JOANA'S CREATIVE NOTES

Jan 21, 2007

Housel's Nursery Tour Dec2006

Dave took us on a "Housel's Nursery Tour" on Christmas day 2006.

Aunt Laura and I, and Dave is in the background.

Jan 16, 2007

Amore Pacific, sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, and in their flagship store in NYC. This line imparts some kind of dewy glow of health that has people asking you why your skin looks so good.
Must have is the Moisture Bound Vitalizing Mask . You slather this clear sweet gel over your face and go to bed, the next morning is honestly a new world.
$60 a bottle.

Crest Vivid White

Crest Vivid White is amazing. Just one brushing saw stains that wouldn't budget with the dentist approved bleaching trays for the first time. And they recommend 14 days of use for results. 14 days? I already saw it. A must have.

Text from:http://beautynews.blogspot.com/2004/04/product-reviews.html

AveenoPositively Radiant Daily Moisturizer in SPF 30

skin feels silky soft, easier to apply foundation.

aveeno.com

Estee Lauder's Perfectionist Peel

Product Shopping List...

Product Details:

Peel away the years and reveal refined, radiant skin.With just one treatment, this intensive, 2-step thermal facial peel delivers the instant skin-rejuvenating benefits of a professional 30% Glycolic Acid peel. No appointments. No recovery time required.Skin looks luminous, less lined, smooth and remarkably ageless.Step 1: Instantly removes dead surface cells to smooth rough, dry patches while helping skin continuously renew itself. Over time, fine lines are softened and the look of age spots fades. (1.7 oz. tube)Step 2: Soothes and refreshes skin while restoring its optimal pH balance. Skin radiates with a healthier, more vibrant look. Feels baby soft and smooth. (30 pads).

text from esteelauder.com

price $85.00

Jan 13, 2007

SKIN Brightner

Lumedia is a new combination of three powerful skin lighteners that dramatically reduce melanin concentrations (melanin causes dark spots) and inhibit tyrosinase activity (an enzyme that ultimately controls melanin production). Lumedia helps to quickly fade dark hyperpigmented problem areas and prevent new spots from forming... making it the ultimate solution for problem age spots and visible imperfections.

Cottage Furniture Collection Swedish Bed

Made from Alder wood. Satin luster finishes are created using a unique multi-layered hand lacquering and antiquing process. Distress markings artistically mimic everyday wear, closely representing the original antique pieces.

found at: http://www.laylagrayce.com

Hand Painted Sign

This fun French sign has a red base with cream fleur de lis pattern and black lettering. 14"x36"

at: http://www.laylagrayce.com

Tea Towels by Sally Russell

Whimsical tea towels. Consider adding a coordinating apron.

Made from 100% cotton and are machine washable.

Italian Pintucked Sateen Bedding

Woven using tightly twisted yarns of long-staple Egyptian cotton300-thread-count cotton sateen frames a field of crisp white 210-thread-count cotton percale
RH Exclusive

http://www.restorationhardware.com

Dec 29, 2006

Aunt Laura

Aunt Laura, pretty as always!

Thanks for the outfit Aunt Laura,

It's really beautiful!

Tammy and Jody

Tammy and Jody are about to become parents for the first time! Tammy is due any day now.

Good Luck with Tam and Jody :O)

I know you'll be great parents!

Austin and Aunt JO

I finally got to meet Austin and Katie!

I'll miss you Austin and when you get a little bigger you can come stay with Aunt Jo in Brazil during your vacations!

Christmas in Michigan 2006

Christmas 2006 at the Housel Residence.

It was beautiful and I was so glad to be home!

Dec 17, 2006

Purple Table setting

Here, single-bloom bouquets of allium, roses, and freesia are propped in old-fashioned containers.

Event design by Nico de Swert, nicodeswert.com.

Holiday Table Settings

Ideas from http://www.epicurious.com/features/entertaining/holidayTable06/

THE ULTIMATE EGGNOG

THE ULTIMATE EGGNOG

6 large eggs
3/4 cups vanilla sugar (also available at specialty markets)
1 quarts half and half (or light cream)
1 cup brandy
2 cups bourbon or dark rum
freshly grated nutmeg

In large bowl, beat eggs until pale yellow and slightly frothy. Add sugar and half and half, and stir until well blended. Add brandy and bourbon (or dark rum) and stir. Transfer to large pitcher and chill until cold, at least 3 hours. Divide between 6 punch cups, garnish each with sprinkle of nutmeg, and serve. Makes about 6 servings.

http://www.epicurious.com

Champagne Punch

Champagne Punch

Ingredients:
2 750 ml bottles sparkling wine
1 750 ml bottle white dinner wine
6 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 lemon
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
2 cups orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice ice block

Directions:
In a saucepan combine white wine, cloves, cinnamon.
Squeeze in lemon juice, and then add the rest of the lemon.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain and cool completely.
Place ice in punch bowl.
Pour in spice/wine mixture, sparkling wine, and juices.
Stir gently.

Servings: Approximately 25.

Found at: http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining