Are You Truly Grateful?

Why do we expect to receive more when we have very little appreciation for what we already have?

-A new car? But you haven't serviced the one you have in how long?

-A new home? But how often do you perform maintenance, organize, declutter?

-A new job? But are you thankful for the current one? Or do you spend the whole day complaining and watching the clock?

-More friends? But do you talk bad and complain about the ones you have?

And in all of these areas, do we ever feel appreciative, even if things are not the way we ultimately want them to be?

Paying bills can be one of the most frustrating tasks ever. But I have learned to be thankful while doing it. Thankful for the fact that I actually have the money to pay the bills. I used to approach it with a bad attiude, an attitude of lack. And because of this attitude, it was never an enjoyable experience. I often found myself having to stretch money or cut back on things. Once I changed the way I perceived money, it changed my whole outlook on bill paying time. With each bill, I am thankful for having the ability to pay and pay on time. I believe in my heart that money is flowing to me freely and that I will always be able to pay easily and still have the things that I want. I am no longer frustrated at bill paying time. It has gotten to be a much easier process, fun even. I find that more and more, there are even less bills to pay. And most important, I have found if I can be thankful when I am giving my money away, I can be thankful in other areas of my life as well.

In essence, when we change our attitude, take care of the things and people in our lives (our responsibilities), and genuinely appreciate our current circumstances rather than complaining constantly and focusing on what we don't have, we are eventually blessed with better. Obtaining things like a new car, or home, or even better relationships, begins with an appreciation of what we already have.

Sometimes we have to be grateful for very little in order to receive much more. May seem weird and even a little backwards, but in the end, I know without a doubt, it actually works.

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Finding last minute stocking stuffers can be easy and have a great deal of personal significance to the person receiving them, if you know where to look.

 

For the coffee lover, why not an ornament from their favorite coffee house? No coffee lover on your list? Many stores have a wide assortment of ornaments to suit many different tastes. What is truly great about this gift? It will be cherished year after year.

For the drink lover or the candy lover in your life, you really can't go wrong with the Jelly Belly Cocktail Classics. Pina Colada, Strawberry Daquiri, Mojito, Peach Bellini, and Pomegranate Cosmo are just the right flavors to hit the sweet spot. Non-alcoholic of course.

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

And for that person who seems to have everything, mini lotions, lip balms, or fragrances are easy to pick up and are always appreciated because most people don't have an endless supply. An added bonus, they can usually be found near checkout so there is no need to make the trek through the entire store to find them.

Even if you haven't done all of your Christmas shopping, no worries. It is not too late to find cute little gifts with a whole lot of meaning. Who knows, they may end up being your recipients' favorite things.

Quick and Easy Christmas Design Idea

A Simple, Inexpensive, Festive Christmas Design Idea

All you need is a tall vase or hurricane, a few pinecones and inexpensive Christmas bulbs and you have a quick and easy festive element to add to your Christmas decor. This is a great idea for centerpieces for Christmas parties, an added touch of glam for a hallway or console table, or as simple window decoration. 

I created the one above using my signature silver, black, and white bulbs as a switch from Fall to Winter. And I was extremely delighted to find that the lovely lady who organized my hubby's company Christmas party at The Willard Hotel in DC, which has a very ornate, European feel, used a similar idea for the table centerpieces with red and gold bulbs and ribbon to match. Great minds think alike.

For a more elaborate design, I suggest adding a floral element, candles, or even a mirror under the hurricane for maximum reflection.

The key here is to start with a simple idea and make it uniquely yours.

Truly the possibilities are endless!

Onibella's Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Pie

Although Thanksgiving has passed, it is not too late in the season to still enjoy a good slice of Sweet Potato Pie. Sweet Potato Pie is my all time favorite pie. I've tasted a lot of them and usually find them lacking in either sweetness and even more often flavor. When I think of pie, I think of a decadent treat, something that is so rich and sinful that you only have it on really special occasions. If you like a good Sweet Potato Pie that is actually sweet (not overly so) and flavorful, you might want to try this one with its brown sugar/cinnamon topping and a little bit of Peach Schnapps for an added kick. EnJoy!!

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 c brown sugar
1c granulated sugar
1/2 C milk
1/2 C Butter (softened)
1/3 C sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon Peach Schnapps...a little more if desired ;)
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 eggs
2T flour

Topping
2T brown sugar
2 teaspoons Cinnamon (toss together)

Bake Pie Crust (if frozen) in oven for 5 minutes

Slice Sweet Potatos

Boil or steam in water until soft

Beat sweet potatoes on medium speed

Add sugars and butter, mix well

Add eggs and milks, mix until smooth (small lumps are normal)

Add remaining ingredients, mix until blended

Pour into pie crust (homemade or frozen)

Bake at 375 for 1 hour or until fork inserted into filling comes out clean

Add topping place back in oven for additional 15 minutes

Serve with whipped cream

*Yum*

A Little Bit of Winter Luxe

Baby it's getting cold outside!

Here are few little luxuries that may just help you get through the harshest of Winters.

 Photo Credit: The Company Store

You can never go wrong in Winter, or really anytime with a down comforter. Be cozy with this supersized beauty from The Company Store. Available in 7 colors.

Photo Credit: Juicy Couture

 Juicy Couture's Ensley Boot is a must have for those really wet and nasty days.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom.com

...and for those really bright snowy days, you'll look ultra chic in these Prada sunglasses. Stylish and protective!

Stay warm, stay joyful!!