Mis Calabazas Preciosas! ...

I have FINALLY sat my buns the heck down to talk to you all-My beautiful, dedicated, & fabulous Readers! 

Truth be told, I am feeling far from my best (flu-ish, fuzzy, & achy) and, moreover, looking far from my best -- dark circles, pale skin, a nice pimple on my forehead-it's just lovely- but you know what?!?! ...it's not stopping me from being a VERY HAPPY LADY! 

Although it is totally annoying to feel sick & ugly, I CHOSE TO BE HAPPY today, because...

Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time

and that, my friends, is the TRUTH! ...think about it...

Because of my "be happy despite of..." attitude today, I was able to GET. IT. DONE. I accomplished everything I needed to do around the house & more! The pad is FINALLY shaping up, Dolls! (We don't live in the "projects" anymore). Check out my BEAUTIFUL roses I got from the Farmer's Market today:

Don't mind the electrical panel in the background- I'm working on getting a beautiful mirror or some artwork to cover it with. One thing at a time, Dolls. One thing at a time. <sigh>

Okay, so let's move ON already, yes?!...I think so! It just occurred to me that I never spoke about the STUNNING Thanksgiving cooking class I went to Wednesday night.

Here is the skinny:

Who: The event was hosted by the amazingly talented Pamela Morgan-(3rd from right). Pamela owned catering company FLAVORS for 16 years, opened a retail store-both were wildly successful-then sold both in 2000. Among the MANY accomplishments this women has under her belt, she wrote her own cookbook, is the a food & entertaining editor for Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, and continues to spread her culinary knowledge in a beautiful & unique way. There were 6 women total (including myself), which was the perfect size group to do a cooking class (in my opinion). Not only were we able to get hands-on in the kitchen, we were also able to get to know everyone, and enjoy each other's company.

What: Take a look at THIS menu:

Cumin Scented Pumpkin Dip with Pita Chips

Puree of Celery Root with Crisp Bacon

Before:

After:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower with Maple Butter Glaze

Turkey stuffed with Apples and Sage with a Cippollini Onion and Apple Cider Gravy

Cranberry Sauce with Candied Walnuts -I never thought twice about cranberry sauce until I tried THIS sauce! 

Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail (shown in group photo).

After we worked up an appetite preparing this beautiful meal, it was time to feast! ...Dinner was then served...

How fun is this china?! I love it!

Where: A stunning apartment overlooking central park. You can't get better!

My overall experience Flirting with Flavors was truly memorable. Everything about it was impeccable. I felt so honored to learn from Pamela, and cannot wait to do it again! 

So there ya have it! Cooking class = HUGE SUCCESS!

Before I say my goodbyes for the day, here is:

What to look forward to:

• I'm not traveling this week, so it is HIGHLY LIKELY that you'll be hearing from me tomorrow/Sunday! Keep those eyeballs peeled! 

• My NEW Monthly Newsletters! - to launch in December! Get excited! 

• December Health Challenges - I know you've got them, now watch me help you conquer them, already! 

Now, it really is THE END, Dolls. I'm going to leave you with a photo of my most precious, beautiful niecey pie:

Pre-School Photo (Year two)

an improvement from last year...

I want to eat her up! SUCH a beautiful girl- on the inside and out!

The time has come. WISHING YOU ALL A BEAUTIFUL * HAPPY * HEALTHY WEEKEND!

Much Love,

Mrs. LDC* xo