Kathleen Ellis

GREEN.....

2012-03-17T06:43:00.000-04:00

HAPPY...

When I awoke this morning, there was an atmosphere of celebration in the castle...the staff was preparing for the big St. Patrick's Day Party! In Ireland this day is sacred!

I wasn't quite ready to shake myself out of a dreamy sleep...but, the noise was just too much...so I made my bed, admiring the lovely pink and green bedding I so adored. As I was straightening up, the intoxicating scent of the roses on my bedside table caused me to pause, every Irish gal knows you MUST stop and smell the roses!

I decided to sit awhile in my favorite soft green chair and ponder what to wear to the festivities later.....I finally decided I'd wear my new green dress, of course...and that fabulous hat I've been saving for just the right occasion....yes....

I think I'll add a little St. Patty's day bling....gifts from the Prince......hmmm, which one? I can think about that as I sit......

and enjoy my Irish breakfast tea on the balcony, overlooking the moat....unusually sunny today....a gift from heaven....the luck of the Irish, you know!

Aaaaaahhhhh...the aroma of corned beef and cabbage...I wonder if I can convince them to let me have a wee bit for breakfast? I bet they won't mind...

...after all...they've already started sampling!

Aaaahhh, now it's time to go find a comfy, quiet place to visit with my dear blogging friends....

and wish them a....

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY

...while I wait for the Prince to get back from burying the pots of gold, hiding them from those little leprechauns!

Don't forget to wear some green...and add a touch of it to your rooms, too!

4 Simple Ways to Create a LOVE Filled Home~

2012-02-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

LOVE is what makes your house a HOME.

A home filled with love is just about the best place to be.

It’s common to think of the physical aspect of putting your house together… the paint, the furniture, the appliances and window coverings, what to put on the walls, etc.

All of these things are very important in creating your home, a home that is comfortable and beautiful for your lifestyle, a home that reflects your unique sense of style and serves as an oasis from the outside world. And so, those elements should be given careful thought and consideration.

Another important consideration in creating a home is the spiritual aspect. This is where you need to put on a special pair of glasses to be able to see and create those elements that are not necessarily “seen” in the physical sense, but are demonstrated by those who live in your home.

For example, a family may live in a million dollar mansion, expertly designed and decorated with every possible amenity, however, if the members of that house are constantly arguing and hurling hateful insults at each other, tearing each other down, and are only out to please themselves, then what good comes from them living in a big beautiful house?

On the other hand, a family may live in a tiny two room efficiency apartment with not enough room to turn around without bumping into something, however, the members of that home constantly help and encourage each other, speaking love filled words, and looking for ways to bring joy and laughter to each other, then does it matter to them that they live in a tiny apartment with no luxuries?

Which family do you think is happier?

It doesn’t really matter if the home is large or small, expensive or a cheap rental, in a desired neighborhood or not…without LOVE filling that home it is just walls, floors, and a roof, and not a very pleasant place to be.

Here are 4 easy ways you can fill your home with L O V E~

L - Listen- to make a conscious effort to hear.

Listen. That’s right, listen! Listen to your spouse and your children. Listen with your ears, your eyes and your heart. Everyone wants to know that someone cares about what is going on in their life, what they’re concerned about or excited about. So stop what you are doing and LISTEN.

O - Observe- to celebrate, to notice, to pay special attention.

Observe the members of your family. What are their gifts and talents – pay special attention to those traits and they will blossom and bloom. Celebrate each others successes and notice when someone needs a bit of encouragement or a helping hand, and then give it to them. OBSERVE.

V - Value- honor, esteem, prize, appreciate.

Value each other showing honor toward one another. Look for ways to show your appreciation of one another, using words that are encouraging and uplifting. Treat them the way you want them to treat you. VALUE.

E - Eliminate- remove, get rid of, omit.

Eliminate all thoughts, words and behaviors that do not promote LOVE in your family. Plain and simple…eliminate unkind words, yelling, selfishness and criticism, and replace them with kind words, laughter, thoughtfulness, consideration and encouragement.

Anyone can fill their home with LOVE! It is not a difficult task but rather one that takes determination, intention and patience. In the end the reward is peace, joy, happiness, hope and so much more. ELIMINATE.

Go on now… Fill your home with LOVE!

Blessings & Beauty to you today~xoxo~

February Tea with a FaceBook Friend....

2012-02-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen Rogers, owner and founder of Set to a Tea.

