Merry Christmas Darlings....

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

I am finally getting my house decorated and prepped for the holidays and did manage to put together our Christmas card photos (thanks to my girl Dr. Nicky for coming along to help me get a snap of all four of us in one place at one time... {NOT an easy task at all with this family....}

I hope that you are all reveling in the hustle and bustle of this crazy season- remember to stop and breathe... step back and enjoy the view- squeeze your dear ones and do a good deed for someone else... after all- 'tis the season.

xoxo Didi V.

{this year's theme is Winter Wonderland.... bring on some of that fluffy white stuff Santa!}

       



Move over Martha...

That's right- I said it.... Move over Martha. 

Ok- I'm not really that crafty anymore- altho- I did turn out some pretty darned cute hair pretties for some darling girls for portrait sessions this spring, and I cooked up a storm this weekend...and not just my easy go to basics... I actually- wait for it...... used a recipe this weekend!  I know,... I know- my family was stunned... and rewarded... the braised beef short ribs in a garlic-red wine-balsamic reduction over heavily garlic-buttered smashed potatoes was dare I say- criminal... it was ridiculously good.

Tonight I turned out stuffed pork chops and pan fried zucchini w/ buttered bread crumbs, sprinkled w/ parm s&p, and a dollop of ranch sour cream dip... comfort food to the inth degree on this cold cruddy wet day.

I spent some needed down-time resting and relaxing with my family this weekend- we were sad that Oni's basketball tourney was canceled for her age bracket but happy to have some rest.  We've snuggled, laughed, watched movies, hung out with friends and took a deep breath.. and it was a very good thing.*wink*

And this photo montage- really is my house- inside and out- if you've missed it somewhere in all of my ramblings... I L.O.V.E to decorate for the holidays.....ALL of them actually....  My friend Alicia laughed at me yesterday on a quick visit and told me that she no longer needs to buy a calendar- she just needs to drive past my house to tell what month it is... (I think this is a good thing...)

Anyhoo........I hope you take a big breath and hang out with your family- really listen to your kids and kiss your spouses this week. Keep checking back- I promise to be bringing you all sorts of new photos to oogle and hopefully write something that will make you smile.  Till next time Cio! xoox Didi V.

Room Re-do

You know- there are some days when I question my sanity...ok- let's be honest- there are a LOT of days when I question my sanity.... 

But when I tackle a monster painting project...  and wonder somewhere in the 9th or 10 hour "Who the hell was I kidding -'it'll be quick'...?????"

I totally want to kick my own arse for taking it on- but once involved.. you can't just stop either... so I then push myself to the verge of physical  illness and and a nervous breakdown! (I keep the makers of Advil and my favorite chiropractors in business... so really- I look at my redecorating spells as economic stimulus!) 

All joking aside tho- there is something so liberating and comforting about completing a room re-do.... for the cost of a couple of gallons of paint, and maybe some new linens you can totally transform your space- and the overall feel of your home.

I'm sure there is some deep seeded emotional need for change and fresh starts this year... but I'm just going to go with- 'because I felt like it'...

I tackled our master suite last Friday- and took a warm & cozy (albeit tired) olive and caramel colored Asian/Balinese inspired space to something that feels like I threw some French Country and Montego Bay/Carribean in a blender!  It works tho-  We have heavy black furniture, and a pretty big master suite- so I decided to go with something bright and fun- and how can you go wrong with a box from Tiffany & Co? right????  I shopped around the house and pulled old artwork and books, etc out of retirement and made a space that feels like a vacation.  With the breeze fluttering through the new sheers and a little bit of sunlight- it's so cool and refreshing.  I crave being in there now.

Change can be a very good thing... go outside your comfort zone today... you might be brilliantly rewarded!

xoxo Didi V.

Blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas without you, I'll be home for Christmas, Silent Night, Silver Bells.... and the Ave Maria... all traditional holiday favorites. And certainly some of mine to sing and memories of mom and I singing them together as we would decorate the tree....

But this year as I break out the egg-nog and decorations and spin the Christmas carols.... it's bitter-sweet. Of all the years since I moved to Washington.... it took my mom's passing- to bring me back home last year. (I am struck with irony and regret on that point....) I am ready to enjoy the holidays- do fun things with my family and sing songs... but a little part of me is feeling overwhelmingly blue...

This week we turn over the calendar to December- to baking and decorating, singing, parties, craft bazaars, shopping, holiday mass.... and to the month where I lost my bestest girl friend ever... my mommy.

I can't believe how fast this year has turned over!.... After losing three of the corner stones of my life in the last year, along with other unexpected peer losses this year.... I'm amazed that it's already time for the holidays again.... and sort of relieved that 2010 is coming to a close. It definately makes you take stock of all the good things in your lives! May 2011 be a fresh start- and may the luck, love and blessings in my life continue.... for I am a very lucky girl!

I'm also reminded again of the quote, "That which does not kill us- makes us stronger..." I was pretty sure that my mom's unexpected death would bury me as well.... how would I survive without my best friend? My biggest cheerleader- my protector and my confidant? I miss her so much- and still reach for the phone to call her.... and then I feel so silly- like how could I forget that?

I decided to decorate for Christmas in her honor.... blue, white and silver- with lots of glass, beads, sparkle, glitter and glitz.... I think she'd approve... it's so not me- but it's definitely her! And if you're a believer of signs..... the big flashy neon sign moment came for me at Target the other night..... I was looking for a couple of things to complete the decorating (as royal blue- not really in my rainbow- that was all momma) and to my astonishment - the one ornament that stood out a me....was ONE, SOLITARY, bright blue peacock ornament.... if you knew my mom- (and she referred to herself as one) she was the biggest peacock ever! If it was bold color, flashy-sparkly, beaded and enough to drive my poor dad crazy..... she'd wear it! And she rocked it too! So I bought that silly ornament and he's sitting proudly near the top to preside over the tree.

That silly ornament was also a signal to me to live in her honor... to live colorfully- and to live out loud. We have to remember to make the most of our everyday.... don't wait to burn that pretty candle... or wear that expensive pair of earrings... or hug & kiss those near you. Life is short- make it a good one!

I wish you all a brilliant December- be safe- and have a phenominal holiday season!

My tablescape

Happy Independence day everyone!!!! Just thought I'd share my table-scape for this evening. We are keeping it super low key- a few friends and neighbors are coming to BBQ, have some cocktails and have some quality bonding time with a blow torch and some pyrotechnics.....(I know- booze and fireworks... I can see the eye-roll already....) Anyhoo- here are the fresh roses from my garden set with some red marbles and the super cool hurrican lanterns that my momma brought to me a few weeks ago... I love them! All atop bamboo placemats layered over an absolutely divine sheer runner purchased for me, by my sis-in-law on one of her biz trips to India. (the lace edging is A-mazing!)

Hope you all have an awesome (& safe) evening!

xoox Didi