Baseball Memories

It's funny how the passion of your parents lives through you.  My dad Loved his country, TEXAS, the Longhorns, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, The Dallas Cowboys, and GOLF!!!!!!!!  I'm not sure when it happend, but that LOVE of sports and our Texas teams was fostered into me.  I Love Sports in general, but what I really LOVE are my Teams and my passion for them!

My dad and I went to countless Texas Rangers games.  I'm talking EVERY summer we were in Arlington going to Texas Rangers games - this was in the 1980s - Texas Rangers, WHO?!!!  Oh that team Nolan Ryan played for??!!  We Loved it! 

I can still remember games at the old Arlington Stadium where the Texas Rangers started playing.  When they started to build the new Ballpark I remember my dad watching and keeping track of the construction and progress.  I can still remember when they were giving tours during the construction phase.  Being a kid and standing out on the pitcher's mound.  Then when the Ballpark opened going to this GRAND NEW BALLPARK!!!  I remember watching Nolan Ryan pitch, at the time I didn't quite understand the whole concept, I knew he was good, but I don't think I realized I was watching HISTORY.

I don't know that I followed the baseball games as much as I just enjoyed the time.  My dad was the dad that went TO THE Game, but LISTENED to the game on his radio headphones!  I never understood it and called him out countless times.  But I kept myself entertained, stealing the binoculars, eating Lemon ice slushes, and clapping and chanting the baseball songs/chants!!!  It's a feeling, it's a memory, and it doesn't take much to transport myself back to those days.  I can recall specific conversations, I can recall specific pictures in my head from those days.  It's memories and feelings of being with my dad that I hope I NEVER Lose!!

Texas Rangers and the Ballpark are MY Dad!  I remember going to my first Rangers game after my dad died.  I can't describe the feelings I had.  But I can tell you something that happened at that first game I went to September 25, 2009 - we were sitting out in Left Centerfield.  Ian Kinsler was set to have his 30th Home Run and 30th Base Steal that night.  IT HAPPENED!!!  He hit his 30th Home Run Straight out into Left Centerfield!  Right at US!!  4 seats down from me - a dad and his daughter that were with us, caught the homerun ball!!!!

The Texas Rangers have been on an upswing ever since.  In 2010 they became the 2010 ALCS Champions and went to the World Series!!!  I had an amazing opportunity to attend an ALCS game and a World Series game in 2010.  And now in 2011 here we are again in the ALCS.  I again went to an ALCS game last night to watch my Texas Rangers.

It is just unbelievable.  I can't help but think how much my dad would LOVE THIS!!!  There's not a game I go to where I don't stop, take in the sounds, the sights, the fans, the excitement...and wonder if he's right there enjoying every moment, smiling down on that team he Loves So much.  Oh if he could just see those Texas Rangers now!  My dad didn't teach me to Love Baseball, no he taught me to LOVE MY TEXAS RANGERS!!!!!!

Millinery Hat Fashion

It's Spring and we've witnessed a Royal Wedding and the Kentucky Derby is This Weekend!  I've always Dreamed of going to the Kentucky Derby.  Putting on a Colorful/Beautiful Spring Dress and topping it off with an off the charts, Gorgeous Millinery Hat!  I'm obssessed with the Millinery Hats and this Spring I've been able to get my share of Millinery Hat Fashion.  Like Home Decorating they have such Beautifully designed Structure and Color!  The women who wear Millinery Hats are Beautifully Sophisticated and Confident.  That's just how I like a decorated room to look - Beautiful, Sophisticated, Confident in the choices!

The Cloche Style hat screams 1920s Vintage Charm

http://www.louisegreen.com/

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These hats have such defined structure, it's the shape and "architecture" you can't help but Marvel.
 
 

 www.louisegreen.com

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 www.delmarhat.com

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Even the Fascinators have their place with pops of Structure and Color

 www.delmarhat.com

http://www.delmarhat.com/

I could Peruse through these hats all day.  They are Just Gorgeous!  Later this month I'll do a post of Home Interiors based off of Millinery Hats!  You can take the structure and colors of the Millinery hats and decorate a whole room off of your favorite hat!!  As I believe, just like the perfect accessory for your room, the hat is the perfect accessory for your outfits!!

