It's April...Happy Birthday to Me!

Delish birthday treat!

Yep, it's April, my beau likes to tease me and says I celebrate my birthday the entire month of April. And, I say,what is wrong with that? 

It's true I enjoy my birthday, it is a chance to celebrate another year of life! Age is just a number I do not really mind getting older, because in my head I am still feel 20 something! Woo hoo!

My daughter asked what my birthday treat request was, and I found a banana cupcake with dulce de leche frosting on Pinterest and sent it off to her. The cupcakes she produced were a labor of love with everything homemade and they were amazing. Kudos Natalie, she has become quite the baker! In her adulthood she has also become wonderful at finding just the right gifts for her mama, it is nice that she pays attention to my passions!

The April baby has a diamond birthstone! Diamonds are a girl's best friends and I love diamonds but overall I prefer costume jewelry!  Like this fascinating Art Deco crystal necklace:

Vintage Deco Crystal Necklace - Isn't it divine!

Diamonds’ sparkling fire has captivated for centuries, inspiring passionate myths of romance, intrigue and magic. Ancient Hindus, finding diamonds washed out of the ground after storms, believed they were created by bolts of lightning. The diamond is a symbol of enduring love.

My astrologic sign is Aries and some of the characteristics of the Ram are:
Enterprising, Incisive, Spontaneous, Daring, Active, Courageous and Energetic, Guileless and Optimistic to the fault. However, they also are Impatient, Reckless, Proud and Self Centered.

Hmmm.... I'd have to say most of those traits match my personality.  I try to keep upbeat and my friends often call me courageous.  I have bounds of energy and love spontaneity!  At my worst I am impatient!  

April has already been filled with birthday fun, friends, lunches, dinners, thoughtful gifts, beautiful cards and lots of love and good wishes. I am blessed and what more can a girl ask for? xo

To see a selection of birthday gifts please visit my ETSY shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MiladyLinden

Happy Birthday Dear Mom!

They say home is where the heart is and the heart of the home is definitely Mom!

Today I am blessed to celebrate a milestone birthday with my dear Mother, 85 years and going strong.  A few months ago, we went through a scare; there was a negative finding which led to a plethora of tests. Thankfully the end result were cysts. God is good! The thought of my sweet mom being ill devastated me and I know it is inevitably going to come ...  each day is a gift.

Mom taught me countless lessons during my upbringing and to this day, I learn from her. Above all she showed me how to love by example. Her devotion to family and taking care of us all. She taught me faith, the satisfaction of a job well done and about working hard. Mom loves to bake, her apple pie is the best... and her comfort foods; pigs in the blanket, chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles, and try as I may cannot duplicate her pork roast. Her home is spotless and decorated beautifully. 

Mom always understood the cozy side of life…her love of sewing produced gorgeous quilts to snuggle up with and adorn our beds as well. There were soft pajamas for a night of pleasant dreams. Not to mention the charming outfits she made my daughter during her childhood!

Mom is feisty, strong, and sharp as a tack. She is up on the current trends and does crossword puzzles all the time to keep her mind keen.

As a grandmother, I witnessed her loving care through fresh eyes dedicated to my daughter and son from the moment they were born to this day.

There are not words to describe my gratitude for my Mom's affection...  she is a blessing and my role model.

Happy Birthday Mom! xo