Have a Fabulous Weekend!

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAeriKmITStgAjJkfVLsVYRvd3l-mQ80Nr1Tx5PbxDprIkNFpyyorMCG0ESVFn_zv32UUVsFTSSKMrrLKzxyS7mIvEo070J86l0178hmnQInKdy8-xoUJVSCRBcfweB7T66tSFFWvNnA/s1600/Christmas+Puppy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAeriKmITStgAjJkfVLsVYRvd3l-mQ80Nr1Tx5PbxDprIkNFpyyorMCG0ESVFn_zv32UUVsFTSSKMrrLKzxyS7mIvEo070J86l0178hmnQInKdy8-xoUJVSCRBcfweB7T66tSFFWvNnA/s1600/Christmas+Puppy.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iloveswmag.com/newblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/holt_20091205_SWColoradoD2_1186.jpg">Christmas Puppy Awesomeness</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Morning Y'all! The weekend is finally here. I have a wedding this weekend that I'm very much looking forward to (Wilson Phillips and Bieber have been promised by the bride).   I also hope to get a head start on our family's Secret Santa gift exchange.  We did it a couple years ago and it was so much fun! This year we used <a href="http://sneakysanta.com/">SneakySanta.com</a> to draw names, since we couldn't all be together to actually draw names from a hat.  It's great because you can include a wishlist with links to things you want.  My youngest sister was all over that ;)  We also have really involved rules, too.  See here:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGCuGHdeXY5kELxsCDVB3LDlcVHnpXSf2SA9u2Agrk-k7lVjn2z5eZdHtdChEQWpIGrpKPXl6J1Rs7-oFNpKxHZSg5sJpWacSS5m-GSGLTiST4CwRgS_ACsGLcOX2F4EWQzOHDytC8R0/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGCuGHdeXY5kELxsCDVB3LDlcVHnpXSf2SA9u2Agrk-k7lVjn2z5eZdHtdChEQWpIGrpKPXl6J1Rs7-oFNpKxHZSg5sJpWacSS5m-GSGLTiST4CwRgS_ACsGLcOX2F4EWQzOHDytC8R0/s640/photo-10.JPG" width="446" /></a></div><br />And you HAVE to follow them or you get the award for Grinch who stole Christmas, and we all live in fear of that title.  We take pictures and make a book out of it and it makes for a great Christmas memory.  I think it helps ease the pain of not having any kids who believe in Santa anymore.  My youngest sister, Laura, let us believe she believed in Santa until she was 16, but once it became clear we weren't fooling anyone we had to find a way to bring back Christmas magic. Anyway, I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! I included some links to some of the gift guides I came across that had things I would actually buy on them.  Enjoy all these linkies with some spirited drinkies y'all! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/svoip/daft-punk-and-50s-works-well-4y59">You CAN dance the Charleston to Daft Punk</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If<span style="font-size: x-small;"> you watch<span style="font-size: x-small;"> this you will be happy all day - trust me</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">GIFT GUIDE #1: <a href="http://issuu.com/toandfrom/docs/holiday2012?mode=window">The blogger gift guide to end all gift guides</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the design of the <a href="http://issuu.com/toandfrom/docs/holiday2012?mode=window">Laduree web site</a> - tres fab</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mydesignchic.com/2012/11/white-subway-tile.html">A great round-up of rooms with white subway tile</a> for your pinning pleasure</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">University offers <a href="http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/11/dalhousie-university-to-offer-students-stress-relieving-puppy-ro/">stress-rel<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ie</span>ving</span></a></span><a href="http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/11/dalhousie-university-to-offer-students-stress-relieving-puppy-ro/"> puppy room</a> during exams</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">File that under<span style="font-size: x-small;">: total genius moves<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">GIFT GUIDE #2: <a href="http://www.prettypinktulips.com/2012/11/great-gift-ideas-for-under-50-cookbaker.html">under $50 for the cook/baker</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/11/20/daily-routines-writers/">The daily routines of famous writers</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">P</span>utting it out to the Universe - I would like to be a famous writer someday<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wonder if there is an interest for a tome on my life with a toddler at Target </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">GIFT GUIDE #3: <a href="http://everythingleb.blogspot.com/2012/11/leb-holiday-gift-guide-for-chef.html"><span style="font-size: small;">For the Chef</span></a></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">note the placemats </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">GIFT GUIDE #<span style="font-size: small;">4:  <a href="http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2012/11/bloggers-buzz-on-holiday-gifts-part-ii.html">Great ideas from friends of The Enchanted Home</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">including a fabulous blanket and monogrammed towels, which we desperately need  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">  </span><br /><a href="http://lobsterpeach.blogspot.com/2012/11/if-you-really-knew-me.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">A<span style="font-size: small;"> fellow blue and white lover shares her display</span></span></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">GIFT GUIDE #<span style="font-size: small;">5: <a href="http://belleonheels.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-dude-gift-guide-christmas.html"><span style="font-size: small;">A really great Dude Gift Guide</span></a></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.copycatchic.com/2012/11/gold-leaf-nesting-tables.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chinoiserie Nesting Tables for Cheap</span></span></span></a></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">GIFT GUIDE #<span style="font-size: small;">6: <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2012/11/gift-guide-2012-for-the-home.html">For the </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2012/11/gift-guide-2012-for-the-home.html">Home</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">love the monogrammed blanket and wall poster  </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/11/motherhood-monday-do-your-eyes-light-up.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do Your Eyes Light Up When You See Your Child?</span></span></a> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Always something I try to keep in mind </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amanda from Di<span style="font-size: small;">xie Delights always inspires me<span style="font-size: small;">, <a href="http://dixiedelights.blogspot.com/2012/11/deck-halls-2012.html">especially her house all done up Christmas<span style="font-size: small;">-st<span style="font-size: small;">yle</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>  <br /><br />I'll take <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_shops/JCrewcashmere/sweaters/PRDOVR~49290/49290.jsp">one cashmere party cardi</a> in each color please<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Credit: Thank you Leigh Burk<span style="font-size: x-small;">e for coin<span style="font-size: x-small;">ing the term "part cardi" </span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Next week: My Christmas Decorations, a pretty Kansas City home that happens to belong to one of Kip's bosses and a charity that I just found out my church does that you all should know about! </span> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Christmas Puppy AwesomenessMorning Y'all! The weekend is finally here. I have a wedding this weekend that I'm very much looking forward to (Wilson Phillips and Bieber have been promised by the bride).   I also hope to get a head start on our family's Secret Santa gift exchange.  We did it a couple y…

