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♥The Valentine’s Day Lady is Coming Soon♥

February 8th, 2010

Valentine's Day 09 Vermont Ski Trip6

When I was growing up in Upstate New York We couldn’t wait until Valentine’s Day because after we went to sleep the evening before, when all was quiet in our home there was something very special taking place. A lovely lady in red and pink with lots of lace would fly in to our home and leave us treats. Sometimes Cupid would accompany her Loveliness.

When we awoke in the morning there were a few special gifts wrapped in lovely shades of pink, violet and red and a some chocolate treats for us to enjoy later in the day.

Growing up without a lot of money, one often must rely on their imagination to create magic. To this day The Valentine’s Day Lady still comes and now she leaves gifts and bonbons for my three sons.~

~The Following are several ways you can celebrate this Loveliest of Holidays.We have many delicious recipes and craft ideas for the entire family to enjoy….I hope you like them!~

We live close by The Botanical Gardens in NYC and one of our favorite things to do in the Winter is visit while the train display is up. It really is quite remarkable, the boys especially love the elaborate trains and I of course, enjoy watching them weave in and out of spectacular flowers.

If you had a case of ‘WINTER BLUES’ going in, You won’t when you leave.

So then, What is one to do apres leurs visite??? Like I have encouraged so many for years…start a little indoor garden. I love how Julie Marie of Idyllhours brings in her prized and precious geraniums that sit in her lovely breakfast window. Many of my friends in Manhattan have herbs growing in their windows. I do have friends, lucky little devils, that have massive sunrooms and the staff to come and care for the plants. Though with all that help, I don’t think they are involved in the nurturing process and most likely miss out on the rewards and benefits of tending to your garden during the Winter Months.

No matter how large or tres petit, even one plant can add to the quality of the air you breath.

Last year I think I posted a few pictures on our “Candy Train’ party that coincided with Valentine’s Day Week. I set a table with some of our ‘left over’ poinsettia plants and various pink and purple plants and flowers in our ’Jardin Hiver’, then I set a table using my favorite Limoge China from my wedding Registry and wove a train in and around our table setting. Because I live with all boys, I thought it appropriate fun to add lots of bonbons of course!!

When I tell you even the ‘coolest’ boys will stop playing their video games and are drawn like a magnet to our candy train I am not exaggerating one bit, even the grown up men seem to turn into little boys when in the presence of a train chugging joyful around a table filled with treats.

If time permits this week I think I may change it up a bit but still using my ‘inspiration’ from the wonderful Botanical Gardens, I may just need to break out that old train set for one last bit of winter fun before I am back outdoors in the dirt, where I so love to be.

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A SNOWY WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY:

We had snow over the weekend and spent the days baking, cooking, eating, playing in the snow, watching an ‘I Love Lucy’ marathon, and of course, watching the Superbowl. One of our favorite things we did this weekend was bake these yummy cookies.

I used Susan Branch’s Butter Cookie Recipe and regular butter cream icing. Although I enjoy the ‘Flooding’ technique and the glossy outcome of the icing, all of my boys prefer a softer icing. And it is easier, we used off set spatulas in place of pastry bags.

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I am savoring the last days of Winter. It is so cozy to be snowed in with a roaring fire going, a cup of tea, a good book and an inviting French antique bed, especially one with my Grandmother’s vintage linens on it.

~ the hearts that are sprinkled on my gold bar tray are from the dollar store in Vermont. They were two bags for a dollar! ~

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These are our ‘Cookie Cutter’ drawers. Some were my grandmothers and some that my mother gave me, many much older than me!! I still collect them on my travels.

I love opening this drawer, it always puts a smile on my face.

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I spent hours making these cookies and the time flew by. Baking is so relaxing to me. All three of my sons seemed in a meditative trance while decorating their cookies, even my 16 year old son!! Who of course is way too cool to be photographed doing such on his mother’s blog.

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Oliver had a lot of fun early on SuperBowl Sunday while I started to make some grown-up S.B. Food.

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~These are the cookies I decorated. I have a variety of candy flowers in my pantry. My favorite one is the LOVE with the purple pansy on it.

SWEETHEART’S SUPPER:

Last year I was asked to teach a class on entertaining for the ‘Newcomer’s’ in our town. I don’t know anyone in that class since I have lived in this area for over 20 years. But my web designer is a member and they invited me to teach. I still can’t believe I actually get paid to do the incredibly fun things I do! I enjoy giving classes and helping others entertain.

The following is just a quick outline of the class with a few easy delicious recipes you may enjoy making over the weekend. I used several books for inspiration they can all be found in my Amazon Store.

VALENTINE’S DAY BY THE PARIS HOUSE DESIGNS

“ A SWEETHEARTS SUPPER FOR TWO”

asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto spread with a garlic herbed Montrachet cheese

Sweethearts Salad

parslied buttered potatoes

steak au poivre

chocolate coconut truffles

sugar cookie hearts dipped in chocolate

The Cupid cocktail;

The Paris House signature Strawberry champagne cocktail

Asparagus Spears with Prosciutto and garlic herbed Montrachet cheese-

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Apprx. 4-5 ounces of good Montrachet Goat cheese

2-3 cloves of garlic, less if you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor

1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

if using salt , be careful to add just a pinch as the Prosciutto is very salty

32 Asparagus spears, trimmed of the woody bottoms

16 pieces of thinly sliced prosciutto

cook asparagus in a large pot of rapidly boiling water for apprx. 5minutes and remove and immediately plunge into a prepared ice water bath to shock and stop the cooking, you want the asparagus to be firm! Drain and pat dry.

Cut each slice of prosciutto in half crosswise and spread your montrachet mixture on each piece and roll around the asparagus , you should have 32 spears, chill until your party.

I like to serve mine in a chic vase with a glass inserted, so it resembles a floral sculpture!!

PARSLIED BUTTERED POTATOES

Either, new, bliss or fingerling potatoes, and you can adjust the quantities, depending on how many people

It is very basic, just scrub potatoes , place on a baking sheet, you can line with parchment to make for an easier clean up. Drizzle with a good olive oil, dot with unsalted butter. I use both fresh and dried parsley, and salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast for 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven and check to see then bake another 10 minutes, just keep checking and stirring them on the pan to evenly coat them. You can also use a pyrex glass baking dish for this, you just want them to stay moist and tender and not dry out. I also like to drizzle a delicious Olive oil over the top when they come out of the oven.

