Chocolate Shoes and Coffee

Create Your Journey: Enjoying the Moments

2011-08-14T18:01:00.008-04:00

Excerpts from our Book Giveaway Contest Writer:

"Being a match to your desires means moving your vibration, gradually, higher and higher, by thinking better thoughts, spending your time in more joyful ways, making peace with where you are and being grateful for what you have right now. In “How to Allow,” I call the place where we’re shooting for the Field of Appreciation. The emotion of Appreciation is equivalent to the feeling of pure love. It’s the highest vibration that exists. When you think about someone or something you really love, there is just nothing quite like it. And, if we could all stay focused on that quality of thought most of the time we would indeed be attracting everything we want into our lives...

I’d like to suggest that ramping up to a full-fledged feeling of Appreciation is where we’d ultimately like to be. Reaching a state of Appreciation is taking yourself up to that level where you feel a tingle of delight and pleasure and something very close to pure love, which is Who We Really Are.

So, everything in “How to Allow” is designed to take you through the emotional journey to where it becomes easier and easier to enter that field of pure Appreciation for: what you have, where you are, what will be and even what brought you here. That’s where miracles happen, where time collapses leading to a change in consciousness, which creates something better than what could have been from your lower vibration."

--by author of How to Allow, Susan Shearer Young, via here
Enter to win the book here. Contest ends Monday....

pic sources

Enjoy your Saturday; Enter our first Book giveaway

2011-08-13T05:44:00.010-04:00

Ready for a good book? ...some more inspiration?

"You must decide that there is a choice you can make, that is, whether you’re going to focus on your problems or solutions. That needs to be your absolute priority, knowing that your mood equals your vibration and that your mood, therefore, is everything!

You must decide that you will choose the best thoughts you’re capable of from wherever you’re standing. And, if you can’t, you’ll distract yourself with something else until you can. That is the commitment you must make to yourself if you want to move into having mostly positive things in your life....

You’ll find that as you do this more and more, you’ll just feel better, there will be more reasons to be happy, good memories will move into focus as bad memories fade, you’ll be connecting with people who are on your vibrational wavelength and people will want to help you!"

--by author of How to Allow, Susan Shearer Young, via here

Enter to win her book here. Contest ends Monday....

pic sources: 1: via Linda (Thanks Linda) at Seaside Style
center pics: here.
final pic: here

Indoor/Outdoor Bliss & Book Giveaways!

2011-08-12T06:58:00.007-04:00

"I’m going to suggest just a little bit more dreaming, fantasizing, visualizing, and purposeful focus on the best things in your experience, the things you’ve put in your vibrational escrow, and a little bit more ignoring of things that have a negative effect on your mood or throw you out of your vortex of creation.

We have the complete free will to be, do or have anything we want by the power of our own focus. Isn’t a little bit of delusional behavior in order?

I think so. As often as I can I’m going to ignore bad economic indicators, prescription drug commercials, rude people, neighborhood squabbles, that the dogs have begun eating the mail when it drops through the mail slot (now I know where that check went), television news, dog hair (lots of dog hair), that our wireless Internet connection suddenly won’t go beyond my office (the new Internet Café) and that some things I want haven’t manifested yet."

--By How to Allow author, Susan Shearer Young, via here.

As our book giveaways quickly approach, I wanted to share an excerpt of Susan's writing that resonated for me. Hope you enjoyed it and you click here to check out the giveaway-ends Monday at midnight EST.

xo xo,

Miss Bliss, aka Danielle :)

pics source

Walk on the Wild "Sea" Side

2011-08-10T05:55:00.000-04:00

"Mutated Starfish"
Haute-Normandie, France

Black-eyed Hermit crab-Pagurus armatus

Bat Star- Asterina miniata

...baby sunflower starfish

Sea Lions
Gardner Beach, Galapagos, Ecuador

Barcelona

Drinks in Bali

Support Wildlife- Throw a party!

