JM Perez

501 posts

Poet, Writer and Published Author. Insatiably passionate about gardening, Health and Wellness. I enjoy collecting Vintage and Antique choice pieces.

Gift Ideas Shabby Chic Vintage Home Decor

“My Favorite Things” Shop

By JM PerezNovember 16, 20122 min read1.5K views

Located in Historic Old Town Crestline California, My Favorite Things is a fabulous shop for everything between Home essentials, furniture, unique gifts, scrapbooking supplies, greeting cards, one of a kind jewelry, scented soap and great vintage findings. The decor is simply amazing and the atmosphere is peaceful. Upon arrival you are drawn to the gently and captivating smell of Trapp Fragrances, which shop owner Yolanda, proudly display on her shelves (Private Gardens, Seasonal, Votives, Room Sprays, Home Diffusers, Fragrance Mist and Specials). Right now and for a limited time only, you can buy 4 Seasonal Candles and Get the 5th for free at participating Retailers.

The shop offers a range of jewelry such as anklets, bracelets, charms, necklaces, earrings, toe rings, crystal , bridal and everything in between. There is a small selection of children’s toys ranging from Chalk kits to building blocks and puzzles. The shop also carries a selection of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™. The paint is wonderful as it is easy to work with on pretty much everything and anything without requiring preparation. Yolanda showed us furniture she restored using the Chalk Paint and the end result is simple amazing. Click here to visit Annie Sloan’s blog.

Shop Location and Contact Information:

23447 Crest Forest Dr., Crestline, CA 92325
Shop: 1 (909) 338-9555
Direct: 1 (909) 338-2904

MyFavoriteThings.tv
info@MyFavoriteThings.tv

What makes this Shop unique and special is the fact that Yolanda only acquires the things she personally likes. Her shop reflects her personality and it shows by the amount of love and dedication she puts into it.

They say pictures speak a thousand words; I am sharing here a few of Yolanda’s Favorite Things. Drive up there on your spare time and see for yourself; you will be glad you made the trip.

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By JM Perez

Kids Craft Children Education DIY: Projects

Turkey Decorating Project

By JM PerezNovember 15, 20121 min read747 views

Early this week Ivan came home with a project that involves the whole family. Along with his weekly homework, he was given a plain drawing of a Turkey. As a family project, we were asked to decorate the Turkey using whatever we wanted. After making a few suggestions, he decided to proceed with Cereal (for the feathers, caruncles and wattle), Crayons and a button (for the eye). Though time consuming, it was more fun than we thought it would be.

The project was then displayed at school for a couple of weeks and then returned to the students.

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By JM Perez

Fashion Gift Ideas Christmas Holidays Home Decor

Gift Ideas for The Holidays

By JM PerezNovember 13, 20123 min read3.3K views

It’s almost that time of year again when giving is on the rise and you want to give the best Holiday gift to your loved ones. I know there are so many stores/shops to check out (by all means, do, if you can and have the time). My advice to those of you who are planning to shop in-store is to start by checking the clearance section of your favorite stores, you just might find some hidden treasures.
I am compiling a list of Online Stores I absolutely trust and love for their amazing products and prices.

Yves Rocher. Are you looking for Skin Care, Body Care, Hair Care Products, Makeup, Fragrances? Then this website is for you. The best thing about Yves Rocher is that he created Botanical Beauty based on the treasures of the botanical world and its infinite potential. Also, you are rewarded each time you make a purchase. As of now, they offer free shipping on orders of $40 or more and you have the opportunity to choose one free gift amongst six that they are offering. I will be going for the Oriental Massage Oil, Elixir.

Oil of Oriental Massage Elixir — *Oriental Massage Oil, Elixir.*

Spiegel (Newport News – Spiegel). If you are looking for Women Clothing, Shoes and Accessories; then you might want to start here.

Outfits — *Dress: Ponté-Knit Sheath Dress with Ruched Detailing.*
*Jacket: Signature Ponte Knit – Swing Jacket.*
*Shoes: Lace-Up Oxford Platform Pump in Waxed Satin.*
*Clutch: Oversize Clutch Handbag with Softly Pleated Front.*

Save-on-crafts. Are you looking for a source to buy art and craft supplies? Then this is your destination. They have a huge selection of craft supplies, wedding/party supplies and they offer decoration ideas for pretty much all types of projects. They definitely got you covered.
Collections Etc. Another site similar to this one is The Lakeside Collection. They both carry a huge variety of items on Home Essentials, Garden Accessories, Men/Women clothing and accessories, unique gifts and so much more. I am fond of their unique selection of Solar Powered Lights.

*Color Changing Solar Flower Garden Stakes . Green Glass Mosaic Solar Garden Stakes.*

Gift Tree, Edible Arrangements (Gift Baskets).
You will find everything from Wine, Fruits, Gourmet, Cookie, Chocolate, Coffee & Tea, Flowers to Spa Essentials and much more. The whole family is pretty much covered.
Pier1 (Pier 1 Imports®). This is a unique and high quality gift store specialized in imported home furnishings and decorations. The store has beautiful finds.

