MacKenzie Childs: Cool Moose & Nutcrackers

My 3 youngest children have indulged me. First was this gorgeous pillow for my birthday -- my first ever purchase of a Nutcracker-related item.  Then, came my next Nutcracker item (placemats) to match.

pc: Hester & Cook

Finally, this very cool MC Moose was bought for me & hubby as a Christmas gift again by said kids. The Moose pillow which I bought for myself while on sale, matched this AND the Nutcracker pillow above.

pc: Neiman Marcus

pc: NM

pc: Horchow

MC Moose, Standing

Nutcracker Pillow

Hester & Cook Placemat

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Decor Candles I Like, Part 1

These candles  are either cute-looking or sweet-smelling; and free, cheap or discounted. If I were asked for faves, I'd say I like what Anthropologie offers. 

The House Beautiful article on a popular Magnolia candle was one I had bought.  My first ever order from them. Was put on waitlist ... slow service ... eventually received within 4 weeks.  Then, given away as a gift to my Sis.

Beautifully-embossed golden candle from NM

love the scent! (from Anthro)

Mercury Moonglow candle, Anthropologie

Lark candle, via Anthro

Bridgeway Scented Market (Chippy White, Lambs Ear)

Longaberger candle (Cinnamon Stick)

 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Capri Blue at Anthropologie

Bridgeway Scented Market

House Beautiful:  Sold-out magnolia Candle

pc: Magnolia Market

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Back to Neiman Marcus' Restaurant

I was sent yet another Perk Card (Thanks, NM!).  This time I took Jared, AJ, Jill, and Farrah to NM's Zodiac Restaurant.  It's an intimate restaurant, nicely-decorated as expected from a  high-end retailer.
Farrah looks around, and sums up the restaurant crowd with this question:  Why do I see sooo many old people?!  That's so many old, RICH people, dearie!

Strawberry Butter; Popovers

Chicken Broth

Farrah -- All beef Hot Dog, chips, fruit cup

AJ:  Pasta and Butter;  with Parmesan Cheese

Jill:  Seared Salmon, roasted herb Potatoes, seared Asparagus

Jared:  Sherried Chicken Livers, sauteed with Apples & Onions

Me:  Waldorf Chicken Salad

Dessert:  Giant NM Chocolate Chip Cookies; topping of ice cream and chocolate syrup

This Old House & my Chanel GST

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. ~ Psalm 86:5

We all have colds this morning, except for one.  I am glad we were able to visit my parent's lovely home yesterday afternoon.  Got to their house around 3 pm (after morning Piano lessons for Jill and Farrah at CSA, and buying lunch). Let ourselves in 'coz no one was home. Mom is still at the re-hab center, but Dad was home soon after.  Jared put up the newly-drycleaned curtains.  The big screen TV was turned on so we could watch the Cubbies lose.  Plants were brought in.  The b-day presents for Jared and AJ were picked up.  Jared got a box of multi-flavored jelly beans.  AJ will open his present on his birthday.

I find myself feeling more appreciative. We've had this house for almost 36 years.  It was our first and only house since leaving the P.I. in '69. Even our house in the Philippines was rented, so I've been told.  This is home. I like coming here. I want to take pictures of every nook and cranny; and every piece of the decor. I want to remember my growing-up years.  Most of the bad memories are gone. And, for Pete's sake, look at all those glorious, green plants!

However, there's a gnawing question in the back of my mind that has popped up more and more often --- What's going to happen to this beautiful, old house in a few years? 

Chanel Grand Shopping Tote (GST); by the light of the front window

At the dining room with me reflected in the mirror

Jill playing peek-a-boo among Mom's plants

Farrah trying-out my Neiman Marcus umbrella

My old bedroom -- now being used for storing stuff (did they once own a pet bird?!)

I gave this piece of art to my parents; they liked it enough to hang on their wall!

Purchased from, of all  places, Marshalls

Creme de la Mer versus Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

For  over a year, I've used a highly-recommended product for my dry skin called Creme de la Mer.  It's available at Neiman Marcus, and elsewhere .  Click here to view its cost  Ouch! , plus their product claims.  Since it's expensive, I cram as much use as I can out of every single one ounce  jar I purchase; attempting to make it last for as long as possible.

I was coming to the end of my latest purchase, when I happen to hear snippets of a product review segment on television conducted by a dermatologist. Based on his recommendation, I decided to break my addiction to the "miracle broth"  and made the switch to Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream.  I got it from Walgreens.  Click here to view its cost Hooray for Cheap Stuff!  Come to think of it, my Mom, who is a Registered Nurse, has used this product for years. 

I've used Cetaphil for the last 4 weeks.  So far, I've maintained the same moisture level on my facial skin as I had while using Creme de la Mer. I haven't broken out, nor had any other adverse reactions. I give two thumbs-up for Cetaphil.

Creme de la Mer $130/oz  ~  Cetaphil $ .88/oz

Creme de la Mer  $ 130 per ounce     Cetaphil   $ .88 per ounce 

Lunch Date at Neiman Marcus; a glimpse of Chanel

Chanel Mannequin*

Croissant, Chicken Broth

NM personalized sweetener, Strawberry Butter

Ginger Peach Decaf Tea & Passion Fruit Green Tea

Black Angus Ground Sirloin Burger w/ jalapeno jack cheese,

bacon and avocado on a toasted sesame bun, pickle, fresh fruit

with sliced avocado topping

Waldorf Chicken Salad (diced chicken breast tossed with

yogurt poppyseed dressing, apples, grapes and walnuts over field greens

close-up view

Two orders of The Medley--- Cup of Soup (Chicken Tortilla soup);

One half Chicken Sandwich; and fresh fruit

Mint Sticks

Our treat for our two lovely girls

I had a $50 Perk Card from Neiman Marcus. Jill had just had a birthday, and Camille will soon leave for college, so why not take our girls out to NM's in-store restaurant, The Zodiac?! We ended up shelling out $20 extra from our own pockets which included the tip. Even so, the adventure only cost us $5 each. Well worth the memorable experience, IMO.

*Chanel mannequin was located in the hallway leading to the ladies room. They don't even sell Chanel bags/accessories at this NM branch, drat!

Fashion & Daughter FJE

Here are a couple of pictures of F J Rose. Picture A (top): White, formal Angelo dress with gorgeous, (over-the-top) Lipstik shoes. Dress is from a re-sale shop. Shoes are from NM (sale).

Picture B (bottom): Getting ready for Junior Choir last Saturday (1/31/2009)! Blue jeans paired with the Childrens Place's Goldenish Jacket w/ rhinestone buttons. Blue jeans given by the Phillips Family; CP jacket purchased on sale.

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27.08.2019