After 2 weeks of holiday gift books, I am back to reading. I really wanted to find a cannot put down thriller for you and I hope this is it…Little Secrets by Jennifer Heller.
All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret….
Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They’re admired in their community and are a loving family – until their world falls apart the day their son, Sebastian, is taken.
A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a PI to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She’s lost her son; she’s not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.
Permanently. – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
What if I told you that I was learning something really interesting? Basically….
- How to create a higher Income in Retirement
- Payless in taxes
- Leave a legacy behind for my children
- And taking less financial risk than I am currently taking
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
That is what Cathy Demartino, a Financial Representative at Strategies for Wealth presented to me. I was so intrigued. I decided to contact her to have a conversation and see what she was all about.
Cathy DeMartino brings a fresh perspective to retirement planning. Her professional mission is to ensure that her clients never experience financial failure.
Cathy spent over 15 years working in the financial markets as a derivatives trader in both London and New York. She made a career shift when she decided to use her extensive financial experience for the benefit of individuals rather than institutions. Cathy has a keen appreciation for balancing the financial threats faced by her clients with their ability to save and grow their wealth.
Cathy is available to answer any questions you might have or to explain everything that she explained to me, to you!!. Just sent her an EMAIL and you will be amazed by her experience!!!!
I thought last week’s book was going to be the holiday best-seller until this past Saturday. I was in New Caanan and stopped into the local book store and right in the window was this week’s book club choice. THIS book is going to be one of the MUST have gifts of 2021…..Renegades Born in the USA
CHECK IT OUT….
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two longtime friends share an intimate and urgent conversation about life, music, and their enduring love of America, with all its challenges and contradictions, in this stunningly produced expansion of their groundbreaking Higher Ground podcast, featuring more than 350 photographs, exclusive bonus content, and never-before-seen archival material.
Renegades: Born in the USA is a candid, revealing, and entertaining dialogue between President Barack Obama and legendary musician Bruce Springsteen that explores everything from their origin stories and career-defining moments to our country’s polarized politics and the growing distance between the American Dream and the American reality. Filled with full-color photographs and rare archival material, it is a compelling and beautifully illustrated portrait of two outsiders—one Black and one white—looking for a way to connect their unconventional searches for meaning, identity, and community with the American story itself. It includes:
• Original introductions by President Obama and Bruce Springsteen
• Exclusive new material from the Renegades podcast recording sessions
• Obama’s never-before-seen annotated speeches, including his “Remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches”
• Springsteen’s handwritten lyrics for songs spanning his 50-year-long career
• Rare and exclusive photographs from the authors’ personal archives
• Historical photographs and documents that provide rich visual context for their conversation
In a recording studio stocked with dozens of guitars, and on at least one Corvette ride, Obama and Springsteen discuss marriage and fatherhood, race and masculinity, the lure of the open road and the call back to home. They also compare notes on their favorite protest songs, the most inspiring American heroes of all time, and more. Along the way, they reveal their passion for—and the occasional toll of—telling a bigger, truer story about America throughout their careers, and explore how our fractured country might begin to find its way back toward unity and global leadership – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
I am absolutely in love with the local company Eye Candy Florals. Amy, the founder has the most incredible eye for creating beautiful and unique boutique floral arrangements. She will go out of her way to work with you to meet exactly what you need so that your flowers will make you smile each time you walk into your room
One of her services is to consult and create reoccurring weekly or biweekly one-of-a-kind arrangements right to your door on Lower Westchester. Or perhaps, you are looking to send that special unforgettable joyful gift to a friend or loved one. Send a little local eye candy!!!
Lastly, do you have a vision for a special upcoming event? Amy will consult with you on your style, budget all while creating a visual experience your guests will not forget.
To learn more about Eye Candy Florals or to learn more about Amy and Eye Candy Florals visit their website HERE.
And do not forget Thanksgiving is right around the corner….Amy is taking orders for some fabulous centerpieces. Inquire for more information.
Happy November!!! I cannot believe that this is the first gift guide for the upcoming holiday season. This guide is a little bit of everything…There is a lot for her, but something here for teachers, hostess, sister, mother, aunt. We are getting a lot out of the way first. But do not worry there is so much more to come in the following weeks!!!
