We woke up to the fire department in our cul-de-sac. Looks like the hill at the end of our street which is 2 houses away from us is saturated and is starting to come down. If you’ve been listening to the news you know SoCal has had 6 days of non-stop rain which is highly unusual for us. The neighbors at the end of the street have water coming into their house and if you look at the picture you… [Read More]
Marc Jacobs – Leola Not to outdo Santa but I wanted my own big bag this Christmas.Black.With zippers. I knew if I had put it on my list by the time Santa’s elves hit the mall it would have been gone. As it was Nordstrom put out an A.P.B. for me and found it at the mothership in Seattle ridiculously on sale. As a result I can guarantee the sales associate will be on Santa’s ‘good girls’ list. When I… [Read More]
I waded through all my Cyber Monday emails today and found a new source for a tote bag in my favorite 2-color combination ~ Hot pink and a bright buttery yellow. I liked these too. Sometimes, all one needs is something pretty to look at. It was like a breath of fresh air amid ads of every possible electronic gift imaginable. Thanks Ame & Lulu.I needed that.
So much prepping, so little time! Both refrigerators have been thoroughly cleaned, organized and are re-stocked. The boys’ beds have been made and are awaiting their arrival late Wednesday night. Crystal and silver are shining and individual pumpkin tureens wait for their proper placement for Thursday’s dinner. The linens needed will be ironed today with back up ready for another dinner on Saturday. My intention was to post more appetizers last week but blogging just got pushed down further on… [Read More]
Like most women my *ahem* age, you probably joined me at 3 AM pacific time to watch the royal wedding of Diana and Charles. I wanted to see that dress, the jewels, the flowers… everything! I have to say I’m just as enamored with William and Kate as I was with his parents. Already there has been much speculation on her wedding dress designer. One of Kate’s favorite designers is Brazilian-born Daniella Issa Helayel whose Issa line is based in… [Read More]
I thought I would have more time to post on a couple things I’ve got going on but I can’t even spare the time to go see Ina Garten today who is in town for her book signing! Forgive me lovely lady.Posts coming up will focus on pumpkin creme brulee, an easy appetizer with puff pastry and Mexican shrimp cocktail in the cutest mini-martini glass I picked up. It’s all about holiday entertaining this weekend. So I’m off to the… [Read More]
Lunch in Laguna Beach overlooking the ocean. 90 degree off shore Santa Ana winds.A chilled Chardonnay.A friendship of 34 years.Losing 5 pounds.Playing hooky.Toasting the future and a new chapter in familiar surroundings.Celebrating. I hope you find something extraordinary to celebrate today too, friends!
My mother is turning over in her grave this morning.Jerry Brown is Governor once again. For the third time actually. My mom being Catholic believed the Jesuits would never kick anyone out of the order but she believed they kicked out Jerry Brown. I can’t understand his victory but as my wise friend said, the people that put him in office weren’t born when he was Governor or they don’t remember. And Barbara ‘Don’t Call Me Ma’am’ Boxer is an… [Read More]
“Cheering For A Cause“ 136 former NFL cheerleaders got together to do a dance routine to benefit “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” for breast cancer. Each time someone views the video, United Healthcare will make a $.10 donation to the Komen organization. Their goal is to get a million hits, which will lead to $100K raised. As of this post there has been 589,860 views. Please can you take a moment to watch the video – and, just… [Read More]
Happy, happy! Joy, Joy! I spent the entire evening visiting with Ina and Jeffrey (we’re old friends as I have every one of her books, well, I mean I spent the entire evening reading her new book). barefoot contessa~ how easy is that? is true to what Ina does best and why we love her- full beautiful photos, laughing with friends, Jeffrey peppered among the pages and doable recipes for any ability. She invites us to pull up a chair… [Read More]
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Colonial Williamsburg Sweet Potato Muffins
The Best Pecan Pie and Painted Dough Cut-Outs
Decorated Ghost Cookies With Fondant
Cocktail Napkin Swap!
Pretty Pink Petal Cake – A Wilton Cake Decorating Technique
Staircase Decorations – Two Holidays In One
Pink Champagne Glass Decorated Cookies