1. Lane Boots Women's 'Tail Feather' Cowboy Boots. 2. Peacock Handbag. 3. Peacock Purse. — *1. Lane Boots Women’s ‘Tail Feather’ Cowboy Boots. 2. Peacock Handbag. 3. Peacock Purse.*

*1. Peacock Jewelry Stand. 2. Peacock Napkins. 3. Peacock Swing.*

*1. Peacock Pillow. 2. Peacock Paper Coaster Set. 3. Peacock Double Deck Playing Cards.*

A good bottle of Wine. Do you have a Wine Lover on your list or are you a Wine Lover yourself?
Visit your Local Vintage Shop. Support Local Vendors and give the gift of remembrance to that one person on your list who is fond of ‘Old’ things (it could be jewelry, furniture, music instrument, painting, etc!)
Make your Own Gift. By now you should know exactly what everyone on your list likes. Some people enjoy hand made stuff from their loved ones (for keepsake). If you have someone like that on your list then think about hand writing a Poem or creating something beautiful with the supplies you already have on hand. Cook a delicious and healthy Meal. Bake cookies and pass them out to family and friends. Donate things you no longer need as long as they’ve been gently used (Books, Toys, Board Games, Clothes, Furniture, Toiletries, Non-Perishable Food, Money, etc!) If you are considering donating books or know someone who’s thinking about donating, check out this website.
GIVE YOUR TIME. Gifts are awesome. Truth is, however, that we simply don’t need them. Time, on the other hand, is much needed and we cannot reset. Be there for your loved ones and if you can’t be there physically, reach out somehow and let them know how much they mean to you. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Donate your time to the less fortunate. Make a difference by volunteering. Being a Universal Blood Donor, I will be donating some blood if it can help provide the gift of life and health to someone else.

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Vegetables Fruits Health and Wellness Strength of The Small

Fighting and Disease Preventing Foods

By JM PerezNovember 12, 20122 min read689 views

I started actively reading about Cancer Fighting Food in 1997 when my Father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and my research intensified in 2011 when I found out that my former neighbor was in her final stage of Cancer. They are so many disease fighting and preventing foods out there. For this post, I am only naming a few. Click on each one of them to learn about their health benefits (and possible side-effects, if any).

Soursop Fruit
I fell in love with this Juicy fruit back in 1990 without knowing it benefits and without knowing what it was called then. I later found that it was called “Corossol” (its French name). If I am not mistaken, I believe we had two Soursop trees growing in our front yard and I remember my Mother urging me not to eat too much and too fast. It would be great to have a few trees around here, from the Sweet Soursop.

How to Make/Use Soursop Tea (Source: Nature Chemo Care)

Boil 1 liter of water, then take 15 Soursop matured leaves (fresh or dried ones both have same effect) and 1 small stem cut into small pieces and put into the boiling water then continue to boil the water on medium flame for 30 minutes, until the water evaporates to 600 ml. Now the Soursop tea is ready to drink. Drink 1 cup (200 ml) filtered Soursop tea after cooling or warm, 3 times every day, in the morning, afternoon and in the night. For better taste you can add some honey (not sugar).

After drinking, the body feels the effects of heat, similar to the effects of chemotherapy but no side effects. In 1 or 2 weeks time you can feel the benefits of Soursop yourself, and in 4 weeks time the improvements can be checked with the doctor.

Note: every time you drink Soursop tea see that 30 minutes before and after, you don’t take any other food. Do not use it during pregnancy. Do not use in large single dosages and avoid long-term use.

Click here and here for additional information about this fruit. Click here for some delicious Soursop Fruit Recipes.

Green Tea
Whole Grains
Edible Mushrooms
Avocado
Omega-3 and Fish
Sprouts
Cruciferous Vegetables
Berries
Carotenoids
Ginger, Garlic, Onions
Some research firmly believe that Organic Food should be the only option out there (absence of pesticides and other chemicals). Other research, on the other hand, believe that Conventional Produce is the way to go and that there is no apparent difference between the two.
Read book on Diet and Nutrition to educate yourselves and be accountable for your health.

Fighting and Disease Preventing Foods. — Source: OneGreenPlanet.org . MDAnderson.org . AllHealthNet.com.

Click here, here and here for more information on Disease Fighting Foods.

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By JM Perez

Weather Nature Gardening High Desert

Grab Your Umbrellas: Rainy Days are Here

By JM PerezNovember 8, 20122 min read734 views

Without a doubt, the rainy days are here. One of the first things I looked for this morning was my Umbrella. I will be using it a lot more this year and possibly in the next hour as I will be picking up my Kindergartener from school. I am glad that I urged myself all last week to complete my last outdoor projects (adding privacy to the backyard, building the last planter, pruning my Roses and setting up the drip for my bulbs). Now we just have to get ready to winterize the irrigation system for the coming cold.

The Rain, I can stand. Those high and gusty winds: I just can’t. Weed pollen and other allergens are carried by the winds causing allergies. The best way to combat these allergies is to stay indoors as much as you can. Click here to read more on measures you can take to prevent some of these allergies. In addition to the allergies, there is also the danger of falling branches/trees, debris and in extreme cases, downed power lines caused by strong winds. Click here to read about safety measures you can take around downed power lines.