40-year Chocolate Cake

Tomorrow is a special Anniversary for my parents. 40 years. A banquet with all our family together, friends of theirs from decades ago and new friends. That was the ideal plan, not happening. Thanks to this economy, we are having an intimate family dinner and night with just the "kids". The banquet will have to wait until later this year or the 41st.

For the "night in" celebration, my 2 1/2-year-old niece helped me make a chocolate cake that was worthy of a 40 year celebration.

A few splatters here and there, chocolate all over her face, we got it done and tomorrow we'll hope that it's THE cake that makes these two amazing parents of mine feel celebrated.

A magical place...

Disneyland. Pure magic. The smell of cinnamon and sugar around every corner, the musky feeling of water in the air, twinkling lights at night, music that takes you back to your childhood, cold brisk nights and people smiling. That's what I see, smell, hear.

It's pure magic.

California Adventure, the little sibling of Disneyland smells of fresh orange groves, burnt sugar, sounds of Coney Island (what I'd imagine it would sound like, like the scene from Beaches), tortillas, sprays of water, vineyards and carefree attitude.

It's a place where you can let your hair down and pretend you are a Californian. Oh wait, I am. See, it even has me dreaming.

Seeing this through the eyes of someone so young, that's what makes it magical. It never gets old.

Famous Home - Diane Keaton

I started "pinning" Famous Homes on my Pinterest a while back, definitely favorite pastime when I'm tucked away in bed with my mind going a hundred miles an hour and a couple of times during the day when I find a few moments.

I think homes, architecturally and design wise are beautiful. You may ask "why famous homes?", well I find it interesting to see what 'they' choose to design the interiors, what kind of homes these people choose to live in, some extravagant and some humble. Sort of.

So for my first "Famous Home" entry, a great actress that matches the home she lived in. I think it's rustic and beautiful. There's something about the warmness of the nighttime glow that makes me want to drive by or even sit on the porch of this Spanish style abode.

Sugar & Spice Baby Shower

I have a new niece coming in July, that makes two little princess' for our family and to my brother and sister-in-law. I along with my mom did a Sugar & Spice decor for her baby shower two weeks ago. My Sis-in-laws sisters did a yummy spread of salads and sandwiches. We kept it a small affair, just close friends and some family - compared to my first nieces shower this was a small event!

I made most of the decorations, I prefer it that way, and was so happy with it all!

Twenty-Nine in 2012

Another birthday, another day. Come and gone. You may say, 29? Not old. Not even close. I would agree but I can't help but feel like the past ten years have swept by me, leaving me feeling a but claustrophobic, a bit petrified as to where the next year, five years, ten years will take me.

If you told me where I'd be today ten years ago, I'd have argued with you, told you that wasn't the plan. But alas, this is reality. I'm here not where I had planned but I'm here.

All in all, I welcome the turning of another year. Means I have breath in my lungs, life in me and there is still always a plan. Maybe not my own, but a plan nevertheless.

Thank God for another year.

It's About Time...

Imagine my excitement when I see a blogger APP in the Apple APP Store! I couldn't figure out why they didn't have one out sooner, have no idea how long it's been out, but I for one am ecstatic! I've missed The Daily Bee.

As many times as I've said "I'll be posting more", I most definitely will now.

Thank you Blogger for getting with the times.

Kitchen Love

Like everyone else out there, I think Pinterest is the best thing since.... Facebook. Of course when I first joined, no one was on there! It was so new and fresh, now everyone and their Grandma has one. (on a sidenote, does anyone else find it strange when you see a man follow you or pinning? I do.)
My love for home decor has gone to the dark side. Dream, dream, dream and dream some more of brass hoods, headboards,  black moldings, high back chairs, white cupboards, turquoise cupboards, beautiful lamps and so much more.

My "Home Sweet Home" section is busting at the seams. Here are a few of my favorite Kitchen Spaces. Be sure and read the small print.

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for lighting the fire under any of you or helping you get or futher your addiction.

Source: bhg.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: theproperstranger.tumblr.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Deb on Pinterest

My favorite. This is what I would dream of, dream of dreaming of. I love it all. Every last corner and crevice of this beautiful kitchen. The only danger would be, I'd be so paranoid about messing it up, there'd be no cooking going in it. Just a prized room to look at. Like a beautiful painting. sigh.

Source: cococozy.com via Deb on Pinterest

(same kitchen, other view)

Source: cococozy.com via Deb on Pinterest

Did you get all warm and fuzzy? Because I did. Excuse me while I go pin.

Golden Globes 2012 : FASHION

I haven't paid too much attention to the movies, award winning shows and up and coming actors lately. My sister and I used to do a little bet, we'd pick our winners, even though we didn't know who half the people were or what the movies were about. I would try to win the bet by researching the plots, see who was a favorite and then cast my vote. On the line was dinner out, then the loser would pay for dessert. I bought a lot a dessert over the years. I think still owe.

This year, the morning of the Golden Globes 2012, I decided to record the red carpet. I figured I'd see what all the ladies were going to wear. I'm glad I did. There were beautiful dresses and some major fails. Here are my picks, top to bottom - top being the least offensive/favorite. We'll start with the fails first and leave you on a positive note.

