Bye Bye

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEI8TlCIxy-fVBaa9Hc91hntKp1iqZmO_5XzVj0-LHDZYmyBLnWgkV1kPEKmT5D4xMgENmrB8hFhMIEa0Ka-IwZtK-2nQiGsO_r1iRR2LEicjXpuv0Np7vyE-Xpv5LBZY5oxQfMIP95E/s1600/Elephant+Family+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEI8TlCIxy-fVBaa9Hc91hntKp1iqZmO_5XzVj0-LHDZYmyBLnWgkV1kPEKmT5D4xMgENmrB8hFhMIEa0Ka-IwZtK-2nQiGsO_r1iRR2LEicjXpuv0Np7vyE-Xpv5LBZY5oxQfMIP95E/s1600/Elephant+Family+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just for a bit.  Off for a little family vacay! I don't know how much blogging I will be able to do from Costa Rica, but I'll try to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/jhadley32">tweet</a> if I can. I spent all day yesterday thinking it was Wednesday so I have yet to pack or do laundry or dream up some posts for the time we're away.  I did, however, make enough food for "the rest of the week" so that's awesome.  I'm excited to luxuriate in some warm weather. Like the beautiful zaftig elephant mommy above, I'm pretty sure I will be spending a lot of time wrangling the little munchkin.  He's not really into the whole relaxing thing.  Hope everyone has a happy New Year! xo</div>

Bye Bye

Just for a bit.  Off for a little family vacay! I don't know how much blogging I will be able to do from Costa Rica, but I'll try to...

Read more »

Fresh Blue and White

The other day <a href="http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/2011/12/hang-time.html">Mrs. Blandings</a>, a blogger whose posts I wait for with great anticipation, did what she does best and forced me to stop what I was doing (which probably involved perfecting my cookie monster voice) so I could go peruse the <a href="http://www.carrierandcompany.com/home.php">Carrier and Company</a> portfolio.   See her post <a href="http://www.carrierandcompany.com/home.php">here</a> pointing out some simple but fab window treatments. <br /><br />They had some gorgeous, fresh design and I thought I'd share my favorites. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDPsdO3lw9cC1a-dWB3LMnUwa6nyRg7PujYOD2REAOCRL2vpAL-F8_78kz5RtEeiGoXlFkYZbpUQVW-ExqOsHU_CirEycRkTRFTF5qpxAIYouo53Ek1iU6AXNSd1_9AnOurDI_a2znWE/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDPsdO3lw9cC1a-dWB3LMnUwa6nyRg7PujYOD2REAOCRL2vpAL-F8_78kz5RtEeiGoXlFkYZbpUQVW-ExqOsHU_CirEycRkTRFTF5qpxAIYouo53Ek1iU6AXNSd1_9AnOurDI_a2znWE/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+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/AVvXsEifC-bF_bjyj_t12GMEVN25dswpslBSAj_-jIGyOwjfLYoM7BntcUQBeGI8NABy4Sd2gXL0tgOql40JTq_jHxpDKbQI8-uhbdhKd7xd-RhaHM2didt2GZ0VN7g6ZGH_3l4pqXzyQWvB1Bk/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC-bF_bjyj_t12GMEVN25dswpslBSAj_-jIGyOwjfLYoM7BntcUQBeGI8NABy4Sd2gXL0tgOql40JTq_jHxpDKbQI8-uhbdhKd7xd-RhaHM2didt2GZ0VN7g6ZGH_3l4pqXzyQWvB1Bk/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaGkV2Qs593aaXNAVmGTOYHMqhTAXgIn6yDVHpp9sOgqmTTWAfwKUfPYxN5mpRdKfzj8cnM9j29ECY2l9d0eMSmuBXeck0trFTsLiSu1LN_MNywqkEYJA8CkiLlisMpuj-WCRZq9bBRI/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaGkV2Qs593aaXNAVmGTOYHMqhTAXgIn6yDVHpp9sOgqmTTWAfwKUfPYxN5mpRdKfzj8cnM9j29ECY2l9d0eMSmuBXeck0trFTsLiSu1LN_MNywqkEYJA8CkiLlisMpuj-WCRZq9bBRI/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+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/AVvXsEgZr9xhv6XVp5cZ3YWSJOuUC0aJtE2m9gTos6JBCWHlpuqdkq6OAVFEJlRka9eHZwgxFK10lUhLPxjNseSniPOh-ImRy5P71JFHbX0clljMYvKOuSTvQhcqKRualU5uMLncqa8Uxf8zyL0/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZr9xhv6XVp5cZ3YWSJOuUC0aJtE2m9gTos6JBCWHlpuqdkq6OAVFEJlRka9eHZwgxFK10lUhLPxjNseSniPOh-ImRy5P71JFHbX0clljMYvKOuSTvQhcqKRualU5uMLncqa8Uxf8zyL0/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunADCh6rXIPaELQcJRx3nnbX3NXN6f-Bly-HIzylKZbZAddHmn9E0sheAB5UptDL-vqYrj-1P7p54rtJi6Nt0Omi6xGkhJ7ghxTPfcO6KFMDe8bTyS7jb-5cVAKL6ugt8wPBbHZiHSXg/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunADCh6rXIPaELQcJRx3nnbX3NXN6f-Bly-HIzylKZbZAddHmn9E0sheAB5UptDL-vqYrj-1P7p54rtJi6Nt0Omi6xGkhJ7ghxTPfcO6KFMDe8bTyS7jb-5cVAKL6ugt8wPBbHZiHSXg/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhfOdViv0DcIFEhvKQGZYAvF_taKb8PY0Qpxuk4DK85WpCwe77uI57TrzezE_En3nD6j7XjNsZBjf2SKvjWy08mjtmCDp5TSqw1g-7y3S7YSJOgGFXfWPhBEn6ELWBiuqQNCvDL-X8aA/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+Guest+Barn+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhfOdViv0DcIFEhvKQGZYAvF_taKb8PY0Qpxuk4DK85WpCwe77uI57TrzezE_En3nD6j7XjNsZBjf2SKvjWy08mjtmCDp5TSqw1g-7y3S7YSJOgGFXfWPhBEn6ELWBiuqQNCvDL-X8aA/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Forge+River+Guest+Barn+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqkLzZRz8J6iuWh8joWBwSYfpikrcMGXvC2uYTmWA2K7KX1jNU9wMEfknBMLhyphenhyphenUa8V8xMQjAFWuqSno3bwzDmh4NsIWbE4-wWN2NeBM6MzKZRWYF2JI27iIJsQyvPRDAPqnPHmXgAcz4/s1600/Carrier+%2526+Company+Town+%2526+Country+Bathroom+Photo+by+Francesco+Lagnese+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqkLzZRz8J6iuWh8joWBwSYfpikrcMGXvC2uYTmWA2K7KX1jNU9wMEfknBMLhyphenhyphenUa8V8xMQjAFWuqSno3bwzDmh4NsIWbE4-wWN2NeBM6MzKZRWYF2JI27iIJsQyvPRDAPqnPHmXgAcz4/s640/Carrier+%2526+Company+Town+%2526+Country+Bathroom+Photo+by+Francesco+Lagnese+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />See more <a href="http://www.carrierandcompany.com/home.php">Carrier & Company here</a>.<br /><br />See more of <a href="http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Blandings</a> and her fabulous taste <a href="http://mrsblandings.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />* This post was brought to you between Elmo tickles and Cookie monster feedings