Beverage recipe #1:

Key Largo Cooler

Ingredients:

1 oz. DeKuyper Key Largo Schnapps
1/2 oz. Spiced Rum
4 oz. Orange Juice
4 oz. Pineapple Juice
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz. Bacardi 151 Proof Rum

Instructions

Mix juices and alcohol in mixing tin, flash blend, and pour over ice in a 23 oz. squall glass and float rum. Garnish with an orange flag and an umbrella.

Beverage recipe #2

Blueberry Lemonade:

Mr. Wonderful's concoction a few months ago:
Pinnacle Blueberry Vodka, lemonade
Mix a tumbler of vodka and a half gallon of lemonade.
Serve VERY chilled, over ice.

After we'd enjoyed it for a while, we were not surprised to see
this advertised for the summer.

He's a brilliant one, I tell you.

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

Picture sources

Global Beach-Hopping

2011-08-09T07:30:00.003-04:00

Barcelona

Grab your suit and beach towel--
we're traveling some of the world's nicest beaches...

"An undisclosed location"

Denmark

Mexico

South Holland, Netherlands

Honolulu, Hawaii

Sand Dollar Beach, ?

Cornwall, England

(setting of Rosamunde Pilcher's international bestseller,

The Shell Seekers.)

If you missed that one,
put it on the list...at the very top

Santa Galdana, Balearic Islands, Spain

Did you enjoy beach hopping, beach hoping ;) ?

Where's your first stop?

There's still time for an end-of-summer getaway.

What's your go-to, favorite beach?
(Luckily mine's a few blocks away--this was one of the best days there.)

Which beaches are on your dream list?

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

photo sources

"Hob-knobbing" Part 2: Nautical Knobs

2011-08-08T05:00:00.007-04:00

Hope you enjoy these nautical beauties...
perfect for a furniture/cabinet redo.
any favorites?
(I like the sailboat details)

"The world is so full of a number of things,
I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."

--Robert Louis Stevenson

click for Knobs Part 1 post...

click on pics for links/image sources.

"Hob-knobbing" about*

2011-08-07T05:55:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been at a party and asked the host, perhaps trying to be helpful, "Where's your silverware drawer?" I have a time or two...

and often he or she has their hands full or they point to a seeming endless, fun-house row of drawers and say, "that one," and I have no idea and open every one but the right one until last. This scenario proves why the person who created this cute drawer pull above is a genius.

1. to associate on very friendly terms (usually followed by with ): She often hobnobs with royalty.

2. Archaic . to drink together.

3. noun- a friendly, informal chat.

synonyms: chum around, consort, fraternize, hang around, hang out with, keep company, knock around with, mingle, mix, pal, pal around, rub elbows, rub shoulders, socialize, spend time

So, having settled on Peacock Blue for my lovely vanity-turned-sideboard/sidebar, I now have to decide on the BEST SHADE of Peacock Blue... any help? And I am also getting ahead of myself maybe and so very excited as you see about cute knobs! That is the fun part...like sampling the icing ;)

Any last minute summer projects you have going? Hope you are having a fun weekend!

xo xo from Miami Beach,

Miss Bliss

Stop here to enter my newest-favorite book giveaway...the countdown is on :)
(Thanks, Mr. Wonderful, for the countdown icon and for "hob-knobbing" xo xo)

*images from here; click photos to link

Love in the Library: Savoring Summer Days...

2011-08-06T05:01:00.014-04:00

Do you have a hard-wired urge for summer reading? I have an internal clock that sounds invariably within these months; the summer is not complete without at least one leisurely lingering in a beautiful library.

Have you heard Jimmy Buffet's gentle song, "Love in the Library"? An unusual one in his repertoire...love it all, of course--but it's a very sweet song if you haven't heard it yet. We've been enjoying his album, Fruitcakes, this summer.

The book at the top of the stack is The Swimming Pool, I began it and have almost finished... a beautiful first novel (2010) from Holly LeCraw. I'm trying to slow down the reading... just like the summer.

