Splenderosa

Coffee or Tea ?

2012-02-01T19:27:00.001-06:00

This kitchen has charmed me completely,
and the photography of the coffee is amazing,
isn't it ?

Editorial Awesomeness...

2012-02-01T08:34:00.000-06:00

Slimane for Vogue Japan March 2012

By Joanna on 30 January 2012 in 2012, Anja Rubik, Editorial, Hedi Slimane, Mika Mizutani, Nudity, Vogue Nippon

Ecstasy of the Moment – Anja Rubik reunites with Hedi Slimane for the March issue of Vogue Japan. Wearing a wardrobe of sexy silhouettes and art-deco patterns from the likes of Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and others styled by Mika Mizutani; Anja wows with her enchanting looks in the elegant images. / Makeup by Gucci Westman, Hair by Didier Malige

Basic Black

2012-01-31T14:27:00.003-06:00

notice how the arches & circles are continued in the outfit's design...

didn't want you to think I was being lazy or anything like that...

you know I'm not happy unless it's perfect.

xx's

Looks I Love.....

2012-01-30T18:08:00.002-06:00

some pretty rooms & ideas

very interesting rug, carpeting on stairway, drapery fabric & chandelier

over time I've collected many many pieces of antique cut glass & vintage glassware,

silver hollow ware, and tableware of all types...

this reminds me of prettiness we often don't take time to create any longer...

no words

love the walls and all the natural tones & mixtures of textures

open windows & doorways, fresh flowers always,

and this lovely fireplace surround...wonder where they found this...

antlers & peonies, bronze chandelier & tall footed candlesticks,

just too much fun not to love,

nasturtiums remind me of beautiful English gardens...

those hydrangea & this perfectly tended garden space

always need a bit of whimsy, don't we?

perfect guest powder room

& this? what can I say except I love it.

my idea of the most perfect room...

big room, high high high ceilings, lots of light...

but I wouldn't use those high-backed chairs, they don't look comfy at all

don't laugh...there once was a closet like this in a home for sale in Houston,

I kid you not.

remember, around here there is a whole lot of land, and there are some

enormous & beautiful homes...

just too wonderful

wouldn't you love to own one of these?

& finally, a Mint Julep or could it be Iced Tea?

anyway, I'll have one right now if you don't mind...

Some of ours....

2012-01-29T19:17:00.002-06:00

OK, everyone...some of these are in jeopardy of running out forever,

some are completely new for Spring/Summer.

I've very proud of the handmade White Stick Coral Earrings

wire wrapped in 14k gold wire & 2 different sizes/shapes of

Chalcedony.

These earrings are the 1st pair finished; I plan on making them in every

conceivable color way, including black & white. Next pair will be

the white coral sticks with tiny green stones which look like Emeralds

but are actually Chrome Diopside.

Please let me know if you like these ideas.

xx's

Coco & Igor

2012-01-28T09:51:00.005-06:00

a weekend movie review, which I don't often do,
about a very unusual film which will appeal to women.

this is about the love story between Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky,
set in Paris between 1913 and 1920.

there are probably lots of movie reviews to be found online which will examine more fully than I

ever could all the subterfuge .

suffice it to say, it is a beautiful, visual treat...

the settings, the opulence, the lifestyle & the apparel

it is a French film, the acting is wonderful,

however, there is really not that much dialog.

Coco is strongly independent, and with her success becomes even more so.

Igor has fallen on hard times, has seen the premier of his new symphony

"The Rites of Spring" be booed off the stage,

lives in a Paris hotel with his sickly wife and 4 children.

Oh well, you will just have to see what happens with this scenario.

Coco's country home just outside of Paris

Coco, in her bed, contemplating her next move...

It's on Encore on cable, and Netflix has it.

no children under about 16+, cause there's nudity in the love scenes, not

frontal, but everywhere else...it's French after all.

Tribal Trend...

2012-01-27T17:24:00.000-06:00

Splenderosa's New Bracelets

Ralph Lauren below

you may find these bracelets for sale on the separate page entitled

"Bracelets"

just under our header...

already there are the newest Tribal-styled rings in the page entitled

"Rings"

happy looking

Irresistible Paris

2012-01-26T14:12:00.001-06:00

oh how I wish to be here...

& I am still moving....

