Who's Palace is this?

 
Imagine who would have such taste and live in
such opulence and style?

An American Billionaire? A Saudi Prince ? Louis XIV of France ?
Who do you think owns this work of art?

This Palace/Mansion is in Harare and belongs to:

The President of Zimbabwe - Robert Mugabe -

I had no idea that while his people in his country suffer and our country contributes to their suffering, he lives in such fabulous conditions. 

This rubbed me wrong? What are your thoughts?

Who do you travel with?

Thought I'd start your week with a quote for the week!
Like I said in my last post, I had a "Girlfriends Pajama Party" this weekend.  By the way, if you haven't done one of these, it's a blast!!!    The above picture is from a "thank you" card I got from one of my wonderful friends.  The quote is so very true and the best part is the black dog is just like my AVA!!  Thanks for a great time ladies.  Anytime you get 12 woman together, there is fun to be had. 
The food was fabulous and the company and conversation was even better! 

Our Ava

Don't know where she'd be off to besides going camping with us which she LOVES.
Darting out the back door is one of her specialties too!


Even dogs love to be with the ones they love.

We all have such busy lives but taking time out to visit with friends is so incredibly wonderful.  Good medicine for the soul.  I challenge you to plan a party.  Make it easy so you actually do it.  You can provide the dessert, coffee and drinks and your friends can bring their favorite snack.  We had a smorges board....everything from potato skins, gourmet appetizers to wine and cheese.  I used e-vite for the invitation and it was extremely easy and fun.

Thank you Cheryl for the cutest hostess gift ever - stylish tweezers
 (it was in my card)
What's a party without a triple layered chocolate mouse cake from Central Market.
They never disappoint!
The party that I hosted made me wish that I could have invited all my blogger friends I've met over the past few years.  Thank you for your daily friendship and your support! 
It's fun traveling with you!
Who do you travel with?
Ruthie

Decorate with fresh flowers, it will change your mood

Don't forget to "renew" your space with fresh flowers.

Romantic Homes Magazine - Spring/Summer 2010
Just about every magazine front cover has a picture of fresh flowers included in the room of whatever house they are featuring.  Flowers are a necessity to every room and create an incredible colorful splash and at the same time create a "happy" mood.
DecRenew Interiors - Ruthie Staalsen 
My favorite color flower
I was at the grocery store this weekend (my dreaded chore) and I bumped into a friend.  I noticed that she had some beautiful flowers in her shopping cart.  I asked about them and she said she bought them for herself as a treat to cheer up her home.  LOVE IT!


Isn't this simply gorgeous?

My friend reminded me how the small things like a beautiful fresh flower arrangement on your coffee table, entry table, bathroom or kitchen counter can immediately change the mood of the room. We often think that flowers are only for special occasions.  Nowadays you can even buy one flower stem if you are on a budget.  Even that is a nice touch to your space.
DecRenew Interiors, Ruthie Staalsen
I'm working on a project and will share with you during another post.  Love the color of these florals.

I had my annual "Girlfriends PJ Party" this weekend at my house and had some beautiful gladiolas in a tall vase that my husband gave me the day before Valentines Day.  I am kinda crazy in the fact that I prefer to get flowers on days other than the day you expect them.  My husband is so wonderful and now brings me flowers around the special day and sometimes on the day too.  I'm not a high maintenance kind of girl but this is one area that I hate to say but am high maintenance.
Anyway, I thought the gladiolas would last until my party, they were beautiful red ones.  I came home about 2 hours before my party and they looked terribly sad.  I didn't HAVE to have flowers for this party but knew it would make the party feel special.  I immediately called my dear friend Sue who was "early" for the party and on her way and asked her to pick up some "tall" flowers for me.
DecRenew Interiors, Ruthie Staalsen
This is what she came home with!  Of course she had selected several different kinds and actually asked the florist at Tom Thumb for other selections that might be behind closed doors that we could use.  She hit the jackpot and they gave her several choices that weren't out on the floor.  She brought her selections home (good ones) and we put our own arrangement together making it look beautiful.   Thank you Sue and Tom Thumb for these beautiful Cherry Blossom branches and pink tulips!
DecRenew Interiors, Ruthie Staalsen

Love this one!
DecRenew Interiors
DecRenew Interiors
Buy yourself some flowers or a flower this week and see how your mood changes, hope it's happy!

Ruthie

Thank you Cote de Texas and French Basketeer

I wanted to say a very special thank you to Joni Webb at
 Cote de Texas
&
 Andrea Drexelius at
French Basketeer
for my wonderful basket I won in the Cote de Texas French  Basketeer Giveaway! 
Go here to see Joni's post.
Go to here to watch my "thank you" video that my daughter kindly created for me with her flip camera.  I'm constantly amazed at what these kids know how to do on the computer!  Such a privilege that they can learn such advanced technology at such a young age.  We had a blast together!
The basket is so unique and is perfect for me.  I've already got it loaded to go!  I'm having a PJ Party this weekend for a bunch of my friends and I can't wait to show it off!  It smells divine too because it's made from  natural materials, they are living & breathing as Andrea put it!  The more you use it, the better it looks.
Happy winnings to you all!
Ruthie

Chandelier Shoes - Are these for you?

OK, let's have some fun! 
I'm known for loving shoes and enjoy collecting different styles.  The main thing for me though is comfort!!

Don't know how practical or comfortable these Chandelier Shoes would be?  I just couldn't help myself, I had to post them so you could have a good chuckle.  Actually, they are quite gorgeous just not practical or comfortable.  I can't imagine feeling those crystals bouncing around on my toes?  I'd also be afraid I'd break one.  You would be the talk of the party, you know how woman talk about the shoes in the room!!
 
What do you think?

Neiman Marcus

Style.com
I love the last pair above, maybe I could pull those off?  Maybe not?
I'm really thinking that I should probably just stick with these chandelier shoes this time around!
To end this post, here's a crazy chandelier for you!  Would actually be fun in a teenager's room.
Just having some fun today!
I'd love to hear your comments!
Go find a great pair of shoes, they will make your day!
Ruthie