Happy New Year - Reflections of 2010

Another year has come and gone.  I can’t believe how quickly time passes.  It seems that the older I get, the faster time goes.   I hope this year has been a good one for you full of happiness, success and special memories.

As I reflect back, I always think of what the year has brought.  As with most people, there have been good moments and not so good moments.  I am truly thankful for all the things and people I have in my life.  I have a wonderful husband and two great kids that have supported me throughout the year.  I really could not have done it without their love, help and support. 

This year, I was able to conduct a phone interview on home staging with the REIN group and also presented at one of their meetings to over 350 people.  I am so thankful to Don Campbell and Russell Westcott for giving me this opportunity.  I have been able to meet so many wonderful people because of this.  I hope to continue these relationships throughout 2011. 

I have introduced some great options for home staging with my company Suite Design.  I look forward to continuing to work with investors, agents and home owners on home staging projects.

On a personal note, earlier in the year, I had made a commitment to myself that I wanted to get more active and lose some weight.  I am happy to say that I joined a gym and started working with a personal trainer.  I am still at it and have lost over 10 pounds and am down 2 dress sizes.  I am very proud of this and my goal is to continue this into 2011. 

As I look toward 2011, I look forward to have a wonderful year with my family, friends and business clients.   I wish you and your families all the best for the coming New Year and may all your hopes and dreams come true.  I hope that you have found some inspiration in some of my past blogs and look forward to bring you more in 2011. 

All the best and Happy New Year!!!

Donna

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a wonderful and joyeous Christmas!  I hope you enjoy this special time with family and friends. 
Best Wishes,
Donna

"This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!"
D.M. Dellinger

Last Minute Christmas Decorating

With Christmas just a few days away, I had a chance to do some last minute Christmas decorating projects. 

I received many compliments on the planters I did for my home.  I had a last minute request from a client who wanted a planter done for her home.   Here is the finished product...

I had some extra greens so I decided to use them around my house.  I had enough to do a mini planter that I am keeping in my front foyer. 

I also placed greens some around a jar I had filled with some Christmas ornaments...

...and here is my mantel - I kept it quite simple with some greens and pine cones.   Even with it being simple, I think it  does the trick...

These simple Christmas decorating projects were fun and didn't take me much time.  I hope you are having fun with any last minute Christmas projects you have on your list...the big day is only 4 days away!!!

Cooking with Sin

Early this week, I had the pleasure of attending Carla Johnson’s book launch for “Cooking with Sin”.  Her book is absolutely amazing! Carla has put together a collection of great recipes that all include some "sin" (alcohol) and each come with personal stories that people have contributed.  The pictures in the book are absolutely amazing - some of which were taken by Carla. 

At the book launch, Carla had samples of the some of the recipes such as “Takin the Piss” Sangria, “Special Delivery” Black Forest Cake, “Comfort of Home” Sherry Potatoes and “Wedding Pudding” Dutch Advokaat.  I sampled a bit of each and boy were they yummy!!!





Carla busy autographing
books!



I am so thrilled to have an autographed copy of her book.  I am looking forward to trying some recipes soon.   One dessert recipe that I definitely want to try during the holidays is “Better than Recess”.  It is a layered dessert that includes hazelnut liqueur.  I will post some pictures once I have made it.

I encourage you to visit Carla’s website here.    This would make a great Christmas gift if you are looking for ideas!

Christmas Traditions

The weekend came and went in such a hurry.  There was so much to do with staging consultations and getting supplies to complete planter arrangements for clients.  In between, I still managed to get two Christmas trees up.  This year we decided to have one dedicated to the kid’s ornaments and special trinkets.  The kids are in charge of decorating this tree.  The other one is going to be our “glam tree”.  We decided on the silver and blue theme with a bit of white throughout. 

Here is a pic of it so far.  There are still more ornaments to add but I think it’s starting to look pretty good…what do you think?

One of our other Christmas traditions has been a village set.  What started out as three little houses under the Christmas tree has now turned into a village that covers the top of two tables on either side of our fireplace.   The kids just love it when it is all lit up.  Here are some pictures...

Once the kids finish their tree, I will post some pictures.  Next tasks on the list will be decorating the staircase and mantel, outside garland for the door and wreath.   I hope to get that done before the weekend.  

Christmas includes many specials traditions for me and my family.  I hope you are having fun with your Christmas decorating and traditions.  If you have any special traditions you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you.