We met at a nice little tea room in Lancaster County and enjoyed a few lovely hours of getting acquainted.

Kathleen and I have been "friends" for awhile but we had never met in person....we have been FaceBook friends and when Kathleen moved to PA from NJ we made plans to meet face to face.

One of the things I love about FaceBook is how you are able to connect with people you would have otherwise had no idea even existed....and when you get to meet them in person and grow a friendship...well, that's even better!

When I meet someone who is nice and has a neat business I love to introduce them to my friends....like YOU!

Kathleen shared her business visions with me and showed me some of her products....for those of you who love to get together for tea and/or would love to teach others about the beauty of "taking tea" you really must visit Kathleen and see for yourself the lovely products and business she has designed.

These pics feature one of her beautiful tea cozies and napkin sets...there is also a matching table cover available in this pattern as well. And...there are several other beautiful patterns, too!

I would love for you to stop by and visit Kathleen at her FaceBook page...tell her I sent you...you will enjoy your visit!

Now don't you just want to go a pour yourself a cup of tea...and find a friend to share it with?!

Beauty & Blessings~

3 Easy & Inexpensive Ideas for a LOVE-ly Valentines Day

2012-02-10T20:21:00.000-05:00

Valentines Day is just a few days away....but just in case you haven't gotten your plans together, I thought I'd share a few easy & inexpensive ways to celebrate with your loved ones.

1) Set a special heart filled table for breakfast or dinner~

Utilize inexpensive elements such as heart shaped confetti and doilies, silk flower petals along with a few heart shaped ornaments and some red or pink napkins. You could even add some pretty heart themed paper plates. Oh, and don't forget to add the candles!

2) Use heart shaped cookie cutters to........make heart shaped pancakes or french toast for breakfast topped with strawberry cream cheese and a dollop of strawberry jam. For a special lunch use them to cut heart shaped sandwiches.....PBJ for the little ones and meat & cheese for the adults. For a lovely dinner time surprise use them to cut heart shaped brownies with a chocolate drizzle over the top and a dollop of whipped cream.

(via Eat, Drink and Be Aware blog)

3) Purchase several inexpensive packages of children's Valentines cards and disperse them very generously! For each person make up several of the Valentines and hide them in unexpected places....the cereal box, in a shirt or pants pocket, inside a shoe, in the undies drawer....you get the idea! THEN....use the left over cards throughout the rest of the year...a few times a month hide a Valentine or two for each person to remind them that you STILL love them!

Wishing you a blessed & beautiful Valentine's Day~

It's February! Happy New Year!

2012-02-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I know...you're thinking I'm a month late wishing you a Happy New Year, right?!

Technically that's true...but for me it feels like I am just starting the New Year!

Can you relate?

I am excited that it's February....my 2nd most favorite holiday, Valentine's Day, will be here in 2 weeks!!!

I consider February "The Month of Love"!

With Valentine's Day and all, it's a perfect time to let those you love know it! It's also a perfect time to intentionally set a plan in motion to continue to let them know you love them throughout the rest of the year!

During the month of February I will share some thoughts on LOVE with you......and some ideas for letting your loved ones know how you feel about them all year long!

I invite you to share your ideas for "sharing your love" with your loved ones...I look forward to learning from you!

Sooooo.....Happy Love-Filled New Year!

10 Easy Ways to Add Romance to Your Life Today.....

2012-01-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Creating a life of beauty, elegance and Romance is easy and anyone can do it!
You will find your life takes on a more peaceful, gentle note as you infuse these 3 elements into your everyday lifestyle.

Valentine's Day serves as a perfect reminder to infuse Romance into our everyday lives. But don't wait for or limit this to just one day or month in the year! Being a romantic at heart, I truly believe that Romance should be a part of your everyday life!

Adding a few elements here and there can create a

Lifestyle of Romance

that will make your world feel a little bit softer and brighter.

These are some of the elements I have added to my life to create that feeling of romance everyday....