Fresh Blue and White

The other day Mrs. Blandings , a blogger whose posts I wait for with great anticipation, did what she does best and forced me to stop what I...

Read more »

A touch of the unexpected

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVntAgMLnMc/Tvnn7LM2AbI/AAAAAAAADoc/LZoYAitg7MU/s1600/233131718180270256_FBjMNUVC_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVntAgMLnMc/Tvnn7LM2AbI/AAAAAAAADoc/LZoYAitg7MU/s400/233131718180270256_FBjMNUVC_b.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://moderngirlstyle.blogspot.com/">Modern Girl Style</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Isn't it always interesting  when you walk into a space and see touches of excitement in the decor? It could be a great piece of art, a collection of objects or unexpected colour combination.  This ottoman is a ray of sunshine in an otherwise monochromatic room (flowers don't count).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA7a_dbzoS0/TvnxyD0OgEI/AAAAAAAADoo/erCidMm7VEA/s1600/171277592048040621_Nveqm7n4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA7a_dbzoS0/TvnxyD0OgEI/AAAAAAAADoo/erCidMm7VEA/s400/171277592048040621_Nveqm7n4_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9643-the-coolest-mid-century-loft-of-all-time"> Curbly</a></span></div><br />Vases massed by colour are pretty spectacular as a focal point.  Finding interesting ways to show collections can add excitement to a plain room.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stbhimdaFbU/TvoovC3YViI/AAAAAAAADpk/Y0JapQmss4Y/s1600/142285669446883595_IEd5STB0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stbhimdaFbU/TvoovC3YViI/AAAAAAAADpk/Y0JapQmss4Y/s400/142285669446883595_IEd5STB0_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bm/cms/ContentRenderer/ContentRendererController.jpf?np=imagerepository/public_site/article_images/Interior/OfficeLibrary/IA_int_offc009&lang=en_US"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Benjamin Moore</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2J6VKpdeWc/Tvn0T1k2HuI/AAAAAAAADo0/xaU1A1yh-Xs/s1600/171277592048045485_EDJBprZQ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--2J6VKpdeWc/Tvn0T1k2HuI/AAAAAAAADo0/xaU1A1yh-Xs/s400/171277592048045485_EDJBprZQ_b.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://beautifuliving.files.wordpress.com/">beautiful living files </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why not choose an exotic colour and paint a cabinet, table or the inside of a bookcase? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1l2G94LSolU/Tvoi4iB37WI/AAAAAAAADpA/wvS9Nfr0yII/s1600/171277592048034467_VK9WVrD0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1l2G94LSolU/Tvoi4iB37WI/AAAAAAAADpA/wvS9Nfr0yII/s400/171277592048034467_VK9WVrD0_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tobifairley.com/">Tobi Fairley</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spectacular draperies can make a room.  This tight colour scheme becomes interesting when various patterns are added. The bold stripes in the drapes are very eye catching. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p49z1NIXuFo/Tvokpep5CaI/AAAAAAAADpM/VGgGvcVgh4c/s1600/162481499025711080_TNsMdTrc_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p49z1NIXuFo/Tvokpep5CaI/AAAAAAAADpM/VGgGvcVgh4c/s400/162481499025711080_TNsMdTrc_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048121910/">pinterest</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A stenciled wall  is sure to be a focal point in  any  room.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdkeRpGEoJA/TvoltViCkDI/AAAAAAAADpY/o5QVLzsKC6k/s1600/171277592048034625_wiTd6ux4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdkeRpGEoJA/TvoltViCkDI/AAAAAAAADpY/o5QVLzsKC6k/s400/171277592048034625_wiTd6ux4_b.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/search/label/decor">source </a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're going to hang photographs you may as well go for it and create a gallery wall. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

