Saturday, March 19, 2016

My Sunday Photo: DJ In The Fashion Lounge

This year marked the 10th annual showcase of fashion in the lowcountry, better known as Charleston Fashion Week.  I was blessed with a ticket for one night of events.  Hanging out in between shows in the Belk Fashion Lounge,  I was impressed with the rhythmic sounds coming from the DJ that was entertaining us.  The lounge itself was covered with the patterns and designs of Lilly Pulitzer.  Its colorful array was the perfect backdrop for these gorgeous pictures.  Not only can she work the beats, she was also working her look.  :)







Hello Spring Giveaway


I've always stated that SPRING is my favorite time of year.  Most recently, I've been thinking...NOT!  I have developed severe allergies to trees and the pollen levels are killing me.   This morning, our area was covered in a blanket of yellow haze.  I was like, "What the heck? I should be allowed the day off."   Other than that, I still love spring.  The warm weather, the beautiful skies, the cool breezes, and everything fresh and renewed.  The reality is that spring is here and Easter is not too far behind.



I thought I would celebrate the arrival with a little giveaway.  My grab bag of goodies will include items for your hair, skin, and nails to get you all prepped for the warm weather.   Easter goodies? Yep, they're in there!  A few cute items to fill your adult Easter basket!  These are just a few goodies you can expect and a few more may be thrown in for kindness.  So what are you waiting for? Start pressing those little buttons and enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run from 3/19/16 - 3/27/16 and is open to US Residents only.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new entrant will be chosen. Entries will be verified.  So good luck!



What are your favorite things about spring?  Do you have any plans this Easter?

Visit my Linking Up page to see where I am sharing this post.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Confession Session



I confess that I got the idea for this post from my blogging friend Mia at The Chronicles of Chaos .

I confess that I began writing it at 2:53 am when I couldn't sleep.

I confess that I have broken out in some ugly looking hives this time and I've been itching like crazy and want to get that painfully shot of meds in my butt to make it all better. Sorry, not sorry.

I confess that I've become somewhat of a procrastinator with things in my personal life.  Work rules. 

I confess that sometimes..........it gets lonely living in this big house all alone.  

I confess that I began writing this post about 5 weeks ago.

I confess that this is my second time trying to finish this post that I began 5 weeks ago.

I confess that I have all sorts of great post ideas floating around in my head, but just can't find the time to write them.

I confess that I bought diet coke only for the cute bottles.  I have ideas for them, though.




I confess that I wanted to host a giveaway this week, but again haven't had time to organize a post.

I confess that I will get the giveaway post up and running by the weekend because I've already purchased the items I wish to give away.

I confess that Usher keeps running through my head as I'm writing this. 
  
I confess that lately I've been loving the sounds of James Bay.  His song, Let It Go kept flowing through my head last night. The lyrics are a  little sad, but beautiful and the melody is so relaxing.  I think you will enjoy it, too.




I confess that I mailed my son his birthday card and it arrived on his birthday...at home.  I forgot to add postage, but he did get these nice treats!



What do YOU confess?



Monday, March 7, 2016

Currently March

Currently...



Wishing:  I would stop breaking out in hives!!!  I have broken out every single day for 3 weeks now.  I'm so over it.  I'm asking my allergist for a steroid shot.



Craving and Sharing:  What else?  Wine of course!  I love wine!  It is a regular staple in my house, which you should know by now.  If you are craving wine, then you should take advantage of a free bottle compliments of me...I love my monthly subscription to Club W and I know you will, too.  Enjoy one month or more...it's up to you.  Cancel anytime.  Check it out and see how much you love it! Click here to access link. https://plus.google.com/115166300750359886097/posts/26PNyjPgm9h


Did you catch my virtual wine party with my friend, Michelle?  Check it out here.


Wearing:  The lovely scent of Pleasures by Estee Lauder, my signature scent for almost 22 years.


Purchasing:  Gifts for my boys!  Their birthday is March 9th!  I can't wait to surprise them!

Cooking: Quiche…you want some?  J


Collecting:  Water for Flint, Michigan.  I spoke about it in my last Thank You Notes.  



So, what are you currently up to?  Please share with me below. 
 See where I am sharing this post by visiting my Linking Up page.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

My Sunday Photo: Spring is Near

I love the way my house is positioned.  I can see the sun rising from my front door and the sunset from the rear.  You should notice the pattern in many of my photos featuring the sky.  This is another set taken this week as we welcomed in March.  It was such a refreshing sight to see and truly a sign that Spring is near.  No editing involved.  Just the morning sky in it's pure essence.




Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Wino Wednesday: Josh Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon



My dear friend Michelle, of Grammie Time, approached me with a wonderful idea to add a little twist to our usual Wino Wednesday postings.   Each month we link up with Amanda and Lindsay to share our review of a wine we have recently purchased and partook in.  This month, Michelle and I will be trying something new…together…  somewhat of a virtual wine tasting party.


Michelle selected the wine and I marched right over to the closest store to find it.  And there it was…feeling so privileged to have been chosen.  J

This week, we enjoyed the flavors of Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and I must say it was indeed a great choice.   I love the story behind this collection of wine.  Joseph Carr named it after his father, Josh, but there is even more of a story behind the name.  Watch this video to learn more. 



 The aroma was very complex, but I could smell a mixture of berries, some oak, and spices.  First taste was a nice, juicy blend of fruits and some tannins.  I had it with the stuffed pork chops I mentioned in an earlier post and some chocolate brownies and it was an excellent pairing.  It was the perfect wine to relax with after a long day.  Reasonably priced at about $13 a bottle, you should definitely consider this one for your next dinner party.



Winemaker’s Notes:
GRAPE VARIETAL
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 2% Petite Verdot

STYLE
The bouquet is rich with dark fruits, cinnamon, clove and toasty oak flavors. The wine is juicy on the palate with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors prominent, accented by roasted almonds, vanilla and hazelnuts, finishing long with fine, firm tannins.

FOOD PAIRINGS
The complex flavor of this wine complements just about any well-seasoned meat such as beef, pork, or lamb, followed by an indulgent dessert or espresso.





Well, Michelle…Cheers to a great wine tasting! I loved the selection and look forward to our next one.  So, these are my thoughts, what are yours

 If you would like to find some new wine buddies, click the button below and join us!  

You may have missed:

Wino Wednesday:  Biltmore Estate Cabernet


Wino Wednesday: Joy Cellars 2013 Malvasia
Check out my Linking Up page to see where else I'm sharing this post!


Tuesday, March 1, 2016

February Via Instagram

February was all about celebrating.  Celebrating my career, my family, and fun!  I hope you enjoy.

National School Counseling Week:








Some healthy snacking:


Wine for various occasions like Superbowl Sunday:
A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on

...The Bachelor:

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on

...#TGIT Thursday line up from Shonda Rhimes...Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder!

...and of course, National Drink Wine Day:

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on

But there's nothing like the love of family!

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on


So how was your February?  I would love for you to share!