Divine Perfection

2012-01-26T09:16:00.000-06:00

no one does structure and tailoring better than Giorgio Armani,

as you can see in his newest Prive' collection for Spring.

notice the details, like the little glove

all the collections are showing the longer skirt lengths, and

several have shown focus on draped skirts, which I love.

I have a red-haired girlfriend who wears these greens...she

will absolutely D.I.E. when she sees this collection...alas

she doesn't get this dressed up too often, but one can dream, no?

Gorgeous, no ?

2012-01-25T23:24:00.001-06:00

Age of Aquarius

2012-01-25T17:23:00.000-06:00

Awesome Jewelry & Beading...still going strong

L'Officiel Paris - Hot Haute Editorial

2012-01-25T11:43:00.002-06:00

showing a leading, very big trend for spring
TRIBAL
see, I told you !!

I will definitely wear the look above...well, maybe lower shoes...maybe.
but not the neck ring or the headdress,all the beads, yes !
& really good news, SPLENDEROSA will have all of this type of merchandiseavailable within a few days. we already have the rings; will add bracelets, earrings, necklaces.
go to the "rings" link under the header to see tribal rings.

let me know what you think, please...

would you wear this look?

Couture for Spring

2012-01-24T17:41:00.002-06:00

what a huge difference in the

Giambattista Valli

collection, which is stunningly beautiful,

my favorites below...

& the completely unwearable Christian Dior collection

which harkens backward to the 50's or somewhere awful...

the owners should bring back John Galliano, allow him to publicly apologize,

and get back to work on works of art, rather than producing "anything"

and calling it a collection created by some unknown, untried person.

go over to style.com to see what I mean.

& from Karl for Chanel Couture Spring

earrings...oh yes

oh my goodness, I do love those stockings !

Necklaces....

2012-01-24T11:47:00.001-06:00

some new styles for your perusal...
all curated by me, all really really pretty.

above, 16" length
style # 12-1001
$25

above, 18" length
pearl strand with little gold & crystal flowers
style 12-11022
$20

above, 32" length
notice the little pearl dangle on tip of leaf
style 12-110223
$24

above, multi-strands, 12", 18", 24" length
bronze tones with inlaid glass stones
style 12-2001
$32

all of these include the little earrings

email: splenderosa@gmail.com

shipping in USA $5.90
also available to Europe, Australia, New Zealand
at a small extra cost

have you heard that the large chandelier earrings
are BACK?
let me know if you would wear them, please.
my supplier has 1000's of designs,
but only a few would I choose,
so let me know.

xx's

Dreaming of......

2012-01-24T10:35:00.003-06:00

The Amalfi Coast of Italy

more images from the most beautiful place on Earth
(to me, anyway)

Sorrento

notice to coast road winding around, often it's only 2 lanes & so crowded it takes

forever to get from one place to another, but no one minds the wait it's so beautiful

Portofino
not exactly the Amalfi Coast, a bit too far up the coastline,
but a "cannot miss" little jewel when on the Italian coast.
The Splendido Hotel, one of the most stunning examples of
old world luxury I've ever seen.

more of Italy to come after I finish moving,

yes, I'm still at it...

This is So Me....

2012-01-23T16:09:00.002-06:00

including the dog...yes, I have a black Poodle named FiFi
& a white Maltese named Bono...
my rooms are vacant and not alive without them...
you know?

& my newest find...

faceted Pyrite (Fool's Gold) beads.

this photo is a string of beads just purchased from our wholesaler, they have

teeny-tiny faceted ones as well, which I love too,

but wanted you to see these...

also found some brilliant faceted black onyx, pinhead size, and they will

make beautiful accent beads for earrings, necklaces, bracelets...

and I love to look at them glinting in the sunshine...

where I sometimes sit to facet my designs...

outside on our patio, to use the natural light...it's simply the best light for gemstones

& makeup...

upcoming "By Invitation Only" International Blog Party post

will be featuring our idea of a

Fantasy Dinner Party

don't miss it

I Took a Time Out...

2012-01-21T10:47:00.000-06:00

played around on the www
& came up with these...

"listen to the mandolin rain,

listen to the music on the lake.

listen to the banjo wind,

it played on the lake like a mandolin."

bruce hornsby

top image, vintage Lanvin

Splenderosa's New Tribal Rings

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone...

We are delighted to offer these wonderful new
Tribal stretchable rings for Spring/Summer,

all are enameled and the last style has crystals,
something new to Tribal.

$ 35 each

Style #21

Style #22

Style #23

Style #24

Style #25

Style #26

Style #27

add $5.90 for shipping USA, Europe & Australia, NZ

still packing, which reminds me to NEVER NEVER NEVER be
unorganized again.
SERIOUSLY!

but, these rings are too pretty to wait

email: splenderosa@gmail.com

xx's

Gucci Gucci Gucci

2012-01-19T10:53:00.002-06:00

Ad Campaign, Gucci S/S 2012:

Abbey Lee Kershaw & Karmen Pedaru

by Mert & Marcus

Paying homage to the 20's

in a very modern way,

and seen clearly in the glamourous and gold ad campaign.

Fronted by Abbey Lee Kershaw & Karmen Pedaru in slicked back hair,

and dark smokey eyes alongside Greg Nawrat.

Wearing metallic accent detailed inspired by art deco shown via boxy,

tailored jackets, drop-waist dresses decorated with fringe, shot by Mert & Marcus.

Images via Pinterest Friends

2012-01-17T16:07:00.000-06:00

via laura casey interiors.com on pinterest

via Coty Farquhar

via driftwood interiors

via laura bizzell

via Laura Casey

via Marina Saclley

via Zsa Zsa Bellagio

via StoneGable via Mona Thompson @ Providence

via Paloma Contreras

via Gwen Driscoll @ Ragland Hill Social

via me

via Julie Horner

so much inspiration can be found on Pinterest...

when I'm tired I just sit down and look at pretty pictures for awhile,

then get on back to work...PACKING...ugh !

Luxury...

2012-01-17T13:22:00.000-06:00

maybe a hotel?

love love love the sliding drape

like a spa shower, sleek & clean, with a non-slip wood floor over tile

there's a peek of a bath off the bedroom, so I couldn't resist posting this

just so so pretty, looks like Greece doesn't it?

butt-glass shower walls or tub enclosures are the way to go

ok...I could cook in here !!!!!

too cool....

now...back to packing china, crystal & silver....sigh sigh sigh...

Splenderosa Hand-Crafted Jewelry Designs

2012-01-14T14:17:00.001-06:00

I've had so many lovely comments & emails regarding our handmade

jewelry designs, all of which I appreciate more than you know.

It is positive re-validation us artists crave the most.

Please go here to see most of our current styles & prices

HERE

New Necklaces for Spring...

2012-01-13T14:15:00.002-06:00

Splenderosa's New Designs for Spring/Summer

single strand large beads make a big fashion statement,
all from $49-$99

for complete details, please click under our header on

"Splenderosa Designer Jewelry"

to open the page.

thank you looking

email me with any questions: splenderosa@gmail.com

I Think I Might Have a Party...

2012-01-12T14:19:00.000-06:00

welcome, my friends

we will toast the new year again,

hug our friends again,

laugh again,

relax and enjoy each moment because this moment cannot ever be repeated

we will save the picture in our minds

& years from now they will be recalled, not from a scrapbook,

but from the endless filing system within.

maybe for Valentine's ?

maybe for Super Bowl ?

& this is what I shall wear...

you know, in Texas we dress up for everything !!

xx's

Ummmmm

2012-01-10T18:43:00.002-06:00

don't worry, you know you won't find a recipe at Splenderosa.

today I received a nice comment about the lace shoes I posted

a couple of posts back and was asked "whose shoes are those."

I said Valentino, I think, but I'm not certain.

It was looked up. They were Valentino, that's why they are so beautiful.

& now this....

Valentino Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign

by Kate Van Raden

if you would like to see the complete collection please go HERE

inspired by Mexico in the early 20th century...

I think these pieces are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen...

& I really love the styling of the campaign, do you?

Dior

2012-01-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

OMG

'nuff said

Splenderosa's Fashionable Rings

2012-01-09T15:57:00.000-06:00

these little treasures have been flying out the door,
they are all stretchable/adjustable so the fit is no problem,
and the LOOK 10X the price...
which is $35 each

style #1

style #2

style #3

style #4

style #5

style #6

style #7

style #8

style #9

style #10

style #11

style #12

style #13

style #14

see our additional page entitled

"Stretchable Rings"

for details

Prettiness....

