Presents for my birthday and Valentines-thought you would like the ideas too!

So, this past week was my birthday and I got to spend it with my girlfriends. I am working on a new book with Mel and we went to her house first and then to Tahoe. Molly, my friend from Sacramento brought me this darling birthday pin....it is done in parts and think doable if you are into scrapbooking. I can't afford both quilting (and painting) and scrapbooking....though I love scrapbooking stuff.

Here are three packages of trims that Mel brought for gifts for us...there are a couple of these that did not make the photo. I love the bits and pieces and fun here and I think I may take this idea for my retreats and make my retreat buddies something like this for fun! Thanks Mel.

The purse above was my birthday present from Mel. I think I have to hide this from my youngest daughter who I know will covet this. Gorgeous Alexander Hanry fabric. Look for it on the blog Pink Chalk or Tennessee Quilts. I love buying fabric from these nice gals.

Above is the darling tin from Molly. Now if you are clever, I think you could do something pretty wonderful using fabrics, buttons, notions and stuff from the scrap book store. I am going to put mine in the kitchen where I can enjoy it. The tiara on top adds to the whimsy of it. And anything given by a friend is more special that something we buy.

Before Molly went home with a head cold, she left us all a Valentines treat to open. There is a candle and chocolate in each one. Pretty special to be remembered on the "Love" day by a good friend. Here is an idea for you to share with your girlfriends or family. Pretty aren't they?

This was the pretty package that Molly gave me-I have never mastered giving a beautiful gift that is wrapped so pretty.

Above are my birthday present to myself. I bought these fun shoes at Nordstroms. Very comfy and fun....though they need some bling which I plan to add to them....

Fun Bottoms on my new shoes.

So, I am always amazed at the money in the LA area and the fresh flowers growing everywhere NOW. It is a different world there and it is always fun to see how those people live. This is a shopping area called "the grove." It isn't like my little Mall here.

I thought this was pretty hotsy totsy with the statues and clock and dome....

I love Crate and Barrel and this one was quite wonderful....

Isn't this pretty? All of the red unbrellas and the beautiful people drinking bloody Mary's as we passed and eating fancy food. It is like something out of a movie. I clearly do not belong there...a simple person with a Target purse and Land's End vest. :0)

This is a photo of Mel's son who is waiting for us to get a table at a great breakfast place. I loved this photo and think it should be a greeting card. Her son has great style and is a young artist which is fun. Hang out with young people and you feel young. Not that he hung out with us but it is fun to listen to what they say. I will always appreciate kids not matter what their age.

This was a true treat for me. Mel's husband who collects cars just bought this "loaded" vintage volkswagon bus which has been redone and is beautiful. He took us to breakfast and on a nice joy ride through Manhatten beach and around the area. It is beautiful there and flowers growing and the beautiful ocean.

Isn't this a cool sign? Loved the patina and the design

I had to take a photo of the nachos we made during my trip. We had leftover pork roast and so we sliced it thin and cut it into small pieces. We also bought smoked peppers in the jar and cut them up. We put down the chips, the pork, the peppers, olives, half of them with jalapeno peppers and then topped them all with cheese. We had salsa and sour cream on the side and homemade guacamole that Robyn made. Wonderful. You should try it at home sometime.