THE VALENTINE’S DAY LADY’S SWEETHEARTS SALAD!!!- ( I grew up getting Valentine’s day gifts that my parents told us were from the Valentine’s day Lady and Cupid so I thought it only fitting to honor her with this

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You can use canned beets, easy and quick or fresh beets delicious and a little bit more time consuming. If using fresh beets wrap in foil and place in a 400 degree oven for 1 hour until fork tender. Either way, then you get your heart shaped cookie cutters out and cut out heart shapes for your salad. Make as many as you like.

A mélange of salad greens

Wonderful goat cheese crumbled or any cheese you like, I will be using a gorgonzola for mine.

Candied walnuts, you can purchase these at Gary’s and specialty stores

You can make this very quick and simple by purchasing a raspberry vinaigrette or pre paring your own:

Vinaigrette-

2 Tablespoons raspberry, vinegar

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon salt

freshly ground pepper to taste

6 Tablespoons good quality oil

combine all ingredients

Visit Our CHEERS for great cocktail ideas you can make at Valentine’s Day.

STEAK AU POIVRE-from Susan Branch’s Love Cookbook

This recipe is adapted from Susan Branch’s cookbook “Love” I usually double the ingredients in the sauce because I love it and want a lot of it on our steaks I also crumble in some gorgonzola cheese and occasionally add sautéed wild mushrooms as well. You can be creative and make it however you and your Sweetheart like!

Serves two

1 – 1 ½ Tbsp. cracked black pepper 2 Tbsp cognac

2 Tenderloin steaks 2 Tbsp red wine

2 Tbsp butter ¼ C. beef broth

1 Tbsp. shallots, finely minced 2 Tbsp. heavy cream

Press the cracked pepper into your fillets, heat the butter in a heavy bottom skilled and sear steaks over medium high heat on both sides. Turning once. Reduce heat to medium and cook until desired doneness. Remove and keep warm. Add shallots to pan, you may need to add a bit more butter, and sauté then deglaze your pan with your cognac and wine scraping up all the brown bits. Cook on med/high heat add your beef broth cook another couple of minutes and then add your heavy cream season with salt and pepper as needed and I also like to add a little fresh herbs, such as a bit of thyme, or fresh parsley. Pour sauce over steaks and serve.

A QUICK IDEA FOR A DESSERT IF YOU ARE NOT A BAKER OR IF YOU ARE AND ARE JUST TOO BUSY

Pick up some heart shaped sugar cookies or have your children use the Pillsbury ready made dough and cut out heart shaped cookies. Then using a fondue pot dip half of the cookie in the chocolate to coat along with some fresh fruit! Yum

SHE’S CRAFTY:

If crafting is your thing then give one of these wreaths a try. They can be found on here on Martha Stewart. I made the pistachio wreath about 13 years ago and also made one for my brother Michael as a Valentine’s Day Gift. Ours is in bad shape now due to the mice in the attic snacking on it. However the Cockscomb wreath below it, which I also made years ago held up well enough for me to photograph.

~ Remember, This Day is NOT just for couples, gather your children, family, friends, anyone who makes you happy~

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This is Rufus, he is our Families early Valentine’s Day Gift. We rescued this sweet little dog. He is 2 years old and didn’t have a family, a name or a home. Now he does. We are in LOVE with our little boy. I call him Rufie.

LOVE LETTERS FROM OLIVER:

My sweet Oliver not only leaves me love letters and sweet comments on my blog, He also e-mails me daily. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Oh My mommy i love you,

Oh My mommy,

Oh My mommy yes i dooooooooooooooooooo,

Love

Oliver

I love you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.

My Angel Mommy

Love

Oliver

Hi Mommy

Your a cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute mommy! I Love you! & i love you all day & all night!

Love

Oliver

Have a Great Week and Lovely Valentine’s Day. I am swamped with Paris House business the rest of the Week. I’ll be by to visit everyone and then I’ll be back posting early next week.

Please download our free Valentine’s Days Class here.

please visit Foodie Fridays for more delicious recipes

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~please stop by Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps on the Porch~

tablescape thursdays

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♡ SLEEPING BEAUTY ♡

February 2nd, 2010

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The original version of the Fairy Tale Classic Sleeping Beauty, “La Belle au Bois Dormant” was written in 1697. Much later in 1959 the movie Sleeping Beauty was made by Walt Disney. For more information about this beloved Fairy Tale read here

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Do You believe in Prince Charming or Happily Ever After??

~ I do~

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I feel like Sleeping Beauty each night when I go to sleep because:

a. I love my bed. I love sleeping in an all white bed with lots and lots of comfy white down comforters, pillows and blankets.

b. I mist my sheets with ‘Fairy Dust’ before I drift off to sleep..aka Guerlain Linen Mist

c. I keep the temperature in our room just right, not too hot not too cold.

d. I always have a good book next to my bed that helps me drift off to la la land

e. I have either a glass of wine or a cup of green tea.

f. And I always have my Mr. Bunny near me and my pitbull!

~ The morning light is streaming in~

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Mr. Bunny is very kind to let me have a very very ‘Girly’ bedroom. This is actually the guest room, the Master Bedroom is where most our guests end up staying, that and Ollie’s Sweet Dreams Room, I love this room so much. I think the stone walls, four poster bed and high beamed ceilings are very ‘Fairy Tale Like’

~ This room is 200 years old~

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I love when the bed linens are soft and cool on your skin. Just looking at this picture makes me want to go to bed.

~ the blanket at the foot of the bed is one of my favorites that I brought back from Ireland a few years ago.~

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What is your favorite way too sleep. Do you like the TV on?? The Lights on?? Lots of colorful blankets or all White?

I’m not a great sleeper but if I keep my Blackberry out of the bedroom, turn off the TV and sleep in an all white Bed I do sleep much better.

For an adorable and easy Fairy Tale cake recipe and to watch the how to video please click here

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I have all boys so maybe I’ll make this for my nieces 3rd Birthday this Spring. The Cake in the link above is really adorable and it looks very easy to make. At least according to the video I watched.

