Happy Place

Maddie meeting Snow White a few years ago

 When I was little the "happiest place" on earth was Disneyland. 

The characters, the rides, the perfect beds of flowers, the food, the princesses, all the places for imagination to soar - a little girl's dream.  

I guess it is quite cliche... but so true. 

I live in southern California and now my family has annual passes to Disneyland, so we visit quite often. 

My kids - they LOVE it! What child wouldn't? 

Funny how things change as you get older. 

Don't get me wrong - I still love a day at Disneyland. I adore the look of excitement on my kiddie's faces, spending time with them, 

& riding a roller coaster or two....

BUT, now - THIS is my happy place. 

No coasters in sight. :)

Yes. It is true.

I love the bookstore.

Barnes & Noble especially.

They brew Starbucks. :)

I could spend hours pouring over magazines like Somerset Life or Martha Stewart Living. So many inspiring ideas, pictures, techniques, and articles. 
It is so fun to see artists that I read (blogs) in the magazines too! 
There is just so much eye candy!!
Well, and lucky me - my Hubby loves the bookstore too. 
(Seriously, I lucked out. He doesn't think it is boring!
We are just two little peas in a pod.) 
He grabs his cup of coffee and sits there with me, reading his own stack of books. The funny thing is on many occasions our "date nights" include relaxing at Barnes or Borders after a sweet dinner. 
Wow, have times changed right!? :)

I think tonight we may be off to the "happiest place." 

Nana and Papa have the kids...and Hubby & I are going out 

for a "wild" night....

at the bookstore. :)

Where is your "happy place"?

It is a good GOOD Friday...

Happy Good Friday!!

I hope it has been a beautiful week.

This is my new message board hanging in my hall. It used to be a mirror that hung in my daughters room. But, I have really wanted to transform something using chalkboard paint...which by the way, is SO my new obsession. I look around trying to find other things to tackle with chalkboard paint. I'll have to wait and see what other poor piece of furniture falls victim to the paint. :)

(AND... Home Depot has all kinds of colors!!)

I sprayed the outside with Rust-oleum's Heirloom White (I had to give it a try after seeing it so many times on Shanty2Chic), painted on the chalkboard paint (so easy, but needed a couple coats), then added some fabric flowers & 

Poof - a new life! 

The most adorable addition to this message today 

is my daughter's drawing. 

I mean, really..have you seen a sweeter Jesus?

She even drew little tears on HIM. 

A Kindergartner's artwork is priceless.

And, I love that she truly knows what Easter is all about...

XOXO,

Jen

Alive

 I am alive.

Seriously.

 My intention is to write AT LEAST a couple times a week.

That is not exactly happening right now, but bare with me. :)

I have missed you little blog of mine. Life has jumped on my back and stolen all my time! :) I know it happens to us all from time to time...when things are just going nuts. So many things - but, such little time. I haven't had time to sit at my little studio table and just get lost in paint & glitter. And, boy am I feeling it!! I need some creative relaxation time for sure! Anyone else with me??

One of my favorite things to do is grab a cup of coffee and read all the blogs I adore. My goodness I like way too many. Art blogs, craft blogs, photography blogs, home blogs, etc...please - I never need another magazine again! I just love to see all the wonderfully creative things being done and the beautiful life stories being shared. But I haven't had much time for that either lately. And I miss you!! :) But, right after this I am doing some catching up!

As I am reading, I'll be listening to my latest music "crush" - Adele. LOVE her!

 

Have a fabulous weekend!

XOXO,

Jen