Flurries of The Heart

I wished for a snow day today to play with all my snowflake cookie cutters.decorate snowflake cookies gift basket
Not only did our usual sunny skies have no intention of performing a miracle but I also found myself on the couch with a cold. Day 3 in fact, so I can only plan my attack when I get back into the kitchen.

For a girl who has only been in slightly falling snow once, snowflakes call to me.

Every year I would make a basket of snowflakes for the silent auction for the high school’s music program that my boys were involved in.
Because they were so time consuming, I would only make 2 baskets.

One with silver dragees in a silver basket,

decorate snowflake cookies gift basket
… and the other with gold accents.

decorate snowflake cookies gift basket
I’d always make a few extras and give to friends.

decorate snowflake cookies gift basket
Many years ago at this time of year, my friend Suzi had been by her mother, June’s, side when she passed from Alzheimers. It was cold and grey as she walked out to her car from the care facility near Boston. Suddenly big, fluffy snowflakes began to fall. Her mother’s favorite. She was in awe at the timing.

Suzi also shared with me as she and her sister were growing up June would go outside after a snow storm when the sun was shining on the snow and sprinkle glitter around the yard to make the moment even more magical. Incredible.

Although I had never met June I always think of her when my counters and tables are covered in big iced snowflakes and as I sprinkle them with edible glitter. What a special heart she had to have seen the aftermath of a storm as an opportunity to make it even more beautiful for the ones she loved.

Terrific Tote

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.

Happy Thanksgiving To You!

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]

Kate Middleton & Daniella Issa Helayel

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]

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer

When I saw these cute mini martini glasses I had to have them! Inspired by their size I thought they would be perfect for the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer I made this past weekend for a get together with very special friends. The recipe is easy and so good with chunks of avocado mixed with the shrimp and savory spicy flavors in every bite. It starts out with cooked peeled and deveined shrimp.I roasted mine tossed with EVOO, salt and… [Read More]

Today…

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]

Staircase Decorations – Two Holidays In One

stair bannister decorated for thanksgiving and christmas

I love my winding staircase and I particularly love it all lit up and decorated for the holidays but it always seems to be a scramble to get it up right after Thanksgiving so we have more time to enjoy it. With both boys making a limited appearance for T-day before they return to school, I rather be enjoying our time together instead of fussing with decorations especially in the other room.Thanks to a friend I saw at the high… [Read More]

Friendship

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!

Hell In A Handbasket vs. Handbags

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]

Lit Mercury Glass Globes

I’m waiting for these. Lit Mercury Glass Globes ~ According to the PB sales associates at my local store they weren’t even aware these gorgeous globes were being offered this season until I happily educated them. What a pity since I took this to mean they probably won’t be displayed as part of the season’s change out. Curious, I returned last week knowing the display elves had completed their holiday magic and they were no where to be found. The… [Read More]