Serve those holiday desserts in style!

For a refreshing change, serve those irresistible desserts for Noche Buena in vibrant dessert serving plates like these ...

Maximize table space with two-tier dessert plates.

Found these fab holiday finds at  Color it Christmas by Tamilee Industries, Inc.

It's November! already?

I can’t believe it’s November already. It’s just weeks before Christmas and I’m officially in a panic mode! But as one of my (George) friends say we must remind ourselves : “ I am a stress-free zone! ” And so, I’ll try ( again) to be just that …

For starters,  I’ll think happy thoughts, family, friends, sunny smiles and good weather. And I'll think about what’s coming … like this one:

Can you guess?

Hello again!

Hello there!

Sorry for the lull. It seemed like I “slept” that long but really, there were many things going. I’ve always been “on call” for my children, driving for them here and there ( mommy  duties never end),  doing errands and yes, preparing for an upcoming trip. Making that TO DO list seems to take forever … well, only because I keep  editing them!  And, not to forget, the menu that I keep editing, too.

Well, I’m back and here’s a little something for inspiration.

 About  two weeks ago, I went to St. Padre Pio Chapel in Libis, Quezon City for a “thanksgiving visit” for an answered prayer.  It was early Thursday morning  and after dropping off my daughter to a styling assignment/ shoot  in Pasig City, I had breakfast and proceeded to Libis.  

Going to St. Padre Pio Chapel is a balm to my soul. When you visit the chapel, you'll understand why.  I felt the hunger to pray more and give thanks for THAT answered prayer when I was inside.  There is a particular image of Padre Pio that people would line up to when they visit the chapel. I must have queued for an hour or so to touch his hands and pray with him just like many others waiting in front and behind me. I found myself praying for a man who was in deep prayer in front of the saint's image oblivious of our long wait. I didn't mind though. I sensed the urgency of his prayer and it moved me.

Special room for your intentions:

St. Pio of Pietrelcina was the first stigmatized priest in the history of the church.

 St. Pio: " Unite yourself to my prayers" 

Greenhills COD ... coming soon!

The animated Christmas On Display, a tradition that started more than half a century ago in COD Department Store in Cubao, Quezon City and which has found its new home in Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City (since 2007) is now taking shape. Take a peek and together let's discover what's cooking for Christmas!

Something blue, something green... what could it be? Photo:DSS 

Is that a tower? Photo: DSS  

               

A closer look... Photo: DSS

  

Vintage and blue

When it comes to home decor and furnishings, anything vintage and country blue always get me. So, imagine what it was like seeing all these ...

Teal I met you ... lovely mix and match chairs. And ahhh, the table!

at Regalong Pambahay outlet store. Photo by DSS.

... and then I gazed on this wall. What can I say?

Photo by DSS

I certainly wouldn't mind having something like this for an entrance to my home.

Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas. Photo by DSS

 Those Machuca tiles!

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas. Photo by DSS

  ... and more!

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas. Photo by DSS

Christmas In October

My heart skipped a beat when I saw my favorite Christmas decor shop was already open last Saturday. Tamilee along P. Guevarra St. in San Juan, opens only from October to December to sell holiday decor like  table centerpieces,  wall and tree ornaments, basket arrangements and wreaths, among others. The "showcase" is actually not complete yet. I have yet to see what this year's motiff would be come Saturday. Meanwhile, here are some purple finds:

Silver, lilac, pink, purple and a dash of aqua make  for an early holiday cheer. Photo by DSS

 

The table comes alive with these Christmas cone trees. Photo by DSS

Aha!!!   Photo by DSS

 

Month of the Holy Rosary

October is the month of the Holy Rosary.  Personally, for me, it is one of the special months of the year.  Although I haven't had the chance to join a Marian procession the past year or so, the sound of people's voices singing together " Ave Maria " as they walk behind the beautifully- dressed up images of Our Lady during a Marian procession never fails to stir memories of  the miracles in my life that were made possible through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.

This month, I'll make sure I'll do at least one rosary pilgrimage with my friend, LS.
Stay tuned. I'll show  you some of the Holy Rosaries that have been with me through the years ...   Holy Rosaries that bear witness to the trials, celebrations and yes, miracles in my life! Here's one of them ...

a family heirloom rosary

It's THE DAY!

I've been wanting to start this blog for the longest time but I kept putting if off for one reason or another. But today's THE DAY and boy, am I glad  I am taking the leap, finally! How long ago has it been since my sister said," Just do it!" or my good friend urged," Start NOW!"? ... but always, always, something happens and I look the other way and then do something else.

My Purple Nook will be my venue for sharing with you my random thoughts, musings on faith, family, friends and the many facets of life. Then there will be recipes/ food that I've tried, places to see here and there, and who knows, I may even lead you to the best bargains in town!

I hope you'll find time to visit  every now and then... and leave this nook feeling inspired and grateful.

Blessings to all!

  DSS