My CRAZY INSOMNIA and a POSITIVE "CRAFTY" Message!

"Now I lay me down not to sleep.

I just get tangled in the sheets.

I swim in sweat three inches deep.

I just lay back and claim defeat...

Lids down, I count sheep.

I count heartbeats.

The only thing that counts is that

I won't sleep...My mind is racing,

filled with lists of things to do

and things I've done.

Another sleepless night's begun..."

"Who Needs Sleep?" ~Song By Barenaked Ladies

I have battled the 'insomnia monster' for years.  It is a struggle that I have fought with, cried about, prayed about, sought medical advice about, and have come to ACCEPT.  I know as I age, that it is only going to continue.   I believe my battle is due to my 'racing, creative mind'.  I am constantly thinking about new projects, things I want to accomplish, and my hopes and dreams!  YEP!  my 'right brained thinking' is something that I LOVE about myself, but it is definitely a contributing factor to my insomnia battle.  Here is a great link to understanding insomnia, and reasons that you may battle insomnia.

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/understanding-insomnia-basic-information

I thought I would find a 'fun', creative way to poke fun at my 'insomnia issue'!  My dear friend Melissa sent me this adorable picture and suggested it would be perfect for the bedroom.  I HAD TO AGREE... here is the link where you can purchase these adorable ZZZZ's along with so many other fantastic products!  And NOW, my rendition!

http://www.lilyandlime.co.uk/

I decided to create my Z's because I believe in the power of positive thinking, and seeing the ZZZ's spelled out in front of me is a very positive 'visual' message!  I also decided to create the Z's to match my bedroom.  I have beautiful 'robin's egg blue' walls, and throughout the bedroom, I have used black and white photos,  and red as my accent colors!  My bedroom is SO relaxing and cozy, and SO ME!

Here are the Materials you will need:

• 3 'Z' letters (I got mine at Michaels)
• Black and White Acrylic Paint
• A paint brush
• A toothbrush
• Matte acrylic sealer (I love Krylon)

I LOVE enamelware, and I found this adorable Black Enamelware Coffee Pot at a garage sale for $1.00.  This pot served as the creative force for painting my letters!  

Too cute and SO easy... here's what you do!

Paint your Z's with your Black acrylic paints.  I am not sure what my Z's were composed of, but thankfully they only needed one coat of the paint.  Be careful not to use too much paint as you may leave globs or drips on your letters where you don't want them.

After the black paint has dried, lay your letters out, and place a dollop of the white paint in your palette.  Dip your toothbrush into the white paint and scrape it lightly against the edge of your palette so there is not 'too much' paint on the toothbrush.  Hold the toothbrush over the letters, and with your pointer finger, pull against the bristles and flick the paint on the letters.  It does not matter if you get a variety of 'flecks' on your letters... that is the beauty of using this technique.

Allow your white paint to thoroughly  dry, and then using your Krylon matte finish sealer, spray one coat.  Allow the first coat to dry and then spray one more coat.  

Allow to dry thoroughly.

I chose to hang the letters where I could see them from my bed.  I hung them on a wall across from my bed under a little black shelf I have hanging.  I measured down from the base board and centered the letters under the shelf.  Luckily the letters had predrilled holes for hanging.  So I hung them, stepped back and said, "I LIKE, LIKE CRAZY"!  

Too cute, and a powerful positive message with three simple letters.

Now I am getting requests from other family  members for their own "personalized" letter messages.  I love it!  This project took under one hour to complete, it is inexpensive, yet SO priceless.

I hope you will go and have fun making your own Z's, and I hope you will experience some great Z's as you lay down to rest!  Sweet Dreams! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ................

Living, Loving, Laughing and getting sleepy! = )

Patti

Here is a great link giving some great tips that I myself have implemented to improve my sleep!

http://www.mysleepingtips.com/

a CRAZY GREAT VACATION SPOT- Pensacola, Florida

  I know many people believe that their hometown is the best place to live, but I am just CRAZY enough to believe that my hometown is not only the best place to live, but a CRAZY GREAT VACATION SPOT!