- I really love this white acrylic purse…
- I think the green is perfect for the holidays…I love this color…
- How cute is this makeup bag….giving me Iris vibes!!!
- These hair ties make an amazing stocking stuffer.
- How cute is this coat? I love the look and its a great price point…
- These fur headbands make the most wonderful gifts.
- Do you have any card players in your family? These toile cards are perfection!
- How cute are these little clutches. Great for the holidays and come in other cute colors.
- These nap dresses are fabulous. Def on the most wanted lists…
- How about a monogram bag for everyone on your list..these are the cutest!!!
- One of the best of the best gifts I found so far, the Very Merry Cocktail book!!
- I am absolutely in love with the fancy bag. Another perfect gift for the fashionista in your life!!
- This planter is so adorable and would be so cute filled with fun festive plants!!!
- This is hands down the absolute hair styling tool. If you have not already done so buy this for every family member and friend. It looks like you literally walked out of the salon.
- The best glam Gucci glasses at the best price…wish list item for sure..
image Upleap
Designing a fabulous garden is one of the best ways that you can enhance your home, and add to your living space. There are so many advantages to gardening, from boosting your mental health to improving your diet and adding value to your home. To help you design a lovely garden space these garden design trends are all you need.
1 . Herb & Vegetable Gardens
Herb and vegetable gardens are a fantastic way to grow some tasty foods and create a beautiful space. If you’re a beginner it’s advisable to start off with a small garden, a 6×6 feet garden is a great size for beginners. According to Gardeners World, some of the easiest vegetables to grow include beetroot, potatoes, courgette and peas.
Eating Well recommends growing herbs like basil, chives and cilantro. All you need to grow these herbs is well drained soil, healthy compost, and a sunny spot. The great thing about herb gardens is that they are super versatile, if you don’t have a traditional garden space you can grow herbs on your balcony or windowsill.
2. Outdoor living spaces
This year our garden spaces have gradually started to resemble our living rooms and dining rooms. In 2022 these garden trends will become even more popular. To create an outdoor living space try styling your garden with large sofas, long dining tables, garden rugs and outdoor heaters.
Outdoor living rooms and dining rooms give us the opportunity to relax alfresco and expand our homes. The first step is to create suitable flooring for your outdoor room. You might use decking, stone, or paving. To stay dry from the rain you could add a roofing structure, leaving the front and side spaces open.
3. Go Wild
Untamed and wild gardens are fast gaining popularity, it’s all about creating layered gardens with plenty of wildflowers and climbing plants. Dare to let the grass get a little long, and allow mother nature to do her thing.!
To create a wild garden consider a permaculture gardening approach. This type of gardening is all about planting seeds, and then allowing your garden to thrive naturally. Permaculture has 12 key principles including:
- Making compost out of food waste.
- Dead plants that turn into mulch.
- Preserving electricity and water.
- Increasing. plant diversity.
5. Alfresco kitchens
You might have seen outdoor living rooms, but have you checked out the alfresco kitchen trend? An outdoor kitchen is an amazing space to cook delicious meals, entertain friends, and throw amazing dinner parties. If you’re keen to design yourself a gorgeous outdoor kitchen, why not invest in an outdoor pizza oven? You’ll make pizza night extra plus these stone structures look just beautiful.
6. Gravel Paths
Does your garden pathway need a revamp? If so, gravel pathways are all the rage right now. A gravel path is the best way to create a neat garden, these pathways work particularly well for gardens that have a ‘wild and untamed’ look. There are lots of advantages of having a gravel pathway, including:
- A natural look, (perfect to create a boho garden).
- Easy to set up and maintain.
- Inexpensive way to design your garden path
7. Smart Gardens
Smart gardens use tech tools and features to improve the functionality, appearance and health of a garden. There are many different elements to a smart garden, here are a few of the most common features and tools:
Smart soil sensors
These types of sensors can analyze the soil and send you notifications via an app. The alerts will tell you if your plants need to be watered or fed, and how often. Smart soil sensors can also provide data about any temperature or light issues which is affecting the health of your plants.