Speaking of Sleep, I will probably be up all night because I got a letter in the mail that Dr. R. my OBGYN for the past 20 years, almost half my life is moving to Florida. I’m telling you I cried all day. I’m a hormonal mess as it is today and now this!! Yikes, I love him, he delivered my kids, is a sweet Teddy Bear, caring, a great Doctor and always there for me whether it is false labor, a lump in my breast I want checked out, a UTI or my annual exam. I have been dreading the possibility of his retirement for years and as of today it has become a very sad reality.

I hate going to the Dr’s except for him, His office always brings back happy memories of Sonograms, heartbeats, six week check-ups and thankfully to this day always good news.( Its my endocrinologist that I am terrified to go to ) Oh what will I do without my sweet Dr. R. ?? I use to work around the corner from his office in my 20’s where I planned parties and events for the Medical Facilities and other Community related organizations so many years ago. They were such happy times, it is where I had all my children. I don’t handle change well, at least not this kind of change. I have swollen puffy red eyes from crying, even Mr. Bunny is a bit sad. It isn’t easy to find a Dr. like this and once you have its hard to say Good-bye.

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My Kind of Beautiful

January 28th, 2010

Vermont Ski Trip

As many of you may already know, My Family loves Vermont. I grew up very close to Southern Vermont and try to go several times a year.

It is one of the few places I truly relax, Mr. Bunny’s place to relax is always at the condo in Florida, although he too loves Vermont. He prefers warm weather, I love the Snow and the heat!!

We had a change of travel plans due to Honey Bunny’s business so we booked a last minute trip to Vermont. Hopefully we will get to someplace warm and exotic soon and then to Europe, it all depends on his schedule which We have to coordinate around the schedule of our three sons. I always prefer for us to travel together whenever possible.

As you can see in the photos, Vermont keeps their Christmas decorations up through the entire Winter Season, they look so pretty against the snow which is plentiful all season long.

~The picture of the little white inn is NOT where we stayed but is across from the Inn we stay at when we are in Vermont~

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I surprised my Family with a Sleigh Ride. The lovely horses literally took us over the River and Through the Woods.

After a cozy sleigh ride we sat fireside, enjoyed hot chocolate, and roasted marshmallows.

Oliver was so cute eating his S’mores.

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You can’t go to Vermont in the Winter and not hit the slopes. I prefer to Snowboard, the boys like to ski.. Actually I like to dress like a Snow Bunny and hit the Lodge for Hot Toddies!! You know how much I like my cocktails.

That happens Apres Ski.

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My son Sam is in the top right picture, he turns 16 on Saturday, Poppy is in the bottom photo he turns 73 on Sunday and my son Teddy who is the red jacket turns 13 on February 23rd. My boys are growing up so fast…where oh where does the time go???

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My Mr. Bunny is sooooo SEXY!

We left the three boys downstairs with Grandma and Poppy aka Jojo and Poppy and hit the bar running. They had a rockin band and we had a blast. Mr Bunny went to the bathroom and when he returned I had a group of men around me and one was trying to get me to go on his private plane for dinner. I asked if his pilot could take me and my husband on a plane ride where we could have dinner together…I don’t think that is what he had in mind. Anyway they ended up hanging out with us the rest of the night talking real estate with my husband. I never did get on that darn plane…But at my age I was flattered I was even asked ~ tee hee.

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I think this shrimp appetizer I had at the Inn was one of the best shrimp dishes I have ever tasted. It was stuffed and wrapped lightly in Prosciutto I still have not received the recipe from them…hmmmmm and I was even kind enough to do an entire Snapfish movie on their Inn and upload it to their Facebook page…well well, I think I just might need to get on the phone with them ASAP..LOL

The other memorable appetizer I enjoyed and get every-time I stay there is the Gorgonzola Cheesecake with pine nuts. It is really good and what the heck why not eat 100,000 extra calories..You only live once, right!!

GORGONZOLA CHEESECAKE WITH PINE NUTS:

REICPE:

Polenta~

1/2 Cup of Water

1/2 Cup Cornmea

1 TBSP Chopped Garlic

1 Tsp Salt

1/4 Cup Grated Asiago

Filling:

1 pound Gorgonzola

2 1/2 lbs Cream Cheese

5 Eggs

pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and cook in water bath for one hour.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts and drizzle pesto/olive oil around plate

Serve with Crackers.

Bunny’s Note ~ This is all the instructions that were given to me. If you give this recipe a try, I would first recommend making the Polenta the way you know how. Second whip the filling together . I haven’t made this in a few years so I am trying to remember what I did…

put the polenta in the bottom of a round spring form pan, pour the filling on top and cook in a bain marie for one hour as per the Inn’s above instructions..

Europe and The Caribbean although I am sad we didn’t get to see you this month…My heart will always belong to Vermont.

What are all of you up to this Weekend?? Any exiting plans? We have family staying with us for a few days and we have a lot planned. I hope to get up to the Herb Farm if time permits. I am looking for masses of white dried flowers for a project I am working on. I also have to get more supplies for a necklace I am designing and whenever I have time I would like to get painting some Winter Garden scenes at The Paris House.

I am also hoping to meet one of my dearest blogging friends very soon, but more on that later…..

Wishing you a Lovely Weekend

~KISSES~

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The Most Famous Windows in the World

December 22nd, 2009

Happy Happy Holidays Everyone

I hope you enjoy the following images of Window Shopping in Manhattan. We went in over the weekend and it was glorious. We made it there in under an hour, there was no traffic, can you imagine no traffic on a Sunday during the holidays!! There was a snow storm over night and I think it scared away a few million people. Not us, the sun was shining down and we bundled up and had one fantastic day.

{ I just got a new camera, The Nikon Cool pix P90 and I LOVE it, BUT I was messing around with the date button and did not turn it off. So not only do my lovely photos have the date on it but the wrong date. My son Sam said after the holidays when I have more time I should be able to photo shop it out..Oh well I’m learning}

We thought we would add a lot of material to this post in case we can’t blog until after Christmas. We have included the Holiday Windows/Tree in Manhattan, A yummy Butter Cookie recipe, Lots of Fashion and a couple Holiday Crafts to put in your Holiday Folder to save….

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On the way into the city, my little sweetheart was taking a little Holiday nap in his sweet Reindeer Hat.

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Yay we are almost there. I try to never take the fact we live so close to this amazing city for granted. I always get excited when I go in and I try to go weekly when possible.

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Dressing for a casual snowy Winter day in Manhattan.

