Scenes From A Birthday

My mother treated Mr. Sweet Pea and I to a lovely lunch at the Gaylord Palms Resort for my birthday. This place is unbelievable. All situated under a huge glass dome, there are multiple restaurants, bars, shops, the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa, and lush tropical settings to explore. And of course there is the resort itself. Take a tour with me...

The herb garden just outside the restaurant we dined at.


The view up to the dome from where we sat.


Beautiful tropical setting.


A cute little cabin tucked among the vegetation where you could sit.




Under the wooden walkway.


Can you see the gators on the rock?




A tunnel to explore.


The dome. Unbelievable.


Beautiful rock formations.


The turret at the castle modeled after the one in St. Augustine FL.


Gorgeous driftwood nestled among the plants.


Look at this moss covered seating near the restaurant.


Enter Key West--one of the restaurants.


The boat where you can dine or just hang out and have a drink.


There's even a beach...

Saratoga Style - Part Two!

Here are some additional photos from my North Broadway tour. It is hard to believe that these houses were originally built as summer residences. Saratoga is known for it's world class thoroughbred race track and many of these houses were owned by summer track patrons. The first three photos are of a newer house. I decided to include them as the owners did such a beautiful job of reflecting the existing architecture of the surrounding homes.

The Big 5~0 And I Don't Mean Hawaii Baby

So it's official... I am 50 today!! How did this happen?? And thanks AARP for rubbing it in. No really, just kidding! I feel the same at 50 as I did at 30 (in my head). And I decided a while back that I would look at this as a turning point to start living my life to its fullest potential~~push myself a little~~see where I can take myself~~get a discount at the drive thru. So cheers everyone, here's to being 50 and FABULOUS!!!!!

I'd Rather Be In Paris

After participating in the swap that Mary from VINTAGE PATINA recently hosted, I organized my own called I'd Rather Be In Paris (wouldn't we all?). Yesterday I received my package from my partner~the lovely Lauri~of 2CHIPPYS. Nestled among the shredded paper and bubble wrap were these goodies....

Not one but two brown transferware pitchers, and three brown transferware saucers (Lauri knows I love these), 2 linen towels with a pretty fleur de lis stamp on them, a fab cork covered journal, a black beaded rosary, and two adorable little fabric pictures of Frenchy mademoiselles.

Merci Lauri! I hope to post about the other participants swap goodies as they send me their links, so please check back.

Hugs,
Shelley

WHITE WEDNESDAY

So I discovered a blog this evening called FADED CHARM and KATHLEEN was lovely to include me in what she calls WHITE WEDNESDAY. What with the sun setting and all, the lighting was bad for pics, so I had to resort to the archives. Doubt that you'll be disappointed though~cause who does WHITE better than Marburger Farms dealers?



TOT


JUDY HILL


TERRI SQUYRES


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


ME


ME

Saratoga Style - Part One

Today I took a walk up North Broadway, one of the most scenic and historic streets in Saratoga. I brought along my camera and took the following pictures. With so many beautiful houses I have a hard time picking a favorite. Hope you enjoy the sights as much as I did!

Look What I Got!

I recently participated in a swap hosted by Mary of VINTAGE PATINA. The theme was "It's About Time" and swap items were to have a "time" or numbers feel. I love clocks and old numbers so I thought I would join in. I was lucky enough to have Mary herself as my swap partner and look what arrived on my doorstep yesterday... A cool suede backgammon case ( how brilliant to use it as a gift box!) chock full of cool stuff! Old flashcards, playing cards, an awesome clock, old tape measures, hand-made gift tags, a charm that says "antiquer", watch faces, old bottle caps with numbers inside, an old knob, a cute as a button flashlight, a ruler and an old metal tag. Mary, you really outdid yourself and I love it all!! Lucky girl that got her for the "I'd Rather Be In Paris" swap I am hosting!!! Thanks Mary!!!