Saturday, June 30, 2012

Jennifer Hudson

I love her music.  I think she's fierce.  She's talent and real.  And now she is a designer.  I can't wait to see her clothing line!


Jennifer Hudson is jumping into the fashion biz. She has designed her first line that will be sold through QVC. The singer was very involved in the line she says will work for all sizes. “I feel like I represent every woman. I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I’ve been a big girl and now whatever this is, the average size, whatever you want to call it. But I wanted the clothes to be where any girl could wear it — no matter what size you are — and you could feel comfortable in it.”


The Jennifer Hudson QVC collection will feature lots of leggings as well. “I’m the legging queen,” Jennifer laughed. “What I love about a legging is, again, it’s a piece you can dress up or down and it’s still comfortable.”  The line goes on sale September 10th.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Small Bedroom

In about a year I will be an empty-nester.  My daughter will be leaving to college and my son has been gone a year already.  I don't have pets and I don't have a husband, so downsizing will be easy.   I'm not traditional so I'm hoping to find a design style that is unique, quirky, and an attention grabber.  I found an article in House Beautiful about an adventurous toned 400-square-foot Brooklyn apartment.  It is perfect for one!





Designed by:

Gia for Gina


We are starting back-to-school shopping for my daughter Gina. This is her last year in high school.  Yesterday evening we went to the Michael Kors store because Princess Gina wants a Michael Kors handbag.  I was suprised that I too fell in love with their selections because I hadn't paid much attention to their designer bags because I'm more of a western handbag girl.  But, I have to say that the styles are adorable.  Gina favors handbags in browns and blues.  I wish I had a million bucks so I could get her one in every color.   Gina is my last baby at home and she will be leaving to college in a year, so I am making the most of my time with her. That means I also get to spoil her a bit longer.  After all, she is my only girl.
 
Michael Kors
"Gia" Style 
Ostrich-Embossed Leather
Satchel
 
 
Turquoise ostrich-embossed leather.
Silver-color hardware.
Top handles with square buckle detail; 4 1/2" drop.
Metal logo plate at top center.
Buckled flap pockets at sides.
Inside zip pocket.
12"H x 4 1/2"W x 6 1/4"D.
 
 


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Hot & Spicy


 
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, stuff jalapeƱo peppers with cheese or other savory ingredients, then fire-roast them over an outdoor grill. Our new design features smaller holes and wire supports underneath to ensure that all sizes of peppers won’t drop through during grilling.
 
Holds up to 18 stuffed or whole peppers upright.
Imparts delicious smoky flavor while keeping the peppers a safe distance from the flame.
Made of heavy-duty stainless steel.
Wire supports below perforated surface keep peppers from falling through.
Dishwasher safe.   9 1/2" x 6 1/4" x 2 1/2" high.
 
A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.
 

Monday, June 25, 2012

Be Present

Even though you can't see him,
hear him, or feel him,
you know that as long as you're breathing,
God's Spirit is present.


 
 

Friday, June 22, 2012

Fiesta Friday



Its Fiesta Friday.  I wish everyone a very happy weekend.  I hope you get to relax and enjoy time with family & friends.  My daughter is coming back home from her 2 week getaway. I can't wait to see her.  One of my sisters is coming to town and we will be celebrating her birthday.  It is gorgeous here in Texas Hill Country and the weather is perfect for outdoor market shopping and work-outs at the park.  Enjoy your weekend Amigos!!
 
 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Cookie Day Dreams



 

I haven't had a cookie in so long.
These look scrumptious.
Excuse me for drooling...

 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the SUPER DADS in my family. My brother is an awesome father and my brother-in-laws are amazing dads. You are loved, respected, and special.  Enjoy your day!!
 

Most of all, Happy Father's Day to my dad.  I just know that he is up in heaven looking over us.  Though he is gone from this world, I still feel his love and prayers for me.  I wish I could spend just one more day with him.  I would do more listening than talking.  He taught me so many things about life that I still use everyday.  His lessons shall transcend through generations.  I raised my kids with many of his teachings and beliefs.  I learned courage, honor, respect, and confidence from him.  I am blessed that God chose me to be my father's daughter.  I deeply admire his good works that so often went unnoticed and unappreciated.  Today I stand with pride in the legacy that my father left behind, a beautiful family and long lasting wisdom. 