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A must have vase

I'm in love with the Boblen  vase my new  neighbour gave me. Although we do not know each other well, she could not have chosen a more fitting gift.  I always have some version of fresh greenery or flowers in my home. The more I look at  this little gem the more ideas I get  for using it.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIyXHP4TApbyj3PEpOF55cvxS5QlAT3dycw8N0jZ6ehTVV2lhJ7bqMZmoqwHtJJGgVR_ZYKlV8MDgRm3gpfVdchtKHTCwSFZskGDrbcUcM5dkwSNyInUI9wzDOZkmbV-c2UT4W__LvD1M/s1600/B6Xhn2ZMO4Sg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>The Boblen line of vases, designed by famous Norwegian Florist and TV personality Finn Schjoll,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TwtUUbPUlEo37P6Q_hSNS8dumSxl6rpB-UUQAv2Rs8q8-iyCVeib82_kGHhldbERILtgFtmaRLmzsnkmYGp6CEzZ-nCr1xT7GtHgdpzukRbnDCiuowJk739eRa2sQ9MZOqnQNOu0a7ff/s1600/9895310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TwtUUbPUlEo37P6Q_hSNS8dumSxl6rpB-UUQAv2Rs8q8-iyCVeib82_kGHhldbERILtgFtmaRLmzsnkmYGp6CEzZ-nCr1xT7GtHgdpzukRbnDCiuowJk739eRa2sQ9MZOqnQNOu0a7ff/s400/9895310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.letsdeal.no/deal/9895310/">source  </a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> are expressive mouth blown vases  in clear glass in various sizes </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh8naMPk5Lz4vRjQ21g5yqu05EZ25SIOvqKjO_PJUn80aDmNr9u9GTL4ugrFZavGFAMkxFuChfGjci2MwH2U_9VUmzoSfTYHfzMgivQCH_WS_7iZf04uvXbfSIhvSEDlt5T9D7R0IgNCD/s1600/IV2xfJYEMpRL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh8naMPk5Lz4vRjQ21g5yqu05EZ25SIOvqKjO_PJUn80aDmNr9u9GTL4ugrFZavGFAMkxFuChfGjci2MwH2U_9VUmzoSfTYHfzMgivQCH_WS_7iZf04uvXbfSIhvSEDlt5T9D7R0IgNCD/s400/IV2xfJYEMpRL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> and colours. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOqmtZfkNSOPAKC5L0qkpaglC9J7J0-IuJvLIfARATQGuTHQwqXnU2q7V5Y9KxHl4jONGZcq59Aj3YimT1z9Ufjclnuy3AmleHOGcvSKyfwb1hMANjkM22lbWjbsGYqLnpQwEW6UxE431/s1600/Magnor++Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOqmtZfkNSOPAKC5L0qkpaglC9J7J0-IuJvLIfARATQGuTHQwqXnU2q7V5Y9KxHl4jONGZcq59Aj3YimT1z9Ufjclnuy3AmleHOGcvSKyfwb1hMANjkM22lbWjbsGYqLnpQwEW6UxE431/s400/Magnor++Boblen.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Its design was inspired by water drops on a lily after the rain. The extended flat lip makes them especially conducive to wide floral designs.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF5yiqSzEJtM7s7fnrnnBoNBXLVpZM6C4mxEPL_flkoFf0XA2O9E44D5iGtDn2t_HQKY53f3CqyKc_VJDt2Wbci6yMAjhgVJa3fKL72Yemoue7DpZxgMGvfsAPfqqcEyjXniDrNpYKUnQ/s1600/132134986709524_enus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF5yiqSzEJtM7s7fnrnnBoNBXLVpZM6C4mxEPL_flkoFf0XA2O9E44D5iGtDn2t_HQKY53f3CqyKc_VJDt2Wbci6yMAjhgVJa3fKL72Yemoue7DpZxgMGvfsAPfqqcEyjXniDrNpYKUnQ/s400/132134986709524_enus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prefersource.com/site/pfs/home/page.html?cid=3&scid=72&tcid=73&aid=133483556040040&bycat=Vases%7CMagnor">source</a>  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PpEJTRRibGj7Sr3Imwz0wvBZRsa_cPqLX0PbyNej9KVlXt3EbXKJpovR2SdEgjTVt3Cm_b6Zi_2IgOKc1kxZw556S4S7pTAFKeRnPtDlfnNi__BGTKJ_ZWyPKLR0F2GIIqv6csQrovwf/s1600/Boblen+++peppermynte+te+015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PpEJTRRibGj7Sr3Imwz0wvBZRsa_cPqLX0PbyNej9KVlXt3EbXKJpovR2SdEgjTVt3Cm_b6Zi_2IgOKc1kxZw556S4S7pTAFKeRnPtDlfnNi__BGTKJ_ZWyPKLR0F2GIIqv6csQrovwf/s400/Boblen+++peppermynte+te+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardenandangels.blogspot.ca/2012/08/boblen.html">source </a><span style="color: blue;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FR27mW7AwfkTZ4FK90BhVsX2yaDVzD5Y8n2F_IJNtz28J6IidarsdHNULCzmQpe8v_cxZH9M20QbYY5z5o4ko-JWcHFyKuKOJ0eytKwvbyUl473qOBxC3EAAz_HRNKMRTIF3oMkWyiit/s1600/Magnor2+Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FR27mW7AwfkTZ4FK90BhVsX2yaDVzD5Y8n2F_IJNtz28J6IidarsdHNULCzmQpe8v_cxZH9M20QbYY5z5o4ko-JWcHFyKuKOJ0eytKwvbyUl473qOBxC3EAAz_HRNKMRTIF3oMkWyiit/s400/Magnor2+Boblen.JPG" width="265" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adressa.no/forbruker/hjem/article1591248.ece">source</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> or to highlight  a single blossom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Vz66Yfm5AxG-Num6xoX6v2LH270UzdXgtseSsajZbsWZ1tGm0kjOXOrreNIihvI0mpiY4cVB_yHlGeG7EO7Q0en60w_XtXi7RnYkOH2kb8oozAsrgBn0e_Rg209BNrQ4M3fQhtvka3Z/s1600/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Vz66Yfm5AxG-Num6xoX6v2LH270UzdXgtseSsajZbsWZ1tGm0kjOXOrreNIihvI0mpiY4cVB_yHlGeG7EO7Q0en60w_XtXi7RnYkOH2kb8oozAsrgBn0e_Rg209BNrQ4M3fQhtvka3Z/s400/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You can also put several vases of varying sizes together to create drama.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UD6A5zOE0-_ALf9mpMp__S0_Mx2xAGy3zsIH7iY5_E2Cha3sZwLIu0tv8SDJPcqOf1wy4Ph5aV0CYQBoBEb5CRu4bFQIqRUU0UpjdIgdgv8kBQYntVxu0o7LfXvx66Mx7m7rRkwq3bYx/s1600/JURbMyqLVh9j.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UD6A5zOE0-_ALf9mpMp__S0_Mx2xAGy3zsIH7iY5_E2Cha3sZwLIu0tv8SDJPcqOf1wy4Ph5aV0CYQBoBEb5CRu4bFQIqRUU0UpjdIgdgv8kBQYntVxu0o7LfXvx66Mx7m7rRkwq3bYx/s400/JURbMyqLVh9j.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> or float a flower in water in the bowl . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu60il1SCY1WlpigaJWAgVW2AU186OAtWRjOb8qMoJCTNNHe4MdpzxAus8ilc5htX402uvmRjt6lh4hiYhTTKTPzqbq4z2dJX8vM8HcugYbmWoTSAoJbiGRVAfRohW-aOPrqZZA8iKSHGK/s1600/159fe8413ba2084986d5adc9c97c255e-image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu60il1SCY1WlpigaJWAgVW2AU186OAtWRjOb8qMoJCTNNHe4MdpzxAus8ilc5htX402uvmRjt6lh4hiYhTTKTPzqbq4z2dJX8vM8HcugYbmWoTSAoJbiGRVAfRohW-aOPrqZZA8iKSHGK/s400/159fe8413ba2084986d5adc9c97c255e-image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-cYS0VAMz9JZhDSEq64uXs-f80os7Kpcc7bAbD_N8DefxWZXZCTK-GYCQb_WqAm_bqGI65wodJaeagVQEK4KqTeXk-1xraT_4pky-LHvkGgbCenCQ-IQz8nnnde_Rif1MWAr1jmB_wX/s1600/58cf90805fb611e180c9123138016265_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-cYS0VAMz9JZhDSEq64uXs-f80os7Kpcc7bAbD_N8DefxWZXZCTK-GYCQb_WqAm_bqGI65wodJaeagVQEK4KqTeXk-1xraT_4pky-LHvkGgbCenCQ-IQz8nnnde_Rif1MWAr1jmB_wX/s400/58cf90805fb611e180c9123138016265_7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><u>source </u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF5yiqSzEJtM7s7fnrnnBoNBXLVpZM6C4mxEPL_flkoFf0XA2O9E44D5iGtDn2t_HQKY53f3CqyKc_VJDt2Wbci6yMAjhgVJa3fKL72Yemoue7DpZxgMGvfsAPfqqcEyjXniDrNpYKUnQ/s1600/132134986709524_enus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  or wrap a creeping vine under and around the lip.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeqiKenrkOQurhjc3NhL07AekWeCMVB7jTYjZqNoAiB9U0BZVkvDcYxCWM3AjhxV-cy-C2p56dSBgKmtnyPDTkQ713r4WBLnQfibhju7KzEbsDxgBi8mPZef6vxoKcAaXwv29yXt1jgFX/s1600/Boblen+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeqiKenrkOQurhjc3NhL07AekWeCMVB7jTYjZqNoAiB9U0BZVkvDcYxCWM3AjhxV-cy-C2p56dSBgKmtnyPDTkQ713r4WBLnQfibhju7KzEbsDxgBi8mPZef6vxoKcAaXwv29yXt1jgFX/s400/Boblen+08.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sivshus.blogspot.ca/2010_10_01_archive.html">source  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Vz66Yfm5AxG-Num6xoX6v2LH270UzdXgtseSsajZbsWZ1tGm0kjOXOrreNIihvI0mpiY4cVB_yHlGeG7EO7Q0en60w_XtXi7RnYkOH2kb8oozAsrgBn0e_Rg209BNrQ4M3fQhtvka3Z/s1600/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You could also fill the bowl with candy, small glass ornaments, beach glass, berries, small blossoms, pepples etc.  and place a pillar candle on top.  An all around accent for your home that can always be on display. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artglassvista.com/artglass/Finn_Schjoll/artglass_33512-Boblen_Vase_Clear.html">Art Glass Vista  </a>ships world wide. </div><br />

