Things get spicy around here...

Cinnamon is a scent that usually reminds us of the holidays... It's warm smell is comforting, it's sweet taste is familiar, some of you may know what it looks like and most of us have eaten it in one food or another, but did you know that it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiparasitic properties? Plus it is an antioxidant powerhouse! Who knew!

And you thought it was just for those gooey, icing laden blobs of dough you love so much! We love those too!

But it's good for you!

So sprinkle it on your toast... we recommend buttered toast with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. And don't forget to sneak some into your french toast.

It's yummy on a fresh cut apple...my friend Jenny June turned me on to that, our favorite apples are, honey crisp (when in season) gala, braeburn, granny smith and ambrosia.

We love it in our coffee, hot cocoa or cider. Don't forget to add the sticks for stirs.

We have even been known to put a wee bit in our ground meat or ground turkey for taco's or chili... shh... we do that when their not looking:)

Not to mention how pretty it can make your whole house smell. We love to throw some sticks in a pot of water with some cut up citrus and boil it in the crock pot. Not only does it smell good but it rids the house or office of air born bacteria.

The sticks look great tied around a glass votive with some festive ribbon and the heat from the candle helps bring the scent out.

It looks great tucked into a wreath or made into a wreath.

Use a hot glue gun with four cinnamon sticks to make little frames and glue pictures of your family and friends or a message inside and use for gift tags or tree ornaments.

So break into the spice cabinet and get your cinnamon on Mon! Sorry I was listening to the "Don't worry be happy" station on Pandora... a little too much reggae Mon:)

Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Make the best of things...

Just a few thoughts as we all head off for a beautiful holiday with the ones we love. Remember there is function in disfunction:) Things don't always go our way. People aren't considerate, kind or even human sometimes. It's ok, it isn't you. It's them. You never know what others go through in life, everyone has their own personal hell, even those who inflict it on themselves. So instead of feeling bad and trying to understand others... Be grateful that you are kind, compassionate and very human. Be happy that you know how to treat others well, that you think before you act and not just think,but think about how others will feel. And if you don't think of others, no time like the present to start. A joke is never funny at someone else's expense. People make mistakes... Don't be the meany and point it out. Share the best of what you know about people... Raise them up. The world is full of enough people that don't hesitate to jump at making someone look bad... Don't be that person, it doesn't make you look good either. And if you need a guideline, we all do:)
The six pillars of character

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

So when your sister shows up with the jello salad that looks more like jello soup kindly tell her you bet it will taste great and offer to put it in the freezer:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hot hot hot

These are our most popular selling items for the holidays!

So excited to be at The Crocker Park Holiday Boutique...

This December Celeste M. Designs will be featured at Crocker Park in their Holiday Boutique!
We are so excited... We will post what days we will be there soon!

Unexpected smiles...

This is hands down one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken... And I have taken a lot! This photo was taken on a walk with my boys. We saw these flowers growing up our neighbors mailbox. I took a few shots but didn't realize until I uploaded pictures that she had a smile on her face. Incredible! Now I pay special attention to sun flowers... I have yet to see another. The beauty of nature is incredible! Matted prints for sale! Contact celeste@celestem.com

Take a sneak peek...

#NowPlaying Some kind of hope on @Spotify
http://open.spotify.com/user/123915327/playlist/3jQCG52Dr1ZYPpsfTN5KZu

Most of these pieces are not on our site yet... please email celeste@celestem.com for pricing, to be added to our email list or for jewelry information.

Even big boys could use a baby wipe...

                                          Yes, I do look and feel like this many mornings:)

I was reminded this morning that a good part of stress in our lives (we are in this together, right?) comes from many cases of just not being prepared. I know what your thinking, "who me?" "yes, you!" and me:) Being organized feels so good. And although we realize this, there are those things that never seem to get done. So as I clean out my car of used baby wipes and a cereal bowl... Yes, a cereal bowl. I think this may be a good time to share a few helpful tips I have learned along the way that keep me from being the hair on fire lady in this three ring circus. These things make me happy, my kids happy and keeps our stress level in check:)

First there is the get up early thing. My kids don't like to get up early but if they do, it's an easier start.

