Pretty is

...My Life and Style

You are here: Home / Home

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

It is celebrated annually on February 14th.  Valentine’s Day has been recognized as a notable traditional, religious and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world.

The day first became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, when the ritual of genteel courting flourished. In 18th-century England, it developed into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by giving flowers, sweet treats, and greeting cards. (source)

Whether it is rooted in paganism (i.e. Lupercalia) or Christian martyrdom (i.e. Saint Valentine), today Valentine’s Day is a day to lavish attention on loved ones.  This year people have lavished Valentine’s Day attention on their loved ones contributing $19.6 billion to the economy. (source)

My LB contributes to the economy as well.

He never fails to light up my day with a bouquet of flowers delivered to my office.

He will typically present me with an article of jewelry or two, which, in the past has been a set from Brighton.  This year he changed it up and I now own a floating heart from Underwood’s Jewelers

and a box of chocolates

and a Valentine’s Day card that communicated a strikingly similar message to the card I presented to him.Today.  Tomorrow.  Always.

He always lets me know that I am his forever Valentine.

*****

This year’s Valentine’s Day

was unlike any other.

I left work midday and made my way to the hospital (labor and delivery), to await the arrival of a sweet new GlamBaby.

On February 14, 2018

Rory

came into the world.Being that she was about three weeks earlier than expected, I was surprised to learn that she weighed 6 pounds and 18 3/4 inches long.  She is very alert and is obviously taking in her world.

She is a sweet little Valentine baby and I am in love!We are blessed.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to visit my blog.

Kim

XO

A Baby Shower for our Galentines

Galentine’s Day

is a pseudo-holiday that has gained widespread popularity since invented by Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Recreation). 
Galentine’s Day is typically observed on February 13th and also the weekend prior to that day. 
The premise is “Ladies celebrating Ladies”.  More simply put, it is a day to celebrate non-romantic relationships with your best Gals.  According to Knope, Galentine’s Day, celebrates three important things: waffles, women, and Leslie’s wise words.
 (source)
One of the “wise words” of Leslie Knope was displayed in the décor at our Galentines themed event:Very nice.

 

 

There are many special Galentines in my life… and two more on the way.

My daughter-in-law Emily is expecting her second baby in March

and

my sister’s daughter-in-law Chynna is expecting her third baby in June.

What better reason to have a

GALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

To help them prepare for the arrival of these baby girls and to commemorate Galentine’s Day… we had a baby shower!

Planned and hosted by my sister and my daughters

who demonstrated their dexterity in decor…

and their culinary cleverness.

There was the Mac & Cheese Bar

Shirley Temples

and an assortment of delectable treats.

However there were no waffles.  No frittatas.

 

 

The event took place at Mama’s house

So she asked for God’s blessings over the day, the event and the ladies who were gathered to celebrate.After lunch and a couple of girly games, it was time for presentsThere were onesies, tiny socks, lots of pampers and a couple of unexpected surprises for the “big” sisters.

Case in Point:

the Cinderella Cross-Body Bag

Modeled by my lovely sister Gina.

With all of the Disney enthusiasts in the family, it was agreed that the

Danielle Nicole Disney Cinderella Cross-body Bag

was the perfect accessory for a day at the Magic Kingdom.

Although it was suggested that the chain was much to long for Lydia and Thea to comfortably carry these bags, there will be no chain manipulation to better fit little girls.  After all, the mamas may want to borrow these little beauties.

I found this bag at Nordstrom and Amazon, both currently unavailable.

It was nice to be able to enjoy time with family and friends as we ready ourselves to welcome two new little ones.

Thank you MY Galentines Gina, Stephanie, Amanda and Mama, for hosting a lovely event.

