Inspirational posts

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i85BCK3t00A8vEx76fkcM4nvux5W8sLFUcyd1g3r95HxvHpaj8mM2mC3BJKBGzRozuzIAPWCHeIkYahhweXKEpyUSQodT4Mzp_pUS8pF_5End6hOHjYMyGPalGopPlEnOQ46s6p36u4/s1600-h/littlevignette.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421266174861410274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i85BCK3t00A8vEx76fkcM4nvux5W8sLFUcyd1g3r95HxvHpaj8mM2mC3BJKBGzRozuzIAPWCHeIkYahhweXKEpyUSQodT4Mzp_pUS8pF_5End6hOHjYMyGPalGopPlEnOQ46s6p36u4/s400/littlevignette.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >A tiny vignette of child-attracting objects features<br />a glass “wish</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >” ball and a sparkly fairy.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For my third resolution going into 2010, I have decided to write an inspirational post each day and <span style="font-style: italic;">post it at home for my kids.</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Today I brought them over to my friend Beth’s <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Design Studio</a> which is now officially closed. It was only a nine-week “pop</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> shop set up for the holidays ... I am so going to miss it, as it was a pretty – and quiet – place for me to escape to! I sat all four of the boys down in my corner of the store so that I could pack up remaining inventory to bring home. I figured they could at least help carry pillows to the car without the likelihood of doing any damage. While we were there, I grabbed the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-weekend-at-design-studio.html">chalkboard frame</a> off the wall with the intention of using it at home for my “words of wisdom</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> idea.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmijJgIAe3h9YHczIALm7gysDcqmdXF3LDBZlZiLnBpYIGdseZ9gKNJU7MQQ0TgJ-6KW7I2PvMe3TyprQiEuo4V4AI_EFgmO2vNND2e6kJ0-mk_Xj5Qe_g2p7urOKOsT2zAlsnmP22TCQ/s1600-h/quoteboard.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421266169766948626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmijJgIAe3h9YHczIALm7gysDcqmdXF3LDBZlZiLnBpYIGdseZ9gKNJU7MQQ0TgJ-6KW7I2PvMe3TyprQiEuo4V4AI_EFgmO2vNND2e6kJ0-mk_Xj5Qe_g2p7urOKOsT2zAlsnmP22TCQ/s400/quoteboard.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">When we returned home, I found a prominent spot to hang the chalkboard. It is at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer, a place where every family member can see it as they come downstairs to begin their day. Even my husband noticed it right away (and he rarely notices anything without my having to jump up and down and point out “look what I did!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;">) With the exception of my youngest, who is just learning to read, each of my boys asked me about the quote and why I had written it on the board. I was surprised at the conversations we had!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">As a mom I feel some days like I am constantly repeating myself with advice on how to behave and why ... now I will just let the chalk do the talking! And when the words come from someone else, sometimes they are more likely to be heard and believed.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN2U9A-iqj7klevl4tdu8Ng4mKPWEPJ2BkqCrLuyyXZhCTzkkppW942CpeuTgQNd8lxlHgWVSyct2lKsUK-eM6-5mJ6-2CvcB6N2RtGvnv2hSSYIn6ZkxjEUAhbS1SHgafrYP7qeL2SE/s1600-h/inspirationalbooks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421286579977601122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN2U9A-iqj7klevl4tdu8Ng4mKPWEPJ2BkqCrLuyyXZhCTzkkppW942CpeuTgQNd8lxlHgWVSyct2lKsUK-eM6-5mJ6-2CvcB6N2RtGvnv2hSSYIn6ZkxjEUAhbS1SHgafrYP7qeL2SE/s400/inspirationalbooks.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I like to collect the inspiring words of others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I chose the first quote from Walt Disney (someone famous that they could relate to) as a New Year’s reminder that each of us has the power to accomplish whatever we set out to do. You would be surprised at some of the long-term goals that my boys believe they can achieve ... they always start out with “I want to be a famous ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> They remind me of when I was 100% certain when I was little that I would sing “Feeling Groovy</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on the television show <span style="font-style: italic;">Community Auditions,</span> the late 70’s version of American Idol! Not sure where I got the idea – and I never did make it onto the stage – but I told a lot of my playground friends that I was going to do it at the time!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> My mom probably said I would be just as good as any of those kids up there (she still tells me I should sing every now and then!) and I just believed her because <span style="font-style: italic;">she believed in me.</span> Funny how that works, huh?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am really looking forward to this new resolution to inspire – and to believe in – each other as an important part of our daily routine. I might even let the boys choose favorite quotes of their own to post on the board, or they could post a few words of encouragement to someone else, or write a simple line of gratitude. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I will let you know how it goes ...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">On a less-than-perfect side note, my youngest picked up the glass paperweight that I named “the wish ball,</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> closed his eyes tight, and then proceeded to wish for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Call of Duty 5</span> (if you don’t know what it is, consider yourself lucky!) I guess we have a long road ahead of us! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I think the next quote will be the Chinese saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Have a safe – and inspiring – New Year’s Eve!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">xo Yvonne</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div>

Inspirational posts

A tiny vignette of child-attracting objects featuresa glass “wish” ball and a sparkly fairy.For my third resolution going into 2010, I have decided to write an inspirational post each day and post it at home for my kids. Today I brought them over to my friend Beth’s Design Studio which is now offici…

