Sweets with your sweets

HOLA.

I hope that you are all having a great day.

It's April fools day, but I have no tricks up my sleeve today...darn.

Instead...I have a new watercolor that I've been working on. I was on Pinterest and I saw the cutest little bakery cart/car. I knew that I had to paint it. I mean...who doesn't like baked goods? I used Canson paper and Sennelier paints. The paper is cold pressed, so you can see it has a bumpy texture to it. I love this look, but some people do not. You can always pick something hot pressed, so it's smooth. I like to use all types, but it can make things challenging to control. Experiment=have fun with it. This watercolor took me a few days. I like to take breaks away from what ever I'm working on, so I can see it differently every time. Sometimes when you stare at it too long you miss the details. 

It also gives you time to have a lot of fun in your sketch book. I love to go back and forth. You can imagine how many flowers and butterflies are in my sketch book=0)

I CAN'T HELP IT.

I hope you go enjoy a croissant outside today.

They are ZERO calories today.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY=0P

xoxo,

Carol

My other job....

Me-It's Spring break. What do you want to do today?

X-Uhhhh....something fun. VIDEO GAMES.

Me- O  U  T  S  I  D  E

X-Don't make me go to Balboa Park again...PLEASE.

Me-Hahahaha...wanna just get in the car and see what we bump into?

X-That is just WAY too dangerous.

A little twinkle...

I have a little story to tell. It has a lot of things that girls like. Sparkle...accessories/jewelry...

and a butterfly=0) About twenty years ago I was walking around Nordstrom. I couldn't afford anything too fancy, but I loved just looking around. I worked in the mall, so it was super fun to listen to the piano player during my lunch hour. Yes...they had a piano player=0)

So one day I was looking around and a sparkle caught my eye. There were TONS of gorgeous butterfly hair clips/bobby pins on display. I thought I was going to die. The colors were just SOOO

beautiful and I had to have one. I wanted them all, but I could barely afford one. I ended up picking a gorgeous red butterfly clip by Tarina Tarantino and boy did I wear that hair clip. Even after all these years it still looks beautiful and I love to attach it to sweaters and sometimes in my hair. SO, the other day my daughter was looking at it and asking me where I got it and could she have it. I'm not so sure she wouldn't lose it in 2.5 seconds =0/ So, I thought I could just paint one for her room. And she seems to be happy with being able to look at it all the time. A little twinkle goes a long way around my house=0)

Have a great day,

Carol

My other job...

J-Ohhhhh....mama this is so pretty.

Me-Yes, it's beautiful.

J-Can I wear it in my hair?

Me-Not yet honey. Maybe when you are older. I don't think I'd be able to find another one.

J-awwww....okay=0(

Me-One day I promise to give it to you, so don't worry. How about I paint one for your room?

J-OH...oh...that's a good idea. 

Me-GREAT.

J-Please do it right now. Can I watch?

Me-I have too much stuff to do right now, but I'll start soon.

J-awwwww. Don't forget mama. Don't paint other fashion stuff. Do mine first.

Me-I will honey.

J-PINKY PROMISE....please.

Happy LOVEY DAY

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better...~Dr. Seuss

Love GRANDE

Love is in the air.

I have been getting all my goodies in delivery position. All the glitter heart stickers have been added to large bars of chocolate=0)

 I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY.

I love the flowers everywhere and the excuse to give everyone chocolate LOVE and you won't get the..."I can't".

OHHHH.... we can and we will this 14th.

Use up ALL those hearts. Throw them in the air...whatever=0P

XOXO,

Carol

My other job....

Me-I've got a lot of stuff planned for Valentine's Day.

X-Ummm....what day is that on exactly.

Me-The 14th is on a Friday.

X-That's pizza night.

Me-Pizza is cancelled. How about something like....KING crab legs, red potatoes AND chocolate fondue.

X-I guess that will be okay.

1...2..3...MOVE

Happy Friday=0)

Friends are a big part of my universe...if you haven't noticed. LOL.

You know all those inside jokes and just giving each other THE LOOK.

This week I was in bed and I woke up about four in the morning.

Boooo.

Anyways, this crazy memory popped into my head.

I burst out laughing!

My husband asked me if I was ok. LOL. I told him the crazy memory of one of my great friends that tickled a co-worker. Let me rewind a little. It was halloween and we were dressed up as hula girls. Our co-worker couldn't even look at us. He was not use to seeing girls with coconuts on. LOL.

