Hey everyone, just a heads up that I am importing over some, if not, all recipe posts from my old blog. I couldn't bring myself to just delete them. Feel free to browse these repeat posts with a new eye, or just skip them:)

Checkers & Patrick.

Kissing in Manhattan, by David Schickler
Dark & sexy read! Little individual stories in nearly every chapter; each sorta introducing new characters whose tales ultimately weave & come together near the end. So good, I read it twice. That Patrick...

Perfect Love.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 

Creamy Hot Cocoa.

I don't really care for cocoa or hot chocolate, but got a craving for a cup one evening. Found this recipe, and gave it a go!

Merely More...

The Getaway.

Here are some photos of our recent getaway to Kohler, Wisconsin. Husband and I went to The American Club, stayed at the Carriage House, and got a 75 minute "Two-gether" massage at the Kohler Water Spa. Both the suite and the spa were...A-mazing! Clean. Quiet. Relaxing. Romantic.

Merely More...

Happy Holidays!

Hope you enjoy good food, nice gifts, and precious time with family & friends this holiday!

To everyone who has joined me, left messages, read posts, or just viewed photos here...
Thank you Very Much & Happy Holidays!!!

I appreciate you all:)
Marie

The Introvert.

Outfit
Coat: J.Crew • Mittens & Scarf: Portolano • Bag: Cole Haan
Legwear: Berkshire • Legwarmers: H&M • Boots: Nicole


Merely More...

'Tis Time I Showed You The Door, Mr. Green-Eye.

Jealousy. It's such an ugly, depressing, negative, semi-fiery feeling of someone else having it better than you...Or worse, them having something you don't &/or will possibly never have.

I feel it more often than I'd like to. I'd like to not feel it at all. Genuinely Confident people. Financially-Free people. Beautiful people. Courageous people. People who live their best life.
Envying others does no good for me. In fact...Ouch!, it hurts me. It ONLY hurts me.

It's time I show ole Green-Eye the door out my life, and get new locks to prevent it's most unwelcome return.

Merely More...

You Know My Name & Another Way to Die.

Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace, Movies
Guns, Fast Cars, British Accents, Fist Fights, Explosions, Gorgeous Bond Girls, & Daniel Craig.

Two sexy, highly entertaining movies.

Love Daniel Craig as Bond! Chris Cornell singing the theme song on the first one; perfect...
Jack White and Alicia Keys on the second; not too shabby, either!

Photo Credits.

Hot Caramel Apple Cider & Spice.

They got me! Starbucks and their caramel apple spice drink. So good on a cold day, but $3.50 for a small...err "tall"!...Yep, had to try and make this at home.

I bought some real apple cider, caramel topping (from the ice cream section), and whipped cream; then headed for the microwave. After heating up a cup of cider, I added in a teaspoon of dark brown sugar (cider was unsweetened), and a couple shakes of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Gave it a stir. Topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Didn't taste like the Starbucks drink, but tasty nonetheless.
Will play around more with the spices next time; and probably try some cinnamon sticks & cloves.

No Goods, Dream Killers, & Not of the Same Feathers.

How To: Deal with Toxic People, by Sunshinelovespeace

I Threw on a Beanie & Went.

I've never really worn my hair like this outside home. The twists were always just an overnight thing; necessary preparations for a Good Morning Twist Out. Sunday night, (after washing/deep conditioning/twisting my hair) I decided I would not fuss with it in the AM. Monday morning, I just threw on a beanie, and went. 

Merely More...

Non "Real World" Thinking.

Imagine if:

• There were no such thing as embarrassment.

• When asked, "Why do you want to work here?", you honestly answer "To get paid."...and you actually get the job.

• No assumptions were made, based on physical appearances alone.

• There was a world where everyone had child-like honesty. You never have to consider & arrange your words or actions, fake interest, put it delicately, or even say the words "Thank You"; just to be "polite" or to spare someone's feelings.

• You walked into a room, filled with people, who look similar. You stand out completely, and yet, nobody makes you aware of this because "your difference" is not an obvious thing. In fact, it has no real existence. No one is aware of it at all, not even yourself.

Inspiration for the SelfLess: Don't Be Afraid to Say "No" & Sometimes it's Okay to be Selfish.

Random Ramblings & 2 "What I've Learned"s , by Glamazini

Okay, I know I said I was gone in the last post...but I saw this & had to post! K, I'm off...
Laters:)

The Wife.

Husband's Shirt: J.Crew • Denim: Hudson • Socks: Wigwam

Merely More...

All the time, Everywhere...I Am the exact same.

I wish I could say this. Truely say this; alas, I'm not there yet.

It seems there is a:
Work Marie. Home Marie. Family Marie.
Once, even a School Marie.

Each one feeling, looking, sounding slightly different. At least, it seems this way to me. How are you to BE who you are, when the roles you play are different?

I know a person from college. He once told me that he's the exact same everywhere he goes; all the time. I'll never forget it, because I believed him as soon as he said it. I admire him for that.

Cross Body Bags.

