Beautiful Things

I don’t normally talk about finances on this blog, because let’s face it– money problems really aren’t a beautiful thing. But I have to share something that  I do find beautiful: free things. Especially free things that you can really use.

I was planning to buy Suze Orman’s new book “ Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan”. But guess what?  Suze is offering the entire book as a free download. I caught her segment on last week’s Oprah Winfrey show and the “2009 Action Plan” looks to be full of helpful advice to help get us through these tough economic times.

You can download the 200 page book via Winfrey’s website at www.oprah.com/download.

But don’t delay—the free download offer expires this Thursday!

I guess you could say I’m a cookbook collector. That’s right, I love cookbooks—especially cookbooks with pictures. I joined several cookbook clubs in the early 1990’s and have quite a collection. But I basically stopped buying cookbooks in the last 10 years, mainly because of the easy access to recipes via the Internet.

My one exception is Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa series of cookbooks. I love Ina. I watch her show faithfully on The Food Network. Her cookbooks are beautiful, with a personal feel to them. And they have great photographs.

 I also love the simple food that she makes and it translates well into her cookbooks. Some of my favorite recipes include Ina’s Sundried Tomato Dip, Sagaponack Corn Pudding and Chicken with 40 cloves. If you’re looking for a gorgeous cookbook, check out one of the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks!

Don’t you just love the first day of the new year? People are committed to change and there’s a renewed sense of hope in the air. Sure, resolutions often fall by the wayside after a few weeks, but while it lasts the optimism for the new year is a wonderful thing.

This year I’ve decided to take it easy on myself. I’m not setting myself up for any letdowns. So while losing weight may be an ongoing goal for me, I’m not putting it on the forefront as a resolution. My main goal for 2009 is to live my life and be happy.

May you have a joyous and blessed 2009.

One of my family’s favorite things to do this time of year is take a ride in the car to see all of our neighbor’s beautiful Christmas lights. We have some neighbors who seem to have taken  a few lessons from the Griswold’s (the wacky family in the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”). That is, we have some real light shows around here.

And while I love to see houses and trees enrobed in thousands of twinkling, colorful lights, my favorites are the simple white lights. I’m not one for the flashing Santas or the lit-up Frostys or the blow-up Grinches.  Just some white- lit candles in the windows is my personal favorite.

Whatever your preference is, there’s no denying that this time of year is more colorful and sparkly than any other time. Enjoy it!

Thanksgiving is one of the few days of the year when I actually like to stay home. There’s something about the smell of the turkey roasting in the oven, the din of the Macy’s Parade on TV in the background, and those glorious Black Friday shopping ads spread out all over my living room floor. And then, of course, there’s family.

I grew up in a large family, so holidays were always fun. It’s not quite as much fun today, though, now that everyone has their own families and 2 sets of in-laws to visit. It’s nearly impossible to get my entire family together for Thanksgiving these days. We’re scattered.

Still, I enjoy the memories of my childhood Thanksgivings—and I hope to create some of the same types of memories for my own kids.

If you like the finer things in life– or at least the prettier things– then stay tuned to this blog. I am constantly scouring websites and catalogs for beautiful things for my home– and for my life. Even if money is an issue for you (and who isn’t it an issue for these days? ), you can still create beautiful surroundings for yourself without spending a fortune.

And it’s not all about shopping, either. Not to get all cornball on you, but sometimes the most beautiful thing you’ll see alll day is the sun rising in the morning. Or a child laughing.

I will give you some decorating tips and some tips that will just make your day a little better.