Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day

Today, our country celebrates Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.



To ALL the Men & Women who are serving and have served in our Military……..Thank You for your Service!
God Bless our Troops!

Have a Safe & Fun Memorial Day!
Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Jewel of the Seahorses * Outdoor Pillow Covers!


Just in time for Summer.....
Seahorses at California Livin Home on Etsy!

 Jewel of the Seahorse Extra Long Lumbar Pillow Cover
Turquoise
$32


Jewel of the Seahorse Lumbar Pillow Cover
Black
$29

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Coastal Color Combo - INDIGO & AQUA BLUES

I love this color combination~
Cool Aqua Blues with a Dramatic Indigo.

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)


1. Charlotte Moss Fabric - "Caroline" in Pool
2. Dermond Peterson Folkloric Seahorse Indigo Table Runner
3. Del Mar Dinnerware in Indigo
4. Mary McDonald - Concentric Diamond Table Lamp
5. Mimosa Frames in Indigo
6. Charlotte Moss Fabric - "Charlotte" in Pool
7. Calico Corners - "Cotillion Stripe" in Seabreeze
8. Gelato Tray in Indigo
9. Thomas Paul fabric - "Plume" in Peacock
10. Kenza Dinnerware in Indigo
 



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Shopping Southern California Style in the OC !



Here’s my list of the TOP 3 biggest and best shopping malls in the OC. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. You’re going to need them to get through these shopping meccas!

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)


Newport Beach boast’s one of the OC’s premier open-air retail centers, Fashion Island. From Specialty Shops to world-class department stores not to mention the restaurants and cafes. Enjoy distinctive Southern California shopping at its best.


Another great outdoor shopping experience is the Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine. It is one of Southern California’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, visited by more than 15 million people each year.
  

South Coast Plaza is our indoor Shopping resort in Costa Mesa. With 250 Boutiques, 30 Restaurants and 4 Performing Arts Venues you are sure to find something to buy, somewhere to eat and at the end of the day, a relaxing show!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Coastal Casual Shoes - In MY size!

Kate Spade
Tretorn Trey Sneakers
available in: Pool Blue & Flo Coral

$98

I love shoe's just like the next gal, but when you own size 11 feet, shoes are hard to come by in many stores. These cuties though DO come in my size and look absolutely comfortable. It is all about the comfort now. Easy slip-on, kick off shoes. Shoes for bike riding , walking or shopping. I think these casual shoes would fit me to a tee!








Sperry Top-Sider
Wesport Slip-On
Navy/Red
$55









Sperry Top-Sider
Cloud Logo
Authentic Original
2-Eyed Boat Shoe
Red Sun-Bleached Canvas
$75



Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Solitude Sunday

San Clemente Pier
Sun, Sand & Surf. . . . . . what more could a girl ask for?

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Weekend Nautical Totes

LOVE THESE TOTES! A must have for a weekend of SHOPPING!
Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)
Ralph Lauren
Nautical Luxuries
Melie Bianco



Friday, May 18, 2012

FUN FACTS FRIDAY <><><> THE CREATION of COLORFUL CORAL REEFS

Did you know that Coral Reefs are known as the “rainforests of the sea” and the largest living structure on the planet?

                                                                                                                                              Coral reefs are underwater formations made from calcium
carbonate secreted by corals. The largest coral reef formation is the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland in North-East Australia. It consists of almost 3,000 smaller reefs and covers an area of around 350,000 square kilometers. Coral reefs look different from one another and are found in a fantastic range of shapes and colors. There are three major types of coral reefs that exist, fringing, barrier and atoll. Other variants include patch reef, apron reef, bank reef, ribbon reef, table reef, micro atolls, cays, and seamounts and guyots.


Interesting & Fun Facts about Coral Reefs
      Coral reefs are found in large numbers called colonies. Individual polyps are linked by tissues to form colonies. The coral polyps are tiny, soft-bodied invertebrate animals with no backbones. Instead, they have a hard, protective limestone skeleton called a calicle found at the base. Coral polyps have a lifespan ranging from 2 years to hundreds of years, while corals in colonies are known to live from 5 years to several centuries.

      Over 25% of all marine fish species like oysters, sea urchins, crabs, shrimps, octopus just to name a few, find their homes in coral reefs.


      Another interesting fact about coral reefs is that algae are the natural glue that holds them together to maintain their shape.


       Corals get their color from tiny microscopic plants living within them. They capture energy from the sun by photosynthesis, just like plants do.



Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Pretty Paper's make Prettier Wall Art!

Scrapbooking has become very popular over the last decade and the paper selections are out of this world. I found this really great idea on Pinterest that anyone can do with sheets of scrapbooking paper. Remember when you were a kid and you would fold paper like an accordian and make a fan out of it? Same principal here. In the photo above they used scissors with a decorative edge to embellish the paper wheels even more. Simply cut various widths (since scrapbooking paper is larger than 8-1/2 x 11" but not long enough to make an entire large circle pinwheel you will have to cut 2 lengths at the same width, (remember to cut your pretty edge detail before gluing together) glue together and wrap into a circle then glue together the ends) Cut a fun shape for the center add a cute button and voila!
 Pretty Wall Art!

Here are some papers I found that I thought would be fun to use.

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

TOO DIE for Confections on ETSY~




Oh my! Where do I begin? Andie's Specialty Sweets on Etsy is a Shop that is absolutely Candy-licious! They specialize in creating made-to-order edible embellishments and decorative candy. Everything is hand sculpted, hand molded, hand poured. Most of their items are made to order and once you visit this candy confection emporium on Etsy you will understand why. I was literally awe stuck at the detail. So real you would have to think twice about eating a button or seashell chocolate.

The Sea Shell collection is divine.
Here are some pics of her masterpieces.
Don't let your eyes fool you, they can all be eaten.........eat away!

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Edible Sugar Fan Coral
Hard Candy Seaglass
Edible Chocolate Filled Candy Seashells
Yes! This can be eaten!!!

Hard Candy Seahorse Lollipops
Looks like miniature sculptures.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

It's ALWAYS Grillin' time in Southern California!

( Today I am recycling a post I wrote from last year at this time)

My husband and I love to grill. We must grill at least 4-5 times a week, all year round. When you live in a Mediterranean climate like ours here in Orange County, your oven is rarely used and your grill is always hot and ready to go! Tonite is Taco Nite, Baja Light Fish Tacos. They are so yummy I have the recipe below. One of my favorite magazines (I subscribe to) is SUNSET. I got this recipe from the September 2010 issue. Now go fire up the grill!

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Baja Light Fish Tacos~

Grilled instead of deep-fried, and with a trimmed-down tartar sauce.

Special touch: Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce

The Fish & Tortillas:
1 tbsp. ancho chile powder ( you can find it in the spice aisle at Safeway)
2 tsp. dried Mexican oregano ( again at Safeway)
1/4 tsp. each kosher salt & pepper
1-1/2 lbs. boned, skinned Pacific Cod (any white fish will do)
1 tbsp. olive oil
12-14 corn tortillas (warmed on the grill is best!)

1.Heat grill to high (450-550). Combine seasoning in a small bowl. Set fish on a rimmed baking sheet. Rub all over with oil, then sprinkle with seasonings. Oil cooking grate, using tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels.
2.Grill fish, covered, turning once, until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total. Break fish into large chunks. Fill tortillas with slaw and fish. Serve with tartar sauce.

THE FIXINGS

Cabbage and Cilantro Slaw:
Put 3 tbsp. lime juice, 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1/4 tsp. red chile flakes, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt in a large bowl. Just before serving, toss with 1 bag (10 oz.) very finely shredded cabbage and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce:
Seed and devein 2 tbsp. canned chipotle chiles (hispanic food aisle at Safeway); rinse. in a blender, puree chiles, 8 oz. (1 cup) plain low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, and 1/4 cup chopped onions.

