The Desperate Diva

Circle of Life

I’ll always remember the day SHE came home from school and walked thru the door, I ask her....You won't EVER leave us WILL YOU....!!! Not understanding….. SHE looked at me wondering what was wrong.....SHE was only 17 and I knew that one day SHE WOULD leave and I was finding myself unable to even bear that thought. That day DID come and now SHE has a daughter who is 17 and SHE understands…. Life is such a blessing and truly is a Circle Of Life…….Come through HER door and let me give you a glimpse into the charming life and home SHE has created for herself and her family.

I’m sure that the note on the blackboard is a sign that SHE IS experiencing the same feelings I did when SHE was 17….

SHE has her dream home and it came as a result of hard work and determination……and SHE decorates with Charm and Style……

Each time I visit….I don’t have to look far to SEE the wonders of HER…..I smile quietly to myself as I look up and say “Thank You” for my precious gift…!!!

On this evening, SHE was entertaining and WE were invited to dinner.

HER foyer is the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Just look at that staircase. It has become our “Picture Taking” place….and you can see why.

HER family room is warm and cozy....yet spacious and stylish...!!!

The ceiling in HER family room is one of my favorite features in her home

Let’s go out on the deck…..I LOVE the colors SHE chose….Greens, Pinks and Animal Print…..

SHE has created a wonderful haven for relaxing….sharing…OR just being alone for quite time.

And I LOVE HER chair that sits at HER desk in the kitchen....:)

A few more glimpses of the beauty SHE has created and one that is a true reflection of HER.....:)

Lilly and Lucy are two more of HER spoiled little girls....They too are blessed to belong to HER.....:)

From the time you walk up to her home, you can just feel that there is someone special inside.....

The charm starts at the street and pulls you toward the lovely life of my....Once a little girl who has grown into a beautiful woman....wife and mother....

And THEY shall live......Happily Ever After....even AFTER HER daughter leaves HER.......and starts a new life of HER own.....:)

It just seems like yesterday when SHE came home from school.....and wondered why I was down........SHE is only a Stone's Throw away..!!! I'm a lucky Mom.....:)   AND...I'll be here to comfort HER when SHE watches HER daughter leave for college in a few short months....:)
I'll share more of my daughters lovely home another time. Until then, hold those you love close to your heart, afterall, they are never really far away.
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com 

Cupcake Surprise

SHE turned TWO today....August 22....and she was coming to Gran's house..... And she LOVES CupCakes....:) She calls ALL cakes....CupCakes..!!!  A few months ago I bought the giant cupcake pan and had never used it. So TODAY was the PERFECT day to bring it out and give it a try.

Using one box of cake mix this is what it looked liked after coming out of the oven. So far so good.....!!!

I decided to use my......YOU are Special Today....plate....:)  And then started to build my BIG CupCake...!!!

The icing had to be PINK so I put in a little red food coloring and hoped for the best...!!!

Oh my, it just might be PERFECT....!!!!

Yes....The perfect shade of soft PINK....:)  NOW....on to the hardest part. I will tell you now that a cake decorater.....I'm NOT...!! And you will see this as we go along.

I had decided to make the bottom Pink. So I filled in the center with white and started icing around the bottom. When the cake came out of the pan....the ridges that create the detail of a cupcake paper cup were there....however....they disapeared once I covered them with the icing. What will I do.

Using my finger, I just pressed in some detail and had to settle for it. It was just ok....as I had no other way of creating the detail. And when it was all finished this is what I had.....:)

As you can see, decorating cakes is NOT one of my talents....:)
After adding the sprinkles and candles, it still looked like a giant cupcake and I knew Katie would LOVE it....:)

I placed it on the counter and waited for her to arrive.

I WISH you could have seen the SMILE on her face when she saw it. Her eyes lit up like sparkles and SHE was excited.

We sung Happy Birthday and she blew out her candles.

How do you cut a cupcake cake. VERY Carefully...!!!

The slices were rather LARGE...and odd shaped but that didn't matter. It's NOT a bad thing to get a BIG piece of cake....:)

And what happens after you have served most of it....Oooops....it fell backwards and that was that....:)

Katie LOVED her Big CupCake and had fun eating every bite....!!!

Then it was time to head out on the porch to open a few gifts. This was NOT her REAL Birthday Party..... that was a week away with invited family and friends. We just wanted a private little party on the DAY of her BIRTHDAY...!!!!

She had fun opening her presents

And Carly gave her the card she MADE for her....:)

Then the music was turned up.....Too Loud....and the girls went wild.....dancing, laughing and just having FUN....

Papa got out the WATER GUNS....and you can guess what happened next.....Yes...we ALL got soaked...!!!

