Today's Quote - Coco Chanel

I Love Breakfast With My Family!

I had a wonderful time laughing and making breakfast with my youngest daughter yesterday.  She made the most delicious  fluffy buttery scrambled eggs (just the way grandma taught her).  We browned polska kielbasa, and flipped  gluten-free pancakes.  For the pancakes, we had a divine Stanley Plum and pinot noir syrup. 

The syrup is actually a jam I get from Sweet Things. All I did was heat the jam in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.  What followed was an absolutely sinful syrup.  It was a perfect breakfast! 

Today's quote from La Loren!

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." ~ La Sophia Loren

Blustery Days Ahead!

Ode To A Nightingale

Benedict Cumberbatch performs a brilliant reading of this piece by John Keats!  Marvelous!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64eonMsecAA

I Love Taking Gorgeous Pictures!

Photography is one of my many loves.  I'm not a professional, I just love taking pictures that make people feel beautiful.  I've got a family so, I support my income in various ways.  Like Dolly Levi said in Hello Dolly:  "If you have to live from hand to mouth, you better be ambidextrous!" 

My Song of The Day - Misty by Johnny Mathis

Photo by Fine Art America

My mom used to sing this song when I was a girl.  Everytime I listen to this, I can still hear her.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQPQp2e4aw4

Secret Garden

Photo by bo-hemiatumblr.com

Love!

One amazing thing that I thought of was that just because you're not in a relationship, doesn't mean no one loves you.  The love you have from your family and friends is real and deep. Don't discount this love, just because it's not romantic love.

The ancient Greeks were so clever.  They recognized that love varies and has so many different facets.

Agape - selfless love. Expects nothing in return
Eros - romantic love
Philia - friendship
Storge - natural love - love parent has for their children.

Now that you understand the different types of love, go show yourself how much you love....you!

Photo from www.paloma81.blogspot.com

Hippie Healing

One of the things I love most about the way I was raised is that my mom was into natural remedies for sickness. It all started when my mom went to California with my dad. My dad's body was severely damaged from a botched surgery he underwent to remove cancer from his colon.

He was flown to a specialist in California for reconstructive surgery, and we were told that the odds were high that he wouldn't survive.  My brother and I were seven and ten years old respectively.

Well, he did survive. He came home beautiful and robust; so did my mom.  She had undergone so much stress, but her eyes were bright, her skin was gorgeous, and her hair was luxurious!

Turns out my mom learned a thing or two about natural and herbal alternatives.  She taught me, and I am teaching my children.  These alternatives help keep us healthy and out of the doctor's office; which saves our health and my pocketbook.

I'll share some natural alternatives with you as well.  Here's a good one: eat fresh garlic. Garlic is like a natural antibiotic.  Take it at the first sign of a cold, and put raw garlic on your food, for a kick of flavor.  Have plenty of breath mints on hand!

Of course, go to your doctor as needed, but some natural remedies may save your health, and your pocketbook too!

What I'm Doing Right Now?

I'm on the veranda taking a well deserved moment of repose.  When I say "taking", I mean that quite literally.  I've found that these moments don't drift to me; I have to seize them.  Be deliberate with the way you nurture yourself.

Now if you don't mind, I'm going to close my eyes for a moment, and enjoy my time with me!

  

There's Nothing Like Fresh Fruit

Today I had a wonderful breakfast of two boiled eggs and fresh fruit. I had the eggs for protein, but the highlight was the fresh fruit.  

No, I didn't cut up all this fruit myself, I'm not gifted in food art. I was at a conference and, I congratulate myself on my wise food choices.  Rather than ending up face down in a plate of pastries, I had a sensible breakfast.  Sensible is hard when it comes to food so...Hooray For Me!!!

M.C. Nelson

It's been 10 years, but I have missed you every day.  You were such a wonderful loving husband. I love you so much!

Absolutely Fabulous!

Goodbye...Felisluxuriouslife.blogspot.com

Hello...Theluxuriouslifeofthesinglemom.blogspot.com

....Probably should have done that a long time ago....

