Mr President!!!

Today is our last day in San Jose...so we had to get a move on with shopping. Right after breakfast we headed out to start our shopping...when we walked off the elevator there were cops and secret service type all over! I couldn't figure it out...so when we asked one of the guys standing around who are they waiting for he said Bill Clinton...I thought oh sure at our hotel!...Just in case I got my camera out and within 2 seconds out he came! He walked by and talked to a couple of people...shook my hand and my mom's hand then he was whisked away by secret service then they all hopped in the SUV's and took of! It was crazy...but cool that I actually met a former president!!!

We had a wonderful time and can't wait until our next trip...last year our star sighting in LA was Vin Diesel and Robin Thicke...this year in San Jose Bill Clinton! Wonder who it will be next year?!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Did somebody say SHOPPING?

Today the rain had dried up and it was a perfect day for shopping...My mom and I hit up every store in Santana Row! Yes in one day...amazing! After we went everywhere from Ann Taylor Loft to Crate and Barrel...had lunch at a delightful little cafe called Cocola Bakery. Then we dropped off our bags and walked to Westfield Valley Fair to do MORE shopping...oh my...the stores were closing so we headed back for the hotel and thought we would stop and grab a bite to eat at Straits Cafe. It was really good...we had some appetizers then our main course spicy basil chicken, coconut rice, and garlic noodles...oh and a couple cocktails too! For dessert we went back to Cocola Bakery for a pastry and decaf coffee! It was a packed day! I can't wait for another day of shopping tomorrow!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Do you know the way to San Jose!?

Mom's birthday celebration is about to take place! Since her birthday fell on Easter we both decided to do something a little special together. Anyway when my husband and I went to San Jose/Santa Cruz for our anniversary in October we took a tour of the Winchester Mystery House...across the street is a fabulous shopping area called Santana Row. I love my husband but he HATES shopping...but my mom LOVES shopping!!! Right then and there I knew it was a perfect trip for her birthday!

We arrived Friday night to Hotel Valencia...OMG...what an amazing hotel (if you ever go to San Jose I suggest stay here!). After checking into our room and getting settled in we headed off for dinner...the street were buzzing with people! We were hoping to get a table at Maggiano's Little Italy but they were booked until 9:45 PM!!! So we were able to get in at Pomodoro and it was yummy! After enjoying dinner and some wine we walked around (even though it was raining!)

LOVE IT!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

Family Time...

This year my assignment for our Easter family gathering were cupcakes...(everyone brings something...usually their favorite dish...however I am obsessed with cupcakes!!!)

Not just cupcakes...but a ginormous cupcake also...

I haven't seen my cousin Kayla since Christmas and she is already 3 inches taller than me!

I love family gatherings...it gives me a chance to see family from out of town.

Kinda like a special treat!

Now the egg hunt begins...this year 300 eggs were hidden. Most filled with chocolate, jelly beans and the selected few filled with $5 bills!Yes...the pool behind us looks crystal clear and so enticing...trust me the water was like dipping your toe in arctic ice water!!!

I hope that everyone got to spend time with their family today and enjoy the beautiful Easter holiday!

Happy Easter!

Artfully Yours

Ceramic Diva

Happy Easter...Happy Birthday...It's a HAPPY Day!

Not only is today Easter...it's my Mom's birthday!

Happy Birthday Pashi!!!

Love you Mom...Love your Moonpie!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

It's as easy as 1...2...3!!

Yes...that is me! Today my boss (aka Dippin Dean) was on Vacation and we needed to dip a few pieces. Keep in mind that I have never dipped anything nor have I prepped the dipping tank. Yes, I love ceramics but something about dipping your project is just overwhelming to me. However a couple weeks ago we filmed a "CN2000D Clear Glaze" Dipping Video! Now I am completely confident dipping! To get a few more successful tips click here to download the PDF!

Happy Dipping!

Ceramic Diva

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I just had to share this adorable picture with you...last night a couple of the girls here at work went out for a green beer at an Irish Pub!

Happy St. Patricks Day...hope you found that pot of gold!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

The GRRREAT Outdoors!

I love camping...a few months back my husband and I headed up to Wishon Camp area. Well now we are at it again! With the weather being so beautiful we went camping at Hensley Lake...it was for one of our friend's birthday!

You can see how much fun the kids had playing at the park in the campsite area! It was a total blast and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking...although our campsite had electricity...ok not use to that at all. That made it almost like fake or cheat camping! Anyway it was a great time and so exciting!!!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva

It IS Easy Being Green!

Ok...for those of you who grew up in the 70's/80's (like me) I am sure you know who Kermit is!! I like to call him "Kermy"...for some reason there has ALWAYS been a soft spot for him in my heart.

A little Kermy history lesson...prototype Kermit was created from a green ladies' coat that Jim Henson's mother had thrown in the trash can, and two ping pong balls for eyes. The early Kermit was a sort of lizard-like creature...and his first appearance as a frog was in the television special "Hey Cinderella in 1969", and he's been a frog ever since! He also had several appearances on Sesame Street...I am sure everyone remembers the song "Bein' Green"!! (ok...yes I still get misty-eyed when I see a re-run!) Plus he has has several movies (yes...I have seen them ALL!)

But most of all its amazing to know that Kermit was made from "recycled" clothing...and now he is making an appearance for "BEING GREEN!" in ads...like the Ford Escape Hybrid!

For more tips on turning yourself green...click here!

I love Kermit...and I love my new bag (thanks sis)!

Artfully Yours,

Ceramic Diva