Dressing comfortably, does not have to mean sweats and sneakers..save that for your workouts.

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I wanted to be comfortable and WARM. I wore jeans from J Crew tucked into Black Fendi Boots. The black Cashmere sweater is from Autumn Cashmere, I have had it for years and years and the handbag is Marc Jacobs. I wore my Grandmother’s Faux Fur Coat over my outfit.

This outfit can easily be duplicated on any budget. Nine West make fun affordable boots, and Kohl’s, Target etc. have many black sweaters and oversize chic handbags. Just keep your eyes open and style is everywhere.

This credenza/vanity you see in the picture was designed by The Paris House and built by a local artisan. It will eventually be topped in a honed marble. We have done others and top them in all different ways. It is incredibly Chic and will one day be finished??!!!!?? Now it holds art and craft supplies and Paris House Business Folders.

{Check out the Kate Spade hat on my Mannequin…it travels around the world with me…I don’t like sun on my face and hair!!}

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You know how much I love to Swing from the Chandelier…I’ll be right in Kate.

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We just love ABC during the Holidays in NYC. The windows are adorable and the inside is magical. I have been taking my sons there for years and years at Christmastime. I also love the ABC Carpet in Florida near the condo, the after Christmas sales are great. Not sure when we are getting down that way, but they will send me whatever I need for my clients.

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How absolutely gorgeous is this Santa, he is the real deal and Oliver just loves him. He comes every year to ABC at Christmastime and then he walks through the restaurants during lunch to say hi to all the children and Me..because I seem as excited as all the kids

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Another charming area at ABC, I highly recommend it here at Christmas if you have kids. It is free to see Santa and our lunch was very reasonably priced. I didn’t shop except to purchase a large strand of hot pink lights for my studio. They were on sale for $10!! As far as shopping goes, ABC can be pricey…very pricey.

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Oh Mr. Bunny I love you so much

Lunch was yummy. I opted for a simple Cob Salad and a Strawberry Champagne Cocktail.

Some items on ABC’s Lunch Menu at Pipa tapas y mas ( there is also a Pain Q

Tortilla Espanola

Crispy Calamari

Smoked Salmon Benedict

Brunch Plate

Chocolate filled French Toast

Caldo Gallego

Piggy Back Dates

and much much more.

prices averaged approx. $12 per entree

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Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Champagne Cocktails

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Inside ABC Carpet

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ABC’s Windows

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How perfect, to be in Manhattan for the Holidays AND have it be a snowy white day

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Macy’s windows were Magical

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More windows in the city ( I’m pretty sure this was Saks)

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Versace

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Cartier is always so glamours and elegant. Wrapped up like a big beautiful gift.

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St. Patrick’s Cathedral

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The Most Famous Tree in the World..the ice skaters were zipping around and around like out of a storybook.

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A Horse Drawn Carriage in Central Park across from The Plaza and Bergdorf Goodman. It was that glorious blue sky against the white snow that I so adore…I just wish my picture was not blurry, oh well it was lovely.

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Hansel and Gretel, at the Ballet

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On Madison Ave. , Heading to Barney’s

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Barneys’ Famous Windows from the one and only Simon Doonan, the most famous Window Dresser.

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More of Barneys’ window

“Live From New York….”

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Barney’s

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We are still gift-wrapping like mad over here at The Paris House Designs.

A Glittery Christmas Tree Gift Tag pairs nicely with a festive Christmas Cracker.

Start Collecting basketful’s of wrapping accoutrement’s and then for each holiday, birthday and gift-giving occasions you can get creative. Like We say, When it comes to gift wrapping “Sometimes its whats on the outside that counts”

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Starting to pile the French antique daybed high with Holiday Merriment.

Our style of design is always a mix, antiques paired with modern… a dash of vintage, a pinch of glamour equals Style.

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Oliver twisted and rolled these yummy Butter Cookies, but guess who is eating them all…MOI.

I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, and that is why I kill myself working out like I’m training with Lance Armstrong each morning. I workout to eat these darn cookies!!

Susan Branch Recipe Here

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A Holiday Dress perfect for the entire Season

Okay before I plummet down our staircase in my 5″ heels….

Dress is Isaac Mizrahi, Target for only $24.99 YAY for Target

sweet little sparkling handbag- J Crew, $49.00

Shoes, Splurge item, Dior

Diamonds, from my Mr. Bunny

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I love going up this staircase in our home, it has a lot of books that I enjoy pulling out and looking through plus it is elegantly styled with pretty items, including the ‘Spin the Bottle’ you see behind my legs!!

I have funnnn parties!!

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I wore this dress to our friends home for their annual and Fabulous Holiday Christmas Party Friday evening. She is an amazing baker, thank goodness I wore a full comfortable dress since I have no self-control when it comes to sweets.

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I did eventually get up and we made it to the party..it was great, thanks R& Dr. K we had a blast.

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Here is our sweet angel Oliver, the little doll in the red Santa sweater. It was his first Nursery school concert in the church at his school. He sang his little heart out. Oh what JOY.

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Sorry about the blurry photo, its The Juicy Couture window

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These two fabulous ladies are Barb and Charlotte and they work with my Husband and Brother-in-law. I have known them for 23 years and just love them to bits. They are modeling the Scarves from the Paris House Boutique at my husband’s office party.

It was a wonderful party, thanks Barb and Charlotte for hosting this and giving us such a special day, I love you both

(and the gifts you gave us are beautiful)

{ I have one of these scarves and wear over the LBD out to dinner, sadly I do believe we have sold out of them}

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This ornament was my Great Grandmother’s and is one of my favorites. My Grandmother gave it to me and it means the world to me. I’m betting you all have very special ornaments too. Some that perhaps are family heirlooms or that your children made in school, some that were possibly purchased on your travels around the World. It is such a joy to decorate the Christmas Tree each year and have all these memories come flooding back.

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This is a craft I did a few years, I found it on Martha Stewart and it was very easy to make, especially if you like to craft.

I filled them with little chocolates, candies and trinkets and sugar cubes and gave them as little party favors. They are sparkly and have the cutest little red jingle bells on them. It may be too late to make them this Christmas but file this away in your folder for next Season.

