Poinsettias....

There is no flower out there that signifies Christmas more to me than the beautiful poinsettia.  Today there are so many varieties and each year there always seems to be yet another unique one we've never seen before.  For me, I just can't have enough around my home during the holidays.  Living in a warmer climate, I plant them all throughout my yard around palm trees and in other garden areas.  I collect huge ceramic pots and plant all kinds and colors I can find in them throughout my back yard with landscaping lights and in my Lanai with miniture white Christmas lights.  The best part is when the holidays are over, I will cut them back, and plant them in a shaded area of my yard and they grow until next season.

A few years ago, my daughter and I went out to Los Angeles to have Christmas with my family who lives there.  My husband did not go on this trip with us, and I think he was glad in the end, because it actually turned out to be one big shopping trip.  We arrived days before Christmas, so there was still some shopping that needed to be done.  We decided to drive down to Costa Mesa in Orange County to The South Coast Plaza.   I've been to So. California dozens of times, but never to this mall, so one would think when we pulled in, I would be so excited to see all the fabulous stores and the size of this wonderful mall...well, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful landscaping...thousands of red poinsettia in a curvature design outlined with pure white Cyclamen, it was stunning!   The last picture below is the combination of those that in an arrangement.  So, I'm on a mission this weekend to find the white Cyclamen and get them ready to plant in my front yard with the bright red poinsettias.  Not only is the combination just so perfect for the holiday season, but it brings back the most indescribably wonderful memories of that trip, and after all that's what Christmas is all about, being with the ones you love, making beautiful memories and being so grateful that we have God in our lives.

Here is a wonderful website you may like to visit.  It's the Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California.  It has the history, legend  facts, myths, etc. of the Poinsettia...along with some great information especially the one listed under "product catalog", 2011 Ecke Summer Poinsettia Catalog about the Polar Bear poinsettia.

Creating A Holiday Ambiance...

No matter your style or taste, or even where you live, when it comes to decorating for the holidays, I think most of us want to create a warm and inviting environment in our homes for our family and friends.  Sometimes it's just those small touches of beautiful crystal garland that sparkles while intertwined with candle light, or one of my favorites, is using a plain beveled mirror tray and  place a variety of unique sparkled candles, then place some individual crystal snow flakes scattered about the mirror.  Some examples are in the pictures below that was found on a decorating web page.  Living here in Florida, whenever I can, I try to create at least some areas of my home with that sparkling effect using diamond dust covered white candles, mirror and crystals, to give an illusion of a winter wonderland - even when you look outside at all the palm trees!  Over the last several years, I've noticed that in most of holiday decorations, the use of clear glass, or vivid colored glass, and even mercury glass is being used more and more in such unique ways, along with the old fashioned round glass colored Christmas bulbs, that use to just be for hanging on a Christmas tree, is now being used in such glamorous ways, that your imagination can go wild and create something so unique to your taste.  It seems like no matter where I go for holiday decorations this year...everyone has feathers.  Whether they are miniature trees, wreaths, or garland.  I have to admit, I fell in love with a white feathered wreath, nothing on it, just that  "Old Hollywood" look...and I bought it.  Not sure yet as to where it will go this year, but I couldn't resist and can't wait to see it up.  It's simple but so pretty...

Beauty products for the busy upcoming holidays...

The holidays are upon us, and with all the shopping, baking, visiting family and friends, gift wrapping, and on and on...here are some products that are just the perfect thing to help add that bit of "glam" and help you take that special time, just for you.  All these products can be purchased through Sephora.  http://www.sephora.com

 

Bliss Hand Cream Duo for at Home Mani

                       

Kate Somerville - Deep Tissue Repair

Frederick Fekkai Golden Shimmer Gelee Hair Mist Contains Golden Micro Diamond Particles (my daughter uses this during the holidays, it is beautiful)

Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit (I use this, it's fabulous)

Kinerase Hydrating Antioxidant Mist (Love it, a must try, I keep it in my handbag along with Evian at all times)

Kinerase Photo Facials Sun Damage Reversal System (totally wonderful)

Lorac - Oil Free Luminizer

Merry Me, by OPI at Sephora Opaque Cranberry Red with Silver Glitter - so "holiday"

Philosophy "Crispy Marshmallow Bars, Shampoo and Shower Gel (Yummy) 

Prestige Brush Set - Sephora Collection

Red Sequined Lip Clutch

Super Hyper Hydrator coconut Water, By Dr. Nicholas Perricone

 

Cosmetic cases and more...

It's no big secret from anyone who knows me that I love organization and if it can be beautiful, all the better.  And, when it comes to cosmetics or any type of personal grooming products, it's always a plus to have them well organized so you can quickly get to what you need and not have to search and search.  Here are some that my daughter and I particular like, and what is so nice about them, you can put more than just your cosmetics in them, they are especially nice for jewelry too.  Another wonderful feature is when you travel, all you have to do is pick it up and you're ready to go.

All the craze right now is "The Clear Cube".  http://www.theclearcube.com/  On certain Hollywood reality shows, magazines, etc., this particular acrylic cosmetic case has been the hot topic.  Though they are a bit pricey at almost $300, when you research other acrylic items, it's not really that bad.  It is made very well and the greatest feature is you can see everything right there, no guessing involved.   The clear clean lines of the cube also looks beautiful sitting on a vanity.

Preparing for Holiday Travel...

With the holidays fast approaching some of us will be traveling to visit family and friends.  I've attached some pictures of luggage and other travel essentials that would make the trip, rathering driving or flying much more comfortable.  And once you have arrived to your destination, you will be ready to enjoy every minute of the holidays. The first picture below is a vintage advertisement photo from 1951, just see how far we have come.

1951 Crown Luggage

                             Christian Louboutin Napa Ballerina Flats

                 Donna Karen Cashmere Blend Leggings and Sweater

                                                      Gucci

                                                       Gucci

                                          Diane von Furstenberg

                                       Michael Kors Hamilton Tote

                                       Juicy Couture travel pillows

                                                  Gucci Scarf

                                          Comfy Ugg Slippers

                                         Gucci Laptop Carrying Case

                                       
                                              Evian Mineral Spray

                                        Louis Vuitton Carryall

Cashmere blankets in carrying case