One of my favorite styles for a Winter coat is back in full force for this Season, the Maxi Coat. In fact this classic, and stylish coat made the cut for Marie Claire Magazine  as one of the best Winter coats for 2015. Here are some of my favorite picks and why I love a Maxi Coat.                                                               Source I truly believe that the Maxi Coat is not only fabulous and flattering, they are an essential item of clothing that every woman should have in her closet. Even when they are not the "trend" of the season, this coat is timeless. They can be worn with jeans or a classy dress, dress them up or down. Wear them with boots, heels, or even keds.                                                                Source A Maxi Coat is extremely versatile, they come in such a variety of fabrics, so they fit the bill  for virtually every climate and lifestyle.                                                                             Source If I

I just really want to reach out to all of the women today, and say I think that you are great! You are amazing women, doing amazing things every single day of your lives. You are the ladies that nurture the children, the husband, friends, parents and grandparents. You are the volunteers, the worker bees,  the soldiers of society and you make the world go round. I know that you are striving each, and every day to take care of everyone in your world. That you are always putting someone's needs and cares above your own.  Then you evaluate, critique and you put way too much pressure on yourself too. So, stop and love yourself, accept yourself, forgive yourself and above all this- BE GOOD TO YOU! Know that you are a star in the dark sky, and that your light shines brightly for those who love you, even if they don't tell you so. There are many times our hearts long to hear those words of affirmation from our friends and family, but they never come. But just because these words are no

Don't you just love a story with a happy ending, when everyone's wishes really do come true? Well it happened to me, and it all took place just when I was about to step away from some Social Media meanderings. Just when I thought that, those happy endings only came true in Fairy Tales, Facebook you came through. In this day and age when we are put on hold for hours to even make a Doctor's appointment, it   is an awesome thing when Social Media comes through and actually amazes you with it's support. I did have some trouble finding an email to contact FB for my particular issue, but when I did they responded, then resolved. But it was not only FB that came through it was YOU!  My dear readers, and friends that responded when I sent my plea out for help on my  Facebook Debacle Post . You knew I was in a state of panic, when I sent out my 911 and you were here for me through emails, comments, and messages. So, thank you!!  The winner of the $25 gift card to TJ maxx is Mela

I have been traveling to see family a bunch this past month, and during my trips I have taken photos of real homes, with real Fall Porches. Cottage homes, brick homes, estate homes, homes from different eras. They aren't over the top, but they are very pretty, and each one of them is a Fall Porch that anyone could create. This porch caught my eye because the owners made such a great use of a flagstone addition.  Notice that there is not an overhang, but they have created a very inviting and welcoming space. I will always enjoy a home with a black front door, they just look so sharp.   Pride of ownership shines here with pumpkins in flower pots, stems tied with bows and urns with vines. Sometime the simplicity of decorating makes the biggest statement of all. A bountiful arrangement of very large pumpkins will take this home all the way through Thanksgiving. I do think two wreaths on the front doors would have added the extra punch to tie it all together. But, of course you know me,

Does chocolate soothe your soul, Quiet your mind, and give you a general sense of well being? Did I see some smiles... Well, with the Facebook Debacle  unresolved, I was a little on the uptight side, and we were totally out of chocolate. Seemed the next best thing to do, was to dream of chocolate. So, I have been distancing myself from the entire FB matter. and dreaming away on Pinterest.                                    The Best Chocolate Cake ~ My baking Addiction I found 8 irresistible chocolate cakes for you, and I to make for the upcoming Holidays. I have included all of the links beneath each photo so you can just click on them and presto, you will be taken to these talented bakers websites.                                      Playing With Flour~ A Super Moist Chocolate Cake I found this recipe from Playing With flour it is originally from Ina Garten's Cookbook, and is a relatively easy cake to make, very pretty topped with buttercream frosting too.                        

The Woodland wreath is a lovely wreath for your Fall decorating, it is also very natural and has a slight rustic and primitive feel.  If you are searching for a craft that is hands on, and are eager to take a walk with Mother Nature this is the perfect craft for you to do this Fall. This Woodland wreath also comes with a short Tale of a little grandson with sun kissed blonde hair, brown eyes and very busy hands. The majority of the goodies on this wreath were collected by the grandson, and his Mimi as they spent several Fall afternoons on walk abouts in the warm afternoon sun in Sacramento. The two of them spent time outside while his Mommy, and new baby sister rested inside their home. The little brown eyed grandson talked alot... about fire trucks, garbage trucks, his friends and such. He found many treasures, some of which did not end up on this wreath, but were still carefully gathered and placed in the paper bag. After many afternoons of searching, walking, chatting and savouring

Once we purchased our lot in Rockwall Texas and truly committed to building our French Country home, I knew in my heart that I longed for it to be a sanctuary for our family and ourselves.  I tend to be a joyful dreamer and I was imagining great family gatherings, picnics in the backyard and grandchildren laughing and dancing with lighting bugs and butterflies. I just knew in my heart that only a house is made of wood, brick and stone.  But a home is a entirely another story.

Every Fall I faithfully sit at my white kitchen table, and slowly turn the pages of my treasured cookbooks.  I savor these moments... I am anxiously anticipating the Holidays ahead, and all of the wonderful baking that I will do. I love to bake, I also love to remind myself of the stories that my treasured cookbooks will tell me about my Mother's life, Mama Chris's life and Aunt Madge's life- without even saying a single word. Cookbook pages that are earmarked, maybe a spot of frosting still rests beside a favorite recipe. Even, a little handwritten note with remarks about the recipe and how adjustments were made to make the recipe their very own. The recipe that I am sharing today is exactly one of those recipes, that was tweaked, perfected, and presented by  Marjorie (my mom) to her family. It was a sensible cake that pleased us all, Dad loved a good  apple cake, with a handful of raisins thrown in.  I love Penuche Frosting, so this cake fit the bill perfectly. Apple cak

I am totally embracing the feminine side of decorating for the Fall season. I am dressing my lifestyle with the softer side of everything.   Incorporating  soft hues, gentle lines, muted tones, a variety of textures and flowers! Often times combining a small infusion of glorious color here and there. Seasoning my life with quiet moments curled up with peppermint tea, a collection of poems or well written prose. Extending this gentle, and feminine side of me, to the world around me, which includes calming and feminine  Fall vignettes. Bohemian Feminine Fall Vignette This feminine vignette reflects the sparkling Bohemian gal inside of me. I placed an orange crinkled velvet pumpkin inside a  fluted brass pot, then added merry white flowers along the sides. This basic white cow creamer embellished with flowers was just the perfect touch to this Bohemian Fall vignette, and you will not  believe where I found this creamer-Walmart. Did you know that Walmart is carrying the Pioneer Woman line