FOND FAREWELL UNTIL SPRINGTIME!

Good Morning my friends.....


I am writing you today to let you know that I will be taking a short break from blogging. 

Thanks so much for supporting me and being part of my journey.........stay warm and safe.....I will see you in the Springtime!

                                                             CHEERS!

                                    Kathleen

                                       

WINTER WONDERLAND CENTERPIECE

Like many of you, here in the Northeast we've been hit with frigid temperatures that have encompassed most of the nation. As I looked out at the dusting of new fallen snow and icy streets, I thought why not bring the beauty of outdoors inside.......hence my WINTER WONDERLAND centerpiece was created!

Sometimes it's as easy as taking our cues from our surroundings........

I was lucky enough to run into an 80% off sale in Michaels! The beautiful wintry birch covered pots, filled with icy blue Cedar branches were just perfect for my centerpiece.

I've always loved the phrase "Fire and Ice," therefore, I had to add the candles!

You may notice my beautiful vintage find.... silver sugar bowl........it looks perfect with the icy branches and sparkly pine cones. And my crystal candlesticks that hubby gifted me from his business trip to Ireland. They are Galway crystal.....and I've always loved their simplistic design.

Just because it's snowy and frigid doesn't mean our creative juices take a break, it's actually when they can go into overdrive. Take a peek outside your window and get creating........there's nothing more beautiful than a fresh blanket of pure white snow to inspire an indoor Winter Wonderland!!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative day!

                                       Kathleen

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ASIAGO, POTATO & BACON GRATIN

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

It was so wonderful having our girls home over the holidays. Not only did we spend some quality family time together but each of the girls took over the kitchen and prepared us some of the most delicious dishes.

Today's blog was a dish made by our youngest daughter; an accompaniment to our New Year's Day dinner. She's always been a child to love her potatoes so it was no surprise to her Dad and I that the dish she made was Asiago, Potato, and Bacon Gratin. The perfect addition to our spiral baked ham.

I think most of us love a great gratin, but this recipe is only 250 calories per serving. We are talking about potatoes with Asiago & Parmesan cheese and bacon baked till bubbly. Could there be anything more delish?

This dish would be a wonderful addition to any meal. It's so easy and light. You may find the link to the recipe here:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/asiago-potato-bacon-gratin

Thanks for stopping by today........see you on Monday.

  Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathleen

DO YOU LOVE TO SAVE MONEY?

It's a NEW YEAR my friends...

I've decided to start my year keeping a much keener eye on my budget. Everyone loves a good sale so I thought I'd do a little research as to when the best time of year is to buy specific things at bargain prices. 

Below you will find a monthly calendar to assist you. 

First Quarter--January

* Boats

* Computer Monitors

* Gas Grills & Air Conditioners

* Wedding Supplies

* Winter Coats & Clothing

* Broadway Tickets

* Carpeting & Flooring

* Furniture

* Linens & Bedding

* Motorcycles

* Suits

* Video Games

February

* Broadway Tickets

* Cellphones

* Televisions & Home Theaters

March

* Chocolate

* Frozen Foods

* Golf Clubs

* Luggage

Second Quarter-April

* Televisions & other Electronics

* Cookware & Kitchen Accessories

* Digital Cameras

* Thrift Stores

* Vacuum Cleaners

May

* Refrigerators

* Mattresses

*Office Furniture

June

* Dishware

* Gym Membership & Equipment

* Tools

Third Quarter-July

* Furniture

* Home Decor

* Tools

* Video Games

August

* Linens & Storage Containers

* Office Furniture

* Kid's Clothing

* School Supplies

* Swimsuits

September

* Appliances

* Bicycles

* Broadway Tickets

* Cars

* Lawnmowers

* Holiday Airfare

* School Supplies

* Wine

* Cars

* Cookware & Kitchen Accessories

* Digital Cameras

* Gas Grills & Air Conditioners

* Plants

* Toys & Games

* Wedding Supplies

Fourth Quarter-October

* Appliances

* Broadway Tickets

* Jeans

* Patio Furniture

November

* Appliances

* Candy

* Televisions & Other Electronics

* Tools

December

* Champagne

* Golf Clubs

* Pools

* Televisions & Other Electronics

* Tools

Keep this handy list by your calendar and start saving today!                    

                                     Kathleen

******My source for this list may be found at:

http://lifehacker.com/5973864/the-best-time-to-buy-anything-during-the-year

THANK YOU to Lifehacker!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LONGWOOD GARDENS

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are ready for an awesome 2015! 

Before we embark on our 2015 journey together I'd like to share some photos from our family trip to Longwood Gardens, "A Longwood Christmas," during the holidays.

Longwood Gardens is located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The founder, Pierre S. 
du Pont was one of the country's most influential gardeners. From the beautiful gardens to the 4-acre Conservatory, to the splendor of the evening light displays.....it is a sight that is enjoyed by all ages.

Come walk with my family and me.....let's start at the Conservatory........I love the snowflakes hanging from the evergreens......

Inside the conservatory you will see many displays like these below...beautiful both during the day and evening hours.

The poinsettias both Santa Red and White were displayed throughout on trees as well as in planters.

There are many lit paths taking you to breathtaking light displays. They are simply stunning........

I hope you've enjoyed a little peek into the beauty at Longwood Gardens. All year long the gardens feature displays and exhibitions for all to enjoy.

Don't forget to put Longwood Gardens on your "to do" list. You won't be disappointed!

   Kathleen