A couple strolled hand & hand walking past the boutique window.  The lady spotted a pretty white cotton nightgown on a mannequin and commented "oh, I love that pretty nightie" (followed by a big sigh). The gentleman took "mental note" of what his sweetie said and they continued on with their stroll. When the opportunity presented itself, the gentleman snuck away and visited the shop owner to see if he could purchase the pretty white gown in the window. As luck would have it, it was the perfect size, the gown was carefully wrapped in pretty tissue, and the gentleman paid for his prized purchase.  A few days, later the couple revisited the boutique and thanked the shop owner, the gift was perfect, the lady felt special & loved and the gentleman.....rather proud of himself (to say the least) !

I came across these words and it reminded me to take a moment and be thankful. My son who has been working very hard towards his goal this past year was faced with some of life's disappointments. As his Mom, all I could do was offer words of encouragement that things would turn around for him. He needed to be patient. 

Then a phone call changed it all (at least for now) and he was offered a challenging job in another Province.  He would need lots of warm clothes, layers of warm clothes, and some courage as he faced new challenges.  I am so proud of my son, he has achieved so much in his young life, and he has become wise beyond his years.  I am so thankful......

There is much to do & plans to set in place before I depart.  I'm flying off into the sunset, well actually to Toronto. It's my Spring buying trip, can't wait to see what trends await for 2012 in fashion & home decor. 

A relatively uneventful flight except when the pilot announced a wheel needed to be changed before takeoff....hmmmmm  Touch down was smooth,the shuttle bus was on time and I "checked in" at a lovely hotel. King size bed, down duvet & and SO many pillows!

For 3 days I shopped for hours & hours. Who knew one could shop for so long but there was just SO much to see, decisions to be made, & pulling out the VISA card makes the wrist so sore!

Time to rest, soak my feet, and dream of HaPpY tHiNgs to come....all those parcels!

Winter has most definitely arrived! The wind has been relentless  roaring through the Valley causing the snow to swirl and drift into places it's not supposed to drift. The roads are hazardous and whiteouts are abundant, many schools and business closed (until further notice). I took this picture looking out my office window. The photo is deceiving because it has a particularly calming look to it, but trust me, it is anything but calm.

I love the look of the snow against the old wood.  The temperature is hovering at about -20 with wicked (and I mean WICKED) outflow winds. Mother Nature is showing us what *w *i *n*t*e*r is all about.

My darling little Malti-poo is dreading this time of year. Oh yes, he looks all cute and innocent, but trust me.....he hates wearing his new coat (any coat for that matter)!

So it is that time.  Time to make a cup of something lovely & hot, something to soothe the winter weariness away.  Perhaps add a sweet (or two).

Gathering a few of my favorite magazines, I will flip through the pages of inspiration & beautiful things. Dreaming of projects I will tackle in the Spring.

Most definitely dream of sunny days filled with green, florals, and COLOR!

Love, Health, Happiness ~ a simple recipe for 2012  Best Wishes, Jeanie

 

         

It is hard to believe another Christmas is just around the corner.  Time marches on and stops for no one and I find myself wondering where did the year go? Being the owner of a small boutique, I have been planning my buying, gearing up for this season, for months now.  In my personal life however,  my shopping trips are those of necessity and quick decision-making must be had. No second guessing as I have not had the luxury of time on my side.  Each year, a little voice inside my head echoes "I am going to be more organized" but unfortunately, it never quite pans out. That being said, now that I have actually written it on paper, perhaps next year I can sigh with relief, pat myself on the back, as I have stock piled the perfect gifts for my loved ones throughout the year. On top of my "done" list will be the pretty written Christmas Cards with personalized notes for all my special friends and family. That would be perfectly....perfect!   

The joy of visiting the Make-Up counter. So many different brands,colors....products galore!

It always makes the job easier if one has the correct tools. A brush for this and a brush for that. One thing I have learned is you can't "skimp" on the quality of your Make-Up brushes. It's much better to have one top notch brush rather than a few cheaper ones.

 I used to watch in anticipation as my Mom would apply her stepping-out-for-the-evening Make-Up. She was frugal and instead of using a specific "blush" she would dab her lipstick on a Kleenex and carefully smudge it on her cheeks. She would run a comb through her short stylish wavy hair. Clip on her earrings.  Leaving the best for last ~ she would slowly, meticulously apply her red lipstick. Taking the other corner of the Kleenex she would "kiss" the hanky making sure her lipstick was applied evenly ~ not too overdone. I like to think my love of Make-Up is hereditary, one of the more pleasant genetic traits I also share with my daughters.