Happy New Year! Many wishes for a wonderful, beautiful, and prosperous year for us all!
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Images via Pinterest
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Holiday. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Holiday. Tampilkan semua postingan
Selasa, 01 Januari 2013
Selasa, 25 Desember 2012
Merry Christmas!
While celebrating the day with family and friends, please remember the true reason for the season, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Senin, 24 Desember 2012
It's Time to Settle In, Count My Blessings and Enjoy My Lovelies!
Today started out great! Pete and I didn't get moving until 10:30am or so, and when we did it was one laughing moment after another. We weren't rushed to do anything and it was wonderful. Once we finally got out, we just knew with it being Christmas Eve, we were going to be in traffic, in line at the stores, and just in utter frustration. It was quite the opposite! I don't know if it was because we were in such a great mood or because it was a very light and easy day, but we encountered only the loveliest of people, got some great last minute gifts at incredible prices, and totally enjoyed being out together (ALONE! A very rare moment)! I'm so glad it worked out this way because I love shopping on Christmas Eve and Pete doesn't care for shopping on any day! He was a real trooper and really got into it by purchasing a few last minute gifts without any prodding from me! If he felt pressured into going, he never let on for a second!
Now that we're back home, it's time to prepare for tomorrow. We'll wrap the last of the gifts, watch some of our favorite Christmas classics, and begin cooking! I love this part of the day when everyone is home, the house smells good from the food that's being prepared, and there's lot's of chatter, laughter, and well, the occassional argument between siblings! Hmmm, before I get started I think I will take a little nap! We all know it is going to be a long night!
I hope you all have the most AMAZING holiday with your family and loved ones!
Rhonda
Image and Quote via my Pinterest boards
Jumat, 21 Desember 2012
Organizing a Stress Free Party by Preparing Easy To Cook Recipes from Your Food Storage
It is common for most of us to create a grocery list of items to buy when we are planning a party at home. Most of our pantries simply do not have all the ingredients needed to make a couple of dishes that could feed all of the guests. However, if you must organize a party using the food you have from your food storage, here are a few tips on how to pull it off.
Choose Simple Recipes
There are hundreds of simple holiday and party recipes you can whip up using preserved or canned ingredients. From canned beans to frozen turkey, you can create an easy Christmas dinner from supplies you have on hand. Your creativity may be tested if your ingredients do not match the recipe requirements perfectly, but you can easily find substitutes among the ingredients you already have in storage. Recipes with 4 to 5 ingredients are always best, and choose those that can work with canned or preserved ingredients.
Choosing What to Include in Food Storage
An important element when it comes to have all you need for a party even if you are drawing from stored food reserves are the choice of food that you have in store. Plenty of canned ingredients, as well as frozen meats are always first options. You can get your fill of sugars by canning overripe fruits using sugar or natural honey. Sugar and honey are natural preservatives, and the principles of making fruit jams are very basic and very easy to learn. Packaged pie crusts, taco shells, and dumpling wraps which can be frozen are readily available as well, and will be perfect compliments to a holiday dinner with friends and family.
Advantages of Having the Right Food Storage Plans
Having the right storage plans for your food is very important if you have to have ample supply within easy access at home. This even makes party planning even more easier since you have eliminated the need to go shopping. However, food spoils easily, so make sure to use food containers are designed for long-term storage. Choose reusable plastic containers marked with 'PP' or 'LDPE', which means that the plastic will not leach chemicals into the food. Check for adequate sealing around the rim for plastic and glass containers to ensure that the container is airtight, especially if you are planning to store food for months. Also, avoid heating the food directly on the plastic container since this could leach more chemicals into the food as well.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
About the Guest Author
Agnes Jimenez is a professional blogger and writer. She writes for many online establishments and supports those ones that offer practical lifestyles to consumers. As a frugal living and emergency preparedness advocate, she recommends FoodInsurance.com for budget conscious individuals who are looking for easy food storage plan ideas. You may connect with Food Insurance in Facebook.
Kamis, 20 Desember 2012
Comfort and Joy with a Couple of Stories To Boot!
So I'm watching Million Dollar Decorator's last night, (I DVR'd the series), and it's about Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, and Kathryn Ireland's participation in the Greystone Mansion Show House featured in Luxe Magazine. Everyone who really knows me, knows that I totally get a kick out of Mary McDonald! She is a hoot! During the first season, after the episode aired where she designed a zig zag floor for her client Jill, Jill requests that Mary pay an immediate visit to her home to see the floor. Mary walks in and exclaims, "I love it"! Jill dryly said, "I don't". Well, Gillian and I would go back and forth with this exchange and also threw in when Mary said, in reference to another client, "Clients don't know what they want. I know what they want"! I sent Mary a message on Facebook telling her how Gillian, six years old at the time, and I would imitate her and had a blast doing it; she replied by telling me, "I'm not so sure a six year old should be watching me"! She went on to say a few other things that were totally hilarious, and I loved it! Sadly, she was kinda right! LOL!!!
Anyhoo, I was blown over when I saw that she was doing the grand hallway in the mansion! Needless to say I was glued to this episode to see if what they were going through was reflective of what I am going through now...and yes! Thank goodness it's not just me feeling a wee bit stressed by this whole process! At the end of the episode when Mary warns not to do a hallway, hmmm...you're a bit too late with that piece of advice Mare!
The holidays can be pretty stressful. When my kids were younger; yes, I know they are only twelve and seven, but when they were much younger, I would almost obsess over making a perfect holiday season for them, beginning with Thanksgiving. I would do many of the things that my parents would do with my brother and I while growing up. Those memories are some I will treasure for the rest of my life! A friend of mine and I were talking about how we would wake Christmas morning and already have certain toys already put together and ready for us to enjoy! I'll never forget when my brother got a train set and my dad spent the night mounting it to a big piece of plywood and placed it on casters to make it easy for him to roll under his bed when he was done playing with it. That same Christmas, I was for some reason, into wanting to be a secretary or something? Hmmm, doesn't sound quite like me but let's just go with; I had an L-shaped corner desk already set up with a typewriter, Bugs Bunny pencil sharpener, and Bugs Bunny task lamp styled nicely for my enjoyment! So, this is what Pete and I did for Noah and Gillian. They're older now, not to mention times have totally changed and we don't get to do this anymore...
The wonderful thing now is they love being together as a family and doing things! I'm so glad Noah is still very much a family guy. I hope he stays this way. Gillian, well she's a bit dramatic, but this kid loves to give. I have not taken them shopping yet; yes, I know time is ticking! I actually love the energy of last minute shopping. I know, sounds a little crazy, but what can I say! I digress, Gillian has written everyone in the family letters and placed them under the Christmas tree. I have to share this! In her letter to Santa, she immediately begins it by apologizing for being bad and explaining to him that she just can't help it! She also ends it with what she wants for Christmas! She wasn't gonna let that slip by! Afterall, the whole confession part of the letter was calculated, don't you think? My mom asked her if she'd been good, and she told her quite simply, no! Hey, at least my kid is honest!
I actually like to prepare holiday meals! These are pretty much the only meals I get excited about cooking. Don't get me wrong, I cook and sometimes actually enjoy it depending on the day, mostly my mood, or the occassion! I'm not much of a baker, though. I wish I were. Maybe one day when I grow up! Maybe, just maybe (far away, longing look in my eyes). Until then I'll just enjoy the goodies that my friends bake for me, as well as the ones I can pop into shops and bakeries and purchase!
I'm sure many of you can relate to needing a nice little something, something at the end of the day; hmmm, or maybe during the day to assist in bringing you down a couple of notches and helping you shake off the dust of the day! I don't think there is anything wrong with that! My fav thing to do though, is to curl up on a cold day in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, some scrumptuous pastry, and my faux fur throw! This time of year, I love to go into the room where the Christmas tree is and just sit there and admire the beauty of the lights and the sparkly refection of the ornaments. For some reason, it calms me, centers me, and reminds me that my life truly is amazing and I am more than blessed to have the family, friends, colleagues, aquaintances, etc., etc. Everyone that crosses my path has a reason for doing so, and I am very humbled and grateful for them.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Selasa, 18 Desember 2012
What if Ornaments Were all You Had?
Happy Holidays everyone. I’m so excited to be here on Rhonda’s blog sharing a few holiday decorating ideas with you.
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are a thousand and one approaches you can take! Most people opt to use lots of different elements like garland, ribbon, pinecones, branches and holiday pics to make their holiday décor come to life. Most years, I tend to be on the side of “more is better” but this year I took a slightly more simplistic approach to my décor and decorated primarily with just ornaments. During the process of decorating and to challenge my creativity in order to achieve the stylish look of Christmas that I love so much, I had to pose this question to myself, What if Ornaments Were all you Had?