I can see the Happiness and Light in your eyes

3 years ago, sadness filled my eyes and I saw the tears and sadness in the eyes of some beautiful people. Last night on Ash Wednesday I noticed Light and Happiness in some of those sad eyes.  You see 3 years ago my dad passed away and I attended a grief seminar at my church, PHPC.  I spent nights with some amazing souls.  All of us hurting and grieving the loss of someone very dear to us.  After the seminar finished I'd see these eyes around church and still see the sadness.  Last night I saw some of those same eyes and made an interesting observation.  I saw Happiness, I saw Light, I saw Joy.  It was a reminder that while inside we all still grieve the loss of a loved one, in time the light shines through again and we continue on our life journey.  A smile came across my face.

"People are like stained-glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within."  ~Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

All the Single Ladies...

I'm not one of those bitter single girls that hates this day.  Maybe I used to be, but I still LOVE Valentine's Day.  I love the sweetness of Romance, whether it seems forced or not.  I love seeing the flowers, the chocolates, the colors (red, white, pink), the sappy sayings.  What can I say I'm a Sappy Romantic.  Instead of dwelling on being single I thought I'd do a list of the UPs and DOWNs of this Single Life....


UP: planning a girls trip to wine country

(image from http://www.winenapavalley.com/)

UP: all the time in the world to keep up with all the latest celebrity gossip, which I consider a "hobby"

down: Some days you wish someone was greeting you at home with dinner

UP: You can have Macaroni & Cheese for dinner on the days you don't feel like "cooking."  Heck you can even have it in bed if you feel like it.  (I may or may not have had one of these days in the midst of the snowstorms)

UP:  All the time you could ever want to meditate, read, reflect in silence

down: too much silence and thinking by yourself can lead to negative thoughts...

UP:  I definitely keep myself feeling young cause I keep up with all pop culture (I was one of the few friends of mine that knew ALL the artists on the Grammys last night)

UP: all the guilty pleasure TV I could want - The Bachelor, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and all my other fav reality shows

down: I may or may not be getting a false reality to "LOVE"

UP: When someone needs a friend, a listening ear, a pal to run around with I'm available and don't have to ask for permission.

down: finding that time to talk, catch up, or hang out with others when I need someone to talk to, want to run to dinner with.   It can take a couple of weeks to a month to get together with those other married friends, after we've spent time comparing calendars, checking with spouses, kids, etc.  

down: some days I could really use some manly hands/strength around this house for all of these renovation projects.

UP:  I've discovered more strength, independence, and knowledge in performing home renovations as a single gal.  And you can't beat the satisfaction you feel when you see a project completed that you know YOUR Hands completed!!!

UP: That cute purse, shoes, outfit, yeah I bought it...SO WHAT?!

down: Some days I probably need someone to hold me back on my shopping sprees...that's what returns are for though, RIGHT?!

UP: I have been able to spend time needed to take care of family without being tied down.

UP: at my will I was able to up and fly off to New Mexico to visit my bestie and her family.

UP: Dance classes Every Monday Night

(image from: http://www.ballet-photography.com/)

down: The bed can be cold and lonely at night

UP: No one's keeping me up with their snoring.


Bottom line, the UPs are far outweighing the downs and I'm pretty sure I'm right where I'm supposed to be at this time in my life.

Over the past year I would say I truly "UNDERSTOOD" what that meant.  And I'd say over the last 3 months have I actually begin to put it into effect in my life.  Those who know me, know I seek love, approval, and affection from others.  These last few months I've realized instead of waiting for that love/affection that always disappoints,  I've discovered it's been in me all along.  Doing things that I find happiness in, has led me to more Joy in the 3 months I've put it into action than the past 31 years I've been off in "search" for it!

Love to All my Single Ladies out there, we've definitely Got THE LIFE.  And I bet a few of you attached Ladies may find something to take away from this...nope that Love we all long for doesn't come from your spouse/boyfriend, it comes from YOU and the Amazing Love of our Lord!  Only when we realize this can we feel FULL!

Freshen Up the Dry Winter Air

Going on Day #3 of being "STUCK" Indoors.  Dallas had an Ice Storm and my street has turned into a skating rink. 

I have opted to stay home from work and keep warm.  Tuesday was the worse day with Wednesday a little better, and from what I'm guessing I think today is better, although we still have ICE with some more snow expected tonight.  I know there are many of us getting the Cabin Fever/Indoor Blues.

My heater has been running constantly trying to keep this cozy home warm with temps staying below 20 for 3 days now.  Today in an attempt to "freshen" up the house and get some much needed moisture in this home, I have made a Stove-Top Humidifier.

Pictures do NOT do the smell justice.  Give it a try...Fabulous is all I can Say!

One Large Pot filled with water, add Cinnamon Sticks, whole cloves and nutmeg and set it to boil.  Add more water as needed.  I cannot tell you how Fabulous my house smells!! 

Other Wonderful variations...add essential oils you may have, orange/citrus peels.  A definite uplift to being stuck indoors for several days.  ENJOY and Stay Warm my Sweet Friends!

Foodie New Mexico Style

For the last week I've been in Vacation mode.  And I'm not gonna lie...it's been Heavenly!  Makes me think how can I make Everyday feel like Vacation Day?!  I went to New Mexico (Albuquerque and Santa Fe).  My best College friend lives in Albuquerque with her most Beautiful family.  More on them and the rest of my trip in another post.

Before I left I looked up several restaurants through Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  Here is a "fan-site" for the show with a complete listing of all the places they've featured. FlavorTown USA  is Very well put together and for most of them, they've included the clip from the show. 

So here's a little restaurant rating and the reviews of some food worthy places to visit in New Mexico.  Not all of them are from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  (DDD) will be included on those I found through that.

Monte Carlo Steakhouse (Albuquerque) (DDD) (3.5/5)

Yes this is a Steakhouse in the back of a liquor store. :-)  They have been in business for a Long-time, but it's a hidden secret in Albuquerque as most people are not going to stop at a liquor store for Steaks!  It was a nice cozy restaurant.  The place had all kinds of neat Chachkis to look at.  They have an open kitchen/grill.  The place was Packed on a Friday night.  We were lucky and called ahead and got reservations (which they told us they don't normally do).  LUCKY US!! :-) 

I had the Pork Shish Kabob.  It had a tasty Greek Marinade and came with a Salad and Baked Potato.  It was definitely a heavy meal.  But very tasty!!


Flying Star Cafe (Albuquerque) (4/5)

This is a place my friend likes.  It's a cafe/dinner/bakery/coffee shop.  I had the Californian Sandwich - Marinated, grilled crimini mushrooms, Swiss, avocado, tomatoes, caramelized onions & ranch dressing on grilled sourdough  Yup it's as YUMMY as it sounds.  And of course I couldn't resist the Devil's Food Cupcake!  This girl pass up chocolate?!  NEVER!  They have locations all across ABQ and a place in Santa Fe!!


Harry's Roadhouse (Santa Fe) (DDD) (5/5)

Hands down, the best place and a MUST if you're headed to Santa Fe.  I stopped on my way into Santa Fe as it's right off 25.  Let me set the scene for you....as I'm driving it begins to snow (making this Texas girl's heart go pitter-patter).  I pull up to this cute little place

I walk in the door to notice a lit fireplace!!!  I'm immediately given a warm-hearted welcome and when I ask if I can sit by the fireplace, he says "perfect choice on this kinda day."  So I get seated right next to the fireplace in a cozy little room next to a window, so I can watch the snowfall.  Yes this is going to be a Good Lunch!!

This is the type of place where strangers become friends.  And I literally made friends with other patrons.  I wasn't dining alone, no I was dining with new friends.  I ordered the New Mexican Blue Corn Turkey Enchiladas. 

AMAZING!!  The Green Chile was done just right.  I'm not normally a fan of Red Chile, but theirs was good.  By far my favorite meal of my trip.  I wanted to stop by again, but didn't get a chance.  From what I hear, they have WONDERFUL Breakfast as well!


Plaza Bakery (Santa Fe) (4/5)

This place is right off the Plaza in Santa Fe.  And was my mid-shopping energy stop!!  I grabbed a Cafe Amaretto and a HUGE Slice of Tiramisu.  That could have made a whole meal in and of itself.  The Tiramisu was Divine!  Perfectly soaked Lady Fingers with the lightest/fluffiest mascarpone. 

image from Plaza Bakery (http://www.sweetsantafe.com/cgi-bin/shop.pl?shop=get_item&item_id=31&wholesale=)

Oh I can't forget...I made a friend here too.  Well, maybe we should call him a "peddler."  He came and sat next to me at the bar and proceded to tell me he was a massuse and did work on the "stars" that come to New Mexico to film movies and he would love to offer me his services.  Yeah I bet you would! ;)  I entertained him for awhile then politely declined his Generous offer!