2012-01-09T14:52:00.000-06:00

the collection of simple glass containers, the paint color...

frame this stunning view

love love love these hanging lamps

the shine of silver says it all

a girly room toned down by the leather pouf, little black table with brass stag,

monochromatic furniture

I'm a big lover of tall gladiolas, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, Persian rugs

& monochromatic furniture

now, who wouldn't love this room?

& a gift to all of you, this vision...dream on...

I think this is St.Lucia, does anyone know?

busily packing my china & crystal (I have so much more than I need as

I've collected all my life)...I'm only moving 3-4 miles away, so it doesn't have

to be packed for a long-distance move, and I will move it myself...

using plastic bins with small bubble wrap for most of it.

& I have a ceramic giraffe, made in Italy, which I've owned some 30 years

who always travels in the back seat of my car so she will be safe...her name is

Giselle, and she has always been a part of my decor. Giselle is seated and is about 4' tall.

and I wonder what other people do when their children tell them

"you style is not our style, Mom"

& mom has treated everything with kid gloves thinking all the precious

furniture, paintings, accessories would eventually go to them.

????

January Pinks

2012-01-06T20:34:00.002-06:00

I would love to have this dress, so so pretty,

& what a wonderful way to say hello to an overcast & cold day.

Ahhhhh, Gisele....

2012-01-05T16:01:00.002-06:00

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012 Campaign

After the initial preview, Salvatore Ferragamo brings out the complete Spring/Summer 2012 campaign featuring the beautiful Gisele, and the alluring Noah Mills. The two pose in a beautiful pool and beach backdrop, lensed by the noted Mikael Jackson. Gisele wears long, bright and flowy dresses, while Noah is charming in manly suits. Gisele's look is accessorized with high heels and bright clutches. The makeup look is sun-kisses and hair is wavy.

OK, guys...to me this is one perfect outfit!

what do you think?

& a small note...this is why I'm on a diet

Diet

2012-01-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

Isn't this the most awful 4-letter word ?

And, one with which I've lived most of my life. I mean, I don't think there has been a time

when I didn't that I was "fat" or needing to lose weight. The stigma of being female in the USA.

But, now in 2012 I must seriously DIET.

After losing a few pounds (more than a few) I need to workout.

Remember that from my New Years Day list?

So, today is Day 4 of the modified Atkins diet, the ONLY one which actually

produces results for me. I guess the reason is that I love pasta, so only by giving up

TOTALLY & COMPLETELY

all white carbs

can I lose weight.

No white carbs, no sugar.

I'm eating a proper breakfast, which will include fruits of any kind.

Then a small snack, white cheeses or Laughing Cow, Wheat Thins.

Then lunch of proteins & salads & flaxseed, lots of fluids.

Another small snack (chicken broth, whole wheat bread or crackers).

Dinner is a little soup, chicken or fish, veggies (cooked in the microwave with NO water).

Small snack or some kind of sweet thing for dessert (but without sugar or carbs).

I crave carbs for a few days. It's awful. But if I make it the 1st few days it becomes easy then.

I'm drinking Minute Maid Light Lemonade by the gallon - 5 calories.

Losing the weight is important to me because my new home has a ton of mirrors,

and it is awful to see yourself so much and not like what you see, you know?

Also, I have closets of designer outfits I can no longer wear because they just

don't fit the proper way. I'm not ready to give them up.

Wish me luck, cheer me on...I'm doing this for ME ONLY. ME.

If I'm successful by Spring I'm going to NYC to meet Francine Gardner & to see

my girlfriend, Claudia Faris, whom I adore. She & Francine would make great friends.

Perhaps Stacey of Quintessence would come in for lunch one day?

So, you see, all the sacrifice would be properly rewarded wouldn't it?

xx's

My Spa-Business Daughter

2012-01-04T22:11:00.002-06:00

Vanessa just sent this to me...

now, IF I could only find the time to do all this...

my favorite thing at the spa...cucumber infused cold water in crystal glasses...

not massages.

Sending Love to Kristin...

