Forever Chic Style

  My Favorite Things 2022 "Christmas is the season of joy, of gift giving, and families united."  - Norman Vincent Peale Today is a sunny and bright cold day after a week of snowfall, which by the way, is stunning.  The cold wintery days are here.  With the holiday season, I thought about the items that I have loved over 2022.  It has been a year of reawakening for many and I for one am thrilled to see the events and life I enjoyed is back in full jingle bells swing.  Holiday shopping can be daunting especially when spending is not top of mind in a tough economy.  Thus, be thoughtful while picking up a gift of two.  One of my dear friends, often states if she purchases something, then she must get rid of a piece similar.  Alas, a reminder to be grateful for what you own.    I think back to my youth and college days.  We all had very little, shared clothes for dances, sewed our own clothes', painted our nails and counted our pen...

  Glamour Station "I want to live my life, not record it." - First Lady, Jackie Kennedy Onassis I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We have much to be thankful for this holiday season.    Being grateful for family, friends and everyday life is so important.  Those that embrace solitude, flexibility, chaos, positive energy and relish the beauty in nature will find deep fulfillment.  It isn't travel, it isn't eating, it isn't drinking fine wines, it isn't buying and consuming instead it is the human physical connections you create daily.  Hopefully, you are joining something, reaching out, calling someone and being present in all activities.  Are You Building Anything?  It is easy to state what you hate and who you hate.  And, harder to state what you love and who you love. When someone is negative, always remember they are projecting. These are often people who perhaps are not doing anything of meaningful substance. If you are c...

  Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas one and all.  May you have a very festive day.   What a crazy year!  At the onset of the year 2020, we all had the best intentions, goals, and anticipation.   Of course, 2020 proved to be the opposite of anything we expected.  Completely 180 degrees of "What Now?"   There is no need to explain because we all have lived it.  What is for certain is that the year is finally ending. Thank goodness.  Some have stated this was the worse year in the history of our country.  Whether it was or is not, the end is in sight and a vaccine is beginning to be administered.  Hopefully, we each can reassess what is important in our lives, anticipate some sort of normalcy swooping back into our lives.  After all, we are social creatures and being isolated is not healthy for the mind or the body.  Spirit of Christmas - The Christmas Star Never stop believing in the future and unknown.  This season...

  Magical Moments      I hope everyone is getting a chance to partake in the light festivals displayed in our neighborhoods or cities. Our neighborhood has gone crazy with lights and decorations.  It is a site to behold and the spirit of the holiday is upon us.  Yesterday, I walked during the day with several friends, wearing masks, in Bellevue, Washington, admiring the twinkling lights, and red drummer boy statutes displayed on the street.  We chatted the entire time. During the holidays at night the street turns into  Snowflake Lane with colored lights, music and falling snow.  Before Covid there was a spectacular parade. Of course, in 2020, the performers and floats are not there.  Nothing can stop the holiday display.  The show must go on.  You can watch from your car or be distanced from others on the street.  With the holiday, the festivities, the lights, outdoor walks, the temperatures have dropped.  We need t...

  Holiday Razzle Dazzle How are you all doing?  Hopefully, you are decorating your homes, going on walks, and enjoying the neighborhoods you live in.  The outside house décor is off the charts this year.  Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit.  In fact, I believe there is a bit of competition going on between the neighbors.   I envision you taking pleasure in the home festivities and decorations within your home.  Perhaps you are having a cup of hot chocolate, gathered in front of a fire after a long day of meetings, school or whatever you are doing.   The stories I am hearing from friends confirms the holiday extravaganza is indeed full sleigh ahead.  Today, I went on a 3-mile walk with a friend.  Her house was decorated to the nines with holiday cheer.  We grabbed a latte at a locale stand where her daughter worked.  By the way, the best latte ever.  The owner who stopped by told us her twelve-year-old da...

  Tis The Season to be Merry The jolliest time of the year is upon us.  Let the shopping and merriment commence.  Of course, this  HO HO HO holiday will be unlike seasons past and instead will include the necessary precautions.  However, we can still enjoy the festivities with a new spin.  Our plans will be the opposite of last year, yet the joy of giving will remain intact.  In a way, it reminds me of Cindy Lou Who from the story, cartoon, and movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) .   All the Who's down in Whoville were merrily singing on Christmas Day without ribbons, packages, boxes, and tags.  They were happy without the usual trappings of the holiday.  The Who's knew the importance of the holiday does not come from a store.  It comes from the heart.   The Grinch's heart grew three times this day.  The Grinch came down the mountain top and delivered the stolen gifts with a greater heart and an underst...

Home for the Holiday "With freedom comes responsibility." Eleanor Roosevelt Parades, apple pie, contests, hamburgers, friends, family, and fireworks are the essential ingredients for a celebratory Fourth of July.  This year will be unforgettable as the Covid 19 virus has changed the celebration landscape.  The large gatherings, festivities and essential mix of fun are on the shelf across the country. We ourselves are accustomed to celebrating in the islands viewing a parade, taking walks, wildlife adventures, exquisite dinners and viewing incredible fireworks that fill the sky.  Though this is year is unique, never fret.  We have an opportunity to slip back in time and create an old fashioned Fourth of July at home.  Many of you are wondering what to do.  Well, think back to when you were little.  What did you do then?  Growing up in the Northwest, we had sparklers, black snakes, and fountains to light off in the driveway. We attended barbecues w...

The Little Things Matter Most! Do you remember growing up and excited to open your stocking?  There were always little wonders hidden in the sock that was just for you.  The joy of opening a tiny gift only to find out it was the best present of the day.  The delight in watching a child's eyes light up because of a small ball or something funny.   Create wonderment this holiday season.  Here are my little gifts with sparkle, shine and joy. Hand Cream - The Best For The Winter Months - All Year Round Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Ponytail  Scrunchies Holders - Yes - The Best for Any Activity!  Pretty too.   Natasha 3-Pack Scrunchies Daily Planner -   Yes, Smart Phones are Divine - However, having a small daily planner keeps one tip top organized .  Celebrities adore this planner.  Selling out fast.  Crafted in England, 19...

Magical Gifts of Joy! Happy Shopping.  Affiliate links included. December 1st:   Kate Spade Crystal Bangels - Buy a set of three   Love mine especially during the holidays.  Have them in silver and gold.  Kate Spade Crystal Bangels December 2nd:   The Perfect Pom Pom - Kyi Kyi Genuine Fox Pompom Hats - Several Colors.  I love the cream color.  It goes with everything.   Kyi Kyi Genuine Fox Pompom Hats December 3rd: The Ultimate, Functional and Water Resistant Slipper - UGG .  Lots of hues.  Wear mine ever single day at home. UGG Ansley Water Resistant Slipper December 4th - Hand Lotion - Laura Mercier Tres Riche Travel Size:   Exceptional handcream that smells divine.  Put in your handbag, at your desk and in your car. Laura Mercier Tres Riche Travel Size December 5th - Cozy Pajamas - Nordstrom Lingerie Moonlight Paja...