A Fanciful Life

Happy Heart Day!

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Happiness

Today's theme for Texture Tuesday at the Kim Klassen Cafe is happiness. It also happens to be Valentine's Day. Don't they just go hand in hand?

Since it is Valentine's Day, I was going for the look of romance. What better way to say romance than flowers? And how can you not be happy around flowers?

And it doesn't matter if they are real or not. Without a large garden, I rely on a touch of faux here and there. Hey, my jewels aren't real, so why not!

I used one to two textures in each photo today and had fun experimenting with the looks.

No textures on this one, just a wish to you for a very happy Valentine's Day!

I Heart You

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:39:00 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day, I dug out some hearts and pink objects d'amor today.

The better part of the morning was spent shooting. Not like I didn't have anything else to do like a bit of house cleaning, laundry or sorting and filing all the mail that has been piling up. No, it was just more fun to pick up my cameras and meander around looking for Valentine themed objects.

The glass paperweight had been resting under my jewelry in a drawer. What a perfect time to bring it out.

My favorite color has been pink for the last 10 years or so. I haven't tired of it yet although I do like other color combinations as well. Just as yellow is cheery, pink brings a touch of happiness. And in February, perhaps a little more romance.

Birdcage Display

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:36:00 +0000

Loving my new find... I spied this recently at a new home goods store while walking along Laurel Avenue in San Carlos. I had to have it because a) there is a little bird at the top and I love bird icons and b) because I thought it would be fabulous to display photos and such.

I've yet to really utilize it but I did stick a few things on it including another bird.

Previously the bird was nesting atop the shoulder of my mannequin. That's okay, I'm ready to change things up. Spring fever is creeping up on me.

A Bit of Texture

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:34:00 +0000

Can you tell what this is? It's a cone filled with flowers and hung from a decorative knob. Just playing with textures tonight. These photos all have the texture "Simplicity" applied to them along with a second texture from Kim Klassen at Kim Klassen Cafe.

Oh, here's more of the cone! I used Simplicity plus a different second texture and went for a brighter, less antique feel to this one.

Since Valentine's Day is approaching, I have hearts on my mind. Just one more week to go. Oh la la!

Quite a Pear

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:39:00 +0000

The Bosc pear. A fabulous pear. Hard to believe, but I've only recently discovered it. While at Whole Foods Market a month or so ago, they had samples of various fruits sliced for the shoppers. Hungry as I was, I ate one slice. Was I surprised! It was firmer than the usual Bartlett pear I was used to eating, but just as flavorful. Since then, I've been buying them each week. They last much longer and don't get so mushy.

Coincidentally at the same time, Trader Joe's was sampling a wonderful cheese from Holland that had caramelized onions in it. It was paired with small rosemary raisin toast crackers that perfectly complemented it. Add the Bosc pear and viola! What a wonderful appetizer or snack. It's become my go-to appetizer for the Golden Globes, SAG awards and perhaps Oscars too. Be sure to try the Bosc pair while they are still in season!

A Little Randomness

noreply@blogger.com (A Fanciful Life) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:10:00 +0000

Random Notes

Last weekend I visited my mom and brought her some of her favorite flowers - daisies. Flowers are always certain to please, whether it's just a bud or a bouquet. They bring a smile to my face each time I look at them. Then again, there are some who'd rather eat them (yes, I'm referring to Nippy my black and white tuxedo cat).

Mom would not be too happy knowing I posted these photos of her as I didn't give her a chance to freshen her makeup or hair. However, considering she is just less than two months away from 82, I think she still looks terrific. While I was there, I scored a vintage black feathered hat in the original Emporium hat box. She wore it with a black suit in the late fifties or early sixties. Mom has always loved hats but long gone are the days when ladies wear hats each time they go out. No, it's so much more casual today. However, she still has a hat collection and loves to wear a beret.

Do you use Pinterest? The oddest thing is happening. In the last week, I have received over 800 emails notifying me each time someone "likes", repins or comments on one of my pins. Before that, I received several each week but nothing like this. I can't figure out what is going on. Has that happened to any of you? It's quite an addicting site and you can spend a lot of time viewing fabulous images and creating boards. Well, I guess I'll just continue pinning away!

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?