Then there is the pack the lunch the night before... Let them do it... Yes, your eight year old can spread peanut-butter without causing a national security crisis!

                                               I did not make this lunch, but it is cute!
Laying out the clothes the night before. If they like to dress themselves this gives you a less stressful time to debate and help them. I have lost the battle of blue goes with blue and black with black... The eight year old is a free spirit and rarely matches. *cringe

Next there is the "I forgot to brush" or as you pull into the school lot you realize your child resembles a short unicorn with freckles... Otherwise known as bed-head! We know, you told him seven times to wet his hair down:)

                                                                  No more kitty breath!

This is where the car kit comes in handy.

A travel toothbrush and paste
Baby wipes
Bottled water
Extra lunch money

I am sure you smarter moms have a few to add, but these have kept me sane.
Baby wipes will fix many a stressful thing... Wash many faces, cure a good case of bed-head, clean a muddy soccer shoe, clean your car while you wait in the pick up line and sop up milk that your child has just poured down himself... Yes, he ate cereal in the car.

I have also found that In the rare case that you are on your way out the door and your child, or mine... Ok, let's say mine, informs you that they forgot to eat the breakfast you made... You go plan B. You grab the Pyrex measuring cup, fill it with cereal and milk and it becomes the perfect travel bowl...the handle fits right over their left hand and is secure for them to eat. Drinking? Whole other story... Certain children, not mentioning any names, probably yours... Ok, mine...don't drink well. *see baby wipes

Would you forget to eat if your Mom made you a breakfast like this? Me either... I didnt make this one:) It's pretty though...my kids do get spoiled on the weekends!
We have brushed teeth in the car... See travel toothbrush. They actually think this one is cool. Just as you see the panic on their face of... I have to face people all day with kitty breath... You whip out the travel set... You are an instant super hero:) but remind them not to make it a habit by offering a repercussion. Dish duty, anyone?

                                                                   Oh, no! Kitty breath!
And of course the, I forgot my lunch that was packed, I never packed it or I left my lunch money next to my toothbrush that I forgot to use. Alway keep some change for lunch money panic mode. Ok, once they asked for lunch money and I forgot but who's counting?

Most of all remember... We love these little and not so little (yes, he's taller than me) people. When we are more prepared we feel better and they feel better. But don't over do it! Roll with the punches and teach them that you will be late sometimes, you will forget things... That's life those things happen! Smile because you have so many things to be grateful, joyful and peaceful about.
Enjoy this Glorious day!
*you could live in Wyoming! If you do we are sorry for your weather:0
Celeste

New jewelry

This piece is handmade in emerald green beads and gold crocheted wire. It is one of a kind and will be featured on Saturday.

Gearing up for our next CMD open house...

We had such a great time at our last open house! We received so much great feedback that we are even more excited about this one! This time of year, I love the warm fire, comfort foods, and the cozy atmosphere we create with decorating. And when it gets chilly, it's time for candles ... lots of candles:) Open house to me is so fun because it's a time for me to get organized and be social! We love to entertain and it means so much to us that so many of you make a point to come by. It's a blessing to spend time with people we care about, and humbling when they don't want to leave:) I love that my clients, friends and even those I haven't met feel comfortable bringing kids, friends, husbands and anyone to my home! There truly is something for everyone ... crafts for the kids, games for the guys, good conversation and, yes, jewelry. So I hope you will stop by ... have a sip of something warm, toast your toes by the fire, hear some great music (maybe we can talk Ryan into playing) and take a peek at our new designs.
We can't wait to see you!
All the best,
Celeste and Ryan

Fall open house

Occasionally body parts need to be thanked

Thank you knee! Today you kept up your end of the bargain...
-You let me keep running and I will go easy on you-
I will not be stubborn and assume that you will work well when I push you around:) I played nice today, on this glorious day and you let me run, smile, breathe deep and didn't make me limp home. I promise from now on to be more understanding of your needs and be grateful that I can still run and not crabby because I can't crank out miles like I use to:) There is a freedom with running that I took for granted, I don't take most things for granted... But I did that with running. Assumed anytime I wanted to I could... Now I know the rest of that story. Happy running, walking, smiling and cheers to always remembering things change in the blink of your eye, so cherish everything!
Fruit does the body good... Especially when frozen:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Do not lift your head...focus!

