A Fanciful Life

Just Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:08:00 +0000

Today, I'm Happy

A new antiques and collectibles faire is coming to a town right near me. Yes, once a month beginning in mid-February, according to the email I received. I'm so excited as I won't have to travel across the bay area anymore. Well, I will still go to my favorite flea market in Cupertino, especially because it's near a huge Whole Foods Market that is like the Disneyland of food. Opening day is on my birthday; what a great way to start that special day. Who knows what I may find...

Yesterday, I Was Slightly Less Happy

Picnik has informed its users (including moi) that it is closing its website on April 19th. If you haven't tried this photo-editing program, you have a few months to do so. It's so good, that I rarely use Photoshop Elements anymore. Apparently, many of its tools are being added to Google+. I really don't want to use Google+ (even though I have an account) as it's similar to Facebook. However, I will check it out as I will truly miss Picnik. Oh, and its Premium features are now free for everyone to use while it's still up, so have some fun editing your photos. You can even add cool effects, frames and make collages easily. Try it!

(And yes, I know this is really trivial in the bigger scheme of things but I could not help but being just a little bit bummed - it's my favorite editing program!)

Goodbye, Sweetea's!

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

Photos of my birthday lunch 2011 at Sweeteas

So Long, Sweetea's!

Yes, one of my favorite tea parlours has closed its doors. And just when I was getting ready to go there for my birthday next month, as I have for the last several years. Sweetea's was just the cutest little shop to have a proper tea. Everything about it was yummy.

From the lovely table settings to the gift shop and pretty displays of food, it was always a special treat. A real experience, with time to relax, eat and enjoy good company. Guess this birthday will be at the Cheesecake Factory...not quite the same thing. Fish tacos, here I come.

Just Say Yes To An Organized Closet

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:58:00 +0000

What did I do this past weekend? Organized my linen closet, with the help of my mom and Miss Gracie, too. It feels so great to have everything sorted, containerized and labeled. The closet shelves are very deep so things tended to get in disarray. Now that items are in containers, it will be so much easier to keep things neat. Miss Gracie and Nipper aren't quite as happy, but I think they'll adjust.

Think Spring

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area we've been having very spring-like weather. Last month was the second warmest December in history since the 1800's when they began tracking the weather. Yes, we do have frost in the morning hours, but each day is sunny and bright with rain just a distant memory.

It's been so spring-like, that I did not change my living and dining room decor to the usual red accents this winter. It is winter, isn't it? Oh yes, I see that we do have rain forecast for some time next week. However, it's just a matter of weeks before the cherry blossom trees outside my window begin to bloom. The good news is that due to snowpacks that lasted until May and June last year, our water reservoirs are doing fine right now. Well, I guess I wouldn't mind a little rain - and neither would my flowers outside. But for today, another one sunny and bright, I'll just continue to think spring.

More Cupcake Love

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:03:00 +0000

Can you guess what kind of cupcake this is? It's actually Red Velvet. However, when I shot these in the evening in my yellow kitchen, I got some very strong color casts so I removed some of the color. I actually like this muted look, but it does make it hard to tell what the flavor is!

And what do you think happened here? If you guessed Miss Gracie, the cupcake-eating kitty, you are right. As you can see, she certainly got her licks in! She really liked that cream cheese frosting.

However, my sis and I did manage to split the rest when she was done. But it's almost impossible to photograph it until she has had her fill.

I have to be quick before she smells it and hears the click of my camera.

Along with the Red Velvet, we also had a super chocolatey, yummy chocolate Rocky Road cupcake. Mini marshmallows, nuts and plenty of chocolate.

Since chocolate is poisonous to cats, Miss Gracie was not allowed anywhere near this one! The two cupcakes were a New Year's present from a lovely coworker. What a sweet surprise!

Pink Cupcake Love

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Ohhh, a tiny little cupcake with pink frosting. Too pretty to be eaten!

So I had to take it home just to photograph it.

There was a tray of these tiny cupcakes at work, so I knew I had to have one just to bring home. Since I've been photographing cupcakes for a while now, I've noticed that cupcakes actually last quite a long time if you don't plan to eat them. I've left them on the counter and in the refrigerator; it turns out that they can actually last for months!

