Autumn Recap

To every

THING

there is a

SEASON

and a

TIME

to every

PURPOSE

under heaven.

--Ecclesiastes 3:1

          Be thankful for the bounty of autumn colors. October is filled with the medley of warm color tones. There's orange like that of pumpkins, acorn squash and mums flowers. The temperature of the days change from cold to sunny, but warm. The combination of short daylight hours and chilly nights makes the physical changes of leaf color.

          I took some pictures of the trees while they had shades of brick red, golden mustard and orange. Looking back on all these pictures make me remember exactly why I love the fall season!

Lindor Truffles Lei with Money Butterflies

Our dear friend Madonna celebrated her 50th birthday with a simple celebration. It was a huge milestone for her, so I thought I'd give her a special present. It didn't need to be expensive, since it was the thought that counted. So, I made her a lei that was made up of Lindor truffles with money butterflies attached to it. According to Chinese tradition, giving money as a present represents luck and fortune.

The holiday season is coming, so this is a perfect gift for your kids and friends alike. Everyone will love this present because it's personalized and festive. You can give this to someone as a birthday present or a party favor for any occasion.

Materials:

• Gold and red Lindor chocolate, about 18 pieces
• Small, white ribbon
• Wide, red ribbon
• Scotch tape
• Scissors
• Money
• Floral wire

Procedure:

1. Connect the candies in alternate patterns, with two gold candies and one red candy in the middle. Use the tape to secure it, and tie it with a white ribbon. Leave about 2 inches on both ends for curling.
2. Repeat the procedure until you have used all the candies. Try wearing it on your neck and add more candies, if desired, to your lei. 
3. Put one candy in the middle of the lei to use as a pendant, secure it with tape and tie it like a bow with the ribbon and curl at the ends.
4. Tie a wide, red ribbon at the back part of the lei, so it would be easy to put around your neck when you wear it.
5. Fold the money into a butterfly shape, and attach it to the side of the lei. I actually made the butterfly design. You can add more of it, if desired. Secure it with a floral wire and tie it with a ribbon.
6. To create the butterfly, you need two paper bills for a part of the body and another one for the wings. Attach it as shown in the picture. 

Lei: 

Money Butterfly:

The total amount used for the lei, represents the 50th birthday. Two $20 bills, and two $5 bills were used.     

Pictures from the party:

My dear friend Madonna

The BFFS
friendship that grows stronger over the years