a year ago the butterfly flied away…. I miss my butterfly….

Today marks a year since I lost my Mom.

While I miss her still everyday, I love looking and thinking back at all the fun we had and things I learned from her.
I am fortunate that I got to spend a lot of time with my mother.

Lately due to her disease (Alzheimer's) she had some moments that her eyes and smile were full of innocence, like a child…..

You had such a beautiful smile Mom.
Thank you for smiling...

May the light be with you!!!

dresses and hats, a marriage made......

You all know I love hats!!!!
Dresses and hats are a marriage made, if not in Heaven, then in the history books of women’s fashions. We all know that the proper Victorian woman of style would not have been caught dead out of doors without her hat. Neither should we.

The fact is that, while some of those outdated styles were more for looks than practicality, hats perform as valuable a service today as they did then. They serve to block at least some of the sun’s harmful rays while shielding our scalp from being overcooked and rendered burnt. (Burnt scalp can itch and peel and this can be quite unattractive.) Even the most stylish of hats is not, of course, utopian. After all, we have all had a glimpse of what a sun hat can look like when you doff it for a moment in the shade. So, choose your hat not only to complement your look, but also pick it because you won’t mind wearing it for long periods of time.

Lightweight materials provide you with the best choice in warm weather hats. Whether you opt for a wide brimmed hat in straw, the fedora hat or the all-so-American Cowboy hat in similar materials, both will pair well with more casual dresses and outfits. For those formal occasions such as outdoor receptions and cocktail parties, you should look to the milliner’s offerings that come festooned with modest (not loud) decorations from ribbons to the small bows to spruce up their chic, simple lines.
Outdoors events that require a more athletic style of dress, such as a tennis match or a seat on the bleachers of a soccer game, cry out for some of the small, short brimmed baseball or field style caps/hats.
One hat allows your head to remain cool and is as easy as investing a little time and money into shopping for the proper headgear. Shopping for a great look in hats, perhaps to complement a dress you already have? Then try the Internet. There are a quite a few web sites totally devote to hats for every occasion, and for all seasons. Dressing for spring and summer and choosing the right hat have never been easier or more stylish, oh so fashionable you.

All images courtesy of 1001shops.com

tip of the day...is your male friend a Geek.....

.... and you don't know what to give him?
For those with boyfriends that are crazy about geeky computer-related things, there is a wide range of gift ideas to choose from.
Geekdom has become fashionable quite lately. You will see lots of geeks and geekdom in the TV shows and movies of the day. More and more celebrities were recorded trying the latest geek chic fashions.
Consider the idea of giving him one of the unique birthday gifts that will surprise him.
Give him a t-shirt with a Geek statement;
Present him with a unique flash drive;
A geek TV program that can be watched on a DVD player;

The charging station for a variety of gadgets, since geeks are into high-tech gadgets they will appreciate having a charging station that will allow them to charge their many paraphernalia anywhere;

Ways to accessories the modern dork look. There are fashion items now that are designed to look distinctly geek, incorporating a number of geek icons and computer-related imagery. Look online for neckties that are 8-bit styled and patterned in an iconic green and black color scheme. A quirky LED binary watch that takes reading time to a more complex level or a belt buckle with LED light that can be programmed to scroll a custom message could be considered to gift your friend.

But don't forget the most important thing, when you buy a gift for your friend (or anyone) be sure to put some extra effort and thought into your choice.

gifts are meant to touch someone's heart…

Christmas is behind us by now and you’ve spent a lot with your Christmas Gifts. However is an anniversary or a birthday coming up? Inspiration is needed for Valentine's Day?
Here are a few gift ideas so you know how to find your presents for whatever type of occasion that requires a gift.

If you are creative and want to give a personal gift, perhaps this may be a good idea for you. I'm talking about giving someone something you created.
Giving family and close friends personalized gifts is a great way to make them happy and feel important.

Electronics always make a great gift, no matter who it's for. Technology these days is so amazing that everyone could have a piece of it to make their lives easier.
Whether it is for family or friends, find something that they don't already have and use it as a present.
To fashion people who love to look their best you better prefer not to buy them clothes because they obviously already have their own style. Instead opt to gift jewellery. I'm not talking about a diamond ring or necklace. A charm bracelet would make the perfect gift in this situation. It's simple and not overdoing the fact that you are gifting jewellery.

For those who like the outdoors, you could always give something that will appeal to that. If they love mountain climbing, why not give them trip passes to a great mountain?
If all else fails, turn to food. Food always makes a great gift. It's one that can only be enjoyed once, which makes it so delightful.

All the gifts are meant to touch someone's heart. However, they won't be quite perfect unless you put some thought into it. Try to add a bit of your flair into the gift. That way, the present will feel that much more personal.

All images courtesy of the handpicked collection

our weapon against the illnesses that the cold season could bring…

The cold weather is still ongoing in North Hemisphere and most of us have hollowed out thermal clothes from our closets.
Whether using thermal undergarments for cold-weather outdoor activities or just to keep you warm as you laze around the house during the winter holidays, you should take into consideration some factors in choosing what to wear.

After all, thermal undergarments aren’t just like armours that protect us from battles with the cold. In fact they shouldn’t be like armours at all.
Womens thermal clothing should be as comfortable as they are functional.The material is important when deciding which to use since it determines the thickness, weight and strength of the garment. Cotton and wool are the most common natural fibbers used for thermal underwear but it does not mean they are perfect for every situation.

Cotton and lighter materials are suited for indoor use while wool is best for outdoor and sports activities because it wicks away sweat from our body. Thermal underwear now also comes in different designs and styles that some of them can even be worn alone.
Ensure quality undergarment for the best quality through different manufacturers and websites, and reading and comparing reviews like in Damart, UK.
In Damart, they have categories for ladies wear, menswear, footwear that comes in different sizes and designs.
Thermal undergarments are a little more complicated and important than what we give them credit for; these “Long Johns” are our weapon against the less than pleasurable illnesses that the cold season could bring.

All images courtesy of Damart, UK

we are.....

Home again!

I'm starting....

to pack, to go back home.