Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 31-Happy Anniversary!!!

In 1997 I married a simple man with simple pleasures.  As the end of 2014 is here I'd be remiss without mentioning that today also ends another year of being married to my wonderful husband.  He has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter.  Today, as you celebrate the end of one thing and the beginning of another I join you in celebrating the beginning of more fabulous years married to the man that knows my worth and makes me smile.

Happy Anniversary Rick!!

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 31- Creativity

Kuumba/Creativity:  Leaving our families, community, and world a better place to live, work, and love.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ~ photo credit: Andrew Eccles

• Grow in knowing that the energy and impulse of the Creator’s image and essence within you is the power that drives your desire for a world that ismore hospitable and nurturing for human existence.
• Grow knowing and showing that the talents, skills and resources entrusted unto you are never to be used without respect for the greatest good for the greatest number of family, community and humanity. 
• Always be pro-active to share and utilize this consciousness and energy everywhere you go, with everyone you meet. 

Candle Lighting :On the sixth day of Kwanzaa the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of struggle- continuous effort and work. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The lesson here is that we light the red candle to reinforce the value and priority we place struggle as the method for creating progress.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 30- Purpose

Nia/Purpose: "Commitment, duty, and obligation to contribute to the morally serious purpose and noble goal, of nation building, i.e., the quest to recover and restore the  African American family, community, and people as a whole”

• Are you growing in realizing and appreciating that our traditional greatness includes the fact that our African ancestors were the fathers and mothers of humanity and civilization?
• Grow in knowing, receiving and revering inspiration from such a commitment (and its results) in people in every period of our history, in every geographic location.

The African proverb is insightful in illuminating the centrality of the family in the nation building project, declaring: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” And, conversely, the development and elevation of the nation begins in the home. This is an affirmation that nation building begins at the smallest level, the family.

Candle Lighting: On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the GREEN candle.  This candle is symbolic to the collective prosperity; Kwanzaa commitments are made around the Purpose principle.

~Until Next Tiime
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 29-Cooperative Economics

Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of the Kwanzaa principle which is Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics sharing and pooling our financial resources and goods and services for the common benefit of family and community participants with the goal of building and sustaining cooperative economic enterprises.  To build OUR OWN Businesses, control the economics of OUR OWN Community AND share in ALL its Work AND Wealth.

Vow to the following:

• Strive to become increasingly proficient in discerning and developing family-based and community-based enterprises and sharing those visions with others
• Be studious to understand the best ways to maximize the buying power of our dollars in the local, national and global economies.
• Strive to have a serious and consistent savings program in order to accumulate the wealth required to develop or participate in significant economic endeavors. 
• Be pro-active in finding and working with others who are striving to grow according to the challenges of this Ujamaa principle.

Candle Lighting:  On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of the collective work and effort. Kwanzaa commitments are made around the principle of Cooperative Economics.





~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 28-Your Purpose

My sister and friend LaToya Perry posted this on FB and I wanted to share it with you.  Be encouraged!

"With all the things going on in the world it makes my heart heavy. It would appear that daily as a people we are losing our love and simple kindness for one another. I can only imagine what the Lord sees and how His heart must break as He watches His children make choices that will lead to their destruction. All the while, we have disregarded the gentle nudges and some times the outright bricks of correction that has been thrown at us. We are caught up in the show.

What is the show? The show is what the enemy uses to distract us from our mission. He uses any and everything. The magicians are great at this tactic. They call it slight of hand. While performing their magic trick, they keep your eyes occupied on something insignificant meanwhile, the thing you should be focused on is being done right in front of your eyes and you don't see it. We get occupied and caught up doing and being all that GOD has NOT called us to do. We get frustrated and burned out by living and doing what we THINK or WANT our purpose to be. Sometimes it's clear but often times it's not. We HAVE no clue what all the Lord has put in us. We've failed to go to The Maker and inquire into what should our usage be. We allow "the show" to dictate our usage. If you allow the show to dictate your actions, you will find yourself at the end of the year declaring that in the Next year, your dropping all your insecurities, fake friends, dead beats, negativity and so on. Not realIzing, that those very same things and people will be with you in the next year because you will make the same decisions because you don't know why you're here and secondly because maybe some of those fake friends were meant to build you into a better you.



I'm encouraging you as well as myself to spend these last days of 2014, seeking God for direction. "The show " will keep you frustrated and always looking for the next. God's purpose and mission will keep you fulfilled and inspired. Yes, the show will always try to get your attention but if you stay on mission you will easily be able to discern what and who is not for you.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, that should be your first order of business. How can you know what God has for you if you don't know Him. Next, commit to seeking Him and finding out what HE would have you to do and not what you think or feel you should be doing.

I wish you all the joy you can contain in this coming year. I pray that you would be a solution to this world's problems and not a participant in its downfall. I pray that you would forgive other's quickly and remember that you are not perfect and do not walk on water. We are going to disappoint and hurt one another, we are human. However, choose to extend grace and love instead of hatefulness and vengeance."

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 28- Collective Work and Responsibility

UJIMA (00-GEE-MA) Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our sister’s and brother’s problems our problems and solve them together.

• Are you your brothers or sisters keeper?
• Are you willing, compassionate and pro-active in extending the knowledge, abilities, energy and other resources at your disposal to help members of your family and community to achieve the best outcome of a given life or situation?
• Can you extend yourself in this manner without the expectation of some immediate material return, but with the satisfaction of knowing that helping others in this fashion is, in the long run, help and reward for you also?

Candle Lighting: On the third day of Kwanzaa the family lights the GREEN candle next to the black candle. This candle is symbolic of future success and achievement.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 27-Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Sweet potato cake that tastes like a cinnamon roll!  My sister, friend and co-mom, Joyce Cunningham, is truly the Pthirty1 woman.  She sent me this recipe that I MUST share with you.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Posted To GFCAV Presents Food Recipe Central

Cake
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
11/2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsps vanilla
1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 TBLS flour
1 TBLS cinnamon

Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
5 TBLS milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans ( my addition)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan
.
In a large bowl combine flour,sugar,salt, and baking powder and nutmeg.  Stir with a fork to combine. 

In another large bowl beat sweet potatoes and milk until smooth.  Add beaten eggs, and vanilla, beat until combined. 

Slowly add flour to sweet potato mixture, mixing until just incorporated.  Slowly stir the melted butter into the batter until well combined. 

Pour batter into prepared pan. 

Make topping.

Topping directions:
Mix all the topping ingredients together until well combined.  Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife.  Bake cake for 30- 35 minutes.   After cake is baked, cool slightly while making the glaze.

Glaze directions:
Combine glaze ingredients mix until smooth.  Glaze cake while still warm.


~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 27- Self Determination

Self-Determination/Kujichagulia To define the world in our own image and interest, placing African people and our history and culture at the center of our worldview and social reality.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Who am I? 
• How well do I know the history of achievement and excellence of my people? 
• What am I doing to further and deepen that knowledge?
• What contributions am I making toward restoring and continuing the ethic of intellectual, analytically and visionary excellence in my family and community? (Overthrowing the ethic of anything goes, self-hate, hopelessness, mediocrity, violence and self-destruction)
• How much am I influenced by the images of my people in the media?

Candle Lighting: On the second day of Kwanzaa the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of the effort. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The RED candle is symbolic of the effort a person, family, school or community makes. The lesson is that we light the RED candle to reinforce the value of work and effort.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-UNITY

Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity begins the Kwanzaa celebration and stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Another symbol that could be useful for Umoja reflections is the Nkonsonkonson – Chain Link – a symbol of unity and human relations; a reminder to contribute to the community; that in unity lies strength. It signifies the strong bonds between people of common blood relations that are difficult to break apart. The belief includes ancestors who are constantly protecting the living. It can also serve as a reminder to give a helping hand to strengthen the communities we live in, and encourages the veneration of the ancestors in order for them to keep in touch with the living. Baba Mxolisi T. Sowell

Candle Lighting: Today we light the BLACK candle or Umoja candle. The black candle symbolizes black people. So the lesson is this: We want to build up the capacity of unity in the family, our neighborhoods and among our people. To achieve this, we discuss ways which we will build, enhance, strengthen our family bonds and community ties.

What ways have you and your family practiced this principle?

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-Celebrating Kwanzaa

Just what is Kwanzaa? Unlike Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa’s unaffiliated with a major religion. One of the newer American holidays, Kwanzaa originated in the turbulent 1960s to instill racial pride and unity in the black community.

