Where'd the heat go?

We have had a terrible time with our heating units this winter. Josh says it's because they're all about 20 years old - that's almost as old as us! This time it's our bedroom unit. But on the upside, he lit the fireplace in our bedroom for the first time since we've moved in. It's quite cozy!

PURPLE!

Purple is my favorite color (most of the time), and I'm ALWAYS wanting to decorate with it. But it's not so easy to do when you live with a boy (understandably).

The new issue of REAL SIMPLE has an article about decorating with purple..fun!

here

Red and Aqua

It's a really nice color combination. I like it with maps.

all images via houzz

Brad Ford ID

I went to the book store the other day to pick up the newest copy of Canadian House and Home. But to my dismay, they didn't have it. I hope they haven't stopped carrying it, because I look forward to it each month (and it would cost a small fortune to subscribe to it). So for now, I'll have to settle for the website.

This morning I was clicking around over there and, lo and behold, their blogger featured Brad Ford yesterday (here)! I was giddy with excitement. I don't even know him, but I do know his mom (remember Mrs. Jo's Playhouse?). And he's really good!

So I went over to his website to look around and found beauty. His rooms are simple, relaxed and lovely.

all images via bradfordid.com

Personal Library Kit

I don't read a lot of actual books, nor do I loan out the ones I've read, (hello? I don't read a lot. I like to hold on to and display the ones I actually have read) but I've had my eye on this personal library kit since the beginning of the holiday season. It's so great - cards, pocket envelopes, and that great stamper that you set to the date....

available at Fred Flare

Fabulosity

Funky, mismatched chairs. So good....

Wintry Dining

I just love this. It's like a sweater, knit hat, and corduroys made into a room...

via houzz

I'm Wrapping the Everything

Last night in a moment of clarity (or perhaps a fit of insanity), I decided that, instead of going to the trouble of hanging the sled I bought over my couch, I would go to even more trouble and wrap some of the pictures already hanging there. So this is my Christmas behind the couch. It won't work for all winter, the sled would have, but it is festive and happy.

How to Hang a Branch

Use a flagpole hanger. Stick the branch in!

This one is from One of A Kind in Natchez. The store owner told me it has been there for 3 years, and they just redecorate it each season.

Christmas Trees

I'm putting my Christmas Tree up today, so I've compiled some inspiration.

Rosalind does the best trees at Flower's Etc. here in town.

I'm quite smitten with this tree from my new Pottery Barn catalog.

I snapped this fun white one at One of a Kind in Natchez.

This is across the street at Darby's. Just owls! What a great idea!

And, of course, some inspiration from Martha!