las noches de las luminarias

Last night it was my husband's birthday and to celebrate his special day we attended the las noches de las luminarias display that was held at the Desert Botanical Gardens. We had a nice dinner surrounded by luminaries and had an overview of the city peeking thru the cacti and brush. We then walked throughout the entire gardens on lighted paths where live music was playing and Dickens Carolers were signing throughout. It was not only beautiful but at times you forgot that you were even in the city.

Here are some of my favorite photos that we captured.

Missed You

I had a my winter wonderland after all. Luckily, we did not get stuck anywhere and we made it to all of our destinations safe and sound despite driving 6 1/2 hrs in a blizzard after a 3 hr flight. We had a fabulous time seeing our family and friends and making some memorable Christmas memories.

I hope you all had a nice holiday that was spent with those that you love.

Here is a recap of my winter wonderland vacation that was held at my sister's lake home in Minnesota.

Enjoy!

PS: I would love to hear about your holiday!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

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Winter Wonderland

I haven't been able to experience a true winter for several years and that is all about to change. We are flying home today to celebrate the Christmas holiday with our family and friends. As much as I miss seeing snow I do not miss the cold temps whatsoever. (I'm talking the frigid, below zero temps)! The weather channel is promising temps in the teens and twenties. Lets hope that doesn't change and our winter wonderland will treat us kindly. I'll be back next week until then enjoy this joyous time with those you love.

{image via here}

Cute and Cozy

We fly back home (to the frozen tundra) for Christmas this week and needless, to say I don't have a lot of warm clothing. I spotted some of these items on Etsy (did I mention Etsy is one of my addictions that I need to get under control).

Here are some items I am adoring and wishing I owned at this very moment:

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Weekend delight

Happy Friday to all my dear readers. Hope you all have a great weekend and have time to relax between all of the last minute shopping and baking that seems to be consuming everyone's days. This weekend my husband and I are going to have a nice dinner and open our presents as we are flying back home next week to spend Christmas with our families.

{image via weheartit}

Childhood Classic Christmas Movies

No matter how old I am I still make time to keep one of my favorite childhood memories alive which happens to be watching these three, classic Christmas movies. Simply. the. Best!

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Check out this Giveaway!

You will want to check out this giveaway that Lisa is doing over at her site! You won't be sorry! Let's just say it has to do with really cute fashion items, its homemade (best gifts ever) and it will keep you warm!

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Cranberries and Candles

I love the simplicity yet elegant looks you can get from decorating with cranberries. My favorite is the luminary look as shown below. Best of all cranberries are inexpensive and the decorating options are endless.

photo via here

photo via here

Photo via here

Cocoa Comfort

Doesn't this hot cocoa look wonderful? Well, it was! It was some of the best hot cocoa I have ever had. This cup of cocoa is what kept me warm during my day trip in Reims France this past October. Tonight I am at home lounging around due to my back hurting and the only thing that can make me feel somewhat better is by having some hot cocoa and watching a Christmas movie.

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

In case you are struggling with what to get a certain someone on your list here are some fun, easy, and most of all really cute homemade Christmas gift ideas!

Photo via here

photo via here

I have to admit I am loving this!

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Do any of you make and give homemade Christmas gifts? If so, what do you make or if you have received a favorite homemade Christmas gift what was it?!

Could Not Say it any Better

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Berries and Snow

I think this is an amazing photo and a reminder that the winter season really can be a beautiful time of the year.

{photo via here}

A Christmas Cookie Story

Only one more week left of work and then I am on vacation for 2 1/2 weeks! This past week I have kept my groups busy with making Christmas ornaments and reading this book

'Christmas Cookies Bite Size Holiday Lessons'. I love this book as it speaks on what is family, and what does sharing and caring look like during the holiday season. Lessons that are always important for the young and old alike.

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Ski Cap Candles

I think these ski cap candles from Anthropologie are so adorable! For under $30 they certainly make a great gift.

Christmas Shopping in Paris

What a wonderful time of year it is but wouldn't it be better to be Christmas shopping in Paris?

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Happy 101

My wonderful friend Lisa gave me a shout out last week for this fun blog award. Thank you, Thank you!!

The rules are:

List ten things that make you happy

Try and do one of them today

Tag ten bloggers that brighten your day

1. Eating cupcakes- you have no idea how much I love cupcakes

2. Getting new makeup. A new lipgloss can instantly make me happy.

3. Bubble baths.

4. My job. I love being able to work with kids that inspire me.

5. Coming home and my husband having a surprise for me for no reason.

6. Baking.

7. Roaming HomeGoods and Target- its my form of therapy.

8. Talking on the phone with my best friends and sister.

9. Spending lazy afternoons out by the pool reading a good book.

10. I love seeing white/ twinkle lights on trees no matter what time of the year it may be.

I really could go on and on as I do see myself as someone who is easy to please. I do have a lot of things I have learned to be thankful for. As I get older I do find myself being more thankful for what I have already accomplished in my life and what I do have vs what I do not have. I have really learned its who we are and not we have that makes a person happy.

Now for my 10 (sorry I only got to 5)

1. Everyday Adventures of a Curious Gal

2. TheTomKat Studio

3. Ella's Halo

4. you can call me Chris

5. m.e

Thanks for all the blogging inspiration and if you know of a blog site that I may enjoy please let me know!

Party Scene

I thought I would share with you some of the touches from my Ornament Exchange party. I had never made a flower arrangement before. It didn't turn out exactly how I pictured but it worked nonetheless. We ate lots of yummy food, had hot cocoa, reindeer slush, and some delicious peppermint fudge.

Matzo Toffee

One of my party guests/ wonderful friend Heather brought this treat to my party this weekend. Its Matzo Toffee. It was so delicious and all of us could not stop eating it (Thank goodness for Zumba the next day)! This a great treat and I am sure you will be pleased with it. It also would make a great treat for anyone who may be getting ready to celebrate Hanukah which begins on Friday.

{Image and Recipe Via: Martha Stewart}

Candy Cane Dessert

I am hosting my annual ornament exchange party tonight and I came across this adorable treat. I decided that these candy cane hearts would make the perfect treat for my favor bags. These candy cane hearts were really simple to make and this also would make a fun activity to do with little ones. However, the melted vanilla candy bark is very hot at first and I also added peppermint extract to my melted candy bark. I hope my guests enjoy this sweet treat!

Adorable right?

Recipe via here

He's Back

Have you seen him yet? You know, that cute little brown guy that will never let you down, will only make you smile as he is made with goodness, and best of all he still loves you even if you bite his head off!

{Image Via here}

{Image Via here}

A Classic Christmas Home

I love the colonial style home. Add some pretty snow (if mother nature is nice) and decorate with my favorites; topiaries, wreaths, and garland to have the perfect Christmas home. Simply stunning.

{Images Via: Traditional Home}

Festive Glitter

All that you need for this holiday season to shimmer and shine! I just couldn't resist how festive some of these holiday pieces are!

{Via J.crew}

(fingers are crossed that Santa brings me this fun belt!)

{Via J.Crew}

{Via J. Crew}

(So adorable even though it may only be practical for Vegas or not?!)

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(Loving this fun hair accessory even though I have no place where I could wear this)

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(Love this fun, party ring!- Plus, wouldn't it look adorable with the hairpiece from above)