I set this sweet little gal on my new cupcake pedestal upon which I placed a gold doily. Speaking of doilies, my big kitty Nipper got into my doily folder this weekend, took out a silver heart doily and had quite the time playing with it! Miss Gracie was sleeping upstairs when I took these photos and arrived too late to get her licks in. Maybe she was full from the frosting she managed to eat the night before. I think cream cheese frosting is her favorite. And yes, I photographed that too!

Merry Christmas From the Cat

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays!

We had a scrumptious turkey dinner last night courtesy of Whole Foods Market. Yes, I go for ease but they really have the best turkey I've ever tasted. This time I just bought the turkey breast instead of the whole bird, and it was the juiciest, most tender turkey breast I ever had. After we gave thanks to Mr. Turkey for providing our meal, we dug in and stopped just short of being full. Instead of the pumpkin pie and whipped cream that was waiting, we opted for oranges instead. Today the pumpkin pie will be an appropriate dessert but even then it's hard not to overeat with all the rich holiday food.

Miss Gracie and I slept in, with her joining me under the covers to keep warm. After breakfast, she spent much of the day herding me to the space heater I'd left on for her in my room. And if I left the room? She would follow me back and give me that sad look. Just to make her happy, my sister, Nippy the other cat, and I stayed in there in the afternoon with her. As I like to say, it's all about cat happiness!

Miss Gracie had spent the morning with another sad cat face because she wanted to use the iPad although my sister had it most of the day. Sis was downloading some holiday apps and having fun. Gracie wanted fun, too. In the evening, we gave the iPad back to her with her favorite game on it. Lo and behold, it had bright colorful bulbs all around the border of the cheese just for Christmas!

Not that she noticed, mind you. As long as that mouse is running around the cheese, Miss Gracie is purring loudly and happy. Ah, yes. A little cat happiness for Christmas.

Holiday Cupcake Love

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:23:00 +0000

Some of you know that I love to photograph cupcakes, especially those from Whole Foods Market. Why? Because they are always works of art! Yesterday, I spied this snowman cupcake among their holiday desserts and took him home with me.

I set him up with a few Christmas decorations so he'd feel right at home.

He was just adorable and I managed to get some photos before Miss Gracie hopped up on the table. She is the best cupcake-sniffing kitty around. It doesn't matter where she is, she knows when the cupcakes come out. She left her warm sleeping spot atop the Comcast cable box in the next room and immediately began to figure out how she could taste the snowman.

When I wasn't looking, she hopped right into the scene and everything fell on my cotton batting snow.

Mr. Snowman didn't get hurt too bad; his scarf was smeared, some landed on his cheek and his carrot nose got smashed a bit.

It all happened so fast, but Gracie managed to get a tiny of his chocolate arm. I quickly took that away as chocolate is poisonous to cats but she managed to get a few licks in. And that I know only because she took a big bath afterwards.

Then she promptly found a space under the table I was working on. Did she want more snowman? Not sure, but in any case she always wants to be in the middle of the action when the camera and cupcakes come out.

In any case, Whole Foods Market still has the prettiest cupcakes around!

iPad or Other Tablet - Which to Buy?

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:06:00 +0000

Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Amazon's Kindle Fire or other? Marrianna is trying to decide which tablet to buy and asked my opinion. If you ask Miss Gracie, clearly the answer is iPad! She still loves her Game for Cats.

When I purchased the iPad, it was the only tablet available that I was aware of. There might have been something else on the market, but it was not a viable category until Apple introduced the iPad. And it is fabulous.

However, I do have to say that if were buying today, I would have some other considerations. Apple is the market leader. The iPad, like all of their products, is the easiest and most intuitive to use. It also has the most apps on the market. And, it's one of the most expensive. While I love the iPad (and I'm sure I'd love the iPad 2 even more), it is something that I use at home, partially due to its size. I think it would be fabulous to have a smaller size tablet that is more portable. But honestly, I have an iPhone so do I really need to take it with me?