A touch of the unexpected

Modern Girl Style Isn't it always interesting  when you walk into a space and see touches of excitement in the decor? It could be a grea...

Read more »

Wouldn't this be lovely?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaINc-1jORkMx-FH3GcS0X761WQUtMEps7CcxQdQl-X1h2S5G1KtXH1_vo8eMBoIye_WONfNJhGvAy-BdWQ6BwDUzDoBjKa_7CAFPXLnvgTzY7GsjRJFh5RjtZVcLfWJcAzxuOEOwP2Y4/s1600/Tiny+House+Shabby+Chic+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaINc-1jORkMx-FH3GcS0X761WQUtMEps7CcxQdQl-X1h2S5G1KtXH1_vo8eMBoIye_WONfNJhGvAy-BdWQ6BwDUzDoBjKa_7CAFPXLnvgTzY7GsjRJFh5RjtZVcLfWJcAzxuOEOwP2Y4/s1600/Tiny+House+Shabby+Chic+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know many of you have seen this before, but my head is here right now.  Imagine cozy PJs, a bowl of spaghetti (my comfort food of choice) and a TV playing a marathon of some mind numbing awesomeness like Real Housewives or the Kardashians (I mean, I'd like to think I would read, but that seems like a lot of effort).  I could also sleep here.  Sleep, eat, stare at the wall, sleep.  The perfect post-holiday time out :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edward had a wonderful Christmas and the funniest reaction to Santa's delivery.  He was so overwhelmed with excitement he couldn't even come into the room! He spun around in circles and danced and hid behind a table and laughed for about 5 minutes before he could actually approach his new toys.  I have it on video and if I can ever figure out how to share it with you I will because it was amazing.  Christmas is so much more fun as a parent.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're getting ready for a trip to Costa Rica! I'm going to work on a few simple posts for that week.  Hope everyone had a happy holiday weekend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* Also, I'd love any recommendations on books to read on the beach or things we must see or do in Costa Rica! </div>

Wouldn't this be lovely?

I know many of you have seen this before, but my head is here right now.  Imagine cozy PJs, a bowl of spaghetti (my comfort food of choice) ...

Read more »

Merry Christmas Y'all!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Tis the season to be merry! </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/AVvXsEj7CkB9aaQYTRvdRRPrHrVpFC6275eO3KxCG8-b_rq53uY2kXu9RuD2QHbHAhcAPjhrAIhDr9VWEPipzpNECp1xmtxUp5HzntHBehjB0So8isTcloe56-5rCKdZKkgVIGpdzix_YWRYO-w/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CkB9aaQYTRvdRRPrHrVpFC6275eO3KxCG8-b_rq53uY2kXu9RuD2QHbHAhcAPjhrAIhDr9VWEPipzpNECp1xmtxUp5HzntHBehjB0So8isTcloe56-5rCKdZKkgVIGpdzix_YWRYO-w/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">* My original picture disappeared, which gives me an opportunity to share Edward's meeting with Santa. It did not go so well despite all my prep work (which involved making him hug and kiss the little Santa we have at our house).  This Santa was not thrilled that we interrupted his nap so he could hold our screaming baby.  But you know what? This picture will get lots of laughs at his graduation slide show, which makes it all worth it.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah y'all! Thank you for visiting me and taking the time to comment and read my silly little blog! xo </div>

Merry Christmas Y'all!

