Thursday Inspiration

Just random things I found outside my home which made me inspired the whole day...

A prototype of driftwood candle holder, scored from an import/export shop.  (Thanks to my dear friend, Doris, who brought me there.)  I like the natural shape, form and color, these wood has taken over time.

Mini "Quiapo" plants in the fountain.  Love the play of shapes and the reflection it creates on the water.

Jade plant that I'm trying to grow for Bianca's bathroom.  That explains why I planted it in a Winnie the Pooh tin can (from a Disneyland trip!)...Pooh is like Bianca's favorite character since forever!  Hope she never tires of Pooh!

Morning glory vine by the balcony of Raphael's bedroom.   Never thought I can grow this beautiful vine.  It's been producing flowers non stop.  Sometimes I want to think I do have a green thumb...but maybe not! ;-)  What things inspired you today?  Almost weekend!  Yay!  

I would love to hear your thoughts!

2011 Calendar

(I used a green satin ribbon to tie up all 12 pages and put a little sparkly button in the middle.)

Finally, my 2011 calendar!  I know.. the first month of 2011 is almost over, but you see,  I didn't get any nice calendar giveaway this year and it took sometime to choose from the several downloadable calendar in the blogworld.  Well, anyway, last night, I finally found the one that works for me.  Simple, pretty, perfect size and can be re-purposed after each month is over.  Yup!  You just have to cut the lower part where the calendar is and it's ready to be used as a card!  So if you don't have a calendar yet, check out this site and get your own free calendar!  The bonus is you'll get to spend sometime on this wonderful blog, and I assure you it will become one of your favorites from hereon.  That's what happened to me yesterday! :-) The blog owner is so nice to share this free downloads and believe me, this is one blog that will make you feel good and inspired after every visit.  (I purposely skip the blog's name as a surprise!) So go ahead and check it out...NOW!   :-)

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Depression Glass

This is my current favorite!  Depression Era glass.  If you are not familiar with it, these are glasses that were made during the Depression Era (1920s-1940s) in the US.  It is pressed glass and some are heavily patterned and embossed.  I have been on the lookout for these pretty  glasses and finally got one the other day. 

 Together with my dear friend, Doris, we went to an antique store in Marikina Shoe Expo (Cubao) and found this rare color depression glass and small plate.  I love the diamond and floral pattern on the glass; and the scroll and scallops on the plate.  (I did a little research on this pattern, but I cannot find this distinct pattern, all the more I'm convinced this is rare! :-)) Wish I can collect a set, but the store only got one glass and two plates.  I've seen a lot of these kind of glasses in amber, clear and pink, with bubble pattern.  But never in blue, so when I saw it, I just can't resist!  Simple joy!  And you know what made it even more special?  Take a closer look on the glass and you will see the initials CFA etched on it.  Only shows that the original owner seriously takes care of her ware.  Never saw a glass that is personally etched with initials.  I only know of silverware with the owner's name etched on it, like my auntie's.

Since I only  have one piece, and I want to see it all the time, I thought of using it as a vase which I placed on my study table.  (The Plumeria flowers and Iris leaves are from our garden.)  Pretty right?  One thing off my wish list!  But I wouldn't mind to have a cake tray! (You know how much I love them!)  How about you?  What have you been wanting to collect?

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Day Dream: Beach

This is what I'm dreaming of right now...

(Anvaya during the Xmas holidays)

and maybe a bit of aqua ballet :-)

(That's my god daughter, Nika showing off her pose!)

What are you dreaming of right now?  Have a lovely Thursday!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

My Baby is now a Lady

Dear God,

Today, I thank you as we celebrate Bianca's 15th Birthday!  Thank you for blessing us with such a beautiful daughter.    While most teenagers would party, go malling, and ask endlessly for the latest fashion and trends, our little Angel contents herself with hanging out with the family enjoying the simple joys of life.  Ice cream would put a big smile on her face.  A book can keep her company for hours.  Playing with her brother gives her joy.  Her violin, pretty notebooks, journals, multi-colored pens, books, are some of her treasure.  Thank you God, for a daughter who at an early age, has realized and chosen to live a simple life.  She is our little Ms. Sunshine. Never complains, never frowns, and always sensitive to the needs of others.  She continues to spread cheer, joy and love to  the people around her.  Please bless her and keep her safe.

We love you Angel Bianca!

Irene, Ferdie and Rapha

I would love to hear your thoughts!

1/11/11

I am finally back!  Yes! Things are going back to its normal routine at the Casa Insigne.  Actually it's been a week since kids and hubby were back to school and work.  But for me, it's not back to normal until all the Xmas decors are put away, house is cleaned and a bit of re-arranging tied up everything to its normal routine.

As decors were kept away, I felt the house slowly sigh with relief.  Like me, she too,  would miss the festive and colorful decors she cheerfully staged for the holidays.  But now, she would need a more relaxed breathing space.  So I went about cleaning, fixing and re-arranging some pieces in my house to usher in a serene, clean and simple interiors for the new year!

Knick knacks and all other small decors were put away, bigger and few pieces now adorn the living room.   The space is now more relaxed and feels very clean.   How about you? Have you cleaned and started a new look for your new home?

(Photo taken from a New Year party with some girlfriends, clever table styling, isn't it?)

I hope it's not too late to greet you a Happy New Year!  May you realize all your goals and dreams this 2011!  Be inspired with all the everyday blessings God has showered you.

I would love to hear your thoughts!