Sorry Seems To Be The hardest Word

I don't know if it has anything to do with age but as I get older, my patience is starting to really dwindle...like wayyyyyyyyy down.  I used to be a really patient person and I still am but only to a point.  Lately I have been really struggling with people who knowingly wrong another but keep it movin and still expect the relationship to remain the same.  Are you kidding?  

Years ago I would have made it my mission to make peace and smooth things over.  I did that even to my own detriment many times.  Not any more though.  You see, I realize that to condone these actions are just teaching the offender that they can get away with this.  Again. And again.  And hey, after a while this gets real old. 

Recently I had an experience in my life that made me think about the value of self respect and knowing when to walk away from a relationship.  Let's just say it was pretty enlightening.  I learned that while self restraint/control is one of the greatest assets one can have, the ability to admit one's wrong and apologise really heals a multitude of sins.  It does.  Unfortunately it does not work if only one person does all the apologizing.  It takes two to tango. Sorry may be the hardest word, but it is worth it's weight in gold in a relationship.  Just sayin.

Cherio!

In The Arms Of The Angel

Today with a broken heart and tearful eyes I saw the horror that unfolded in Connecticut on the news. Twenty beautiful little angels were taken from us at the hands of a mad man. As a mom, I cannot even begin to describe the pain of something like this, there are no words.  I am praying for all of the parents and people of Newtown Connecticut.  May God bless and keep you, and may he bring you much needed comfort.

Easy Peasy DIY Christmas Ornaments!

Hi lovelies, the spirit of Christmas has me in a bear hug and wont let me go.  Hey, am not complaining though,  I love Christmas!  I found these cute bird ornaments on delphinepress and I am so excited to make them.  Don't ask me why but I am fixed on a bird theme for my Christmas tree this season. These ornaments are so darn cute!  I just love the mix of colors and how easy they are to do.  I found a bird template below that really made cutting these out a snap.  The template is a little different from the examples here since they have wings but the overall feel is the same.

Hopefully my tree will look a little like this....What do you think?

Cherio!

Christmas Tree Inspiration

If there is one season that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, that would be Christmas time.  Every year during the yule tide season, I become a kid again.  I love the food, the fragrant smell of pine everywhere, the Christmas carols...well most of them, and the way everyone seems to be in a better mood.  I especially love the many different ways people decorate their Christmas trees.

 Every year the trees seem to be more creative and even more fabulous than before.  Check out these trees from trendytree and I dare you to not be inspired!

Cherio!

Pie - A Little Slice Of Heaven

I found this pie recipe a little while ago on asgoodasgluten and I just had to share!  Just looking at this makes me sooooooooo happy....this is definitely my Thanks Giving desert.  Yum!

Apple Pumpkin Salted Caramel Pie
Ingredients: 
·1 GF Super Easy Pie Crust Recipe (I use a homemade blend of gluten free flours or Bob's Gluten Free All Purpose Blend)
Apple Layer:
·2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
·¼ cup sugar
·1 TBS GF flour mix
·½ tsp cinnamon 
Pumpkin Layer:
·1 cup canned pure pumpkin
·¼ cup sugar
·1 egg, slightly beaten
·½ tsp cinnamon
·1/8 tsp allspice
·1/8 tsp ginger
·1/8 tsp cloves
·1/8 tsp nutmeg
·Dash of sea salt
Streusel:
·¼ cup packed brown sugar
·2 TBS GF flour
·2 TBS butter, softened
·½ cup pecans, chopped
Salted Caramel Sauce:
·12 individually wrapped caramels
·¾ TBS skim milk
·Dash of sea salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400˚. Prepare pie crust according to recipe. 

In a large bowl, combine all apple layer ingredients. Spoon mixture into prepared pie crust.

In the same bowl, mix pumpkin layer ingredients until well blended. Pour over apple mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix streusel ingredients with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles course crumbs. 

Sprinkle streusel over baked pie, and then return to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted into pumpkin layer comes out clean. 

Over a double boiler, combine caramels and milk. Stir frequently and heat over medium-low heat until mixture becomes a sauce. Stir in a dash of sea salt and drizzle over the pie. Let pie cool completely before topping with caramel and serving.