Privacy Lace At Your Windows

I love pretty windows.  What I don't like is the lack of privacy I have when I put up pretty sheer curtains. I also don't like looking out my window into an alley. 

I decided long ago to get rid of the old, homogenized, dorm room blinds we had in our living room.  Looking at them everyday was an ordeal.

Eventually, I sprang for some cheap,  temporary blinds for one of the windows. I kept them up so long, they literally disintegrated as I was removing them.

Fortunately, I found this amazing trick to beautifully  cover the windows, let in the light, while giving you the privacy you need.  This treatment is a fantastic compliment to the pretty sheer curtains I just bought.

Here's how you do it:

What you'll need - Lace (don't spend a fortune on it, look for it on sale)  Cornstarch, paint brush, water, bowl/container.

1. Measure your window, and cut a piece of  lace to according to your measurements. You may need to iron your lace panels like I did, to avoid creases.

2. Using the lace as a template, cut out additional squares/rectangles to fit as many windows as you intend to cover.

3.  Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water.  Once that is mixed, add 1 and 1/2 cups of boiling water.   The mixture may not be very thick. That's how it's supposed to be.

4. Paint a layer of the cornstarch mixture on the glass.

5. Apply the lace as flat on the glass as possible, and paint another layer of the mixture.  Let dry.

The result is a beautiful, lace window that provides privacy and can be removed easily with warm water.  Give it a try, and tell me what you think!

Show me your Luxurious Life

I love adding beauty to life. I am almost done with my "new" window treatments. My mom found some beautiful sheer panels at an estate sale, and we hung them this weekend just in time for brunch on Sunday.  I'm going to complete the ensemble with some lovely, feminine shades. I'm still looking for the perfect ones, and of course, I'll post the pics when I'm done.

I would love to see what you single moms are doing with your living spaces.  So, send me pics of your beautiful spaces. Email me at www.feliviensici@gmail.com.  I'll be reviewing all submissions, and will choose one (1) to showcase on my blog. 

Submission of your photos, is viewed as permission to publish photos, and all content you provide.

A Remarkable Quote!

Do not regret growing older.  It is a privilege denied to many. - Unknown.

              .....amen

Fresh Basil

There's nothing like fresh herbs, they can take your dishes in entirely new directions.   For our brunch one of our egg dishes was four-cheese scrambled eggs with mushrooms and onions.  The dish was delicious, but sprinkling fresh basil on top brightened the dish, and made it phenomenal!

If you want to transform your dishes, use fresh, delicious herbs.  If you're not sure if you'll like the taste, buy them in small quantities; just get a handful at a time. Be adventurous, and try them in your everyday cooking. Most of all, have fun!

Maple Bacon

Bacon is a gift from above.  Is there is anything as wonderful as a delicious, perfectly cooked piece of bacon?  Yes, a delicious smoky, maple-glazed perfectly cooked piece of bacon!  The recipe is below.

You're welcome!

http://southernfood.about.com/od/baconrecipes/r/glazed-bacon.htm

Brunch!

There's nothing more sublime than being surrounded with good friends and good food!   That was the case at the brunch I hosted last Sunday. It truly was a celebration.

Everything about that afternoon was unforgettable, the wine, the food, and; the sparkling conversation. 

I'll share details of that lovely brunch over the next few days beginning tomorrow.  I think I'll start with...The Maple Bacon!  Ciao!

I Want You To Live A Luxurious Life Too!

A luxurious life is not some esoteric privilege reserved for a few. We all deserve to live beautifully!  To this end, I wrote the book, The Luxurious Life Of The Single Mom. My passion is to share this knowledge with everyone. Start your luxurious life today!

Click the link on the lower right section of this site, and download your own copy for 4.99! 

Rachmaninoff - My Song Of The Day

It's Friday, and since I'm ready to relax, my song for today is this beautiful rhapsody by Rachmaninoff.  This song was in a movie called Somewhere In Time that I saw first when I was twelve.  I've loved this song ever since, hopefully; you will too! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC9qpArem74 

Adorn Your Desk

Whether you realize it or not, at work, your desk is a reflection of your personal brand.  Therefore, you don’t want to hang pictures of your beer-chugging barbeque weekend onto the cubicle your boss walks by everyday.  If your office is anything like ours, you never know who will be walking by.  I had our Associate Vice President stop by my desk, with guests for an impromptu meeting. I was so glad my desk was in good order!   

