Thursday, December 22, 2011

Candy Cane Wishes


Sending Candy Cane Wishes
 

 Candy Cane vase and name cardholder
simply made with candy canes, ribbon and glue gun.
 
 

Candy Cane Punch

2 jars (10 oz each) strawberry jelly
2 liters lemon-lime soda
divided 2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream
miniature candy canes





pinterest

And Warm Winter Dreams










From Sunny South Florida
Where The Sand Is What Gleams...




Warmest Wishes For The Holidays.

~ ♥ ~
  

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Warm Winter Dreams

Living in South Florida does have it's benefits when it comes to the weather. The changing of the seasons is very subtle and many flock here for the warmer temperatures in the winter months.Our Holiday greetings and decorating are a little different...

Key Largo
Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach
 
There is an abundance of pink flamingos and palm trees with ornaments and lights, and the traditional santa's and snow men with sand between their toes instead of snow...lots of sand.
 
Miami Beach


I did some holiday shopping this year in Islamorada, The Florida Keys, at World Wide Sportsman.They had some interesting holiday decorations...
Ernest Hemingway's Pilar

Guy Harvey Gallery

There is always time to enjoy the warm winter breeze on a veranda, beach or just sittin' on the dock of the bay, letting the tide roll away...


I hope you're taking the time to enjoy your Holidays and every day!

~xoxo~

Friday, December 2, 2011

Celestial Celebrations

Throughout the ages, angels have graced our lives as symbols of love, kindness, mercy and, most especially, as messengers between Earth and the Heavens.They now adorn our everyday world, lifting our spirits and warming our hearts. Whether real or imaginary, angels are so beloved that they have been adopted as part of our year-round and holiday lore...

I found this whimsical angel painting at an estate sale years ago and immediately fell in love.

 And, found these adorable cherubims at play in the heavens on a twin size headboard and had to have them. I think it would be adorable decor for a child's room but, since I have no need for a twin size bed, I have been considering using as a mirror top. 
With angels involved in so many facets of our lives, it's no wonder we find them invading even the foods we eat! You may begin with an entree of angel hair pasta and top it off with a slice of angel food cake for dessert, but whether you follow one of these recipes or create your own menu, be sure to savor these heavenly treats.

My favorite....


Angel Hair Pasta with Heavenly Shellfish

2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) stewed tomatoes
1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce 
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 dozen mussels, scrubbed
2 dozen clams, rinsed
1 pound angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve
freshly chopped parsley to garnish

Place stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt and pepper in large saucepan. Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add shrimp, mussels and clams. Cover and simmer just until mussels and clams open. Discard any that don't open. Place cooked angel hair pasta in large serving bowl. Spoon sauce and shellfish over and toss gently. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!






 
Each of us has a golden celestial self just waiting to be awakened. Allow the angel within you to emerge in expressions of loving thoughts and kindnesses this holiday season. And, remember....

"Every time you hear a bell ring, an angel's  just got his (or her) wings."
from my favorite Christmas movie
~It's a Wonderful Life~
~xoxo~




 
 


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

My Just Desserts for Thanksgiving

I always love this time of year... 

The gathering of family and friends giving thanks for all there is in our lives, the all too familiar aroma coming from the kitchen as dinner time draws near and the delicious desserts we get to indulge in without remorse.

I make all the traditional pies...


 Pumpkin Pie



 American Apple Pie



And, my family's favorite...

Chocolate Pecan Pie
A twist on the traditional Pecan Pie by simply adding chocolate chips.

We always have the Fruits of Miami 

 Mangos, Bananas, Limes

and

Guava

My husband...yes, my husband, makes Guava Jam for the holidays.


Yumm...I can't wait for Thanksgiving dinner and my *just desserts*!

Wishing you and yours a Wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!


~xoxo~


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Trinkets & Treasures

I'm so excited that the Holidays are here! It's always a time for celebration and everyone gets into the spirit of giving and is full of cheer. I've begun adding new and lovely items to the website for all your holiday needs. There are lots of wonderful stocking stuffers in Trinkets & Treasures...


Art Nouveau Cameo Necklace


Peacock Rhinestone Brooch


Victorian Art Nouveau Compact Purse


Russian Floral Brooch

Visit Trinkets & Treasures, For The Holidays and all our categories at Chictiques.com for those special one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season. We also have gift certificates available for easy gift giving.

I hope your shopping experience is pleasurable this year and that you take the time to enjoy all the season has to offer.

~xoxo~

Monday, October 31, 2011

~Happy Halloween~



One of the things I like to do after carving my jack-o-lantern is to make delicious pumpkin bread. I use the pumpkin meat right from the jack-o-lantern, but the canned pumpkin works just as well. It's always a special treat and my kids love it. Enjoy my recipe...

My pumpkin bread
 


Here are some of my *spooky* orchids that grow easily in the tropical weather that we have here in Miami...

Spider Orchid
*Ghostly* Dancing Ladies
*Full* Moon Orchid

May your day be filled with many treats!
~xoxo~


Friday, October 21, 2011

Pretty Porcelains

There are many of my favorite and pretty porcelains at Chictiques. As you can see, I have an affinity for cherubs, cherubims, putti, angels, cupids...
 




I hope you have a glorious day! And, always remember, love is how you earn your wings!

~xoxo~