A must have vase

I'm in love with the Boblen  vase my new  neighbour gave me. Although we do not know each other well, she could not have chosen a more fitting gift.  I always have some version of fresh greenery or flowers in my home. The more I look at  this little gem the more ideas I get  for using it.  The Bobl…

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How About We Not Go Bankrupt This Christmas

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CIQenZkjhSczGFPtOMf60BcB6wiz6JuiSCXjNAqC9MXg5EJQfQ0Pkg_VNtsWPZWFuZfQDcXuvdwFF01kpNpbkpCslCT7ebunaObnxflN5XYfM3PFUHzLwo7hwJX3PDE_22IzRKIzqhY/s1600/Elf+191543790373201388_GbXwXHrm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CIQenZkjhSczGFPtOMf60BcB6wiz6JuiSCXjNAqC9MXg5EJQfQ0Pkg_VNtsWPZWFuZfQDcXuvdwFF01kpNpbkpCslCT7ebunaObnxflN5XYfM3PFUHzLwo7hwJX3PDE_22IzRKIzqhY/s1600/Elf+191543790373201388_GbXwXHrm_c.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Ok y'all, I have about the same level of self-control when it comes to Christmas as this guy.  It doesn't help that Edward insists on watching Elf every morning when he wakes up.  Every. Morning.  It only feeds my enthusiasm.  So while everyone is sharing their gift guides (I'll link to some of my favorites tomorrow), I thought I'd share a couple ideas for Christmas decor that won't leave you completely broke before you even have a chance buy these gifts.<br /><br />Most of it is from Target.  Why? Because shopping with a two-year-old is always a wildcard.  I need to be able to run 46 different errands in less that 25 minutes without getting Edward in and out of the car seat.  Enter Super Target.  I can keep him busy with a plastic tiger or dinosaur from the $1 bins, get a Starbucks, shop for groceries, baby stuff, clothes, shoes and holiday decor in one swoop.  The amount I spend at Target is a ridiculous, but necessary evil in my current situation.*<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Target absolutely did not pay for this semi-ringing endorsement.  I wish! </span><br /><br />So here ya are, folks: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNXpWBKE_LVOlnLfSKo45mcX388dgD8e0WiHptZCj9DWs185cLvLQaJZPl__k6XQZGef6V0IHKqAzwSLD4MQCKi4O3pU_jtLNqyt8oawe15tcawcwcOaNRT9i-TASE9lp3gaVRrcyPO0/s1600/OB-Christmas+Bargains++copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNXpWBKE_LVOlnLfSKo45mcX388dgD8e0WiHptZCj9DWs185cLvLQaJZPl__k6XQZGef6V0IHKqAzwSLD4MQCKi4O3pU_jtLNqyt8oawe15tcawcwcOaNRT9i-TASE9lp3gaVRrcyPO0/s640/OB-Christmas+Bargains++copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/quilted-velvet-tree-skirt-ivory/-/A-13667868">Quilted Velvet Tree Skirt $30</a> - I bought this for under our tree in our kitchen.  I love the scalloped border and the white looks really pretty under the tree. </li><li><a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/1-1/2-red-gingham-wired-edge-ribbon-364604/">Red Gingham Wired Edge Ribbon $6.99</a> - Hobby Lobby is one of the most intimidating places on Earth, but they have lots of ribbon for not lots of money.  I went crazy with the ribbon this year, but more on that next week.  They also have a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobby-lobby/id535562583?mt=8">Hobby Lobby app</a> that you can download on your phone and use to show them that <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/assets/dynamic/_weekly.coupon/2012_48_coupon.gif">40% Off Coupon</a> that you usually have to print out, but you always forget because who prints things anymore? Finally, Hobby Lobby is having 50% off all Christmas items.  </li><li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/curled-wood-wreath-red-17/-/A-11316486#prodSlot=medium_2_53">Red Curled Wood Wreath $31.99</a> - Say that quickly 5 times.  I bought this for our front door.  It's a really bright, vibrant red that you can see all the way from space.  You'll see next week. </li><li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/gold-glitter-trumpet-nutcracker/-/A-14195231#prodSlot=medium_1_18">Gold Glitter Nutcracker $9.74</a> - I'm going to go get some today.  I love nutcrackers, except when they look angry.  I want them to look happy and gay, like these guys. </li><li><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/needlepoint-christmas-stocking~27370_-1.html?sku_0=::SRN">Land's End Needlepoint Christmas Stocking $29.50</a> - These would be a lovely placeholder until you finish the needlepoint stocking you are thinking of starting to make yourself.  I really need to get going on that.  We haven't actually had a family Christmas at home yet, instead switching off between families each year while we can.  But the time is coming for Edward to wake up Christmas morning in his own home.  It will be bittersweet for sure.  I'll need to have some proper family stockings by then. </li><li><a href="http://www.target.com/p/20lt-clear-acrylic-snowflake-tree-topper/-/A-10947926#prodSlot=medium_1_18">Clear Acrylic Snowflake Tree Topper $20</a> - I have this for one of our trees, but I haven't put it up yet.  It's blingy, which I like.  </li><li><a href="http://www.shopfurbish.com/servlet/the-2016/%22Jingle-This%22-Handtowel/Detail?category=Holiday">Furbish "Jingle This" Handtowel $12</a> - Furbish is one of my favorite places to shop online and I'm still obsessed with this hand towel.  I think it's funny and holiday decorating should be funny sometimes.  </li><li>Go to the grocery store, get some walnuts, put them in a glass hurricane with a white candle.  It looks festive and clever.  </li><li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114507855/royal-copenhagen-christmas-plate-1983">Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plate 1983 $25</a> - I love these because they're old school.  Also, because they're blue and white.  You can find them all over Etsy and Ebay.  You can hang them or use them on plate stands amongst the greenery to get your blue fix.  </li></ol>Sorry, I didn't make it to 10.  The OCD in me is stressed by that, but the lazy part of me didn't want to deal with it.  I'm almost finished with my Christmas decorations, which I'll show you next week!  It occurred to me that we will probably live in this house for the next 30 years.  And while I could easily put a tree in every window, a wreath on every door and trim around every door frame, I need to save some things for next year and the year after.   That is soo hard for me to do, but we would like to buy presents for people and give to some charities, so I hold back ... for the children.  <br /><ol></ol>

How About We Not Go Bankrupt This Christmas

Ok y'all, I have about the same level of self-control when it comes to Christmas as this guy.  It doesn't help that Edward insists on watching Elf every morning when he wakes up.  Every. Morning.  It only feeds my enthusiasm.  So while everyone is sharing their gift guides (I'll link to some of my f…

