Broken...

Today I write with grief in my heart...

My dear friend.

My heart is broken.

I would do anything to just say "I love you".

I hope you knew that. 

I think you did.

I was remembering our youth.

Our daily laughs.

They were simpler times.

You were always there for me.

You'll never know how much you meant to me.

Then life stepped in and intervened.

I moved away,

we both got married and had kids.

Yet we still remained friends.

 Even though our visits were less frequent, 

you were always in my thoughts.

Now you are gone.

Way too soon.

You fought to live...

for your family and your newborn baby.

You died giving him life.

You've gone away to Heaven.

As the memories flood in,

I'm reminded of all the times we spent together.

All those precious moments.

I know I'll see you again.

My prayers are with your family.

You left behind a husband,

three children,

and your mother.

You were her only child.

May the Lord lift them up in this trying time.

Wipe their tears Lord.

Ease their pain.

I'll miss you...forever.

I love you Celeste.

Our Angel in Heaven.

Bedazzled...

Hello my dear blogging friends!

I hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright!

My home was filled with family and friends.  We cooked, ate, played games, and laughed to our hearts content.  The kids were smiling ear to ear all weekend and everyone got what they wanted.  It was a joyous holiday indeed.

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Now that has us rolling right into the next holiday.  New Years Day!  The greatly anticipated 2011!

Here I am living in one of the NYE destination spots of the world...and I will be staying in.

Is it disappointing that wandering The Las Vegas Strip (that is packed with people mind you) is just not my cup of tea?  Maybe those that reside in New York city can relate.  My hubby and I will be the designated babysitters this Eve.  So instead of champagne and party hats, I will be banging pots and drinking hot chocolate with my kids and nieces : )

Nevertheless, it won't stop me from daydreaming about all the glitz and glam associated with this joyous night.

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but sequins seems to be stamped on everything around here and I'm liking it!

Here is a heart clutch from Forever 21.

A glitzy dress found here.

The coach poppy collection bag

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A sparkly scarf from AnnTaylor Loft

This will set you back $29.50

And you can't forget the makeup!

Like dramatic eyes..

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glossy lips

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and dazzling nails!

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Wishing you a glamorous New Years Eve!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Season's Greetings Everyone!

It is three days till Christmas and though I have been absent, you have all been in my thoughts.

First off I hope that your planning, decorating, and shopping has been hassle free, and that everything has been falling into place as you hoped it would be.

Secondly, I thought I'd take the time with this quick post to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  It is my favorite Holiday.  This year it has even more of a special meaning to me.  For it is not about the gifts or food, but instead about the birth of our Lord.  Hard times have come upon so many of us, but it doesn't take a cent to celebrate the Love of Jesus.

Christmas is a time for family.

It's a time to hang the decorations..

Gather round the tree...

Gaze at the twinkling lights...

But mostly it's a time for the little children.  May we teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

May you all have a day filled with Love and Blessings!

Luscious Holiday Treats!

Let it be known all over that I am a fan of Paula Deen.  I adore her good humor, cute laugh, and her sweet southern accent.  I know I'm not alone in this.  We probably all watch the Food Network.  My kids will actually sit and watch her show with me (one of which is a 13 year old boy) because she is just that entertaining to us.

I have been a "cook" for the majority of my life.  It is something that I enjoy even more than blog surfing.  There is something about slaving away over a stove and serving up a delicious meal to my family that gives me oodles of joy!  While I enjoy decorating...a house just wouldn't be a home without a traditional ham dinner on the table or cookies in the oven on Christmas.

So I decided to (just in case you didn't get a chance to) post some of Paula Deen's top Holiday Recipes or links to them rather.

First of which are her Holiday Whoopie Pies

She has the recipes listed for five different flavors which include Red Velvet and Peppermint Crunch.  You can find the recipes to these here.

Can you believe I've never tried a whoopie pie?  They seem to be all the rage these days.

