Joie de Vivre

Are You Truly Grateful?

2011-12-23T13:32:30Z

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

2011-12-18T22:06:48Z

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

2011-12-18T15:19:45Z

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

2011-11-30T16:38:33Z

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

2011-11-23T17:02:35Z

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!!

More Personal Touches

2011-11-22T02:07:56Z

from: aedriel.blogspot.comPersonalize a baby's room with 3 Dimensional letters spelling out the child's name over the crib.

from: tracirenay.blogspot.com

3 dimensional letters look great when centered inside custom painted frames.

From: designyourspacevinyl

These personalized plaques can be purchased at "designyourspacevinyl" on etsy.com. This particular plaque sells for $45.

From creativefan.com

Bring those scrapbook pages to the walls for an artistic and custom look.

Your Home, Your Vision

2011-11-21T16:02:56Z

Even large corporations understand the power of the vision board. I took this photo on a recent visit to my local West Elm store because I thought it was a perfect example of how vision boards can actually spark creativity.

Creating a home styling vision board is a great way to figure out what you like and see what you want your surroundings to be like before making huge purchases that you may regret later.

A few magazines, adhesive or thumb tacks, and a large board are all the supplies you need to get started. Begin by ripping out pictures or articles that speak to you and your personal style. There doesn't have to be any rhyme, reason, or trend that you should follow. All the picutures should be of items, colors, or designs that you love and have a connection with. As you cover your board with the various images of your choosing, you should begin to see your style emerge.

You will find that a comprehensive vision board will go a long way in assisting you with defining your personal style and eventually creating the home of your dreams.

Random Cool Find: Cable Buddy

2011-11-21T00:53:51Z

On a recent shopping trip to the Container Store I happened upon these awesome little pieces of coolness. I am always having to search for my headphones in my purse, only to find them in a tangled, knot somewhere near the bottom.

This little gadget is so simple, I'm actually disappointed that I didn't think of it myself. The Conatiner Store offers 3 sizes, a small for headphones, a medium for USB cables, and a large for power cords. I bought all three sizes and I plan on purchasing more. Ranging in price from $2.99-$4.99 for the different sizes, or $11.99 for a set of three, the Cable Buddy is definitely a must have for anyone on a mission to be more organized and make life easier.

5 Ways to Personalize Your Home With Details

2011-11-15T16:07:40Z

Personalizing a home is really all in the details.

Small touches and simple ideas can really enhance the look of your home and showcase your unique personality.

Vignettes

Place small vignettes throughout your home, featuring items that you love. Adding a small photo is the ultra personal touch.

What's In A Name?

Adding name artwork to a wall in your home is probably the most literal way to personalize a space. Although it is a great idea for a kid's room, the idea can be made more sophisticated by placing 3-dimensional letters on a wall that spell out the family name.

Rep Your Hood

A simple lettered poster or words on canvas can showcase places you've lived, streets in your community, or places you've visited. Not only are they great conversation starters for guests, but every time you look at them, you will be reminded of wonderful memories. Joyful memories, joyful life!

I Love Me Wall

Another great idea for kids' spaces. A strip of cork placed at the top of the wall right below the ceiling in place of mouldings can serve as a holder for medals, ribbons, and other awards. This is not only a testament to your child's accomplishments but it is a great space saver as well. For the grown ups, consider this idea for a home office space .

Finishing Touches

Have a piece of fabric or a really graphic piece of scrapbook paper that you really love, but doesn't seem to fit anywhere? Why not line a portable tray with it or add it to the blank space of wall behind a bookshelf?

Small accents like these will bring a little smile to your face every time you look at them and serve as little reflections of your personality all throughout your home.

Have a Joie-ful Day!!

Get Organized Quick Tip: What Do I Wear?

2011-11-09T20:26:38Z

from: polyvore.com

So I woke up this morning and found myself in a situation. I recently had surgery on my right hand, (the dominant one) and because I have a huge splint on my hand, choosing an outfit is quite difficult. No top with a regular sleeve is an option, which means that planning ahead is crucial. After having a rather grueling initial session with the Physical Therapist last evening, the only thing I wanted to do when I returned home was wash up and go to bed. Of course, that meant that I didn't choose what I was going to wear this morning to my early morning appointment and I only had a few minutes to pull something together.

After trying on a sweater that had a V neck low enough to tempt a priest (an impulsive online purchase), and then another semi sheer top that appeared to be from the disco era, complete with sequin accents (don't ask), I decided on a sweater that had enough stretch to get over the arm. Of course, it will forever have one arm that will be stretched out of shape and I ended up being five minutes late to my appointment.

Plan Ahead

I'm sure you have your own experiences with not planning the night before and ending up late for work or appointments the next day. But really, planning ahead is easier than you think. First of all, downsizing your wardrobe, and getting rid of items you never wear or don't absolutely love will help make finding what you want to wear a much more simple process. On a day off, when you have time, pull together a few coordinating outfits complete with shoes and accessories, add one piece to alternate the look and take photos of the ensemble, like the one above. Post the photos in a space where you can consult them easily and take a quick mental inventory. This will make pulling the outfit the night before extremely easy, and can even help out on those mornings when we aren't being quite as proactive as we would like to be.

More Resources

For more ideas, consult a site like polyvore.com to build ensembles online that will not only help you when planning out your outfits to wear, but with shopping for your clothes as well. Another good place to look for inspiration is on my Get This Look Board on Pinterest.

Prior planning can be the quickest path to fashion perfection.