When it comes to adorning your desk, remember this rule of thumb:  Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.  Work is exactly that:  work.  Your desk can be a reflection of your personality, but in a way that restrained, and balanced. 

If I hung everything I loved from the walls of my cube, I would have posters of Johnny Depp prominently displayed, with the words, I LOVE YOU JOHNNY ! emblazoned on a banner strung from one side to the other.   Not a great idea.

Make your area a place that is dignified, clean and comfortable.  Make sure you to put your best foot forward, making sure that your area is always organized, and neat.  Everyday is an interview.  Everyday, your personal environment speaks volumes.  What is it saying about you?

Take a look at my desk, and, send me pictures of your desks .  I would love to see your work/living space!  

Farmers market eggs

Living in urban sprawl doesn't allow me to have much access to chickens, well; live chickens. By the time I come in contact with a chicken, the poor thing has already been grilled, roasted, or deep fried.  Hopefully, you can forgive my ignorance of poultry, and their brethren; we don't have chickens running amuck in the city. 

However, thankfully, we now have many people raising chickens, and selling fresh eggs at farmer's markets all over the city. 

I never knew the difference between the eggs I got from the store, and, fresh free range eggs; until my mother brought home a dozen.  Because I had gotten some of the "organic eggs" from the grocery, I comfortably felt that I was way ahead of her. 

 

The eggs she had were white, brown, blue, and green.  The green eggs, seemed especially weird to me.  A polite, "no thank you" was my response when she asked if I wanted to try them.  

However, one day I decided to be adventurous, and sample mom's quaint little eggs. Those eggs were amazing! The yolk was bright yellow, and very rich and flavorful.  Also, they didn't possess that weird smell that many store-bought eggs  have. 

 

Do yourself a favor.  Go to your local natural food store or farmer's market.  Buy local, and find out how delicious local can be!

Photo from Pinterest

Festival Latino

Amazing music, friends, food, and drinks!  Ah...summer!!!!

Bubblegum Therapy

Some days, adulthood is not all it's cracked up to be. Between bills, deadlines at work, and the stress of single parenting, it's hard to get a break.

When I feel like that, I love to get bubblegum and blow the biggest bubbles possible. What has that got to do with relieving stress?  I'm glad you asked.

When I'm blowing bubbles, I'm concentrating on how big my bubble is, if I can blow a bubble inside a bubble, if I can make one bigger than my kids, and how long the flavor will last.  It's a shift in focus.

Learning to change your focus, means learning to change your state. If you can change your state, even temporarily; you can break the cycle of negative emotions. This can leave you mentally refreshed and able to cope with the ongoing challenges we all face.

Maybe blowing bubbles isn't your thing.  Maybe it's going for a walk, or watching a half hour of cartoons.  Figure out what works for you, and reintroduce yourself to your inner kid. Above all, have fun!!!!

Luxurious Quote Of The Day!

A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous! - Coco Chanel

My Song Of The Day - The Secret Life Of Daydreams - Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcdxNMQ-Cz8

The Artistry Of Femininity - Lesson 6

Living luxuriously is your birthright, and, in order to do so; you must understand that mastering nuance is key.

Therefore, today's lesson is this:  When you're seated in a row of people (in a meeting or at the theatre), and you must exit your seat; always face the people who are already in their seats.  Darling, don't make your rear-end part of the show.

Today's Pick Me Up!

Let's face it, most women don't feel pretty every day.  One day we're feeling bloated, another day we've got a breakout on our face; and, let's not forget the dreaded 'bad hair day'. 

I find when I need to feel instantly pretty, and, glamorous; wearing a beautiful pair of stilettos does the trick.  High heels instantly add a wow factor to your outfit, whether it's a skirt, or; a pair of jeans with a pretty blouse.

The next time you're feeling frumpy, slip your feet into your a fabulous pair of heels.  It works every time!