You are clearly a group of poetic and noble land-mermaids.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Rockabilly Prom Jax

Rockabilly

is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating back to the early 1950s in the United States, particularly the South.
As a genre it combines the sound of Western musical styles such as country with that of rhythm and blues leading to what is considered “classic” rock and roll.
Some have also described it as a blend of bluegrass with rock and roll”, which would explain why I like some rockabilly music, as opposed to all.
On Saturday, February 10th, LB and I donned our best rockabilly attire to attend

THE 4th ANNUAL ROCKABILLY PROM:

ROCKIN ROMANCE EDITION

The Rockabilly Prom is a fundraiser to provide support to Oral Cancer Patients during their treatment.  The event is made possible by Cindy Platt and more specifically by ROCSTART
I made reference to these last year in this post.
The Rockabilly Prom took place at the Ramona Pavilion Ballroom, a perfect venue for dancing.
This event was something that I have been looking forward to since last February because I love to dress up.  I’m not a huge fan of the rockabilly style of dress, but I have no problem wearing a pretty dress that is reminiscent of one that might have been popular in the 1950’s.
The dress I chose was described as an Audrey Hepburn Style Off Shoulder Swing Dress (Black, S)It provides great twirling action!
The Ramona Pavillion offers in-house catering for events at the location.
Dinner was served buffet style and included a garden salad, turkey, dressing, mixed vegetables, and rolls.
There was also a plethora of cupcakeswhich didn’t take long to disappear
As the name Rockabilly Prom suggests, there was dancingAnd with two bands and a D.J., there was plenty of music to dance the night away.
Except here where it appears everyone is on break.
LB and I had a great time.
LB had an especially good time!
We’re looking forward to the 5th Annual RB Prom!
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.
Kim
XO

All About Love

It’s All About Love today, although not quite All About LB.

Because there is a new one every month, the Blended Blog has issued a new questionnaire:

Kisses or Hugs?

Kisses.  Everyone likes to be covered with kisses!

Candy or Flowers?

Yes!

Baking or Cooking?

BakingI think I’ve mentioned baking is My Super Power.

Do you remember your first kiss?

I believe I do… but I’m not positive, so it doesn’t warrant discussion.

Favorite color Roses?

Red,

Conversation hearts, yes or no?

Of Course!Those little hearts say it all!

Do you leave love notes?

Yes.  In the shape of a heart, taped to LB’s coffee cup.  Just because.

Decor for Valentine’s Day?

No.  But I do dress for the occasion.  Does that count?

Red or Pink?

RedI’m loving my red sweater!  Red is always a favorite.

And now, we have a reason to wear red to work, twice a week.  On Thursdays in support of CWA and on Fridays during the month of February to support Women’s heart health (Go Red For Women).

Milk, White or Dark Chocolate?

Dark would be my first choice…

M&M’s my second!

Do you believe in love at first site?

After quizzing LB about this… and getting a man’s opinion… I’ll have to say…

NO.

Are Your Valentine’s Day cards funny or serious?

I’d classify my cards as CUTE!

Favorite Chick Flick or Romantic Movie?

You’ve Got Mail is my all time favorite

… and if I happen to be “clicking” and see that it is on, I will stop and watch it from any point in the story.“Don’t cry Shop Girl”

 

The other “flick” that comes to mind is Pride and Prejudice (2005).  I’ll watch the entire movie to see one line that is delivered near the end by Matthew Macfadyen “You have bewitched me body and soul and I love… I love… I love you”

Stay In or Go Out?

I’m notorious for being a Home Body.  But if the event is worth it, I love to go out!  As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to two outings in the next week.  The Rockabilly Prom and the Alhambra Dinner Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Happy February!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

 

The Super Bowl Event

Every year, mid January, all of a sudden, as if some miraculous transformation has taken place, I am aware of what is happening in the world of football.  I can’t explain this, as I don’t follow football throughout the season.  But I’m happy to jump aboard and take part in the fun.

This year, to celebrate Super Bowl LII, LB invited some friends over to watch the game and eat.

 

Laurie and Wayne

Debbie and Ray

Clearly none of us are skilled in the use of photo booth props.

 

 

We had great food provided by everyone.  It was the usual party food such as an assortment of chips, dip and salsa, veggie platter, Hot WINGS, brownies and cookies.  There were also special treats like the smoked pork sliders, courtesy of Ray and Debbie, and buffalo cauliflower prepared by Laurie.

