La Porte

Day 21:

Living in La Porte, Texas has some perks.  I thought I would share a place we frequent often. One really neat thing about this old town charm is no traffic!  

Today, I had to go down and check in on a job on the bay of La Porte and do some measuring, so, I just could not resist the urge to get some of my favorite food.

The first time we came to this restaurant, it was packed for breakfast.  It is really hard to find places that serve breakfast and this place offers it all day long.  Yesterday, AND today, Gary and I enjoyed their chirizo and eggs burritos.  They come with complimentary chips and dip.  If you really want to ramp up the flavor and splurge on the calories, you have to try one of their home made pralines.  Oh my goodness, fabulous! When dining in, we also love their pancakes.  It is something about their syrup that is over the top.

Here it is... El Ranchero, La Porte.

Had to get out of my bug and snap a shot.  Notice, no traffic on the road.  Nice.

Parked right in front of the door.

I got to do a little "catch up" at home today, cooked dinner tonight and now to do more sketches for my Commercial One class I am currently in at San Jac Central.

Here's a little peak of what that looks like, along with the designer and info.

16 done and 35 to go! Plus designer info.  It will be a great reference notebook when all done.

Not so painful as I have a love for chairs. 

Color Inspiration

Day 20:

Have a favorite outfit??  Did you know an entire room can be inspired from your favorite outfit with it's color combinations, textures and accessories.

How about a black leather sofa with a blue and white rug, a tangerine velvet club chair and a few gold accessories?  Just an example of what attracts you to purchase your favorite pieces for clothing you love best can be the very colors that you would fall in love with for a favorite space.  Notice, the photographer chose some hot pink in the background against the tangerine that makes an interesting combination to these colors.  A small dose of that color, which is unexpected could balance a really cool look and ramp up even more interest.

Just so you know, I think the nails completely ruins this look.  The color could work but I think not so long!

If I were interviewing a client and they said they wanted their space to look interestingly put together, tailored with a little bling, this would be a great inspiration for that space.

This too shall pass

Day:  Nineteen

I think at some time or another, we all have these days.  31 days with a decorator?  OK, day 19, life with a decorator....very tired.  Just one of those days having to do all you can do and still not enough.

I think I know how this little girl feels.  

Although dead tired, I am so thankful for the presence of my daughter who came and just sat by me as I was lying down taking a nap today.  Although, we had only bits of conversation, just knowing she was there beside me was so comforting.

Sometimes life is just a series of seasons.  We don't fret because we were not able to get it all done in one day.  We know that we will indeed make it through this season and we just keep working to press on.

I am thankful for another new client who found me on the internet.  We will meet this week to kick off a Master bedroom makeover.

Nite!

Surround yourselves...

Day 18:

What a privilege to be in the company of great people.  This is my pastor, wife, and old friends that are now becoming our music director and assistant pastor.  We are blessed to be on staff with greatness.  Thank you Pastor Jason and Kimberly Sciscoe and Kirt and Pam Denney for your lives of excellence.  

Returning today from Galveston, Texas, we enjoyed a great week end with fabulous teaching of guest speakers, Pam and Kirt Denney.  We are thrilled that they will be moving to Deer Park along with their talented two sons and becoming a part of our ministry team at the Church Triumphant.

Great just keeps getting better.

Simplicity

Day 17:

Want to know something a little weird about me?  When I ran across this pic on an Instagram post, it caught my eye.  I am not sure why, but the simplicity of certain things just seems to make life a little less complicated, I suppose.  

I also have a pretty good love affair with polka dots, stripes and geo prints.  In this case, maybe it is the circle, the simple face and the hearts here are just sweet.

Today, day seventeen, I will be planting some love into our marriage as Gary and I will be attending a Marriage Retreat in Galveston, Texas sponsored by The Church Triumphant, Pasadena.

Although married 40 years (!), building loving relationships in a marriage and any relationship is an ongoing project.

Simplify, Uncomplicated, Relaxed...message for this day.

Sleep

Day Sixteen:

Knowing I needed to keep my commitment to my 31 days of writing, my body is telling me I need to re-post an old blog entry on "Sleep".  

My schedule has been overwhelmingly busy and trying to get everything in a day has been challenging.  In spite of all there is on my agenda, I know I have to keep a balance and take care of #1.  That is me.  "Although family, business, clients, church work and home hits the priority list, the truth is, you are worthless to it all if you do not take care of yourself. " 

One of those "take care" factors that makes the priority list is indeed sleep.  I am just thinking I am not the only person who is reading this that needs this message.

      "You will be better for your family and all you do if you take care of number one...YOU."

“The best bridge between hope and despair is often a good night’s sleep.”

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the
bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

“How can my people expect healing, when they are violating the laws of diet and rest?”

When we are sleep deprived, life loses its luster and can leave us feeling exhausted. Our body needs good solid sleep every night. When we are unable to get the kind of sleep we need, this deprivation accumulates and can begin to create havoc in our daily lives. For example, a lack of sleep may leave you:

• unable to focus during the day
• tired and exhausted all the time
• irritable and short-tempered
• depressed or anxious
• more susceptible to colds, headaches, or allergies
• feeling vulnerable and less confident

Tips to get you a good night’s sleep:

1. Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Check for clutter, air quality, comfortable bed, sheets, comforter, noise level & cleanliness.

2. Drink milk before bedtime...it contains calming calcium, magnesium, and tryptophan.

3. A warm relaxing bath or shower.

4. Soothing herb tea.

5. No caffeine late in the day.

6. Don’t go to bed too early.

7. Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime.

8. Don’t go to bed angry.

9. Learn to fall asleep without the radio or TV on. Research has shown a radio or TV running while we are asleep will cause us to be more wakeful.

10. Using the stress management exercise is wonderful. Start with your feet, point, hold, relax, then pull your feet up, hold, then relax. Do this going up your body stretching, holding, then relaxing each muscle as you go up. Usually, by the time you are to your shoulders and neck, you are already asleep.

Good night. Hope you have a good night’s sleep.

End of 2015 Tax Returns

In four minutes as I write, will be the close of this season's tax returns.  Married to a tax preparer, I have learned the crucial deadlines people face to get it all in on Uncle Sam's close of business.

Needless to say, this day finished out a super busy one for Gary.  He just got a fabulous hand and arm massage from yours truly.  : )  

Three hours today in a Commercial College Class drawing out egress floor plans, then to Kast Fabrics for a client, answering emails, following up with contractors, etc.  and now I am ready to call it a day.

Just to add a little Fall inspiration to your day, I am posting a simple fall look.  Have a blessed day!