boxwood wreaths

Beautiful boxwoods seem to be calling my name.

I found this one here at Boxwoods.

How darling would they be hung on the backs of chairs or at each place setting for a festive dinner.

I adore a classic preserved boxwood wreath.

  A friend told me she had bought one for her door.

I admire boxwood topiaries, wreaths and garlands.

What sort of wreath do you hang?

december wedding love

Just a little snippet from a December wedding last weekend which I worked at, capturing the love.  These bridesmaids were so chic in their long navy skirts and crisp white cotton shirts.  I loved that the gal on the far right had her hands in her pockets.  I love deep pockets and weddings in December.

monday motivation - loving others

 "My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" ~ Bob Hope

I don't know about you, but the holidays should be simple and our motivation should be about loving others.  As my Father loves to say as Bob Hope said, "Why do we have to wait for Christmas?"

Yesterday, I went to a concert of Handel's Messiah in Irvington.  I sat there and listened to the beautiful voices and thought about love and how the holidays can be sad for some and joyful for others.  We can each find motivation in doing something simple to show our love.  Love your neighbor, your family, a friend or even a creature today and feel your heart grow.  What sorts of old-fashioned or modern ways do you show love at Christmas?

Winner of the Smashbox gift-away goes to Patti, Winner was selected by random number.

sunday sparkle

silence is golden, but this little glitter cosmetic bag would be a scream to give.  after all it is a great price.  found it over here at duex lux.

silver and gold or other colors are available.  do you like a little sparkle during the month of december?

pucker up (gift-away lipstick)

Are you ready?  

Pucker up and prepare to give those lips a holiday gift of lip color!

Sure, you know what I mean, you could very well find yourself standing under a sprig of mistletoe, so today pucker up those pretty lips and pick out a smash box holiday lip stick, gel, or plumper.

 Smashbox is all about rich lasting lip color.

Now pucker up and pick out a new lipstick....tell me which one you would choose?

I will be back monday and announce the winner.

US only and please be sure to leave your e-mail or link to your blog so may contact you.

Winner is Patti16, winner was chosen via random number.

in the raw

 On Thanksgiving day, one guest brought a beautiful raw kale salad that she literally massaged with lemon juice, garlic, onion, mirin rice wine, olive oil, salt and served as a side dish.  It was an incredibly refreshing companion to many traditional thanksgiving sides.  Another guest brought a raw salad with the most lovely dressing.  Both salads were a refreshing addition to a Classic Thanksgiving.

One dear guest and wonderful (blog) friend began her journey of eating "in the raw" several months ago and the benefits have been amazing to watch as well as be inspired by this lovely lady.  She has lost weight, has more energy and has embraced eating raw as a way of life.  The other guests were all a bit envious of her svelte and sexy figure in her stunning little black dress.  Here she is with her daughter who complimented her mother on her discipline and transformation.  Did I mention she is the Mother of four children?

I think a good way to start with eating more raw is to replace a meal with a raw salad.  As we enter into the holiday season and plates of sweets tempt each of us, dedicating one meal to raw, green, freshness will add vitality to your body and mind.  Perhaps you might be interested in eating raw, please visit "Art House Design" - Victoria will be happy to inspire you by adding raw radiance in your life, your diet and your home.

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

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Today is the big day to enjoy The Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Will you be going?  

pve design Rock Center Tree lighting, note cards in my etsy shop for sale.

Thank-you to each of you for your kind support of my artwork.  Your confidence in me fills my heart with light and joy.

Chestnut Hill

Chestnuts seem to be all around me and this J.McLaughlin shop that just opened is located in Chestnut Hill, PA.  I have to admit, I really got into all the detail of this store sketch.  Now I just want to sing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."  It t'is the season for all things Chestnuts.

monday motivation - massage

I am motivated by a massage appointment.  I was given the gift of a massage in the form of a gift card to use at any time.  There is truly nothing better than taking time out for a little personal spa treatment.

If you have never had a massage, I encourage you to book one now.  Did you know that a massage can drain your body of toxins and stress.  One walks away feeling refreshed and grounded.

A hot stone massage warms one up as well as balances one's spirit.

"An ancient technique performed using heated stones of varied temperatures placed on the body…a modality for spiritual balancing. Stone massage is very effective as it creates harmony and a positive energy flow promoting a sense of balance, energy, and peace."

The massage rooms always make me wish I had a room like this in my own home.  Do you feel motivated to make time for a massage?  Make time during the holidays for a little time to pamper yourself.

magic of abundance

Life in abundance comes

through great love

-Elbert Hubbard

 Do you live life believing in the magic of abundance? 

 Do you focus your thoughts on the magic of abundance or do you let Scrooge get a grip on you and hold tight to the notion of scarcity and let the miserly control your thoughts?

 Perhaps I am a dreamer, but I look to the future and very much focus on the plentifulness of good things in life.  It is not that I am content with certain existing situations but rather the hope or promise of tomorrow shall bring wealth and abundance.  I think living with an attitude of "loaves and fishes" and sharing what one has only attracts a life of plenty.

When you think of the upcoming holidays, you think about children sharing food, memories, and religious and cultural events with their families. You don't think about hunger,  sadness, or poverty so cruel that there might not be any gifts, or family dinners, or a warm house. But this is the reality for many families in our area, a reality. The holidays are approaching fast, and more families than ever are struggling to pay their utility and food bills. With little or no money available for toys, the holidays can look pretty bleak. But you can help make the holidays a magical time for hundreds of children. As the children gathered together, I was reminded of the joys and hopes we as adults can and want to instill in our children's hearts. They are our future and while during trying times in our world we must instill a brightness of light and let them know just how much magic they bring to our world. Promise me that you will live with the magic of abundance and that although times for many are challenging that it is gathering with friends and family and sharing gratitude that we can create magical times for many.

If you want to open your mind to thinking that the future is bright and full of abundance, then you must read this book.  You must watch this, click here.

Here is my Thankful tree created from branches and leaves that I crafted with the help of many children and friends.  Cutting and hanging them on the branches.
It shall serve as a reminder to me when the branches of winter become bare branches.
It is the hope and magic of abundance from which hope springs eternal.

Each guest was asked to write what they are thankful for on the back of these watercolored leaves.
When I prepare my home for the coming of the advent season, it is in the magic of abundance that will bring about great hope and joy.

Promise me you will create the magic of abundance around you and share it with a child or someone who might need a little hope or good cheer.