KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

Thank you to Pamela from http://www.ladypamelascottage.blogspot.com/ for sharing this award with me! Being new to this blogging world I am excited to take part in the fun! So here we go...The rules that go with this award require listing 7 things you love that show your creativity, then link back to the person who gave you the award and pass it along to 7 other bloggers!

My 7 Creative Things

1) I love to salvage and treasure hunt for something old and discarded and make it useful and beautiful!

2) I have to say that I am quite creative in telling stories to my children so that it is not too obvious that I am sending them a "MESSAGE" or teaching them a "LIFE LESSON".

3)It is my PASSION to create beautiful and practical spaces in my own home and also to share my ideas with others.

4) My mind seems to be a constant buzz with new ideas, new ventures and with dreaming up ways to make a difference in the world.

5) I want to be creative in my BLOG layout and I hope to take some time to learn! (see, I even changed the colour...there is no stopping me now!)

6) I am constantly exercising my creativity by finding better ways to be organized!

7) My shop "THE PASSIONATE HOME" is a constant outlet for my creativity. I want to offer 'ALL THINGS WONDERFUL", unique and eclectic; focusing of local artisans and the three "R's", RECLAIM~RESTYLE~REDECORATE!

Thanks again Pamela! Have a great day!

THE FARM CHICK ANTIQUE SHOW IN SPOKANE

Road trip anyone? Mike and I hit the road Friday morning with our new GPS programed to our hotel in Spokane Washington. I really wanted to go to the Farm Chicks Antique Show and I missed out last year, so this year, nothing was going to stop me! Nothing but our GPS that told us to make a legal U turn as soon as possible....we had not even crossed the border yet! A stop for a map, a few wrong turns, a beer in Leavensworth and nine hours later, we arrive! We park next to a car that has its windows painted "Farm Chicks or Bust". I am thinking this trip is more of a Thelma and Louise trip then an opportunity to reconnect with your husband kind of trip! We arrived to find we are the guests of the day and are upgraded to a suite!!! Hot tub anyone?? I am thinking my feet will need the jets after the show. I don't think that is what Mike was thinking!! A quick bite to eat and it is off to bed to rest up for the big day!

.: Well, we arrived at 9am Saturday morning, one full hour before the doors open and look where we are in this line up!!!!! Lucky for Mike, we scored a good parking spot! I think by 4:30pm he had made just a few trips to the car!!!

They have opened the gates, it must be almost 10am!

I just loved this little stool and when I went back for it, it was gone!!! But, I did bring home one that was even better!!!!

Girls just wanta have fun!!

Mike said that I had to leave this guy behind. Maybe next time!

So many beautifully decorated booths!

These ladies use moss in weird and wonderful ways. Here they have framed it! They also used moss to cover lampshades and chandeliers!

DINING IN SPOKANE

We enjoyed fresh seafood with the best view dining in Spokane! Anthony's is overlooking the grandeur of the upper Spokane Falls. Before dinner we walked over the bridge that you can see in the picture.

On our last night in Spokane we enjoyed an after dinner coffee and dessert at Madeleine's Cafe & Patisserie in the heart of Downtown Spokane. WOW, what a treat! French decor, very friendly service and yummy treats, a perfect end to the evening. Madeleine's has been open just one year and is run by a mother and daughter team. They open in the morning with warm pastries and locally roasted coffee. Serving a full on breakfast, lunch and dinner, this bustling cafe is a must to experience when visiting Spokane. For more info visit www.madeleines-spokane.com

LAGUNA BEACH CALIFORNIA

WELCOME TO LAGUNA BEACH

Cottage Furnishings on the South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is a must for anyone who loves coastal seaside living.

The store is right accross from the water and is just full of amazing decor.

A fun mix of old, new and locally crafted!

Look at these beautiful seaside pillows!

I just loved this table!

BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

My sister knows what I like and boy did I like!!! If you are ever in San Juan Capistrano you must visit "WHIM FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN". These photos are just of the entrance. Upon entering the building you can tour through room upon room of beautifully decorated spaces. I was truly inspired! The staff was friendly (and not just because I am Canadian) and I just had to make a small purchase just to see how lovely they packaged up my treasure. (When you own a store, you find these things very interesting!)

THE RITZ-CARLTON

I always have my eyes open for vintage chandeliers for the store, but I don't think this one will fit in my suitcase! WOW, it's beautiful!

This is the view from our table at lunch. If you look closely you can see the surfers. Gee, I hope it isn't raining at home!

This is a sample of one of the many bouquets that lined the halls of The Ritz. These roses sit in 3.5' clear vases so that the bouquets are at the perfect height for enjoying their scent.

Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point California! During my recent visit to see my sister and her family, I was treated to lunch at "THE RITZ"! Upon entering the drive of this fine establishment, we were met by a handsome young man who parked our car! (Something that usually happens when I go to work each day!) Another tanned body opened the grand doors to the hotel. This photo is what you would see upon entering. We are headed straight down to the end and to the left for lunch!

LOVE DOVES

This little love bug was nesting in my sister's planter box outside her kitchen window. She (the dove, not my sister) would sit on her eggs dutifully until the father of her children would arrive in a swoop and they would carefully change positions so that the mommy could go and find food and stretch her legs. It was really something exciting to watch the dance of these two dove's as they shared the load of parenthood. Soon, three babies appeared and the dance continued day and night to keep their newborns safe and well fed. The beauty of mother nature!