Merry Christmas

With this year being full of downturns it's nice to enjoy the beauty of the, "night before Christmas." Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

~Yolanda

Christmas morning

Christmas decorations are always more beautiful on Christmas morning.

We would quietly tip toe up to the tree, with its glow on our faces. Looking at the presents underneath in amazement. Waking up from the night we hoped would be over. With our dancing eyes full of delight we searched for gift tags in the morning light. Toy soldiers, dolls and candy canes with the music of Christmas carols that sang in our heads. One after another we played with our new toys it was a wonderful time to see my family enjoy.

~Yolanda

Dashing through the holidays...

I haven't really participated in the frenzy of Christmas in a while, I decided to experience what it's like without celebrating. No going around attempting to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Not attending any parties or planning to wear anything festive. I would only observe the spiritual side of Christmas. I tried to stick to my mission by not spending any money unnecessarily on a seasonal retail splurge. I thought I would be okay... I went shopping on Black Friday so that ended my tirade. But I must say that I really missed the planning. I simply didn't want to admit that the joy of sharing was a big part of Christmas. I decided to bring a little cheer back with a snow flake.

xoxo

Are you planning a big Christmas?

Sunday drive @ photos

Saw these horses while out on my Sunday drive. They didn't move around a lot but I thought they were worth some camera time. They grazed on a small area of land near downtown. On Sunday evenings I sometimes drive downtown for a look at the river and surrounding areas.

The sun is just about to go down and the atmosphere is peaceful. There are not a lot of people out this weekend. Iron Chef one of my favorite cooking shows comes on tonight.

xoxo my other sunday photos

Are you prepared for the week ahead?

The virtual make-over...

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Photoshop makeovers I'm eager to mention stirs up latent motivation. We live in a virtual world, with cyber attacks and wiki leaks, and there's no way to avoid the eventual showing of a bad photo on facebook. So we all can use a boost to get ahead on this game. Because, no one is immune to this huge, "one room globe," we must all dance to the music." And Photoshop has an answer. With your own eyes you see a makeover happen in nano steps, no long drawn out tutorial or celebrity showcase. Just the facts. It made me pause...and head for the mirror. Yet with a few reservations I post this, because I don't want to seem too preoccupied with looks, knowing that visual beauty is only skin deep. But in today's world the playing field is wider, it's not just who's looking at you but what's looking at you as well, those gently earned character marks are for anyone to see, and a bit closer... that's technology. With a touch of a mouse we can see most things zoomed out. So doing touch-ups have become part of the culture, and no doubt carries its rewards. It means that you have the option to make things close-up ready. Tailoring things a bit to show your better side. I say with affection, that the world shouldn't have the privilege to see the real you unless you want it that way. And why does anyone care if you have crows feet? But for now that debate is overlooked online, your photo can be posted and altered without your permission. So for the benefit natural progression the old you has a new friend ~ Photoshop. Another widget that loves beauty. So for me, I don't focus the negative, life is just too short. But I have to admit when you see in small steps what can be done to look better it makes it desirable, you want to see those changes happen in the mirror. The changes that you create. Nothing major, but upgrading small things, using concealer, the right eye pencil and a different lipstick does wonders. I enjoyed watching the video, it also made me visit my mirror.

enjoy! A U T U M N D I V A
~Yolanda

I found an awesome tree...

A few holiday finds I wanted to share with my blog friends. Hope you enjoy!

This tree has awesome written all over it. Here, color takes a front seat with a simple two toned tree ,and texture defines the style. It's a frosty modern take on the Christmas tree.

Tree ornaments say a lot about a family's growth-with each new ornament. An eclectic tree gets kudos when they are built year after year.
A snowy Christmas is so special


Nat King Cole's Christmas song


Cute dogs say Christmas in their own way. Just cuteness.



How nice and easy. Brilliant.

I'm expecting 3 people for Christmas this year so I don't have to cook much, but I want it to be nice. I plan to do a table scape the night before.






I must look great as well, a flashy necklace and scarf will do the trick.

love ya, xoxo