I want you to know Dad that I'm doing well.  I'm happy and maturing with wisdom.  I have learned from so many mistakes and I have tried to be more forgiving like you.  I often tell my kids about your wise advise which helps carries us through this world.  I never told you enough that I loved you and time went so fast in the end.  Though I'm older, I will always be your little girl.  I miss you terribly but know that I will see you again some day.  I love you Dad.

 
 
 

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Royal Prink Saturday

Queen Elizabeth looks absolutely adorable in this fuchsia pink ensemble.  It takes a confident woman to wear such a bold color and she is owning it.  The black buttons and trim are the perfect accent color.  Just another chatty day for Kate & Elizabeth. They look like they are enjoying a pleasant day together.  The duo shared smiles and observations at a March 8 fashion show at De Montfort University, the first stop of the Diamond Jubilee tour. "They were chatting away," said Lord Waheed Alli, chancellor of the university. "They seemed very relaxed together," added Dr. Julie King, head of the School of Fashion and Textiles.

 
 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Love Makes Everything Worth It




“Love doesn't make the world go 'round.
Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”

Franklin P. Jones

Breathtaking


The Holy Spirit is the atmosphere of heaven
that your spirit breathes.
 

Friday Inspiration



"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship."
Buddha

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Too Cute Tunics


 
I am in love with the gorgeous products at Crow's Nest Trading. They have unique quality home furnishings and women’s fashion for casual, western and southwestern lifestyles.  They capture the spirit of Old Mexico and Western Charm.  Their Native American inspiration items gives a peaceful charm to any home.  Here are a couple of tunics that are absolutely my favorite.  They are paired up with bold jewelry and belts.  This is my style, western senorita fashion.
 



 
 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Stop and Smell the Roses


We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.  So many people play the lottery in hopes of hitting it big.  Then what?  I often wonder if life truly gets any better spiritually when that happens.  Other people work themselves to the bone and sadly have to miss out on special moments with loved one.  Find something every day that makes you happy in that moment.  Smile and celebrate in those little nuggets of love.

 
 
 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Healthy Happy Sandwiches

Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go lunch or a light supper, vegetarian sandwiches offer a quick-and-easy solution with endless variations and flavors.   I found awesome sandwich recipes at Cooking Light that will be perfect for summer.  They are light, healthy, and refreshing.  There are so many toppings to choose from such as red bell ­pepper that supplies all the vitamin C and 80 percent of the vitamin A you need in a day.  Avocados are my favorite!!!  They are high in fat, but 64 percent of it is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety. They also offer other nutrients like vitamin E, cholesterol-controlling plant sterols, and potassium. You can also add sliced fresh fruit as an ingredient in your sandwiches.  Half a pear has three grams of fiber, the same amount as a slice of whole-grain bread.  Use whole wheat bread pitas and you're sure to get a healthy nutritious sandwich!! 


Grilled Tomato and Brie Sandwiches



These sandwiches make the most of juicy, flavorful summer tomatoes. Serve them with grapes or carrot sticks. 

Ingredients
8 (1-ounce) slices 100% whole-grain bread (about 1/4 inch thick)

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, halved 2 teaspoons country-style Dijon mustard
4 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced 1 1/3 cups packaged baby arugula and spinach greens
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices beefsteak tomato Cooking spray  

Preparation

Prepare grill to high heat.  Brush one side of each bread slice with oil; rub cut sides of garlic over oil. Spread 1/2 teaspoon mustard on each of 4 bread slices, oil side down. Top each bread slice with 1 ounce cheese, 1/3 cup greens, and 2 tomato slices. Top each with remaining 4 bread slices, oil side up. Place sandwiches on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 2 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted and cheese melts.

 
Hummus Club Sandwiches



Fresh alfalfa sprouts add a nice crunch to this sandwich. And since they contain much of the energy that plants need to grow, they’re nutritionally rich and contain a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. 

Ingredients
3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon tahini (sesame-seed paste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
12 (1-ounce) slices whole-wheat bread $
2 cups shredded Bibb lettuce
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices red onion
1 cup (1/8-inch-thick) slices cucumber
4 cups alfalfa sprouts (4 ounces)
Preparation

Combine first 8 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth.  Spread 2 tablespoons hummus over 1 bread slice; top with 1/2 cup lettuce, 2 tomato slices, 1 onion slice, 1 bread slice, 1/4 cup cucumber, 1 cup sprouts, and 1 bread slice. Cut sandwich diagonally into quarters; secure with wooden picks. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients.