As I mentioned in an earlier post this year I've decided to go with a more natural Christmas theme. For years I've admired the simplicity of wrapping gifts with kraft paper or plain white paper and adding simple embellishments. When my kids were younger I felt like they would have missed out on a rite of passage had I not wrapped my gifts in … [Read more...]
Elf
One of my favorite Christmas movies is Elf. It used to be National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation until Elf came out. I still love Christmas Vacation, but there is something about Will Ferrell dressed as Buddy the elf that makes me smile. I'm also a big fan of actor Bob Newhart who is the head elf and raised Buddy at the North Pole. I hope you … [Read more...]
Holiday Appetizers
Source Betty Crocker Easy Fiesta Christmas Tree Recipe Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese Yellow or green bell pepper 1 piece (2 inches) green onion 1/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa 1/4 cup apricot preserves or orange marmalade 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro Assorted tortilla chips, crackers or sliced … [Read more...]
Favorite Fragrances
People often ask my husband what kind of cologne he is wearing. He loves cologne even more than I do. I thought I'd share three of his favorites right now. Blue de Chanel Acqua di Gio by Armani Aqva by Bvlgari I realize cologne can smell differently on people based on their body chemistry, but these three might be a good … [Read more...]
Gift Giving
I sometimes put so much pressure on myself to find just the right gift. I can stand in stores for hours pouring over options while also trying stay within a certain price range. After I make a choice then I second guess myself and perhaps ask another person's opinion. Maybe this isn't you, but it's me at times. I recently ran into a neighbor … [Read more...]
Decorating with Nature
I was telling my friend Miki about how I was going to use burlap ribbon on my tree this year. She wanted to give her tree a more natural look this year as well and shared with me the idea of using dried fountain grass plumes. She had used them before in an indoor vase. I thought they would crumble to the touch, but to my surprise they aren't … [Read more...]
Cinnamon Scones
This is the most requested recipe I own. These scones are fairly easy to make and a great treat to share. They will stay fresh for at least a week and also travel well if you are sending treats to someone through the mail. My husband's Aunts request them every Christmas. I like to store them in a tin. My friend Sheila shared this recipe … [Read more...]
Christmas Lights
Have you ever seen the synchronized fountain at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas? I can't help but wonder if the same folks came up with synchronizing your Christmas lights to music. Clark Griswold would certainly be impressed. It never ceases to amaze me the things that people will dream up and the endless possibilities that exist. As cool as … [Read more...]
$50 Pottery Barn Gift Card Giveaway
Pottery Barn is one of my favorite stores. I don't always love their prices, but you can sometimes catch some great sales. I love to browse their catalog for inspiration. I also love the paint colors they feature every season and have copied their colors for several of my rooms. I pour over their catalog like a kid … [Read more...]
The Four Agreements
I love books! I have many which I've had for years, but still haven't read yet. One of these days I will. What happens is I hear of a book or read a review about one and buy it. Instead of reading it immediately, it sits on my shelf while I continue to add books to my collection. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a book I heard about … [Read more...]