'Tis the season to be merry!  * My original picture disappeared, which gives me an opportunity to share Edward's meeting with Santa....

Read more »

12/23/77

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! </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/AVvXsEhzWuzoJcnO2Mmg0_pevRuxerUoNnUB7pgZXAgM4YDgGzcPL_k30ZdboF4Ue2cv0u_4mY2U1GF_coVXWdyxUBS-gK6qDP_EHt71oMOR_d02HbMz5rFuC3hbB7qW2kHuu63D-Zpk2i2ong8/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/AVvXsEhzWuzoJcnO2Mmg0_pevRuxerUoNnUB7pgZXAgM4YDgGzcPL_k30ZdboF4Ue2cv0u_4mY2U1GF_coVXWdyxUBS-gK6qDP_EHt71oMOR_d02HbMz5rFuC3hbB7qW2kHuu63D-Zpk2i2ong8/s640/photo-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnXrWMuNI7S83cyezMf17EG3wTKagXFHw9t9FN_MSBHpN6MJrLf-keXFA3GCVSk0PiSApXKOhEVgsBEB8pQyYx4XrMIMeCrgf2DbfixXxayOpao8_i8V0ivED8GSsjgI5Zx6eyVQgoSw/s1600/AR000402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnXrWMuNI7S83cyezMf17EG3wTKagXFHw9t9FN_MSBHpN6MJrLf-keXFA3GCVSk0PiSApXKOhEVgsBEB8pQyYx4XrMIMeCrgf2DbfixXxayOpao8_i8V0ivED8GSsjgI5Zx6eyVQgoSw/s640/AR000402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfeJcNWtmBq3XAlytlmFD4Cw1V-vigkPRDBE2mlBMljZAmGgPuaI0N_mInTzNK_xzOpkSd35mwDoi4VNil5g9Sdg0u5DLrtC8aTZj8xCj2-ZEqQuIdn1TivaN4LudU28X2NVa0b54CNw/s1600/AR000502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfeJcNWtmBq3XAlytlmFD4Cw1V-vigkPRDBE2mlBMljZAmGgPuaI0N_mInTzNK_xzOpkSd35mwDoi4VNil5g9Sdg0u5DLrtC8aTZj8xCj2-ZEqQuIdn1TivaN4LudU28X2NVa0b54CNw/s640/AR000502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvflhozqAOO28n-PMBNtGK9yrF3YeSd131Vsybuf2pKqm_98nLWu97H19zLR6XXCjhxZtHmZpfMPqTcKSxqXXIJ-Q2rUKGr_RDrDpILryWnn2ao00egXn8DrB7C5DBT5TnikMZfgCkkc/s1600/AR000702-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvflhozqAOO28n-PMBNtGK9yrF3YeSd131Vsybuf2pKqm_98nLWu97H19zLR6XXCjhxZtHmZpfMPqTcKSxqXXIJ-Q2rUKGr_RDrDpILryWnn2ao00egXn8DrB7C5DBT5TnikMZfgCkkc/s640/AR000702-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKkAxBKzcGG1ZYNqAHNU4Kmkw0_M-jmb3wrx3WgslPaCzxj68S8ur7PbJU5eixMau7LazaFDgrI-zayNog0vCrH3j3Iu2V0J-sWnF5ssb9yGLv_NYQ20vryGMjkrTOUhnW7MQtPNwTF8/s1600/AR000902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKkAxBKzcGG1ZYNqAHNU4Kmkw0_M-jmb3wrx3WgslPaCzxj68S8ur7PbJU5eixMau7LazaFDgrI-zayNog0vCrH3j3Iu2V0J-sWnF5ssb9yGLv_NYQ20vryGMjkrTOUhnW7MQtPNwTF8/s640/AR000902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IcnSz6SNF_9VnPVIHz7JXiI1V98QmMYiAjzWTqzUTNQCb0CnJoOiKstOhUfaAyOj15RxlhlIL59-HgiPxM5dxJOEN5lKolZnMlXNXBkPi_ZxD-7XTEhOswwv35Wvf7JkTAsS8ZD2fsA/s1600/AR003002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IcnSz6SNF_9VnPVIHz7JXiI1V98QmMYiAjzWTqzUTNQCb0CnJoOiKstOhUfaAyOj15RxlhlIL59-HgiPxM5dxJOEN5lKolZnMlXNXBkPi_ZxD-7XTEhOswwv35Wvf7JkTAsS8ZD2fsA/s640/AR003002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtweepxODnf227EY66D25jrOt9OXzB_Ib0Tz_m9t7jemXUlEg7LmTqNXMib_8PC6EOVuPtouuc7xHVKh_7SbJ9_2UEYIn788lk_j0F8oJ6A5yoaUYnSM7_YEQwDNXWKWza1QYvqiB-Ic/s1600/-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtweepxODnf227EY66D25jrOt9OXzB_Ib0Tz_m9t7jemXUlEg7LmTqNXMib_8PC6EOVuPtouuc7xHVKh_7SbJ9_2UEYIn788lk_j0F8oJ6A5yoaUYnSM7_YEQwDNXWKWza1QYvqiB-Ic/s640/-117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>When I'm worried and I can't sleep<br />I count my blessings instead of sheep<br />And I fall asleep counting my blessings<br />When my bankroll is getting small<br />I think of when I had none at all<br />And I fall asleep counting my blessings</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads<br />And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds<br />If you're worried and you can't sleep<br />Just count your blessings instead of sheep<br />And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">                                        <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">- Cole Porter </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