1. Fresh Flowers ~ I prefer a bunch of pretty pink roses from the grocery store, but even a single stem of your favorite bloom will do the trick

2. Candlelight ~ candles just naturally evoke a sense of romance, and while your at it, replace some of your bulbs with soft pink bulbs, they cast a soft rosy glow at night

3. Scents ~ subtle is key here, you don't want to be overwhelmed by a fragrance-just a hint

4. Music ~ keep some of your favorite upbeat love songs ready to listen to at a moments notice, I find classical music very romantic and play it frequently during the day

5. Fabrics ~ use soft, sensuous fabrics on your bed, pleasant to touch, pretty to look at

6. Photos ~ cluster groups of photos of the two of you around the house, especially in the bedroom

7. Clear ~ the clutter, it's hard to look past a lot of clutter while trying to create the feeling of romance

8. Loungewear ~ invest in a few outfits to change into after a long day that make you feel like a "Pretty Woman"

9. Dressing Room ~ create a special spot to get ready each morning and night, even if it's just a corner, having your own "special spot" feels romantic

10. Bubble Bath ~ ALWAYS have some favorite bubble bath supplies ready for a moments notice, be sure to include scented bubble bath and body moisturizers, candles, extra soft oversized towels, favorite music, and anything else that makes you feel especially pampered

There are so many more elements that can be incorporated to create a Lifestyle of Romance....make a list of those things that would make you feel like you're Living a Life of Romance and then begin to implement them into your everyday life!

Don't limit romance to Valentine's Day!

Decorating the Christmas Trees.....

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

I just LOVE this time of year! Having a decorator's heart and eye I especially love the fact that everywhere I go I see "decorations"! From plain and fancy to rustic and traditional to "over the top"

...there's a feast for my eyes! I really love to decorate my own home.

My philosophy is to decorate "seasonally" rather than for specific holidays so I get to enjoy my "Christmas" or what I call my "winter" decorations well into February!

That's right!..February!

My decorations don't come down until after Valentine's day! Laugh...go ahead...most of my friends did many years ago... and now many of them do the same thing! After explaining to them how leaving my beautiful decorations up through the dreary winter months lifts my spirits and makes my home feel warm and cozy...not to mention festive! and the extra lights on the trees and mantel (and other strategic areas) make the fact that it is dark outside at 5:00 seem not so bad...some of them gave it a try, and you know what?...they liked it!

Not only that...after taking all that time to decorate I get to enjoy it for months rather than weeks! An added bonus is that I can entertain AFTER the holidays when the "mad rush" is over and my home still looks magical and festive!

January and February are a great time to entertain...everyone's schedules are much more open and people are looking for something to do while experiencing that "post holiday let down" feeling.

I really enjoy doing a special Valentine event...but more about that later....

Trimming a tree is so much fun for me....it takes me a long time....but I enjoy the process....I love that you can do something different every year. That doesn't mean you have to go out and buy new decorations every year but it does mean you can be creative with what you already have and maybe add a few new additions here and there. I look for items all year that I may be able to use for my "winter" decorating.

This tree has a mixture of ornaments I've had for close to 20 years along with newer found ornaments. The "fillers" I used are white irridescent (silk) poinsettias...they fill in some of the dark places and reflect the lights. It is crowned with white feathers and pink and green sparkly things. My winter decorations including my trees are decorated in colors that compliment my year round decor which means they add an extra dimension to what is already there and they flow right into the spaces.

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for the winter?

Holiday Beauty for the Bedroom.....

2011-11-29T05:59:00.019-05:00

These vignettes are some my dear friend, Sherry, created for her bedroom...yes, please remember to embellish your bedroom for the holiday/winter season! Her bedroom is so tranquil...soft aqua and cocoa, cream and silver...just lovely!

Notice how she showcased some of her favorite teacups...in her bedroom, on her dresser...teacups don't need to stay in the dining room!

Here she embellished items she uses year round with seasonal elements...you don't have to go out and buy "Christmas" and replace everything you use now. When you decorate with items you love it is easy to add fresh embellishments according to the season...not to mention affordable!

I love how she place these vignettes in front of mirrors to "double the beauty". Notice how she uses candles and shiny, reflective finishes to add festive sparkle.

Look how elegant this table topper from Walmart looks! With frames from discount stores, a tassel and a few jewels...Easy & Elegant!

Imagine seeing these beautiful vignettes first thing every morning and last thing every night...talk about "sweet dreams"!

Happy Thanksgiving.....

2011-11-23T06:27:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a most Blessed & Beautiful Thanksgiving!

Pink Saturday Blessings

2011-11-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a beautiful & blessed Pink Saturday!

Join the fun by visiting Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

My blessings are overflowing....and I am truly THANKFUL!

To name just a few.......

My handsome charming Prince, my beautiful children and their spouses, a new grandson about to arrive....and my God who loves me more than I can possibly fathom!

From my family to yours....wishes for a Beautiful & Blessed Thanksgiving!

For the Holidays....Forgiveness

2011-11-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

One way to decrease the stress of the holiday season is to FORGIVE anyone who you feel has hurt you.

When we forgive others, we free ourselves from the bitterness, pain and negativity that comes from harboring un-forgiveness. This holiday season, why not CHOOSE to forgive those who have hurt you and free yourself to enjoy your holiday season!

I pray this article I wrote will help you with that process!

F acets of G raciousness~Forgiveness

In January I began a series on The Facets of Graciousness, which are (having or showing) kindness, courtesy, charm, compassion, forgiveness, love, charity, politeness, goodwill, mercy and tenderness. We have covered Courtesy, Compassion and Kindness, today I’d like to share about Forgiveness.

Forgive: to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; to pardon an offense or the offender; to cancel a debt

Forgiveness. Is that a word that puts a lump in your throat and a knot in your stomach? I must confess…there was a time in my life when it did that to me and honestly, sometimes it still does! It’s a horrible feeling…the feeling that someone has hurt you or deceived you or let you down in some way…and now you are supposed to forgive them?! Forgiveness is not something I ever felt like doing but at some point in my life, many years ago, I realized that the only person suffering from my unforgiveness was me! I also realized a few other things about forgiveness that I want to share with you in the hope that it will help you to choose to forgive and move on and to help you avoid the horrible side effects of UN-forgiveness!

Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling or an emotion. Forgiving someone is something we do on purpose, it is a conscious choice we make. When we forgive someone for something they have said or done, we must do so without expecting that hurt or wrong to be corrected or even apologized for.

Forgiveness is an extension of mercy (a disposition to forgive or be kind; the power to forgive) and an act of grace. Forgiveness is not necessarily forgetting-but it is choosing to not replay the offense over and over again. It is choosing to not bring the offense up or to use it against someone. Forgiveness is choosing to not talk about the offense to others or to allow the offense to hinder a relationship.

When we forgive others (and ourselves) we release the hold of

bitterness, anger and resentment on our own life…on our own heart. Bitterness, anger and resentment bring with them their own set of miseries including sickness and disease.

When we struggle with forgiveness it is not a matter of our ability to forgive, but rather a matter of our willingness to forgive. Being willing to forgive means we are choosing to not be imprisoned by our negative emotions or the hurtful words and actions of others. We are freeing ourselves!

When we choose to forgive, we must give up our thoughts of justice, revenge and vengeance. We don’t always forgive someone because they deserve it, we forgive because it’s the right thing to do. I forgive because God’s word tells me that if I am not willing to forgive then I cannot be forgiven. (Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14-16)

When it comes right down to it…we should forgive others because we ourselves need to be forgiven! I don’t know about you, but I know I have said and done many things in my lifetime both intentional and unintentional, that have required forgiveness from both the person(s) I offended and from my Heavenly Father. There are many times that I know I did not deserve forgiveness and yet it was mercifully extended to me anyway and I am extremely grateful for that.

One thing that helps me to put it all in perspective is The Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” It is a good rule to live by and when I do it reduces the amount of times I need to be forgiven and it helps me to make the choice to forgive. Is there someone you need to choose to forgive today? Are you willing to forgive? I encourage you to set yourself free today by forgiving anyone who has hurt you or wronged you.

You will be amazed at the weight that will be lifted off of you!

Wishing you Blessings & Beauty~

Surrounding Beauty: Easy & Elegant Fall Updates for Your Rooms

2011-08-17T20:00:00.001-04:00

As the days get shorter and cooler we tend to want to “cozy up” our rooms so they “feel” warmer to us. The “light and breezy” style we enjoyed for the warm summer months served its purpose and now it’s time to transition to a “warm and cozy” style for fall and winter.

Seasonal changes need not be complicated or costly! There are a few tricks that will create that warm and cozy feeling in no time without breaking the bank. The main thing to remember is to look for elements that suit your style tastes and budget and then put a little thought and effort into transforming a few key areas.

You want to always begin with what I call the “first impression” spots, the outside entry and the inside entryway.

Then move on to create a few “warm fuzzy focal points”. Pick 3 to 5 highly visible places in your home where you can create little Fall vignettes. Areas to consider for “warm fuzzy focal points”: dining room table, side table, fireplace mantel, coffee table, stairway or landing, kitchen island, the top of cabinets or armoires, or a bathroom vanity. These areas can be quickly and easily updated with each season assuring that your home always feels fresh, warm and welcoming for you and your guests.

