Fall updating....

John Hardy

The Loft

The Loft

John Hardy

Alexis Bittar

Nars

Burberry

John Hardy

Juicy Couture

John Hardy

Uggs and Jimmy Choo

Fiona Paxton Torni Necklace

Fall 2010 Louis Vuitton

Michael Kors

Tory Burch

Michael Kors - Rose gold tone

Burberry Cosmetics

Chanel new fall colors

Uggs

Burberry

Burberry

Alexis Bittar

The Loft

Alexis Bittar

John Hardy

Alexis Bittar

Though living here in Florida, seems as though summer is still here, we've had unusual heat and humidity. But fall is everywhere in the stores, on TV and on the Internet, so that is reason enough for me to start thinking about updating my fall wardrobe and home decor. Just love the colors this season so warm, cozy and relaxing. It's time to get comfy, have those wonderful fall scents throughout the house, and hopefully soon, build a nice fire in the fireplace, or outside in the fire-pit, roast some marshmallows and enjoy some spiced apple cider and spend some quality time with my wonderful family. I hope some of these pictures will inspire you also. Enjoy!

KEALI'I REICHEL sings IN MY LIFE (Hawaiian Style)

This song brings back such beautiful memories for me. Not just of Hawaii, but of so many wonderful people I have met in my life, and the amazing family I have. Though some are no longer here. I give thanks to God each and every day that I had them in my life, even if it was just for a short time. I also thank God for allowing me to visit Hawaii with my family, and will forever hold those memories close to my heart! There are no pictures or words that could ever describe it, but I believe that is what love and family is all about...you just can't put that type of love into words.

Decorating with Apothecary and other glass containers...

Photos taken from Bing and Google

Look in any style or home decorating magazine, or most clothing boutiques and you will see so many beautiful Apothecary or unique glass containers filled with fall decorations, Christmas glass bulbs, silk orchids, personal grooming items, lucky bamboo and even candy bars full of different colorful candy, such as pictured above. It's not just for the kids anymore, it's fun at any adult party, being a birthday, anniversary, wedding shower, New Years Eve or holiday party, and themed parties, just pick the color theme and have fun! They sparkle and add a touch of uniqueness to any decor. Prices vary, but for the most part they are a very inexpensive way to add your own personal touch to your home. I personally have them throughout my home, and love to change them up periodically. Though Christmas is when I display the majority of them. One of my favorite idea is to get a singular glass container with straight lines and add mercury glass Christmas trees or tree toppers, adds that extra sparkle, especially when all the Christmas lights reflect off of them. Though it is too early to talk about Christmas decorating (not for me), I will post pictures of those closer to the actual holiday - I always seem to get ahead of myself this time of year.

As a "huge" list maker and as a "way too early holiday planner" as my family calls me, I have picked out certain photos of my wonderful Grandparents and printed them in sepia, place those photos on card stock and will be incorporated into my Thanksgiving table scape this year. And right in the middle will be two glass Apothecary jars filled with the miniature pumpkins and fall leafs . Growing up in Ohio, each Thanksgiving was spent in at my Grandparents warm and wonderful home, with all my family, and there were at least 50 or more of us each year, these pictures and center pieces will be a great way to bring back all those wonderful childhood memories of those Thanksgivings long past. Let your imagine go wild and create something that is special for you and your family!

Attention all handbag lovers!!!

Yves- Saint Laurent Studded Roady Hobo

Valento Glam Zebra Tote

Tods Ivy Sacca Media Bag

Louis Vuitton Shopper Momogram Etoile

Marc Jacobs Camille Satchel

Louis Vuitton Beverly GM

Balenciaga - Giant Day, in Rose Gold Hardware

Balenciaga Animal Print

Louis Vuitton Artsy MM and Artsy GM (largest)

Burberry

What is it about the fall season that just calls us to purchase new handbags? OK, nothing!!! It's just another good excuse to indulge ourselves in some of the latest or maybe last season's beautiful collection of handbags. I've added some of my favorites. As you can see Louis Vuitton is my passion, I actually get light headed when I walk into our local Louis Vuitton Boutique in Tampa, not even joking!! My opinion, the bigger the bag, the better. We can carry everything we could ever need all in one attractive place, you never know when we may need something, right??? I use to put my little Maltese, Armani in my LV Alma when he was just a baby, probably still could since he only weighs 4 1/2 pounds, and I took him with me everywhere. The good news is he never had an accident, if you know what I mean. I hope some of these pictures will inspire you to spoil yourself or someone you love and start this fall season off with something you really enjoy in the way of a new handbag...Happy Shopping!!!

Football and Chili season...

Fall is in the air and football season is in full action. My daughter and I love to cook special meals, snacks, drinks, etc., that are not only fun but full of great flavor for my husband and her boyfriend while relaxing and watching those games. When one thinks of chili, they think of the "typical" chili that everyone makes, but with their own flair. This chili recipe is from my beautiful step-mother, born and raised in Mexico and came to this country about 28 years ago. She is an unbelievable cook, and puts so much love into everything she makes. Once you try this chili, trust me, you will want it throughout the fall and winter season. Also included is a corn tortilla dish that we make as a side, instead of tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas...Y-U-M-M-Y!!! Wish I had a photo to share, but the men got to the chili before I could get my camera out.

~Chili ~

1 package (6-8) of lean pork chops (on the bone)
1 lg can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes - you can substitute with fresh tomatoes, boil and blend thoroughly in food processor
2 cloves of garlic - diced small
1 medium red onion or sweet Vidalia - sliced medium thickness
1 tsp Lawry's season salt (or to taste)
1 tsp Adobo (found in any ethnic area of your supermarket)
1 large jalapeno - whole
2 Serrano chili peppers - whole
1 TBS of ground cumin (I always add a little more)
3 TBS cooking oil
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Saute onions in oil until golden and tender, add garlic and reduce heat to medium. At this point, place pork chops in skillet and cover, turning occasional as not to burn and until fork tender. I will then remove the bone, place back into skillet add the can of tomatoes, 3 chilies and seasoning, covering the pork chops, may require a 1/2 cup of water. Cook on medium heat for approximately 30-40 minutes until all seasoning and chilies have marinated through the chili. The chilies will remain fairly in tack, but be sure not to eat whole; they are just in there for the rich flavor and a little heat.

Top with Oaxaca, Monterey, or Queso Fresco Cheese.

Can serve with corn bread, long grain and cilantro rice or yellow rice.

Our favorite side is the fried tortillas.

8-10 corn tortillas from - leave out in open air for about an hour, or place in microwave for 40 seconds to take out some of the moisture, it makes them crunchier. Cut into triangle shapes, approximately 9 from one tortilla

2 fresh tomatoes of your choice, I use Roma, they are sweeter
2 TBS cooking oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 -2 TBS ground chili flakes
2-3 oz Monterey Jack Cheese - grated
2 oz Colby Cheese - grated

Boil tomatoes until tender, remove skin and set aside.

In non-stick frying pan, add oil an cook tortillas until golden brown and crispy, add the tomatoes, mix them in the tortillas. Finish by adding salt, pepper and chili flakes, stir until mixed thoroughly. Top with grated cheese and mix well.

Serve hot.
Simple to prepare, but absolutely great!

Enjoy!!!!

Decorating for Fall...

Fall is in the air, even here in Florida, though the temperatures are still in the 90's during the day, you can see a change in the sky, the evenings are a bit cooler and the colors are more fall like, and sunsets are spectacular. I normally do not decorate a lot for the Fall Season, I save that for Christmas, I wanted to do something very simple this year since I am hosting Thanksgiving at my home this year again. It is quite apparent I am addicted to Home Goods, try to go there at least once a week. They are full of beautiful fall decorations, and I picked up just a few things. The cafe table was also purchased there, loved the wood tones, but have not found the perfect chairs yet, I still had to add a few little decorations. The chairs, I hope will be found this week...I'm determined! The tile in my dinning room is white washed saltillo (Mexican tile), and the chandelier was in the home when we purchased it. I love the style but hated the brass finish. My husband and I picked out a really pretty brown with copper undertone spray paint with the hammered effects and re-finished it last weekend. I now am in love with it and am so pleased that we didn't replace it. Though washing over 300 crystals, and placing them in the holes for them, became quite challenging as not to drop or break any...I did it. Yeah, sadly I still have the textured ceiling in our dinning room and great-room, that is one of our next to do projects! Happy fall to everyone!!!