12/23/77

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!  When I'm worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep countin...

Read more »

Winter Solstice

... brought to you by the fabulous world of Slim Aarons.<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/AVvXsEhuh3Pce4moxzMxdaNp1O6Ls6JLPV9FJlUpd8tBvfP_oV91N5tZQshWt_0jkn-NxW_rfibC0-mP3IWILLNLmjPbqf7LezlnM0L9bRcSX4jIyc7QTt3DgxwBOohJUQBuv-1Ezk2I-J5-q-4/s1600/Slim+Aarons+winter_wonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuh3Pce4moxzMxdaNp1O6Ls6JLPV9FJlUpd8tBvfP_oV91N5tZQshWt_0jkn-NxW_rfibC0-mP3IWILLNLmjPbqf7LezlnM0L9bRcSX4jIyc7QTt3DgxwBOohJUQBuv-1Ezk2I-J5-q-4/s1600/Slim+Aarons+winter_wonderland.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photographersgallery.com/photo.asp?id=2221">Snow Round the Pool</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/AVvXsEgAvNeVKuzQ6JlJKKSCXI2O20qPvzmCea7Sgfcq0j_m6qoBbZblj7skUhVFi6alFKUg6QfGOJL9rpcxEjrO7-5kU2c52e5Ac86OCJc_W9A7g85rhJ0RJ4QFZEvPP3eli5_vpfvj489ArBw/s1600/Slim+Aarons+princess_bianca_50945880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvNeVKuzQ6JlJKKSCXI2O20qPvzmCea7Sgfcq0j_m6qoBbZblj7skUhVFi6alFKUg6QfGOJL9rpcxEjrO7-5kU2c52e5Ac86OCJc_W9A7g85rhJ0RJ4QFZEvPP3eli5_vpfvj489ArBw/s1600/Slim+Aarons+princess_bianca_50945880.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photographersgallery.com/photo.asp?id=451">Princess Bianca</a></td></tr></tbody></table>So fierce, that Princess Bianca. <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/AVvXsEgDhJy-GGXSiophmMsqYbfojILBdxFpDDRicNVQVpeaUqNz-x6x0ni1J0tUygCbFZp-txE4Cve0F-XCXgMYVjCDDJ4OGeKFXFzydUAsA1KaSuHqL51Ks4ADrIA78BJV6d-cahMie9_8qC0/s1600/Slim+Aarons+vermont_winter_3089153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhJy-GGXSiophmMsqYbfojILBdxFpDDRicNVQVpeaUqNz-x6x0ni1J0tUygCbFZp-txE4Cve0F-XCXgMYVjCDDJ4OGeKFXFzydUAsA1KaSuHqL51Ks4ADrIA78BJV6d-cahMie9_8qC0/s1600/Slim+Aarons+vermont_winter_3089153.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photographersgallery.com/photo.asp?id=650">Vermont Winter</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/AVvXsEhfQ67upaC6afGvZz_hXFFIJow3NS7gldtLDkMA9trv042K5K2Zn9tXefP9eOQkUEo6HhQyTw0nh8FZrbanAZCSfpn1vEW00wpx_xr2aPM7Q5GpKTpLO27MdiW7phPqLfS39HzY3w21Sn8/s1600/Slim+Aarons+chalet_costi_52043467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ67upaC6afGvZz_hXFFIJow3NS7gldtLDkMA9trv042K5K2Zn9tXefP9eOQkUEo6HhQyTw0nh8FZrbanAZCSfpn1vEW00wpx_xr2aPM7Q5GpKTpLO27MdiW7phPqLfS39HzY3w21Sn8/s1600/Slim+Aarons+chalet_costi_52043467.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photographersgallery.com/photo.asp?id=754">Chalet Costi</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/AVvXsEhz8MtOJHZMugPusjEpcLJs9nRAxw4jpFWWxd44AEJyYvHzh8QWpGErGGsvBZ7MwTyukusvG1fSQzCIcC4k6V_9WyX5HQQLIrcFI9o39GFW5Q84QbddoKzmsSVeCPVXnKqPTwJJr8qr-pg/s1600/Slim+Aarons+notz_pleasure_2696043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8MtOJHZMugPusjEpcLJs9nRAxw4jpFWWxd44AEJyYvHzh8QWpGErGGsvBZ7MwTyukusvG1fSQzCIcC4k6V_9WyX5HQQLIrcFI9o39GFW5Q84QbddoKzmsSVeCPVXnKqPTwJJr8qr-pg/s1600/Slim+Aarons+notz_pleasure_2696043.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photographersgallery.com/photo.asp?id=842">Notz Pleasure Wear </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>So fab. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/blue-white-jesus-and-prayer.html">Merry Christmas!</a></div><br /></div>