Established in 1966 by Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa aims to reconnect black Americans to their African roots and recognize their struggles as a people by building community. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 annually. Derived from the Swahili term, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first-fruits,” Kwanzaa is based on African harvest celebrations such as the seven-day Umkhost of Zululand.

Starting today, December 26th, through January 1st we will focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 25-Merry Christmas!!

From all of us at Simply Perfect Peace Events and Designs by Shay
MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2014

Sharon Patrice {aka} "Boss Lady"

My Partner and her Partner -The Martin's {aka} "Creative Geniuses "

Deetta {aka} "The Balancer"

Amanda {aka} "The Visionary"

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 24-Holiday Traditions

Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no exception. Every family has their own ideas that make this a special holiday and one thing is for sure, children are excited and full of anticipation.

I am not a fan of cold but I have to admit that nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on Christmas Eve to bring on the holiday spirit. In Chicago, it doesn't look like we're going to have a white Christmas but there are many things you can do to set the holiday mood.

Setting the Tone!
Music, candles, laughs, and love! Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles to help set the tone for a lovely and festive Christmas.  If you're lucky (or lack thereof) to have a scrooge in your family, perhaps this will help shower in some good cheer. What are some of the ways you set the tone for Christmas?

Prepare a Meal!
I'm not sure what a "traditional" Christmas Eve meal encompasses but I try and make it fun for the children. In the past, we've made pizza and pot pies along with some other kid friendly meals that have proven to also be tasty. Because of the big meal planned for the holiday, it's understandable that some families like to keep the meal light and serve soup and crackers. When all else fails, have the good ole sausage and cheese on hand for tasty snacks and appetizers.

Children and Traditions!
Besides a visit from Santa, stockings are hung by the fireplace or on the tree filled with goodies. Recently, a friend reminded me that our stockings were filled with pecans, tangerines, peppermints and other small items.  Today, we can agree that it is much different! 

In our family we have an array of "traditions" that have been passed on from generation to generation.  From sipping hot chocolate, watching movies, playing games and reading Christmas stories; to baking cookies and opening that one gift at midnight - Christmas as a child was the best time of the year.  As a parent, I have tried to do some of the same items with my children in the hopes that they'll pass them right on down to theirs. One of my favorite things has been opening a gift at midnight even though it's always pajamas! Although my children are teenagers and adults, I still get a kick out of getting up in the middle of the night and putting out those last few items. There is nothing like the joy of watching their faces on Christmas morning.

What are some things you do with your family?  How do you spend your Christmas Eve?


~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 23-RUMCHATA!

Every year I come up with a signature beverage for the holiday.  This year RUMCHATA wins and the combination I recently had is the one I'm going to try on my family this upcoming holiday.  If you enjoy RUMCHATA and aren't afraid to venture out; this one is for you too.

Mixing Fireball, Caramel, Vodka with the creamy RumChata liqueur is one drink you absolutely have to try. And when I say try, what I really mean is, go make this as soon as possible. The cinnamon in the Fireball Whisky perfectly compliments the caramel along with the vanilla in the RumChata to form a rich and flavorful RumBall cocktail. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite for the holidays or maybe the rest of your life ~ drink responsibly!


Carmeled RumBall
1.5 ounces Fireball Whisky
1.5 ounces of Vodka
1.5 ounces of Kissed Carmel Vodka
1.5 ounces RumChata

Directions: Fill a martini shaker with ice, then add the Fireball Whisky and RumChata. Shake and strain into a martini glass, or a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 22 - Holiday Party Etiquette

Your company's holiday gathering is just around the corner -- time to let loose and party with your coworkers after a long year, right? Wrong!!!

No matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business. Here are a few tips to help you keep your job and your dignity..

• Plan an event that reflects well on the company. Choose an appropriate location, control the alcohol flow, and take your coworkers interests into consideration. 


• Be DIVERSE - A Christmas party may alienate some staff. A holiday party is more inclusive.

• Do everything in MODERATION! So eat, drink and be merry -- but take it easy. Alcohol plus you and your boss can equal the next day morning's "I can't believe I said that." If you choose to drink, do so minimally.  

• Dress appropriately for the occasion. You've worked hard to create a professional image, and revealing clothes can alter your coworkers' and manager's perception of you as a competent professional.

• Mix and mingle! At the very least, don't spend the entire evening with your regular office buddies -- get in the holiday spirit and mingle with people from other departments.