SO....the funny part is that my friend tickled his sides and BOTH his knee caps crashed into the counter he was writing at. OMG...we all died laughing. He had to run outside because he couldn't control the laughter. So, that's what made me burst out laughing in the middle of the night. So crazy!

I then just started thinking about how many funny things we do at weddings...parties....etc.

This watercolor reminds me of all the crazy. LOL.

You can relate...right?

Have a great weekend,

Carol

My other job...

X-I don't feel so good.

Me-Oh no...you feel really hot. Lets go home and straight to bed.

X-This means I can't play minecraft today.

Me-Just relax in the car and we will see how you feel after you sleep a little.

X-OH MY GOSH...I'M GONNA DIE.

Me-What? No...you're just sick.

X-DO I HAVE CANCER MAMA?

Me-Okay...please just relax and lets not talk on the way home. Please don't think you are going to die. You just feel really yucky and your fever is really high.

X-This means J is going to get all your kisses today...WaaaaHHHHHH.

Me-I'll give you double as soon as you are better. Now p l e a s e  just relax quietly.

X-PLEASE just take me straight to the EMERGENCY ROOM.

Chill OUT

HOLA.

I'm hoping you had a great week. 

I just finished a new watercolor. I started doing yoga a few months ago... and you know what?

I feel as cool as a cucumber now=0)

Sometimes stress can get the best of us. YEP...me too!

Yoga has   r  e  a  l  l  y  helped me feel calmer.

I don't know what it is about it, but I know it just works.

LOL.

So...if you haven't tried it before...GET ON THE BUS.

I promise you will smile a lot more=0)

NAMASTE

Carol

My other job....

Me-Would you please go to bed already.

X-This is the only time I have to read.

Me-Come on...you were reading a lot after school.

X-Other stuff.

Me-I'll take that flash light...thank you.

X-I spent $20.00 on a book that my own mama won't let me read.

Me-Pick a better time. Your body needs to rest now.

X-UGH. TWENTY whole dollars.

Me-Tomorrow you can read to me 30 minutes before bed time.

X-REALLY?

Me-Yes.

X-I am such a problem solver.
Me-?

Ice cream break...HAPPY

HOLA...

I got inspired...again=0)

Music does this to me. I hear something and then quickly need to paint it on paper. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

The song Happy by Pharrell made me think about a special moment with one of my greatest friends.

We went to NYC and decided to stop for an ice cream break.

We were so happy. It was just the two of us...being silly.

We need to do that again=0)

Hope this makes you wanna call up one of your friends.

SO good for the soul.

Have a great weekend,

Carol

My other job...

Me-You are off for FOUR days...YES.

X-What are we gonna do?

Me-I have no idea.

X-Unbelievable.

What's cook IN'

Happy New YEAR.

It's 2014...HOLY MOLY. How did we get here? LOL.

I'm wishing you all much LOVE and good health this year. I'm just barely recovering from all the holiday festivities and cooking...cooking...cooking. Usually I have two little helpers BUT, THEY'RE ON TO ME. Nobody wants to stick around for that long. HAhahahaa.

We were all so into FROZEN this year. The soundtrack is SO GOOD. Olaf the snowman stole my heart. The movie is SO wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFatVn1hP3o

Disney really did an excellent job and I can not wait until it comes out in dvd. We have already gone FOUR TIMES. There goes my Louis Vuitton wish jar. HA and WAHhhhhh.

I was inspired by all the singing and cooking in the kitchen.

Have a great day,

Carol

My other job....

X-Mama are you teaching art class tomorrow?

Me-YUP.

X-You sound just like Olaf.

Me-YUP;oP

X-What are we going to work on in class?

Me-It's a surprise.

X-Lets do faces.

Me-Ohhhh....well...that will probably happen towards the end of the year.

X-Why?

Me-It's more advanced and I need to get some of the kids more comfortable. Or at least not be as nervous to try it.

X-Like who?

Me-That's my personal private business=0)

X-I'm your assistant, so you can tell me AND I don't go around telling peoples personal private business.

Me-I appreciate that, but I'm going to keep it to myself. Now lets sing In summer by OLAF.

X-Jazz hands too.

Me-YUP.

The RUSH...

HOLA!

How is it that it's almost Christmas?

Okay...so we have plenty of holiday cheer...

cookies...

eggnog...

candies...

decorations...