One book I picked that didn't make it into the top pic (because it was by the bed, already being perused) is Cowboys are My Weakness, by Pam Houston. I like her writing... looking forward to that one.

Have not read Wolitzer yet, but thanks to other bloggers who've recommended her I am excited to read her work.

Right now, as in, right now at this moment, Mr. Wonderful is reading Tourist Season by Hiaasen; I enjoyed that one a while back-- so glad he's doing some pleasure reading too!

Any "must reads" to pass on? Thanks! Enjoy your blissful reads.

One of my "must reads" is our current (and first) giveaway: How To Allow.... enter for your chance to win a copy here (2 winners!).

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

From Jimmy:

"And it seemed like the whole world was in forced retreat
I paid no attention, revolved through the door
Passed the newspaper rack on the worn marble floor
Near civil war history my heart skipped a beat
She was standing in fiction stretched high on bare feet

Love in the library, quiet and cool
Love in the library, there are no rules
Surrounded by stories surreal and sublime
I fell in love in the library once upon a time

I was the pirate and she was the queen
Sir Francis and Elizabeth the best there's ever been
Then she strolled past my table and stopped at the stairs
Then sent me a smile as she reached for Flaubert..."

Finding France in Miami --and a Tropical Library

2011-08-04T15:36:00.014-04:00

Astrid and Stephanie's creation

A La Folie, Miami Beach

A La Folie, inside

Coral Gables, FL public library

Do you have a favorite cafe? In Miami Beach we like Astrid and Stephanie's, "traditional artisan bakery and restaurant" for its authentic French menu... it's like stepping out of Miami and into France, this week we met the lovely Stephanie, "of Astrid and Stephanie," she smiled, and I savored that lovely chocolate treat.

In South Beach, A La Folie is a fabulous authentic French cafe located on Espanola Way, a great pedestrian street. You could miss it since it's at the end of the shops near the residential area, but don't--have a coffee or savory crepes with amazing fresh ingredients of your choice, wine, dessert... just a lovely cafe. I can hear the French music in my head just thinking about it. A La Folie has wooden walls lined with magazines, whetting your reading appetite, too.

We stopped by the beautiful Coral Gables library, a veritable tropical oasis, the other night to stock up for some good summer reading. I am going to blissfully soak up each remaining summer day!

Soon to come: our trip down through the North Keys yesterday--an Islamoradan and Duck Key adventure. How are you enjoying these August days? Any must-read suggestions?

xo xo, Miss Bliss

Don't forget to enter to win my favorite new book... here.

images: 1, ours, 2, 3, google images, 4, ours

Summer Treats: Savor the Bliss

2011-08-02T23:23:00.020-04:00

1. via here

2. via here

3. via here

Are you craving a cold treat?

The Miami August heat explains why I'm finding
snowmen appealing,
...snowmen made of ice cream, chocolate,
and Oreo top hats!

Of course we are all creative so we can modify to our hearts' delights.

Summer will melt away as quick as Frosty...

Had to share the Nutella brownies
for all those Nutella fans out there...

What's your blissful treat this summer?

1.) "Snowmen Shooters"

2.) "Snowmen Cake pops"

3.) Peanut-butter frosted Nutella Brownies
(thanks for this find, Holly at For the Love of Life!)

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win my favorite new book... here.

Book Giveaway: "How to Allow", Celebrating our 200th post!

2011-07-31T09:00:00.007-04:00

Author Susan Shearer Young

The very fitting first giveaway at our blog celebrating bliss is a new book:

How to Allow

Working with the Law of Attraction to Allow Your Natural Well-Being

A Simple System for Creating the Life You Want (Starting Today)

(Retail value $29.00)

Author Susan Shearer Young's book "is dedicated to inspiring you to create real life miracles through harnessing the Law of Attraction and using a simple system of daily rituals to Allow in your natural Well-Being."

Maybe you've wondered how to put "The Secret"
and law of attraction into practice.