2012-01-04T19:10:00.001-06:00

my lovely friend in Norway, Kristin @ A Page of Inspiration

find her here

was sweet enough to post about a group of bracelets she won from

Splenderosa Jewelry Designs

the photos are hers, taken directly from her blog today...

please hop over to see her soon.

they are so pretty for the price and are still available...Sam @ Carolina Kitchens won these bracelets too & Therese @ LaDolfina won a stretchableturquoise/gold ring Both have told me how much they enjoy them.
On the flip side, we sent a package to France and, unfortunately, almost nothing wascorrect and we disappointed the recipient very much. Of course, we will replace/repair ANYTHING/EVERYTHING at no cost or give her full credit, but we made a mistake...had to be upfront and tell you.
I'm extremely busy right now, moving from my townhome to a bigger home with a real garden/yard for me and my flowers and a place to creep around for my little doggies. Townhouse living is lovely, but not nearly enough room outdoors for our needs.
I hate moving (like everyone else), but I'm happily packing away.
I may not post as regularly as before, but I am alive & well.
Love to each of you, my darling friends...

Ring in the New Year the Right Way...

2012-01-01T00:28:00.000-06:00

Doesn't it seem hard to believe we've passed through Christmas-time

and here we are at 2012?

For me it was all so fast this year.

Do you think it makes a difference when you're happy?

Only time will tell me that one.

But, for now we'll celebrate the fact that we all know & respect each other,

our virtual, but altogether real, friends in the blogisphere.

Today the ladies of

"By Invitation Only"

the invited group of international bloggers welcome you to join our fun

as we celebrate together in PARIS...

imagine...

lunch in Paris with all the girls?

At Pre Catelan Restaurant,

Murano chandeliers, white orchids, crispy white linen tablecloths, crystal and heavy silverware,

...in the lush gardens of the Bois de Boulogne.

One of the most girly girl places I know in Paris.

(I hear it's thought by the locals to be "nouveau riche" but I'm from Texas

and everything here is new, and no matter, the place is a dream...even if for only one time).

Imagine arriving at this beautiful place, away from the city bustle,

surrounded by beautiful gardens and a park.

Perfection for a Ladies Champagne Luncheon, no?

I've worried about what I was going to wear (of course !!! ) because I know

everyone else will be gorgeously attired...but, in fact, I went back to an outfit

I featured months ago from Diane Von Furstenberg...I loved it then, and I still do.

What do you think?

add tons of Splenderosa necklaces, maybe jade, maybe

Peruvian opals with turquoise & gold ?

I adore these shades of the same color group, don't you?

Looks new, looks young, looks NOW.

But, on to important things, like my thoughts on

"going forward"

to realize how truly blessed I am with the friends & family I have
including blogland friends, whom I cherish
have time to actually smell the roses & enjoy it
travel more, learn more, embrace life more & enjoy it
go back to Italy, the place I love the most
to understand I know who I am & to trust my opinions/decisions
share my life's experiences with the younger generation by mentoring
understand my adult children's choices are their own, not mine
start dancing again, even if alone
stop worrying !!!!
concentrate on my jewelry-designing more. create
start painting again
trust my instincts (did I already say this?)
throw out all my old shoes, no matter how beautiful
throw out everything I will never wear again, except vintage
take a cooking class because dinner tonight was a disaster
do not suffer impossible people because I feel obligated, draw the line
know I have a certain style and nothing else will do, fashion or not.
open my mail the day it comes & do not allow clutter on my desk
work hard in political situations this year as our lives may depend on who is elected
workout
workout
workout
know I will never understand someone else's motivations or opinions & that I cannot change their incorrect behaviors or thoughts. Believe me, this is gonna be hard.
have a dinner party once-a-month in my home, this is only 12x 's a year, I should be able to do this, right?
love the Lord as much as He love me, and show this love everyday

Welcome 2012, an entire new adventure awaits us.

I promise not to waste it.

Love to all of my girlfriends, and this means YOU !!!

If you are a member of "By Invitation Only" please link up below.

Mona @ Providence & a few others are having problems linking up, here's Mona's link:

HERE

Ladies Who Lunch...

2011-12-30T12:28:00.000-06:00

Gold-Dipped Glasses
such a pretty thing

to find out how to do this technique at home please

GO HERE

& wouldn't they be lovely for a ladies luncheon in

PARIS

NEW YEAR'S DAY

!!!!

what a great idea for a ring...a little snow globe...

but I don't think Splenderosa can actually produce it, dammit !

please come join all the membership of

BY INVITATION ONLY

as we celebrate the new year by having a

virtual luncheon

in Paris, France

at a beautiful restaurant...

we'll all be dressed to the 9's...gossiping, sharing holiday stories,

drinking champagne and putting forth our thoughts on

"going forward"

happening New Year's Day

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve ?