I was particularly excited about my

Jalapeno Popper Football Cheese Ball

It was a great big mess to prepare, but I thought it tasted delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy it

This is how I made it:

 

  • Using my Kitchen Aid mixer, I combined 16 oz. softened cream cheese, 8 oz. shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño, 3 Tbsp. chopped onion, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.  It took a couple of minutes to mix everything together.
  • Once combined, I scooped out the cheese mixture and placed it on a piece of parchment.
  • Using cling wrap (so I didn’t have to touch the cheesy mess), I formed it into a football shape.
  • In a pan I fried 4 slices of bacon until crispy then placed on a paper towel to cool and then be broken into bits.
  • Using the same pan and a little bit of the bacon grease, I added 1/3 cup of Panko bread crumbs and lightly toasted, stirring  for about a minute or two until golden.
  • Next I covered the cheese ball with the toasted Panko and bacon bits, pressing firmly onto the cheese ball.
  • For the laces, I used a slice of pepper jack cheese.

 

And this is why I’m dieting hard today.

If you would like the original recipe, you can find it here on someone else’s blog.

 

 

One of the highlights of the program was the singing of the

National Anthem

by Pink, who had the flu, and still sang beautifully.

I was happy to see that many of the players showed respect.

It is worth watching:

 

 

Everyone was pulling for the Eagles initially.

With a final score of 41 to 33, the Eagles beat the Patriots and won their first Super Bowl title.

Fly Eagles Fly!

And we had a Great Time!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

 

Lunch Lady Brownies

Since baking is my superpower, I don the cape every other week or so and bake up a sweet treat using a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest.  Last week I made brownies, but not just any brownies.

I made

Lunch Lady Brownies

I don’t remember having brownies prepared by the Lunch Lady from my school cafeteria, however I’m fairly certain that there was nothing to be found in the school cafeteria that remotely resembled the brownies pictured on this page.

 

This is more like what I remember…and I don’t see any brownie.

If you search “Lunch Lady” on Pinterest you will discover many Lunch Lady recipes, and several variations of Lunch Lady Brownies.  I adapted (and by adapted, I pretty much mean copied) my recipe from one published by Holly Lofthouse.  The recipe on her blog Life in the Lofthouse is simple and the photos are more appealing than others I’ve seen.

The following are not the aforementioned photos.

But my cameraman took them for me and I like them.

My giraffe inspired KitcheAid makes short work of the brownie batter

The frosting is the best part… spread while the brownies are still slightly warm

It is a good idea to use foil for easy lifting from the pan

 

Here’s the recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray foil with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine the melted butter and cocoa powder; blend until smooth.
  3. Add the flour and sugar. Beat together then add eggs and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Don’t over mix. (Batter will be thick)
  4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove brownies from oven and let stand 15 minutes before frosting.
Chocolate Frosting
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Beat together all the frosting ingredients until smooth. Pour and spread over warm brownies. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

No kidding… these are the best brownies I’ve ever tasted!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Friday Favorites

It’s Finally Friday again and I am looking forward to another wonderful weekend with my LB.

Today I am celebrating Friday and

Sharing my Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Groundhog Day

it is a celebrated tradition that is based on superstition.

Observed in the U.S. [and Canada] on February 2nd and originating with the Pennsylvania Dutch, it is said that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day sees a shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its burrow and winter will persist for six more weeks.  However, if it is cloudy, and no shadow appears, the spring season will arrive early.

Today, the little guy predicted six more weeks of winter…

This, my friend, will NOT STOP fashion bloggers from Spring Fashion trend posting.

 

Favorite # TWO

Groundhog Day

The Movie

A tale of a weatherman who finds himself mysteriously re-living Groundhog Day over and over again.

It was released in 1993 back when my parents had a movie date every Friday night.  After he saw this movie, my Daddy gave me a full synopsis, as best he could, laughing all the while.

He was especially tickled by the scene with Bill Murray driving recklessly through the town of Punxsutawney with little Punxsutawney Phil at the wheel.  My memory of him sharing this with me brings a smile to my face.

 

Favorite # THREE

Today I surprised Wendy with a pint of Halo Top

Having beat the traffic for an early arrival to work this morning, I decided to stop by the store to pick up a treat.  The only flavor in stock was Peanut Butter CupI busted into mine around 3:30 and polished off half of it.

 

Favorite # FOUR

Today LB surprised me with Concert Tickets

I was minding my own business, muddling through my workday, when I received a message from LB that he had purchased tickets to see:We’re going to see Huey Lewis and the News in April!

My nephew Clay will be SO JEALOUS!

Favorite # FIVE

It’s gonna be GOOD!

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

XO

Connect