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This is the inside of the box, they are so sweet. Make them HERE

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Here is another easy craft to make with your kids. I use to make these macaroni covered Christmas trees when I was a little girl in Catholic School. My mother has them in her home. There is also a silver one on the other side of the ginger bread house.

visit here to see how quick and easy it is to make these.

If you have children or are a child at heart this is a very quick video I took of the animated window’s at Macy’s. Its cute..enjoy

I wish you all the Merriest Holiday ever and I will see you all soon and am off to visit all your wonderful inspiring blogs

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Sharing Special Holiday Traditions

December 15th, 2009

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I feel so blessed to be in an inter-faith marriage. I love celebrating Hanukkah with my husband’s family each year. The food is delicious, the traditions are beautiful and it just adds even more magic to the Christmas holiday season that I grew up accustomed to, the more celebrations the merrier. My husband is non practicing, in the sense that he does not go to Temple and we were married by my priest in our catholic church and then went on to Christian all of our sons. However I feel it is very very important for my children to understand their heritage, family traditions and experience them equally.

Mr. Bunny just took Oliver to cooking class with some of his cousins, his aunt and his grandmother. Oliver loved it and they made some yummy easy recipes, just perfect for young chefs in training to experiment with.

No matter what you celebrate, everyone loves Homemade Chicken noodle soup, and Marshmallow Pretzel Dreidels will surely delight your little cook. I hope you enjoy the following recipes and most importantly the sharing of traditions from our home to yours.

Ollie is cooking up a storm with his sweet daddy.

Oliver is very busy concentrating on making homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from Kings Cooking Studio:

1 Medium Onion

2 Medium Carrots

2 Stalks Celery

1 lb Chicken

3 Quarts of Chicken Broth

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

1 lb Egg Noodles

Salt & Pepper

1/4 Cup Italian Parsley

*Clean the onion, carrots and celery. Dice into small pieces.

*Clean the chicken and pat dry.

*Heat Pot an add olive oil

*Add onions and cook until they are translucent. Add carrots and celery. Cook a few more minutes until softer.

*Add the rest of the broth and bring the soup to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes.

* Remove the chicken from the pot, cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.

* Bring soup back to boil add pasta. Cook until the pasta is done.

* Add the diced chicken, taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper.

* Garnish with cleaned, chopped parsley and serve soup hot.

Chocolate Matzoh Bark:

4 Sheets Plain Matzoh

1 Cup Butter

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil.

*Layer tightly place matzoh on top of foil.

* Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until thick syrup forms. (about 3 minutes).

* Pour syrup over motzoh. Spread with a spatula to be sure all pieces are coated with syrup.

* Bake for 5 minutes; be careful not to burn.

* Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips.

* Let stand for 2 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted enough to spread. Lightly spread chips over matzoh.

* Chill.

* Pell off the foil and break into small pieces. Serve chilled.

Marshmallow Pretzel Dreidels:

10 Large Marshmallows

1 Package Thin Pretzel Sticks

1 Small Container Cream Cheese

1 Package Chocolate Kisses

* Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on one side of a marshmallow.

* Place a chocolate kiss on top of it.

* Stick pretzel stick in the opposite side.

* Start spinning on the chocolate tip and then eat and enjoy.

Sweet Potato Pancakes:

1 Large Sweet Potato

1/2 Cup Matzoh Meal

1 Teaspoon Sugar

2 Teaspoons Potato Starch

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper

1 Large Egg

1 Large Egg White

1/2 Cup Milk

Canola Oil

* In a food processor, grate the sweet potato.

* In a large bowl combine the matzoh meal, potato starch, baking powder, salt and pepper.

* Stir in beaten egg, beaten egg white and milk.

* Stir in the sweet potato.

* In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until simmering.

* Drop teaspoons of the mixture into skillet and flatten with the back of a spoon.

* Cook the pancakes until the edges are golden, about 2 minutes and then flip over for another minute.

* Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato and add more oil as needed.

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A few of our Hanukkah gifts wrapped by The Paris House Designs. On display in our studio.

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Our signature Hot Pink. Perfect for any Holiday.

What to wear to an evening Hanukkah Dinner

Dress J Crew

Jewelry , Vintage pieces from my Grandmother’s collection

No handbag this evening I just threw my new Nikon camera in The Paris House Canvas Silhouette tote bag.

This Room is making very small improvements each day. The Floor may get painted in a high gloss black, We have finally chose Apple Green window treatments. Just need to get electrician to wire in sconces and have moldings put in etc.

*** As much as I want to keep our studio white I also want to paint it or paper it ???? I’ll post more pictures of other angles in the room and perhaps you can give me your input. We have a lot of color going on so the white walls will look good, once they are painted and there are moldings and trim. This angle is the most unfinished part…we’ll see.

I don’t know if this dress is still available at J Crew still, but if it is I would highly recommend it. It is comfortable, stylish, affordable and fits great. You can also wear a cardigan sweater belted over the dress and not wear a push up bra for a more discreet look.

** I will add that Mr. Bunny did say that this dress made me look heavier than I am in person!! Yes he did say that , the little Devil! He said the ‘things’ on the dress pouffed out and made me look bigger than I am. I think the ‘things’ he is referring to are the tiers of fabric on the dress. However when I put it on he said he loved it and I looked great. I think he just wanted to get me out the door and not be late..LOL ..Oh and as for the shoes I don’t know where I bought them… some where online but they were only $45.

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This is my Grandmother Margaret’s Faux Fur Coat. This is not a great picture but this coat is one of the chicest and most gorgeous items I own. It is so luxurious the fur is trimmed in a beautiful camel suede and camel suede belted tie. It is stunning in person and hard to believe it is faux. Margaret had the most divine taste on a very very limited budget. She taught me so much about antiques at a very young age. I remember staying over her house on the weekends and at bedtime she would describe all of my great-grandmothers antique pieces of furniture in their house on the farm she grew up in upstate NY. I was so fascinated. Then we would look at her costume jewelry, many of the pieces I wear today and some that have inspired some of our creations at The Paris House. Money has nothing to do with good taste, as far as I’m concerned too much money can ruin good taste. Please don’t send me any hate mail if you are filthy rich and are blessed with fabulous taste too..well God Bless You, I’m very happy for you!! I am fascinated with the creative process of many young and somewhat ‘impoverished’ artisans. I believe you are just born with the creative ‘gene’ and my grandmothers both had it, they were fabulous!! IMG00456-20091205-2036

Oh Holy Night The Stars are Shining Brightly

The Paris House wishes you many blessing and good health this Holiday Season. We hope we encourage you to live your life filled with beauty, good health, gratitude and joy…for we truly only have one life to live, PLEASE live it beautifully starting on the inside first. Take this time to give back to those less fortunate. We are giving to a local basket auction, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Head Start program for families in need. This is what the holidays are about. Being together with family and friends, celebrating life and our faith and making the difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Now that is living beautifully.