Just a little history from this great link ~ http://www.visitpensacola.com/articles/pensacola-history!

Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna arrived in Pensacola on Aug. 15, 1559, establishing the first European settlement in the United States. One month later, a hurricane destroyed supplies, eventually causing the Spanish to flee the area.

In 1698, Fort San Carlos de Austria became the first permanent settlement in Northwest Florida. Remains of the fort can be found at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Having been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States, Pensacola has earned the nickname“City of Five Flags.”  The picture above is one I took at a recent festival showing our Five Flags!

I took a trip down to the Pensacola Historic Village which is truly a trip back into the beautiful and rich historical culture of Pensacola Florida!  Here is a link to the Pensacola Historic Village which will give you great information on all the sites there are to see! http://www.historicpensacola.org/


In fact, why not put on your sneakers, and come along on a walk with me, as I give you a picture tour of this Incredible Historic District!

My MOST favorite spot is the Old Christ Church located in the District.  The Old Christ Church was built in 1832, and is a beacon of historic preservation.  Old Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in Florida.  The architecture inside and out is so stunning.  As a violinist, I have played many a wedding and solo concert within this church's walls, and the acoustics are musicians 'dream come true'.  The landscape of the property is strewn with orange trees, that are at this very moment bearing fruit!  This church holds so many memories for me, and I am sure memories for many others from years gone by!

Another lovely home is the Julle Cottage. This well preserved little cottage in Pensacola was constructed in 1805 and was the home of Julee Panton, a free woman of color, well before the Civil War.  The Cottage is just adorable and the grounds are covered with beautiful flowers and plants native to the Gulf Coast.

One of the homes I enjoy, due to a personal interest of mine, is the LaValle House.  This house is separated from the Julle Cottage by a small green space containing this lovely garden... and I do have such an interest in gardening! The garden is planted and maintained by Escambia County Master Gardeners. A variety of greens and lettuce are the winter crop.  In the summer, the kitchen garden has an abundant crop of tomatoes, eggplant, green peppers and squash, and as you can see a few of those beauties are starting to peak out!

One of the more "spirited houses" in the historic district is the Dorr House.  The Dorr House is one of the best-preserved post-Civil War Classic Greek Revival homes still standing in Pensacola, Florida. The deep-yellow house sets closely to the Old Christ Church. This grandeur neighborhood was known for its prestigious residents during the late 1800s.  Clara Barkley Dorr received proceeds upon her husband's death, she purchased the lot on the west side of Seville Square and built the Dorr House.

This home's most infamous secret may be the tales of the spirits that haunt the Dorr home. Tour guides have admitted to being uneasy when giving tours and have told stories of shadows,  pulling on clothes, and reported  objects being moved around.  Historical records show that some of the Dorr children died while living in the home. Locals, who speak of the spirit, believe it is the ghost of Clara who refuses to leave her charming home.  Crazy Spooky!

You will not be left thirsty or hungry as you tour the Historic District.  Two new hot spots getting rave reviews are the Pensacola Bay Brewery, and right next door Dolce!  The Pensacola Bay Brewery,  and the coffee shop are in the perfect setting amongst towering Live Oak Trees with long  flowing strands of Spanish Moss hanging from their branches. 

The Pensacola Bay Brewery, sells souvenir pint glasses and fills them for free. You can also “rent” a pint glass which comes with a free fill of beer with every rental. A popular way to go also is the deal where, if you buy a souvenir mug you get a free sampling of all the beers being currently brewed.  
A fun way to try their 'wares'!

Just next to the Brewery you will run into Dolce!  Dolce is housed in what was originally the shotgun home known as the Moreno Cottage.  The Moreno Cottage was part of a family compound built in 1870.  Dolce is a tiny little cafe serving gelato, coffee, and handmade candies.  
This cute little shop is a sweet stop along your way!

You will also find a wonderful park called "Fountain Square Park".  This picturesque park, located just below Seville Square, provides a memorable outside event location that over looks Pensacola Bay.  I just love the three tier fountain, and the sparkling water in the sunlight.  Also in the park I found some hand carved wooden statues propped up in the trees.  I laughed at the creativity and the spirit in which they were placed and just HAD to take a picture!