Well, that question can easily be answered and decorating for Christmas can be easily be done with just ornaments. If you need proof, I’m here to share some inspiring Christmas decorating ideas where Ornaments are the Star of the Party!
Group a collection of ornaments all in the same color family together in glass bowls and jars to create a dynamic centerpiece for your coffee or dining table.
The chandelier over your dining table is the perfect spot to showcase beautiful holiday ornaments. Hang ornaments from clear fishing line to give the impression that the ornaments are floating.
A cluster of ornaments hung in front of a window will not only add cheer for those inside your home, but for anyone that passes by.
Add a little holiday cheer to the backs of your dining chair with a dangle of holiday ornaments. If you’re having a holiday dinner, let the guest take home the ornaments off their tree as a festive party favor.
Who says a holiday wreath has to be made of evergreen boughs? Use your craftiness to create a stunning ornament wreath that will definitely had shine and shimmer to your home.
A tree decorated with ornaments collected over the years is probably one of the most meaningful ways you can décor. Use a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and make sure to bury some ornaments deep into the branches to give your tree lots of depth.
Want to really make a statement with ornaments, then create an ornament garland to hang over a window or down a staircase. A chicken wire form will create the base your need to wire on all the ornaments with ease.
Scatter ornaments along the mantel for a simple yet stylish holiday look.
And finally, create your own version of a holiday chandelier by grouping different styles of holiday ornaments together in a tiered cluster. Hang from the ceiling over a doorway, above a bed or in a hallway for an unexpected holiday touch.
I hope you’re inspired to pull out a few of those ornaments in the attic and create some new looks in your home this holiday!
Happy Holidays & Happy Decorating!
All of these images and more holiday inspiration can be found on the ConfettiStyley Merry, Merry Pinterest board!
Selasa, 11 Desember 2012
Front Doors Dressed To Greet Holiday Guests
Whether you're hosting a holiday soiree for dozens or just a few friends over for an afternoon or evening of fun, what a delightful way to welcome them than with festive holiday decorations! It can be something as simple as a wreath with a red bow or as elaborate as the entire entry dressed to impress with twinkling lights, trees, and poinsettas. Whatever your decorating plan, nothing says festive more so than a front door dressed in it's holiday finest!
via google images
via google images
via google images
Now, if you haven't already dressed your front door, I hope you're shutting down your computer at the end of this posting and running right out to get your look together! Even if you're not entertaining, do it for the most important person in your life...you!
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Kamis, 29 November 2012
Deck the Halls: How to Throw the Perfect Christmas Party
With Christmas approaching, many of us will begin thinking about getting together with friends and family for festive gatherings. Christmas is the ultimate party season with research suggesting a 7% rise in Americans attending Christmas parties back in 2011. Perhaps this year you’ll be the one to host a party in your home, whether that be a small, intimate soiree or a full blown event on a much larger scale. Whichever you decide, here are some tips to ensure that your big bash is stylish, sophisticated and full of holiday spirit.
Decorating your home for a Christmas party doesn’t always mean dragging out ancient, garish baubles and strings of green tinsel. Over the last few years, Christmas décor trends have veered on the creative, eccentric side with Gothic and fantasy themes prevalent. This year, however, Christmasworld suggests that décor is getting back to basics with white, classic, natural and self made decorations coming back.
With this in mind, why not opt for a classy, sophisticated ‘white Christmas’ theme with white decorations, crystal tableware and clear, twinkling fairy lights. Jazz it up with some silver tinsel, hanging snowflakes and white, floral table decorations – poinsettias and mistletoe are ideal, traditional Christmas flowers.
Minimalism is always a great way to secure a contemporary, crisp look with defined shapes and patterns. Bear this in mind when decorating your tree; sparse decorations and elegant LED lighting can make your tree a classy centre piece to your party.
Ambience
Any party needs a good ambience and in order to set a relaxed, festive mood for your guests you need to consider a sensory itinerary including subtle lighting, appropriate music and even inviting smells.
An open fire is a great way to provide a cosy, warming atmosphere but you may find that it could over heat a small room full of guests, so opt for candles instead. Despite minimalism being a great cornerstone for décor, Christmas is all about abundance and so stacking candles or tee lights together in vast numbers as a means of creating low lighting can really give a voluminous, luxurious effect.