Lamb Saute´

Recently, my family and I went out to a wonderful Turkish restaurant.  I had Lamb Saute, which was really like a stew, and; it was absolutely delicious. Of course, I had the mommy guilt afterwards about the money I spent. "The kids need braces",or; "I could have spent half at the grocery store, and it would have lasted for a week!" 

Have you ever felt that spending money eating out is a waste of money?  That having an amazing meal with wonderful family and friends is an extravagance? 

Granted eating out all the time, can put a huge dent in your wallet. However, sometimes the experience is worth the money.

I can remember times when my husband and I went out for a wonderful meal, when we probably could have used that money for something more pressing.  Now that he's gone, I'm so grateful for those really special times we shared.

We'll always have bills to pay, but, our time here is not indefinite. We've got to make the most of the life we've been given.  Do something new, something exciting!  Stop and smell the hummus!

A Beautifully Healthy Snack

Sometimes there's nothing better than having nothing planned on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  My daughters and I decided that we would stay in, and; watch movies together.  We went to the store and bought some "nosh-ables". 

Instead of buying tons of junk food, I bought fruits, cheeses, whole grain crackers, walnuts, and strawberry Greek yogurt. 

I wanted make our little feast special, so I created a quick fruit and cheese platter.  The girls loved it. It was pretty, bountiful, and absolutely delicious.

Why not make one of your own.  Instead of throwing the fruit into a bowl, arrange it beautifully on a wooden cutting board.  There's no such thing as perfect, it's supposed to look rustic, so; just have fun!

A Mommy Home Run!

Ever have a flash of brilliance? An inspired thought that is so perfect it almost hurts? I did, on one cold, blustery day in February.  I got a call from my kids.  The girls were out doing some volunteer work with a friend, but, had forgotten to take their keys.  Grandma was gone to an appointment, so no one was home.  I was at work, and, the kids were locked out of the house. 

Our friend had another obligation, so she had to drop the kids off.  I didn't have a clue how to handle this situation.  I couldn't leave work to open the door, and; no one lives nearby that could let the girls stay with them till I got off work. 

Then it hit me.  I asked my friend to drop my daughters off nearby at my favorite spot, Zen Cha tea salon.  I told my girls to order tea, a little something to eat, and; to relax and enjoy themselves.

I know the staff and the owner of Zen Cha, and it was the perfect place for my daughters.  The girls are both teenagers, and so are old enough to understand how to comport themselves properly.  They had a wonderful time. 

When I got off work about an hour later, I ordered some tea for myself, and relaxed with them.  It was truly a "Mommy Home Run"!  -  And yes, I am the coolest mom ever!

The Artistry Of Femininity - Lesson 5

It's important to know how to respond appropriately in whatever setting you find yourself.  One of the trickiest situations to manage is the fancy restaurant or soiree.  Something I just learned, is that at a fancy dinner you may receive sorbet in the middle of dinner. 

Be advised, this sorbet is not a dessert.  The sorbet, which is usually citrus or mint, is a palate cleanser used in the midst of the meal to cleanse the mouth of the flavors from the previous courses, or; to aide digestion. 

Remember, not to hork it down like a pint of Ben and Jerry's.  Take just a few bites for maximum effect. Bon appetit!

Photo from:  http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/sorbet-recipes-00412000067377/page17.html 

I Love This Decorating Idea! Adorn Your Windows!

Use vintage necklaces as curtain ties!   This will give your window treatments a beautifully unique, feminine look.  You don't have to get expensive necklaces.  Go to rummage sales, and thrift stores to find just the right piece. 

Photo from:  http://uktv.co.uk/home/gallery/aid/640810

Beautiful, romantic hair...sigh!

Photos from my Pinterest page - http://pinterest.com/felinelson/boards/

Now This Is Luxurious!

Photo from http://www.weranda.pl

www.viensici.net

How Beautiful!

What a beautiful sitting room.  I love beautiful things.  I yearn to surround myself with beauty, and yet whenever I'm ready to give in; I hear the echo of my dad's voice saying:  "We don't need that!"  That phrase, was my dad's rallying cry all throughout my childhood and adolescence.  Men just don't get it. 