If you have ever been snorkeling you know what it means when they say, "Don't lift your head out of the water." I found out the hard way -- as many I'm sure do -- exactly why they tell you that and why you should heed that advice.
For those of you who have not been there yet, I will explain.
When you snorkel, you swim away from the boat, usually on a path (so, they say, but i saw no path) with a guide and a bunch of other people. When your head is down, all you see are pretty fish, coral, and all you hear is the quiet of the water swishing around. It's peaceful ... as long as you don't see any sharks or barracuda.
So as I was having my zen experience, I thought, "Why did they say not to lift my head out? And why didn't I ask that before I agreed to get into the ocean with all these people?" It's worth noting, too, that one of the women in our group could not swim and was hanging on to a life preserver for dear life. I knew that if that chick panics, she is grabbing on to the first thing she sees, hhich is me! Life Saving 101 taught me that.
So now I'm waiting for non-swimmer chick to freak and drown while I decide if I should tempt fate and lift my head. I could feel my heart beating in my throat. Pandora's Box was waiting to be opened. I thought, "This is silly, just lift your head! How bad could it be , right?" So, I did it ...

All of a sudden there I was, alone ... in the ocean, no people, no boat, no land. I had seen this scene in a movie once or twice and was waiting as I treaded water to hear that eerie soundtrack of the "Jaws" theme.
As the salt water I swallowed burned my throat I thought this is hands-down a perfect example of one of those "I really should have listened" moments. How far away was the boat? Why did I just do that? Clearly it was a mistake. What if i see a shark? How would I know where to go? No boat, no land.
I quickly cleared my gear and stuck my face back in. Pulse started to return to normal, people were still there, spastic non-swimmer chick was still afloat. Life was good. No sharks, no barracuda, the zen moment had returned. Deep sigh of gurgling water and we were back at the boat. I had survived. But what did I learn that day?

Collage by celeste m. designs

Perspective. Today it makes me remember that we all have a choice. We all get to focus on what we choose. We decide what we look at, what we invite into our lives and how we decide to protect the things most precious to us. That sometimes in life it is about keeping your head down. It's about our focus on what is most important, good, peaceful, happy. Crap happens to everyone. People make bad choices and we all can pile things on so that things seem worse than they are. It's always going to make the difference in how we choose to handle it.
When we focus on our goals, as well, and make our family our priorities, we are happier. The memories we make with the people we love are really all we will have left.
If you think about it, we don't remember much of what someone buys for us on a birthday or holiday but we remember moments spent and words said. We spend so much time driving ourselves crazy picking out presents and all we really want is the presence of people we care about. We want to know how people feel about us. What value do we bring to you?
So maybe as the holidays quickly approach we can think of a few ways to make some memories and share some kind words with those we love. Whenever my boys ask what I want, my reply is always, "Write to me, tell me something. Make me something with your heart and your hands:)"

collage by celeste m. designs

This is the only life you get. Nurture the ones you love and make them your priority. You won't ever regret keeping your head down:) There will always be sharks and barracuda in the water even when your head is down...they will be there. Do your best not to provoke them (we are still not sure what does). There will always be awful things and people in the world, try not to provoke them (we are not sure what motivates them either). We are still trying to figure this all out too, what we do know is staying focused on your path, making the best choices for the highest good of you and your family and finding the positive things that motivate you are what makes life so good! Smile!
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Music cafe: We love these songs and video from One Eskimo!

http://youtu.be/UEqTPlD-8QI
www.oneeskimo.com


*we would really like to know what you think! Please leave us a note or your story...