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Virtual views ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sL_fMj4hOirLt_WBZreHLv7mbJYchZgk4HyMoIG7hUWv2cIsJFTKRhT3gUavdoPunMXqEzmsJTdopWupdPynGb1rkzWLbq5hmc_M7ThHz9yb9dG9llMZYugjEA1fBd1yza3DVfIsxi0/s1600-h/s+miguel+furnas+lake.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888185837326818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sL_fMj4hOirLt_WBZreHLv7mbJYchZgk4HyMoIG7hUWv2cIsJFTKRhT3gUavdoPunMXqEzmsJTdopWupdPynGb1rkzWLbq5hmc_M7ThHz9yb9dG9llMZYugjEA1fBd1yza3DVfIsxi0/s400/s+miguel+furnas+lake.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 252px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Furnace Lake on </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.azores.com/azores/sao_miguel.php#magnify">Sao Miguel in The Azores</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> ... </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />a place I would like to visit some day to research</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> my<br />paternal family tree (and to enjoy the views).</span> </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDD8sbXTmjELnuNK2SogVHRCXzchvB_l6jkOaxkD29TA0XT62ZN1gQ3bfG1LlAMUcwwvu6YyO3Mls4wgE0X_e7XtdZo4nhf1XhvKWkK1enoKyPLzeaR7VqRzYz3Fl15Jmx_oa5yuFMQo/s1600-h/windowview.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420869806276314898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDD8sbXTmjELnuNK2SogVHRCXzchvB_l6jkOaxkD29TA0XT62ZN1gQ3bfG1LlAMUcwwvu6YyO3Mls4wgE0X_e7XtdZo4nhf1XhvKWkK1enoKyPLzeaR7VqRzYz3Fl15Jmx_oa5yuFMQo/s400/windowview.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The view outside a window in Sarasota, Florida</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I feel as if I have been in my house for days on end. Okay, it has only been about one full day, but it was a long one spent un-trimming the tree and tidying up after the frenzy of the holidays. I am so ready for a change of scenery! Well for 2010, I would like to start venturing out to explore some places that I have been meaning to go (resolution #2: travel more). I would like to start with Sarasota, Florida.<br /><br />While I have heard that the temperature in Sarasota has been somewhat on the cool side lately, I am sure it is a lot more comfortable than what feels like freezing in the Boston area today. To make matters worse, there isn’t even an ounce of New England snow on the ground for my kids to play with during their Christmas-to-New Years break (so many idle sleds are littering my backyard as I write this). I am thinking now would be the perfect time for a sunny getaway!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnTNTdGYzb_Vcp3mArGDtmmSYim40pwoxsPqa4BeZgndq-y-C4tXkTkYVPppqwkVpsAmxCg0_r92ArawgP1ku2I1GunI1bvizunLS3S17E5ryt9Nl9Z1tN-MT-busB-iLaBDC0uKTMZA/s1600-h/seahorsepillow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420869813645941602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnTNTdGYzb_Vcp3mArGDtmmSYim40pwoxsPqa4BeZgndq-y-C4tXkTkYVPppqwkVpsAmxCg0_r92ArawgP1ku2I1GunI1bvizunLS3S17E5ryt9Nl9Z1tN-MT-busB-iLaBDC0uKTMZA/s400/seahorsepillow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Some ocean inspired pillows that I designed<br />now reside in sunny Sarasota, Florida</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Recently, I was able to help decorate a condo in Sarasota (okay, a couple of my designer pillows found a home there) but have never been there to see it in person. That’s why Sarasota is the first destination on my list, especially since I know that my husband and I can stay there for free ; ) Realistically, we will have to save the Azores for another time (or decade!)<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzrKbmVXBkPI-0M_Ws65ROM1cQc-8OAKjzlabg4TeffK-VU7axTi3221WQuJGj3Vp597U5HbeRLolLAeofb6OeHtrNRk7wtXSzETClrWEfOgHcK_GX0EcRjHnfp5AtiMQFePLkQtgIyw/s1600-h/Poolview.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420871781651584242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzrKbmVXBkPI-0M_Ws65ROM1cQc-8OAKjzlabg4TeffK-VU7axTi3221WQuJGj3Vp597U5HbeRLolLAeofb6OeHtrNRk7wtXSzETClrWEfOgHcK_GX0EcRjHnfp5AtiMQFePLkQtgIyw/s400/Poolview.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >A pair of lounge chairs await our visit<br />along with comfortable sofas, too.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcnXSTgeDg5ib2nEGkYUEOFmBxmhio6E06ygyredyu3WteHEa_URf6t0a9nLBvYeX9OtsPydW7mKpgmUi2h1vcyjjTPKKZJPhrcbIoCHybMlcSk3uunrstaEe83W_uodYeR5KP9JsXo/s1600-h/RobbStuckyBrochurep17.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420883388340964194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcnXSTgeDg5ib2nEGkYUEOFmBxmhio6E06ygyredyu3WteHEa_URf6t0a9nLBvYeX9OtsPydW7mKpgmUi2h1vcyjjTPKKZJPhrcbIoCHybMlcSk3uunrstaEe83W_uodYeR5KP9JsXo/s400/RobbStuckyBrochurep17.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from online brochure at<a href="http://s7d3.scene7.com/s7ondemand/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=RobbStucky&sku=RS_9-08INT&config=RS_9-08INT"> Robb & Stucky Interiors</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And when we have soaked up our fill of sun-induced vitamin D, there is actually a lot of great furniture shopping that can be done while in Sarasota. <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/Home.aspx">Robb & Stucky Interiors</a>, for example, has a few original items that I wouldn’t mind bringing home with me to New England </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> as a traveler’s souvenir...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/1175/Around-the-World-Occasional-Chair.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888172435536610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlXAebyoj0Oo2okczQjuyCnd_Fm46VLCecFVzShmWvzaTelCvLzA0r0ekxLIrNGki_8RafNhWyaHCfyhT_HXVMjN7zQTLgWY6fPIvkm_uwEr5umVr0NDRXFBvSYguRaPCPaxNM7hvLQc/s400/AroundtheworldchairRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>The <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/1175/Around-the-World-Occasional-Chair.aspx">Around the World Occasional Chair</a> would be fitting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/344/Robbie-Tier-Table.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888181162456098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtL2fLdvzcZZFJcV4odE5ZBUKyvKTC5Ec7uzX41eIzcEKAK45R16jjuKisqrxsXvg5suDI4nwPfq4YHUiadG5dTk-68m0u1g1-EdjrtyZErjGSR6W1ymQXKBGuKm4Yi3s1_GEhlphx5A/s400/RobbieTierTableRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>This 3-tiered piece is as beautiful as it is functional.<br /><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/344/Robbie-Tier-Table.aspx">Robbie Tier Table</a> is designed by master craftsman<br />John Black (a strange almost-coincidence)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/261/Barcelona-Chair.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888176480527682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuu0hFWcEyZmbIWsKVdqcrKbAXeA66PjtyWs0h4rbHzhRl5E3pRHvNFg4AOpQSj9MlkpgwT76XG1AiSavLKADCd0ycuravVIUgO-vOKNbstJtiwx_vNy__C2gGhEc8G_CrAWp5UcMZsE/s400/BarcelonachairRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>If price was no object, I would take home<br />a pair of these classic <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/261/Barcelona-Chair.aspx">Barcelona chairs</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/477/Watercolors-Hand-Painted-Shell-Cocktail-Table.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420896421604840978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmvJp0_M-np-BM7NEUqrGU7Y-YO9JF2hpWP9XDz7ncjKfGuGXMpe7or9jEQTnZ-IaFYvFMrV4fl2ZqhAYdj8ltBlnFjkfTWH9CdGYSxIYNiyf6VTPW75ccdGCjiQ3nrJaGysNbS63Tb0/s400/CocktailTablesRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" /></a><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/477/Watercolors-Hand-Painted-Shell-Cocktail-Table.aspx">Watercolors Hand-painted Shell Cocktail Table</a><br />However, I would happily settle for this lovely piece of furniture as art. It would be the perfect reminder of the award-winning shell covered beaches found along the Florida keys.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/annie+selke+fabrics+furniture+and+trim/annie+selke+fabrics/chanda+stripe+multi.do"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420910622938126642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuxizQNcGAIV_MV9Hon4jkygkucYRV4ZyhYHytYl6epoc4CHxcGbH0vn2FqAsLAaegF3-yd_5shykbBDaWz7T4RhSBeiHdpAfDyFe_6hFF-Mtds_N5bzS-lTjE5n1fqgC0k-j0LhssnA/s400/chandaSelkeCC.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a><a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/annie+selke+fabrics+furniture+and+trim/annie+selke+fabrics/chanda+stripe+multi.do">Chanda Stripe Multi</a> fabric designed by<br />Annie Selke available at Calico Corners<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And just in case you are lucky enough to be in the Sarasota area (or near another <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/Seminars-By-Location.aspx?Id=7">Robb & Stucky location</a>), check their listings for design events and seminars. Guest speakers have included designers <a href="http://www.barbarabarry.com/">Barbara Barry</a>, <a href="http://www.markhampton.com/">Alexa Hampton</a> and coming in February (to Sarasota) <a href="http://www.annieselke.com/">Annie Selke</a>. Time for me to start researching those flights ... </span><br /><br />P.S. to M&B: Thanks for the use of your photos!<br /></div>