Turning TWO was so much fun and little Katie had a blast...!!!
The CupCake was a hit and it was a night we will always remember....:)
Until next time,
Hugs from me and the girls,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com 

   

More Details

It's rainy and dark here today so getting GOOD pictures are tough.....but here are a few MORE DETAILS I made just for you....:) 

Give me an.....M......Mmmmmmm    Give me an....E....Eeeee..

And what do you have....an adorable set of Mary Engelbreit's book ends....and they rest in my butler's pantry keeping watch over my cookbooks....:)  Look at all the DETAIL....!!!















And here is part of my Susan Branch collection. A charming teapot.....sitting there holding up MORE cookbooks...and adding MORE DETAIL.....:)

You all know how much I LOVE dishes with words....Look at this set of bowls and the charming words written all around them adding charm and DETAIL....:)

Stitched flowers on these napkins made me buy them in each color. I couldn't resit the DETAIL....!!!

And one more darling CookBook covered in fabric with DETAIL inside out....:)

An adorable peice of ric rac serves as a bookmark and the pages are filled with sweet graphics. I can't bring myself to WRITE in it....LOL....:)

OK....NOW I really don't mean to tease you or should I say "tempt" you and especially cause you to hate me....BUT...I just have to share these last few DETAILS.... Every morning I'm up early making these for our Cafe'....

My now Famous...lol...BlackBerry Dumplings...!!! It's been Sooooo funny, our customers are begging for them....:)

Since I first made these early this summer, we SELL OUT everyday...!!! Yikes.....They even call and get us to HOLD them some. YES, we have a waiting list for my now famous dumplings. Can you believe that. It's been wild...!!!

Made FRESH just THIS MORNING.....!!!!  And YES....there is a dumpling in each and every box....:)
 

I'm starting to feel like the Krispy Cream Doughnut Man.....who gets up every morning saying....."I gotta make the doughnuts"..!!!

I just drag out of bed saying....."I gotta make the dumplings"...:)
What's a desperate gal to do.  Anything to please a customer...!!!
It MUST be the DETAILS.....:)
Thanks for your sweet visit today. I'm sorry I can't share a taste with you, but I do hope you enjoyed all the DETAILS....

I'll be back with more details later,
Until then,
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com
www.diannewood.com

Its all in the Details

It really is all in the Details..... And they usually make the difference in how we buy and use our things....!!! Details add so much and makes a huge difference in products and decorating....Let me share a few Details with you....:)

Just look at all the stitching and the layers of ric rac sewn on this kitchen towel....Details.... WHOOOOO could resit this fellow.....:)

The pink stripe mixing bowl with the whimsy green dotted rolling pin placed together here with the pink stripe towel...sits on the counter in my butler's pantry....adding charm and DETAIL..:)

And hanging here from the Fork and Spoon door handles...(detail) is another Apron that I don't think I've shown you yet....See those fun BUTTONS on the strap....more detail.....:) And in the background the mixing bowl with fun words tucked behind the glass door....Again, detail.....!!!

I love all the Details in this vintage style apron. The perky floral fabrics and applique birds and stitching add so much charm.















When my eyes fell upon this Cookbook....I grabbed it up and knew it was MINE....:) I love the fabric cover, but the inside of the book is simply the best....It looks completely handmade....More Detail.

And look at the cute little bookmark with the tiny little Spoon charm tied to the end....So Adorable.....:) Again Detail.....

My aprons hang all in a row from white iron hooks.....Just look at all those straps.... More Detail...!!!

As you can see, Detail makes all the difference in everything you do.....Details make us smile.....Detail adds charm and interest and makes the extra effort to create it soooo worth it. If you have favorite things tucked behind doors where you can't see them, then bring them out and create some Detail of your own....!!!
I'll be back soon,
With more Details,
hugs to all,
Diannne
www.desperatetodiva.com

Pearls for Sale

Oh..No...not this Pearl.....just pearls, you know.....the kind you wear. Except these are for your pooches. This was Pearls idea since she loves the ones I bought her. She NEVER takes them off. She wanted to start HER own business just like her Mom and she's been working very hard getting ready for her....SALE...:)

I helped her set up her table and Carly made her sign. I think she really likes it. She was very picky though with the set up.
 

She had to be sure that the sign was....Just Right....and everything was in the perfect spot....:)  Her plan was to give one Free Treat with each purchase....Great Idea....!!!

Hey....don't look at me that way. I haven't moved a thing....!!!

After checking everything out just before time for her guest to arrive she was getting a little nervous. SHE wanted her SALE to be a HIT and hoped all her friends would want one of each...:)

Then she thought she should try out her treats. Just to be safe....Then rested on her seat waiting for all to arrive...:)

She waited and waited looking around at every sound and hoping it would be THEM...!!!