Healing soup from Grandma Bisesi

My grandma was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Every Sunday, and I mean every Sunday, she would open her kitchen and her arms to us. There are few memories stronger than those of your sense of smell and taste to bring you back to a time and place of comfort with those you love or those who have loved you. Chicken soup does that for me. I remember the smells drifting from my grandmother's kitchen as she slaved away over a boiling pot of soup, or put the finishing touches on her homemade pizza. It was always a feast fit for kings and queens and she never took no for an answer. No such thing as full ... It was her way, no highway option;) She made a billion different courses and each one had to have its turn. Before we ate she would wash the kids' faces with Camay soap until we were wet from ear to ear and smelling like angels who had just run through a field of wildflowers. Camay was known back then as "the soap for beautiful women," so you can imagine I was quite fond of being scrubbed with such perfection. To this day, the smell of it makes me smile. Not to mention it was pink ... Hello! Little girls adore anything pink. Amazing how a silly bar of soap and some soup can make the best memories! My Grandma passed away from breast cancer when I was just fourteen after enduring a double massectomy. She was brave and strong. She inspires me to cook and reminds me that the smallest thing -- like a bar of soap or soup -- can make memories for a lifetime and nurture the ones you love.
This is hands down the simplest, best homemade chicken soup I have had. Complements of Grandma Bisesi:)


Music Cafe: Great soup making music:)
http://youtu.be/NwRG2VSpTsc

STOCK IS COOKING...

Spitziedo


Stock:
4 split fryer chicken breasts
6 cups approx. Water
1/2 onion quartered
3 stalks celery
2 carrots halved
1 clove garlic cut in half
2 fresh sprigs of thyme
I taste and add kosher salt as needed

VEGGIES AND HERBS READY TO BE CHOPPED

Heat a large soup pot, salt and pepper chicken. On high heat sear chicken on both sides. When the skin on the chicken is browned, pour enough water to cover chicken and and all above ingredients.


Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on size of pieces.


Take chicken out to cool. Strain broth. (I usually eat the cooked bits of veggies I pull out of the stock while I'm cooking but feel free to puree them into the broth.)
When he chicken cools pull all the chicken off the bones ( this is really easy, right Ryan?) we use gloves:)


Soup
Add to stock:
1 cup of acini de pepe or tiniest pasta uncooked. Boil 5 min.
3 cloves of chopped garlic
1 tbsp. dried thyme and marjoram or other Italian herbs.
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Add shredded chicken and dig in!


Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a loaf of crusty fresh bread.


Mangiare, mangiare, mangiare, essere sani e lavare dietro le orecchie!
(eat, eat, eat, and clean behind your ears!)


Enjoy this Glorious day!
Celeste

FOUND SOME LOVE IN MY SOUP!

Thanks, Grammy

Mom always said LIFE is not fair...

My Mom has always stressed to be grateful. Be thankful. It's easy to get wrapped up in your own life and see the cup half-empty and unfair. Growing up with a sister close in age let's you know early in life that it isn't fair. The best thing my Mom did was to be honest. She would tell me, "Life isn't fair." And what is it that makes us think it should be? There will always be someone better, faster, smarter. So don't compare. Think about what you do, how you do and why you do. Say “thank you.”To your family, friends and even the people you are not so fond of (you know who you are … just kidding). They are the experiences and people who shape and challenge you. Choose to say "no" more than you say “yes.”You will be surprised at the happiness it can bring. Don't worry too much about what others think. Trust in yourself. Life will never look fair if you are forever looking anywhere other than your own mirror. On the inside of my mirror I have the Pillars of Character for my family – and myself –to read. I’m hopeful that it gets read while my five boys stand there each day brushing their teeth. It doesn’t matter much what you scrub clean on the outside if you neglect your character and soul. It's not there because it reminds me of who I am, but that it reminds me of who I would like to be. Little victories. To be better than I was yesterday. No one else … just me:)

*Special thanks to my love, Ryan Dawson, for editing my lil blog:)

Rain or shine, it's your day, so don't let anyone or anything get it!
Enjoy this Glorious day!
Celeste

Music cafe: From my Mom:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k613v5OZNk&feature=youtube_gdata_player


From the quote closet:
As long a man stands in his own way, everything seems in his way
Emerson
Don't let fear be your master. Celeste

Quote closet:
An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory!
Emerson
Life is more exciting when you learn while doing instead of learning about doing! Celeste
And lastly...
Play by the rules:)

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were: So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room..