2011-12-29T17:41:00.000-06:00

Don't be mad at me because I'm going to Paris.

Yes, Dorothy, Continental Airlines has a direct flight from Houston, and

I will be on board, flying alone to the City of Lights...for a very very special reason...

not to celebrate New Year's Eve...

but to celebrate

New Year's DAY

with all the girls from "By Invitation Only."

We'll be going to a beautiful restaurant for a ladies champagne luncheon

(which may last all afternoon),

The reason, if we really needed one, is because Tina @ The Enchanted Home

the beautiful woman who hosted all of us for a December Christmas Party at

her new home (all virtually) thought it was such a smashing success that we

we should do it again.

Who am I to say no?

And, so, once again...an outfit, of course...

but most of all we will be discussing our thoughts on

"going forward"

Once you get out of bed from partying the night before, roll over to your computer

and see ALL of us for fun, giggles, gossip, outfits and some philosophical thoughts.

See you !!!!!!

& we will be giving away a piece of Splenderosa Jewelry

to the wonderful woman who leaves US (all of us collectively - the group

will decide) the absolute bestest thought of her own about

"going forward"

no pressure intended...

And, so far, I haven't decided WHAT to wear @#$@$@$@^&*(##

Lunch in Paris New Year's Day...

2011-12-28T12:49:00.000-06:00

any ideas on what we should wear?

the incredibly wonderful group of women who are members of

the international blog event held only 1X a month,

"By Invitation Only"

will meet in Paris on New Year's Day for a

ladies luncheon...

no one should miss this party ...

so we'll see you then, OK?

Oh my, what on earth will I wear ?

2011-12-26T17:18:00.000-06:00

to the virtual luncheon in Paris on New Year's Day?

come back to see all of us who will attend this virtual event...

"By Invitation Only"

an international blog party for the membership...

reprising our December post where we all attended

Tina's @ The Enchanted Home Christmas party in her beautiful new home.

our 1 X a month event.

The Day After...

2011-12-26T02:59:00.000-06:00

when life is supposed to get back to normal, we must clean up our homes
from the week's visitors and food preparations...
& so life takes on the regular routines again...
heading all the way to the famous New Year's Eve festivities...

but over here at Splenderosa WE are thinking about our

Ladies Luncheon

PARIS

on New Year's DAY !

the membership of our international blog party group called

"By Invitation Only"

had so much fun at Tina's Christmas party...Tina, herself, suggested

our January post be about a follow-up

LUNCH in PARIS

in keeping up with the words above the ladies invited to this

luncheon

will share outfits, tales of Christmas, shopping & some really good gossip

during a beautiful, festive lunch in Paris.

we can hardly wait to be together again.

make certain you come on over to see what we're doing (virtually).

Simply Beautiful...

2011-12-25T12:10:00.000-06:00

image via Roseline @ A Glamorous Little Side Project

image via Lene @ Essence of the Good Life

wishing all of my friends a wonderful Christmas Day

with your family & close friends...

it is magical what happens during the holidays when everyone's

homes are decorated, the doors are always open to visitors,

& no one leaves empty-handed...a little gift, a little holiday favor,

or just joyful love & kinship.

simply the best, isn't it?

Christmas Memories....

2011-12-23T16:03:00.000-06:00

Water Tower Park, Chicago
one of our most beautiful cities & one of our coldest

staying at the hotel atop the Water Tower Building is completely magical,

you overlook the city & the lake...so pretty.

below, Vail, Colorado

where we used to spend time every winter

streets of New York City

beribboned Cartier on 5th Avenue

street level view

perfect perfect party dress, isn't it?

I mean, it has sleeves !!!!!!!!

snow cathedral

does anyone know where this is?

do you think the horses get cold?

**********************************

Don't forget...the ladies of "By Invitation Only" will meet again
New Year's Day
in
Paris
for a glorious luncheon at a beautiful restaurant
where we will share
OUTFITS
CHRISTMAS STORIES
GREAT GOSSIP
&
our thoughts on
"GOING FORWARD"

Merry Christmas my lovely friends....

