An Affaire to Remember-Flea Affaire

This past weekend I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the "Flea Affaire" held annually on a gorgeous estate in Granite Bay, CA.  The event is sponsored by the Patrons of Sierra College.

This was the 11th annual Flea Affaire and proved to be an amazing way to combine a charitable cause with style and beauty for all involved.  To have the opportunity to stroll through the private gardens of this Granite Bay estate while searching for treasures from purveyors of antiques, furniture, collectibles, and garden accents under azure blue skies accented by cool breezes--could one ask for anything more on a lovely Saturday?

Here is a slice of what I saw during my visit.  

If you are in the area, plan to attend next year for certain.

A chance to stroll through the gorgeous property AND browse some delightful booths!

Nautical Fun with Monkey Fists

I am beginning to see these popping up everywhere, are you?

These  beautiful balls of organized texture.

Stylish Window Treatments for under $150

Design Delimma:   

Seven large windows in need of coverings in rooms with nine and ten foot ceilings.

Budget: 

$0

 The house we moved into has many "big" projects waiting for funds to get started, so affording treatments for the windows in the house was not a part of the overall budget plan in the first year.

A Yearning for Urns

I remember when the attraction began....when my husband's job moved us from California to the South.  It was there that I was exposed to the beauty and character of older, Southern architecture and garden decor...and the classic urn stole my heart.

Urns like this beautiful 5 foot tall one in Jackson Square in New Orleans, 

Flowers from a friend

Often it is the smallest gestures that make your day...

A warm hug, a smile...

Or a sweet bouquet that feels like an extended version of both. :)

Pondering the Origins of "Re"

Lately I have been pondering these two little letters of the alphabet.  What an incredibly powerful pair they make together.  “re” holds such potential!  such strength! 

Think how the addition of this pair of letters alters the meaning of so many words.   Recycle, reuse, repurpose, renew…each of these implies a new beginning.  

And...what is the new year all about?—resolutions!   

To review, reinvent,  to reset or refresh or renew…provides a sense of a “do-over”. 

To begin again.  Have you ever wished there was a do-over button in life? 

Breath of Fresh Air

Points to ponder:
If you find that you can only visit your blog once a year...what does that mean?
If you find that it seems to be November when you are drawn to post...what does that mean?
If you decide to start a blog named Refresh & Renew and find that you do nothing related to this title in two years...should you a) change your life situation  or  b) change your blog name?  :o)

Facts: ....