Virtual views ...

Furnace Lake on Sao Miguel in The Azores ... a place I would like to visit some day to research mypaternal family tree (and to enjoy the views). The view outside a window in Sarasota, FloridaI feel as if I have been in my house for days on end. Okay, it has only been about one full day, but it was a…

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Modern vignettes

<div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/modern_sitting_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14678322"><img alt="Modern sitting room" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlVITHp0a1gwM2hHZ3Vha1ZnbkRGMncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Modern sitting room" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/modern_sitting_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14678322">Modern sitting room</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a><br />on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_new_year/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14683005"><img alt="Comfy new year" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlJnVjlpVUwwM2hHT2ZwZ1RyemJXTncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Comfy new year" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_new_year/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14683005">Comfy new year</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a><br />featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/american_eagle_outfitters/shop?brand=American+Eagle+Outfitters&category_id=2">American Eagle Outfitters</a></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My four boys have been keeping themselves pretty busy since the 25th, playing with their new holiday toys/electronic gadgets. Today I figured that I deserved a little down time of my own to have fun online with one of my favorite design tools <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><span>polyvore.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">. And since <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-for-stevens-estate.html">yesterday’s post</a> focused on recreating a look based on historical colors and formally styled treatments, I felt compelled to design the opposite – a modern yet comfortable “room to outfit</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> look (a concept taken from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/garden/05domino.html?_r=1">the late Domino magazine</a>).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Now all I need is a good book to get me through school vacation week while I curl up in my comfy chair dressed in my cozy clothes ... <span style="font-style: italic;">any suggestions? </span>In the meantime, I will get to work on writing my new year’s resolutions. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Resolution #1:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Schedule time for blog writing,<br />but *REALLY* try </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >not to exceed</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> set time limit<br />by bouncing around on the internet all day! </span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /></span></div>