The Kindle Fire is getting a lot of good press, largely due to its lower price point and competitive features. It makes sense to take a serious look at it. But you also have to consider what you want to do with the tablet. And some people are Apple diehards and just would not consider anything else. My advice would be to do a side to side comparison, ask people who own both, and read reviews. Then, evaluate them based upon what you believe your actual uses will be (but trust me, you'll wind up doing more than you ever imagined). Either way, you are bound to love the one you buy.

I think the tablet market is just like other new technologies. The first few years, the prices tend to be steep but as others enter the market, prices begin to go down. A 32 inch flat screen tv can be purchased for one third or less of the price paid just a few years ago. Eventually the tablet market will be the same and most people will own one.

Are you buying a tablet this holiday season? If so, what do you plan to buy?

Time to Decorate

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Holiday time means time to decorate. Some years I don't do much and other years I break out all the decor. So far, I've put up lights around my kitchen window so it adds some festiveness. While I haven't done much else, I have been making slow progress on holiday cards. Will I finish decorating? Yes, once I break out the boxes I can't help but pick out favorite things to display. It just takes some motivation to spend the time pulling out all boxes. Maybe a little hot chocolate and some pie is what I need to get going!

Color Combination: Aqua and Brown

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:12:00 +0000

Lately I've been eyeing things in aqua and brown. I am seriously thinking of changing my pink accented room to these colors. I've been on a pink kick for about 10 years now but don't get me wrong. I am still a huge fan of pink but change is good, don't you think? This spring would be a great time to change it up. Right now, I have my comfy red and gold set in use in my bedroom for winter. And my creative space still has the pink accents, so I just need to keep my eye out for the next few months to see what I can acquire in these colors. The walls are already the color of chocolate milk, so I would just need the accent pieces in aqua. Yes, I think I'll consider these my new colors for spring if I can find the right pieces.

Do You Know These People?

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Well, neither do I but they live at my house. Please tell me I'm not the only person who buys picture frames and displays them, but hardly gets around to putting in my own photos.

Why do I do this? Because sometimes I just find a frame that I love and have to buy it. I couldn't resist the pink and green sparkly rhinestones on these glass frames. And I do enjoy looking at them. I'm sure I'd enjoy it more if I had photos of people (or dare I say cats?) that I know and love. These frames have been on display for probably two years now.

Guess it's time to add one more thing to my on-going to do list. Now, people or cats? Hmmm....

The Party Page

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:26:00 +0000

Oh, my. I was flipping through the latest O magazine and I came upon this page. It made me giddy. The cakes and pastries, the flowers, the sunlight coming through the trees, the dog statue with the pink ribbon around his neck and finally, the shoes and dress! Wow - I just want to be that gal in the photo. Sweet!

Seriously? Crafting With Cat Hair?

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Crafting With Cat Hair?

All photos from the book Crafting With Cat Hair.

Yes! Who knew you could actually make all kinds of creative things with your cat's fur. The little kitty finger puppet on the book cover is adorable.

Even the kitties seem to like the finger puppets.

Some of the things you can make include these book covers with cat designs made from fur.

And these fun boxes with little kitties on the sides and top. What do you need to make these items?

The major supply item = your cat! Hey, I have two never-ending suppliers at home. I'm not sure if there's a way to collect it from the carpet though, I think you have to actually brush it off the cat. Wouldn't that be fabulous if you didn't need to vacuum?

I admit that this book sounded a bit crazy when I first heard the title, but after seeing some of the photos inside I could not help but say "awww". The cats are as cute as the craft items inside and who can resist cute cat photos?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see if Miss Gracie and Nippy might be interested in being brushed tonight.

Washi Tape - Colorful and Fun

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:32:00 +0000

Why use regular tape when you can use washi tape? "Scotch" tape has no color but washi tape not only comes in a multitude of colors, it also comes with designs, as well as solids. Polka dots and stripes were just too hard for me to resist.

When I was at the Creative Connection Event in September, I took a class on inspiration boards with Leslie Shewring of A Creative Mint. She had also taught a class using the washi tape, and we used some of it on our inspiration boards.

It has lots of potential uses, so I bought some to take home. I plan on using it during the holiday season (that's why I bought the green, red and gold tape). Think how much fun your packages can be with these colorful and cool tapes. I'd love to get some fabric tape too, but since I'm in a simplify and downsize mode, I will have to resist. Besides, I think these tapes will last me for some time!