One of my favorite movie lines is from Hello Dolly!  Dolly Levi tells the raging chauvinist Horace Vandergelder that he needs:  "To let women, be women".  Yet, that is still a lesson, I'm trying to learn.

Why is it that I always go for the practical rather than the pretty?  I always, always feel guilty about buying pretty things for myself.  I feel wasteful, and condemnatory.  It feels like a god-forsaken extravagance. 

It's time to put on my big girl bloomers, and have the courage to be the woman I've always wanted to be.    

Photo from http://wwwcindyellisartcom.blogspot.com/

Happy Friday!!!

Photo from - my Pinterest page! http://pinterest.com/felinelson/the-luxurious-life-of-the-single-mom/

It Finally Feels Like Spring!

Here in Ohio, after battling winter, spring always feels like a hard won victory.  You can have perpetual summer in warm climates, but; you have to earn spring.  Maybe that's why it's one of my favorite seasons.

I love when, once seer, barren trees blossom joyously.  The scent of cherry blossoms is sublime.  I adore the riot of color that bursts open with the coming of spring.  Make the time to enjoy each and every delightful moment!
  

  Photo from:  inthecitywithcrystalin.com

I'm Taking Myself On A Date!

Today has been a crazy day; the perfect cap to a few really crazy weeks.  I feel so drained, and my thoughts are so disjointed.  I desperately need to calm myself, so; I'm taking myself on a date.  

In my mind, I'm experiencing a convergence of every date cliché in existence.  Let's list them out, shall we: 

Flowers - Flowerama has really good prices, so; I'm treating myself to a dozen pink roses. 
Wine - My local grocery store has my favorite label - Bartenura Moscato.

Food - I'm determined to eat cleanly, so a bowl of miso from Zen Cha will be perfect.

Movie - Believe it or not, a good testosterone flick will set you to rights.  No chick flicks, when you're feeling blue.  There's nothing worse than watching love unfold on the screen, as you sit in the theatre alone.  So G.I. Joe it is!

I almost forgot....Chocolate - Since I'm cutting down on sugar, I'll pick up a 70% cacao dark chocolate when I'm getting my wine.

Ahhh, I feel better already!  

Photo from - happydayout.tumblr.com

A Wonderful Quote!

You can gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along.'  You must do the thing you cannot do!  - Eleanor Roosevelt

My Song Of The Day - Emmanuel by Chris Botti

I heard this song this past weekend, and, it's captivated me ever since.  Of course, I downloaded it as soon as I heard it.  The following day, I was on my way to work, and this song popped on.  It had snowed thickly the night before.  As this haunting melody played, I drove under a wonderland canopy of overhanging trees; beautifuly white with fluffy snow.  It was the perfect start to my day.  I want to share this with you, and; I hope you love it as much as I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOlvLRZ67lA

Coming Soon.....

Online gourmet tea salon...coming soon!  

Tea For One - with Feli

Tea For One is one of the chapters in my book.  It's about slowing down, and making time for yourself.  The vehicle for that moment of repose, is tea. 

Taking tea, is an old custom, but; I think it's a custom that needs to be revisited.  Years ago, it was fashionable for the gentry to sit down at a specific time each day (typically around three or four o'clock)for tea and little snack to tide them over till dinner. 

The charm of taking tea was that you were allowed to pause, and; enjoy a quiet, gracious moment.  Ladies and gentlemen alike dressed up for tea, and being invited thereto; meant being on your absolutely best behavior.

Now, most people don't have time to halt their day for tea.  Formal tea has been relegated to the realm of children's party's. 

However, I find that it is utterly relaxing to enjoy a pot of tea at my desk.  I have a single-serve pot and cup at the ready.  When I have stressful moments, I pour myself a lovely cup of tea.  Today's tea was Cherry Blossom.  Wrapping your hands around a warm cup, and, inhaling the fragrance of sweet cherry blossoms; is sheer bliss.

I want to share these experiences with you, so I will be opening my online store very soon.  I can't wait for you to see what I've got in store for you.  Stay tuned!

Photo from my Pinterest page