She had on one of  her brand NEW designs and couldn't wait to show the other girls....:)  She had a SURPRISE for them too....!!

And she even made one for a very special friend that she's only met online. They have alot in common. They kinda look alike and both have mommys who take alot of pictures and spend way too much time on the computer. She's excited to send this next week.

She hopes Maggie will LOVE it......:)  OK...she's feeling a little down because no ones showed up yet....Where could they be...!!

OH....Did I hear someone...Could they REALLY be here...
Whoa....!!! Hey....be a little careful. This is NOT what I had in mind.......I mean I wanted them to be excited but not Trash the place.

But all was good....Lily and Lucy were here at last and Pearl was so happy. They JUMPED right in or on....and begin to choose their favorite PEARLS....

Lucy found her perfect strand right away and Lily was next to make her selection....:)  These girls were going WILD....!!!

Then they spotted the TREATS....Shucks... Pearl wanted to SERVE them in proper style, but it was too late....:)

TREATS.....FREE....!!!!  Sounds good too me... Pearl really knows how to throw a jewelry party. I think I'll book one. This is so much fun....:)

Lucy wasn't shy as she poked her nose right into the serving dish to dig for her favorite....Then it was Lily's turn....:)

Pearls taking it all in. I'm not sure what she's thinking though.

Here are some random shots of all the girls showing off their new pretties and having some fun....:)  What a three-some....!!!

The PEARL PARTY was a success. The girls had a wonderful time and loved all their new girly bling. Pearl was happy....:)
I am SO proud of her and think she did a great job.

I hope you enjoyed YOUR visit and you can look for Pearl's Pearls on my web site soon. She would LOVE to pack up a package for your special pooch....:)  Oh, don't forget the personalized Prissy Poochie Scarfs.... How adorable....:)

Until next time,
Hugs from me and Pearl

 

 

 

Don't Miss It.....

Now I NEVER like to tease....ok, well maybe I do, but since I have had such a busy week and have not had time to post, I wanted to take a minute to alert you and wake you up again so you won't miss the one coming tomorrow....LOL

And these pictures have NOTHING to do with the surprise. Just pulled a few out of my file that I don't think you've seen.

Just some close ups of MORE of my APRONS.....:)

Have a wonderful week-end and be sure to COME BACK later tomorrow or Monday morning to see a very special post I've been working on.....It will make you SMILE....:)
And until then,
I'll be keeping you Posted....:)
Hugs from me,
Dianne

Lazy Days

Lazy Susan.....This vintage lazy susan was so charming and tempting that I HAD to have it. Problem is, it is oh so Touchy....:) Meaning.....it SPINS like crazy....LOL...:)

So I only bring it out when I want to display something on it, being careful of what I put on it. It could REALY sling something across the table. But isn't it pretty.
 

Today I brought it out on my porch as a perfect prop for a Lazy Days of Summer snack collection.

These cute fun Chocolate Milk Cones with sweet little notes are waiting to be opened and enjoyed with a soft melty scoop of vanilla ice cream......!!!  One says.....I LOVE YOUR HUGS.....:)

And you are NEVER too old to lick the icing from the middle of the cookies.....then dunk the rest in your yummy CHOCOLATE shake.

This Berry charming table cloth is a REAL Vintage piece. Oh so soft and delightful.....!!!!

Glasses with Smiling Straws and a Mary Englebriet spreader wait by the Susan Branch sugar dish.....:)

Gracfully Speaking........ " Now in a Cottage built of lilacs and laughter, I know the meaning of the words " ever-after "......:) 

Sweet words wrap themselves around the upper edege and makes you feel comfy and cozy relaxing on a Lazy Summer Day.

Ring the bell for Service.....from Mary Englebriet the delicate little bell lets you know.....Who's in charge.... The words are written all around the bottom.....:)

White tulips and daisys found their spot in this green pottery vase with a strawberry filled scarf hugging its neck...

I know Pearl.....YOU want one of those cookies really bad....And you've been So Sweet......Waiting with manners.....I PROMISE I'll give you one.....

OK......I KNOW I've made you WANT one......Grab your cookie jar and a Cold Delicious Drink.....Head on out on the porch.....Kick off your shoes and enjoy.......A Lazy Day of Summer......:)
Come back this week end and find some yummy Summer Floats that I will be making and tempting you with......!!!
Until then,
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com
www.snootywomansclub.com

I Was Invited....