I believe that your home should be put together in such a way that it makes you smile, feels like a big warm hug and is a true reflection of your unique sense of style. Keep those thoughts in mind as you go about “feathering your nest” and you will always feel at home in your home.

13 Ideas for an Easy & Elegant Seasonal Update

Outside:

 Place seasonal flowers in urns or pots along your walkway or in a cluster to the side of the door

 Spray paint branches metallic bronze & gold and anchor in an urn with sand and/or stones covered with leaves

 Place an oversized decorative wreath or swag on, above or beside your front door

Inside:

 Fill a few bowls, baskets or, one of my favorites, vintage silver trays with seasonal elements such as pinecones, nuts, cinnamon sticks, silk leaves, fall ornaments, gourds, mini pumpkins or seasonal fruits and place them on an entryway table, a bathroom vanity or a coffee table

 Add a few extra lamps around your home to fill your home with light as the daylight gets shorter

 Up the wattage: put higher wattage bulbs in several of your lamps for a brighter glow during this chilly season

 Toss a cozy throw on your sofa or chair to snuggle up in on those frosty evenings or early mornings

 Add a few accessories in deeper shades of the colors you already use in your décor

 In the bedroom, dress your bed in heavier, richer colored bedding and flannel sheets

 Change out some of your pillows with richer fabrics such as chenille, wool, corduroy and tapestry

 Pop an animal print pillow or two onto a sofa or chair

 Warm metallics can really add a cozy and elegant touch to a room…look for bronze and gold accessories such as candlesticks

 Remember to add a few seasonally scented candles and bowls of potpourri around to further enhance the senses

Remember to enjoy the process of creating a warm and welcoming home….your home is after all, your haven, a place to renew, refresh and rejuvenate….a safe place that nurtures and nourishes you and your family.

xoxo~

A Beautiful Holiday & A Beautiful Life.....

2011-07-27T19:44:00.001-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sandy Fowler for her Heart Filled Holidays radio program.

Sandy and I "met" on Facebook and found we are kindred spirits.

We had a wonderful time sharing thoughts about the Beauty of the Holiday Season and Living a Life of Beauty everyday.

We both believe that making small efforts each day to make life a more beautiful experience is well worth the investment and the rewards are many!

I thought I would be sharing the link for the broadcast today but that isn't available yet...however, the link for the itunes podcast is available...

itunes podcast of A Beautiful Holiday & A Beautiful Life

and...

this is the link for the recording which will be up in a few days.....

toginet radio A Beautiful Holiday & A Beautiful Life

Listen in and let me know your thoughts....I trust it will inspire you to begin planning your own Beautiful Holidays & Beautiful Life!

You're worth the investment, you know!

xoxo

Christmas in July! 3 Tips for Stress-Less Holidays

2011-07-26T09:12:00.000-04:00

Christmas in July.....

I know...it's 90 some degrees outside and I'm thinking....CHRISTMAS?!

Yes!

Now is the time to begin planning and preparing for

Stress-Less holidays!

I'm excited to introduce you to a new friend of mine,

Sandy Fowler of Heart Filled Holidays

I've asked Sandy to share her thougths on how she plans for Stress-Less holidays....and she graciously agreed....here are her Words of Wisdom...

Reducing Stress and Having Fun with Christmas in July, by Sandy Fowler

When you hear the words ‘Christmas in July’, what do you think of? Maybe you think of a summer Christmas party; perhaps you think of great sales at your favorite store. Both of those can be fun, but have you ever considered the idea that Christmas in July can mean a happier, easier Christmas in December?

Celebrating, playing and planning now can all ease the stress in December, and July is the perfect time to do that! Here are three simple strategies to use in July that will ease the stress and increase the joy in December.

1. Host a Christmas in July party. Traveling and visiting everyone on your list during the Christmas season can be hectic and long distance travel can be almost impossible. So instead, bring everyone together for a fun filled time in the summer sun. You can make this as simple or as intricate as you’d like. Do anything from a pot luck dinner at a park to hosting a full-on Christmas dinner, or anything in between.

2. We all love to play during the summer. It’s a great time to browse local shops, take vacations and catch up on our favorite crafts. That also makes it a prime time to start our Christmas shopping. If you’re working on crafts or other hobbies that lend themselves to making gifts then start making some Christmas presents. If you’re on vacation or perusing interesting shops be on the lookout for unique and interesting Christmas presents. And, whatever you’re doing, take lots of pictures. There are hundreds of ways you can turn a simple photograph into a personalized gift.

