My Little Secret Discovery - Melinda Maria Jewelry

 Jewelry, it's so personal.  Everyone has their own style, likes and dislikes. Do you like big chunky pieces or small delicate pieces?  Are you a minimalist or do you go by the credo of more is better? I've always had a hard time shopping for jewelry.  I don't like to stand out, I like the more delicate pieces, yet I always am impressed by the women who can wear these big chunky necklaces and layer them with just the right amount of panache.  They look so good!  But alas, I cannot pull it off.  I always seem to pick the most expensive thing in the store too.  I like it, but can't afford it.  While shopping for stocking stuffers this year, I can across Melinda Maria Jewelry at Nordstrom.  I also came across a very nice sales lady who tipped me off to some sale pieces.  The sale pieces were beautiful and 40% off.   So here are some of my favorite pieces, there are so much more and many of them are on sale now at Nordstrom.  Not all are on sale, sorry.

"Colin" on the left and "Sandra" on the right

I've ordered Colin for myself.  40% off right now. 

 "Frost" bangle on the left and "Thorn- Emilia" bangle on right.

"Thorn-Emilia" also comes in turquoise and it is stunning, Labradorite shown.

 "Mosaic-Monica" on the left and "Thalia" on the right.

Unknown on the left.  They have sold out since I began this post! and "Maggie" on the right

 "Palmer" pod stackable rings on the left and "Nicole" earrings on the right

These are just a couple of examples of her line.  She has various styles: large and chunky and small and delicate.  She also features turquoise and it looks beautiful cast in the gold.  

Take a look at her line and see if there is anything for you.  

*I have not been contacted or paid by Melinda Maria or Nordstrom.  I just like her stuff!

Family Get Togethers - Once a month

One of my New Years Resolutions is to get our family together once a month for a fun activity.  My children are grown up, so they can't always make it, but I will invite them and whoever comes, comes. Here is my list:

Griffith Observatory

January: We are having beautiful clear weather here right now and believe it or not, I have never been to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.  There is a park and hiking, plus there are shows you can see in the planetarium.  The shows cost $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.  The L.A. Zoo is nearby. 

Skiing Park City, Utah

February

 KI Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing

March: I've always wanted to do this, it looks fun.

 Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Iconic

April: Another thing I've never done and I hear it is not that strenuous of a hike. 

May: Delaney's Graduation from Cal State Fullerton

The Getty Museum Los Angeles

June: I've been here a couple of times, the grounds are gorgeous and the view is amazing.  

 4th of July in San Francisco

July: This one is a little bit of a stretch.  I would love to do this.  I would also like to see fireworks over the Statue of Liberty and The Washington Monument.  This one is definitely doable though. 

Corona Del Mar Beach

 Aug & Sept:  It's finally starting to heat up here and I would like to plan some beach days with some bon fires.  The only problem is, you have to get to the beach early to stake out a fire pit and then stay the whole day into the night for the bon fire.

Lucky Strike Bowling

Oct: Lucky Strike Bowling at night looks like fun. They play loud music, serve drinks and no one under 21 is allowed after 9.  I used to bowl all the time as a kid, but 20 years ago, HH hurt his back bowling and we have never been back.  This time he will just use a lighter ball or watch us! 

Pinetop Lake, AZ

Nov. - Visit my in laws cabin in Pinetop, AZ.  Maybe have Thanksgiving there.

 Disneyland Castle

Disneyland Small World

Dec. Visit Disneyland since it will be decorated for Christmas.  They do a great job and it really puts you in the holiday mood. 

So, there was my list.  I'm hoping I can stick to it.  I'm not a rigid person, so if something doesn't work out or we want to change the order, I'm okay with that.  Somehow, getting it down on paper makes it more likely to happen.  

I'm just looking forward to spending more time with my family doing some fun things and I hope you will be inspired to do the same. 

New Year's Eve - Champagne Punch

This is my favorite holiday punch and it is perfect for New Year's Eve.

Enjoy

4 cups pineapple juice, chilled

4 cups orange juice, chilled

1 cup vodka

1/4 cup grenadine

1 bottle Champagne, chilled 

garnish with orange slices

In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka and grenadine, stirring to combine.

To serve, add Champagne, stirring gently to combine.  Garnish with orange slices if desired. 

Happy New Year!

Christmas Woodland Tablescape

Welcome to my Woodland Tablescape.  I knew I wanted to do this theme for my Christmas table, but I was lacking in inspiration.  I wasn't sure how to tie it all together.  Then I saw Paige Knudsen's tablescape from her blog Simple Thoughts and I fell in love.  First, I just thought I would copy the whole thing, but I couldn't.  I had to put my mark on it.  But I totally stole her gold flaked log idea and the pinecone layout on top of the plate.  I wish I could find some antlers, but it was not meant to be.  Her tablescape is below. It's incredible. 

The little log slices can be found at Michaels, along with the sizing, sealer and gold flake.  I bought one bag of gold flakes and it was more than enough to do all six logs.  The sizing on the other had ran out after one, so I switched to modge podge  You have to apply the sizing and let it sit for about 20 minutes or so, until it becomes sticky.  When using the modge podge you have to apply the gold flakes just a couple of minutes after applying it. 

 My little helper is ready to start setting the table, so I better get started. 

 I got these cute little bottle brush ornaments at Pier 1.

 I haven't added the glasses or silverware yet.  Not sure what I want to use yet.

 I have a flocked tree this year, lightly tipped.  I love it.  The lights really seem to show up better. 

 Merry Christmas!

November

 Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be thankful for and this year it really hit home.  The Handsome Husband had quadruple bypass surgery in Oct.  He didn't have a heart attack, but didn't feel like he was getting his breath when he was working out hard.  So he went to the doctor and had a echo stress test and he needed surgery.  He is recovering quickly and looking forward to skiing in two weeks.  Oh, and his heart is 100% healthy.  Thankful.

 Katie had two visits to the emergency room.  She woke up blind in one eye one morning.  After 6 hours of tests, it turned out to be an Occular Migrane - no biggie.  Thankful.  The second visit was when her jaw dislocated.  Eight painful hours in emergency until the Oral Surgeon was called in at 2:30am and fixed her jaw in a blink of an eye.  Thankful.

 A loving family with all our kids close by to share with daily.  Thankful.

30 years in a loving marriage.  Thankful.

 20 years of blessed friendship with my BFF Annette.  Thankful.

I also reconnected with my high school best friend, Heather.  Thankful.

I could go on and on counting my blessings.

I'm so very Thankful.