Modern vignettes

Modern sitting room by designvignetteson Polyvore.comComfy new year by designvignettesfeaturing American Eagle OutfittersMy four boys have been keeping themselves pretty busy since the 25th, playing with their new holiday toys/electronic gadgets. Today I figured that I deserved a little down time of…

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A gift for The Stevens Estate

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl3b2frE3KGfD8SvkdmW1ppeNjj-SehfHd-zZwBscclWueFfRdwZbx_WNi0E8BbUt16Uygj6Ec_IFb4ijForeDuagiqSpVkvYDD6dAm_SkgkubeOuZETkneT15ZDwuuJoFrkr0Bpbz_o/s1600-h/inglenookdrapes2sm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420001951088757042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl3b2frE3KGfD8SvkdmW1ppeNjj-SehfHd-zZwBscclWueFfRdwZbx_WNi0E8BbUt16Uygj6Ec_IFb4ijForeDuagiqSpVkvYDD6dAm_SkgkubeOuZETkneT15ZDwuuJoFrkr0Bpbz_o/s400/inglenookdrapes2sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stevens Estate design update:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />new window treatments</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am sure you have heard – or maybe even spoken – the words “listen to your mother!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Well, one day while we were talking on the phone, my mom casually mentioned that my aunt had several boxes of drapery panels and sheers that she had put in storage after a recent move, “I think they would look nice at <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/index.html">The Stevens Estate</a>. Why don’t you give Auntie Marty a call?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> I am always happy when my mom tells me that she has read something on my blog (or if anyone tells me they have been reading for that matter!) so when she offers me advice on design projects I always listen. And in this case, especially, I am so glad that I did!<br /><br />My aunt generously donated the beautiful draperies and sheers (thank you!) seen in the photo above, which were a perfect match to the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/stevens-estate-receives-design-update.html">work we had recently done</a> for the Estate. A special thank you also goes to Paula Bakies of <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a> for professionally re</span><span style="font-size:130%;">-sizing them, along with providing expert installation.<br /></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPROzVsDiOXit9F8xtCTkimFx8A_FTvHOsIQC_pdIkkJAJH76Tb8ZFDNlWXhH6SFVmOaW0ZhjI2qobveW3R2KxJriOqR8z31ELkqkLsNPb7TWb22a2ApJWSF3v7q8zASvPXGjDD3ogvM4/s1600-h/benchcushionb4SE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420016596805070386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPROzVsDiOXit9F8xtCTkimFx8A_FTvHOsIQC_pdIkkJAJH76Tb8ZFDNlWXhH6SFVmOaW0ZhjI2qobveW3R2KxJriOqR8z31ELkqkLsNPb7TWb22a2ApJWSF3v7q8zASvPXGjDD3ogvM4/s400/benchcushionb4SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Here is a visual reminder of the Stevens Estate inglenook <span style="font-weight: bold;">before</span> we began redecorating. Under the new direction of Estate manager Laura Gifford, the redecorating has begun to reflect the historic elegance of this stately North Andover mansion that may be rented for small, intimate parties or large gatherings including weddings, conferences and fundraisers.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBMHGoAkMmCczOOvGSfhrpEYtEECpdfHgghvT_2DLBaJpFXU2cOdrhBgnYf9B2OAA9z1OWTCviiW9BzaPewGQWp9eFx17KoRcmRIgXKM9PYrFf91LDPAKLo5jFtvtJEPNQHlPqnGF6Ag/s1600-h/SEwindowB4dark.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420021588595066610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBMHGoAkMmCczOOvGSfhrpEYtEECpdfHgghvT_2DLBaJpFXU2cOdrhBgnYf9B2OAA9z1OWTCviiW9BzaPewGQWp9eFx17KoRcmRIgXKM9PYrFf91LDPAKLo5jFtvtJEPNQHlPqnGF6Ag/s400/SEwindowB4dark.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BEFORE: </span> The view to the grounds<br />was blocked with ill-fitting sheers.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdot-JB_tv7z-WeFJc-P75oLkldgTaeT4xJaoT0FY-jNz4DJSxqqRbZk-VXgA_RqDJD-ATx0FNW-LoeWsiyitkxwpd1qxvVkKK9h-n8VRiOFdv78OiK7m6XqTe3vopTh5rtUJTUcw7RAA/s1600-h/inglenookwindowsm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041039458231346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdot-JB_tv7z-WeFJc-P75oLkldgTaeT4xJaoT0FY-jNz4DJSxqqRbZk-VXgA_RqDJD-ATx0FNW-LoeWsiyitkxwpd1qxvVkKK9h-n8VRiOFdv78OiK7m6XqTe3vopTh5rtUJTUcw7RAA/s400/inglenookwindowsm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER:</span> Properly dressed, the inglenook – which<br />is at the front entrance of the Estate – now<br />provides visitors with an appropriate welcome.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3HdH6JpxEaD4AI2xOt-AUjDXWNkPy7J8hEm5OE5Df5hXqG5dQineioOojtIcmWlPDyx-1J0uuTICbGXunTjSnfc_H-OBGD6tnUAfB6Wz1CsFwYIGUNjWeapnr09wDh-Mg-kM22LnXbQ/s1600-h/bookcasewithartsm.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420001927686147010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3HdH6JpxEaD4AI2xOt-AUjDXWNkPy7J8hEm5OE5Df5hXqG5dQineioOojtIcmWlPDyx-1J0uuTICbGXunTjSnfc_H-OBGD6tnUAfB6Wz1CsFwYIGUNjWeapnr09wDh-Mg-kM22LnXbQ/s400/bookcasewithartsm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Another gift:</span> I added this newly framed print of an original architectural rendering of the Estate (Hartwell & Richardson, 1889) that I discovered online to the shelves flanking the window seat. I also brought over a box of old books that my mom had in storage (</span><span style="font-size:130%;">are you sensing a “we-don’t-throw-anything-away-in-this-family</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> trend here?) to help fill up the shelves. Attention to details – plus good old-fashioned recycling – makes a world of difference!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJJvG_CIFqfE7g7Yp_8nHm_funRu34ihfft_zzOvDMMoNaTLS_1DzpgyFtDq034ip3BKwswM5-a19pZ0PdlX60MWdhbFXhGkJvf2y_FDAICRcS2bez3QUhFWvZL_aNdkHpAT6W8chI4/s1600-h/SE+side+chairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420048636949181410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJJvG_CIFqfE7g7Yp_8nHm_funRu34ihfft_zzOvDMMoNaTLS_1DzpgyFtDq034ip3BKwswM5-a19pZ0PdlX60MWdhbFXhGkJvf2y_FDAICRcS2bez3QUhFWvZL_aNdkHpAT6W8chI4/s400/SE+side+chairs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">These two chairs from the Stevens Estate are<br />scheduled to receive the next makeover.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Check back soon ...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Advertisement</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Home_Page.php"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420120734267112450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLXTg-_smp-xtpZ5iB9EB93Bi5-0a4qL5h2UWRWNjno-snCPjczDKoUQp4gGtLbcCbB-F00YbwajO7UBYiT60cru-q1g4c3cmoH-SpX2GsyWHEgBCgAX7bdOV9OmiBoc2q6YETequocA/s400/threadsbanner-SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 143px;" /></a><br /></div>