Zia Diner (Santa Fe) (DDD) (3.5/5)

I think I should have visited this place when I was actually hungry.  I went after my "meal" at The Plaza Bakery.  I was feeling a little full and settled for the Fried Goat Cheese Field Green Salad - with dried cranberries, toasted walnuts and a creamy balsamic vinagrette dressing. 

The Fried Goat Cheese was Spectacular!  And the salad was just what my tummy needed after a heavy food day!  This place is a classic diner and is known for their New Mexican style Meatloaf.  I failed to get a good sampling of what this diner had to offer.

La Casa Sena (Santa Fe) (5/5)

So I stopped at this place several years ago when I visited Santa Fe.  In fact, on that trip I ate here twice because of this salad. 

La Casa Sena Chicken Salad - Romaine Hearts, & Radicchio, Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Breast, Cotija Cheese, Guacamole, Guava Vinaigrette, Tortilla Strips.  It is only served on the lunch menu, by the way.  And it is Amazing!  The Guava vinagrette is sweet and tangy and flavors very well with the guacamole.  It's a rather LARGE Salad and hard to finish, but it can be done!  They also have these Amazing Blue Corn Muffins.  They use blue corn meal and have bits of real corn in them.  Oh so good!


The Candy Lady (Albuquerque) (5/5)

So this place is located in Old Town Albuquerque.  And I'm 3 for 3 on my visits to ABQ and stopping here!  It is a definite on my places to stop!  I've never met The Candy Lady, but I'd sure like to, because she sure knows how to make my tummy happy!  The Best homemade chocolates!  My favorites are the chocolate covered strawberries (milk, dark, or white) and the chocolate truffles (Kahlua, Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, and more). 

She also has a "Naughty" room with her chocolates in the shape of all that is naughty! :-)


Now that we're all hungry...I leave you to go open your refrigerators and have some...leftover rice and chicken??? :-(  New Mexico I miss you!!!

Bedroom Retreats

A patient of mine told me she could really use a "Mink Coat Bed."  Poor thing has been through a rough surgery that will unfortunately result in slow uncomfortable recovery.  Her dream, a soft comfy bed.  It got me thinking...I could use a "dreamy retreat" myself.  So I find myself lost in these bedroom retreats...

image from http://www.tetokiretreat.com/

I'll make sure I book that trip to New Zealand next week! ;)  I love the open windows and airiness this room has.  I could spend a lovely afternoon/evening in this bedroom enjoying, I'm sure the fabulous view this room must have and reading a good book.

image from unknown source :(

While this is technically not a "bedroom," on a beautiful summer night I would have no problems enjoying this peaceful bed.

I'll leave you all to dream of your dreamy bedroom retreats.....

New Beginnings

I cannot believe it has been over a year since I've done a post!  I started here on my house-hunting adventures.  I've now been in my lovely house for 2 years and 3 months!  Lots has been going on over here and it is finally starting to feel like home.

It's a new year and yes I made Resolutions.  It's not your normal lose 10lbs, be more organized resolutions.  I've vowed to surround myself with things I find Beautiful and Inspiring and do more things that bring JOY to my Soul.  If you're doing more things you LOVE, how can you NOT be Inspired to keep your resolutions?! :-)

So that is where this blog is picking up.  I am inspired by many Beautiful women out there.  I find myself reading their blogs and pulling inspiriation from their creative minds.  I hope to transform this blog and bring creative inspiration to new readers.  Bringing the Faith, Joy, and Love I find to your souls so they may feel Inspired and Beautiful.

A Few Beautiful Places out in the Blogger World I LOVE:

Layla and Kevin are quite possibly the biggest creative influence in my home decorating. 



Laurie Anna's is a shop I LOVE to visit on trips to Canton!  I love the Vintage French Decor!




As a Dancer I recently started following Keltie Colleen.  She is so emotionally raw in her posts and I love the Dance videos she posts now and again.