God Bless

I also want to thank the wonderful Rhonda of Shellbelles Tikihut for the very kind mention of our blog and business. She has one of my favorite blogs and I love visiting her each day. Stop over and say hi.

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Winter Blues

December 11th, 2009

Welcome to The Paris House. I hope you enjoy your visit during our first snowfall of the season. We had about 8 inches of powdery sparkling white magic. Grab a Cup of Hot Chocolate and put on your boots, mittens and scarf.. Grab a handful of snow, and lets have a snowball fight my friends. If the cold is not for you don’t worry at the end of this post we have a fabulous hearty meal for you to enjoy and some sweet treats to make with your children. And some cute fashion to enjoy.

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We have been photographing our Winter Garden for over 16 years. I love the the magical blue sky that allows one only a very short time to be photographed each evening. Blink and you might miss it.

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Beauty, Peace, Harmony, Happiness, Blessed. This is what I am feeling.

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My sweet little boy.

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Sweetness

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The Garden House is quiet and waiting for Springtime activity.

All is Calm all is Bright

A few snow covered pumpkins in our pumpkin patch. Nature mesmerizes me each and every Day.

Shall I throw Chocolates off the balcony to you Mr Bunny my sweet Mr. Bunny….

The Tulips are sleeping along the Allees.

Our formal rose garden is sound to sleep for the Winter, resting so peacefully filled with beautiful promises this Spring.

An Old Fashioned Wrap Around Porch. If you stop by I promise there will be a piping hot cup of Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream.

This sweet Snowman would make even the most Cynical person Smile.

Put Your Boots on and come on down to the Spring House or Ice House as some of my friends call it. It has interior stone walls and soaring high ceilings. A perfect Cave to wine taste in..there is even a cozy fireplace. We would have such fun together here..talking and laughing all evening long.

Are You Hungry after all the Fun and Games in the Snow my Sweetie Pies??!!

Well don’t Worry I have made some delicious Filet Mignon in a wonderful truffle butter Gorgonzola Sauce. We also drizzled it over our french fries. This meal taste like it took HOURS but we made it in 15 minutes.

Find The Breakers Hotel Gogonzola Truffle Butter French Fries recipe HERE Also read about our recommendation for the perfect gadget to cut those potatoes into perfectly sliced French Fries quickly.

{I actually made this even quicker..I used half a wedge of Good quality Gorgonzola Cheese, 3 oz of Black Truffle Butter, feel free to use white..I melted it in a saucepan over medium heat..then off the heat I added the juice of one orange. Whisk until velvety and pour over french fries and steak..

Now for the Sweet Ending. Cornflake Christmas Wreaths.

Perfectly easy treats to make with your kids.

Pull up a chair at our antique baking table and lets get started shall we.

Sticky Sweet Yummy Holiday Treats

Nigella Lawson Christmas Cookbook

Find recipe Here

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Apres la Neige…A Bunny’s Got to do What a Bunny’s got to do…and that’sput on something Fashionable. Today that means keeping in our ‘Blue’ theme. Dress Vintage 1950’s, white bag Coach.

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Ahhh the shoes

Alessandro Dell’ Acqua Platform Pumps.

I hope you enjoyed ‘A Blue Christmas’ Paris House Style.

****[I’m off now to my friends house for Happy Hour! Weeeeee I’m doing Cartwheels I’m so excited….Actually We are posting this during ‘Happy Hour’, we just did a Petron Citronage tasting with delicious garnishes..We test tasted three different ways to make this drink, its a tough job but someone has to do it. We will post this fantastic cocktail in our blog soon..BIG HUGS and KISSES to my SWEET Dorkalicious for making the cocktails..U Rock Baby!!}

Please visit outdoor wednesday

outdoor Wedsneday

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Creating Comfort and Joy

November 16th, 2009

Fall 200921

~A change of plans~

Our plans changed drastically Friday evening. We had planned to ‘party-hop’, starting off at our friend’s house for ‘Boys night out’ I’m hell bent on becoming the queen of darts. Then we were heading off to our neighbors and good friends for an 80’s themed birthday party.

We had fun costumes planned, I was watching what I ate and working out like a crazy person and was able to squeeze and I mean BARELY squeeze into a gold sequin dress I wore in my mid 20’s before I had kids..its one of my husband’s favorite dresses ( I have no idea why) and I was so psyched to wear it again. It was perfectly tacky, fun, 80’s, club-hopping, big hair Jersey girl rockin dress.( where we live is the absolute opposite of the ‘Jersey Girl/housewives of New Jersey” stereotype that many people identify NJ with. This part of NJ is very refined beautiful horse country, with mountains and farmland and old markets and antique shops..it is very lovely. When I was a young girl living in upstate NY/Vermont area I had always thought of Bon Jovi and big hair when I thought of Jersey, of course there is plenty of that to be found in parts of Jersey and that can be interesting too. Then the Sopranos came around and really started to damage the reputation of our beautiful Garden State even more. Anyway I am getting off the subject here. My mother in law was on her way up to babysit my younger sons but as I arrived at Oliver’s nursery school the teacher said he was complaining of low pain on the right hand side ( before I go any further, He is Fine!!) . This had been going on for three days but his doctor said he was fine and it did not appear to be his appendix. He was screaming in pain and crying, I was not able to even buckle him in his car seat because it hurt so bad. Our pediatrician is 30 minutes away as is the hospital where they work. I went to the small hospital about 10-15 minutes form our home and Ollie’s school where we spent the next 5 hours doing tests, blood work, X Rays and plenty of waiting. The drive there was hell, I flew but as safely as possible with my hazards on, my husband left work and picked the other boys up, there is not a bus available for them and they would have been stuck there for hours. The Dr’s don’t feel it is his appendix, They told me he had “A lot of gas and a lot of crap, that he is full of s***” . I kid you not, that’s what the Dr. said to me!!! The Doctor/surgeon was so nice and he could see how scared I was and he truly was trying to make me laugh and to reassure me my son was fine. Gas pains in a little boy can be every bit as painful as appendicitis and because it was on his right side we were all worried. Thankfully he did not need surgery, if it were his appendix he would have to been taken to another hospital because he has Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome, which is a malfunction in the way some wires are connected to his heart, this was discovered at birth. It is typically never ever picked up until the child is often a teen so we are very fortunate that they found this out the day he was born. It has never been an issue, I worry but Oliver does not need medication and has no physical limits in school or home. At this time there is no evidence of this in any way shape or form…Knock on wood!!. But if he ever needs surgery he must be at a hospital with a team of cardiatric pediatricians and we have to avoid all stimulate medications etc. We returned home thanking God up and down that Oliver was feeling better and was hungry for pizza and donuts!!! After 5 hours of testing I told him he could have anything he wanted

