Christmas Mantle

Hello sweet friends! This is my first year with a real and proper mantle! Yes...I have been married almost 30 years....lived in many lovely, cozy homes and always managed without one, BUT...I  always wanted a mantle. We always found somewhere to hang our stockings, but I just dreamed of a "fairy tale" mantle:) Last winter my dear hubby finally gave me my heart's desire.....so now, without further adieu.......my beautiful Christmas mantle.

I do believe I'll hook this post up with Sherry's Home Sweet Home.
Have a lovely evening sweet sisters! ~~Blessings~Shine

Early Giving

A while back, a sweet friend of mine asked if I would like to have some of her "mismatched China". Well...I could never say no to China, of any sort. I LOVE all China. In actuality, I truly thought she was talking about "just a few" pieces. She had told me that she had sold a lot of things, but had held on to these as they were some of her favorites. When she brought them to me, I felt like the box was really big for just a few pieces. When I opened it up, I was in for a fabulous surprise:)

I still can't believe it. Six different complete place settings.

Plus a few added treasures:) LOVE these  beautiful plates.

Each setting is unique and gorgeous. No wonder they were her favorites.

I bet you're saying "That's Amazing!"........ I still am!

Every day, I choose a different "favorite".

And every day I have tea on a different set:)

Rita is one of those rare people that has a gift of giving. Very rare in this day and time indeed.

Every time I see Rita she is making something for someone else. 

She has always put other people before herself.

I never have felt like I can say "Thank you" properly.

I mean, really...this is such a blessing.

If you're able to read this Rita, I am SO thankful for your gifts....AND for your friendship. YOU are such a blessing in my life.

Look at this sweet heart cup and saucer.

I must confess...I have to share this with Anna....she loves it so:)

 I'm not the only one blessed by Rita's generosity....she donates to many good causes every year and like I said before..she's always busy making something for someone else. Do you have angels in your midst? I believe I truly do.
Have a blessed evening sisters~~~Much love to you all~~Shine

Serious sweetness!

Do you love hot chocolate? I mean really LOVE  hot chocolate? If so.....you must take notice and try the following recipe. If you choose to ignore this post.....well you've missed out on some of the world's most incredible yumminess:) It's really simple, but unbelievably fabulous. ENJOY Sweet Friends!!

Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate
Makes 10 chocolate balls, enough for 10 1-cup servings.


1 (12 oz.) bag (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt

Microwave chocolate, cream, and salt in large bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Stir until smooth.

Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Roll 3 TBLSP. chilled chocolate mixture into ten 2-in. balls.

Individually wrap balls in plastic wrap and transfer to zipper-lock bag. Refrigerate for 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. (They will NOT last that long:)
To make 1 cup of hot chocolate, combine 1 unwrapped chocolate ball and 1 cup of milk. in a large mug and microwave about 2 minutes, or drop ball in milk and heat on low heat on stove till melted . Whisk for frothing.

Have a most beautiful evening! With much love, ~~Shine~~