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Inspirations of Late

Before I go all crazy Christmas lady on you, I wanted to share some images I've seen lately that I absolutely cannot get out of my head.  I picture these images whilst choreographing a dance routine to Kylie Minogue's <i>Can't Get You Outta My Head</i>.  For the record, my brain is in a constant state of choreography in addition to the images of Christmas, Edward's cute ham-hock legs, puppies and pretty decor rotating around up there.  So if anyone is ever wondering why I'm so spacey sometimes, that's why.  It's a lot. <br /><br />Good God that door is beautiful!  That's what the entrance to Heaven will look like for me. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAiwmIw5GEHnfBgeHrcBOmQdfvaFlB9YE5wg3AILf-h8Nw1iGmDtNXa3CxScCtWEgHcXoygBKa_P4K0e4Geigru5jZm5tNG3z61RL-z6Zn5nP6UcZ7DZ7_7l9POb6TRcgoYarhaS3zvU/s1600/Inspired+1++RDuJpour+3659243417747974_CLLHtm7y_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAiwmIw5GEHnfBgeHrcBOmQdfvaFlB9YE5wg3AILf-h8Nw1iGmDtNXa3CxScCtWEgHcXoygBKa_P4K0e4Geigru5jZm5tNG3z61RL-z6Zn5nP6UcZ7DZ7_7l9POb6TRcgoYarhaS3zvU/s1600/Inspired+1++RDuJpour+3659243417747974_CLLHtm7y_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://rdujour.com/2012/06/14/maison-dujour-hotel-particulier-in-paris-16/">RDuJour</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fdDu6zyOSXF7Z4R4xQz_5wZVUV8178UYsI6MLvWID1rce2mbo-eJcjbzmyiFNYw-pzFT6T9fv4-EXGLG9FCo8ZFiUQH5nOPUQziI2iLwMvhQHNa7qe0GTnot9tSg4uocvAfgrsXmULY/s1600/Inspired+2+French+Opulance+Paul+Raeside+96545985733440060_0RqJaTM0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fdDu6zyOSXF7Z4R4xQz_5wZVUV8178UYsI6MLvWID1rce2mbo-eJcjbzmyiFNYw-pzFT6T9fv4-EXGLG9FCo8ZFiUQH5nOPUQziI2iLwMvhQHNa7qe0GTnot9tSg4uocvAfgrsXmULY/s1600/Inspired+2+French+Opulance+Paul+Raeside+96545985733440060_0RqJaTM0_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://index.php/pictures/portfolio/editorial/homes-houses1/">Paul Raeside</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST4cEW0kL8y9unQ8pV5NjhMSr7CvQ12otb7qUTr2NEHnWO5e91Na2TImZHk6oDf9BE3PkJOzV7Ra6oUj7VWilmof-zx3DJNdK5W8lM28p-HKUJr0VZZRu01y3gNSVkTdxv9w_j7yFLXY/s1600/Inspired+3+Painted+Paper+Pretties+227994799856742385_RV81T2HP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST4cEW0kL8y9unQ8pV5NjhMSr7CvQ12otb7qUTr2NEHnWO5e91Na2TImZHk6oDf9BE3PkJOzV7Ra6oUj7VWilmof-zx3DJNdK5W8lM28p-HKUJr0VZZRu01y3gNSVkTdxv9w_j7yFLXY/s1600/Inspired+3+Painted+Paper+Pretties+227994799856742385_RV81T2HP_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.it/2011/03/beautiful-in-beverly-hlls.html">Habitually Chic</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lnelO02nm0oWUf_XEnEeoMZoc7X0I5mT7F-Xdb3IhTspjxkkzro14CfrPz57WTToeekxD8ft8MqBe9GXa5E7ofjvPUVTEyZfjNlmKlD027SAjgiCCALge4m_jKXDsDjbhzwzZzr4Wk/s1600/Inspired+4+Desk+99431104244772384_H4cGHyKT_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1lnelO02nm0oWUf_XEnEeoMZoc7X0I5mT7F-Xdb3IhTspjxkkzro14CfrPz57WTToeekxD8ft8MqBe9GXa5E7ofjvPUVTEyZfjNlmKlD027SAjgiCCALge4m_jKXDsDjbhzwzZzr4Wk/s1600/Inspired+4+Desk+99431104244772384_H4cGHyKT_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2012/11/grey-day.html">Habitually Chic</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier0kmT81n6jtXFuvKEvaaE_PQ6NlH0lkuDRjAVhD3sLtVJR4XA5jQI6K3WxF2qXJnx2yWLfK_KD_GCw1KrjRLX3h4luwMuceeN6hF6MF8ikg4GV1QguWQ7x0BZZMPp9Rfpu1hqcYivMQ/s1600/Inspired+5+Cobalt+Blue+Chair+47217496064937413_wvdYyj3e_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier0kmT81n6jtXFuvKEvaaE_PQ6NlH0lkuDRjAVhD3sLtVJR4XA5jQI6K3WxF2qXJnx2yWLfK_KD_GCw1KrjRLX3h4luwMuceeN6hF6MF8ikg4GV1QguWQ7x0BZZMPp9Rfpu1hqcYivMQ/s1600/Inspired+5+Cobalt+Blue+Chair+47217496064937413_wvdYyj3e_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://eclecchic.blogspot.com/2012/11/yo-solo-quiero-descansar.html?m=1">Eclechic</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5y9t2XuT7khRABX3ug0sBgLE5E01xLjPpX7O_eaYUxLZhNaIJhvS5DIUo5rvufxJkNRjDvZHqNkTa6Rp555ojqxqk8j8l6Uv5dYr45zOMJDpFaGYh0w-NSlYgGzYf1FTnNBlimEKXII/s1600/tumblr_mdr7k6LNrE1r96pomo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5y9t2XuT7khRABX3ug0sBgLE5E01xLjPpX7O_eaYUxLZhNaIJhvS5DIUo5rvufxJkNRjDvZHqNkTa6Rp555ojqxqk8j8l6Uv5dYr45zOMJDpFaGYh0w-NSlYgGzYf1FTnNBlimEKXII/s1600/tumblr_mdr7k6LNrE1r96pomo1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://thefoodogatemyhomework.tumblr.com/post/36087296459/blue-and-white-and-light-and-bright-surprise">The Foo Dog Ate My Homework (if someone has an original source, please let me know)</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I love the opulence of all of these images.  Even the spare, white bathroom has a shot of rich, cobalt blue and gold.  The black and gold desk is going on my wishlist for things I would like to have in my lifetime.  I'd like a small one for my bedroom or a larger one for the future library we're going to put in our formal living room. <br /><br />Anyway, I just had to put those out there.  They are keeping me up at night.  How does one deal with so much prettiness in the world? (obviously if you're me, you start a blog about it and then write weird things in the white space)<br /><br />I'm almost finished putting up Christmas decorations! Also, we are painting the basement and I took a peek and I'm so in love with it. I'm having them paint everything Benjamin Moore Sage Tint - trim, doors and walls.  I could eat the paint I love it so much. Kip wasn't too sure about it, but I said, "trust me, my love, it will look amazeballs." (just kidding, I don't talk like that, I'm in a weird mood)  I'll share some sneak peeks on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/belclairehouse">Facebook</a> this afternoon! Have a loverly day!

Inspirations of Late

Before I go all crazy Christmas lady on you, I wanted to share some images I've seen lately that I absolutely cannot get out of my head.  I picture these images whilst choreographing a dance routine to Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Outta My Head.  For the record, my brain is in a constant state of c…

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Morning Y'all!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHTlcp4EeZTUmIDAVYXddmX3JsBCCsWBvvrKezgCyGVRKw42r_tQ2mfP_-RZz-HT3HT59oJcWZ0gwbTqRH7oTlR8XMqAO-_MACjrAM-RpKbcID-ZVxeOpXcHxDQweMkXciTiSZ5jiDLQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHTlcp4EeZTUmIDAVYXddmX3JsBCCsWBvvrKezgCyGVRKw42r_tQ2mfP_-RZz-HT3HT59oJcWZ0gwbTqRH7oTlR8XMqAO-_MACjrAM-RpKbcID-ZVxeOpXcHxDQweMkXciTiSZ5jiDLQ/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />IIIITT'SS CHRIIIIIIISSTMAAAAAAS!!! (you know, in Oprah's voice)<br /><br />Y'all, I'm so excited.  I love Christmas.  It's <i>the most wonderful time of the year. </i><br /><br />I can feel myself getting annoying about Christmas all ready.  I'm going to try to temper it when I write, but just know, in my head it's all candy canes and sugar plums (what are sugar plums).  My goal from here on out is to do something fun and Christmas-y everyday with Edward.  I want to take advantage of every moment I have with him, while he believes in magic, even though he doesn't totally get it yet.  Today, I'll be gathering some Christmas stuff and decking the halls.  I'll try and share bits here and there with y'all.<br /><br />I'm finding the process of decorating our new home for Christmas a tad overwhelming.  It's a different, more formal space than our previous house.  It's also bigger.  I want to do it justice without breaking the bank.  (Kip and I are in constant negotiation about how many a twinkle lights a tree needs)<br /><br />I'm inspired by the lights in my hometown:<br /><br />(images courtesy of my little sissy Laura)  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA6V3FPPIfUUC2YWLyNk9X9k46kR8uwh85PIeBqN0deFYxVl1UYZk2PiNuveXaBkzZLphVwS6pGSMvnNCMGpo-21x3pCYLg16hcVLMbQnfqxb2iDsLZxuBNw7o6BfLpk0tJn5fiV7JdQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA6V3FPPIfUUC2YWLyNk9X9k46kR8uwh85PIeBqN0deFYxVl1UYZk2PiNuveXaBkzZLphVwS6pGSMvnNCMGpo-21x3pCYLg16hcVLMbQnfqxb2iDsLZxuBNw7o6BfLpk0tJn5fiV7JdQ/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fLR7qH41gEyJQfFlv-hwFYBsDvyMLL8Lr0iUZph7LdJ_gi2pfDNdEPKvbw0uTm7Z16xuQP54KUfYjJ3lNzT8bhO-D1WwzhPt7MuFfKEXFJwU47CyV5Lj1m0W_TKGj1radV9ok5AQAqU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fLR7qH41gEyJQfFlv-hwFYBsDvyMLL8Lr0iUZph7LdJ_gi2pfDNdEPKvbw0uTm7Z16xuQP54KUfYjJ3lNzT8bhO-D1WwzhPt7MuFfKEXFJwU47CyV5Lj1m0W_TKGj1radV9ok5AQAqU/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrfrX9-G4oNuZnH6bK5okDsGo61ZSjE-PIWWLgHWmBM8X7y6T9ek21voOM_VY9lPN8RubqADOTaVk2CYs64BAGg_Fiyb0unjVqa8_NCQ8pEzhGW9TfSuDTAkaUNle6j9aO0b0rFU55FI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrfrX9-G4oNuZnH6bK5okDsGo61ZSjE-PIWWLgHWmBM8X7y6T9ek21voOM_VY9lPN8RubqADOTaVk2CYs64BAGg_Fiyb0unjVqa8_NCQ8pEzhGW9TfSuDTAkaUNle6j9aO0b0rFU55FI/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />How cute are my sisters y'all?  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yyMfVXw_z3eA7RZ4Ya62kjAGr5e068KZZ-5zDar3zXNNEnK_ZhHnoGFgD7XA_V2HrdkI7Flcs2azy9z3MCvv89ThpQUqjfOKpZ6j4bl8_Lj0SgJSz9uQ8bTPm5d2iJ0mlXQhh0PN9Dw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yyMfVXw_z3eA7RZ4Ya62kjAGr5e068KZZ-5zDar3zXNNEnK_ZhHnoGFgD7XA_V2HrdkI7Flcs2azy9z3MCvv89ThpQUqjfOKpZ6j4bl8_Lj0SgJSz9uQ8bTPm5d2iJ0mlXQhh0PN9Dw/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth & Laura (a.k.a. Wizzie & Lulu)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kip knows that this is what I'm thinking when it comes to our house and it scares him.  So I'm going to have to compromise, but seriously, aren't the lights heavenly?<br /><br />Ok, I'll leave you with this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XejgE6yAy66gfo7gTMkt6PUI0DRd29vdk-H_m3eA5m7BQjVHrR_MuRpo4-EuDJylCXn0xd4pR0uKZYad-FCkM0vaiwTKX1dOeVGdM51ID9qVKPqQhDkHxV2N0ON8fA_Zg7b-ZK1Q5mM/s1600/Collages-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XejgE6yAy66gfo7gTMkt6PUI0DRd29vdk-H_m3eA5m7BQjVHrR_MuRpo4-EuDJylCXn0xd4pR0uKZYad-FCkM0vaiwTKX1dOeVGdM51ID9qVKPqQhDkHxV2N0ON8fA_Zg7b-ZK1Q5mM/s640/Collages-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to take our Christmas picture this weekend - not easy with a two-year-old</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More holiday inspiration to come this week! <br /><br />Have a lovely cyber-monday y'all!

Morning Y'all!

IIIITT'SS CHRIIIIIIISSTMAAAAAAS!!! (you know, in Oprah's voice)Y'all, I'm so excited.  I love Christmas.  It's the most wonderful time of the year. I can feel myself getting annoying about Christmas all ready.  I'm going to try to temper it when I write, but just know, in my head it's all candy cane…

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10 simple accent trees for Christmas