A gift for The Stevens Estate

Stevens Estate design update:new window treatmentsI am sure you have heard – or maybe even spoken – the words “listen to your mother!” Well, one day while we were talking on the phone, my mom casually mentioned that my aunt had several boxes of drapery panels and sheers that she had put in storage a…

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On Christmas Eve ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsIOtYKb1eGPvZlxqESU6wyt-okUjl1kWItKrSl8Qx68coOvzd8XXjAywyytHXRlLQk9PNBBEBI1HErUViMA21BtkfjhsoOW4qRhVSBecRSazUichTzBwE1QiEAGCOaV-o3haVHPEKug/s1600-h/bunnytail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418809206564968562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsIOtYKb1eGPvZlxqESU6wyt-okUjl1kWItKrSl8Qx68coOvzd8XXjAywyytHXRlLQk9PNBBEBI1HErUViMA21BtkfjhsoOW4qRhVSBecRSazUichTzBwE1QiEAGCOaV-o3haVHPEKug/s400/bunnytail.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Wishing you the warmth of home ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51rlZxV6iWJxaD3mdOKYk-WXgDzWz3m-bSoAFMyZ6hsbN1IEXPe61N0SvkMaHpVid6FFh32XALrsKeeq1iwSIr4RHWS3PIwoAIPNBqAvUNktuv1UdsGdZB69HVmYT3CkZ5HILJNvj71s/s1600-h/bunnyonchair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787363598756146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51rlZxV6iWJxaD3mdOKYk-WXgDzWz3m-bSoAFMyZ6hsbN1IEXPe61N0SvkMaHpVid6FFh32XALrsKeeq1iwSIr4RHWS3PIwoAIPNBqAvUNktuv1UdsGdZB69HVmYT3CkZ5HILJNvj71s/s400/bunnyonchair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">and the wonder of the holidays.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a_GzQ7T0Qe0FSPpQFvj3dqHu0DXmv5K1HOIxRBznSWU7LWlRwzIiYOoHldhRxC6bkxb5QtOR50O9JwG6sv5r4jf16VFhwuSE0S6YNBtsXzhN3CB0-t7IwTAKbZb1XpmdG5ayrlke4xU/s1600-h/luckyatraspberrybush.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418810103437185122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_a_GzQ7T0Qe0FSPpQFvj3dqHu0DXmv5K1HOIxRBznSWU7LWlRwzIiYOoHldhRxC6bkxb5QtOR50O9JwG6sv5r4jf16VFhwuSE0S6YNBtsXzhN3CB0-t7IwTAKbZb1XpmdG5ayrlke4xU/s320/luckyatraspberrybush.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Be back soon-<br />xo Yvonne</span><br /></div>

On Christmas Eve ...

Wishing you the warmth of home ...and the wonder of the holidays.Be back soon-xo Yvonne…

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Decorating the great outdoors ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s1600-h/gardenroomtree.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415650830316833074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s400/gardenroomtree.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A small “tree</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorates<br />our <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-secret-garden-room.html">garden room</a>.<br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s1600-h/winterflowerbox.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415651594092898946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s400/winterflowerbox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A winter flower box.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s1600-h/wintercontainer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418424573136390354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s400/wintercontainer.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I thought these lichen covered branches that<br />fell from a tree were particularly beautiful.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s1600-h/treewithoranges.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788669914412562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s400/treewithoranges.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When my boys were very little – we had three at the time under the age of four – we decided it would be best to put the tree outside on our deck, which was visible from our family room sliding glass doors.<br /><br />We decorated it with orange slices and birdseed ornaments. It was fun to watch the visiting wildlife just outside of our window, like the night a possum came and slept beneath it!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s1600-h/grapevineinsnow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418431654426673826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s400/grapevineinsnow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This was the image from our holiday card last year. Unfortunately, the arbor fell during a winter storm a couple weeks ago. It was over 50 years old and one of the main features that attracted us to “this old house.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Does anyone know how to successfully relocate grapevines??? For now, I am putting a pergola on my wish list. This one would do nicely ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418436989071653682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQg6NazfGabLYuOS7efEEHransHQdnvRQ2aEt3Ez6qJcB3_3s2pcoLHK8JAk1kDHzERVNxU9SqgQNtORmdHasmaR7Jpo9kMxVzjqsYOqqZdnngyQVIO0RQlKAqzUs-vqgH5nIgiaaYlw/s400/pole_pergola2_lg.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Pergola made from redwood poles</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html">ForeverRedwood.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s1600-h/Ivebeengood.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418425220960878610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s320/Ivebeengood.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Art by <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span>Dear Santa;</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span> A spring delivery</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br />would be appreciated.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">xo Yvonne</span></span><br /></div><br /></div>

Decorating the great outdoors ...

