in reflection...

In 2013 I...

~ took an even bigger leap on my journey to becoming an entrepreneur

~ and got the certification and education to prove it

~ made peace with issues from the past 

while accepting that grief isn't always a bad thing

~ welcomed change while taking chances, with open arms

as oppose to my typically stubborn ideals

In 2014 I...

~ will put more down on paper and less on the computer

~ run a half marathon

~ expand the building plans for my business

maybe settle on a name for it too!

~ write for fun so i never forget to enjoy it

with love and lots of happy new year wishes

stay tuned for our NYE solutions post!

<3

christmas cookies....

here are some recipes for you to try out this year!

easiest cookie to make in all the land.

2 Ingredients...

one is oreos - who doens't love oreos?

okay, so are you in!? 

YAY GREAT!

here's how things went down in my kitchen....

no idea where the food processor is.

i had to get creative, so i got a ziplock and a hammer.

crushed those cookies up until they were fine (consistency of sand/breadcrumbs)

then after i let the cream cheese soften about 1 hour

i combined them both in a large mixing bowl

let the mix refrigerate for 2 hours

roll them up into tiny little balls (about the size of a grape)

roll them in sugar or sprinkles

maybe even drizzle them with some white chocolate

~      ~      ~

this next cookie is a staple in my family around the holidays!

a few more ingredients and a little more elbow grease involved 

but they are simple and so delish!

STUFFOLI 

aka honey balls

here is the recipe straight from grandma herself!

a tip she suggests is whisking the eggs

then putting them with the dry ingredients.

4 batches of this dough

nonpareils sprinkles

another ingredient not shown honey 

*when it comes time for the honey, you heat it up!

so that it "spreads" coats more evenly

just a little bit of flour to keep away the stickiness

cut dough into strips, roll it out

and cut the dough no smaller then a dime

notice the size... first few testing!

deep fried until light golden brown

*final product not ready until christmas eve!

since these are so light, the honey going on them too soon makes the bites too hard 

these struffoli are totally not enjoyable when they are too soggy or too hard!

* final product *

wishes & thanks

the holiday season has come up so very quickly

i hope that secrets has helped you along the way!

i personally want to thank you for your love 

want to thank you for your support 

i am so grateful to be able to share little pieces of me 

with all of you

so honored that you come back for more

& that you appreciate what i do as much i love doing it!

wishing you lots of love, smiles, laughs,

great company, good eats & memories to always treasure 

to you and yours all the best this Christmas...

A Jolly Reminder...

if you still haven't purchased gifts from

 our spotlighted favorites

NOW is the time!

shine

 primp

 pamper

from secrets with love <3

Last Minute... to Win It! Volume 3

with just today and tomorrow left 

to make your purchases for EXTREMELY last minute gifts

it is killer to the spirit if you just don't know what to get so...

here are my favorite

go to gifts for the ladies, any lady that is!

this is a gift always adored, seasonal needed & right on trend

pick a neutral tone and you're all set

 scarf & gloves

another great gift is a journal, especially for a young gal!

and a nice throwback... glitter pens are BACK ;)

add that in for a special touch!

something i personally have been lusting over

and something i always say is the IDEAL gift is a wristlet!

if it's big enough for my cell phone, cards, keys & a gloss

it is a sure winner!

hope these few ideas light your spark and help you pick out

a great gift for the ladies on your list

<3

*remember actual items are linked up*

Last Minute... to Win It! Volume 2

with just today and tomorrow left 

to make your purchases for EXTREMELY last minute gifts

it is killer to the spirit if you just don't know what to get so...

here are my favorite

go to gifts for the gentleman!

whether this be a hint to get your guy to cook more

or your guy is a bobby flay in the making

he needs this cookbook!

after a loooong no shave november

 AND

don't care decemeber...

this is a great idea for that scruffy guy in your life!

for the fitness buff

no good workout is complete without music

and this case is protective and secure! 

hope these few ideas light your spark and help you pick out

a great gift for the guys on your list

<3

*remember actual items are linked up*

snapshots

time is moving much faster then me 

but i've been snapping away as always!

i do love a good catatlog, 

and a cup of coffee

a special visit,

a beautiful gift

all lit up :-)

woke up to this face...

in my face!

the little sisters very own,

 personal christmas tree

my christmas windowsill

been having a big blair moment

rocked a few headbands this past week

Most wonderful time, in the most wonderful place!

And it is my very biased opinion that NYC 

is the absolute best place to experience this time of year!

The holidays are a time of love, cheer and traditions.

Some of my fondest memories are going to the city 

relishing in the sights, sounds & smells!

Whether you swing by alone after work, 

with friends, siblings or your significant other... 

Be sure to make your way past the beautiful tree at Rockefeller center,

maybe go ice skating there or at Bryant & Central Park.

Visit FAO Schwartz because isn't it great to be a kid again and dance on the piano!?

Pass through the hotels and look at their stunning lobbies!

Especially the Plaza, and the Eloise shop! 

Le Parker Meridien for the gingerbread creations!

The stunning window displays at the departments stores

 & on 5th avenue are not to be missed.

Saks being my favorite, umm hello snowflakes dancing!

Head to Serendipity for the sinfully delicious frozen hot chocolate. 

Its totally okay to have a tourist moment in NYC this time of year!

There is so much to enjoy it is magical!

No one would blame you!

Hope you are able to make it there to any of these spots!

Be sure to post them on Instagram, use #SecretsInTheCity

<3

Last Minute... to Win It! Volume 1

I know it is getting down to the wire 

and I know people are starting to loose their minds 

between baking, cooking and cleaning.

Then we start wrapping, hiding and hopefully

 not many of you have to shop like I do...

BUT if you do... 

I am here to help!

Here are some easy gift tips for everyone on your list!

DIY

The Glitter Ornament

( last years full tutorial here)

Supplies : 

Mop & Glo Under $5 

(remember it is reusable!)

Ultra Fine Glitter $4

(in color of your choice to match with your bow)

Glass Ornaments $8

(purchased at any local craft store - check their website for additional coupons)

Ribbon $1

(that is correct, i went to the dollar store and found the cutest ribbon)

controlled chaos but this is how i do it!

in progress...

finished product, hanging on the tree!

These typically can take you about 20 minutes to complete, 

there is no drying time!

They are low maintenance, beautiful and VERY affordable.

* Tip... make an assembly line of your supplies 

and reuse the plastic holder the ornaments 

came in until you are ready to wrap!

* Idea...  I had a few readers using them as Teacher gifts

 & another reader told me

that she is using these as place settings

 at her formal dinner on Christmas Day! *

Up Next, MORE last minute ideas!

Amanda Munro Salon ~ holiday gift guide

hair is everything, 

no head to toe look is complete without a fabulous 'do!

while most gals will argue 

"no, my stylists is better, no mine is" 

i am here to tell you stop the debates...

my stylist is by far the best.

~

 walking into her salon, you will be overcome with that "ah ha" feeling

no matter what application i am going in for

 it is always the same FABULOUS feeling.

i love that i am greeted with friendly faces, 

a bright ambiance, great conversation and of course... 

the best is yet to come because i haven't even sat down yet!

amanda is the kind of stylist that is all about

 blonde hair with blue underneath, bold changes, 

being daring, beautiful up-dos

she believes that a trim is JUST a trim! 

and most importantly to me...

and has never ever made me feel like just her "4:30 appointment"

i could gush over amanda and her talents until tomorrow!

~

so i thought who better to showcase for the holiday gift guide!

we LOVE looking great and she LOVES & DOES good hair!

i had to pick her brain and ask her what's essential,

what is the best and how can we maintain the out of salon look, at home!

these are some of the products she recommends!

1) Bedhead After Party : One of my personal favorites,

 a little goes a long way here and is the perfect "topper" to your blow out! 

This is a smoothing cream and seals your style in place!

2) Bedhead Masterpiece : Another one that I LOVE! 

The best hairspray EVER! 

Not only does it HOLD but it doesn't dull your hair out 

and make it look limp, gives you so much shine!

3) Pravana Intense Therapy : Is one of the best in moisturizers for your hair! 

Yes, Hair needs it too! 

Will help lock in moisture as well as protect from UV rays.

 Great for all hair types.

4) Nevo :60 Deep Treatment : Is just what the hair doctor ordered.

An amazing deep conditioner its the perfect wake up from cold winter dryness.

A 60 minute leave in conditioner will give you time to unwind also!

~

i've got to thank her for giving us her input 

and you will thank me after you make your appointment too!

 all the links are here for you, so what are you waiting for...?!

look at her work & get contact info here 

Amanda Munro Salon

whether you need a new look, 

have an event coming up and need on site services

or want to treat someone in your life to a service at this amazing salon...

<3

happy holidays gals!

Splash Spa ~ holiday gift guide

i know we are all no stranger 

to the chaos that can be the holiday season...

this is the most stressful time of year

there's deadlines, vacations, hosting and shopping to be done.

but nearly as bad 

is the HARSH treatment on our skin

 from all that stress and the cold!

i am very lucky that i have someone in my loop 

to help me stay fresh, revitalized and looking good!

that person is Stephanie owner of Splash Spa,

the most adorable skincare spa & beauty bar located in poughkeepsie

so i picked her brain and asked her...

what must WE  have this season!

(yes, us & the people on our nice lists.)

~ 

Must-Have Products:

 Malin+Goetz 

vitamin E face moisturizer . $45

     is great for all skin types and also is oil-free

so good for sensitive skin too...

     extra extra* try this as a makeup base/primer 

Must-Have Treatments:

 Splash and Dash Mini Facial 

20 minutes .  $50

deep cleansing, exfoliation and skin analysis 

includes treatment products appropriate to skin types.

Must-Have, What's In:

  FACE Stockholm

 Silk . $22

who doesn't love a good lipstick 

and one that makes a statement

doens't get any merrier & bright then a bold lip!

so there you have it, the best in spa and self!

make sure you contact Stephanie

 get your products or giftcards for those awesome ladies on your list!

enjoy the holidays & new year with some pampering

xo <3