When I was invited by Cielo from House in the Roses to join her Garden Party, I knew it would be fit for a Queen.......so I gathered my sun visor, sun glasses and my favorite pink silk purse, oh and of course my camera. I'm excited to visit all the lovely gardens today...:)

Celebrating the FIRST Day of Summer.....June 21....what a pleasant way to start the season.....:) Here is a little friend that sits quietly on my back porch. He keeps good company with another fellow who watches over things when I'm away....

Most of you know that I do NOT use Real flowers. No I have to admit that I am NOT a Real Gardner like so many of you.....But I LOVE beautiful flowers and fill my home and porches with them....

Instead of taking you into a garden at my home, I decided that when you visit me you can take a little break and enjoy a glass of tea and maybe a sweet summer treat....:)

I have it all set up for you and when you arrive, I will just need to fill up the picthers and tea pots with refreshing tea and bring out the sweet treats. Just PICK your favorite and enjoy....!!!

You'll feel right at HOME being served from these charming dessert plates.....I LOVE the metal shoe planter there with the colorful flowers poked inside......

The linen tablecloth is another treasure from my April Cornell collection.
Look at all the detail.....:)

The soothing sounds of water trickling from our water fountain sets the mood for a lovely Garden Party......

I LOVE the hand painted glasses.....Such a perfect touch for any Garden Party......Take a closer look....!!!

Hurry, don't wait toooo long before arriving.....I can't WAIT to meet you.

When I found this tulip shaped flower pot at a local garden center, I knew I HAD to have it. I LOVE the color....It makes me Smile....:)

AND......if you LOOK REALLY CLOSE.....you will see a tiny petal that has dropped from the REAL flower above.....Yes, I do have a few REAL FLOWERS......

But the one that makes me SMILE the most, is the one my daughter gave me last year on Mother's Day.......FLOWER POT......how sweet....:) :)

If I don't answer the door, please come in and you'll find me waiting for YOU.....out on the PORCH.....:)

Thanks for visiting me today.....it was is a perfect First Day of Summer....AND thank YOU Cielo for inviting me to be on your Garden Party Tour.....:)  Please visit Cielo at her House in the Roses and enjoy a magical tour of beauty and charm.

Until next time,
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com
www.snootywomansclub.com

Sweet Cottage Chick

We've been together for a long long time....:) And SHE is one of my most treasured pieces. Like most of us Chicks, her age is a secret. SHE doesn't carry her birthday on her bottom. Only her parents name.....Fitz and Floyd.....who is the company that created her.....:) I nested her here to have her picture made. Looks great with my Breakfast Plates...!!!

But this is where she spends her time. On the hutch by the window facing the porch among a few more of MY FAVORITE THINGS......:)

A little friend stop by to say HELLO.....:)

Some of us gals are Classics......And my sweet cottage chick in her scarf scattered with flowers warms my heart each time I pass her by......:)
Are YOU a classic....What is it about YOU that makes others smile....What's your SIGNATURE STYLE.....:)

Until next time,
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com
www.snootyindanville.com

Pass the Peas....Please

But you can KEEP the Carrots.....Unless of course they are mounted on a silver or gold band....:)  No, I'm NOT a carrot gal but I do have some cute dishes and linens in my collection that I love entertaining with.

This kitchen hand towel above with it's orange, yellow and green designs and sweetly written words along the bottom.......Peas and Carrots...softens the look and adds charm to the setting.

The carrot shaped dish would be perfect filled with crisp vegetables for dipping in a savory dip that could be served from the covered duck bowl.

I LOVE this set of nesting mixing bowls with charming Peas in the Pod handles. I have these out on my sideboard and enjoy them during the summer garden season.....:)

This is one of my Favorite bowls. It sits on the counter by my stove and holds these REAL looking tomatoes and carrots.....

The scalloped ruffled edge is so charming and I LOVE the soft yellow color of this bowl......

I found the glasses at Crate and Barrel a couple of years ago. The green dots just seemed to complete the look for Peas and Carrots....:) A dinner napkin tucked inside the glass adds a fun and festive touch.....

And I laughed at myself today as I was eating my LUNCH....I had put my camera down after finishing all the photos and suddenly realized as I sat there Picking out Carrots from my Chicken Pot Pie....LOL....There I was eating a dish full of PEAS and CARROTS....and it WAS NOT planned. I guess the old brain just automatically sent me to the left overs in the fridge.

And here is My Lunch plate with all my CARROTS pushed to the side.....("Sigh")....It seems some of us just NEVER out grow picking out the yucky stuff that you JUST do not like.....:)

But remember.....Mama always said.....EAT your Peas and Carrots.....:)

Until next time,
Hugs to all,
Dianne
www.desperatetodiva.com
www.snootywomansclub.com