Heat it up...

Beautiful, relaxing and cozy fire-pits

Glass fire-pit, hot and cool

Love this fire-pit and with Diamond Head in the background, perfect!
Just simple and elegant

Cozy

Romantic
Simple but yet so pretty

Perfect for a nice family gathering

Love the view

Exotic

Over looking the Pacific Ocean

High in the Western Mountains

One style of a Molinillo and a yummy picture of the wonderful hot Mexican chocolate.

Ibarra Mexican Chocolate is made in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In English it means "table chocolate". It is flavored from cacoa nibs (cocoa bean), almond and cinnamon. One way to prepare it and I found to be the best is to add:

1 quart of whole milk

10 ounces Ibarra chocolate (the chocolate is shaped in little wedges)

Bring milk to a boil, reduce the heat, add the chocolate, and use a Molinillo (Spanish for "little mill"), between the palms of your hands and and make a twisting type motion until the chocolate becomes frothy. If you are really brave, you can add a pinch of chili powder, or if it's really cold out a little vanilla rum or vodka. I prefer it simple and with maybe a little whipped cream on top. Sit back in front of a nice fireplace or fire-pit and enjoy!

OK...for you lucky people out there that actually has cool weather, and fall is in the air...this is for you and for us living in Florida or other areas of the country that it still feels like summer, hope to follow soon!

One of my family's favorite things to do in the last fall and winter is sit in our back yard in front of a warm fire-pit and roast marshmallows and sip on some hot Mexican chocolate, and yes, watch the swaying of the palm trees blowing in the cool breeze. So, I've attached a few of my favorite pictures of fire-pits, and a recipe of some of the greatest hot chocolate there is. Once you try it, you may not be able to go back to just plain hot cocoa or chocolate.

A little Sparkle...

A small list of the colors of available crystals.

These square shaped vases are an easy shape to adhere crystals.

Swarovski Elements is a wonderful area in which you can let your imagination go wild. With the holidays fast approaching, and yes, they will be here before we know. I just wanted to show a few ideas on what someone can make as gifts and wrap for those unexpected guests or have in a basket at your front door for parting gifts after a cocktail party, etc., or just for yourself! All it takes is your wonderful imagination and these beautiful Swarovski Crystals, you can purchase in bulk, and a little two-part epoxy glue. The ones me and my daughter have are flat back foil crystals. They will adhere to almost anything with the proper epoxy. We both have Havaianas flip-flops with crystals, and they cost less than $35 to make, but are online and in stores for 3-times that amount, and they are so adorable, and never stop sparkling, even after walking along the sandy beaches here in Florida. Currently, we are taking one of the square glass vases that I've included a picture of and making a very simple design on it with marker and adhering the crystals to them, when the candle is placed inside and lit, it is beautiful, the crystals sparkle like diamonds. I have also included a sheet of some of their crystal colors, the website for Swarovski Elements, and a few ideas I have found online. When my daughter and I got to the mall, we always make sure we go into Swarovski and look at their beautiful line of jewelry, it may not be diamonds, but it sparkles like them. Have fun creating...

http://www.swarovski-elements.com/

Fashion Forward Fur-babies...

OK, I admit that I am an animal lover. I have three precious fur-babies, Armani a 6 year old, 4 1/2 pound Maltese, Harlow Angel, an 8 pound Pomeranian, when she was a baby, she had two white markings on her shoulders that looked like angel wings, thus the middle name, she still has them, but she is so fluffy, it's sometimes hard to see them. Then we lost a dog, Montana who was almost 15 years old, the day after we lost him, our Pom had a little surprise for us...our little Madison Rose, who is a Maltipom. We had no idea that Harlow was "expecting", yes she got a little heaver, but it wasn't time for her Vet visit, so we were clueless. After rushing her to the Animal Emergency Room, we discovered she was pregnant with just one little baby. As I called during her surgery at around 2:00 in the morning, we were told the baby did not make it...my daughter and I cried for again another loss. Upon our going to pick up Harlow at 5:00 am...we discovered that the wonderful Vet was able to bring the baby out of it and she was perfect. We truly believe, she is a gift from God and helped us over the Holidays, this was on December 19, 2008 and deal with our loss of Montana, though he could never be replaced, she has brought so much joy into our home and still does. So, do I dress them? Yes, I admit it. Do I put sparkling collars on them, Yes, I admit it. Do I have dog carriers? Yes, I admit it. Do they each have their own special beds? Yes, I admit it. Are they spoiled...oh yeah!!! They love getting dressed up to go out, or just chill around the house, don't ask me why, because I don't know. Though I like to dress them, I am not a fanatic, but nonetheless, love to look at our local boutiques. So, of course I would add a post about dogs and all the adorable items out there for them. Most of these photos are taken from just Doggie Boutiques.

Indoor & Outdoor Lighting...

I am totally in love with all types of lighting, rather it be accent lights in ones home, the yard, around a pool/spa or beautiful crystal chandeliers in a great-room, or even a bedroom. Lighting can set a mood in any style home. Today, there are so many unique, exotic and beautiful lighting for any budget. Included are just a few that I found just searching the Internet. Though most are very "out there", and may not be for everyone, the ideas are what I like the most, let's your imagine go wild, as to what fits your personality and what you can dream of creating for yourself. Many lighting stores will also take your ideas, rather crystal, glass, metal, coloring, textures, etc., that you can dream of and make them custom to your specifications. This ensures you get exactly what you want and it can be unique to your home. As the holidays are fast approaching, many of us seem to do some type of redecorating, and lighting is a quick and fun way to make those wonderful changes that your family and friends will notice when they visit. The proper lighting can make a home so warm and inviting.