its that time again



(Filofax in Rasberry)

(click on photos to purchase)

I am on the hunt for a planner for the New Year. (I can't believe 2010 is here!)
This is one of my favorite things to do in the new year,
start writing in my new planner and fill it with lots of colorful ink.
Above are 2 that I am considering.
One is a beautiful leather in berry, my favorite color.
The other is one filled with delicious inspirational quotes and
lots of super great resources.
oh decisions, decisions....
i might just have to hold out until i find the perfect one.
What do you think?

romance at its finest

I am in the mood for a little romance.
 I found that creating a romantic theme in the house can evoke a sense of comfort, coziness and bliss. Roses, candle light, soft lace and pictures of loved ones can give that essence. 
Here you can find some beautifully adorned romantic cottages 
and a little about the people who have created them. 
Romance~ify your bedroom and see what it brings to your life. 







xoxo

Which Domestic Goddess are you?



(aphrodite's dream bedroom)


For thousands of years, goddesses from all cultures have inspired women to develop their inner strengths and individuality. And ever since cave paintings, our homes have been about so much more than just shelter -- they are a reflection of our true selves. What does your home have to say about your inner goddess?
I took this quiz over at ivillage because i was dying to know what kind of domestic goddess I truly am.

I scored 72.4%


Aphrodite
The goddess of love whose domain is the bedroom and garden, Aphrodite is the ultimate romantic spirit. If you are ruled by Aphrodite, you are energetic and spontaneous, emotional and romantic, a gifted decorator and a fine gardener. Small details and pretty touches are one of Aphrodite's trademarks -- scented soaps in the bathroom or a bowl of dried rose petals in the bedroom will bring your inner goddess to the fore. Rich floral prints, the look of layer upon layer in window treatments, the most delicate of laces, and soft velvets can make any room in your house or apartment a place of love and romance. Feel free to experiment with rich sensual colors -- the mossiest of greens, the deepest of pinks -- to bring a different kind of depth to your surroundings. (Aphrodite isn't shy about her wants.) Cut flowers or a small bowl filled with pebbles and a single daffodil bulb will bring the spirit of Aphrodite into the house, even in midwinter. Use candles, particularly scented ones, to let your inner Aphrodite free and follow your instincts. Keep in mind that your focus on love and romance might lead you to neglect some parts of your life that need tending. Take inspiration from Athena, and remember, being just a bit more organized will make your life that much easier.

You should head on over to ivillage and take it now for your domestic goddess profile!

xoxo



outdoor tea time

There is nothing like spending the holidays on the west coast. It means warm weather, beautiful skies and if you are lucky you might get a little pool time in. I was thrilled to be in Palm Springs this Thanksgiving with the people I love the most. We did our fare share of scarfing down the goodies and to offset the overflowing stomachs, we had tea time. It was so lovely to sit on the patio for some good visits and tea. Oh what a joy it was! As a domestic woman I love to create beautiful settings to sip tea and such...here are a few I'd like to keep in my mind. 





(images from: HousetoHome)
xoxo

turkey and pie, oh my! and a little thanksgiving inspriation
















(images courtesy of: CountryLiving.com & Marthastewart.com)


I am about to embark on my trip to Palm Springs to celebrate this holiday. I am already thankful for SO much. My boyfriend got a part in a tv show, my sister is feeling way better from her sniffles and I get to see my favorite 9 year old in the world, little miss sophia. Oh how I can't wait to begin the cooking and decorating festivities. When you dress your home for the Holidays this year, think back to your favorite childhood memories and be thankful for them. Dress your home to your delight and incorporate your favorite colors and aromas. I know I can't wait to, its the preparation process that delights me the most. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xoxo

decorating...holiday style





Candles, candles everywhere!
 I love the beginnings of the holidays because it means at any point in time it is OK to start the Christmas embellishments (ie. music, candles, decorations, lights,etc.)
HGTV.com has a cute step-by step guide to creating an uber cute holiday centerpiece. 
Please, get creative with it. By ALL means, go ALL out! It's your table, make it your own! 