Me at work!

I once again have to say, that the Pensacola Historic District is a CRAZY FANTASTIC place to visit... and I haven't even shown you the ocean yet... that is another blog!  Even though I live here, I thoroughly enjoyed stepping back in time to visit this beautiful piece of history! What a treat it would be for you to come for a CRAZY FUN VACATION!

I hope you have enjoyed your walk back in history, and I hope I have given you enough of a 'tease' to want to come visit my CRAZY, BEAUTIFUL hometown~ Pensacola, Florida!

Livin', Laughin' and Lovin' my hometown,

Patti

Come visit my next blog where I will teach you how to use mosaic tiles to spiff up a 2nd hand store steal!

ALSO!!!! HEAD ON OVER TO...‎ 

Jennifer's site, "ALWAYS IN WONDER"
http://www.alwaysinwonder.com/

This AWESOME BLOGGER is giving away a $350 Merry Maids Gift Card.  Uh Huh!  That is what I am talking about.  I would love to win... but would be equally excited if one of my fab followers won!  Just click on the "Current Giveaway" at the top of her page!  Good Luck!

A Crazy, "D"lish, Chocolatey, Mocha, Trifle!

Have you EVER craved a crazy, insanely, delicious, and delectable looking and heavenly tasting dessert?  A dessert you can proudly serve to company, OR just  have on hand for... one of those days?  Well, I assure you that I have just the recipe for you!  Be prepared to be swept away on waves of Chocolaty, 'Mochay' (my blog~my word lol) Crazy, Goodness.  This is a family and company favorite that will be sure to send shock waves of 'yumminess' right to the tips of your toes'!

You have to have a Lovely Trifle Dish, and decorating the trifle dish for the season is a must, as this dessert is a 'dessert for all Season's'!  I got a trifle dish on sale for $10.00. To decorate my dish for summer I used:

• Burlap
• Raffia
• A sunflower with a spray of berries

I cut my burlap in a circle to tie up around the bowl, and secured with the raffia.  I then tied a raffia bow, with the flower spray inserted in the center of the bow to be held in place.  And in a snap a crazy, cute trifle bowl, waiting for some yummy goodness.

This is a Recipe I got from Pampered Chef, but as usual, I have altered the ingredients to suit my taste buds! So here is my list of Secret Ingredients! 
You will need:

• Brownie mix (any brand will do ~ 19 ounces)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• Large package Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
• 3 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp. of Instant Coffee ~ any brand
• 1 Tbsp. hot water
• 1 Large container Cool Whip
• 1 bag toffee chips (I use Heath Chips found with Chocolate chips)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 13x9" pan.  Mix the brownies according to directions using the water, oil, and eggs.  Bake according to directions.  Allow to cool and then cut into 1" cubes

Make your chocolate pudding according to directions using the milk... set aside

Mix your 1 Tbsp. Instant Coffee with your 1 Tbsp. of hot water until crystals are dissolved, then add directly to your whip topping.  Mix well.

In the bottom of your Trifle dish, layer 1/2 of your brownie cubes.  Add 1/2 of your pudding mixture on top of brownies and spread out.  Add 1/2 of your whipped topping mixture and spread.  Sprinkle half of the toffee chips on top.  REPEAT LAYERS in same order.  SO PRETTY!

Cover and refrigerate at least four hours before serving.  And ~ refrigerate leftovers.  Pull your beautiful Trifle out of your fridge, plate it up on some pretty china and prepare yourself for the oooo's and ahhhhh's that will be coming your way.  The great thing about this dessert is, that it is sweet, but with the coffee addition, it keeps it from being 'overly' sweet.  Have no doubt that this is a Crazy, Decadent, Dessert, fit for the finest of company!  Or just to say to your family... 'You are Special'... or a perfect midnight snack... think I will go grab a spoon and have some right now!  = )

Enjoy making, creating.

 and then eating this fabulous dessert.

Living, Loving and Laughing with chocolate on my mouth...

Patti