Tag: holidays

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Black Cats and Halloween (2)

Note: Too all of you who indicated you could not see this original post sent on Thursday, October 31st due to a glitch, I am resending the message and working with WordPress to clarify the error.  Please enjoy the post if not for the first time, then most definitely a second!!!

108_0838 108_0839{Malcolm the Cat getting into the holiday spirit with harvested pumpkins}

Fall is one of my family’s favorite seasons, and we are thrilled when the month of October starts with the weather turning crisp and cool, along with the annual traditions within our community such as Oktoberfest, the Haunted Houses, the Jazz Festival and apple picking that make the month quite spectacular.

I never put a spooky spin on our front yard, but will pick a few pumpkins from the garden and strategically place them on the front porch alongside the earthy-colored chrysanthemums. And Malcolm our cat does his yearly rendition of attracting the trick or treaters attention by preening on the front porch until they ask if he is a real black cat, then he moves to authenticate his reality and then waits to be petted and hugged… he really is too much!!! I think what Malcolm really wants is to see what candy the children have in their bags, and hopes that one of them offers him a tasty treat.

Well tonight my family will be partaking in a few of their regular fall traditions such as the guy’s watching football on all the TV’s in the house (I am still not a true fan of the sport), handing out treats to all the ghouls and goblins and making a pot of thick and rich chili, the perfect comfort food for a spooky night!!

Have a Very Scary and Safe Halloween!!

K

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Luxury Where You Least Expect It

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Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday decorating in our neighborhood with lights of bright orange, fuchsia and underlying tones of deep purple glistening throughout the trees creating an air of wonderland. A spooky impression upon the houses start with creepy ornaments strewn across the lawns or front porches with bales of hay, cornstalks and carved jack-o-lanterns setting the scene for those ghouls and goblins who will trick or treat within the community in their carefully chosen outfits.

But, Halloween also marks the start of the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas and on into New Years in one whirling swoop. Most of us will attend party after party or even throw a few. Family and friends will pop in throughout the season for a delightful cup of cheer and a definite bite to eat. There will be days when you may be out from sunrise to sunset, darting from one function to the next in the blistering cold and heavy traffic.

IMG_1967{Do not forget your accessories during the holidays and on those busy days when you are going from work to a party make sure your essentials are within reach}

In order to get through these festivities in one elegant piece it will become necessary to set time aside for yourself. Start by treating yourself to regular manicures and pedicures along with regular massages. Make sure you have booked with your hairstylist for those necessary touch-ups, and remember it is the holidays and everyone’s schedules will book quickly. Note: “if we don’t look good, we will not feel good”, it is all about the “joie de vivre”, the exuberant enjoyment of life and the details of beauty.

There are many ways in which you may treat yourself luxuriously without spending a fortune. Keep a variety of cheeses in your fridge so, that you may have an assortment with crackers on those nights you stay home with a glass of wine.

Upload books to your iPad from the Public Library. You can search the library’s catalog, download a variety of titles, manage your account all from an app, and the great thing is that you do not have to physically step into the library to return your books. They are removed from your inbox and re-shelved for the next patron.

Korean Pumpkins{Korean Pumpkins from the Asian Market}

Curl up with a seasonal movie. There are many to choose from starting with classic Sci-fi or Hitchcock for Halloween to those adorable animated Christmas shows we all enjoyed growing up. Whichever show you decide to watch, make sure you have your soft leopard throw, a bowl of popcorn and the beverage of your choice at your finger tips, and then the evening is yours.

Remember with careful planning each of your galas will come off effortlessly. Schedule time in your calendar for just you, and you will feel absolutely luxurious!

Enjoy the holiday season!!!

K