3. Plan it! July means we are more than half way to Christmas and it’s the perfect time to check in with your holiday plans. See if you’re saving enough money. Talk to friends and relatives about commitments and expectations. Think about what you really want your holiday to look like, and if your current plans are likely to get you there. Taking a quick peek at your plans now means that if you are off track you have plenty of time to get things on the right track. And if you have to talk to others about changing plans, they’ll be more open to the conversation when they’re more relaxed and Christmas isn’t right around the corner.

July is your month of opportunity, your chance to set the stage for a fabulous Christmas in December. So grab it, enjoy it, and create a Heart Filled Holiday.

Sandy has lots of fun and useful tips for every holiday...

I know you'll enjoy getting to know her at

http://www.heartfilledholidays.com/

Tomorrow I'll be sharing the radio interview I did with Sandy when she asked me to share my thoughts on BEAUTY!

Wishing you a most BEAUTIFUL day!

Independence, Freedom, Liberty.....

2011-07-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

Wishing you all a most beautiful & blessed Independence Day weekend!

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler

Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.
~John Dickinson

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

xoxo~

Here Comes the Bride...All Dressed in....Pink! (and a $100 giveaway for brides to be)

2011-06-10T17:26:00.000-04:00

June is called the "Month of BRIDES"...Weddings and Bridal Showers, too!

You all know I love PINK! and you all know I love BEAUTIFUL things.....what could be more beautiful than a PINK bridal gown? If I were to ever renew my vows with my Prince...PINK would be the color of my dress!

Maybe this one.....full of ruffles....

...or one of these....embellished with sweet roses....

...maybe this one.....a la Greek Goddess.....

...or this one....only if I could have the wall, too....

....or....maybe one of these pretties......

It would be a dilemma for me...how about for you? Do you have a favorite?

(all pics from google images)

$100 giveaway drawing....

Here's some exciting news for anyone who is going to be a bride or knows someone who is...pass it on....

Ann's Bridal Bargains....a lovely online site that offers a selection of wedding invitations, napkins, albums, ceremony & reception accessories...has generously offered to give one of my blog friends $100 worth of merchandise from their site (shipping not included)!!!

So.......in order to be entered into the drawing you will need to leave a comment telling me which bridal gown you like the best & your wedding date...and a way for me to contact you if you don't have a link back to your blog.

Spread the word to your "bride to be" friends....this is a budget friendly site with great reviews!

I'm linking to Beverly's Pink Saturday fun today and Stephanie's Wedding Party....be sure to go visit and join in the FUN!

Peonies...and Ants and Spiders...Oh My!

2011-05-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

My peonies are spectacular this year! They must adore this gloomy rainy weather!

Most years I do not cut my peonies to bring inside....I like to see them blooming outside. This morning however, I let my Prince talk me into clipping some and filling a vase for us to enjoy inside.

I absolutely love peonies, they are such a romantic flower!

I wish they bloomed all summer long!

Within seconds of bringing my beautiul bouquet into the house......I remembered the other reason why I don't cut them and bring them inside.....BUGS!!!

I hate BUGS!!!

Sure enough...ants came crawling out...then spiders and then some other unidentified crawly things...microscopic crawly things!

Eeeeeeww!

I was able to kill all but one huge big black ant who made a beeline to the bread box...I now have a rogue ant somewhere in my kitchen...I'll be looking for him all day!

I also have a very itchy scalp...that's what happens to me when I see bugs! LOL!

I am sooo not an outdoorsy girl!

But I am enjoying the beautiful aroma and sight of my gorgeous pink and white peonies!

Wishing you a Terrific Tuesday!

The Geranium & Petunia Project.....

2011-05-10T17:12:00.001-04:00

"Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed". ~Walt Whitman

After checking out all the options for geraniums this past weekend...and in the process finding myself a new white Christmas tree for 75% off...WoooHoooo!.....we went back to the nursery that had the most vibrant colors.

I love to plant BRIGHT pink geraniums in my deck planters, which I can see from the kitchen window as I do the dishes or from the patio doors as I sit and enjoy my breakfast or do some writing.

I had sooo much fun picking out 36 geranium plants!!!

We had an unexpected surprise when the cashier asked my handsome (distinguished) Prince if he was "over 55"...because on Tuesdays there is a "senior citizens" discount...LOL! Well...yes....he answered....I'm 57...he just blurted it right out......I NEVER blurt out my age....and NO....I am NOT a senior citizen...not yet....so, she also informed us that every Tuesday I can get the senior citizen discount...as long as I bring "HIM" with me! LOL! It was quite a nice discount...my Prince was thrilled!

