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February 20, 2015

"Houndton Tabby"- Toadbriar's Downton Abbey Parody

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Cora

Calling all Downton Abbey fans!
I'm crazy about these illustrations by Toadbriar.
See if you can recognize each character.
I'd say they're spot-on!


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Mrs. Patmore




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Mr. Carson




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Violet




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Thomas




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Daisy


Visit Toadbriar on Etsy & Facebook.



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Images used with direct permission from Kim Parkhurst.

February 18, 2015

An Afternoon at Hotel del Coronado

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During our stay in San Diego, we crossed the bridge over the bay
and spent some time at the Hotel del Coronado.

Built in 1888, it was constructed entirely of wood.
Thomas Edison supervised the installation of the electricity.

The Del, as it's nicknamed, was one of the world's first grand resorts.
 It attracted the wealthy and famous, including
Charles Lindbergh, England's Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson,
Charlie Chaplin, and many United States presidents.

I was overcome by a sense of glamour and luxury.
Old Hollywood. Old money.


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The Victorian architecture was fascinating! So many roof lines and angles!

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This dragon tree, a native of the Canary Islands, caught my attention.

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The enormous lobby was stunning with its
wood-coffered ceiling and opulent chandelier!

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A lush floral centerpiece featured orchids and bromeliads.

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A nostalgic antique elevator, with ornate brasswork and its own operator.

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This display gave a nod to the 1958 movie filmed at The Del,
"Some Like it Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon.

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Relaxing on the patio with a latte and this selection of decadent pastries!

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Additional blog posts on my visit to San Diego~

Here's the Hotel del Coronado website.


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Love to my sisters~ Lee, Mare & Jan!


February 16, 2015

President's Day Feature: Late Greats Dolls



As we celebrate President's Day, I'd like to spotlight a handcrafted artist
who creates dolls from the likenesses of well-known people which, 
along with United States Presidents,
include artists, activists, writers and musicians.

Chen Reichert illustrates each one, then sews up a "stuffy historical figure."
The one thing that they have in common is that they're all,
well...deceased. Hence the title of her business: Late Greats.


George Washington





Theodore Roosevelt





Abraham Lincoln





Susan B. Anthony






Mahatma Gandhi






Mark Twain






William Shakespeare






Frida Kahlo






Freddie Mercury



See lots more Late Greats here:




Images used with direct permission from Chen Reichert.




p.s. Frida Kahlo fans can visit THIS post
for lots more Frida!






February 13, 2015

A Collection of Hearts for Valentine’s Day

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Celebrating Valentine's Day with lots and lots of hearts!
I think you'll enjoy this collection.
A huge variety of hearts, including stained glass, stitchery and mosaic,
as well as several great photographs of hearts found in nature!

Hoping your Valentine's Day is filled to overflowing with LOVE!


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galeaz glass

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Weile Ash

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giochi di carta

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shelly armas

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justwildaboutteaching

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lucismiles

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homeandgarden.nl

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lushhome

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annautkina.ru

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scrumtiousliving

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priscilla huang