Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Are You Blessed In What You Do?

”God bless you!”

”Blessings!”

Blessed.

 I hear this word tossed commonly around. Especially when someone sneezes… like really loud. Then they get a really BIG “God BLESS you!!! But what does blessed really mean? 

We are studying the book of James in church right now. This morning I am dwelling on yesterday’s passage:

 

“But be DOERS OF THE WORD and not hearers only, DECEIVING yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who LOOKS INTO the perfect law of LIBERTY and CONTINUES IN IT, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work THIS ONE WILL BE BLESSED IN WHAT HE DOES” James 1:22-25

 

I want to be BLESSED in what I do don’t you? I’m not talking about the worlds blessing but the true blessing that only comes from God. The answer is clearly shown in this passage. 

1. LOOK INTO the law of liberty, the Word of God. aka Read your Bible and expect the Lord to show you things. Learn God’s ways. Find out how you, life, things, really work. 

2. BE DOERS OF THE WORD. Do what God says do. OBEY His instructions. If His Word says don’t do ______, then don’t do it. 

3. Don’t DECEIVE yourself. Don’t follow the ways of this world which says things like “we are all good people” , “you need to look within”, etc. My bible says there is none good but God, and there is nothing good to be found looking within. Nothing! So many have deceived themselves with a fake peace that doesn’t come from God but comes from the one who disguises himself as an angel of light.

You can also deceive yourself by hearing the Word and disregarding it. You deceive yourself thinking that somehow you will be blessed anyway even though you are not doing what God says to do. 

Oh the joy of being truly BLESSED by God in what you do! When you seek to obey Him and walk in His ways He gives you joy unspeakable and true peace even in trials! You experience LIBERTY and are no longer bound up from walking in sin. 

As the famous song says “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. 

May we experience the true blessing of God!

Be Thankful Women’s Fellowship

What a welcome sight after a busy couple of days! It’s time for our BE THANKFUL Women’s Fellowship and Lynda has the room beautifully decorated and ready for guests! 

One by one the women arrived. After a relaxing time of visiting we began with an amazing warm pumpkin cider and demo by Crystal.

 

My what a treat! This was followed by a sit down candlelight dinner featuring Sylvia’s baked ziti with bechamel sauce and two delicious salads.

Dessert was a seasonal pumpkin spice cake thanks to Pam. 

We had fun taking our portrait and of course had to do a funny version!

I was privileged to bring a message from Romans chapter 12. This was the theme for our women’s retreat and it is so loaded with good practical biblical instruction. Tonight we focused on not being conformed to this world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This comes from actually taking the time to read the word, meditate on it and apply it. We also discussed true love, loving what God loves and hating what God hates, and using the spiritual gifts God has given each of us. So much meat in one chapter! 

We ended with a slideshow of pictures from the retreat and the NEVER SEEN BEFORE auction videos! LOL!!! I’ll post one here. There are 3 more! 

 I am so thankful for my sisters in the Lord! 

                           Amen & Amen!

Bear Valley Springs Getaway

It's always a treat to visit our dear friends in Tehachapi, the land of four seasons. A scenic drive north and through the Mojave desert takes us about two hours. Upon arrival we shared this enjoyable cheese platter. The green grapes pictured were picked fresh off the vine and unlike any I have ever tasted.

After unpacking and a Sunday nap it was time for dinner. Chef Mark outdid himself with these succulent ribs!

I always feel at home in this guest room with a touch of Paris and the sea. What a treat to open the windows and fall asleep with cool mountain air.

This is one of my favorite things! Water aerobics in their club's giant pool surrounded by mountains! They turn up the music and a pro leads the group in various underwater exercises for and hour and a half. It goes by fast and you really get a good workout.

Such a fun time!

On the way back to the house we spotted ELK right there in the field. Apparently this is a regular sight in Bear Valley Springs.

We were able to get close and get pics! So exciting!!!

In the evening we went kayaking on the lake. It was my first time. I got to see Egrets close up and flying! On my way back to shore I even had a duck escort!

I brought a coloring book and crayons. Wendy is quite the artist! My sea turtle is hanging on my fridge. A nice reminder of a wonderful weekend.

Alas it was time to head home. What a gem Bear Valley Springs is. Open spaces, lots of land, blue skies, mountains, log cabins, and oak trees. Just beautiful!

We took the road less traveled through the land of giant wind turbines in all directions. It was like being on another planet. 

What a great trip! So thankful for our friends who have the gift of hospitality. It was good for our souls! 

Pasta Tasting With Scott Conant At The Ponte Beverly Hills

Those who know me well know that I am a major foodie and that my FAVORITE food in the world is PASTA. And to take it a step further if I had to pick my absolute FAVORITE pasta it is hands down PASTA POMODORO. My friends also know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the FOOD NETWORK. We regularly watch CHOPPED, IRON CHEF, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, and several others. Celebrity Food Network Chef SCOTT CONANT is a frequent guest on these shows. His specialty is PASTA! If you look up the word in the dictionary his picture is there. He is a pasta PERFECTIONIST.