It's Getting to Look a Lot Like...

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 05:04:00 +0000

The holidays!

Oh, yes. Stores are filling up with merchandise, commercials are playing on tv and I'm getting ads encouraging me to order my holiday cards now. But the real reason I'm excited?

Williams-Sonoma Hot Chocolate!

This is the absolute best hot chocolate I've ever had. Last year was my first to try it and I could not get enough. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but worth the extra expense. The peppermint flavor is delicious also and this year they've added a new flavor, Salted Caramel. Not really interested in the new flavor though as the classic hot chocolate is just divine.

Oh, and I will wait until it goes on sale. Even though it's in stores and available online now, I still have to get a bargain. But let me warn you, it's addictive and it's only available during the holidays. So stock up or you'll be sorry by February!

Pumpkins Part III

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:45:00 +0000

Still loving the mini pumpkins...

...in the glass bird patch

...atop the pearls

or just on a colorful plate.

Now I'm starting to think I should have put some outdoors, except I was too focused on my indoor pumpkins. There's always next year!

Pumpkin Style

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:15:00 +0000

So I took the little white pumpkin and...

...paired it with a flower and velvet leaf on a glittered pedestal.

Since it looks like a Cinderella pumpkin, I thought it only appropriate to place it among some jewels.

How about combining holidays? It's a little bit Christmas, a little bit autumn.

This just calls our for a little fairy sitting on the green petals, don't you think?

Resting among the jewels.

Yes, mini pumpkins are just the best.

It's Pumpkin Time

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:19:00 +0000

Have you gotten your pumpkins yet?

Each year, we purchase three mini-pumpkins. This year, I was quite delighted to find this little white one with the curly stem piece. Reminds me of Cinderella and her pumpkin coach, don't you think?

Out With the Old...

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:23:00 +0000

De-clutter Organize Simplify

That's what I'm up to.

The going is slow, but I'm seeing little pieces of progress. My garage is filling up as I remove clothes, shoes, topiaries, art supplies and storage units from the house. I made another run to the library to donate more books a few days ago and have several empty shelves now.

Yesterday I called the Salvation Army to come and do a pick-up. Today I called them back and added even more items to the pick-up. Next week I'll be donating some art supplies to a local organization. Can't wait to gain the space back in my garage and my house.

My intent is to continue this project throughout my whole house. Right now, I'm highly motivated. I hope I don't lose that feeling!

Tick Tock

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:18:00 +0000

T I M E

Collecting clocks won't help me gain more time, but it's a great garage sale find, don't you think?

Getting Organized Step by Step

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:19:00 +0000

Last weekend, I had a garage sale to clear out a lot of my stash. Now, I can see much of the things I love better as there is less clutter (although I really liked that clutter!). I didn't think I'd be able to let go of any of my ribbon, but once I pulled out the first drawer and began, I was able to let go of some of it. However, all my very best favorite ribbons remain although I could certainly downsize by half again.

My little velvet bookmarks are dangling free.

And the glittery ornaments are calling to me. Does this look like a Christmas ornament? Well, I'll let you in on my secret. It certainly is and it's not the only Christmas ornament that adorns my home. Why wait until December? If it brings you joy, then it should be out where you can see it.

My favorite Somerset magazines have all traveled back to a space where they are orderly and easily accessible.

A happy space = a happy home.

Oh, I'm not done yet. No, I have a long ways to go and as I sit here, I am surrounded by paper calling me to straighten and file it.

But it's a start.

Now, I just need to maintain my motivation and keep at it. How on earth did I accumulate so much? I am definitely turning over a new leaf. Next step: call Goodwill tomorrow!

Steve Jobs, You'll Be Missed

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:25:00 +0000

I really hadn't planned on writing about the passing of Steve Jobs. So much has already been said. However, all week I've been finding myself tearing up as I read or see another item about it. It happened again yesterday when I just happened to pass by the Apple store on my way to Macy's at the mall. As I approached, I noticed a small crowd outside of the store. It took me a moment, but then I realized there was a memorial to Steve in the front and people were stopping to read the messages or just take it all in.

