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

Chocolate Martini Time...

OK....is there anyone who doesn't love chocolate???  I admit, I am a chocoholic!  I just can't resist it - at all!!!  Though I have been collecting unique cocktail glasses for years, I don't drink cocktails all that often (I'm kind of a light weight when it comes to drinking), but when I do, it's what my friends call "foo foo drinks".  They have to taste either tropical, decedent chocolate, non harsh drinks...in other words, they have to taste like dessert.  With my passion for all the unusual beautiful glasses they have on the market today, when I do put those glasses to use, in the summer it is usually a nice tropical Mojito, with mango, guava or pineapple.  But now that fall has arrived, that mean the warm homey flavor of chocolate.  I love a good chocolate martini, especially after a nice dinner ~ it does become my dessert!  Though there are  hundreds, if not more, recipes out there for a good chocolate martini.  This is one I just happened to make up one day when we had guest over and I made  for them after dinner, they loved it!  Now, there are no exact measurements...so here goes.

I use a small stainless cocktail shaker (around 8 oz), fill a 1/4 of it with ice.
Mix equal parts of Vanilla Vodka, Godiva Carmel Milk Chocolate Liqueur, Amarula, and half and half.   Shake well until frothy, pour into glass and top with shaved Godiva or your favorite chocolate...sit back and enjoy!!!   Yummy!!!