Palaces of Portugal

If you ever have a chance to go to Portugal, you will definitely find out that, everywhere you go, at every turn you make, you will stumble upon a palacio. Palaces are abundant, and the architectural details, including intricate statues and numerous murals of tiles - called azulejos - are absolutely breathtaking! The incredible growth of palaces were a true testimony to the riches brought by our important role in the discoveries and our claim to new territories... The royalty who ruled Portugal for nearly 1100 years - until the early 20th century - occupied many of these palaces, and left a tremendous heritage that can still be enjoyed today: many of these palacios have become pousadas, wonderful bed and breakfasts that very often feature the best Portuguese cuisine available in the country!!! If you ever make plans to visit Portugal, drop me a line and I will be more than happy to give you some wonderful recommendations!!!

In love with....

... Designer Carolyn Quartermaine!!


As I found myself, on an impulse, searching online for script fabrics, I stumbled upon Carolyn's designs. I fell in love with her soft color palette and romantic feel... I especially adore her script fabrics!! Carolyn has been featured in many magazines and has been the recipient of prestigious design awards... Her European influence tugs at my heartstrings and makes me daydream!!! So pretty!!





















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No longer a soldering virgin...

I was invited by my friend Sheila for a day of crafting, together with Joy, Lisa and Jan. This was my first attempt at soldering, something I have always wanted to do but never had the chance, so I was excited!!! Excited but very intimidated! I could not make a decision on what I wanted to collage for a good half hour (yes, I am a perfectionist and it is hard for me to just "go with the flow"...). Even after it was all done, I kept thinking that I could have done a much better job, but, nevertheless, I am very happy with my work!! Thank you so much, Sheila, for opening your beautiful home (all all the supplies we needed!) for a fun and productive day!!!

Joy found a page from an old ledger with dates that represent important birthdates in her family!!!

Lisa's darling house/Christmas ornament!!

I thought I would include some of my latest finds, not much time lately for thrifting but always time to find a few treasures!!!

I bought this darling canvas from Kathleen, it is not old but it looks like it is!!!

Love this old wood folding chair with its chippy pink paint!

A wonderful framed shadow box...

... And a gorgeous addition to my old celluloid box collection found at a local flea market!!

The Pink Glove Dance

Here is something I am sure will bring a smile to your face!!! This video was filmed right here in Portland, at the St. Vincent Hospital, for Breast Cancer Awareness... Start dancing!!

Snowflake Tutorial!!

Remember this adorable snowflake I bought a couple of weeks ago? Karoline, from Cherished Vintage, has posted a tutorial on how to make them, they are so much easier than I thought!!! I'm headed to my paper stash right now, can't wait to get started!!!

My space at Stars!

My small wall space at Stars is up and running, if you are in the area make sure to stop by and visit!! The address for Stars is 7027 SE Milwaukie Av., Portland OR 97214.

Cookie Smorgasbord at Laurie's!!!

Sunday Lisa and I had a wonderful time at Laurie's Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange and came home with a wonderful sampling of delicious cookies (and a belly full of sugary treats!). Laurie's country home is truly beautiful and we had a great time visiting with old friends and meeting new ones!! Thank you Laurie for inviting us, we had so much fun! As for those cookies we all took home, well, let's say my children have left a few crumbles in the box....

I made my palmiers and drizzled them with chocolate...

After sampling the wonderful cookies and voting for our favorites, the following winner cookies took the prize for best tasting!!

Triple Chocolate Pomegranate Cookies

(chocolate categorie)

2 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped dark chocolate-covered pomegranate poms (Costco has them!)

Mix wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

Maple cookies

(non-chocolate categorie)

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1 egg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

Cream butter, shortening and both sugars together. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Roll dough into small balls and place on cookie sheet. Pat cookies down to about 2 inches across. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes. Do not over-bake. Remove from pan and cool. Frost with maple glaze.

Maple glaze:

Melt 1/4 cup butter until golden brown. Blend in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and a few drops of maple flavoring. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water until icing spreads smoothly.