The book will help you put your life in a whole new perspective--I have definitely discovered this myself. Once you read this book you'll find tools to help you enjoy life and see an entirely new perspective even when those tough days and times happen.

Susan is a logical, helpful, and humorous writer. I have loved reading her book, and I plan to re-read it before returning to teach this fall and highlight what resonates--what I want to remember and apply. I'll be highlighting a lot!

She is the mother of three children,
and a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Her heart has gone into the book,
leaving a great resource for you!

To Enter: (Two lucky winners)

~visit here and check out Susan Shearer Young's blog posts.

~ Leave a comment on this post, saying what you found of interest in her blog posts.

~ One entry per person {leave contact email, and whether you prefer e-book, Kindle, or Nook}
~ Giveaway contest ends @ midnight EST, August 15, 2011.

~Winners selected through random.org and announced Tuesday, August 16th, 2011.
~1 Winner receives coupon code provided for e-book purchase; 1 Kindle/Nook winner receives gift book for that e-reader

Best wishes and Enjoy!

Celebrating Anne at Annechovie!

2011-07-26T21:31:00.018-04:00

First things first: enjoy an espresso!

Are you familiar with artist Anne Harwell?
If not, please meet Anne of Annechovie, pure genius and artist extraordinaire.

*Please click photos throughout this post for more information...*
She has many more examples on Flickr.

Maybe you've seen her excellent blog, Annechovie. When my husband first started this blog for us as a creative outlet, I told him,
"I'm not really into blogging."

Suddenly I saw and joined a very creative world, and one of my very first favorites, who remains one of my very favorites, is artist and blogger Anne Harwell.

Her images radiate with whimsical attention to detail, lifting your spirits
with each of her pieces of work.

She says, "I work mainly in gouache and acrylic and specialize in painting interiors, chairs and many domestic accoutrements."

I love the way she captures and depicts this chair above-- so beautiful.

Her work is calming to the eye, imparting energy and relaxation simultaneously: the orange, turquoise and pink blend here is lovely.

This rendering is so skillful and gentle--creating such a transcendent effect
with the mirror's reflection...

This fabric print and her work here just makes me smile, as well as the well-informed eyes at THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL WEBSITE, SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE, THE DOMINO MAGAZINE WEBSITE, DESIGN SPONGE, DAILY CANDY, and 1ST DIBS...as well as Hollywood: Have you seen the film,"Its Complicated"? Her work is in the film set...

This painting depicts a room I am certain many of us would enjoy!

The print and graceful touches on this settee offer creativity and serenity
with the peaceful background color.

Such an inspiring little work space depiction...

Excellent reminders, and I discovered she has this one on a mug! Perfect for my office...I also found that she has an apron available with the wonderful trifle image.

The details and overall effect here capture my attention: the half open doors, the books, the mirror, fireplace and table...again, such great attention to detail without feeling overdone--the perfect effect.

Anne Harwell's work can be found at Zazzle, as well: lovely mugs, ("It's always better to be kind than right"), stamps, and aprons (two of my favorite images: her trifle and pink espresso machine are available on aprons...)

Her father's beautiful work indicates that talent runs in the family!

Anne will work with you if you have an idea and contact her...she says:

INTERESTED IN A CUSTOM PORTRAIT OF YOUR HOME, PET OR FAVORITE THINGS?

Actually, yes, I think we all are!

Thanks for all your lovely, blissful work, Anne, and for so graciously agreeing to be
featured here, where we celebrate and pursue the bliss!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE OF ANNE'S?
An artist who makes your heart sing like Anne makes mine?

P.S. Stay tuned for the giveaway to celebrate our 200th post--
next time is #200 and all the details!
here's a hint:

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

Repurposing: Your vote on color?

2011-07-23T01:51:00.012-04:00

Oh the possibilities!

Our new print

This much celebrated and hard-sought vanity made its way to our dining room during some space clearing, almost onto Craigslist and out of our little beach apartment, until Mr. Wonderful said, "that would be a great sideboard."

