Thursday, September 30, 2010

CSN Stores


CSN Stores has offered up products for review throughout the blog world. People always seem to be very happy with their products and find their website very easy and convenient to navigate. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, to modern bar stools, or great cookware!’. They have products that are within all different price ranges meaning that there really is something for everyone.

I recently bought this Rachel Ray Bubble and Brown Baking Dish and I love it! It's great for macaroni and cheese or beef stew!
Christmas is less than 3 months away. Shop "stress-free" at CSN and have your gifts delivered to your doorstep. CSN has become my "go-to" site! I will soon be reviewing one of their great products, but in the meantime be sure to check out their site. I promise you will be surprised with all that they offer!

Monday, September 27, 2010

It's a rainy, gloomy Monday...

My new favorite fall scent is Yankee Candle's Autumn Wreath :
(and Bath and Body Works' Spiced Cider!)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

It's feeling like autumn...

I love autumn. The warm days, cool evenings and the fabulous colors of the trees. Yes, the trees are turning in central NY.
But I always struggle with one thing every day during this time of year- what to wear!! I never seem to know if I should "layer", or take a chance with short sleeves - should I wear socks, or not? - do I need an umbrella or snow boots? Autumn in NY can be quite challenging because each day can be a surprise (and not always a welcomed surprise!)

I want to live in a place where the weather never goes below 50' and rarely rises above 80'...is there such a place?


Thursday, September 23, 2010

Gold and Chocolate Cake


This gold vignette was in a window display at Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC this past weekend:
This photo doesn't do it justice but it was so glitsy and sparkly! What could possibly be better than a gold and chocolate cake?
I'm sharing this with Artie from Color Outside the Lines

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

NYC part 3 - MOOD

I went to MOOD in NYC on Saturday...
Mood is a treasure trove of haberdashery - to die for - a must for anyone looking for trims, fabric, buttons, etc.
Do you watch Project Runway? That's where they shop! I could have spent the whole day there (and I could have spent lots of money, too).
I came home with a few trims, some ribbon, boning (to make jewelry) and a fabulous button for a coat makeover!

Why am I linking to Transformation Thursday?

Because once you go, you will never be the same!!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

NYC part 2- Magnolia Bakery

All I can say is YUM!
Blueberry Crumble:

Vanilla Cupcake (the only one to make it home)
When In NYC, you must find a Magnolia Bakery!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Shopping in NYC

I took my yearly shopping trip to NYC this past weekend and our bus arrived just in time for lunch. We went to Ellen's Stardust Diner (the last time I was there was a few years ago and the Christmas decorations were smoldering and the fire dept was called in - but the waiters and waitresses kept on "singing" - it was a hoot)
The wait staff are all "Broadway wanna-bees" and sing, dance and entertain. I tried the Peruvian empanadas, but I have to admit that I like Puerto Rican pastalillos much better!
The restaurant is on 6th and 51st and is just a fun place to eat!
And Canal Street is a must for any "knock-off" you are looking for - Coach, Prada, LV, Channel, Rolex, etc:
And the Feast of San Gennaro was happening in Little Italy
We found a quiet little corner behind Cha-Cha's for an afternoon happy hour, away from the crowded streets and loud music:
San Gennaro
Street band:
There was lots of shopping, subway rides and good food (stop by tomorrow to read about Magnolia Bakery).

Sunday, September 19, 2010

White Pumpkins

Rooms To Inspire recently reminded me about this idea I saw last year. I purchased some cheap pumpkins, a paperback book, mod podge, moss, leaves and began by ripping the pages of the book into strips:
Using Mod Podge, I adhered the paper to the pumpkins...
I glued moss around the stems and added a leaf to each. They are sitting in a silver bowl on the dining table, on top of the shawl Andrea made for me last year...

I added a few more leaves to the bowl...
and placed some candles on each side:


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

The reason why I never became a florist...

Today I shoved a pick from the Dollar Tree into this fake plant and I am calling it a "fall decoration" on my coffee table....
Proof positive why I would never had been successful as a florist!

Sharing this little flaw of mine with Thrifty Thursday

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Autumn Mantel

My mantel decor has turned into autumn. From this....
...to this...
Last year's candles because they have a great shape to them...
and some old decorations...

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

I'll be on a BLOG BREAK for a few days...

I'll need a few days to adjust to getting up early, writing lesson plans and learning 146 new student's names...no more staying up late to watch the New Jersey and Washington house wives gossip and fight...no more lazy mornings watching the Today Show, and no more "Girl's Night Out" on weekdays (see 3 prior posts for a few good recipes)....I'll just be waiting for this each morning:

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Berry Box Exchange

I recently participated in Kathy's (Creative Home Expressions) Berry Box Exchange. My swap partner was Debbie from Moore From the Heart. The rules were simple: take a berry box, decorate it and fill it with some goodies. Here's what Debbie sent me today:
Obviously she knows that I LOVE black and white! The box was tied with checked and polka dotted ribbons with a cute little tag...and inside, following the B&W theme, was an adorable, huge pad of paper and pen (which will be perfect beside my phone because I am always looking for paper to jot down notes, tel#s, etc):
Debbie must also be a rubber stamper because she decorated peppermint patties for me (patti) with cute punched out labels and stamped images - my favorite is the old sewing machine:
And she is also a talented jewelry maker - look at this beautiful beaded bracelet she made:
I want to thank Kathy for this great idea and especially thank Debbie for such thoughtful gifts - this was a fun swap to participate in - especially because I came home from the 1st day of school a bit grumpy today and this surprise brightened my day! Stop by and visit these new blogging friends of mine!!