 

 

Free hands! Yes, I love these bags for this reason; especially in the winter time. It's majorly annoying having to re-adjust shoulder, handbag, or tote straps (that keeps on sliding down every 5 seconds) over your puffy winter coat. I'm so fascinated with chain straps right now...

Photo credits.

Wait, I've been here before. Wait, this happened before. Wait, I saw this before.

Deja Vu??? What is it really called? When you've seen, heard, been in a situation that you've seen, heard, been in somewhere...sometime ago but you can't exactly remember what place or what time it indeed was. You're almost certain it never actually happened, but it feels so very real. Like you're living the moment. Again. And it's only for a moment.
Then it's gone.

Do you experience this? And, in the moment, do you speak that it's happened before?

I do; and everyone around me gets quiet & looks at me like I've just lost it all. When I think about it, I guess it does sound kinda nuts! Nevertheless, it happens.

That Smile at the End!

Whip My Hair, by Willow Smith
Majorly catchy song. Cool video too.
Many say she's too young to be "whipping" anything... I kinda agree.

Video Credit.

Candied Pecan, Cranberry & Apple Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette.

There's one restaurant that I particularly go to for their walnut apple salad. I love it because (besides it being filling, for a salad) the dressing is perfectly sweet; but at $8...I had to figure out how to make it at home.

Merely More...

Outside The Kitchen Window.

 

The first snow...it's always breathtaking. Quiet.

Free Sky Shows, just look up.

A meteor shower & lunar eclipse are to take place in the coming days of December!!! I will be watching, as I've always been a major fan of seeing these types of events. I often wish I lived out in the country (or owned a telescope) to better observe the loveliness of the sky. It makes me calm.

The Hair.

After eight months of growing out my hair, I was ready. Husband cut off the remaining 9 inches of my processed straight strands, leaving only the highly textured. I've yet to look back. The hair is what started it all.

Merely More...

TV Characters: Women.

Felicity Porter. Elena Tyler. Buffy Summers. Willow Rosenburg. Sarah Tacredi. Gretchen. Tara Thornton. Sookie Stackhouse. Peggy Olsen. Joan Holloway. Betty Draper. Anne Boleyn. Mary Tudor.

These are several of my favorite female characters from TV. The actresses owned their characters and made them believable. If you missed the men, check them out here!

What are some of your favorite/most memorable leading ladies from television?
Message below:)

Photo credit.

Wow, Will!

0:24 - 1:17!

To Infinity & beyond...

Loop. Tube. Circular. Infinity.

What ever you call them, I love these scarves!

Merely More...

Dim. Shine. Crawl. Fly.

Never dim your light...You were meant to shine.
Don't crawl...You were born to fly.

I've been seeing these inspiring words typed across the net quite a bit these days. They echo after me, because I feel them in my heart and believe them to be true.

Also, believing that everyone has a unique gift to share with the world; I just wish I knew mine already.
I'm so anxious & excited to get started.

The Retiring Perfectionist.

Shirt & Hoodie: Martin & Osa • Blazer: Banana Republic • Denim: Paper Denim & Cloth • Ankle Boots: Gee Wawa • Various pearl bracelets & necklaces wrapped around into bracelets: Gift from my sister

Merely More...

TV Characters: Men.

Dexter. Pete Campbell. Don Draper. T-Bag. Michael Scofield. King Henry Tudor. Spike. Angel. Ben Covington. Noel Crane. Mostly all the men of Lost: Locke, Sayid, Hurly, Sawyer, Michael, Ben, Jin, Jack...

Some actors are so believable in their characters, that I think/wish them to be real. If I ever saw them in life, their character names would pop into mind long before their real names. Though, I believe this to be an actor's pet peeve; isn't it a testament to how great they are at their work?

What are some of your favorite/most memorable male characters on televison?

Photo Credit.

Financial Non-Fiction.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki

Easy read. A bit repetitive. Highly motivating. 

Makes you want to urgently quit your job after reading.

Hot Chocolate Nails.

Still in nude nail mode...this is OPI  Tickle My France-y. 

Merely More...

The Thirteenthhh!!!

Rome, TV
Titus Pullo & Lucius Vorenus. Their friendship...So heartwarming to watch!
The first season was kinda slow until it's gradual build to the last few episodes.
Just started season two, and I'm entertained!

Photo Credit.

Great Odin's Raven...Eos!

This past summer, something strange had happened (with my overly sensitive skin) to my lips. Out of nowhere they broke out in somewhat of a heat rash that soon turned into gross blisters. My Dr. tested me for the herpes virus that causes cold sores on the lips; it came back negative. I had never had a cold sore in my life. He then tested me for impetigo. Also negative. He then thought I was experiencing an allergic reaction to something. At this point, I wanted a new doctor. He hadn't a clue what was wrong.

Merely More...

Perfect Imperfections...TAG!

When I came across this blog and saw her My First Tag post, I thought I'd give it a go too. Tags are fun, plus, this one seems encouraging & conducive to my retiring from perfectionism:)

Listing 3 things about myself that I consider perfect & 3 things about myself that I consider imperfect (I think they all are suppose to be physical things).

Merely More...