He is happy as can be now and I managed to make it through the ordeal without a full-blown panic attack as hospitals bring back a lot of horrific memories for me and the last thing any mother wants is to have her child in one.

I didn’t spend the evening in my crazy hot Jersey Girl dress but I will be spending the weekend at home with my family in a warm loving environment.

I’ll use this time to play games with him ( as I write this is he sleeping like a baby) and get out my Christmas binder and folders and then work on my Thanksgiving menu and plans a little more. We are having Thanksgiving here at The Paris House and I am so excited, it is one of my favorite meals to prepare each year and we have some wonderful guests and family joining us.

{ All images are from The Paris House Designs. The Red Maple Tree is in our garden and was actually glowing against the Jet black evening sky last week. The old broom and hat belonged to my grandfather Sabatine, I can still picture him wearing that hat and sweeping his back porch. My grandfather was such a sweet and wonderful man. I miss my grandparents everyday of my life. }

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~How to Create Comfort and Joy~

I love making anything Gingerbread..from cookies, to cakes and the annual Gingerbread House we make. We plan to start it tomorrow. Each year I insist I’m not making it and then my kids seem so disappointed that I do it anyway, its time consuming but if all goes well, relaxing, well its relaxing when its over LOL!!!. I have been making it prior to Thanksgiving each year now, I have more time then and feel less stressed and rushed..I’m thinking this weekend will be a lovely time to do this together with my family. We will fill our home with delicioussness. The boys love eating all the leftover scraps.

About ten years ago when my son Teddy was 3 years old I had made the gingerbread house, it took about three days to complete, I only had time to work on it a little bit each day. We were having the Historical Society bring about 1,000 people through our home, it had just won an award and I wanted everything just so…after all I own a design business!! My husband and I went out to dinner and when we got back there was the cutest little hole in the back of the house where Teddy took a little piece. The next day the entire house fell down. We still laugh about that, he is so much like me…very mishevious!! When he was little he always had chocolate covered hands and a chocolate covered face all the time and he would put chocolate handprints all the way up the walls on our staircase. It took me years to let someone paint over them, every time I passed by them it warmed my heart, I just took company up another staircase and no one saw it but us…I know it may not sound too adorable but it was.

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~setting the scene~

After I make the gingerbread house we can have our weekly Sunday Supper in our 200 year old dining room. Last week it was a lemon and herb butter stuffed organic chicken, corn pudding drizzled with Vermont maple syrup, wine gravy, roasted sweet potatoes and an apple tart with homemade lavender ice cream. This week my husband asked me to make a chorizo mussel saffron dish. It is easy to prepare and only takes minutes to cook but tastes like it was much more invloved. Perfect on a day when I’ll be busy making a gingerbread house!! For me its all about the planning! I can’t do it all at once so I have to plan. Our dining room is filled with French antique tapestry window treatments, antique furniture and chandeliers we found in a Parisian manor house and some glamourous modern pieces that blend in beautifully.

{ I named my company The Paris House about 20 years ago because I always wanted to live in a stone house on the outskirts of Paris and when we bought our home many people who came in have said it reminded them of a Quaint Parisian Manor home, so the name is very fitting. I actually wanted to name it La Maison Parisienne but thought it would be confusing to non French speaking clients of mine???}

After I finish dinner and dishes maybe I’ll grab my book, I’m re reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the 4th time, and a delicious glass of champagne and take a nice bath in our antique copper tub, oh that sounds so lovely, but doubtful, its Oliver who will take the nice relaxing bath not me!!

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~nesting on a lovely Autumn weekend~

Maybe I’ll straighten some of my dishes and arrange them in pretty ways…or maybe I’ll just grab a glass of wine and check out Anthropology’s website.

{the wine is ‘Menage a trois’, Dorkalicious gave it to me, whats with guys, why are they so _ _ _ _ _ … you fill in the word!!}

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~The only way I know how to really relax is in the garden~

I also plan to spend a lot of time caring for my plants in our indoor Garden Room. It is impossible to have cabin fever with this room in my home. It is filled with fruit trees (you can see the Meyer Lemons that are just begging me to make a pie with them) We have herbs, flowers, tropicals, ivy climbing up windows, bulbs that are being forced and should be ready by Christmas, there is a water fountain , a chirping bird and Jasmine and a variety of scented Geraniums that constantly perfume the air. The tiles up at the top are in a series of four that depict the seasons in Italy. My husband bought them for us when we were in Tuscany and they are in a flower arranging room on the other side of our garden room. I don’t care if it takes me a hundred years to complete my home as long as everything in it means something to me. And is unique, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune but I want it to be original and reflect me. Every home should tell your story and only your story, never worry about what others are doing…be Original thats a great way to be unforgettable!!!

This room is heavenly.

Well that is our weekend maybe next Friday I’ll break out the Jersey Girl Party Dress and wear it to Boys night for some beer drinking dart playing good old Jersey Fun. That would be a hoot if I showed up in that dress!! The guys will think I’m taking this boys night out very seriously.

I hope all of you had a lovely weekend and are keeping well.

PS. We all had the H1N1 vaccine on Thursday and are doing well with it (oliver was having stomach pains prior to it and it is unrelated to the vaccine). I debated on this but was urged by our Dr’s to do it. We shall see how it goes this year, we also had the regular seasonal vaccine last month. I was very sad to see a large number of children in the emergency room with high fevers who according to the Doctors had the H1N1 Virus. They were in bad shape and I pray they are doing well now.

