More Color . . . Less Words

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

It was a perfect Sunday for Easter.
Bright, budding and . . . beautiful.
Such a glorious day leaves one speechless.
So today, I’ll leave the words to you,
and simply share some color

Two simple bunches of flowers

Alstroemeria

Lilies

TIPS:
1. For longer lasting flowers; when choosing Alstroemeria, find bunches with buds just starting to open. The flowers will appear narrow . . . not fat and fully open; when choosing Lilies, choose stems that have at least one or two blooms partially or nearly fully opened, and buds beginning to burst. Small, very tight, green buds often will never open.
2. Trim stems to your desired length, always cutting at a slight angle.
3. Remove unecessary leaves that will be below the water line and/or not showing.
4. Change water every other day or so when in a standing vase (clipping stems tips again, slightly). For more permanent arrangements, just be sure that water is added when needed to keep it at a consistent level.
5. Always use COLD water.

I hope this helps start your week right.
Until next time, try not to stress too much, just start something.
Glad you stopped by and remember, comments are ALWAYS appreciated

Later – Cheryl

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This original article “More Color … Less Words” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation.

What Happens In This Vid May Shock You…Unfortunately It May Not.

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

From “THE EDITORS JOURNAL”, an open commentary blog that I follow. As I posted there, this is a WORLDWIDE problem. It is NOT something NEW. It has been happening for centuries . . . and will continue to happen for ………………………………………………………………………………….. Get the Point?

What Happens In This Vid May Shock You…Unfortunately It May Not..

Monday Menagerie

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All. How was your weekend? Ours was pretty darn GOOD!

But now, here’s . . . . . . . MONDAY!
It’s cold but bright.
Hey, sunny’s good, right!?
While outside is fine
inside’s not sublime.

Our weekend was all “home-time” and no “house-time”. So today, UH OH, the place is a little messy – make that a LOT messy. Fortunately, I’m in a cleaning/organizing mood and ready to attack! Problem is I also wanted to sneak in a short post today. But about what?

This morning my many emails were FULL OF COLOR, no matter the subject.

So I’ll continue that theme and say . . .
Welcome to MENAGERIE MONDAY
With color, color everywhere.
The subject . . . well, we just won’t care.
I’m cleaning Picture files, so sharing from there.

PRETTY PENS

BRIGHT SUPPLIES

FLOWERS

SOME WEEDS

AND WINTER SKIES

Finally, MY SWEETEST COMPANIONS in a colorful FALL room

I hope your past weekend was fun.

Friday was included in mine this time, because it was the first day in three weeks that I went out & about on my own, after the March Mishap. Don’t worry though, I didn’t overdo. I did get some shopping in. Went to two thrift stores. Then a bit of daydreaming at our local SHOPKO and on the way home, I hit Mickey D’s drive-thru. (It’s right across the lot from Shopko . . . SO convenient!) My newest MD foodie craves are their “Chicken-Bacon-Cheddar” sandwich and those tasty strawberry cream pies, accompanied by a small fries, of course.

Saturday and Sunday duplicated lots of resting and reflecting. There were plenty “together” moments . . . but enough time for our separate “me” projects too; Hubs in his workshop and I in my office.

Oh, and we saw all our favorite Sunday night PBS shows! That’s a big deal around here! 

That’s about it for today. Just one more thing to say . . . don’t stress, just start something.

And REMEMBER . . . I love comments, so keep them coming!
PRETTY PLEASE 🙂

Later – Cheryl
P.S. Ok, Ok, so I’ll never make Poet Laureate 😦 (Geez, I hope I spelled laureate right)

***
This original article “Monday Menagerie” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation.

Such a “girly” Girl

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Gracie Mae is our “girly” girl.

Quite the fashionista . . . she’s always up with the latest looks.

She absolutely adores white shoes . . . and has several pairs.

Gray and pink are trademark colors for Grace . . . in attire AND accessories.
That scarf goes so nicely with your gorgeous fur coat, Grace.

Leopard print is a fabric of choice so, she had a special throw designed.
Ooh, Gracie . . . how chic!

As a true Minnesotan, Grace loves every little bit of sunlight, so she puts her favorite chair right by the window. Clever arrangement here, as she can sun and attend to her important guard dog duties, simultaneously.

Wonderful planning, GM.

Always ahead in the decor game too, our gal constantly surrounds herself with home style magazines, and loves all mom’s design books.

Traditional Home is one of her most loved suscriptions.