Twas the Night Before....

2011-12-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

I have all of these elements, including the Battenberg linens, but somehow I cannot find

a rolling pin....

isn't this the most adorable way of going "green"

looking at Bergdorf-Goodman Christmas windows,

one of the most beautiful gifts anyone could imagine.

I don't see a single man in the group, do you?

Merry Christmas to all of you, my real & virtual girlfriends...

each of you have become so important in my daily life...you bring me

thoughtfulness, joy, kinship, wonderment, wit & whimsy...

Come see all of us "By Invitation Only" members when

we celebrate the New Year on New Year's Day

PARIS

a ladies luncheon you won't want to miss...

xx's

from me to you...

2011-12-22T15:04:00.000-06:00

via inspired design tumblr

Almost here.....

2011-12-21T18:44:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011

& remember, all the "By Invitation Only" members

will be having

LUNCH IN PARIS

New Year's Day

come see us to hear our thoughts on

"going forward"

as we dine at a beautiful restaurant (as yet un-named)

share great wines & good gossip,

January 1, 2012

thank you to all my readers,

and many many thanks to the lovely women

who have ordered our jewelry over the past year...

my world has been made so much better because of YOU !!

ABSOLUTELY MUST MUST SEE THIS

2011-12-21T14:39:00.002-06:00

STOP whatever you're doing and take time to

look & listen to this

Jingle Bells as you've NEVER heard it before

Christmas Hospitality & Fun

2011-12-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

isn't this cozy?

Raspberry-Chocolate Truffle Cake

from Greet @ Belgian Pearls

the always splendid blog

one of ours

simple & beautiful RED with Garnets

2011-12-19T02:18:00.000-06:00

All of God's Children...

2011-12-18T18:10:00.000-06:00

please, no negative comments, this is meant to be a sweet & loving

commentary on the importance of the animals in our lives.

bless the beasts & the children.

have a beautiful &

Merry Christmas

Holiday Party

2011-12-17T10:13:00.001-06:00

you know how you can walk into someone's home and feel
completely comfortable?
last night I went to a lovely holiday party, cocktail buffet, and the
home felt like this picture.

fireplace going, friends mingling, everyone dressed in some kind of red.
the hostess had on a wonderful red plaid skirt & black sweater,
she looked perfect.

the guests were some of the most interesting people, so conversation was

excellent and ranged from politics to movies.

I said I couldn't possibly see War Horse because of the violence depicted, and

even though it's a Spielberg film & has a good ending, the action sequences

would be too much for me.

now, compare this to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

I will see this, and we ALL know there is hideous violence in this one.

so what is the difference? animals, horses & people?

I thought the book just went on & on & on, with superfluous scenes meaning

nothing, and really did not like the ending with the missing woman ending up

happily in Australia...so that's my book review...hopefully, the movie

will have eliminated some of those scenes...but how on earth do they change

the ending?

anyway, great party. it has definitely put me in a holiday spirit so I will

begin wrapping gifts today, finish shopping, and make various jewelry gifts

for my girlfriends. and, Christmas necklaces for all the big dogs in the family.

I'm making them out of large red "disco balls" which glitter, weighting them so

they hang properly and ending up with a large silver filigree heart dangling down.

the dogs look so beautiful & proud when they wear them.

****************************************************

& now onward...

announcing our "By Invitation Only" virtual luncheon in Paris

New Year's Day.

the subject for the membership is

"going forward"

please come see what we're all up to for 2012

so while all our men are footballing we will wing our way to

Paris for the day where we will have a ladies luncheon at some

wonderful, as yet undisclosed, place, and share our dreams, wishes, fashions and gossip.

are you just D.I.E.ing about now?

January 1, 2012

go HERE to view all Splenderosa's images in Snapshot

Some Kind of Wonderful....

2011-12-16T02:31:00.000-06:00

Some Kind of Wonderful – Chanel Iman takes a break from Victoria’s Secret to cover the December edition of Wall Street Journal Magazine. Captured by Swiss photographer Hans Feurer, Chanel hits the town with male model David K. in luxe dresses and masks. Wearing designs from the likes of Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy styled by Sabina Schreder, the beauty looks prepared for the holidays with the opulent ensembles. / Makeup by Adrien Pinault