Creating a suitable playlist is also essential for any party. If you’re trying to opt for a stylish, elegant mood then choosing 1940s greats such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Sinatra are both classy and Christmassy. Instrumental music is also a nice way to provide relaxing, background noise.
Mulled wine, gingerbread, cinnamon, pine – these are all smells that we associate with Christmas and these days can often be found all year round in the form of extravagant, scented candles. These are a great way to light the room as well as providing those memorable Christmas smells. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on these then use the real items themselves – a fresh tree or a pan of mulled wine left heating on the stove will fill the house with lovely fragrances.
The Dress
As host, all eyes will be on you so making sure that you look as fabulous as your home does is imperative. This year some of the ultimate fashion trends include sequinned dresses which have inspired a collection by desginer Anna Sui. What better way to sparkle this Christmas than to be covered in sequins? Other popular fashion trends this year include metallics, velvet and lace dresses. Teamed with bright coloured tights and chunky wedge heels you can combine chic and fun at the same time in order to be the belle of the ball.
Food and Drinks
Elegant finger foods that can be handed around on a platter are a must have for your Christmas party. There are several types of hors d’oeuvres, canapés and miniature versions of classic dishes that you can offer out casually to your guests so why not try and adapt some Christmas favourites in your scrumptious selection? Open, miniature mincemeat tarts could be an alternative to regular mince pies whilst Welsh rarebit, smoked salmon and even turkey/cranberry wrapped in puff pastry are all delicious savoury options.
When it comes to drinks, mulled wine is always a Christmas favourite and easy to make in large quantities. However for a more glamorous edge then why not try making your own cocktails. Cosmopolitans and mojitos are popular all year round but for that extra festive decadence, indulge in some Irish Cream liqueur based cocktails or infuse rich, liqueurs such as Borbourn and cognac with Christmassy spices and cloves. A sure way to warm your guest’s cockles and ensure that nobody wants to be left in trust of the designated driver position.
Rabu, 07 November 2012
Tis The Season To Be Stylish: Festive Christmas Tree Decorations and Home Decor
With the holiday season hurtling towards us at a rapid speed, it’s that time of year again when we start to prepare for the perfect Christmas. With so much to think about in the run up to Christmas, festive decorations don’t always take immediate priority. A lot of us slip into the habit of using the same old tired decorations year after year, citing ‘tradition’ when really we’re just too tired from doing everything else; but why not go that extra mile this year? Our environments have a huge impact on how we feel, and a festive interior can really enhance a festive spirit. Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary festive décor, or a fusion of both; adorning your home with the perfect festive style is both easily to do and great fun for any design junkie.
Traditional all the way!
The ‘traditional style’ is a safe, tried and tested way to go. A real tree, seasonal foliage, candle bridges, nativity scenes, reds, gold and greens. All the stuff you grew up with. Going the traditional route means you can still introduce those little personal homely touches (such as home made Christmas decorations) without being too restricted by a distinct style.
A Very Chicmas
In complete contrast; if your home is decorated in a sophisticated, sleek and contemporary style, it only makes sense that your festive decorations work in harmony. More and more companies are catering for those after something a little more high fashion for Christmas, yet the style isn’t necessarily as expensive to obtain as you might think – and it’s never been so sought after. With plenty of online deals out there, you just need to get inspired and shop around. Black Christmas trees have become quite popular in recent times, as have ‘upside down trees’, both being strikingly modern takes on the classic, whilst a contemporary sculptural metal or wooden Christmas tree becomes as much a piece of art, as it does a festive focal point in your living room. More simplified colour palettes, such as black and silver, or just pure white, will ooze glamour and fabulosity.
Festive Fusions
Like many interior designers so often do, fusing the old with the new always works a charm. You can still embrace traditional Christmas décor whilst introducing a modern, stylish and unique twist to it. Perhaps the simplest way to achieve this is by keeping the basics traditional, but using a modern colour scheme that compliments your home. For example instead of the traditional red, green and gold, why not go plum, copper and bronze? Or perhaps turquoise, white and silver? This is a very easy way to achieve something different, without straying too far from the comfort of tradition – which is what Christmas is all about. Style injections of glamour, vintage shabby chic, and quirky woodland charm all work well next to the traditional Christmas aesthetic.
A few festive tips:
- Rearranging Furniture: If you’re entertaining over Christmas consider rearranging your furniture to maximize comfort and practicality for your guests. Give people enough space to stand and mingle, and enough comfortable seating to sit down and talk.