Materials and Tools:

2 large white glittering tree-shaped candles  2 small glittering white candles  2 medium glittering white candles  1 large glittering white candle 4 tall champagne flutes several strands of beaded crystal garland  small clear, white or silver glass Christmas balls  large clear, white or silver glass Christmas balls 2 bags of artificial snow

Steps:

1. Place two large white tree-shaped candles approximately 16 inches apart in the center of a server, console or dining room table.

2. Place the tall champagne flutes in a staggered row behind tree-shaped candles. Surround champagne flutes and tree-shaped candles with artificial snow (figure A).

Figure E

3. Fill champagne flutes two-thirds full with snow (figure B). Arrange small, medium and large glittering white candles around tree-shaped candles and in front of champagne flutes, place the smallest candles toward the front of the arrangement.

Figure D

4. Next, add clear or silver ornaments to the arrangement, nestling them into the snow (figure D).

Figure F

5. Drape beaded crystal garland from champagne flutes; tucking the garland ends into the snow in each flute. To help hold the garland in place, pile small silver, clear or white glass ornaments in the top of each flute (figure F).

6. Sprinkle more snow on table around the base of the arrangement to resemble a snow drift, light candles and enjoy the simple, elegant and frosty centerpiece.


Enjoy!


happy thanksgiving!


I LOVE THANKSGIVING TIME!
Last night was my first sighting of the holiday. I was driving around the beautiful neighborhoods of Hollywood and saw a huge christmas light display on a gorgeous home. I went home immidiately and played some christmas music. It gave me the chills. I love all of the smells of this time of year, the fall just makes me so happy. It's truly the beginning of the holiday season. Even the Starbucks has the pumpkin lattes on special. 
I am spending this holiday week in Palm Springs, CA with clark's family. It will be my first holiday with the Koelch's. His mom, grandma and sister are so much fun and I cant wait to cook with the family. I will be bringing one of my favorite recipe's from the FAT FREE VEGAN blog. The double-layer pumpkin cheesecake is out of this world. Everytime I make it, its gone in 5.3 seconds. I am so excited to celebrate, my vegan way! 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! re

Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
(printer-friendly version)

8 ounces Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese (look for the non-hydrogenated version in the yellow container)
12 ounces light firm silken tofu (or extra-firm)
1/2 cup agave nectar (or sugar)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned, not pumpkin pie mix)
2 teaspoons rum (optional)
3 tablespoons brown sugar or natural sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg (please!)

1 pre-made 8-inch graham cracker crust (or oatmeal cookie crust)

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Put the first set of ingredients (toffuti through vanilla) in a food processor and puree until completely smooth. It should be silky smooth--not chalky or lumpy.

Remove a cup of this mixture from the processor and spread it in the bottom of the crust.

Add the next set of ingredients (pumpkin through nutmeg) to the ingredients remaining in the food processor and process until well blended. Smooth it carefully over the white layer in the crust, heaping it slightly in the middle. Bake until the center is almost set, about 50-60 minutes. (Insert a toothpick. If it comes out liquidy and cold, give it more time, until the center is firm.) Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 3 hours. Serve to delighted guests. (Don't tell them it's vegan, and they won't know!)

Serves 8. Per serving (not including the crust): 218 Calories (kcal); 7g Total Fat; (28% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 35g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 179mg Sodium.


xoxo

strike a pose





How blessed by God can I be? I actually got a really sweet opportunity to get photographed. My dear friend Mark took some amazing pictures for a look book and my photos are going to be in it! Here are some behind the scene photos of the awesome day. Hoping that I can do it again soon....hopefully, one day! :)



maid of honor

Meet Megan Anderson. She is quite possibly the most talented dancer I have ever known and such a great mommy too! 
Being the MOH or Maid of Honor in your best friends wedding is literally...such an honor! I had such an amazing weekend in my hometown of Austin,tx with my best friend in the whole world, Megan Dee. I am so happy for her and life she has ahead of her. I am secreting all things wonderful for her and her family! God bless them! 

xoxo