So imagine me sitting in my favorite chair casually checking out Instagram Stories and seeing his post about his appearance at a special pasta tasting at his Beverly Hills restaurant! I texted my sister to see if she would want to go and her immediate response was "I'm in!" So I made the rez and OFF WE GO!



Our rez was for 8:15 which allowed us a leisurely drive through picturesque Laurel Canyon. L.A. is very mountainous and it always fascinates me to see the mansions way up high. Follow the winding road to Beverly Boulevard, make a right and you're there! 

And here we are excited about what the evening would bring. We had prayed on the way about various things, as is our custom, and I threw in a couple of selfish prayer requests. The Lord answered exceedingly abundantly more than I had asked! 

We opened the door and started heading toward the back to check in and lo and behold there he was! The pic and some conversation just flowed! Such a hospitable man and very good looking! Selfish prayer #1 answered!

And then we were seated. On the patio, under the giant lit tree, at a GREAT table! Selfish prayer #2 answered! PTL! We were both SO EXCITED and happy to be there!

If you love pasta chances are bread is right up there with it. I have tried many breads over the years and here was yet a new one. Tall, spongey and delicious, dipped in olive oil with a sundried tomato compote. Yum!

And here it is! PASTA AL POMODORO! The star of the show and Scott Conant's version of my favorite dish! BE STILL MY HEART!!! A moment of silence please...All I can say is heaven on a plate! And yes I had to close my eyes to savor the moment. Just seeing this and writing about it makes me want MORE!

And that was just the beginning! 5 more exquisite pasta dishes followed!

 

 

 

Some things don't photograph well but trust me this gnocchi with special foam was amazing!!! 

Cheers Scott Conant and THE PONTE! Thank you for a most memorable and lovely evening. And as someone famous in Hollywood once said... "Ill Be Back!"

Apple Farm Getaway

It’s time for a mini vacation! A  scenic drive three hours north of home where this lovely patio awaits us. We are dining Creekside and it’s in the 40s! As you can see not too many people are as adventurous as us. Praise the Lord they have heat lamps! 

We love staying at the Apple Farm! All of the hallways have displays like this. You feel like you are staying  in a gift shop.

Our room was  done in shades of blue with a cozy fireplace. It was a new experience waking up under a king size canopy bed.

We always look forward to having breakfast here and visiting the gift shop!

 Dale is happy to relax while I shop. 

Gift shop loot along with complementary treats left in our room. 

We spent the afternoon in Cambria just a half an hour north of us. A charming town with shops and restaurants. It was raining that day. We forgot our umbrellas but thankfully we had hoods.

I think this is the best Key Lime Pie I have ever had in my life! 

Aromatherapy in the gardens after the rain!

It was cold and extremely beautiful at Moonstone Beach.

Back to the Apple Farm. Such a welcoming site!

Fine dining in town. We thoroughly enjoy the off-season.

Our trip back down the coast started with breakfast at the famous Madonna Inn where the signature color is pink.

Note to self: we must eat here sometime! A pink steakhouse!!!

Next stop the turquoise waters of Avila Beach. We walked out on the pier to see the seals but they were not there this year. Apparently there are sharks in the water right now.

And here it is to music! Thank you Lord for a lovely getaway!

 

 

SHOP Montrose & Treat Yourself To A Mani Pedi

How long has it been since you scheduled some "girl" time? After being on my feet all day at our store in Montrose, it was a welcome gift when my sister offered to treat me to a mani-pedi. We decided to check out the new nail salon that's right in the middle of MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS and REVELATION TOPS. I'm so glad we did! It's called OLIVIA'S NAIL LOUNGE, with a 5 star rating on Yelp.

For only $30 you get to sit in this state of the art massage chair and have a gourmet mani-pedi which includes a foot soak with fresh lime slices, and a hot stone massage. Bliss!

And look at the view! I'm always so busy working! It was nice to just chill and watch the Montrose world go by. They are efficient here but they don't rush you. It was dark when we left, relaxed and with perfectly manicured nails.

The colors and decor are in good taste and the music is just perfect. If you know me, you know when I say this I am impressed. Atmosphere is SO important. The music here was just the right volume, clear, French inspired!, and the right balance of peaceful and energetic. It complements what they do.

Here are my new green toenails. A first! A great match for our new St. Patty's, Easter, and Spring TOPS!

So what about you? We invite you to take some time and explore our little corner of the Montrose world. Gift therapy, TOP therapy, and an amazing mani-pedi. You deserve it and it won't break the bank.

Fun at the LA Gift Show!

January is shopping time for Mountain Rose Gifts. As soon as Christmas is over we are in the car or on a plane getting ready to buy for the coming year.

In addition to shopping many show rooms it's fun to check out the displays.

Rest assured the neutral palette and  French farmhouse look are still going strong! Gray mixed with brown wood continues to be a major trend.