I am continuing to drink tons of green tea, pomegrenate juice, eating lots of fresh ginger, garlic, fruits, veggies, tons of Greek yogurts, , fresh organic chicken and fish and lots and lots of exercise. The one thing I don’t do is sleep, I’m lucky if I get 4 hours a night but I don’t seem to need it?????? Well thats what I keep telling myself. I really don’t like to sleep I find it the biggest waste of time. I have a lot to get done in this lifetime. My mother (Jojo) keeps telling me if I don’t sleep and get sick, then I’ll see, I won’t get a G. D. thing done!!!

Stay Well Everyone

{ My computer is going into the Doctors, I’m not allowed near my sons Macs and my hubby takes his laptop to work with him so I will try and visit all your lovely blogs via my Blackberry. The only problem I can’t seem to post comments from my Blackberry but I will try!!!}

~The Giveaway drawing will be next Friday at midnight~

Stay tuned this week for another French business luncheon with lots of new goodies from France that are going in our boutique

and I’ll try and post our Thanksgiving menu and any quick tips I may have that can help save time and money!!!

I’m also planning an adorable tea party in Manhattan for a little girl’s Birthday party so I will try and post some cute party planning tips.

Coming soon from Saint Tropez

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Hello My Pretties…Join me in Salem MA

October 30th, 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MY PRETTIES…..HEE HEE HEE HEE……

A few years ago we headed to Nantucket for summer holiday. After spending time there we headed to Sandwich Ma, then onto Plymouth ( I hadn’t been there since fourth grade… hey my bffs, do you remember that trip?????..I still have the little Plymouth booklet sitting on my desk in a basket, don’t ask why, I just do ) then after that we headed over to fabulous Boston for several days and then ended our trip in Salem. Oh how fun it was!!

Points of interest:

1) The House of the Seven Gables- where Nathaniel Hawthorne spent a lot of time. Have you been in the secret staircase its fabulous fun!! – The house was built in 1668 by Capt. Turner, later passed into the hands of the Ingersoll’s, who were cousins of Nathaniel Hawthorne. The writer frequently visited the home and may have had it in mind when he named his famous novel “The House of the Seven Gables”.

2) The Pirate museum, much more fun for the boys than moi, but a good time was had by all. Here you can re-live the adventures of Captain Kidd and Blackbeard.

3) Beautiful outdoor gardens on the water, don’t miss the one at The House of the Seven Gables.

4) Lovely little cafes, many of them on the water.

5) The Salem Witch museum- Here you will learn about the unfair trials, witness the testimony of the hysterical girls, the suffering of the blameless victims, and the decisions of the fanatical judges who sent innocent people to their deaths.

6) The Witch House- Considered one of the oldest houses in Salem, was the home of Judge Corwin, one of the judges of the witchcraft court. It is Salem’s only home with direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692.

and more…

visit here for more information if you are planning a trip to Salem or just interested in enhancing your Halloween fun and Spookiness.

Teddy, Sam and Moi a few years ago in the gardens at The House of the Seven Gables. Have you read the book???

I love my boys, they look so much younger in this picture and it was only a few years ago. Sam is now almost 16 and towers over me and they would NEVER hold hands with each other now , but they are always together Ollie was just a baby and sleeping in his stroller off with his dad exploring the grounds.

I found the Salem Witch Museum so fascinating. It still amazes me how one person can tell a lie and bring down so many innocent people as was the case here during the trials. Or so we were told…. So Spooky…..The dungeons were creepy.

The only house with direct ties to the Witch trials

If you are in the area stop by with your family and friends and have yourself one interesting little side trip…

{ painting by T. H. Matteson, 1855, courtesy of the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts}

The House of the Seven Gables was the highlight for me. Just thinking about Nathaniel Hawthorne being, visiting, living and writing there fascinated me.

I love to travel to far away exotic places but also have enjoyed places closer to home just as much. Every place I have ever been has delighted, inspired and thrilled me in some way.

I found the cutest Sailor Valentine to bring home from the gift shop at Hawthorne’s House. It hangs up in our hallway with American period antiques and a gorgeous hand hooked rug. The space is sparse the pieces are simple, straight clean lines, very simple and the Sailor Valentine looks great there. I also found a pewter tea pot that looks like Nathaniel could have poured his tea from while writing. I think after I’m finished with my post I will make some green tea and relax for a bit.

Painting a little Halloween fun last year…I need to work on my leaves????

{ A fun little cookbook you may want to add to your collection}

Perhaps if Mr. Hawthorne joined me for dinner and drinks, I would set a table similar to the one above that I set for a very rustic Autumn party we hosted outback in our very very old stone spring house last year…There were pewter mugs and pewter plates that everyone used for appetizers. It was a blast, many people came in costume. I was a beer Wench..of course!!

I serve this Pumpkin Cheese ball at everything I host during the Autumn months, it is easy and delicious to make.

I hope you enjoyed a quick tour of Salem, please click onto the link at the top of the post to learn more about Salem. Jojo and Poppy just came down for the Halloween festivities…I hope they behave themselves and stay out of trouble.

Have a wonderful Halloween, make some Bewitching memories!!

Next week I am going to a gift show at the home of a NYC producer of one very very popular morning show…I can’t wait and hope to post about it.

PS. I just want to thank all of you for the incredibly kind comments that were written on my previous post…it means the world to me!!

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crafting making macaroni Christmas trees with your children

January 11th, 2009

I have a entertaining and lifestyle company and I love to create fun, pretty things everyday. The most fun I have is when I am doing fun things with my sons. We re-created a great craft that I did when I was a child and that my parents still have in their home and put out each Christmas. Making these adorable sparkly creations is easy, relaxing, and inexpensive. I have three sons so they each chose a color and made a tree.

1) purchas tree shaped cones
2) spray paint your trees styrofoam base the color you plan to paint
macaroni- let dry
3) I used three three types of macaroni shells, regular seashell
medium bowties, and a spiral type shell, if you look closely you
should be able to see them
4) then just start gluing them on and filling in gaps until they are
covered completely
5) then spray paint them, make sure you use a spray paint that
will not melt your styrofoam
6) while paint is wet , sparkle with a glitter dust, I used a whitishy
silver on the silver tree and a gold on the other 2 trees
7) top with a star or christmas ball and Voila