Next is something for the kiddos

Peppermint Pinwheels

It's a very simple recipe and it's something different than the usual sugar cookie.

The recipe is here.

Speaking of different how about some delectable Deep-Fried Cranberry Sauce Fritters?

These are not only easy to make as well, but I'm thinking there might be an idea here if you stuffed them with leftover turkey and stuffing too.  Of course they'd be a little bigger.  Hmmm....interesting.

The recipe is here.

We can't forget a hearty side-dish for the ham like

Potato Casserole.

mmm....yummy!

This recipe is here.

Last but certainly not least is a beverage.

Would a Peppermint Chocolate Coffee suit your fancy?

This yummy concoction could most certainly put you into a sugar coma. 

But I say if you can't indulge on Christmas, when can you?

This recipe is here.

I hope at least one of these recipes comes in handy for you.  I know I'll be using some of them.

Happy Tuesdays Sweethearts! 

10 days till Christmas Eve!

For the DIY impaired...

I'm sure like me, there are plenty of others who either lack the time or imagination to create Christmas decorations out of thin air.  As much as I'd like to create a little masterful piece of art this season, it's looking more and more unlikely.  So like many others I'm left to hunt down purchasable pieces in either etsy shops or on the web.  While browsing I came across this site...

Now I wouldn't want to divert you from your nearest Target because Lord knows I love them too.  But the Holiday Barn had quite a few savvy pieces to be snatched up.  I figured I might as well share some of these finds.

Like this Silver reindeer and Sleigh

$22.00

Vintage Glass Bird Clips

$21.50

Silver Mercury Glass Ornaments

$11.50

Winters Eve Village

$30.00

Retro Merry Christmas Signs

$14.95

This is just a taste...they have garlands, ornaments, toppers, etc. 

You can see for yourself here.

I hope you are all having a joyous weekend!  

Thanks for stopping by my dear friends!

French Tinsel...

Silvery whites and soft blues dominate these rooms.  The Christmas decor that people from other countries display always leave me in awe.  It's the different perspective that fascinates me.  These photos are from a French Magazine, and what can I say...I'm hooked.

Knick nacks and furniture are strategically placed making the most welcoming environment.

It's like being in a museum and being captivated by the most beautiful painting.

You just can't help being in a trance-like state...

taking in every little detail.

To see how others will be dining on Christmas morning a world away.

To see how one designs a table with such elegant taste and intricate detail.

An anything but simple tree.  Stunning to say the least.

Pieces of bark cut into Christmas tree shapes and mercury glass to reflect the romantic glow of candles are touches of perfection.

Even the ornaments are extraordinary.  

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 Down to every last detail this home is like a Christmas dream that any family would be happy to wake up to.

Pure Romance.

The Holiday...

I'm sure if I asked you what your favorite Holiday movie was you could name at least 5 right off the top of your head. We all love a good Holiday movie. There is nothing like getting curled up with a hot cup of cocoa and bowl of popcorn with a Christmas movie on.

One of my favorite movies to watch is "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black.

If you haven't seen it, don't fret about the date on this poster. This movie has been out for at least five years.

The movie is basically about two career women who house swap for Christmas Vacation.

One lives in Malibu, California.

and the other in Surrey, England (I hope that's right).

Now talk about a total chick movie! This one has all the bells and whistles. The first picture posted is of the Cottage in Surrey...sigh.

Here is a shot of the dreamy kitchen.

The tub...yes I know.

Aside from the way cute garments and witty banter, it's a love story times 2.

The reason this movie really got me was because it was an old fashioned story. There were no special effects, just a quality movie with good acting and an extraordinary plot. They need to make more of these types of movies in my opinion.

Like I said before...I love Cameron Diaz' wardrobe.

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So if you find yourself with some spare time between shopping, cooking, and wrapping presents, I recommend you snuggle with a comfy throw and watch this movie. You'll be glad you did!