I am not a calorie counter but if you would like to know.........
Per taco with 1 tbsp. sauce: 151 Calories

Monday, May 14, 2012

Safe Sunning -


If you are headed for the beach this Memorial Day keep the following 10 tips in mind so you enjoy the Sun without the burn. 
Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon 




1. The sun's rays are at their strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. That's when the most skin damage can occur, so beware! For optimal safety, catch your rays in the early morning hours or late afternoon.

2. Make sure to apply sunscreen a full 20 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun. That allows the lotion enough time to absorb into your skin.

3. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is preferred. Lotions with an SPF of 30 protect you from roughly 97% of the sun's damaging UVB rays, and you can remain in the sun 15 times longer than other SPFs without risk of getting burned.

4. Use sunscreen liberally! Seriously. Pay close attention to areas that can really get hammered by the sun, such as your shoulders, chest, upper back, and nose.

5. Protect your eyes. Make sure to stay away from reflective or mirrored shades, because they can potentially intensify the sun's rays and damage your eyes. Wraparound sunglasses with 100% UVA are ideal.

6. Double-check the medications you're taking. Some antibiotics, diuretics, acne medications, and antidepressants can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Also, be aware that many people remain sensitive to the sun for quite some time after they have discontinued use of their medication.

7. Stay shady. Shadows are your friend, particularly if the sun is really taking a wallop out of you. Take regular breaks from catching some rays, especially on scorching hot days.


8. Get to know the UV Index. It provides essential information to plan your fun in the sun while preventing overexposure to the heat. You can find the UV Index online or in select newspapers. If there's a higher number, limit your time on the beach, or opt for extra skin protection that day.



9. Location, Location, Location. Be aware that your chances of getting burned are exponentially greater if you're surrounded by reflective surfaces such as water and sand -- so protect yourself any way you can when heading off to the beach, where you'll be surrounded by both.

10. Reapply your lotion often. It seems obvious enough, but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it -- even after an extended stay in the ocean. A general rule of thumb is to reapply your suntan lotion every two to three hours for maximum protection.

Protect your skin and have fun at the beach! 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Happy Mother's Day Mama ~

This is the 6th Mother’s day without you Mama. I miss you and think about you every day. Every year since your passing this is probably one of the hardest day’s to get past. Your birthday and Christmas were always special but Mother’s Day was just one of those day’s that was about celebrating what you meant to us, your family as a Mother. The unconditional love you gave your entire life still lives on. We talk about you often, sometimes laughing at memories and sometimes crying that you are so missed. You walk in the clouds now Mama, no worries, no pain, and I know that your love still lives on in each one of us.

 Love you always,
Sharon


  

Super Sewing Saturday! Sew much to do...Sew little time~

Greetings from my Sewing Studio! I have so much sewing to do this weekend that I will have to forgo writing a post today. Oh wait a minute! I guess I am blogging!!!

Be back tomorrow~
Thanks for taking a peek!
Sharon :0)

Friday, May 11, 2012

FANTASTIC Finds Friday !

I love to explore the internet and catalogs for fun and unique coastal accessories for my home. Some may be a bit kitschy but nevertheless useful and add whimsy. Below are some that I must have, like the Melamine Outdoor Plates and others that I want but have to find a place for first, like the Nautical Anchor! Check them all out and let me know which one's are your favorite.

Thanks for taking a peek ~
Sharon :0)

Beach House Towel Rack
$59
HomebytheSeashore.com
Wood Decorative Anchor
$29
HomebytheSeashore.com



Melamine Sealife Salad Plates
$8 each
TuvalaHome.com

Scrimshaw Side Plates
$9 each
TuvalaHome.com

Seafarer's Rope Ottoman
$325
NauticalLuxuries.com

Starfish Jacquard Bath Towels
$10-30
PotteryBarn.com
Seaglass Letters & Initials
$36 each
HomebytheSeashore.com