December Wonderland

 IMG_1125{Ice intensifying the colors of the plants outside, look at the shades of green}

Here are additional pictures from the second round of Winter Storm Dion that deposited about five inches of snow around our area here in Northern Virginia. Federal Government offices were closed in the District of Columbia; tree damage and power outages were prevalent and schools closed so, that we could batten down for the morning to wait out the remainder of the storm with a second cup of coffee.

IMG_1130{Ice clinging to the “crepe myrtle”}

IMG_1155The concentration of the storm around 9:00 this morning, look at the ice bending the bamboo plants in the background.

IMG_2237As the sky cleared around 1:50 this afternoon, most of the neighbors were out shoveling snow and ice off the sidewalks and driveways.

IMG_1169A stylish sunset rounded out the beauty of the day, and to see the gorgeousness of these clouds, one could not imagine how cold it actually is outside.

Stay warm,
K

Luxury Where You Least Expect It

IMG_0229
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