SPECIAL NOTE HERE: The photo above had a second shot as well, with Grace laying on top of a pile of magazines. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out . . . because I climbed up into the upholstered chair to take it from a different angle . . . but all I took was . . . a terrible fall to the floor. In mid air, just as I said "Whew, I could have hit my head on the piano!" . . . I smashed my back into a metal based ottoman(with very little padding left on top).

LONG STORY SHORT . . . I cracked two ribs, and laid there on the floor, while calling Hubs home from work, for yet another ER trip. Positives to be taken from this. 1. I have sworn off climbing up on anything (at least when I’m the only one home). 2. This pain, while very uncomfortable, is much easier to tolerate than lower back and disk pain. Oh yes, #3. Hubs got off of work!

But now . . . back to Gracie’s story.

Grace is also very economical and environmentally minded. Her favorite toys are the tubes from TP and Paper towels.

Good girl, GM . . . reuse, recyle!

But absolute proof of our “girly girl” claims . . .

Gracie Mae hates mornings!! AHhhh!

Every morning when she hears me coming down the hall . . .

she tries pretending she’s still asleep . . . thinking I’ll go away and leave her alone.

The ploy never works though.

Yah yah . . . OK . . . I'm awake."

But she doesn’t fret for too long . . .

. . . just finds another spot where the sun’s better anyway!

So there you have it . . . the tough and tragic life of Gracie Mae.

Being a good mom, not to be unfair and mean, one day soon, I’ll share Fozz’s routine.

Until then, stay safe, stay positive and . . . don’t stress, just start something.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Such a “girly” Girl” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation.

Enough Already!

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Enough with winter already.

Since November, it’s been snow . . .

and Snow . . .

and MORE SNOW

We live in Minnesota, an hour northwest of the Twin Cities. We’ve had 37″ of snow so far and our average amount at this date is 21″ or so.

It’s still only February, so we know that means . . . “it ain’t done yet!”

It isn’t a monster below . . . it’s my Mister . . . after digging out.

Digging out his truck that was stuck for two days in a 4′ drift at the top of the driveway.
Digging out the propane tank so they can deliver the 175 gallons of gas at a $595.16 cost.
Digging out a space to start the snowblower and find the rest of the driveway.

They say you can’t avoid death, taxes . . . or the weather.

Well, we’re healthy.
We already filed taxes and will even get a bit of a refund.
The snowblower works fine, and winter does have to end . . . sometime . . . RIGHT?

So, we’re trying to brighten up our spaces a bit. I put a new runner and scarf on the table, brought out vases in those colors and put a few houseplants in them.

Do you think it helped a little? Even so, it’s not enough!

Problem is, now I don’t like all our brown and beige walls. That’s a pretty big problem too, because I just painted those walls last year around this time. Hey, I love new paint, I just don’t love putting it on the walls!

And I keep seeing all these other wonderful colors everywhere.

Leslie over at the SEASONED HOMEMAKER brighten up with some pretty new toss pillows. Leslie’s great at sewing though . . . me, not so much!

Look at this recent HOUZZ update. BECKY DIETRICH, HOUZZ Contributor is one of my favorite writers over there.

Centsational Girl, is into blues, grays and all kinds of fun today, TAILORED TOUCHES TO THE MASTER bedroom.

I’ll need to be satisfied with daydreaming for a bit, as we have to handle that propane bill first.

Are you fending off winter blahs? Let me know how, because YOU KNOW I love hearing from you! Meantime, stay warm, stay safe and . . . don’t stress, just start something!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “ENOUGH ALREADY” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and/or accreditation.

I Dare You Not to Cry

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

I follow a fantastic blog called ANY SHINY THING by Lynne Spreen. It’s geared towards “mid-lifers” but this post is wonderful for any age. Bet it gives you goosebumps!

As always, don’t stress too much, just start something! All you snow bound readers – like us 😦 stay home, stay safe, stay warm.

Now, click this link

I Dare You Not to Cry.

Later – Cheryl

MICHAEL’S & hometalk . . . Sunday, PINTEREST Event

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Hey, don’t miss the MICHAELS and hometalk PINTEREST EVENT . . . tomorrow at your closest Michaels store.
Sunday, February 16, 1 pm – 4 pm at all stores

Don’t just pin it, make it your own. Check out their Pinterest-inspired displays, buy your supplies and meet in their classroom to create your own pin-worthy project.

I have to miss this one, but will be following up on PINTEREST, and with some of my followers/bloggers who are demonstrating in their cities. Leslie over at the SEASONED HOMEMAKER, and Karen from DOGS DON”T EAT PIZZA will be at their particular stores.