We heard it from a very reliable source and saw it with our own eyes.

There will be lots of surprises in store for this year’s Halloween and Christmas!

Shopping makes you hungry. And on this day we were treated to a delicious Mexican lunch. It's an experience to dine in the midst of an elaborate gift showroom.

More shopping fueled by taking little breaks.

What do you do when you enter a show room and are greeted with a table full of chocolate cake? Be still my heart!

On the way home it’s always fun to drive through DTLA and take in all the sights.

Chinatown is especially fascinating.

Another world!

Our reward for a productive day! A stop at one of our favorite bakeries! Can't wait for all the new goodies both now and later!

 

Montrose Tree Lighting!

The amazing Montrose Christmas tree is just steps from our store REVELATION TOPS! Check out this one minute video and feel like you are in a Hallmark movie!

 

And look at the giant, festive tree!

So proud of my husband Dale who designs and organizes this event each year!

Lunch & Christmas Boutique At The Sportsman's Lodge

This was the famous hangout of Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn, & John Wayne! Today it's a popular filming destination and host to fabulous events.

Dale and I enjoyed being invited to represent our stores REVELATION TOPS and MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS at a women's meeting & luncheon. Want to see what it was like? Click on the quick video!

 

 Check out our new Christmas TOPS! Click HERE.

What A Week!

Today’s blog is a bit of “therapy” for my soul. It is the longest blog I have ever written. Now that I have some time to relax I feel the need to recount ALL the many intense things that happened in one week! 

Praise the Lord for a glorious beginning! Sunday we were given a surprise by our church family for Pastor Appreciation Month. We were blessed with preaching, testimony, gifts, and cake! As of this writing we still haven’t opened the gifts yet! We have been waiting for the right time to really relax and enjoy them. Now that we can catch our breath hopefully today will be the day. Meanwhile this blessed event helped FUEL us for the intense week to come. Ready?

REMERCHANDISING REVELATION TOPS

The store needed to be completely changed from Fall to Christmas in preparation for the upcoming Montrose Holiday Wine Walk. This involved packing up all fall decorations, unpacking all holiday decorations, and completely redoing the store. Very labor-intensive. But I think it turned out pretty well. Don’t you?

Meanwhile it is also Halloween day! This guy, my hardworking husband, is in charge of our town events. Here he is running around preparing for over 15,000 trick-or-treaters to descend on our streets.

MONTROSE HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 

After a full day of work it was time to spend hours handing out candy to literally hundreds and hundreds of kids. Your arm and smile gets a workout. Thankfully the three of us took turns with the candy sack. I LOVE seeing these kids and their families!!! And the costumes!!! Just like a Norman Rockwell Halloween. 

This guy helped make my day! I was in our window changing the manneqins and saw him walking up the street in that outfit. I HAD to jump down, run out on the sidewalk and take his picture. LOVE IT!!! It brings a smile to my face even now. 

Dale got home LATE as he has to stay until the end of the event  It was a long but rewarding day. We thanked the Lord, went right to bed, and prayed for strength for what was to come. 

IT’S TIME TO REDO MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS!!! MAJOR!!!

One store down, the other to go. This is extremely labor intensive. Two days of packing up Halloween, unloading Christmas cartons from our warehouse, opening them, disposing of the trash, sorting them on the shelves, and totally redoing every single display and wall in the entire store.  In addition Dale is preparing for another major Montrose event just DAYS from Halloween! Lord, give us strength! My prayer was that He would keep us healthy, give us extra energy, keep us from stressing out, and help us to ENJOY all of these things. 

We opened the Rose Friday morning! Amazing! We didn’t think we would be ready until our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Friday night. God truly is answering our prayers. After a very long and late day we were led to have dinner at CASA CORDOBA. This wasn’t in the plan but I’m so glad it happened. It was like taking a little vacation. There is MORE to come...

This was the amazing view from our dinner table. The Lord knows what we need. Tomorrow is the BIG DAY. The FIRST EVER Montrose Holiday Wine Walk. SO MUCH planning, so much preparation. Here we go!

I’M A CATERER!

In the middle of all of this I prepared over 300 homemade Hawaiian Sausage Skewers and Pesto Tortellini Skewers to serve to our wine walk guests! Am I crazy or what?

After working all day Saturday it is now time for the 5-8 (which actually went to 9) Wine Walk. What a treat to have our good friends and family help us! 

The event was a success! After a delicious family style Chinese dinner we were happy to finally be home. 

Our doggies missed us and are such a comfort.

Ahhh! Back at church and so thankful for Elder Gary preaching today! 

Our church family gives us strength, encouragement, and JOY!

In addition to all of the above there was an early morning Montrose board meeting and the LA Dodgers were in a neck and neck World Series. We are not sports fans but you would almost have to be dead to not get caught up in this!

Thank you Lord for answering our prayers in ways only you can. You never give us more than we can handle. As I read this morning “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

 

WHAT A WEEK!

 

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