Winter Solstice

... brought to you by the fabulous world of Slim Aarons. Snow Round the Pool   Princess Bianca So fierce, that Princess Bianca. Vermont Wint...

Read more »

Only in my dreams ...

<i>... as real as it may seeeeem, it was only in my dreams.  </i>Do y'all remember that Debbie Gibson song?  The one where she's on a bed on the beach, but she's wearing like old man pajamas as opposed to the barely there negligees of today's tween popstars.  I was a huge Debbie Gibson fan so it's no surprise that when I see beautiful homes like this, my head fills with bubblegum pop of yesteryear.  Ok, maybe it's a little bit random.<br /><br />Anyway, this gorgeous home comes from the same 2005 <i>Southern Accents</i> issue as <a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/white-christmas.html">yesterday's post</a> and it is just so beautiful I had to share it.  Again, sorry for the image quality.  It's, of course, a New Orleans home (I'm still convinced the fancy New Orleans homes are some of the most beautiful in our country) and it looks like its straight out of a Dickens novel. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxriJEEiOdSecfwjaQj-mymyx_68nVex0fYW6YbgZbLol2iHMSJTOnX4xMKSRmnPsFTcmELK-DbmHHCuuHMeiRx5kKVPiuQcRNQyd28r29AvgD7ZUo6gONW30WOcBISgZhE-wXYs8SPf8/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxriJEEiOdSecfwjaQj-mymyx_68nVex0fYW6YbgZbLol2iHMSJTOnX4xMKSRmnPsFTcmELK-DbmHHCuuHMeiRx5kKVPiuQcRNQyd28r29AvgD7ZUo6gONW30WOcBISgZhE-wXYs8SPf8/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/AVvXsEjYnCe2LjzdGS5nHnw3HcPZ2HZ6xyOZGjF8YLALyNNCaBUFFpwlmizo1YP7-TetvQUqYdTSdZrYOOIF4cUFmifQG81lndeT0Dv_odpJDzwOSafj91qsACVZuxZle3Frc3WfsEQVuAMuvkU/s1600/A+St-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnCe2LjzdGS5nHnw3HcPZ2HZ6xyOZGjF8YLALyNNCaBUFFpwlmizo1YP7-TetvQUqYdTSdZrYOOIF4cUFmifQG81lndeT0Dv_odpJDzwOSafj91qsACVZuxZle3Frc3WfsEQVuAMuvkU/s640/A+St-1.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCirWg0PhvRDChL9eU_9NlkCaEqiuCU3fUMgdndMCoYCgrCDNg1FzAUMvq2K9KUbpRJbBLjUuV7sV8QXlrU-6y2xfwEasaCIlQCAb4sGoPJjg0zsl8YhkP965mJUbsKV1eYlXYEBs964/s1600/A+St-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCirWg0PhvRDChL9eU_9NlkCaEqiuCU3fUMgdndMCoYCgrCDNg1FzAUMvq2K9KUbpRJbBLjUuV7sV8QXlrU-6y2xfwEasaCIlQCAb4sGoPJjg0zsl8YhkP965mJUbsKV1eYlXYEBs964/s640/A+St-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A7H7MilXku4MeC5oXvrQ1BuipmZSkJa3wmg0JVqbUcGu3UXeziBpCKXBP9R4lEVVi4grFFWjBgbrn6TkkI4o9eLb9K3UsNhpHdqqK5rZ5m-rBu8qVRQVIGTvw_tjbOchcHjls8o__wo/s1600/A+St-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A7H7MilXku4MeC5oXvrQ1BuipmZSkJa3wmg0JVqbUcGu3UXeziBpCKXBP9R4lEVVi4grFFWjBgbrn6TkkI4o9eLb9K3UsNhpHdqqK5rZ5m-rBu8qVRQVIGTvw_tjbOchcHjls8o__wo/s640/A+St-3.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY3g34GKn2S7ArfVyFUHWYCHYm6euRpeKSL_JJXfG_najGOMl7IJG8zXHa2lt-bIIhrCLs6tAwx6VK2uyoaJYI8b0k2JQVgBtmbynbqpZO94kVt2xskYSTh14UCTqV9OXhXoOOlPEcZ0/s1600/A+St-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY3g34GKn2S7ArfVyFUHWYCHYm6euRpeKSL_JJXfG_najGOMl7IJG8zXHa2lt-bIIhrCLs6tAwx6VK2uyoaJYI8b0k2JQVgBtmbynbqpZO94kVt2xskYSTh14UCTqV9OXhXoOOlPEcZ0/s640/A+St-4.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz982BHK2kdPPllDK3LJhfyyRJZjNfF7DWmJlXhdiyq_VbIG95qNKXAssVMK4ptBLorRt-28ZjGkaVF8JSerp1wQ93euMvllm5Jry_eIGETkmjxdCctDVHHTpuwMMVwENLlpP_VuES8Y/s1600/A+St-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz982BHK2kdPPllDK3LJhfyyRJZjNfF7DWmJlXhdiyq_VbIG95qNKXAssVMK4ptBLorRt-28ZjGkaVF8JSerp1wQ93euMvllm5Jry_eIGETkmjxdCctDVHHTpuwMMVwENLlpP_VuES8Y/s640/A+St-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uq48YPKcrsJoh5Lm4N73v0nQ9tKfVVySMvgFyQOFBzpz2Py-bT762y_WCznbfXWBpJrO1Gx0H5vaAL3bXY679uaXTx2bE7MW_XCT32aHih8tWszP62jFVOip7CRRuO5qxEWUIXvkXJc/s1600/A+St-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uq48YPKcrsJoh5Lm4N73v0nQ9tKfVVySMvgFyQOFBzpz2Py-bT762y_WCznbfXWBpJrO1Gx0H5vaAL3bXY679uaXTx2bE7MW_XCT32aHih8tWszP62jFVOip7CRRuO5qxEWUIXvkXJc/s640/A+St-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKwa-c0FeP3gUNiXzTIUJhCwMYqmJ3BbD9S2CH-syLLP-d-o0Zq-jbGzBvr2zVGKbB0nvpRFT_w3slc4pG9r-L_0AcvcvACBVZj7qDgQDy-8DJFRoao9ESVGz4GbzYij7Gf7t9x_q4GI/s1600/A+St-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKwa-c0FeP3gUNiXzTIUJhCwMYqmJ3BbD9S2CH-syLLP-d-o0Zq-jbGzBvr2zVGKbB0nvpRFT_w3slc4pG9r-L_0AcvcvACBVZj7qDgQDy-8DJFRoao9ESVGz4GbzYij7Gf7t9x_q4GI/s640/A+St-7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />That dining room might be one of my favorite dining rooms I've ever seen.  My heart is racing over those burl wood Queen Anne chairs.  RACING.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belclairehouse.blogspot.com/2011/12/blue-white-jesus-and-prayer.html">Merry Christmas!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x1ylf0" width="480"></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ylf0_debbie-gibson-only-in-my-dreams_music" target="_blank">Debbie Gibson - Only In My Dreams</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/jpdc11" target="_blank">jpdc11</a></i><br /><br /></div>