Madonna in Reem Acra. I'm not a Madonna fan. Yes, I'm an 80's baby. But I've never liked her music or her style. So I wasn't surprised to find her on my "bottom" list. This dress is too tight/small on top, strange on the bottom. I also think it just doesn't match who she is...

Angelina Jolie in Oscar De La Renta. This was voted as the Best Dressed here. Why oh why? The minute I saw her, I couldn't help but ask "Why?!". I don't like anything about this gown. MAYBE if the red flap was in the same color as the dress? And a different colored clutch? Maybe. Tina Fey said it well -  “She looked like a Space Waitress". Ouch.

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci. I love Gucci. I dislike the dress. Plunging neckline, shear on top with sequins and covered in a green bird farm on the bottom. Oh no. Oh no...

Sarah Michelle Geller in Monique Lhuillier. In an interview, she said that she laid out a selection of dress and accessories and her two-year-old daughter picked out everything! Sweet, yes. But not when millions are looking and pictures are being taken and plastered on all the magazines and website (and blogs). I like her, but the dress was a bad, bad choice. Also makes me wonder why Monique Lhuillier would have this in her collection... hmm.

Lea Michele in Marchesa. I'm at a complete lost. I'm not sure why a sweet girl, normally in beautiful soft gowns, would wear this. She looks lost in it. Like she's trying too hard to be sexy. Didn't work for her. Not.at.all. That is why, I see her has my least favorite of the night.

Now onto my favorites...

Nicole Kidman in Versace. I think she is beautiful. Gold-studded, pale beige dress with her strawberry blond hair. I think she always looks amazing. This was no exception.

Salma Hayek in Gucci. There were a few things out there about this dress, not good things. But I can't help but like it. It reminds me a little bit of Cleopatra but Cleopatra 2012. Love the gold and black. I think she looks gorgeous.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. I don't know who she is, never watched her show, after seeing her I think she is very, very loud - it irritated me a bit. I thought her dress was gorgeous. Loved the deep navy and the textures. Looked like waves coming down, just beautiful!

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. Plus-sized, beautiful actress. I loved that she picked lavender, her ebony skin and this lavender dress were made for each other! Just beautiful. Perfect choice for her body shape.

Jessica Alba in Gucci. I was shocked to hear that some people, fashion police, didn't like this dress. It was almost my top. I thought she looked beautiful in it. Anyone could have worn this and looked gorgeous. The color, the glitz. Perfect.

 Viola Davis in Raoul. MY FAVORITE. Why you ask? I'm aware there's no glitz, no ruffles or sashes. But the color, the fit, the SHOES. I think that's what sold me. When I saw her walk across the screen, the bronze shoe came out and it was like the icing on the cake. Loved everything about her outfit. Loved it all.

On a side note, Elle Macpherson didn't make it in either category for me. But did you know that she is 49 years old? There must be some mistake. I've never seen a 49-year-old look this good. She looks younger than me! Well, almost. You go...girl.

Until the Oscars...

Two-Thousand and Eleven

(via The Decorated Cookie)

It's after 2:00PM. December 31st, 2011. The last day of the year.

I always have mixed feelings about the last day of any year. Sometimes I'm glad to be done with the year I just went through. Sometimes I'm sad that time is going by so fast. It can be depressing.

This year is a little of both. Mixed feelings.

I'm looking forward to the year Two-Thousand and Twelve. If I could list all the amazing things that are going to happen, I would. But I'll be sure and post them when they do. This is no wishful thinking. Just a fact. And I'm so excited!

I say goodbye to Two-Thousand and Eleven, you were'nt bad to me. You weren't the best. But I am sad to see you go.

Until tomorrow... when we say hello to a New Year.

Embracing the good and the bad

I haven't blogged in a while... so here it goes. It's fitting, that I post one last blog before we close out the year 2010.
This past year has had it's up and downs... I've noticed that the older I get the tougher things seem to be... Living in the bubble of none/few responsibilities and issues in life and the world is gone.

This may sound funny, but turning twenty-seven was tough for me. I have no idea why, but for some reason it was the turning point and I was hit with the reality that time is going by. Fast. And I have no control over it. This particular birthday was not that much of a celebration.

Dark days covered the year 2010, but I am happy to say, I believe those days are coming to an end and a new chapter is opening up. :) One thing I've learned, God IS faithful. He is. He is everything I thought He was and He will continue to BE everything. What an assurance.

The one thing, besides God, that got me through a tough year... my amazing family. I love them so much. How lucky am I to have such amazing parents and siblings? When you need someone to lean on, there are plenty to call on. When one ignores your call (Peter) you can just go to the next and find one that has the time to listen... yes they're great. ;) They are the most important people in my life. My best friends. If only everyone had such amazing people to love and love them back.

The brightest spot of my year was on July 30th at 10:22AM - Rylie Drew entered into the world and made me smile... every day. She is beautiful and bright and I see her fulfilling every dream that her family, especially her mommy and daddy, have for her. She is and will be amazing.

I wish everyone in the entire world a year full of overflowing blessings and World Peace... that last one was for my Dad. hehhh hehhh.

God Bless one and all...

Hugs,

Santa Baby

Santa got a visit from the sweetest three munchkins this past weekend. Of course, he asked what they wanted for Christmas and here is what they said... with a little help from me. ;)

Rylie (now 4 1/2 months) and Sofia (10 months) visited Santa for the first time. You can see that it was a normal visit.