• Pay attention to the time you arrive and when you leave. Even if you don't really want to attend, avoid arriving 20 minutes before the end just to make an appearance. On the flip side, don't party into the wee hours either - neither are a good look!

• Be sure to thank those who coordinated the party. They likely put in a great deal of effort hoping you would have a good time. Not only is saying thank you the nice thing to do, but it also makes you stand out from the many employees who don't.  

Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 21-Holiday CHEER!

Egg nog is a festive holiday beverage that I've been enjoying my whole life.  Once I became "of age" my "Aunt Annie" from the Bronx taught me how to make it from scratch.  There are multiple ways to enjoy egg nog; here are a few of my favorite recipes, hope your family and friends enjoy these as much as mine does.

Homemade Eggnog
 6 whole eggs and 4 yolks
 1 1/2 cups sugar
 Pinch of salt
 3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
 2 cups milk
 1 tablespoon vanilla
 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
 3 ounces Whiskey

Whisk eggs and yolks, sugar and salt in a 4-quart sauce pan on low heat.
While continuing to stir, add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Then add milk slowly.

Stir continually to prevent eggs from curdling. Continue cooking until mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).

Let the custard cool, and add 2 cups of heavy cream followed by vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and whiskey.

Yields about 10 servings

Eggnog Bourbon Balls
I've made Bourbon Balls before and they are ALWAYS a hit.  Although the original recipe doesn’t incorporate any actual liquid eggnog, cut the amount of bourbon in half (to 1/8 cup) and substitute 1/8 cup of eggnog instead. ENJOY!

1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (grind in food processor)
1 cup powdered confectioners sugar
1 cup ground pecans
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (such as Karo)
10 ounces eggnog-flavored candy melts such as Wilton Eggnog Candy Melts
Ground nutmeg

In a medium bowl, add ground wafer cookies, powdered sugar, pecans and cocoa powder, and stir to combine.

Add the bourbon, eggnog (if desired) and corn syrup, and stir until the mixture comes together and is well-incorporated.

Using a small hinged scoop or a teaspoon, make balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture, and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Using a double-boiler, add the eggnog candy melts to the top pan and melt slowly. Stir the candy melts just to combine. Drop one chilled bourbon ball in the candy and, using a fork, flip it over to coat. Tap the fork on the side of the double boiler to remove excess candy and place bourbon ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle the wet candy with a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Repeat with the remaining bourbon balls.
Refrigerate or eat immediately.

Eggnog Custard Pie
A custard pie is any type of uncooked custard mixture added to an uncooked or partially cooked crust and baked together.  I really like custard pie but I've never made it with egg nog.  I sure hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Pie Crust
1 Egg Beaten

1/2 cup sugar    
2 1/2 cups eggnog
4 eggs                        
Freshly grated nutmeg 

Heat oven to 425°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch pie pan as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Do not prick crust. Bake at 425°F. for 7 to 9 minutes or until light golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In large bowl, combine sugar, eggnog and eggs; blend well. Pour into partially baked crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 40 minutes or until almost set. (Center of filling will be soft.) Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool 2 hours or until completely cooled. Store in refrigerator.


Enjoy Your Holiday!
~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 20-Home for the Holidays!

While working on a design element for a holiday party I was reminded of why I love decorating my own home.  The group I was working with had a small budget and thankfully I was able to pull from some items I had in stock.  If you're wondering what to do for your home, or holiday gathering, here are a few ideas:


Hang a Wreath
This should minimally get you in the mood to decorate. If you're tired of the ordinary, welcome Christmas guests with three miniature wreaths instead of the traditional one wreath. Attached to a long piece of ribbon, the smaller wreaths are ideal for a glass-front door.  Nice right?!

Deck the halls!
If you have stairs drape garland up the handrail of a staircase, and anchor it with beautiful bows for a Christmas welcome in the foyer.  This is typically where I start with my home decorating because it's often times the simplest thing for me to accomplish.  Additionally, I love the look when I first walk into my home.

 

ORNAMENTS Aren't Just for the Tree!
I have an array of vases so I decided to take some of the ornaments I have organized in my garage to fill some of these vases to add some spice to my home.  For the event, Designs by Shay and Simply Perfect Peace Events, aded branches to a few for additional height and draped them with tinsel for an even more festive look.

Whatever you do, enjoy your home and enjoy this holiday season!
~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.