Robotic Lawnmowers
Tired of having to mow the lawn yourself? Then why not invest in a robotic lawn mower? With the help of these smart devices, you can sit back and relax, reaping all the benefits of a perfectly mowed lawn.
Smart lighting
Now you can control your outdoor light using the internet, smart lighting works by using an app, or a smart home system. When you invest in smart garden lights you can adjust the colors, timing and brightness.
8. Environmentally friendly
Gardeners everywhere are gradually focusing on more sustainable practices. If you’re keen to design a sustainable garden in 2022 there are lots of ways that you can achieve this. Firstly, ensure that you make your own compost instead of relying on chemical-based fertilizers. You can make your own compost easily by recycling your food waste, the trick is to add equal parts nitrogen materials and carbon materials.
When you’re choosing accessories and furniture for your garden make sure that you choose green materials. Some of the most popular green materials include reclaimed wood, bamboo, soy cashmere or hemp.
9. Furniture Trends
Ready to jump on the latest garden furniture trends? Wicker furniture is super trendy right now and there are lots of benefits to wicker furniture. Wicker tends to be made from strong and eco-friendly materials including bamboo, reed or rattan. It’s durable and has natural protection against rot and bugs. This type of furniture is versatile, suitable for a range of different garden styles. If you need tips for choosing the best outdoor wicker furniture take a look at the Live Outer website.
10. Balcony Gardens
Perhaps you don’t have a conventional garden space, but you do have a balcony? Balcony gardens are a fantastic way to utilize the space you do have, adding a touch of extra charm to your home.
There are lots of ways that you can create a beautiful balcony garden, you might add a rock garden, small trees, hedges or window boxes? Just because you have a small space it doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative. A balcony space is a perfect place for beginner gardeners. Here you can start with a few small pots, improve your skills, and grow your garden over time.
11. Japanese inspired gardens
Japanese-style gardens are incredibly stunning, these often use minimalist principles with elements inspired by Japanese culture. According to Better Homes & Gardens, ‘They often combine the basic elements of plants, water, and rocks with simple, clean lines to create a tranquil retreat.’
To create a Japanese garden focus on moss, evergreens, bamboo fences and traditional lanterns. You might also incorporate features such as water features and stone statutes.
12. Interesting lawn shapes
Does your garden lawn need a bit of a revamp? The best way to spruce up your lawn is with garden landscaping. In 2022, consider choosing an interesting shape for your lawn. Shaping your lawn can add a touch of character to your garden, create a quirky look or make things look neater. You might design a circular lawn, a tear drop-shaped garden, a curved lawn, a diamond, or even a heart shape? The first step is to find a talented landscape gardener who can help you to create a plan.
13. Living roofs
A living roof is a roof that’s covered with vegetation and plants, you can create a living roof for the roof of your home, or perhaps the roof of your shed. Green roofs look lovely, plus they improve air quality and create a home for wildlife. With the help of a green roof, you’ll ensure a slower runoff of water, which is helpful to stop your gutters from overflowing.
Creating a living roof is a fun project, plus it’s an amazing way to design a more eco-friendly garden. You’ll need the help of a professional to work on the roof of your property. With your shed, you’ll probably be able to build the living roof yourself.
14. Water features
Water features are a wonderful way to create a beautiful garden, and there are so many different types to choose from. Adding a water feature is a fantastic way to add a focal point to your garden. Before you shop around it’s worth thinking about what kind of style you are looking for, and how much you want to spend. Water features range from affordable to expensive, so you’ll be able to find something depending on your price range and style.
15. Handmade decor
If you enjoy getting creative, consider making some handmade decor for your garden space. Even if you’ve never made anything crafty before, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help. You might try making garden artwork, cushions, or upcycled lanterns? To give you some great ideas take a look at these garden craft ideas.
Keeping up with the latest trends is a great way to have lots of fun with your garden design. You might choose to work with a garden design professional or try it yourself. Before you get started it’s helpful to collect a few gardening resources and to create a design plan. Drawing up a design plan can also help you to figure out your budget.