Now these wave petunias we've had for a few weeks....waiting to see if the squirrels attempted to devour them (like they did last year) before we put them in the window boxes...so far, so good....so maybe it's safe to plant them...we'll find out real soon!

Soooo...anybody wanna get their hands dirty?

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T01:00:00.004-04:00

Wishing all of my beautiful friends the happiest Mother's Day of all!

I've just recently discovered yet another BEAUTIFUL blog.....

Andrea....at Everyday Beauty.....she has a most beautiful blog....(this photo is from her blog...a gift from her hubby!)please stop by and say hello!

Happy Mother's Day!

Good...Better....Best!

2011-05-06T13:26:00.000-04:00

I love to create little vignettes around my home...I call them
"warm fuzzy focal points".
Whether it's decorating your home, putting together and outfit or setting a beautiful table....layers and details are what make the difference between "Good, Better and Best".

Here's what I'm talking about....

This is a beautiful lamp...one of my favorites, so I thought I'd use it to brighten up a corner on my counter....it looked GOOD.....but something was missing.....

Okay....this is BETTER...but...something is still missing.....

Aaaaahhhhh....could this be IT?!!

Why...YES! I believe this is IT!

......BEST!

Pink-ness!

2011-04-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago as my Prince and I were on our way to our favorite bakery to get one of my most favorite treats...they make the best eclairs around....we passed by a little 2nd hand shop that looked interesting.

On our way back we popped in to explore and look what I found!

I was smitten as soon as I spotted it!

I could hardly wait to see what I had to set upon it's pretty little "head"!

I think this multi color friendship ball is a perfect fit, don't you?

The bunnies are so happy they can't stop dancing!

I'd like to introduce you to a lovely blog I visited recently, Remember to Wish, it is beautifully inspiring and Vanessa has selected beautiful music that makes you want to spend hours browsing! Stop by and tell her I sent you over to see her!
I'm linking up with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday!
Happy Weekend Friends!

Roses...or Diamonds?

2011-04-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. ~Emma Goldman

Making a Big Deal about the Little Things...

2011-04-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Make a Big Deal About the “Little Things”

Making a big deal about the “little things” can make your life richer and more fulfilling. We’ve all heard the phrase

“Don’t sweat the small stuff” and I wholeheartedly agree. We must not let life’s little daily annoyances and irritations cause us to “lose our cool” or bring us to a place of tension and stress.

On the flip-side, it is easy to overlook the right “little things” or “small stuff” unless we intentionally decide to

Make a Big Deal About It!

Making a big deal about the right “little things” will help to alleviate tension and stress and will bring us to a place of peace and gratitude.

Some of the “little things” we can make a big deal about everyday are….the sunrise, the sunset, the smell of fresh laundry, the giggle of your little ones, a loving glance from your sweetie, the smell of his cologne, the hot water for your shower, the softness of your favorite sweater, the taste of your tea (or coffee), the fact that you got out of bed today, that you can hear, see, smell, taste, laugh, cry.

You can make a big deal about just about anything…anything positive that is!

Make a BIG DEAL and Be Thankful!

5 Ways You Can Make a Big Deal About the “Little Things” in Your Life

1) Sunrise Celebration - Find the spot in your home where you can see the sunrise. The night before set the “table” in that spot for breakfast, be sure to include candles, pretty napkins, flowers and stemmed glasses for juice. You may want to prepare your breakfast the night before and just heat it up or keep it simple with peanut butter and jelly on toast and juice.

As the sun rises…Make a Big Deal About It!

**you can do the same for the sunset, serving cheese & crackers and sparkling water

2) Love Notes - Let your children and spouse know they are a Big Deal by leaving little uplifting love notes around for them. Some great places to “hide” them…under their pillows, bathroom mirror, underwear drawer, shirt or pants pocket, in a lunch bag, inside a book they’re reading, in the cereal box….let your imagination take over!

3) Soothing Scents - Keep an assortment of scented soaps on hand and place them at each sink. Make a Big Deal about the beauty of that scent and your sense of smell each time you wash your hands.

4) Fresh Flowers - Place a container of fresh flowers…or even a single stem…at your kitchen sink. Make a Big Deal about the beauty and detail of those flowers and your ability to see them each time you clean up the dishes.

