Monday, February 28, 2011

Hint of Romance


We all need soft touches of love in our life.  Turn your surroundings into a sanctuary retreat that reflects your charm and personality.  Use for inspiration the things around you.  Our world is filled with natural beauties like flowers in gorgeous colors and textures.  We are inspired to create our own warm and inviting spaces.  I also like to add simple romantic touches to my office with flowers or art prints.  Vintage hardware can be transformed into a focal point with the touch of natural greenery, ribbons, or flowers.  You do not have to spend much to add whimsy to your home.  Buy inexpensive mixed bouquet of fresh spring flowers at your local grocery store.  Put the flowers in empty tin cans, drinking glasses, or bottles.  In my opinion, antiques and collectibles should be celebrated and adorned. Use cheerful accessories and fabrics as a backdrop.  The look is easy to achieve, and in no time you will be relaxing in a romantic space of your own.  You are loved by God and you are special.  Find the time to romance your spirit.




Tuesday Blog Hops



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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Academy Awarding Winning Gowns

All eyes were on the red carpet at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards to see who would wear what on Hollywood's biggest night.  My daughter and I watched the Academy Awards Red Carpet show before the Oscars to see what all the movie stars and celebrity reports were wearing. The dresses were gorgeous and the stars looked glamorous.  Here are our top 3 choices.

Nancy O'Dell from Entertainment Tonight
She wore a vibrant aqua one-shoulder draped gown by Vera Wang.


Jennifer Hudson, the talented singer and Academy Award winning Actress.
She looked stunning in a bold tangerine orange Versace gown.


Reese Witherspoon, Actress, Producer, and Charitable Advocate.
She wore a 1960's inspired chic classic Giorgio Armani Priva gown.


Monday night we are going to watch Joan Rivers' Fashion Police. 
We love to hear who they pick for best and worst dressed. 

  
Monday Blog Hops


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Sisterhood of Support for Lindsay

Today I am visiting at Spiritual Sundays with Charlotte and Ginger.  It has been my comfort and blessing to been a part of this sisterhood of women who often have carried me with prayer.  We have never met in person but we have met in spirit.  God has given women the power and comfort to support each other.  We know that there is no struggle to big for God to overcome.  He has made us to be loving, caring, courageous, and beautiful.



Somewhere through my blogging stroll I found Lindsay at Spoons, Spades & Stitches.  I was touched by her situation because she is also starting her 3rd round of chemo.  She has a beautiful family and they are blessed with precious little girl who will be turning 1 year old soon.  Please share some of love, prayer, and best wishes to her and her family. 




You can also follow Lindsay here:

      

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sunday with the Stars



My daughter and I will be watching the Oscars on Sunday night.  We love to watch awards shows and the entertainment shows, like E! Online to see the what the stars are wearing on the Red Carpet.  


The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood.  It recognized excellence of professionals in the silent film industry, including directors, actors, and writers. The country was on the brink of the Great Depression, yet Hollywood came out to honor the best in entertainment.

    Douglas Fairbanks (Host)                   Emil Jannigns (Best Actor)           Janet Gaynor (Best Actress)          Charlie Chaplin (Honorary Award)

The 83rd Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place today, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.   The formal ceremony at which the awards are presented is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in the world and is televised live in more than 200 countries annually.   The  Academy Awards will be co-hosted by actors; James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  The Oscar Statue is made of gold-plated britannium on a black metal base and depicts a knight rendered in Art Deco style holding a crusader's sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes for the original branches of the Academy: Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers, and Technicians.




Best Picture: Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The King's Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, Winter's Bone   
Actor in a Leading Role: Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Colin Firth, James Franco  
Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams 
Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale, John Hawkes, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Geoffrey Rush
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Adams, Helena Bonham Carter, Hailee Steinfeld, Jacki Weaver

Sunday Blog Hops




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Friday, February 25, 2011

Saturday Blog Hops

 Check Me Out Saturday with A Vision to Remember


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Friday Hair Fashion

I was reading in Marie Claire magazine to see what the hair trends are for 2011.  Apparently volume hair is up, so tease to your heart's content.  Remember the bouffant bee-hive?  Also in style are big curls that are messy waves.  I guess the toussel tresses are in which means I don't have to do much other than towel dry and go.   Up-do's are pulled back sleek this year and with extra shine.  A hot trend are woven locks and loose hair braids.  They look casual, sexy, and so easy to do.  Braids are worn to the side, laid back, or braided on top in a natural head band.  The low pony tail is a huge hit on the fashion runways,just loosely gathered or twisted in place. 

As for me,  I have natural medium brown hair. I'm feeling blahhh about it right now, so I might get some high-lights.  I usually blow-dry my hear with a large round brush and wear it down.  Most of my life my hair has been medium to long in length. I have a lot of hair and I tend to over tease it...LOL. 