Pooped out from all the super SITS blogging this past week, and still in the midst of trying to spruce up Artzzle and get the word out, I’m taking a break from posts for a few days. My mind is on Inspiration and Information OVERLOAD . . . so am stepping back for a breather.

Yeah, yeah . . . I know Valentine’s are so yesterday, but there’s one more YOU HAVE TO READ. It’s hilarious and will be appreciated . . . whatever the date. Just look at the title (if you don’t believe me) VALENTINE’S CARDS, KMART and MY UNDERWEAR

Photo Courtesy of EXQUISITELY UNREMARKABLE

Hey now . . . even Hubs was cracking up over this one! Be sure to tell Kim that you stopped over there from Artzzle.

As always, I’m so glad you spent some time with me today.
And remember, try not to stress about it, just start that project!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “MICHAELS & hometalk Sunday PINTEREST Event” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Thursday Thoughts . . . Just Sayin’ . . .

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

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Hi All.

Wow, are you going to love the Thursday Thoughts post today. But first, I have to confess . . . my mini marathon wasn’t supposed to be quite as mini as it turned out. But it is SITS girls week and I have been so busy mailing out and answering back tons of comments. If you’re wondering “what the heck is SITS girls . . . find out HERE at this LINK.

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Anyhoo . . . on this Thursday, since I have been showered with so many great posts lately, I wanted to share just one or two of my favorites with you. Just sayin’ . . . they’re REALLY good so you should check em’ out.

Photo Courtesy of Thistlewood Farms

KariAnne over at Thistlewood Farms, has such a lighthearted, fun way of expressing herself. But this latest post touched my heart in a special way and brought back memories of two wonderful people in my life. I just had to send her a comment. I know you’ll enjoy her piece called “A LANGUAGE ALL THEIR OWN”

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Photo Courtesy of RTA Studios

RTA Studio’s blog “SENSE OF PLACE” sends me a little newsletter called “Knock Knock”. Whether an experienced homeowner, newly venturing into real estate or still in the daydreaming stage, you’ll find architect Richard Taylor’s insights and experiences fun and informative. As a former Real Estate agent, I enjoy keeping in touch with the “home industry” and his point of view is always interesting. This week’s piece is . . . The “Peanuts” Guide To Finding An Interesting Home.

Photo Courtesy of RTA Studios

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Truly, I follow some pretty great blogs. But there are always more out there to explore. Here’s one of my recent discoveries.

There are those of us who know a little bit about a lot of things, right? Well, I’d say Cher with DESIGNS BY STUDIO C knows an awful lot about most any project she tackles. We found this article helpful.

Ladies . . . even Hubs likes this site. It’s one we can enjoy together. Seriously, so check it out.

Photo Courtesy of Designs by Studio C

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When you were a kid did you like the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears? Me – not so much. Don’t you think Goldy was a doofus to go snooping in a stranger’s house?

Photo courtesy of Adventures of Goldilox

Well, this week I discovered a Goldilocks that I do like, and I bet you will too.
I found someone I could really relate to over at ADVENTURES OF GOLDILOX

This Goldi is a military spouse (so was I), has a fantastic sense of humor (me too . . . well, at least I think so) and she seems willing to try just about any project (even more so than me). I couldn’t ask for more, but I bet you’ll like her too, so buzz on over there.

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Hey now, I have to sign off. Still have to finish my little Valentine Treat basket surprises for my neighborhood kids. I’ll post a pic of it soon.

Oh yes, PLEASE & THANK YOU for visiting these blogs and telling them you found them at my place! It’s helps us both.

Meanwhile, remember not to stress too much, just start that project!
Later – Cheryl

This original article “THRUSDAY THOUGHTS … JUST SAYIN’” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Only One Resolution

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

These New Year’s Wishes are late, but everything holiday was dismantled and packed away extra early. We had a nice lunch and afternoon with family during Christmas week, but it was not held here at our house. Nor was it the previous Christmas, and that made me a bit sad. Even though our decorations were minimal, everything was cleared and back to normal before January 1st. I did take time to sort and store items nicely though, because things were a mess from the previous take down! Now our crawl space looks great and everything is even labeled.

So it’s January 2014. Besides being weeks of nasty weather, January feels like a “pushy” month to me. We’re always being pushed or pressured to do something. You know what I mean. Make resolutions … lose weight … organize … clean … yaduh, yaduh, yaduh. It’s on TV, in the papers, online and well, just about everywhere. “It’s a new year! Do this, organize that. Make that list of resolutions!”

Well, even though being a dedicated list maker, I’ve only made one resolution this year.
1. Never make another new year’s resolution ever again … NEVER.