BUT...I haven't gone shopping yet. I KNOW...I've been trying to catch up with everything around here and still no shopping. I did try for like....40 minutes yesterday=0) It's just so hard when things are flying off the shelves. OH BOY.

Anyways, *fingers crossed* that I get it done by tomorrow. The little ones will be home after that and that's a WHOLE other conversation=0) LOL.

I have finished up all the gifts for our wonderful teachers. THAT'S GOOD. Yay!

I do know a lot of people who are already done with everything and are just sippin' and waitin'

THAT'S ME NEXT YEAR;oP

I just wanted to wish you all HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Hope it's stress;o) FREE and just full of JOY.

XOXO,

Carol

My other job....

X-Make sure my list stays safe.

Me-I put it right here with TONs of tape.

X-I honestly don't think I'll get number 1-5, but I had to put it on my list.

Me-Really...you think #11 may be under the tree?

X-Well yeah... and the ninja mask.

Me-Hmmm....It will be interesting to see. I'm sure it can't be wrapped. Well...it would be tough.

X-Mama...it's an electric guitar...double necked.

Me- exactly....

X-What?

Me-Oh nothing...HOPE YOU GET IT=0P

Quiet

HOLA.

I've started a new painting.

Who doesn't love the sea?

I think I may be starting a new wave of paintings.

The sea...sea...sea...

Hope you get a quiet moment to yourself=0)

XOXO,

Carol

My other job...

X-I can't believe we have eight more months of school.

Me-Yep.

X-Do you know what I have to look forward to this school year?

Me-All the new stuff you're going to learn?

X-NOPE.

Me-I give up.

X-THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

Sensei

One who teaches based on wisdom from age and experience.

I had a great time working on this watercolor. Using mostly gray and blue...for dramatic effect=0) 

Our PERCEPTIONS create

our BELIEFS...

Our BELIEFS formulate

our ATTITUDE...

Our ATTITUDE determines

 our BEHAVIOR...

Our BEHAVIOR describes

our ACTIONS...

Our ACTIONS result

in REACTIONS...

The REACTIONS of our ACTIONS

construct the PERCEPTIONS of our REALITY...

Have a wonderful day,

Carol

My other job...

X-We have to find that jalapeno outfit for you.

Me-Lets just worry about finding yours and it's no big deal if I don't dress up.

X-I really want you to be a jalapeno.

Me-Hahahahahaa. Seriously, I'll find something.

X-I guess we could look online.

Me-Exactly.

X-BUT WHAT IF WE DON'T.

Me-It's no biggie.

X-UGH...you should be worried about this. Halloween is only 40 days away.

Powder your nose

HOLA!

Are you all ready for Fall?

I know right...how did this happen?

Summer is almost a wonderful memory and now we are getting ready to cool down.

I just finished my new compacts and they are available in my shop.

This year I kept seeing gorgeous sunflowers EVERYWHERE.

They are so beautiful and larger than life. Every time I see one it's like a ray of sun. They remind me to look at the bright side...always. I can't help but smile and buy more to give away to friends.

So, I thought these compacts would make great gifts. They are like little rays of light in your handbag. Hahahaa! I carefully placed each watercolor painting into each compact and sealed them with a glass like finish. Hope you like them as much as I do!

HOPE YOU HAVE A SUNNY DAY,

Carol

My other job....

X-Is the Spirit Store open yet.

Me-Hmmm...looks like they are still setting up, but almost.

X-Are you going to be too scared to go in again?

Me-Look...those scary evil babies were too much for me last time. EWWW.

X-How about if you just close your eyes and I'll tell you as soon as we pass them and then we can look around at all the other stuff.

Me-I know that you will take me right to those scary babies and laugh so hard when I freak out.

X-I promise mama. Trust me.

Me-Hmmmm...I'll think about it.

X-They're fake mama.

Me-They're still gross and evil.

X-UGHhhhh...I can tell that dad is going to have to take me.

Me-We'll see.

X-YOU CAN DO IT MAMA.

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Thinking of all the wonderful people in my life today.

So grateful.

My other job....

X-Why did you take so long at tea yesterday?

Me-It's so much fun meeting my girlfriends for some tea and laughs.

X-You already do that with me.

Me-True...but you see your friends every day at school. Don't you love hanging around with them and cracking up about funny stuff?

X-You got me again.

Me-It's good for me=0)

X-Okay, but can you just go like...once a year or something like that?

He loves me...he loves me not.