A small “tree” decoratesour garden room.A winter flower box.I thought these lichen covered branches thatfell from a tree were particularly beautiful.When my boys were very little – we had three at the time under the age of four – we decided it would be best to put the tree outside on our deck, which…

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How I decorate for the holidays ... Deck the halls part 2

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_W0rwAF-vSXgsBw_HZp5XSByR-86TstU56uQL8msHS1Rg28SkYz7hK5Z5WZfoCK2tqdxqEDrdSuSKmL-7l_UrFkWXLMJ5cOhaawW5JLya-iBqqaUtehVdrK_ACSfC5_IYzomIck1uXA/s1600-h/twirlingtrees.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415651587381057634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_W0rwAF-vSXgsBw_HZp5XSByR-86TstU56uQL8msHS1Rg28SkYz7hK5Z5WZfoCK2tqdxqEDrdSuSKmL-7l_UrFkWXLMJ5cOhaawW5JLya-iBqqaUtehVdrK_ACSfC5_IYzomIck1uXA/s400/twirlingtrees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Remember these </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/05/fairy-tale-event.html">spiral trees</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > and green pots?</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Combined with greens, they provide a winter welcome.<br />Come on in!</span><br /></span><br />You are invited to take a peek at my home ... decorated for the holidays. For me, it is all about the details (especially since it is very challenging with my family of four boys to get an entire room looking photo-ready at once unless it is that rare occasion when “no one is stirring.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;">) So I will show you some of my favorite holiday vignettes ...<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEXyYTSD7BXI-H62Qe8puEtJ_qsJgg_fomIjy_pqDB2V8pqdIQwBnCShaRTo8Y5xXnXmwbVdDK1LX6p0olhFPvkH3Rz6tubEw8v0f5ndM_4gAGcbUZnCdTe8GXAvsrs07U1JDhGbwJKI/s1600-h/reindeerwcandles.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787861734246914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEXyYTSD7BXI-H62Qe8puEtJ_qsJgg_fomIjy_pqDB2V8pqdIQwBnCShaRTo8Y5xXnXmwbVdDK1LX6p0olhFPvkH3Rz6tubEw8v0f5ndM_4gAGcbUZnCdTe8GXAvsrs07U1JDhGbwJKI/s400/reindeerwcandles.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I love lots of whites and creams with touches<br />of blue or gold, plus anything sparkly.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoWpekwJvPLeniw0Se1DcGXZR_fN1odbbv4ENpR3levWQrlfPjBZ4AnRIg-nOiyubIhHvJMg8IqX8EcK0l-DG1rvcrqWKRDzp45c3yjgXq4Jh5urU2M61i126w4rn_Hl39m1Us1jB1L4/s1600-h/angel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417783927407081202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoWpekwJvPLeniw0Se1DcGXZR_fN1odbbv4ENpR3levWQrlfPjBZ4AnRIg-nOiyubIhHvJMg8IqX8EcK0l-DG1rvcrqWKRDzp45c3yjgXq4Jh5urU2M61i126w4rn_Hl39m1Us1jB1L4/s400/angel.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">It took me years to find the perfect angel. She reminds me of the one we had on our tree as kids, plus she looks a little like my mom with her blond wavy hair.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IRPsy7hwgF7VmExBfSJl1mnflAhOfYp_IbzwrT7VjBjohNjBXkix8N1piHQC0VTF9WoqQ38Rj_6TWKbC0-XmLzij68cTYk7H-qgFxUcmqOI-Ri7GVgNjtTASz3P8l8CghmUjeuY22ZU/s1600-h/treedecorated.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788666478484530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IRPsy7hwgF7VmExBfSJl1mnflAhOfYp_IbzwrT7VjBjohNjBXkix8N1piHQC0VTF9WoqQ38Rj_6TWKbC0-XmLzij68cTYk7H-qgFxUcmqOI-Ri7GVgNjtTASz3P8l8CghmUjeuY22ZU/s400/treedecorated.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Our tree is a visual hodge-podge decorated by my little helpers. Some branches have a good three or four ornaments on them while others are completely bare! As one of my boys explained, “if they look the same, they should go together.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Some of our favorite child-friendly ornaments ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY2zcvTcsAQpXjDIrEfCSZpU6HgJrdwL4colQcHJoVCWfd8n6bmzIQ8OIEUg33JU8JL0huf2aaR5_rnuGpj8AeiNdP0ghQNFhCB0djUh046cUwVz61-z0EPNlO5la2UCdMd5upHaqm1w/s1600-h/elf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787368383885106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQY2zcvTcsAQpXjDIrEfCSZpU6HgJrdwL4colQcHJoVCWfd8n6bmzIQ8OIEUg33JU8JL0huf2aaR5_rnuGpj8AeiNdP0ghQNFhCB0djUh046cUwVz61-z0EPNlO5la2UCdMd5upHaqm1w/s400/elf.