Globes and Maps!

Okay, this was the second time I was asked if I wanted the senior discount at the thrift store. Instead of being insulted, that the cashier thought I was 11 years older than I am, this time I got smart and said, "Sure!" I found lots of goodies and they were all half off....since I am old.

I've started collecting vintage globes for Lucas. Here are three he has on top of his wardrobe:

Lucas' Globes

Here is the globe I got, today, on my senior discount:

Lucas' new $2.50 light up globe

Lucas will think it's cool all lit up at night.

From Lucas' desk. This his only globe with a wooden base.

Here is the oldest one, I believe. He has fun determining the age of the globe with Stan...which countries still existed on the globes, etc. It's kind of their treasure hunt.

Now, some Pinterest inspiration for Globe and Map Decor:

http://pinterest.com/pin/100064422940224399/

http://www.natalme.com/locker-front-magnet-board/

http://inthewabe.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/decorating-frames/

This is one of my favorites! I have globe with no stand...thus is calling my name!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/globe-pendantsrosebuds-cottage-153306

http://heartfireathome.blogspot.com/2009/09/decorating-with-maps-and-globes.html

http://mylittleapartment.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html

linkee.com

 

life5.me

So many Map and globe ideas. I doubt my collection is finished!

Summer Tablescapes

Dinner with friends. Casual evening. Already too hot to eat outside in Central California in April. We may have cooler evenings but this particular evening was in the 90s and we would have been in the direct sunlight. So, I gave the evening a outdoor feeling.

Nothing special. Nothing mind-blowing. Just bright and sunny.



Now, for some inspiration for the next time:

There is something so appealing about formal dishes, silver and stemware in a casual setting. Love the moss and lace. So many contrasting ideas coming together is such a great way.

http://ana-rosa.tumblr.com/post/15963510103

Same idea....formal furniture in a beautiful informal garden. Just stunning. Who doesn't want to have tea here?

http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/spring-table-settings-0209

I think if I don't purchase a burlap tablecloth or runner from Etsy soon, I might scream!

http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/spring-table-settings-0209

Formal chandelier, mismatched shabby chairs, casual setting and gorgeous flowers

Gorgeous garden theme...

http://homeiswheretheboatis.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/thinking-spring/dsc_0443-001/

RUFFLES.....and lights under the tablecloths. Beautiful

So pretty. I love the metal Paris cafe chairs and the beautiful bouquets.

Look at the metal mesh dome.....

http://heatherbullard.typepad.com/heather_bullard_collectio/2012/04/souvenir-spring-highlights.html

Lunch on the lake. Quilt tablecloth....so clever. I love the purples and greens. Fresh and pretty.

So many gorgeous ideas for eating AL Fresco!

I had a proud mommy moment yesterday! I went to a nature preserve with Lucie and her 3 rd grade class. I was in charge of helping in the owl pellet dissections. I thought it was interesting and our guide promised that they had been sterilized. Nonetheless many of the students were squeamish. Lucie just dove in. She was all hands on and just loved it. Separating the small bones she found, using the magnifying glass. So focused (which is not always her forte) At one point she looked up at the specialist from the Nature preserve and said, "I really want to be scientist." The woman looked at me, almost teary eyed, and said, "This is why I do this."

Cal Berkeley Campus

Last weekend my husband needed to vote in the French presidential elections. Round one. The voting took place in Berkeley, California. As we planned for the day it came to our attention that he had never been. We have been in Northern California for nearly 8 years. It's just one of those things we haven't had time for. So, we made it a day. I really wanted my husband to see The Cal Berkeley campus. I am not sure if it's the nerdy engineer stereotype or what, but he got nervous and panicked when I drove right on campus. I am more of the thrill seeker. I figure if it's not allowed someone will tell me and then I'll leave. Whatever....it was kind of allowed (with a permit) and I got an amazing parking spot....and NO ticket.

Turns out they were having "Cal Day". So my parking spot was even more amazing in retrospect. It was pretty crowded for a Saturday morning. What I love about the campus is the eclectic buildings and serene feel you get from all the trees, flowers and pretty pathways.

Can you see it in the far background?

On a beautiful day like this, standing in front of the clock tower, it's just amazing. The Golden Gate Bridge is framed here. Too bad about my camera. It's stunning when you are standing there. That would inspire me everyday.



As a teenager we visited the campus with our high school and I was so impressed with this library. It's a sprawling building with many different wings. It's wonderful to take a tour.

Future Cal student?

The kids are very impressed with college life so far. Here they are with The Cal Berkeley Bear!

Lucas saw this from about a mile away and could hardly contain himself. 

A little Harry Potter fun.

Have you ever noticed that unplanned adventures often turn out best? We had no idea Cal Day was happening. We may have even tried to avoid it, because of crowds. The kids had a blast. Event or no event the campus is beautiful. If you get a chance to explore it, you'll have a great time.
This was just one tiny section of the campus and two small wings of the large library.
Not sure if I mentioned I found a brilliant parking spot right on campus.... :)

If you'd like to know more:
http://berkeley.edu/