<br />.  There is definitely a "simpler Christmas" trend in the last several years. Simple is good and clean and when you add green to the mix you have the perfect Christmas accent, a small/miniature tree.  From plain to layered, there are lots of options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT5OhRe8t8x1DPUF3YXJiU8-qdUMIGIncwLbrALeLLlTUEh-F_-u69p4NDv8V6ji_U0UYJIN1hOpu783foeaTKx_VmWGZ93h_lHpxMTUV7ebn9p-mBly0ZMempwiOiRr2E6QRsIRbVeMY/s1600/16607092345570122_uYTBjPYH_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT5OhRe8t8x1DPUF3YXJiU8-qdUMIGIncwLbrALeLLlTUEh-F_-u69p4NDv8V6ji_U0UYJIN1hOpu783foeaTKx_VmWGZ93h_lHpxMTUV7ebn9p-mBly0ZMempwiOiRr2E6QRsIRbVeMY/s640/16607092345570122_uYTBjPYH_c.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A little woodland whimsy with wooden beads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2c-Ml1RCU5H2a1HbqP8VkwTj5RHI189bqqnmqRescTrCKjMLz3jMSZRZtFr9XRku4tYF6Yd0oUw45DxIqzEkguuaQnJbygliDiHrspJGKDaTyuPbmlHeueKlPmm9eqQ9gf-GofEGrPxs/s1600/24980972904375284_y24YkP9e_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2c-Ml1RCU5H2a1HbqP8VkwTj5RHI189bqqnmqRescTrCKjMLz3jMSZRZtFr9XRku4tYF6Yd0oUw45DxIqzEkguuaQnJbygliDiHrspJGKDaTyuPbmlHeueKlPmm9eqQ9gf-GofEGrPxs/s640/24980972904375284_y24YkP9e_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Grouped with a sign  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_rf-qVvI4D9W-GzRvl3RzDwPSOkptC2Yzp4a7tGhvpS7YbKtlyLLmKmMmIojjsSsPgpPf6cLxq2clvdIxypQoxQB-5uPA2l48fagEnW0C1tJ9w5gKVurqbRD_u25L0MhrQ-Lq58ni4Dw/s1600/46654546109515266_voxg2PJO_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_rf-qVvI4D9W-GzRvl3RzDwPSOkptC2Yzp4a7tGhvpS7YbKtlyLLmKmMmIojjsSsPgpPf6cLxq2clvdIxypQoxQB-5uPA2l48fagEnW0C1tJ9w5gKVurqbRD_u25L0MhrQ-Lq58ni4Dw/s640/46654546109515266_voxg2PJO_c.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Welcoming visitors, no need for ornaments </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XLfnDhB8qxry9pGOz1yxe5k7CJmt9k_K73rJS0QeeCr5Ai40TcS-rnFYoamypcijd6ewLWgg937JCn5OkI83oVu50PJIb_sR-viOysUNBAM70IGu0ciaoGQvcT0YCGkZ87bZiVWKwDOZ/s1600/131589620333755849_hMjOGOOG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XLfnDhB8qxry9pGOz1yxe5k7CJmt9k_K73rJS0QeeCr5Ai40TcS-rnFYoamypcijd6ewLWgg937JCn5OkI83oVu50PJIb_sR-viOysUNBAM70IGu0ciaoGQvcT0YCGkZ87bZiVWKwDOZ/s640/131589620333755849_hMjOGOOG_c.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A "tree" constructed from branches of boxwood, but easily done with any type of greenery. I would cut oasis in a cone shape and go from there.  For all I know you can get oasis in a cone shape! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihutiHT_-UhnjvAoiwjzXM-RmrK_yLyj_Plthq1SA0t3StNeeC0vTtAr_chfMuQQBLeyH2PpcS2gksFfu9S_Ux61G2HEuBFYEXn8wd7RbHscmBp4Aww2eQssdmlMLBrDVQ0GD_8M_mu78i/s1600/171277592049965579_E6d2QQjf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihutiHT_-UhnjvAoiwjzXM-RmrK_yLyj_Plthq1SA0t3StNeeC0vTtAr_chfMuQQBLeyH2PpcS2gksFfu9S_Ux61G2HEuBFYEXn8wd7RbHscmBp4Aww2eQssdmlMLBrDVQ0GD_8M_mu78i/s640/171277592049965579_E6d2QQjf_c.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A  shaped rosemary tree with wood accents.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE7MArpyzIGmS7Q971efsTg_zN_8dKE1stoasfnFC46iZHGfHHF8ohxvoDq7oX8UyXvKVTpo0vfrpOOgMVd9tTXT7Ysz3zoHAJTwmuRF3XWPGDK7V1LyVlmdHueWRhfbDyH292fQ_98JF/s1600/197806608602927263_P1gJ9bWn_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE7MArpyzIGmS7Q971efsTg_zN_8dKE1stoasfnFC46iZHGfHHF8ohxvoDq7oX8UyXvKVTpo0vfrpOOgMVd9tTXT7Ysz3zoHAJTwmuRF3XWPGDK7V1LyVlmdHueWRhfbDyH292fQ_98JF/s640/197806608602927263_P1gJ9bWn_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Rosemary again with starfish for a beach Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXskTUCHlhM7AGPS_exYIgT_-tJDI9qTZ_5oG6_-z5OvLCGFBSEhEv5JLTJUwPEG2vohbys6DnYU9Qe0lJ4CsVoXoFTFhtX07UDsSfMFyaSdJN8edq3x1ZlCT90SZ2yglwdUivoIyscEfC/s1600/207939707766589162_6Nh4bI33_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXskTUCHlhM7AGPS_exYIgT_-tJDI9qTZ_5oG6_-z5OvLCGFBSEhEv5JLTJUwPEG2vohbys6DnYU9Qe0lJ4CsVoXoFTFhtX07UDsSfMFyaSdJN8edq3x1ZlCT90SZ2yglwdUivoIyscEfC/s640/207939707766589162_6Nh4bI33_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_lXgUoe1V9xOo45AKp4dlengDhUxMyUcy5ODr7QS8aphN0AF5DnOpZHRu0iUJPbJJpZs6Sk3zstqGGsmLVHJB1A1FCrwmlERRapC9QxkJyEyUlrBS5O5zd_SI2YQjoxIicAPQhlxyPHk/s1600/217369119484563317_VkNdfhLB_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lovely tree with pinecones in a recycled wooden box.  Nice candlestick holders too. The black and white accents provide a great backdrop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_lXgUoe1V9xOo45AKp4dlengDhUxMyUcy5ODr7QS8aphN0AF5DnOpZHRu0iUJPbJJpZs6Sk3zstqGGsmLVHJB1A1FCrwmlERRapC9QxkJyEyUlrBS5O5zd_SI2YQjoxIicAPQhlxyPHk/s1600/217369119484563317_VkNdfhLB_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_lXgUoe1V9xOo45AKp4dlengDhUxMyUcy5ODr7QS8aphN0AF5DnOpZHRu0iUJPbJJpZs6Sk3zstqGGsmLVHJB1A1FCrwmlERRapC9QxkJyEyUlrBS5O5zd_SI2YQjoxIicAPQhlxyPHk/s640/217369119484563317_VkNdfhLB_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Love the bucket and bench  (it's all the texture and gray) but the simple ornaments finish everything off beautifully.  Who would think white card trees could be so elegant?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl3l6z42BoyKl_ErekCNZvsg6Vo8AnNuYF91TBeNBXcEeMknHvBIhvdgzI3Fr2a2mvg3cf5BWaWv6_XuQLjNu44RduOs3-aCodkLMDLVcKXaoUg0JLpohT6AOTdwV6i7UnUtzs99aN05g/s1600/79ideas-small-christmas-tree-decoration.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl3l6z42BoyKl_ErekCNZvsg6Vo8AnNuYF91TBeNBXcEeMknHvBIhvdgzI3Fr2a2mvg3cf5BWaWv6_XuQLjNu44RduOs3-aCodkLMDLVcKXaoUg0JLpohT6AOTdwV6i7UnUtzs99aN05g/s640/79ideas-small-christmas-tree-decoration.png" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you make these 3 D hearts as a child?  They bring back happy  memories for me. With all the great paper designs available the sky is the limit for this idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl3l6z42BoyKl_ErekCNZvsg6Vo8AnNuYF91TBeNBXcEeMknHvBIhvdgzI3Fr2a2mvg3cf5BWaWv6_XuQLjNu44RduOs3-aCodkLMDLVcKXaoUg0JLpohT6AOTdwV6i7UnUtzs99aN05g/s1600/79ideas-small-christmas-tree-decoration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl3l6z42BoyKl_ErekCNZvsg6Vo8AnNuYF91TBeNBXcEeMknHvBIhvdgzI3Fr2a2mvg3cf5BWaWv6_XuQLjNu44RduOs3-aCodkLMDLVcKXaoUg0JLpohT6AOTdwV6i7UnUtzs99aN05g/s1600/79ideas-small-christmas-tree-decoration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgRQnwT_8HagoMiXM12hyphenhyphenohB_0hlbqpGe4hwbgeHGlQrsRs0pfC5pNua8CMKOwi0MIfqHFNJq7-SXQql8ryAdPD_DsLizytajl1Ee0AIeWMFieLxdPOjdLgPoQ5P40EPsqgvZ1gX2murh/s1600/277112183291282824_cbprWH4Z_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgRQnwT_8HagoMiXM12hyphenhyphenohB_0hlbqpGe4hwbgeHGlQrsRs0pfC5pNua8CMKOwi0MIfqHFNJq7-SXQql8ryAdPD_DsLizytajl1Ee0AIeWMFieLxdPOjdLgPoQ5P40EPsqgvZ1gX2murh/s640/277112183291282824_cbprWH4Z_c.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> And finally a little colour for those who want it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl3l6z42BoyKl_ErekCNZvsg6Vo8AnNuYF91TBeNBXcEeMknHvBIhvdgzI3Fr2a2mvg3cf5BWaWv6_XuQLjNu44RduOs3-aCodkLMDLVcKXaoUg0JLpohT6AOTdwV6i7UnUtzs99aN05g/s1600/79ideas-small-christmas-tree-decoration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All links can be found on my Pinterest page. </div>

10 simple accent trees for Christmas

.  There is definitely a "simpler Christmas" trend in the last several years. Simple is good and clean and when you add green to the mix you have the perfect Christmas accent, a small/miniature tree.  From plain to layered, there are lots of options. A little woodland whimsy with wooden beads. Group…

