Are you frugal?

Funny word, isn't it? But with the recent economic challenges facing modern families, this is the fashionable word and lifestyle to adopt. Being on a budget forces you to think a little more, plan a lot, and most of all, get creative. So, while redecorating our family room, I was determined to give it a serious makeover without breaking the bank. In fact, I decorated on a dime!

One of the focal pieces in the room is the sofa (which in fact is a sofa bed), in serious need of a face lift. I already had a slipcover for it, but that wasn't enough. It was so b-o-r-i-n-g. It needed something that fit it just right, something that felt real comfy and casual for a family room, but could handle a lot of wear well... sort of like a favorite pair of jeans... AHA! Yes, I had a brilliant idea and ran upstairs to fetch my box of denims. Over the years, I have kept most of our jeans. Some have holes, some were simply outgrown and others were just retired - all buried in my "denim graveyard" box.  I resurrected them... Out of the box they came, and I started to cut the legs open, laying them along the back and seat of the sofa. Just enough... eight pairs in all would do the trick! So I cut some more, pinned, sewed, steamed the fabric and stapled it to the wooden frame.

I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Everyone should have a fairy godmother. Someone to gift you with magical moments. The events needn't be elaborate tricks of hand or earth moving spectacles. All they need to do is leave a lasting impression in your memory for years to come...

Many choices are made for children upon their birth. Names are selected by parents as well as two godparents. Traditionally, the godparents were counted informally responsible for ensuring that the child's religious education was carried out, and caring for the child should he/she be orphaned. By modern definition, a godparent is a chosen individual who takes a vested interest in raising a more complete human being. This task is accomplished in many different ways, all dependant, of course, upon the relationship established.

I always believed Louise was a very special godparent, my very own 'fairy godmother'. She continually gave me perceptive advice with an unending grace and passion for life. She taught me not to be afraid, to be curious. She encouraged me to take life's good and bad times all in stride, working hard, always truly thankful. With St. Patty's Day this week, I am reminded of another magical thing she taught me - how to make a truly delectable Irish Soda Bread! She passed her recipe on...

Women and girls drive our economies. They build peace and prosperity. Investing in them means investing in global economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for everyone -- the world over. So let us mark this day by finding ways to ensure women and girls' access to education, health care, jobs, and credit, and to protect their right to live free from violence. ~ Hillary Clinton

Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women from past to present. Around the world thousands of speeches, tributes, events, parties, and even holidays are under way to celebrate and inspire women. Women's rights have come a long way over the one hundred years since the very first celebration, and the road stretched before us continues that journey each and everyday. 

Whether we are workers, mothers, daughters, grandmothers or all of those wrapped as a harmonious whole, we have power and a strong voice. Sometimes it is forthright and loud... Sometimes it is soft and gentle. Whatever your expression, don't let fear stop you. Be heard... Be seen. Know that you are a beautiful and meaningful spirit who may be one person in this big ever-changing world, but the world to one person...

God bless each and every lovely lady... xoxo-Sonya

Sunday... Raining something fierce outside... Expected to be like this all day. It was the kind of day to spend a lazy afternoon curled up on the couch with a bag of munchies catching up on missed episodes of Ghost Hunters and Castle...

Munchies... mmmmm...Well, we managed to devour plenty of munchies today, but not as expected. Road trip! Yep, even in this rain.

Our destination was the Meadowlands Expo Center at Harmon Meadow in Secaucus. Loving chocolate like we do, we didn’t want to miss Chocolate World Expo sponsored by Whole Foods. Indoors, out of the rain, with munchies galore... What more could we ask for?

Chocolate World Expo was literally a “world of chocolate” featuring almost 60 local and regional producers (plus a few international ones) offering tastings and sales of gourmet chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, gelato, wines and much more! Heck, forget the couch, this was the place to be today!

Crowds were expected to be large, and they weren't disappointed. It was packed! What fun! Baum Image Group hosts this event with superb domestic and international participating companies. They actively pursue local farms and other producers who use locally-sourced or self-produced ingredients. Their goal is to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable food production.

Raspberry gelato, dark chocolate infused with wine, light and crispy peanut brittle and even piquant garlic spread, all these savored bites sufficed as lunch as we strolled up and down the aisles. The samples were bountiful and we brought home some very special tastes we favored like divine dark chocolate-covered macaroons and delectable chocolate fudge. Brenna enjoyed a giant chocolate-dipped marshmallow from the chocolate fountain.

 

Their next show will be at the Westchester County Center on November 6th. If in your area, we highly recommend getting over there to enjoy your chocolate fix. There's so much to nibble and critique!

Chocolate World Expo made this otherwise dreary day an adventure in wakening our taste buds... xoxo-Sonya