Love these hair styles!


Friday Blog Hops

Linky Loves Friday at Sweet Charlie    -    Blog Hop Friday at Chubby Cheek

1. Can you drive a stick shift?  Yes
2. What are two foods you just can't eat? - shrimp, lobster
3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind? - Tagalongs
4. How do you pamper yourself? Mani-Pedi
5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?  Yoli


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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fruit for the Body & Soul

" The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. "  Galatians 5:22-23


Eating fruit provides many health benefits.  People who eat more fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.  Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.  Eating a diet rich in fruits may reduce risk for stroke, perhaps other cardiovascular diseases,  and may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.  Keep a bowl of fruit on the table or in the refrigerator where you can easily grab some.  Prepare some fruits to take to your office so you can snack throughout the day.  Buy fresh fruits that are in season for optimum flavor and nutrition.  For the most nutrutional value, eat fruits high in potassium like bananas, peaches, cantalopes, and prunes.  Go for fresh fruits instead of canned or dried fruit which tend to have added sugars.  Make fruits fun for kids by cutting it into creative shapes, paring up with yogurt dips, or blending into delicous cool smoothies.  Squeeze some lemon juice on fresh fruit salad for an added twist.  

I know it can be tough for me to stay away from the sweets and fast food. 
Eating healthier starts with planning ahead and be prepared for those "hungry" moments. 
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

In my next life....


In my next life, or maybe  next chapter of my life, I would love to be a wedding planner.  Coming from a large Hispanic family means there are plenty of weddings to attend. The Hispanic Wedding is a time honored tradition that is culture oriented and religion based.  There are many symbolic customs that are passed from generation to generation, just as in many other cultures.  It is traditional for both families to help pay for the wedding celebration, from the dress to ceremony and reception.  Most services are at the local Catholic Church and performed in Spanish and English.  The church is adorned with flowers like roses, which are left behind as a gift to the Holy Family.  The bridal party is large with many cousins and friends being selected and bridesmaids and groomsmen.  The bridal dress is gorgeously layered in lace and the bride wears a mantilla veil during the ceremony.  During the service the bride and groom will be draped with a large size rosary "lazo" which symbolizes the union made after the wedding vows.  As a token of prosperity, the groom will present the bride with a gift of gold coins that have been blessed by the priest.  The 13 coins represents Jesus and the 12 apostles.  

Traditional meals include include feasts of meats and fresh seafood.  There are so many side dishes so no one goes hungry.  The beverages are never ending like expensive selections of liquors and beverages.  The table service is top class with waiter staff readily available to serve the guests.  During the meal the sound of festive music is heard as the Mariachi Band entertains the guests with the guitars, violins, and trumpets.  After the meal is the presentation of the bridal party and then the wedding couple makes the grand enterance.  It is followed by the traditional father-daughter dance.  The Mexican wedding cake is presented and takes center stage.  There is no skimping on the cake, as it is often a gift to the couple.  The Latin Music dance is exciting and meant to get everyone up and dancing.  Hispanic weddings can go late into the night; some even continue into the early morning with breakfast at the in-laws.  One thing is for sure, Hispanic weddings are very exciting.  There is plenty of food, continuous music, and lots of family and friends. 


Wednesday Blog Hops

Today's Feature Blogger
Visit Joyce at "From This Side of the Pond"


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Heart of a Home

We grew-up around the kitchen, whether it was watching mom cook or us as kids making grilled sandwiches.  A woman doesn't need much to make the kitchen the heart of her home.  The kitchen is an accessory of color and flavor that adorns the heart of woman.  It doesn't matter if you can cook like a chef or if you just make simple dishes for hungry  kids, your kitchen is your creative platform. 

After a long day at school and when I get home from work, my teen kids and I gather in the kitchen.  We don't make fancy foods, in fact most of our meals lately have been quick and simple.  Yet, we spend time together in our little kitchen.  When it is time to eat, we all sit together talking about our day.  The kitchen is more than just a place to cook.  It is a place for us to unwind and distress.  It is also a training station.  My son is graduating from high school in  May, so he is doing much of his own cooking in preparation for college.  My daughter is in 10th grade and she is become independent, and she is really enjoying learning how to cook.  We share funny stories and we also try to talk through the challenges of of our day.  The kids will do their homework in the kitchen at times and I also us the kitchen table as my crafting areas at time.  Our kitchen isn't big or fancy, but it is "us".  We are are a small family of 3, making the best of time that we have left before the kids leave to college.







Paula Deen Peach Cobbler 
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 8 tablespoon (1 stick) butter
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cup sugar, divided
  • 4 cup peeled, sliced peaches
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • ground cinnamon, optional
Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.
  • Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
  • To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

 Tuesday Blog Hops
Follow Me Back Tuesday at Survey Junkie Review & Giveaway
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