Admit it. We all know what we need to do, should do and want to do. And really, aren’t we all fairly sure about which of those will or won’t get done?

EXACTLY.

I’m officially making 2014 my “Trying” year … not trying as in perplexing …
but trying as in attempting.

In 2014 I’m going to try to –
Forget …………. YESTERDAY
Not worry about …. TOMORROW
Make the most of … TODAY
Stay …………… POSITIVE

My word of the year is “Simplify” and I’ll try to employ it in all possible circumstances.

And as for lists, at this stage and age, I’m dropping a few, at least the long TO DO lists. Hey it’s time consuming to make those big old lists. Yes, it does feel good when a task gets crossed off. But if everything isn’t done by the end of day, it’s just frustrating and the guilt builds, cancelling any earlier accomplishments. No more long lists for me!

So here’s my little NEW YEAR’S PROJECT.

Remember how I LOVE the color orange? Well, this little beauty popped right out while going down Wal-Mart’s clearance section. Just the right sized notebook, with a zipped storage pocket and three separated sections of paper. Even better, it had a $1 price tag.

IRRESISTABLE. Had to have it!

Now, following my 2014 plan, The book is titled Things of TODAY, and each section is simple as well.

1. Things DONE to jot down everything I accomplished that day. (It feels better to me, writing down what I did, not looking at what I didn’t do.)
2. Things DREAMED. Here I note ideas, daydreams and little thoughts of the day.
3. Things POSITIVE. I enter at least three positive events from the day; not accomplishments, but simple things … something that made me smile … a wonderful memory recalled … a phone call to or from a friend.

Notebook and pen come out only once daily, in the evening while relaxing before bedtime.
I have no rules or requirements, except to date each/any entry. If a day or two is missed, that’s fine.

SO FAR … SO GOOD!

How have you decided to approach 2014? Let me know. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing this with friends.

As always, try not to stress, but just start something.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Only One Resolution” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

A Different Feel to Christmas

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi, All.

Yes, IT REALLY IS only two weeks till Christmas Day.

Sounds like ours will a quiet holiday, just the two of us, with a small family celebration between the 25th and New Years. It was that way last year too, and just fine.

The entire season seems somehow different this year. I’m not sure why. The cold and snow have been very severe quite early; Thanksgiving was later than usual; and a family member has been grouchy ever since. All of that may have contributed to this “off” feeling.

Even after pulling out the many tubs of Holiday decorations from the crawl space, neither of us wanted to tackle any big projects.

So … we didn’t.

We long ago discontinued the hours of conquering snowy fields for just the right tree to cut. It isn’t as fun without children along. The cold got colder as we got older, and the trees seemed to grow more heavy and difficult to transport each year..

Oh we still put a tree up this year. We have a very realistic and easy to assemble, artificial one now. There’s also a smaller, table tree in our family room that made the cut this year. Only because after last season, I wrapped it up in a big old plastic bag, ornaments and all, and found a spot for it on a garage shelf.

So … 1 – 2 – 3, it’s a done tree!

Most everything else is minimal. Some that know me are shocked that I left the hutch as-is. It’s fine with just a bit of sparkle added here and there. Although, I spruced up the top a bit, placing this old yule santa next to the plants there.

Isn’t he adorable? He was a gift from my daughter-in-law (to-be) last Christmas.

For the table, DB brought a big glass bowl up. I washed it, added a live poinsetia plant, and filled around it with more sparkle.

The table covering is simply a long piece of wrapping paper for festivity, a remnant of silky green fabric for a little depth and texture, and a red plastic charger plate Jessica also gave me last year.

The big tree takes center stage in the living room, so the credenza moves to the hall wall. All I did here was … you guessed it … add some sparkle to an existing arrangement. I just used pieces in the vignette that tied in to the colors of the painting above.

I took a different direction in my office/workroom. I worked with the colors already there. More sparkle was added to the window group.

Then after clearing my bulletin board, I prettied it up with similar colors.

Well, there ARE still two weeks to add a few more little things.

Next post, I’ll share some “Make-Do”, pretty ideas … all done on NO BUDGET and VERY LITTLE TIME.

Meanwhile, stay warm, stay safe … and don’t stress, just start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “A Different Feel to Christmas” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Category Archives: Chat

More Color . . . Less Words

What Happens In This Vid May Shock You…Unfortunately It May Not.

Monday Menagerie

Such a “girly” Girl

Enough Already!

I Dare You Not to Cry

MICHAEL’S & hometalk . . . Sunday, PINTEREST Event

Thursday Thoughts . . . Just Sayin’ . . .

Only One Resolution

A Different Feel to Christmas

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