}

Who wouldn't love to receive a classic black pen that boldly states FRANCE between gold band accents? 

10 Favorite French Scenes

Vacation time will be here before we know it. School will be dismissed for the summer break, warm weather will entice us to be outside, and longer days of sunlight will give us more time to enjoy the days.

Vacation time always brings memories of my vacations to France and brings memories of my favorite French scenes. Most of which are my favorites because of the emotional connections to my fellow travelers and because of the pure immersion of a French experience.  Aren't these the two reasons we travel? To share our lives with our families and friends and for travel to provide experiences not found at home...

Bee Breakfast Table - Display Favorite Pages

Inspired by bees buzzing around a HUGE clump of rosemary plants, April's l'heure bleue collage was BEES. From there, another simple and quick table centerpiece for the breakfast table sprang to my mind. 

One with bees.

b z z z z z....... 

April - The Blue Hour

l'heure bleue en avril 

the blue hour in April 

Because of its beauty that makes time stop for an instant, the expression l'heure bleue has come to describe a variety of special times and events, not just a description of a special blue glow at dusk. Each month in 2016, I am sharing a collage of blue images that create a little l'heure bleue for me.