HAPPY FRIDAY.

This week I received roses from my husband. 

OH.... HOW I LOVE FLOWERS.

I had a moment and then there was a SONG.

Flowers+Song=inspiration for me.

Let me know if you think I captured the moment=0)

Click here to listen.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend,

Carol

My other job...

J-Why did you get married with Dad?

Me-OHHHH....well, he's very funny and handsome. I really enjoyed spending time with him.

J-You fell in love?

Me-YES.

J-I don't ever want to get married...it's so gross.

Me-Hahahahaaaa...why?

J-ALL THAT KISSING...EWWWWW.

HOLA...it's me

HOLA.

I hope you all had a fun weekend.

On Friday I thought it would be fun to start a new watercolor of myself.

YES...ME.

I had A LOT of fun putting the red parts in my hair=0)

YES...I'm a color lover if you haven't noticed yet.

Hahahahaa.

I'm just about done, but I'm still thinking about adding a background color.

I may just leave it white...or not;oP

I have been reading a great book from the library.

Keys to Painting Faces & Figures

by Rachel Rubin Wolf

It's really helpful and I just love books that have a lot of pictures.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Have a great week,

Carol

My other job...

X-I don't want to go to the beach.

Me-Why not?

X-I just want to do something alone with you.

Me-Okay, but I can't do anything that will hurt my neck even more.

X-I know...so I'm thinking we could play chess.

Me-Sounds good.

X-Can we go to Barnes & Noble too?

Me-Sure.

X-How about getting some frozen yogurt too.

Me-Maybe.

X-WHAT?

Me-Did you have a jelly donut this morning or did you have a jelly donut this morning.

X-UGH...you got me.

Smell the roses

Don't forget to smell the roses...

This summer is flying and I can't believe how quickly June left.

Seems like everyday we have been running around swimming the days away.

I'm not complaining...just shocked by it all. LOL.

Pretty soon BOTH...yes BOTH kids will be in school.

GULP. 

I'll be able to do my art FULL TIME.

YES, so contact me because I'm ready for all the work to just start flying in.

LOL.

Right now I'm starting to design my new compacts. I have been working on some new sketches. Nothing is really flowing right now, but I did like one=0)

Hope you have a wonderful week and don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

xoxo,

Carol

My other job...

X-Mama, I can't believe we only have 20 days of summer vacation left.

Me-I know it. I'm pretty shocked.

X-We have to plan the rest out. Tio is coming to visit soon and then our big trip.

Me-So EXCITING. 

X-This is the best summer EVER. LIKE EVER. Are you listening?

Me-Yes.

X-EVERRRRRR.

Wedding...OH lala

Good morning sweet cheeks. Today I thought it would be fun to talk about sketching and watercolor supplies. I was looking at some wedding dresses 2013 style and got VERY inspired. I always like to start out on sketching paper…just to get an idea of how big I really want it to be. Once I draw the flowers, then I can start working on the hands and beautiful dress. I really love a lot of flowers and I found a cool photo that had an enormous bouquet. Once you are sure about the size, then you can go ahead and start sketching on watercolor paper. I used Canson Montval Watercolor paper 140lb. You can find it in a block and it has a flap on the front, so you can put it away easily. I like to use a mechanical pencil, so it’s always super sharp, BUT I make sure to not press down hard. I want the paper to stay nice and smooth. The pencil I use is a KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH 0,5. I’ve only started using this for the last six months, but I really like it. I also use FABER-CASTELL 2B pencil whenever I don’t mind sharpening it often=0)  So, once I sketch everything out I’m pretty much ready to add the watercolors. I’m using l’Aquarell on this painting, but if you are just starting out a Winsor & Newton Compact Set is great. Now the main thing to remember is to start light…it’s safer. I like to take it slow and not add too much too soon. I also enjoy adding several different types of the same color. For example, in this painting I used both greens in my set and even mixed them together to get another shade. I don’t know if you can tell by just looking at it, but I feel pretty scientific mixing it all up. Painting is for fun after all…right? Keep in mind that whatever is wet is going to stay wet for a while, so don’t try to make any fine details until the end. You can always start working on another area and eventually go back and see if it’s dry enough. I like to wait. Some use hair dryers to speed along the process. Once you are sure you are ready to add the final details make sure it’s dry. I do all my finishing touches when I’m 100% sure that it will NOT spread. Then I go back and do all the shading with a light gray wash. Start light and see how you like it. Keep a dry paper towel near by in case you need to dab the paper and remove some of the watercolor. NOW YOU WANT TO GO PAINT RIGHT? You have a lot to work on=0) Hope this was helpful and I’d love to see anything you are working on.