Now it's housing some wine glasses and vino, rum, and gin atop and the drawers are great for sideboard needs.

It's begging for a repaint...I'm debating: turquoise, robin's egg blue, light green, royal blue, dark green, sunny yellow, white...? It will be a statement!

The room is painted light yellow with lots of white furniture... We aren't totally devoid of color at the moment; in the kitchen we have this recently added print from an Islamorada trip--from Lobster Trap Art near Robbie's.

I also want to repaint out kitchen chairs, possibly in the same color to unify with the vanity-turned-sidebar...or maybe I should leave it all as is and run to the beach!

No, I am ready to kick it up a notch, especially as Mr. Wonderful went into a high gear de-clutter and rearranging mode tonight :)

Your color thoughts? This post and this one are chock-full of inspirational colors.

Thanks so much!

xo xo, Miss Bliss

Stay tuned for our 200th post celebration giveaway... so close!

Bikini Me: Your Next Suit

2011-07-21T17:35:00.012-04:00

Victoria's Secret

Where do you have luck finding swim suits? Do you have a favorite designer or store?

Victoria's Secret

Sonia Vera

Le Tarte

Le Tarte

Mikoh Swimwear

Sonia Vera

Cia Maritima

Le Tarte Swimwear

Le Tarte Swimwear

Victoria's Secret

Mikoh Swimwear

Victoria's Secret

Lion's Lair

Lion's Lair

Victoria's Secret

Where do you have luck finding swim suits? Do you have a favorite designer or store?

As we all know, swimsuit shopping can be a bit less than blissful, but here are some ideas... Miami/South Beach recently had the Mercedes-Benz sponsored Fashion Week: Swim, so I've seen some interviews with some of these designers and they are so inspired and fun!

On a trip down to the Keys I found Lion's Lair in Islamorada and scored-- they are great and will give you a discount if you mention their "Yelp discount".

Now I'm off to bask in the South Beach waters--
what appeals to you here?
I think I'd love the black crochet skirt!

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

P.S.: Stay tuned for our upcoming giveaway to celebrate our 200th post-- almost there!

Summering in Miami and the Keys

2011-07-12T02:58:00.003-04:00

All pics by Miss Bliss. Have a blissful day :)

Mangoes and Thank You's

2011-07-07T22:26:00.008-04:00

Recommendation letters: Students often need them for graduate school and I am usually happy to help them out. I have written who knows how many, but getting a thank you is rare, and I definitely remember those. Sometimes students will write a thank you email. Sometimes, pretty rarely, a handwritten card.

Two students have given me chocolate--great idea, fortunately Godiva and some amazing South American chocolate. One student made a gift mug with candy and mini office supplies and a Starbucks gift card. Another student who was heading to environmental architecture programs gave me a mug that you can write chalk messages on with some mini spa products-- lovely!

Okay, so apparently, upon reflection, I have received a ton of thank you's! And I have, and they are deeply appreciated and remembered as you can see. I'd estimate maybe one in ten students goes that extra mile for a thank you, and as you can see, they stand out, and I suspect they will have outstanding careers as they are so savvy this early on! The thank you gifts are always a surprise.

This summer, a student heading to an engineering program emailed to track me down and said he wanted to give me some mangoes to say thank you for a rec. letter. He said the mangoes were from a tree in his yard and said how sweet they were. I was excited; as a South Floridian, I know that fresh mangoes in season direct from a tree are a true treat! However, when he brought the bag to me, I was even more shocked. The mangoes were so beautiful. The fact that he went out of his way to bring the mangoes was very overwhelming to me and then he was standing there, showing me this dozen or so beautiful mangoes-- and telling me how good they were.

After hearing all this and tasting the delicious mangoes, Mr. Wonderful said, okay, my wife will write recommendation letters for mangoes... They were the sweetest and juiciest mangoes, and once they were finished, I unabashedly took the student up on his offer for more. He so kindly brought another bag, and this time, we decided that these mangoes should continue.