I'm not sure every Apple store looks like this, but I imagine most do. The front windows were covered with Post It notes with messages. Flowers, apples, photos and product boxes were also left in memorial. Once again, I felt myself moved by what I saw. Living and working here in Silicon Valley, I've been reminded of my own experiences with Apple products and it just feels more personal. How many times have I driven by Apple headquarters when I worked in the valley? And so, here is my reflection on what Apple has meant to me.

I should start by saying that I first had a pc clone back in the day when they came out. If you remember DOS, you're dating yourself! Oh, those first computers were both wonderful and cumbersome. But sometime during the 80's, I went to work for a software company. As a product manager of software, I at one time had a Commodore, Apple IIGS, PC and Mac on my desk. No, I wasn't and am not a computer geek, I just had to manage product for all those platforms. I managed some great creative products for the Apple IIGS and Mac and participated in industry trade shows with them. Apple computers just seemed so much easier to use than the others and there really was something magical about Apple, even then.

The computer I used for all my work was the original Macintosh. How I loved that little computer! It was so intuitive and easy to use. Amazing! Fun! Cute! I actually fell in love with that computer; so much so, that I acquired one myself. But alas, I moved on from that company and was forced back into the pc environment. Macs got bigger and more expensive and in the ensuing years, I really didn't have a need for its unique uses, so I found myself back with a pc. All the while, always admiring the Macs, touting their praises whenever I could and wishing I owned one.

About 10 years ago, I was with some co-workers at Stanford Shopping Center when we noticed Steve Jobs dining in a restaurant with another man. Even then, it was like spotting a rock star. Truly, the Silicon Valley equivalent of a Hollywood siting!

And so two years ago, when it was time to get my sister her own computer, I wanted the easiest one for her. We got her a MacBook which she is very happy with. At the same time, I finally gave up my cheap phone and acquired the iPhone. We both became Apple fanatics once again. Soon after, I decided to give up my Dell pc for an iMac. Hallelujah! Hello, big beautiful screen! This was quickly followed by an iPod and iPad. Now, even our cat Gracie uses the iPad and is an Apple devotee (you can read/see more about that here)!

I am so happy that I've gone back to Apple products. The company has been amazing in how far they've come and how they've changed the lives of so many. I know they'll continue to do great things but I can't help but feel incredibly sad for the man who passed so young and was the shining star of Apple. I'm sad for him, his family, his employees and for all of us who no longer have this man in our lives.

So here's to you, Steve Jobs, a man of vision who has touched so many.

I'll Take Tea

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:24:00 +0000

What is more delightful than having a luncheon at a tea parlour?

It's the ultimate in girly. And I love girly.

We had tiny tea sandwiches. Tomato and cheddar. Turkey and cranberry. Cucumber and cream cheese.

Lavender white chocolate scones with the best condiments.

Spiced cream, lemon curd and strawberry marmalade.

A fruit salad of oranges and strawberries.

Petite desserts of tiny apple and chocolate raspberry tartlets.

And a little happy birthday message on the almond cake plus creme brulee.

Oh so lovely place settings.

And a fabulous collection of faux desserts and tea items calling from the gift space.

Yes, a tea parlour is the perfect place to share a birthday lunch. I lucked out that she chose my favorite birthday spot for her birthday. See you in February, Sweetea's.

Happy Birthday to the Kitty

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:28:00 +0000

It was actually two birthdays last Monday...

Yes, T had a big birthday this year.

And we enjoyed fabulous pink velvet cupcakes from the teacake bake shop.

What are pink velvet cupcakes? According to the gal at the bakery, they are just like red velvet except they have more cocoa. Yum! Our friend, Patti, brought over these delicious cakes. But that's not all.

She also made a stop at Starbucks to purchase this teeny tiny cupcake for the other birthday girl. And who might that be?

Well, Miss Gracie of course! My Grace turned six years old on Monday and she got her favorite dessert too. Gracie just loves cupcake frosting. Hers was carrot cake with cream cheese frosting which she enjoyed while we wished her a happy sixth birthday.

A while later, I served a special birthday dinner for my sister, setting three place settings for the three of us. Gracie jumped up onto the fourth chair and joined us for the entire dinner. She didn't have any pasta though, that was just for the people. Happy Birthday, Gracie girl!