5) Big Deal Day - Select one day a week to make a Big Deal about a family member. Put each person’s name in a basket and draw a name each week so each member will experience their own “Big Deal Day”. Have other family members write down 3 things they appreciate about that person and read them during dinner (their favorite meal, of course). Be sure to call attention to the special gifts and talents of that person.

Use your imagination to create more ways you can

Make a Big Deal About the “Little Things”

and Be Thankful!

Surrounding Beauty: Easy & Elegant Spring Mantel....

2011-04-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

I have a "Seasonal DecoratingPhilosophy"....I don't decorate so much for particular holidays as I do for each season. Decorating seasonally allows me to "freshen up" 3 or 4 times a year without being dictated to by the "expiration dates" that come from decorating for each holiday.

So...although I have many bunnies out right now...they aren't necessarily "Easter Bunnies"...they are spring/summer bunnies. They can stay around all summer long if I feel so inclined...or, if I feel the need to "freshen up" sooner, I can...but I don't need to be concerned about putting them all away as soon as Easter is over!
(I call this Easy Elegance)

Another philosophy I have is...."Decorate in Layers"....do one layer...live with it a few hours or days, then add another, live with it and if you're so inclined add another layer or two! Layers add interest and how many layers you do is a personal thing...what feels right to me may not feel right to you. Do what looks good to your eye but keep the options open, experiment and allow yourself the freedom to "tweak" along the way!

I've done just that with my mantel this spring.

Layer one....

Layer two....

Layer three.....

Details.....

Now if I just had a piece of pretty white lace to drape on there.......

What are you using to embellish your home for SPRING?

Linking to "All Things Inspired" at All Things Heart & Home...Be Inspired!

What Would You Do...Your Thoughts....

2011-03-31T14:57:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I shared a post What Would You Do? with a scenario and asked for your input...I also posed this same scenario & questions in my March newsletter and asked for responses to be emailed to me to share here. It seems this scenario has touched a nerve! Many of you responded that you have been in this exact situation...as the "new" woman.

I, too, have been the "new" woman numerous times...beginning way back in elementary school! We moved a lot when I was growing up and every few years I was the "new" kid. Not once do I recall being warmly welcomed or accepted...perhaps that is why I take particular interest in the "new" woman at any event or social situation.

Thank you for your responses!

As promised, I am sharing a summary of your responses along with my own thoughts. It is my firm belief that many times this scenario plays out because 1) we just don't pay attention and 2) we feel insecure or inadequate in these situations, and so not knowing what to do, we do nothing.

I believe that most women want to do the "right" thing and when they are taught the skills to handle certain scenarios they then have the confidence to reach out and do just that!

What You Would Do......

If you were the lady at the registration table to make every guest feel welcome & valued:

*Greet everyone with a big, warm smile and ASK questions such as "Have you visited with us before?"

*Have a sign up sheet ahead of time where people can make note of the fact that they are attending for the 1st time

*Give a genereal overview of the schedule and where certain things can be found, such as the ladies room, the entry to the event, etc.

*Have a group of (trained)hostesses ready to help people meet, mix & mingle

If you were the woman attending this event for the 1st time:

*Let people know right up front that you are new

*Look for someone else who appears to be there alone & introduce yourself

*Wear a big welcoming smile

*Initiate conversation with others who appear friendly

If you were one of the women who sat down next to the new woman (obviously there by herself) to make her feel welcome, comfortable & part of the group:

*Introduce yourself

*Ask her questions about herself

*Introduce her to others

My thoughts....

I agree with all of the above, you all had great suggestions...and while these responses seem like basic common sense, based on your experiences...and mine...apparently there is a missing link somehwere!

I would add that whenever you have the opportunity to be a part of the organizing committee (or if you know someone on the organizing committee) for an event that you make a point of "training" those who will be greeting and/or registering guests and that there would always be "trained" hostesses at the registration table and, if it is an event where ladies will be seated at tables, there should be "trained" table hostesses.

Graciousness is taught and then caught...in order for it to be caught it must first be taught!

If those of us who have been taught the Art of Graciousness aren't teaching it, living it, modeling it, to our daughters, our sisters, our friends & our peers...well then, how can we expect it to be caught by others?

When we live out, in practical ways, kindness & courtesy, and we look for opportunities to gently teach the same, we will raise the level of awareness and arm women with the confidence & skills they need to live a Life of Graciousness themselves.

Are you with me?