Happy Birthday To Liam and Me!

The day is finally here, my actual BIRTHDAY!

I also have been bless to share this day with my litttle special friend, Liam. We are only minutes apart- OK and a few years. Alright a lot of years! Rumor has it he LOVES his birthdays too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAM and may you always enjoy your day!!

The love of my birthday and birthday cake started from the beginning my 1st birthday!

I hope your weekend will be a sweet one! Having you share in the week was a present in itself! Thank you!!
Have a golden weekend!
xoxo

Happy Friday: A Birthday Treat

Everyone close to me knows a birthday is not a birthday without a birthday cake. I would love to send a cake, but to play it safe I'm sending out this small suitcase with sugar cookies inside from Icing Bake Shop. The suitcase filled with cookies will be sent directly from Icing to your door.

Thank you my friends for stopping by and sharing in the celebration. It has been fun to share my birthday week with you. I appreciated each and everyone one of YOU and ALL of your warm wishes.

This was one of my five cakes I had during my week of celebration last year. The purse, lipstick and compact all were edible. The cake was made by Chef Keli at Vanille Patisserie. It was a surprise birthday party held at Vanille that Gregg, Lisa and Kris gave me. Chef Keli made a cake for us to eat there and gave me the purse one to take home. It was so hard to cut and eat this beautiful cake. Once I did I want to dive right into that purse, it tasted so... good!

Remember all you need to do is write a comment in the comment area, so I can enter your name in the drawing. The drawing starts today and ends tomorrow, Saturday at midnight. I will list the lucky recipients next week.

Until then... be safe, have fun, enjoy the moment and make it a golden one! I'll see you on Monday a year older!

Many hugs and kisses... xoxo

Soon To Be One Year Older

I shared with you last week, that on my birthday I hand out treats and thought I would share another thing I do on special birthdays.

photo taken with cellphone by my nephew Zack
I send my mom flowers to thank her for giving me birth. Thank goodness her favorite flower is a carnation! I started this little tradition when I was a wee young girl I would have never thought some day I would have to fill a vase with 49 carnatons and 1 rose!! This was last year's big birthday. It was funny to see my friend Paula at P.S. Flowers and Balloons gently squeeze all of these flowers in one container. Throughout the years I have given the carnation in the number of my current age and put in one sterling rose (one of my favorites) to add my new age.

Another fun thing on my birthday was actually started by my parents. They call me at the time I was actually born and sing Happy Birthday to me or some years I try to beat them to the call and say "I'm here"!
I have to be honest this year I will have a slight tug in my heart knowing I will only hear my mom sing, but I'm glad I have the memories safely tucked in my heart of all the past birthdays hearing them both sing Happy Birthday.

What special things do you do on your birthday?

I hope you stop by tomorrow for the last of the little "party favor" give-away.
xoxo

Party Favor 2:There's A Party Going On...

...right here a celebration to last throughout the years… I know I have to be showing my age to want to dance to "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang!

Are you ready to celebrate? Here is party favor number 2!

It is a little ceramic dish and it says “make a wish” (see the butterfly), made by Caroline with Paloma's Nest . I adore this little dish, it fits perfect in your hand and a great place to hold your favorite trinkets. This one was made especially for you, so go ahead make a wish!

Just like Monday, all you have to do is simply leave a comment in the comment area so I know you want to join in the fun . This is it! The drawing starts today and will end on Thursday, at 11:59 p.m. because another party favor starts on Friday.

Don't forget to celebrate today and dance to your favorite music!

xoxo

P.S. I have this little party hat to add to my collection of crowns.

Happy Fat Tuesday...!

OK I'm back home after getting up early this morning to pick up my paczkis at Lindy's! Thank you Britt and Joyce for letting me pick out my favorite!
Before I would eat one I had to take my picture of the day.
I think this strawberry one has my name on it!

OK after downloading these pictures I need to go try one!

...And get the rest out of the house before I eat them ALL!

Happy Fat Tuesday, Happy Paczki Day, Happy Mardi Gras! Oh my friends simply have a Happy Day!!

xoxo

My Lucky Day!

Remember the book I was reading here? Well on Friday I bit the bullet and went for my written test AND I passed with flying colors. Yahoo... I have never been a good test taker. I get so nervous my surrounding become something out of an "I Love Lucy" episode. Image this nervous Nelly walking in knocking down the nice shiny pole and ropes, the ones that forms the line! I gently smiled, laughed and said "I'm here". Then I go onto the next desk and knock my purse open etc... all the way till my picture was taken. I bet they were happy to see me go!

I came home to a wonderful surprise, my mom came to visit for the weekend. As we were talking, I checked in on the computer and found out I won this beautiful necklace by Two Dog Pond by coming up with the quote "every grey day has its pink moment" Rachel makes beautifully keepsake ornaments, gifts and necklaces using old and new photos.

Photo by Two Dog Pond
I found Rachel's blog through Debra's blog Lifescapes. If you get a moment stop over at Rachel's and Debra's blog.

I think it was a grand day to start off the weekend and into the week of celebration! Don't you think?
Enjoy! xoxo

P.S. It is Paczki Day or some call Fat Tuesday! I'll be posting later my Paczkis (pounchki) once I pick up my dozen. Mmmm... I can hardly wait!

Let The Celebration Begin!

Happy Monday! This is the perfect beginning of my very first “party favor", little give-away to start off my birthday celebration (fiesta week). I love giving out little tokens as much as giving parties. I have chosen a small portion of some of my favorite little things for today’s “party favor”.

First, is an angel wings bookmark, because I love angels. It comes on it’s own gift card displaying the words: "A Bookmark...so you'll always know exactly where you are." Is this not the cutest quote?! The bookmarker is made by Ivy at ialuna’s Shop.

Second, are two little books from my favorite shop, The Backdrop. One book is a little quote book called “happily grateful” (I love quotes) and a pocket size journal (of course another favorite). It has the sweetest little wording on the front “… she opened it: a burst of light, a forgotten memory, a new beginning. How perfect is this?!

OK to join in the fun, all you have to do is leave a comment in the comment area big, small or just your name I’ll leave this up to you. This is it, simple and sweet!

The drawing starts today and will end tomorrow, Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. because another "party favor" starts on Wednesday!

Have a golden day my friends!
xoxo

Happy Friday And A Little "Favor" On The Way!

Last year's party favors
If you have been following me here on my little blog- you will know I enjoy laughter around the table and parties. With that said next week starting on Monday I will have a little “party favor” give- away, another on Wednesday and one on Friday. You ask what the occasion is, well it is my birthday week or as Gary likes to call it my fiesta week! I love my birthday it is my day and mine to celebrate.

Last year's candy buffet
On my birthday, I enjoy handing out birthday treats to everyone I either meet or come in contact with. I get up early and head out the door with my little bag in hand and run my errands, if I go to the post office the person at the window will get a treat, the salesperson at the store, cleaners etc… With miles being between a few of us I wanted to include you in my celebration, so if you have time next week stop by.

In the meantime have a golden weekend!

xoxo

Mr. Sun Come Back!

The other day we were teased with Mr. Sun peaking inside through all the windows. Today Mr. Snow has returned for another visit.

This little church pew came from a catholic church in Des Plaines, IL a few years ago. Some days I like to take a moment to sit here to enjoy the view and imagine the people who sat in this same pew. If only this seat could talk, I'm sure the stories that could be told and the many tears of joy, happiness and saddness shared right on this little seat.

In one of my weak moments I painted this wall and hope soon in one of my free moments to repaint it. The vintage buffet only showing a corner came from Gary's nana's home. I should have taken a picture before it was refinished. This little piece has a story all its own.

Mr. Sun peaking here

and here.

I look forward to having clean windows in the spring, but for now I'll enjoy the fingerprints left behind from the winter season.

I hope I didn't bore you too much with some of my practice shots, and the little things I enjoy like having the sun peaking in (As my one sister loving says "my korny moments").

Is the sun shining where you are today? If not outside I hope he is shining from within!

Have a golden day!

xoxo

A Meal On The Lake

On Sunday I practice a little with my camera and took some pictures of our dinner. We went across the lake to eat at Lindy's our favorite restaurant in town. The double bonus we had our favorite waitress and friend, Gayle.

Here is a peak of the inside

...And our view of the lake. A few people young and old were on the lake either ice fishing, playing hockey and having just plain fun.

Gary had french onion soup

...And chicken with brie cheese and raspberries

I had a salad (oops too hungry to take a picture)

...And tilapia fish with mango salsa.

This was a sample of our dessert. Of course we got home and had to take a quick walk!

Have a delicious day!

xoxo

Kelly In Some Of Her Favorite Spots

The other night I went out for a bit and came home to this view. Both were sound asleep!

I needed Kelly to model some ribbon, but she was being a little diva and wanted no part of if. I guess she is entitled to a little attitude since she will be 15 years in August.
This is Kelly's main spot for sleeping (taken a few months back).
Kelly (and me too) sending you endless hugs and kisses... xoxo

Guess Who Almost Came To Dinner?

I hope everyone had a great weekend!
On Saturday we made steak au poivre (I use filets) and almost invited our local fire department for dinner! I was left in charge to watch the steaks while Gary ran downstairs for a minute. Hmmm... I thought a perfect time to try and get a picture. I wanted to capture the flame in the pan but before I could get the camera ready I thought the brandy disappeared. So... what does one do when thinking something is gone? They add more or at least I do! When Gary came back up he lit the match and I was going to get my picture- not! The flame went buff and up it went!! Thank goodness nothing got burnt and dinner turned out wonderful, but I never did get my picture. To go with the Filets we had potatoes (oops they missed the photo shoot) and roasted asparagus.

For dessert we had Deeply Chocolate Gelato , chocolate covered strawberries and a chilled bottle of champagne. It was a perfect evening!

I hope you have a great Monday! I am working on a little something special for next week and will share soon. In the meantime have a golde day!
xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The other day I received this beautiful wrapped package from my new wonderful blog friend Debra with Lifescapes . Thank you Debra!

This morning I got up extra early to make a warm batch of scones to have with our tea.
Enjoy your day and make it a golden one!
xoxo

The Heart Of The Home No. 4

Happy Friday! This is the last day, of my Love and sharing. What better way to end the week with sweets for your Valentine. This wonderful Grand Marnier Caramels recipe came from Helen at Tartelette (It was adapted from Alice Medrich's Pure Dessert). The recipe is HERE.

Remember my little containers I picked up last month? They are perfect for the caramels that I made for "my love". Along with dark chocolate, caramels are his favorite candies.

Thank you Aimee , Rachel and Helen for sharing your fabulous recipes. I hope everyone enjoyed them as much as Gary and I did.

This special paper heart pin was made by my mom, when I was around 10 years old (I think). I guess you can call it vintage! I am so happy I saved it all of these years. Every time I see this little heart it brings me back to that Valentine's Day. Actually it isn't so little, it is about 5"and I wore it to school!

From my heart of the home to yours. I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
Enjoy!
xoxo

To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others. Francois Mauriac

The Heart Of The Home No. 3

The week of LOVE and sharing continues. This week I have been making some of G's favorite things he enjoys eating.

I will let you in on a secret, shhh... In the freezer are two containers of Deeply Chocolate Gelato, one with Kahlua and one without. The one without the Kahlua I also added 9 pieces of Ferrero Rocher candies along with the 8 pieces of Baci. This is an Ina Garten's recipe, you can find it HERE. My love's favorite chocolate, is dark chocolate so I know this gelato is going to knock his socks off.

Go ahead try a spoonful.

One of his favorite meals, is babyback ribs. Most of the time I will make my own barbecue sauce, but I came across this sauce by Two Fat Guys Gourmet Sauce, that just might change that! I found out the sauce is produced a stone throw away from us. G said it was the best jar sauce he ever had, not too hot and not too sweet.

As for the rib recipe, there really isn't one. I purchase a rack of ribs for G. Wash and pat them dry with paper towel. Put the ribs on a roasting pan. I use whatever spices are on hand and mix together i.e. garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt and fresh pepper. Rub mixture on top of ribs and turn over to rub the other side. Cover the ribs completely with tin foil and sealing tightly around the rim of the pan. Place in the oven for about 1-2 hours at 350. Heat the grill high. Using a pastry brush I generously brush the sauce on the ribs. Place ribs on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side.

From my heart of the home to yours.
Enjoy! xoxo

The Heart Of The Home No. 2

The week of Love and sharing. Second recipe this week, is a Rice Pudding dish shared by Rachel at Heart Of Light. Click HERE to get the recipe. If you enjoy coconut you will love this recipe! G and I are fans of coconut so we almost licked the bowl clean, with Kelly fast at our heels!

Another sweet flavor of mine is Caramelized Onions. I put them on everything and anything. The downside is not having an extra bowl in the fridge. Rachel posted not too long ago how she caramelizes her onions, so I gave her way of caramelizing a try and I wasn't disappointed. Very sweet and oh so good! Click HERE for the directions.
I started with 6 sliced onions almost filling the pot...

to a pot almost half full...

to a pot of onions barely covering the bottom, but worth it! Yummm...

I remembered I had fresh spinach in the fridge so I removed most of the onions out of the pot and added the spinach and this became lunch the other day.

From my heart of the home to yours.

Enjoy!
xoxo

The Heart Of The Home Week

Since this is the week of Love and with love comes sharing. I thought I would share some of the recipes I have tried the last couple of days from some of my blog friends.

The first recipe this week is a dish called, Cuban Picadillo shared by Aimee at Mostly Mod. Click here to get the recipe. This was a great recipe! We had it over rice and a couple of days later with the leftovers we served it over a baked potato.


The finished meal served with a glass of wine, salad and a warm loave of bread.

From my heart of the home to yours.
Enjoy!
xoxo

February Birthdays!

Happy Birthday Preppy Player and Fifi Flowers Design Decor! I wish you a day full of warm wishes, dreams to come true and lots and lots of birthday cake! I hope you like carrot cake.

Go ahead make a wish!

Have a golden birthday! xoxo

We turn not older with years but newer every day. Emily Dickinson