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">The magically mysterious <a href="https://shop1.elfontheshelf.com/indexnf.php">Elf</a>.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMWYHzFT5ILHimar379pGBFAL2v9g6dIq2E3thyYxprc3y7MiYbvyA5FosSEW5BnqrsPAfgZAHX8A_7c4FLR3pbsy718Ph1C2myFqcRW5OCJiTIk7XfqX1O9CWd9U3ihOURXVW1n-7AE/s1600-h/snowmanornament.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788338148173570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMWYHzFT5ILHimar379pGBFAL2v9g6dIq2E3thyYxprc3y7MiYbvyA5FosSEW5BnqrsPAfgZAHX8A_7c4FLR3pbsy718Ph1C2myFqcRW5OCJiTIk7XfqX1O9CWd9U3ihOURXVW1n-7AE/s400/snowmanornament.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Wa8UNgFTAxjkw3XFV6jll7sjAI5ZSsCNaN_rTLN0SKyoHjT0ZzznaxnG73eEHaCk_PtgHk2Y9ZCPcWsQyXctyorp2y7LZHlwFEnzn-bktNlP1jPx6KztKopQ4BjJQ_At26KD9MCLXN4/s1600-h/tiger.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788338369972706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Wa8UNgFTAxjkw3XFV6jll7sjAI5ZSsCNaN_rTLN0SKyoHjT0ZzznaxnG73eEHaCk_PtgHk2Y9ZCPcWsQyXctyorp2y7LZHlwFEnzn-bktNlP1jPx6KztKopQ4BjJQ_At26KD9MCLXN4/s400/tiger.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLTbZdkDfUUZAoUllZMbaloDAbNrTLGWmfT2KSmAQGzTi4ubokciUg4bvC-V7PdkJpzfpCt3frPs55BRZgdRQ2JI2HB39ZzS8vuvayYUmkhwA-snaSQNi_6TfBVWuknXsVI0ZKqrvQ1c/s1600-h/mitten.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417790566816722626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLTbZdkDfUUZAoUllZMbaloDAbNrTLGWmfT2KSmAQGzTi4ubokciUg4bvC-V7PdkJpzfpCt3frPs55BRZgdRQ2JI2HB39ZzS8vuvayYUmkhwA-snaSQNi_6TfBVWuknXsVI0ZKqrvQ1c/s320/mitten.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Wool mitten ornament<br />from <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth’s shop</a>.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFK7nFZJrhbcen4C4iKEeBuZw2u06Fo2t5n19flHVJxzzYN9rkBvtqc_IH6r4-9wtCIGrAtTH2DkfRYC0l-cLddxW9TDrmiDA7482hj-KY6IgyvDr962cTDEz8je6ivgbkhZb48J1EqQ/s1600-h/whiteornaments.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788669481983026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFK7nFZJrhbcen4C4iKEeBuZw2u06Fo2t5n19flHVJxzzYN9rkBvtqc_IH6r4-9wtCIGrAtTH2DkfRYC0l-cLddxW9TDrmiDA7482hj-KY6IgyvDr962cTDEz8je6ivgbkhZb48J1EqQ/s400/whiteornaments.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">New this year – we added white snowball-like pom poms and miniature tassels (my youngest came up with this “decorating</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> idea). I have to admit it was very cute watching the boys throw pom poms at the tree as if they were having a snowball fight! The silver rabbit ornament looks just like our pet bunny, Lucky.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRENi3XwpO9XTERVLG9kDZrPiWXh5j1PDoIQcGXz7UKAWDTkJpZVVYs-AGcCUusAiLxVvV476MeOPaCTUaqy5mOJGropWIr3x_ZBM4ejBdyqNLwNu1xvMrUWV7dw7dZBgMwrasKVHU4ZQ/s1600-h/santaonshelf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788324061619810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRENi3XwpO9XTERVLG9kDZrPiWXh5j1PDoIQcGXz7UKAWDTkJpZVVYs-AGcCUusAiLxVvV476MeOPaCTUaqy5mOJGropWIr3x_ZBM4ejBdyqNLwNu1xvMrUWV7dw7dZBgMwrasKVHU4ZQ/s400/santaonshelf.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">My Santas are usually non-traditional, like<br />this white one holding a basket of flowers<br />(a gift one year from my mom).<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxvk_GAXS0RuLXiol_aVYtWRu07Yrx-raSkcc5z07Hs6DHuvov906MtXkawHZVdEbL7d7YIchh85vc5HZmTXQn4aCjA9wjVGNQvkofy2ONbz5217n6fTSaOtViLp11kwO4mOuvWIPQHo/s1600-h/santawithlamp.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788333783878658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxvk_GAXS0RuLXiol_aVYtWRu07Yrx-raSkcc5z07Hs6DHuvov906MtXkawHZVdEbL7d7YIchh85vc5HZmTXQn4aCjA9wjVGNQvkofy2ONbz5217n6fTSaOtViLp11kwO4mOuvWIPQHo/s400/santawithlamp.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Or my latest ... cloaked in blueish-green.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVkJCX-LN2mTVPJ-nhg-eRUcT7jm5RwK7djqvWOWfB324VQVRqxpES06zi7h4TOC1q13lCVinrT2ZmLTY2wiIoDGsl1cZO-9Acvclv8ntEeH6t0TLcX927tfizSMwekOV9WnSCHwCPxk/s1600-h/pomanders.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787860046319714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVkJCX-LN2mTVPJ-nhg-eRUcT7jm5RwK7djqvWOWfB324VQVRqxpES06zi7h4TOC1q13lCVinrT2ZmLTY2wiIoDGsl1cZO-9Acvclv8ntEeH6t0TLcX927tfizSMwekOV9WnSCHwCPxk/s400/pomanders.