Last Day of 2012- A Day to Reflect

 

I found this Red Velvet cocoa mix at World Market during the holidays.  I have been thinking about it - wondering if it would be a gorgeous red hot cocoa! This morning- the last day of the year- I finally got time to try it- and no- it -is- not- red.  But very delicious anyway! I just feel lucky that I have time this morning to savor it's aroma because in a few minutes I have to go to work.  With bittersweet feelings,  I am on my way in to the store.  As most of you know, we are closing the store in about 6 weeks. It's time to change gears and do something with a little more freedom. But more to come on that exciting subject later.  Today I just am thankful that I live in a country where I can make the choices about my life.  With that thought in mind, this video really puts things in perspective.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnAJ41P5BDE

 

it's called "Lightning in a Jar"

 

Happy New Year Everyone!

New Year's Eve Tradition

Momma always told us that we had to have our Christmas tree down by New Year's Day, so that we would have good luck during the coming year. So yesterday I began to take the ornaments off of our tree in the living room. As I am removing each of these beautiful ornaments, I am remembering my mom and all of the wonderful traditions that she instilled in me. Now they are part of my children and grandchildren's traditions. As each of the ornaments is removed, I take one more good look at them and gently pack them away for next year. I wonder what the new year will bring. I am looking forward to wonderful times in 2012. Happy New Year everyone from our family to yours.

Christmas Begins in August

Yes, I know it's early-but I have to start making the unique items that makes Christmas at Romancing the Home so special. So yesterday, I composed some "champagne cocktails" of vintage ornaments and these sparkly rhinestone balls. Torn apart metal scouring pads are the filler in the cups. I think these will be great tied in a Christmas tree or garland in someones dining room. We will also be adding rhinestones to vintage flatware to compliment these silver goblet ornaments. Next, purchased Santas were enhanced with crowns, rhinestone buckles, and magic wands! They will be cute riding our silver reindeer. I have been gathering sets of silver goblets, gold rimmed plates, and gold serving platters to add to this festive theme for the holidays. I love these gold platters and silver goblets that were found this weekend at our local flea market. The "champagne cocktails" look wonderful on them. The decadent old candelabra is part of a collection of vintage candlesticks that we are collecting for the holiday season. I am saving all these things for our Christmas Open House in November. Stay tuned for more on that subject!!

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

A glorious day in Lake Bluff - the smell of barbecue, music playing, firecrackers , marching bands and many flags waving ! It just doesn't get any better than this! Happy Fourth of July!

Reflections of 2010

I really cannot believe the year is ending. It seemed so quick- yet it was a tough year- but not without it's rewards. Economically, it was the toughest of my professional life, but I learned to just push through it and go on with daily routines. Some of our greatest accomplishments were this past year, including the publishing of Romancing the Home Entertains, a collection of cherished recipes and entertaining moments, the first annual Lake Bluff Christmas Tour, and the wedding of Katha's daughter, Jessica, to Jason. My niece, Morgan, married her sweetheart, Jason. ( Two Jasons married in one year! ). My husband turned 60 and all the children flew in for a birthday surprise. We flew to Virginia for a surprise birthday party for my husband's sisters 70th birthday! Lynda and Jill's dads,Penny's mom and my husband's dear friend of 35 years passed away. But my children all flourished in their careers and each found their own way. Grandchildren continued to grow and everyone came home for Christmas. Friends stayed loyal and healthy - a special gift on its own. Customers were loyal and generous to our business- I am lucky. As I ponder 2011, I think about how to improve and deliver more excitement to our store -always give the customer something to smile about, develop a friendship and just add value to their lives.

May 2011 bring you and your loved ones a glorious life - Happy New Year everyone! And make this New Year's Resolution - Always enjoy your meals by candlelight!

First Signs of Spring

The snow has finally melted, and you can start to see the first tips of bulbs popping out of the ground. The local stores have primroses, violas, and hydrangeas to sell. Easter decor is out, so it inspires us to put fresh flowers in our homes and add some eggs to our displays. I had these old eggs in spring colors, so I just added little flowers and some glitter to them. Sitting in a vintage, silver egg cup holder, they look adorable on a dining room buffet. I love the antique pink shrimp cocktail glass with the eggs. Wouldn't it be great filled with fresh whipped cream and berries?!!!

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

Valentine's Day is such a great holiday - no pressure for big extravaganza's, it's just a great day for little surprises for loved ones! The sweetness of a Valentine allows for the most creative and decadent of gifts. So I decided to make my friend a Valentine's gift - A box of Chocolates. As Forest Gump said- Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get! Several little gifts were placed in a single box, with dividers like a box of chocolates. Antique monogrammed napkins from France, Antiga Farmista hand soap and room spray, rock sugar flavored with pralines, handmade gift tags, and other goodies fill the box. The cover of the box was made with scanned images from an antique book and rhinestone decals. Add a little bowl of pink roses to this gift, and it's a beautiful Valentine's Day.

Halloween in the Store

It is evident that fall is near by - acorns are dropping from the trees, leaves are just starting to turn, and the sun is shining differently. So it's time for Halloween in the store. We have fun every year with an adult party theme, Evenings of Gothic Romance! Absinthe decanters, witches brews, and black veils bring on the party atmosphere. Fancy witches riding peacocks, and crows wearing their finest crowns, it is a party for the whimsical spirits. This year we found a great Absinthe liqueur called LUCID, black with green eyes peeping at the party goers! We love the venetian glass Absinthe decanter, and it's great for a Listerine dispenser in the bath room after the party is over!(Absinthe is a liqueur from France and has been illegal in the US since 1905, and was just recently legalized.)

Since Halloween is supposed to be for the kids, this year it's Halloween at the Circus! Cute little mice, riding the backs of elephants, play with their ringmasters! Too Cute to believe!