Race for the Cure!

This is the month of pink...it's breast cancer awareness month. One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in her lifetime.

One of my friends has a team to support the Komen Fresno Race for the Cure® on October 27th in the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure! Please support my friend by clicking here and making a donation...remember any amount helps! Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically undeserved communities and national breast cancer research.

I am very excited that my friend is doing this...I remember when my mom and I did a marathon...hard work but the reward was soooo worth it!

To support in the fight against breast cancer...I made a "Bank of Intentions"..."Saving For The Cure!"

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

A Little Mystery...

On our way to the Winchester Mystery House I couldn't believe the developments that have popped up in the area! There is a shopping area "Santana Row" that looks like a combination of Italy and France...really beautiful. The shops ranged from Donald J. Pliner to Sur La Table...

they have EVERYTHING!!! (next time my mom and I need a place to go shop we are going here!)

Our tour began at 11:30 and was about an hour long...

The story is Sarah L. Winchester spent about 38 year remodeling and adding onto her house...some rooms had great details while others were lacking those finishing touches. Although I do have to say her Tiffany Art Glass collection was stunning. Plus the original ceramic tiles that were surrounding the fireplaces were beautiful...the colors were so rich and creamy. It totally reminded me of some of the colors we offer at Duncan...like our Designer Glazes™. The amount of money that was spent on this mansion is crazy...but I can't get over how much time was spent...24 hours a day and 7 days a week! In 38 years that is a total of 332,880 hours total!!!

On our way home we stopped at Casa de Fruta (a family tradition!) and got a little snack to help us make it home! I love traveling...but there is no place like home!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Boardwalk!

This morning I was worried it would be really cold and cloudy...but everything burned off!

We took off for Santa Cruz this morning and really had an amazing time! Of course you had to start the day off right by riding the Giant Dipper (then again a few more times)! My husband and I walked up and down the boardwalk several times...we had the best time people watching while enjoying the famous fried artichoke hearts! We played more video games...went on the haunted house ride (which was mainly in the dark the entire time!) and my husband kept grabbing my arm making me think someone else was...once I would scream he would start laughing! (it wasn't that funny!)

After a full day of being in the sun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk we went back to the hotel to get ready for our special dinner!

If you have never tried fondue...even if you have...you MUST try the Melting Pot! They start you off with your choice from 6 cheese fondues plus vegetables and bread for dipping...then you move onto your salad...and the main course which was a sampling of fillet, sirloin, garlic & herb chicken, citrus pork tenderloin, mushroom raviolis, red pepper raviolis and veggies cooked in Coq au Vin (herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices, and wine)...what is crazy about fondue is the portions are perfect without getting too full!...The finale was dark chocolate fondue (yes, I am a dessert junkie!) served with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, and marshmallows that are toasted then rolled in either crushed oreos or gram cracker are just a few of the dipper options!

After dinner we walked around downtown San Jose to check out all of the adorable boutiques and the nightlife!

Today was such an amazingly great day and I am totally excited about the Winchester Mystery House tomorrow!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

And we're off!!!

On our way out of town Friday it seems like we hit every pocket of rain their could be! But we finally made it to our hotel...then we went out for a bite to eat!

Not sure if anyone has ever been to a Dave & Busters but it's soooo much fun!!!! The motto is "Eat...Drink...Play" and that is what we did! As soon as you walk in you have the option of going up to one of the two bar areas to watch sports & have a drink...or you can put your name down to play some pool or for a dining experience...or you can venture out to the arcade area to choose your video game!

Well...we started by putting our name down for dinner, then sat at the bar area had a drink and watch the baseball game! Dinner was fabulous!!! All I have to say is hot doughnut holes with chocolate fudge dipping sauce!!!! YUMMY!!! After dinner and dessert we needed to burn off some calories...a little skeeball and friendly video game competition!!

It was a great night and couldn't wait for tomorrow's events at the Boardwalk!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Anniversary Time!!!

Yes...it's my anniversary! I can't believe that it has been 4 years since my wedding day!

Normally we plan a extravagant trip...but this year I thought it would be fun if the plan was geared towards places that my husband has never been to!

So Friday we are off to San Jose...our plan is hit up Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Winchester Mystery House!

Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

R & R!!!!

This weekend was awesome!!! My husband and I needed a little R&R...life seems so busy sometimes it feels good to take a break from the phones, computer and work!

This is a photo on the way to Courtright Reservoir...We stayed at Wishon Village which is just about 15 minutes away from Courtright Reservoir!

Our weekend was filled with cooking breakfast on the fire together, going for walks, driving to Wishon Reservoir and Courtright Reservoir...we even saw a total of 4 deer!

The weather was a bit chilly at night...but relaxing and being in natures elements were well worth it!

Here are some other pictures from our trip!

Courtright Reservoir

Courtright Reservoir

YES! It was REALLY COLD!!!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva