This summer I got a wild hair and wanted the kitties to have a screened-in porch attached to the house. My idea was that they be able to go in an out as they pleased. I drew up a design that included a cedar shake roof and metal-capped cupola and waited for my husband to come home.

He’s somewhat used to these requests, and always indulges my ideas. Well, almost always. Which is saying a lot because they inevitably involve hours of custom work by a skilled artisan.

Being a structural engineer, he has the talent. Even when he doesn’t have the time, he finds it.

With a smile on his face, measurements recorded, and a materials list compiled, off he went to get what he needed.  I had NO idea how involved the building of the kitty porch would be; it even had to be wired and screened for safety! I felt guilty as I watched my sweet husband sweat and build and measure and construct. But he said he was happy. He likes to keep busy.

And Voila! I’m so tickled to present the custom screened-in kitty porch, replete with a brick foundation that matches our historical home! Oreo and Frankie love it. My husband and I do too!

In the photo above, Frankie is in the porch; he’s to the right (his green eyes are just about all you can see), but look closely and you’ll see him. And in the picture below (which I took from the opening inside the house), Frankie is watching a bird on the patio.

This last picture is the garden view from Oreo and Frankie’s porch. They are two happy kitties!

I’ve enjoyed the segments where Oprah discusses her favorite things. Some her favorites have become mine. So, I got to thinking about all the special things I’ve come across during my travels through life (of which shopping is a big part), and decided to add a “Favorite Things” category to my blog.

Today is my first entry, and I’m happy to introduce you to wonderful, creamy, totally natural, and beautifully handmade soaps!

This is a photo I took of my bathroom vanity, and the three soaps featured were gifts from a gal I met via social networking. She made them! Well, all I can say is they are wonderful soaps. I love them.  To my surprise (and delight), she has just put up a website and is offering her handmade soaps for sale, so I wanted to share her information here so you can enjoy these beautiful soaps for yourself. She makes many different soaps and below are just a few pictures of her creative talents. To see the entire line, please visit the ENCHANTED BATH.

Cherry Almond

Goldfish Soap

(How cute is this?!)

All the soaps are beautifully done and are fantastic gifts.

I have never met the gal that started this soap company, nor is there any kind of business connection between us. I simply love her soaps and wanted to share them here.

ENJOY!