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The value of objects

Every home is filled with furniture and objects, but they are not valued equally by homeowners. Personal preferences and history play a part in determining individual likes and dislikes in furniture and accessories.  Coming to terms with what you truly value in your home can help you set a design focus.<br /><br /> As a place to start with clients who  may be  having difficulty focusing on where they want to go with a design, I often ask them to show me several things in the space that they value/love/ couldn't part with. In talking about why they like the particular piece I get insight into what is important to them and many times the objects also provide inspiration for the design.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/64772/Marina-Residence-contemporary-family-room-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="680" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/961142990c646068_8-1000/contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/sutton-suzuki-architects/sutton-suzuki-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sutton Suzuki Architects</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> Art work of varying kinds can serve  as an impetus for a room design.  The tones of the sculptures and ceramic vases  are picked up i<span style="font-size: small;">n the dark<span style="font-size: small;"> wood<span style="font-size: small;">s of the <span style="font-size: small;">stacked tables. The beige sofa allows the art work to stand out. </span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUGbX_ST4TxijGYz-RZPEzWIq7XKvC8kEpS0QW-XNe3kwdVVAoal6Mrbcj4YNqdIKESuDdU7dNGXU2MT4_NakNBJQHTUdypqdrs-D_pdrxmsCIEGZF3Whap5l3ljiT6rfnRI-cuzeu7Gw/s1600/DSCN5639_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUGbX_ST4TxijGYz-RZPEzWIq7XKvC8kEpS0QW-XNe3kwdVVAoal6Mrbcj4YNqdIKESuDdU7dNGXU2MT4_NakNBJQHTUdypqdrs-D_pdrxmsCIEGZF3Whap5l3ljiT6rfnRI-cuzeu7Gw/s640/DSCN5639_01.JPG" width="480" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my  home art usually influences my room designs.  I certainly don't purchase art work to match my decor, but I like to give my art work the option of influencing the room in which it lives!  One of my favourite pieces (artist Will Gill) begged me to paint this favourite chair a lovely green. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1472027/Chevy-Chase-Living-Room-contemporary-living-room-dc-metro"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/bb71aaf200382945_8-0089/contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/suzannepricedesign/suzanne-price-design-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Suzanne Price Design, LLC</a></small></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Antique rugs are a wonderful starting point for original colour schemes.  Th<span style="font-size: small;">is </span>blue and aqua scheme is fresh and exciting, and without a wonderful starting point th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> room probably would not have come together in this way.  <span style="font-size: small;">Mixing old and new can be easy if you are a little adventurous. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pet peeve:   Pleas<span style="font-size: small;">e, can I have a larger coffee table<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">so I can reach it to put my coffee cup down when I come for a visit? It's the armless chair that I would sit in.  I hate floating coffee tables that don't connect with the furniture. Sorry, that just popped out. </span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuL52jXGWWZlteRtNZSZjH0-s-Tm9EqrmKg9lm2NjUrMROp5kGD8VIwjzOqK2qhBcelGbFZk971ECqFjJVujfZp-xdJFxOyxirbBuxh6lW_CU7KBejkXbisPgA9nWPyC4Uy3zEfivBdJd/s1600/234820568040343419_VYI3potb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuL52jXGWWZlteRtNZSZjH0-s-Tm9EqrmKg9lm2NjUrMROp5kGD8VIwjzOqK2qhBcelGbFZk971ECqFjJVujfZp-xdJFxOyxirbBuxh6lW_CU7KBejkXbisPgA9nWPyC4Uy3zEfivBdJd/s640/234820568040343419_VYI3potb_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.jeffersdesigngroup.com/portfolio#"> Jeffers Design Group  </a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes something as small as a pillow or a set of lamps can be the beginning of a sophisticated design.  Certainly if you owned these lamps they would be difficult to ignore.  Perhaps there is an interesting history  <span style="font-size: small;">behind the<span style="font-size: small;">m. </span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqkQCo5uL8LD7oUdGHPyTvrY0KwqudnerIfTHKb9AiS1yu8HXsHWdgLZ05YkjiT18NB2-PinfcGROs8kvo_-HTWZOUG_xGQZr2vy4JRSyZcRDe2hL-QmQDRR_OIISDZckvRw8pHfXccBx/s1600/70016969176319884_Ol4m28ye_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqkQCo5uL8LD7oUdGHPyTvrY0KwqudnerIfTHKb9AiS1yu8HXsHWdgLZ05YkjiT18NB2-PinfcGROs8kvo_-HTWZOUG_xGQZr2vy4JRSyZcRDe2hL-QmQDRR_OIISDZckvRw8pHfXccBx/s640/70016969176319884_Ol4m28ye_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.saniapell.com/">Sania Pell</a></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not ever<span style="font-size: small;">thing you value is pretty. </span> Some objects  have  histories <span style="font-size: small;">told by the marks of the passage of time. They evo<span style="font-size: small;">ke  family <span style="font-size: small;">memor<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">es and offer opportunit<span style="font-size: small;">ies for pairing with <span style="font-size: small;">objects tha<span style="font-size: small;">t have a s<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">imilar</span> history. I love this old <span style="font-size: small;">box with its related sea themed objects. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oqs8599lIRh6Z7AX7niJppwwWIIwNTFrC8S9SCxwP0L5ogx7hHA9MEtlhZtqEWEYYPp8JFFdJ6R8nZO38c9BjTS65j4T1y_Jl8uF363IR7pKrtsZXVNPFgM6A48jgSfgMQM7Gh4ZebBq/s1600/DSCN6140_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oqs8599lIRh6Z7AX7niJppwwWIIwNTFrC8S9SCxwP0L5ogx7hHA9MEtlhZtqEWEYYPp8JFFdJ6R8nZO38c9BjTS65j4T1y_Jl8uF363IR7pKrtsZXVNPFgM6A48jgSfgMQM7Gh4ZebBq/s640/DSCN6140_01.JPG" width="480" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">M</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">argaret Ryall</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <span style="font-size: small;">humble t<span style="font-size: small;">runk <span style="font-size: small;">my father made when I wa<span style="font-size: small;">s a child <span style="font-size: small;">is an important part of<span style="font-size: small;"> the decor in my <span style="font-size: small;">summer house.  <span style="font-size: small;">It <span style="font-size: small;">isn't in pristine shape with <span style="font-size: small;">a</span> latch missing and and a crack <span style="font-size: small;">around the hin<span style="font-size: small;">ge on the <span style="font-size: small;">back.  To <span style="font-size: small;">m</span>e i<span style="font-size: small;">t is invaluable.  Not only does it hold  memories, I have a coffee table and a storage chest.  I can change the colour anytime I want, <span style="font-size: small;">and i</span>t gives my room that lived in look you want in a summer place. It is also a perfect foot stool!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For a room to truly reflect its owners it has to have object<span style="font-size: small;">s that have some emotional value.  Otherwise you have a "model home"<span style="font-size: small;">, pretty but <span style="font-size: small;">soulless</span>! </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

The value of objects

Every home is filled with furniture and objects, but they are not valued equally by homeowners. Personal preferences and history play a part in determining individual likes and dislikes in furniture and accessories.  Coming to terms with what you truly value in your home can help you set a design fo…

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Have a Lovely Thanksgiving!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9azpHxSiXCrg06sXsKrIpvfVaCHji8KpXicl5kDPUgcutSW7Xqr9DDNxxdeCh10GWlgI_sx5-RtLToG9Ujgz_sfeFVvu11HTAFrnOm8lya1oPp1FxR8BpAu0O9QvXK4eusSFyp_qXS98/s1600/Thanksgiving+The+Suze+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9azpHxSiXCrg06sXsKrIpvfVaCHji8KpXicl5kDPUgcutSW7Xqr9DDNxxdeCh10GWlgI_sx5-RtLToG9Ujgz_sfeFVvu11HTAFrnOm8lya1oPp1FxR8BpAu0O9QvXK4eusSFyp_qXS98/s1600/Thanksgiving+The+Suze+2011.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-christmastime-but-first.html">Last year's Thanksgiving table from The Suze's house</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />How excited are we to stuff our faces with turkey?  I love Thanksgiving.  I love to eat and be thankful.  I know, it sounds silly to say I love to be thankful, but I've found, as I get older, that it's the secret to my happiness.  When I'm thankful and appreciative, I'm happy.  It's actually very simple, but not always so easy.  I've found the age old adage, "you better check yo'self before you wreck yo'self" by the philosopher/rapper Ice Cube always helps bring me back to a place of gratitude.  I'm not even joking.  I really repeat that rap line when I feel myself getting a little bratty,<strike> which is never</strike>. <br /><br />This has been a year filled with blessings, too many to count, so being grateful has been fairly easy.  But at the end of the day, it all comes down to family and friends.  Are they happy and healthy?  That's really the most important thing to me.  Thank y'all for reading my silly little blog and for all your comments.  You is the bestest! <br /><br />Oh and do you know what else is important to me?<br /><br />Oprah. <br /><br /><img data-original="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/185tlm4s0m6zfgif/original.gif" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/185tlm4s0m6zfgif/cmt-medium.gif" /><br /><br /><br />She is so silly y'all.  <br /><br />You need to see <a href="http://gawker.com/5961927/oprah-is-more-batshit-insane-than-ever-my-favorite-things-about-oprahs-favorite-things-2012">this round-up of all her sillies.</a><br /><br />Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing <a href="http://gawker.com/5961927/oprah-is-more-batshit-insane-than-ever-my-favorite-things-about-oprahs-favorite-things-2012">this video</a>.  It is one of my favvvvvooooorrrriiiitttteeee thiiiiiiiings!* (in Oprah's voice, duh)<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I watched her <a href="http://www.oprah.com/gift-list/Oprahs-Favorite-Things-2012">Favorite Things</a> last night and cried and jumped and danced.  I'm so glad it's back.  I knew it would be.  She has too much fun doing it.  It's a great way to kick off the season of giving.  </span><br /><br />I'm taking off the next few days, but may check in on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/belclairehouse">Facebook</a>. <br /><br />Have a Fabulous Thanksgiving Y'all! <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. I'm going to start replying to comments directly on the blog, so if you've asked a question check back here.  My email inbox gets crathzyathh full (I love it when Oprah says "crazyass" with her little lisp voice, that's how I'm saying it here), and sometimes I don't have a way to respond to comments that don't have an email address.  <span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>

Have a Lovely Thanksgiving!

Last year's Thanksgiving table from The Suze's houseHow excited are we to stuff our faces with turkey?  I love Thanksgiving.  I love to eat and be thankful.  I know, it sounds silly to say I love to be thankful, but I've found, as I get older, that it's the secret to my happiness.  When I'm thankful…

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Celebrate ordinary things

 It is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money to accessorize your home.  Much of what you need is probably in another room or in the natural environment. Garage sales, thrift stores etc. can  also provide  economical options.  The trick is to select  things that have multiple uses.  In this way you can rotate objects to make them new.   I love bottles and natural elements together.  It's no wonder I loved Anna Truelsen's <a href="http://mylovelythings.blogspot.ca/2012/02/mias-hem.html">My Lovely Things</a> blog when I found it this week. She is a pro at using ordinary things for big impact.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvogUT0uEMgsmSem4tZ6OCpPTmlN9AIib4i8oLhHEbokAowZec-Q-2qC-_G4tn7vBoQikpEXhh-gCuWX56q28goVTV_as2RMhhKLbuGm6YuCU-DTIEGKZaa_vNl5KpQvz1ttFD_Wawudfk/s1600/11259067788623027_jIwqM2AP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvogUT0uEMgsmSem4tZ6OCpPTmlN9AIib4i8oLhHEbokAowZec-Q-2qC-_G4tn7vBoQikpEXhh-gCuWX56q28goVTV_as2RMhhKLbuGm6YuCU-DTIEGKZaa_vNl5KpQvz1ttFD_Wawudfk/s400/11259067788623027_jIwqM2AP_c.jpg" width="265" /></a></div> Take one white table and add various bottles and natural elements.  When you add a growing bulb to the mix the vignette will change as the bulb grows. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI3fWIlTz93zDSmvxtUhE6wDD2Y0vsO5qw0tywowzOC9DnfIgsPjUtdAZNcD686YRL7GSWoj5wm1EwJx0Z3VsSassvJRC_m_VslZjEx9ccr7lRTMnTeCkcuC9ac1I7FUemdo60GcALTsu/s1600/39054721738874670_pUd040qm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI3fWIlTz93zDSmvxtUhE6wDD2Y0vsO5qw0tywowzOC9DnfIgsPjUtdAZNcD686YRL7GSWoj5wm1EwJx0Z3VsSassvJRC_m_VslZjEx9ccr7lRTMnTeCkcuC9ac1I7FUemdo60GcALTsu/s400/39054721738874670_pUd040qm_c.jpg" width="253" /></a></div> The look is changed completely when a black frame is used as a backdrop and a potted plant and a narrow necked bottle is added with a chair in the foreground.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFKzLyTmtxPywpdmlyLOMI_sKfqZQ7OauuQTJan87KcUUlm8aSxlnOolyFd8vsh-I2U9G9xZm5HqJSr2pzfHb5Y4D_w34GfgcZ1A1GHNvwXj-TgTqDInrAPqXRiRuQZTRuKKpEJVUrCaa/s1600/171277592049965569_9sTP9sgi_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFKzLyTmtxPywpdmlyLOMI_sKfqZQ7OauuQTJan87KcUUlm8aSxlnOolyFd8vsh-I2U9G9xZm5HqJSr2pzfHb5Y4D_w34GfgcZ1A1GHNvwXj-TgTqDInrAPqXRiRuQZTRuKKpEJVUrCaa/s400/171277592049965569_9sTP9sgi_c.jpg" width="260" /></a></div> Different bottles with feathery ferns change the look again.  I was thinking how I would love to add a small black and white print inside the frame to fill up the space at the top. What do you think? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRHdXhuNwP-QxDMhmI0KTisRc2i3CObbqKTC_jM3ONQ2Lldh9b2fSy2X-LOCrZ8PAhC8cKNX6maUN77GV78lsAywfBuHSSsHWFpUQLr2-GYVxiSL36HT_qYWdJ98iD0rDXadwAEYIN8B_/s1600/171277592049965586_KW1VwT5A_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRHdXhuNwP-QxDMhmI0KTisRc2i3CObbqKTC_jM3ONQ2Lldh9b2fSy2X-LOCrZ8PAhC8cKNX6maUN77GV78lsAywfBuHSSsHWFpUQLr2-GYVxiSL36HT_qYWdJ98iD0rDXadwAEYIN8B_/s400/171277592049965586_KW1VwT5A_c.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>Replacing the black frame with a mirror adds to the repetition of objects and the mirror will also reflect other things in the decor.  Massing object together has big impact. <br /><br />With Christmas just around the corner what could you do to add a little festive flavour?  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfrBhsreAGQpLYatnO2Wyruo1ok1fGF4KgHA7a57-3V-vHjJrK2vtO9iRGszx_uL9surb9W3JsrVDwtPchKY8uMpx6tPk-vzN9dbrh8WRLylgrAAGzuzbEGJReyp8UecxWvKF6EHPuTy_/s1600/171277592049965579_E6d2QQjf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6xnJ05kKyIPxymVsDpIkhX9nISKAG-k0YW6Gk4lYgNIYPag79Hc7uIuX82fsxPhlk9eXzWHanclFvWa4LzExJKMNHPlWtztxcuT5k24Xll8VBL9189TDSrz1FWPxvaLxu_NAZFULdYnT/s1600/171277592049965887_wAdCuvbf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6xnJ05kKyIPxymVsDpIkhX9nISKAG-k0YW6Gk4lYgNIYPag79Hc7uIuX82fsxPhlk9eXzWHanclFvWa4LzExJKMNHPlWtztxcuT5k24Xll8VBL9189TDSrz1FWPxvaLxu_NAZFULdYnT/s400/171277592049965887_wAdCuvbf_c.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ifoundmyhome.blogspot.nl/search?updated-max=2012-01-12T20:56:00%2B01:00&max-results=18&start=55&by-date=false">source </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This  vignette and the one below are so simple,  inviting and in keeping with the other elements in the home.    </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPOYICEp4DqM2IWr0x0DI-DsBzHFR7OppWa57ruo7LSbo_Z1dm0P_jK7ZWVMmkhz3xeY65foqHOKbZgRklupzYofdV2AVfcWYGBemT1ttJMqKnohToye7d-XH0GF1VZxppqJmifH39xq6/s1600/236861261621599595_bwh54VlL_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPOYICEp4DqM2IWr0x0DI-DsBzHFR7OppWa57ruo7LSbo_Z1dm0P_jK7ZWVMmkhz3xeY65foqHOKbZgRklupzYofdV2AVfcWYGBemT1ttJMqKnohToye7d-XH0GF1VZxppqJmifH39xq6/s400/236861261621599595_bwh54VlL_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.1800flowers.com/julie/?p=747">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Repetition of glass and natural elements with a few sparkles.  Very inviting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now for something more dramatic! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx05gTa8obj1W83U4CvW87GfnPSkdrraA6t4ZcZvJ8w6FLcYjmyr43Vq36TiSx8aVTLkaknSGqOr9_odWdr5p_xWL9wDghTzfiE6FPbtSa99sVdBbH6Oy1_i3S_8kVLUk9Dnsrhct3bl2/s1600/210191507580231817_R1IjwISv_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx05gTa8obj1W83U4CvW87GfnPSkdrraA6t4ZcZvJ8w6FLcYjmyr43Vq36TiSx8aVTLkaknSGqOr9_odWdr5p_xWL9wDghTzfiE6FPbtSa99sVdBbH6Oy1_i3S_8kVLUk9Dnsrhct3bl2/s400/210191507580231817_R1IjwISv_c.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://annapanpan.tumblr.com/">source </a></div><table class="toc" id="toc"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><table class="toc" id="toc"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Who knew that one sculptural green leaf could be so dramatic? </div></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynuJ9nvKnDmOOIZY4sK4oGoR6MvRtOCRimU3BOf-UzOemNFJcdIf7oceJOAa3Y08SvvXLniE4KB3LYLO8ekLNQayN0-ireHyJ8Yn98LXYL5v6Ivu2iN5apW3gGypdEfk7P2Aj26qHJh2K/s1600/85498092895953062_yWYx19zG_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynuJ9nvKnDmOOIZY4sK4oGoR6MvRtOCRimU3BOf-UzOemNFJcdIf7oceJOAa3Y08SvvXLniE4KB3LYLO8ekLNQayN0-ireHyJ8Yn98LXYL5v6Ivu2iN5apW3gGypdEfk7P2Aj26qHJh2K/s400/85498092895953062_yWYx19zG_c.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><table class="toc" id="toc"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This vignette is built on varying shades and finishes of black with a strongly sculptural branch with blossoms to break up the starkness of the space. You could achieve a similar look with any colour interior by keeping the colour of the objects in the same family.  Certainly black has an impact that other colours might not have.<br /><br />Look around.  What do you have in your home that you could group together?<br /><br /><br />

Celebrate ordinary things

 It is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money to accessorize your home.  Much of what you need is probably in another room or in the natural environment. Garage sales, thrift stores etc. can  also provide  economical options.  The trick is to select  things that have multiple uses.  In this wa…

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