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I also tried my hand at a new-to-me holiday tradition ... creating pomanders out of tangerines and cloves. Their warm, citrus scent is heavenly combined with fresh pine (notice the B monogram?)<br /></span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SSPlBTIQlTGmhTrJ5NfL-9yFd3QOnkH1LpPW7pmwnr24QJiQDxouttdAgs5cgpgln5U_l1vBqKr0PkelO3iQHYRP8qT__Im7L6IbtS_xgWdddxahFh0uDxZsuRHn6NjKUZoSJn12PIU/s1600-h/2peacocks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417783915536565922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SSPlBTIQlTGmhTrJ5NfL-9yFd3QOnkH1LpPW7pmwnr24QJiQDxouttdAgs5cgpgln5U_l1vBqKr0PkelO3iQHYRP8qT__Im7L6IbtS_xgWdddxahFh0uDxZsuRHn6NjKUZoSJn12PIU/s400/2peacocks.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I created this little nest on top of my<br />dining room chandelier for a couple of<br />stylishly-trendy feathered friends.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq2saLRjATHZtYCCeS-pc5icBJ12hziWxIs0XlYVpYWfSwcy7i353pdKQSRqKiBBLuh5P81ly6BzFsxEMQRc1aAuuN4B_XFbdIeYOutCt1BDJT6_xn_Mgprpah2xzY78S_wXQFQz8FzU/s1600-h/peacockvignette.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787848824365458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq2saLRjATHZtYCCeS-pc5icBJ12hziWxIs0XlYVpYWfSwcy7i353pdKQSRqKiBBLuh5P81ly6BzFsxEMQRc1aAuuN4B_XFbdIeYOutCt1BDJT6_xn_Mgprpah2xzY78S_wXQFQz8FzU/s400/peacockvignette.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Another proud peacock.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE2yfJA8MCwyiMRdVBVwdiPw4iKoka4rznJkwNbbnWKTM0bxqcuSgNA2HVkCc9QDpA2Xd7E0hIwRaedP8rLQbkKag2pAPMZ2bWCsxyDQYLJmuvf64cqBCINtsWIta9J8Xjg0Gfcpkrgo/s1600-h/bottomofchandi.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787362044312946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE2yfJA8MCwyiMRdVBVwdiPw4iKoka4rznJkwNbbnWKTM0bxqcuSgNA2HVkCc9QDpA2Xd7E0hIwRaedP8rLQbkKag2pAPMZ2bWCsxyDQYLJmuvf64cqBCINtsWIta9J8Xjg0Gfcpkrgo/s400/bottomofchandi.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">And more feathers.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQe5I7SInWTEH9CTbd8I6OQyBwiIubpflUK9ItQ4YXey54yBR90PVBfJTpTG7v65FTPlnYcRvxX9nCvu0ES9D2O9DtqoWdj59RFQNJkjj1mD95KaOtDUfpjgOK9z1j0UZIYYeaytabtI/s1600-h/bike.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417783931613778434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQe5I7SInWTEH9CTbd8I6OQyBwiIubpflUK9ItQ4YXey54yBR90PVBfJTpTG7v65FTPlnYcRvxX9nCvu0ES9D2O9DtqoWdj59RFQNJkjj1mD95KaOtDUfpjgOK9z1j0UZIYYeaytabtI/s400/bike.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I like to decorate the unreachable areas like this spot above my television armoire. Must be learned behavior from years of sharing my home with toddlers!<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiamZtvmtcENmGB2hZBSswVY0jGYb2Tsplax8yUaBerH0bYkYxu3UHPMhP2Sf9TsIXdmScfnYYs64zXPZx67NRTDxfRjUNB_o9QkhBbsJjxMIZI9RWq6gs1QnjAeK1Z4MeAdSTMJ05tDA/s1600-h/acornwdrapes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417783922620814434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiamZtvmtcENmGB2hZBSswVY0jGYb2Tsplax8yUaBerH0bYkYxu3UHPMhP2Sf9TsIXdmScfnYYs64zXPZx67NRTDxfRjUNB_o9QkhBbsJjxMIZI9RWq6gs1QnjAeK1Z4MeAdSTMJ05tDA/s400/acornwdrapes.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Sometimes a simple touch is enough.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc09glTz-HNF7P97Rm_HK4grNHBymedHGSYPYNzELodrlTaf0s3pep7k1YAjc8yImd0I5YB8aoCjsqNV2IJV4Z7SLsqXSIhb0QXFYEvsOpaUy8sJvT7JFq3ek_nYQeT9DaeBexnYSgWwI/s1600-h/kissingball.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417787373761484466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc09glTz-HNF7P97Rm_HK4grNHBymedHGSYPYNzELodrlTaf0s3pep7k1YAjc8yImd0I5YB8aoCjsqNV2IJV4Z7SLsqXSIhb0QXFYEvsOpaUy8sJvT7JFq3ek_nYQeT9DaeBexnYSgWwI/s400/kissingball.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">This decorator’s version of a kissing ball!<br /><br />xo<br /></span></div>

How I decorate for the holidays ... Deck the halls part 2

Remember these spiral trees and green pots?Combined with greens, they provide a winter welcome.Come on in!You are invited to take a peek at my home ... decorated for the holidays. For me, it is all about the details (especially since it is very challenging with my family of four boys to get an entir…

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