- Get it cosy: There’s no better excuse than the festive season to make your home indulgently comfortable, cosy and snuggly. Adding things like faux fur throws, sumptuous cushion cases and a lovely soft rug are all things that can subtly transform your living room into a beautiful, cosy, festive retreat - and if you shop smart it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Buying things that work alongside your festive décor and colour scheme will help unify the overall style of the room that much more, tying all those little touches together.
- Lighting: Warm mood lighting is perfect for those decadent Christmas evenings and can be achieved in many ways alongside your existing lighting. Lanterns and candles are great for this, and look fantastic flickering around the fireplace. Choosing candles with festive scents can help ensure that your festive spirit burns bright well into the evening. When it comes to your Christmas tree, always go for clear fairy lights as opposed to multi-coloured ones. As pretty as multi-coloured lights are, they dilute any carefully chosen colour scheme as soon as they’re turned on.
- Table Wear & Table Decorations: Since the Christmas dinner table is the most important table you’ll lay all year, it’s only right that you go to town on it. It goes without saying that napkins, crackers, and table dressings should all compliment the rest of your scheme - and don’t be afraid to go a little opulent. If your style is more contemporary, go glamorous where you’d usually go festive. For example, a traditional foliage centre piece can be replaced with a chic silver candle holder with a scattering of glass crystals around it to catch the light. Think Christmas dinner at Anna Wintour’s house. Another nice touch is personalized Christmas cracker gifts. Empty crackers are easy to come by and you can treat your guests to personal gifts they’d actually appreciate, instead of the normal tacky gifts that are often included in pre-filled crackers. A more contemporary alternative would be little personalized gifts placed in small boxes, much like wedding favours.
- If it doesn’t exist, make it: If you’re struggling to find that perfect centre piece for your table or you haven’t found the right wreath – then make them! If you have kids, get them to give you a hand. Activities such as this are rewarding and get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Make it AMAZING!,
Rhonda
* Special Contributor, Evelyn Burke
Rabu, 04 Juli 2012
Senin, 28 Mei 2012
Happy Memorial Day!
Words truly cannot express how so very grateful I am for the sacrifice of those who have and are currently serving in our nations armed forces and the sacrifices of their families! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is your benevolence that allows me the peace of mind and freedom to pursue my goals and dreams, and have a life of prosperity. God bless you all!
xoxo,
Rhonda
*google images
Rabu, 23 Mei 2012
What I'm Serving Up This Weekend!
Memorial Day is a big holiday for my family! There are so many of us that have served and are currently serving in the armed forces, so we always make a point of celebrating this day! It doesn't hurt that it is a three day weekend that includes graduations, and quite a few birthdays as well! We all have such an amazing time together! Oh my, if you could be one of the flies and mosquitos that frequent these events you would have to linger a while just as our pesky uninvited friends do! It truly is the best time! We have loads of food! It really is something to behold! Next to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is definitely a holiday where we know there will be more than plenty to eat and take away! In fact, we are usually begging everyone to take food home with them! Have you started planning for your weekend? If you're hosting the festivities or a guest, there is an array of dishes to prepare, serve, and take to your party! There needs to be no stress at all! What I have learned over the years is that my family only remembers really bad food! Ha! I have had my moments, believe me! It's the fun of being together and sharing laughs, and making new memories that fuel the conversations for years to come!
A variety of drinks is essential! Here in Little Rock, the weather will be hot and humid, so having different fruit punches, lemonade, and without a doubt, sweet tea is a must!
Thankfully, everyone in my family loves vegetables! The one thing that I like to do is to think of creative ways to serve vegetables without having to necessarily have a plate. We always have a lovely green salad, but how fun it is to have cerviche, celery, carrots, and peppers with dressing in a cup! Doesn't that tomato, aavocado, and mozzarella salad look divine! I've not done the bite sized lettuce wedges before, but I will be preparing them this weekend!
My family is also full of carnivores! So there will be the usual slabs of ribs, loads of barbeque chicken, fried catfish, grilled shrimp, brisket...you get the idea! There will also be tubs of barbeque baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, etc., etc.!
And last but certainly not least, the dessert table will be laid from end to end with every kind of dessert imagineable! I love that we always have fresh fruit! It just wouldn't be right without it, as we add it to the ice cream, pies, and cakes that abound!
Still not sure what your plans are? Well whatever you decide...
Make it amazing!
Rhonda
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