I just planted a seed and we have two left-- will definitely be planting those too... not that we have space for a mango tree, but you never know. Will keep you posted on the mango seed progress...They are supposed to be beautiful houseplants. :)

Any special thank you's that stand out for you?

Have a blissful day!

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

image 1 and 2, ours-- THE mangoes!
image 3 source: here

Best Avocado Recipe ever!

2011-07-04T18:25:00.003-04:00

While summer's bounty is so lovely and fresh, try this recipe and enjoy! It's fabulous with blue corn tortilla chips, like Garden of Eatin'. :)

My sentiments exactly:

2011-06-30T16:35:00.005-04:00

"Sea Fever"

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

-John Masefield

This poem has been etched in my mind for years--
Who is your favorite poet? Do you have a favorite poem?

Hope you're having a blissful day!
-Miss Bliss

image credit here

Salty Sunday Swim

2011-06-27T00:49:00.006-04:00

Today we had a blissful swim in the salty tropical waters off Miami Beach. We are so lucky to be able to walk to the beach; Mr. Wonderful just finished his summer classes and it was time to hit the water.

We swam in the ocean as kids together; whenever we go in now as adults I have a flashback to that and we turn into kids in the water. We frolic, hug; waves crash over our heads and into our noses... we walk on sand and seaweed.

The clouds were thick so it wasn't too hot;
we had a good swim under wild tropical skies
...until my meteorologist spotted the lightning.

"Party's over?" I asked. "Party's over." he answered.
Not really, we went and people-watched on Ocean Drive.

Just another Sunday afternoon in South Beach. Wish you were here!
What were you up to this weekend?

70% Chocolate with... Pear!

2011-06-26T16:47:00.003-04:00

Recently Mr. Wonderful brought home a stash of chocolate for me; some Ghiradelli dark, Ghiradelli with toffee, and a bar from Valor. This Valor bar has pears in it... delicious!

It reminds me of the chocolate pear cake we had on Lincoln Road here in South Beach at Tiramesu (our oldest Italian restaurant)... sadly they aren't making it anymore, but the manager gave me the recipe :). It's a subtle flavor- give it a try and enjoy!

Almond Joy coffee: going, going, gone.

2011-06-18T18:02:00.007-04:00

You have to try "Almond Joy" coffee...finished this bag of deliciousness today. It was a TJMaxx find (royal blue bag); their website is KmoJoe.com. The bag correctly says, "smooth, milk chocolate wrapped around flaky, white coconut and tasty almonds."

Morning joy is more like it! And while we are thinking about almonds, have you tried an almond in your coffee grinder with your coffee? The flavor in your coffee is so amazing. We use the French Press to make ours.

When I told Mr. Wonderful that we finished it, he said, "Dear God, say it's not true." It was so good we even took some to our bar and shared with our favorite bartender :).

Do you have any favorite flavor recommendations?
Have a blissful day!

Beach Pocket Umbrellas and Inspiring Women

2011-06-16T22:34:00.007-04:00

Today my first More magazine arrived... I finally subscribed since it seems a bit different than most women's magazines out there... The article I enjoyed most: "Sand Dollars"

Ever had to chase a beach umbrella? I remember the beach-goers in South Beach cracking up as a topless woman chased her umbrella as it bounced along the sand. Finally someone ever so gallantly went to help her and she laughed as she was certainly not expecting to interrupt her South Beach sunbathing with a topless jog after her beach umbrella.

This brilliant woman solved that problem...with inventing "beach pockets" umbrellas.

"Just trying to make my life easier" she said. The article describes an innovator who got her product out with great pitching skills.

Who has inspired you lately?

Summer Reads

2011-06-15T12:40:00.003-04:00

Any good book suggestions out there for summer?

Thanks and have a blissful day!

xo xo,
Miss Bliss

Chilling in the Keys

2011-06-04T21:03:00.001-04:00

Relax

2011-06-01T01:49:00.001-04:00