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. *This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters.
You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.
*Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life.
In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds.
Chances are you'll end up working for one..
I believe this was part of a Steven Jobs speech

Halloween festivities!

Celeste m. Designs joins Crocker Park and Menchie's frozen yogurt to benefit The Cleveland APL. http://clevelandapl.org/

Join the fun and you could win custom jeweled dog collars donated by Celeste m. Designs.

Also a 8X10 photo of your pet from Celeste m. Photography.

As well as a pet photo necklace from Celeste m. Designs.

Hope to see you and your furry friends dressed up to win!
For more info go to www.crockerpark.com
Best,
Celeste

Photo flyer designed by: Ryan Dawson Design.

Craving the waves

Woke this morning to a chilly, all be it sunny morning. Craving the waves. We affectionately call the traffic on the busy road we live on "The roadcean" because the whoosh of traffic almost sounds wave-like. It's a stretch, but it works for us. For now. Not only do I crave the waves, but I crave the food of the beach. So I decided to make a version of the lobster roll for lunch. Sometimes pretending is as close as we can get for now:) so here it is.
Crabby lobster/crab roll
Butter and toast a roll (any sort will do)
Imitation crab/lobster
A lil mayo
Celery
Pepper
A dash of celery seed

Turn the heat up in the house:) or build a fire. Play your favorite beach music or simulated wave sound. Instant happy!
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Tree house reading rec:
"Force of Nature" by Laird Hamilton www.lairdhamilto.com
"And the sea will tell" by Vincent Bougliosi.

Music cafe: Surfing has gone to the dogs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3t7yOYPKn4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Music cafe part deux: Take me away!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24OGHrmC0KU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Make your own happy today!

Morning cup of inspiration:)

Some days it's just about giving yourself a break. You are reading this so hopefully you are at least upright and have a few sips of java in you. That's much better than fetal position:) Give yourself credit for a few little things. Make your bed, (I don't always) but i feel better when i do, and when things feel overwhelming, get back to the basics. Simple things make such a difference. And they don't cost a thing:) invest in yourself. Take ten minutes and do one thing. When you make a to-do list make a separate "just did it list" those are my favorite. A whole list of what you did do is much better than looking at a whole list of what you still have not done:) the cup is more than half full:) Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

I still don't get why people are so surprised that the turtle beat the rabbit over the long run.

Consistent effort, no matter how small, sparks magic, fills sails, butters bread, turns tides, instills faith, summons friends, improves health, burns calories, creates abundance, yields clarity, builds courage, spins planets, and rewrites destinies.

No matter how small,
The Universe

CMD joins Crocker Park and Menchies to Celebrate!

Join CMD at Crocker Park with Menchie's yogurt to celebrate Halloween in style! Dress your pet! You could win one of several bling filled prizes like these haute pet collars from www.Celestem.com
Saturday October 29th 12:30-4:00 pm

http://www.crockerpark.com/events/family-activities/information/menchies-halloween-at-crocker-park

CMD MUSIC CAFE: Washed by the tide playlist

CMD Music Cafe: Washed by the tide playlist
You can click on this link than shrink it down and listen while you check out my blog:) enjoy!
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/22620059915/standalone

Driftwood hearts on fire

Washed by the tide: Walking along the beach with my two boys looking for beach glass, heart rocks and what ever treasures we could find, we came across a real one of a kind treasure. This is a piece we found at Huntington beach and when I looked at it I could see it was the perfect shape to be painted with my heart and flames design. It is photographed on my favorite coffee table that Ryan and I lugged home from an antique show. The table was also a treat because when I cut the legs down and started to sand the yellow paint, the most amazing nail holes, hammer marks and blue color peeked through. That gave it the most amazing beachy, cool feel! Unexpected gifts:) I intended on selling the driftwood heart so I mounted it in a shadow box, but can't seem to part with it just yet!

CMD Music Cafe: Scars On 45 This band is awesome! And their song "Hearts on Fire" is a perfect one for this post!
Check out their site for more songs and tour dates. www.scarson45.com
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2011/10/album-stream-scars-on-45---heart-on-fire-ep.html