Cherry on TOP

Did you all have a great Father's Day?

Sorry I'm late on this one. We got a little carried away planning everything with the little ones.

We started with french toast...that was SO good. I think especially good because we got carried away with the powdered sugar=0P HEY...it's only once a year...right?!

LOL.

We decided at the same time to start a Scrabble(word game) challenge.

Boys vs. Girls

This ended up being the funniest game we have ever played ALL together.

THE GIRLS WON.

Maybe that's why I loved it so much;oP

We went to the pool for a couple hours and then had a very nice dinner at home with family.

We had a great time being EXTRA nice to the dads in our life.

AND we made them a super awesome ice cream sundae with a cherry on TOP.

Hope you all have a wonderful day,

Carol

My other job...

Me-Are you going to canon ball off the diving board?

X-I just wanna hang in the hot tub.

Me-Okay, lets get in.

X-I can't do it.

Me-You just said you wanted to.

X-That little baby girl is in there...ALONE.

Me-We can still go in.

X-We'd be breaking the safety rules and I can't be a part of that.

Me-Come on.

X-I can't believe you aren't following the rules and you're a mother.

Me-I'm not her mother. I'm your mother and we can go in.

X-I CAN'T DO IT. 

Underground

HEY.

It's Friday.

It feels like I should be jumping on a train...IT'S FRIDAY.

The only train I'll be jumping on is my newest watercolor. I was inspired by a photo that I saw on (@123los)instagram. I just love how she is patiently waiting and looking fabulous at the same time=0)

To watch me painting the red coat click here. 

So, today I will be working on her and dreaming of NYC.

I better go put my name plate on=0)

HAPPY WEEKEND,

Carol

My other job...

X-YOU forgot to buy me the latest Captain Underpants book.

Me-Uh...there is a new one?

X-YESSSSSS...it came out in January 2013. YOU forgot.

Me-I don't ever remember knowing. LOL. You are in luck, we just got our $5.00 coupon for the reading club.

X-Okay mama...now for the important question.

Me-Oh boy. What?

X-Are you paying or am I? Let me just say that I think you should...SINCE YOU TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT IT.

End of year FUN

We are quickly getting to the end of the school year. Everyone is going to prom and getting ready for graduation ceremonies. I can not get over how quickly this school year has just zoomed by me. I DO enjoy going to all the fun parties and seeing teenagers out having a fancy dinner before their BIG prom. I seriously love seeing them all dressed up and looking so excited to be out.  They all look so great…I just love that. I was surprised to see some kids posing for pictures with a professional photographer. WHAT FUN. I did notice white prom dresses that were very pretty and they had on very colorful accessories. It was really cute. I really liked the red prom dresses that I saw. I'm thinking that I may NEED to get a RED dress for at least one of my trips. You just never know when you may need to get all fancy. Back in the day when I had prom…we loved some SERIOUS color. LOL. Yes, you can imagine me with my royal purple ruffled prom dress. YES… LOL. Anyways, it was fun to see them all out with their super runway gorgeous dresses. Looks like prom is getting bigger and better each year. Now we are also getting all the teachers gifts together and writing them sweet notes so they know how much we appreciate all their hard work…AND PATIENCE. It's also time to say goodbye to all our friends that are moving away=0( Such a bummer, but we are really happy that we got to know them and we wish them all the best. The good part is that now we have a few more places to go visit and explore. As for us, we have TONS of stuff planned this year. YAY. I'm super excited about all the fun we have planned for our summer break. We only have seven weeks, but they are packed to the brink of destruction. We are visiting so many friends and family. Now that the little ones are getting bigger, WE ARE READY TO BRING ON THE FUN. I will be posting photos on instagram all summer long…in case you want to take a peek. We are all stocked up on sun block, flip flops, towels. What else could we possibly need? I'm also packing up all my paints and brushes for our trips away. We will see if they survive the occasional canon balls off the diving boards. Hmmm, that thought just gave me heart palpitations=0) Maybe I will just stick to painting inside…or just away from the pool. HA. It's going to be fun. Hopefully you all have some fun plans too. I'd love to hear about them=0)  I need to go and find myself a fun RED dress(*fingers crossed*).