Last Minute Instant Christmas Sparkle

The Christmas countdown is on!! I'm guessing that some of you may be in panic mode, while others have completed all their shopping, decorating and menu selections. If you're a procrastinator, this post is for you.

I wanted to share this really sparkly, simple, last minute decorative mini-project (and I do mean mini) that will add instant sparkle to your holiday decor. You probably have most of the items on hand, so you'll be able to pull this together rather quickly.

Here's what you'll need:

Ornaments

Simply sparkle-licious!!

Candle Holders

Ribbon, optional

(This ribbon was wrapped around the box of ornaments.)

Epsom Salt, if needed

I concealed the ornament hooks with the Epsom salt.

The short ones didn't need any salt.

See how easy it is to add a little holiday sparkle to your decor in just minutes AND without stretching your budget? You really do have time to do more than drop a few ornaments in a bowl.

Merry Christmas!!

Sheila Denise

Crate & Barrel Taste on a Ross Budget

Hey y'all!! By now, you should know that I love a bargain almost as much as I love food (I said almost). LOL Crate & Barrel has been a favorite for many years and I have quite the stash of goodies to show for it. Not everyone can plop down the cash for some of the lovely items, and when I'm shopping for more budget conscious clients (yes, another one of my "jobs"), I make every effort to make the best use of their dollars. Of course, I do the same for me, so when I was out doing a little shopping in Ross the other day and happened upon a pair of candleholders that looked very familiar--they were so very similar to the Pixie candleholder from Crate & Barrel. I actually stood there and pulled up the photo the website to be REALLY sure. Don't believe me...click here. Although, they're not exactly the same, they're close enough for me. Now for the price breakdown, the C & B version retails at $9.95, the Ross version retails at $2.99. So what do you think Little Miss Budget did?? I snatched up those two and nearly ripped the store apart, looking for more. I didn't find any more, but I'm headed out in a little while to "visit" another Ross store to quench my thirst for these babies, because I have grand plans!

Please share some of your budget knockoffs...I simply love a deal!!

It's truly the little things that make me extremely happy!

Sheila Denise

Thanksgiving Menu - Wright Family Style

There is nothing more enjoyable and exciting than spending time with my family. Although we're together often, Thanksgiving brings about an extra-specialness to our getting together. The crisp weather, the fall foliage, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, football, parades, the Black Friday ads, and most of all, the blessing of being with your loved ones. The laughter and aroma of all the wonderful food is so intoxicating.

As sister Riley and I finalized the menu, the first thing I did was start pulling out white serving pieces for each dish that I'm preparing. While I sorted through piles and piles of dishes, somehow I managed to ignore the fact that my white dish obsession has gotten completely out of hand. A really sad state of affairs. I decided to continue to distract myself by searching the web for photos of our Thanksgiving feast to share with you. We're a family of eaters, but we're cutting back a wee bit on the 2010 menu. Yeah, I know it's doesn't LOOK cut back, but trust me on this one.

I'm still undecided if I should cook ham or pork loin, so I posted both.

Cranberry-Orange Relish, Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic, Turnips, Gravy, Parsnips & Carrots with White Balsamic, Skillet Cornbread, Pineapple Casserole (so delicious with ham), Corn Pudding, Sweet Potato Casserole w/Pecan & Gingersnap Topping, Cornbread Dressing, and Yeast Rolls.

Pound Cake, Mini Sweet Potato Pies, and Pecan Pie Cheesecake

An assortment of beverages for everyone.

I'm off to do my shopping tomorrow morning (except for the ham or pork loin) and I'll tweak recipes over the weekend and will dive head first into cooking/baking on Tuesday, starting with the cheesecake.

What's on your Thanksgiving menu?

Sheila Denise

Introducing My New Website - Just Wright Candy Buffets

Hey y'all!! I can't believe all the wonderful things that have happened since I last posted. I'm sitting here pinching myself between each sentence. I, yes Sheila Denise Wright, launched my website--Just Wright Candy Buffets, TODAY!! Now mind you, I've been designing tables for what seems like all my life, but never gave myself an official name and Sheila Wright, the girl who does tables, just didn't quite do it for me. So, I did what I had to do, I took tried and true advice from a wonderful panel of pros while attending Tory Johnson's Spark & Hustle Conference this summer and three months later, here I am--company name, logo and website. Whew!! It all seems to have happened so quickly, but I've never been more ready for anything than I am for this!

I guess I'll have to act all grown up now and be all professional and stuff, huh?? Nah, I'm gonna keep being me and since I'm in charge around these parts, my vote is the only one that counts. LOL

Join me at JWCB as I embark on this new and not-so-new journey. It's going to be a BLAST!!

Sheila Denise

Look What I Found!!

I just HAD to share my latest find with y'all. It has to be the nifty-est pan EVER. It's a Lasagna Trio Pan by Chicago Metallic. Yes you read that correctly, THREE rows of lasagna and it comes equipped with it's very on spatula!! I'm envisioning the rows of lasagna as I type...traditional meat, vegetarian and seafood. I simply can't wait to use this pan, well, what I really mean is I can't wait to take it to my sister, Riley and ask BEG her to work her magic. Her lasagna and Aunt Maxine's lasagna taste waaaay better than mine (and mine is really good). There's something about a loved one creating a dish with you in mind that makes it extra awesome.

Oh, I almost forgot the best part, it scored this baby for $17.99. It's listed at $25.21 on Amazon. I'm a very happy woman tonight.

I'd love to hear your creative ideas to put this fabulous pan to good use.

Sheila Denise

The Traveling Guest Blogger Chuck - Now That's Paramount!

With spectacular views of the London skyline, the Thames River and London Bridge, Paramount at Centre Point is just that...Paramount.

Start your day out right with the Yoghurt Parfait and a bowl of fresh fruit. Who said Americans don't eat healthy?? LOL!! If yoghurt is not your thing, try the traditional English Breakfast and marvel at one of the best views of Central London.

Crunchy Granola with Natural Yoghurt & Fruit Salad:

Can't make it for breakfast?? Don't worry. Paramount is the evening/night spot for the fashionable and trendy Londoners. Paramount at Centre Point is located at 101-103 New Oxford Street, across from the Tottenham Court tube station. As you exit the station, look for the tallest skyscraper on the corner. Enjoy!!

Chuck, thank you so much for this wonderful review of Paramount. I'm looking forward to dining there this winter. For my readers, what are some of your favorite dining spots home or away from home?

Sheila Denise

I'm a Shameless Copy Cat - Hot Tomato and Mango Sorbet Soup

This is a confession of sorts. I stalk bloggers, all kinds of bloggers, but especially those who exhibit a love affair with food and entertaining. Several months ago, I began a stalker love affair with a FANTASTIC lady who happens to live in the Atlanta area. She simply exudes food, entertainment and hospitality and along with being one of the sweetest people I've NEVER met, I fell in love with her and her blog. Her name is Patti, a self-professed hospitalityaholic and creator of the blog, Anatomy of a Dinner Party. I'm not quite sure that hospitalityaholic is a big enough word to encompass all the greatness that Miss. Patti is.

Well a weekish or so ago, Patti posted an entry that immediately captured my attention, Hot Tomato & Mango Sorbet Soup. Now I don't know about y'all, but my country self had never heard of such, but was absolutely intrigued by the combination of flavors. I knew I HAD to make that soup! Well, I got a little sidetracked for a few days, but I finally got around to making it today. I was out of homemade sorbet, so cheated with a commercial brand . Since Patti said it was SPICY so in New Orleans fashion, I added cayenne to the tomato soup and OMG this stuff was DELICIOUS!!! A spicy, cool, basil-y bowl of tomato soup goodness, with BACON on top!! This soup was so good that I didn't even bother to sit down to eat it and I am not ashamed. As odd as this might sound, don't let it stop you. Enough about me carrying on about the soup. Here are the pics and yeah, I know the bacon is a bit crispy.

Sending out a HUGE thank you to Patti and Chef Matt Murphy at M Bistro - The Ritz Carlton New Orleans!! Looking forward to having this many, many more times.

Sheila Denise