A Sweet Valentine's Day

My friend Grace has finally returned from Paris! She invited me to the grand opening of her Petite Patisserie on Valentine's Day.

"I've missed you," I said, giving her a hug, "and your baking!"

"I've missed you, too." She smiled. "Let me show you everything!"

The pastry cart was totally amazing. And the treats! Grace has always had serious baking skills, but this time she really outdid herself. I could feel my stomach growling as I admired one delicious item after another.

"I'm so glad you're here," Grace told me. "You're my first customer!"

"What about me?" Lana was manning the treat buffet table next to Grace's cart. It overflowed with extra goodies Grace had whipped up for the big day. 

"Free samples don't count," Grace laughed.

"Looks like more customers are on the way," Lana answered. "I don't have time to eat my slice of red velvet cake before they get here!"

"I'm so glad you could both make it!" My friends Cecile and Lane arrived, along with Cecile's dog Henri.

"We wouldn't have missed it for anything!" Cecile even brought flowers for Grace. All in all, it was a super sweet Valentine's Day. 

Love,

Vivienne 

Lunar New Year Fun

Did you know that it's a new year? I don't mean 2016...I mean the lunar new year. Happy Year Of The Monkey!

I celebrated with my friend Lane Tam.

My mom and her mom grew up together. I can't remember NOT knowing Lane. She and her family have always been generous about sharing their traditions with me. Mrs. Tam taught me how to eat with chopsticks when I was in kindergarten. 

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, we had delicious noodle soup!

It was a bright sunny day, perfect for a festive meal.

You might not know this about me, but noodles and pasta are my favorite things to eat. I grabbed my chopsticks and enjoyed every single slurp!

After we finished our meal, we got a special treat. A red envelope!

The red envelopes are a Chinese New Year tradition. The color symbolizes good luck, and each envelops contains a gift of cash or coins. Lane and I are already planning a trip to American Girl Place to buy a little something!

Do you celebrate the Lunar New Year? I wish you all the best, this year and always!

Love,

Vivienne 

Do You Want To Build A Snowman

We've had some wintry weather here recently! I love snow, and I got to bust out some new winter clothes, which is a definite plus.

Sugar and I went outside and built this snowman to surprise my friend Lana. She goes to Holy Angels Acadamy with me and is one of my best friends. 

Lana liked the snowman and was rocking some winter fashions herself. 

The three of us posed for a pic, and Lana began to sing.

"Do you want to build a snowman?"

And I sang back my answer. "It doesn't have to be a snowman..."

Suddenly, our snowman vanished! And was replaced by...

Queen Elsa!!!!

We could hardly believe it! Even Sugar stood back in amazement. 

Elsa said she was sorry for making our snowman vanish, but she heard us singing and wanted to drop by. We could hardly speak, we were so dazzled by her.

She used her magic to bring our snowman back, then said goodbye before she disappeared.

Was it all a dream? Or was it the magic of winter and our first snowfall? Lana and I know which side we fall on...

Love,

Vivienne 

A Christmas Story Part Two

I dozed off on the couch Christmas Eve and didn't catch Santa!

When I woke up, I ran to the tree to see what had happened during the night...

Santa came! I can't believe it!

He left me a tree made of ribbon candy. Yum! What's in my stocking?

A box of chocolates and...what's this?

A postcard from Paris! Oh my gosh, it's from Grace! She's coming home! Thanks for the special delivery, Santa!

And check this out -- box of delicious chocolates! Do I eat these now or keep opening gifts? Decisions, decisions...

Calico Critters! I love these so much. My favorites are the Chihuahua family, and these are the baby Chihuahua twins. I hope to have my own pet Chihuahua someday, when mom thinks I'm ready.

Will you look at this? Not only is Grace coming home from Paris, Santa brought me a Grace doll!

I think she's totally perfect.

I guess Santa got my letter telling him how much I love dolls and fashion. This Lori doll could be my mini-me. And look at her fabulous snow day outfit!

I'm going to dress up in my snow day outfit and we'll be totes twinning.

What? There's more?

One more doll under the tree, and she's so cuddly. This has to be the best Christmas ever, and I hope yours was,too!

A Christmas Story Part One

Did you have w wonderful holiday? I sure did!

Here I am on Christmas Eve, wearing the tiara my mom gave me. I felt like a princess!

In my family, we always get new sleepwear for Christmas Eve. It's a tradition! Here's my gift bag. Glisten, my Build-A-Bear reindeer, was at my side.

Green pajamas!

With Christmas puppies across the front! Yasssss.

It was getting late, and we'd been tracking Santa with NORAD all night. It was time for me to get into my pajamas and go to bed!

We left out cookie and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. I threw in some candy for good measure.

Glisteb and I crashed on the couch downstairs. I knew if I stayed awake, I'd catch Santa in action. I tried my best, but....zzzzzz.

Stay tuned for part two!

Josefina's Ofrenda

My friend Josefina is from Mexico, and the annual feast of Día de los Muertos is an important part of her culture. It's a way of remembering our loved ones who have passed on.

This year, Josefina borrowed my gazebo to set up an ofrenda - that's an altar filled with offerings in honor of deceased family and friends. She did this in honor of her beloved mama, and also for my Grandpa Ben, both of whom were lost too soon.

We also placed some holy pictures of Our Lady Of Guadalupe in front of the ofrenda. She's the patron saint of Mexico and the Americas, and very much honored here in Texas, where I live. Sombrita was eager to help!

As you can see, we placed candles on the altar, along with fruit, honey, bread, and cookies. There's also a basket of corn and some juice, all things that our departed loved ones would enjoy. 

I'm so thankful that Josefina included me in her celebration. As you might've guessed, I was behind the camera this time. I'll be back in focus soon. Until next time...

Love,

Vivienne

Happy Halloween

Did everyone have a happy Halloween? I did! Mom said I could use the gazebo for a party.

I had most of my costume on and decided to do a last minute check on my decorations

 

I knew right away we'd have to move the table outside to make room for everyone! By the time we got that done, I barely had time to do my hair before my guests started arriving! Everyone gathered around the table to have some treats.

 

My cousin Violet wore this awesome 50's style costume.

 

 

"Are you Sandy from Grease?" I asked her. She laughed. "No, I'm Maryellen!" How cool is that? 

My friends Saige and Isabelle came, too.

 

Saige was a caterpillar and Isabelle was I Dream Of Jeannie.

We had plenty of snacks to go around. 

Brownies with Halloween sprinkles, giant lollipops...

Plus, all of the trick or treat candy we collected.

After enjoying some goodies, we had a costume show in the gazebo.

Violet went first.

 

Then Saige...

Isabelle did a few genie dance moves when her turn came...

 

Finally, I took a bow as my favorite character of all time, Snow White.

 

Halloween is so much fun, but it's even better when you share it with great friends. I hope you had a safe and happy holiday!

 

Love,

Vivienne