And there you have it, an amazing mouth watering desert.  I have a feeling that once I make this, it will be a happy happy Thanks Giving.

Cherio!

To Our Military With Love

 You work tirelessly to keep us safe. 

To make sure that we continue to enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted. 

Many of you sacrificed your life and are in harms way as we speak for the love of your country and fellowmen.  

Words cannot express my gratitude to you. On behalf of the families all across America, we love, honor and salute you today.  We are forever grateful.

 May God continue to bless and keep you.

Cherio!

The Little Black Dress - A Girl's Best Friend

I saw this quote by Karl Lagerfeld and I could'nt agree more.  Every woman needs that perfect little black dress in her wardrobe. Whether you are going to a semi formal, black tie event, or just on a hot date, a black cocktail dress is always the right choice.  Here are a few reasons why the LBD is your best friend.

1.  It is a classic so you never have to worry about it being out of style/dated.   

2.  It is effortless style that can easily be dressed up or down. 

3.  The LBD is figure friendly, chic and sexy!

4. And finally my personal favorite.  This dress is versatile.  Add a jacket, boots or a scarf and you have a totally different outfit

5. Not to mention there are so many styles to choose from.......

And there you have it.  If you don't have a little black dress, get thee to the nearest store and buy one!  Trust me, the LBD is worth it's weight in gold.

Cherio!

What's Driving You?

I don't know if growing older has anything to do with this but my whole outlook on certain things in my life has gradually shifted.  When I was in my 20's, all I wanted to do was succeed.  I was so driven and I still am today, but what drives me is what has shifted.  In the past I wanted to silence the haters and make a few people eat some much deserved humble pie.

I wanted to serve it to them personally if you know what I mean.

Over the years though, I have learned that if negative energy/emotions like revenge or hate is what is driving you, then when that energy is expended you will be left without focus or drive.  Thank God in my case, passion for what I do is what keeps me going.   There was a time though when my reasons for wanting to succeed was not 100% passion.

Today as I move forward I can truly say that I am done with that. That period of my life is over. I search my heart and there is no trace of malice or pain against anyone.   And not because I have Not experienced pain, hurt and disappointment.  It is exactly BECAUSE I have had such experiences that I am not bitter.  I choose to do this for me.  To concentrate on anything else is not only distracting but it is giving my power to someone or something else.  I can't have that. When I have to hustle and grind it out, though I do have people that love and support me, ultimately it is my faith in God that truly sustains me.  I have proven over the years that people come and go but God will Never leave me or forsake me....I think I am gonna keep rollin with that...

Cherio!

A little Bit Of "Me Time" In My Life

Last week I have to admit, I felt like a hamster on a tread mill. No matter how much ground I covered there was more to go.  What a a week!  I feel like in the process my sweet little blog got neglected but am back and happy to have a minute to share and relax if only for a little while.  Hope you had a wonderful week and got a lot accomplished.  If not, hey, tomorrow is Monday, a brand new week awaits.  As Tim Gunn says "make it work!"

Well, as always whenever I find a little "me time" I get so excited I don't know what to do with myself.  And I really mean that literally. I don't know if I want to paint, watch a movie, order in and read a book or go out.  The good thing is though, whatever I decide I ALWAYS have fun.  Here are a few things I did with my "me time" this week end.

I painted the opening picture and had a blast doing so. And since I was already dabbling in paint I made these darling little paper weights.

Then, I made earrings to match this gorgeous cocktail ring I just bought.  

And then I bought a few pieces to add to my dragonfly collection.  Nothing major, just little things that make me happy.  Now I am going to hang out and spend some time with my son. We are going to watch The Hunger Games and order takeout.

How did you spend your weekend?

Cherio!

Ready Or Not Here Comes Winter...

Old man Winter and I have a love hate relationship.  I really like him on Christmas day, Christmas eve and new years day but honestly not so much the rest of the time.  Why? It's too blasted cold!  At least too cold for a Caribbean girl like me.  This year though I am determined to enjoy it without complaining.  I have a plan.  It's real simple, soft and comes in many colors.

WOOL TIGHTS.  

Take that old man winter, it's on.  Stylish and toasty warm....yeah baby!

What's your favorite tip/item of clothing for braving the cold?  

Cherio!