Only in my dreams ...

... as real as it may seeeeem, it was only in my dreams.   Do y'all remember that Debbie Gibson song?  The one where she's on a bed ...

Read more »

Making Christmas Sparkle

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z0dpUZk96wiB3IUnIdB0eykbEqVFzPoc0kYvwMAZHCJwRHLwrG5nlA1nEqIBFpyVlrkSiMfXoQ3cxph2rhinj4TXx3bzPtxdqTdPfl_ObqgCsZs1uQW_OYmYT0bxtxGicgv-IQYj5Im1/s1600/DSCN788066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making Christmas sparkle is not a difficult task.  There's the little things you add to your home decor, there's music and family and friends. All you have to do is sit back and make enough time to actually enjoy it. It is too easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping and preparation.  I'm a fast forward kind of person, but lately I put the breaks on at Christmas, and make  every effort to notice all the small things. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IDa7vbBwtOOCjV8HCfxtx7z-w29rMUKEPnYpnuuadGMpT0bSMRoyYWBMiYhmda-qJZiBD0ZLYH0U0MRUkhApJu_b7a0TglZ-PmYQRw2xwxj2lFUJkhyGXsQyGMlQBogD0WH9OZKSz1rR/s1600/DSCN783966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IDa7vbBwtOOCjV8HCfxtx7z-w29rMUKEPnYpnuuadGMpT0bSMRoyYWBMiYhmda-qJZiBD0ZLYH0U0MRUkhApJu_b7a0TglZ-PmYQRw2xwxj2lFUJkhyGXsQyGMlQBogD0WH9OZKSz1rR/s320/DSCN783966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the sparkle of light on an iridescent wreath; the contrast of shape and colours</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4wgDQ8sxQgFZCk3TSBW8Z-mfK_OQAszsI5dT5qtYu90VLzx4PLus_NRUIY5rb_ki_gIzZvF-Q4Qzqawb_yr2cHxBMsYry2XkYzpW451uuUQGnpvM-Msx3NCqpvK5q4X9pscmQ5mTrtNO/s1600/DSCN784266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4wgDQ8sxQgFZCk3TSBW8Z-mfK_OQAszsI5dT5qtYu90VLzx4PLus_NRUIY5rb_ki_gIzZvF-Q4Qzqawb_yr2cHxBMsYry2XkYzpW451uuUQGnpvM-Msx3NCqpvK5q4X9pscmQ5mTrtNO/s320/DSCN784266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> pleasing colours in a gift from a friend who knows me well</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiyUfFCoP-mq62YlchM7szyAhMo3F9AYRAip5KRERT3rmeTokWCLmn0li8RH-ioNNZUd1Oa1_waMZMesoHvgUmF_QEnYXdcMojXHBGXDHf0fxXsTiaeWwH_lPhOWcPTpr4AkNKW-dkOgS/s1600/DSCN784366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiyUfFCoP-mq62YlchM7szyAhMo3F9AYRAip5KRERT3rmeTokWCLmn0li8RH-ioNNZUd1Oa1_waMZMesoHvgUmF_QEnYXdcMojXHBGXDHf0fxXsTiaeWwH_lPhOWcPTpr4AkNKW-dkOgS/s320/DSCN784366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the reminders of great dinners with friends</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/AVvXsEjxV45GUaO1OOcA8vf0uRwGcIBynrgxKVaCBG-U4WKUFNT2TV-fmtKyvFEutoiO4fPk0S5UYhrncvOqIbihk8rBQVf3yTRXsFkhDtA0zpcbM0r4X9EpaI0B7xnPJeVjW8YnTj9S_4z8JZR8/s1600/DSCN784466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV45GUaO1OOcA8vf0uRwGcIBynrgxKVaCBG-U4WKUFNT2TV-fmtKyvFEutoiO4fPk0S5UYhrncvOqIbihk8rBQVf3yTRXsFkhDtA0zpcbM0r4X9EpaI0B7xnPJeVjW8YnTj9S_4z8JZR8/s320/DSCN784466.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> a flower that inspired my first series in art</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/AVvXsEiJXuXnBPQae5hi99cyXVQJcOc2ZiK3KvFlACeBo3S5JwoAYKtNiqnQolUjtJetG9V4OBR2H-6T14t38EtewHhbpHKMYw34BNXXe2ArU2zVmzaVWViOoez1JVbXRNsNMu9VnCeFTc6HI_nW/s1600/DSCN784566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXuXnBPQae5hi99cyXVQJcOc2ZiK3KvFlACeBo3S5JwoAYKtNiqnQolUjtJetG9V4OBR2H-6T14t38EtewHhbpHKMYw34BNXXe2ArU2zVmzaVWViOoez1JVbXRNsNMu9VnCeFTc6HI_nW/s320/DSCN784566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a  reminder of a trip to Ottawa where I actually got lost in an Ikea store<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOCYInp97koNDFR9arwzLb-0sUVR-ZFVylgKkM0AolXhKFxlgnQuQnl5bbS6IP1JLnjOzy7ru5TFyZxHK7Js3Q9lyhX1quma-yWYJYhmAbgda59bwdh_D5XXiJv8BkVUNj9hwcb2Gtu18/s1600/DSCN788766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOCYInp97koNDFR9arwzLb-0sUVR-ZFVylgKkM0AolXhKFxlgnQuQnl5bbS6IP1JLnjOzy7ru5TFyZxHK7Js3Q9lyhX1quma-yWYJYhmAbgda59bwdh_D5XXiJv8BkVUNj9hwcb2Gtu18/s320/DSCN788766.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">twigs from my daughter's garden<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pCV_H5tpSKDcSdZKO4tkwTc_CU_M1Pq8ZgD8y6PloHjLqiExPmTllzPf0AwosQmoF3zld4fgSiaP2Gk57t7fosrwxnowb-0hlqr2vkaBl9OF7nFWrllgMZGuC00nrf_9HT5g2h8GrPY3/s1600/DSCN784766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pCV_H5tpSKDcSdZKO4tkwTc_CU_M1Pq8ZgD8y6PloHjLqiExPmTllzPf0AwosQmoF3zld4fgSiaP2Gk57t7fosrwxnowb-0hlqr2vkaBl9OF7nFWrllgMZGuC00nrf_9HT5g2h8GrPY3/s320/DSCN784766.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  the lamp I spent two years looking for, greenery from my garden, my husband's guitar he made  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV2_XrXOzjfD4mSb22jYHvmsAcuWzQXCmhRrtYrAPv698mXIn7W86Tt0ujeaf5D6rZZzwmlMuVqJ8i0Yspx_ERWTzs1HyaI9EfadRcv1wT9Gs9QHdftrLLXRXSG4Nx_swHOgGan3z5GNM/s1600/DSCN788866.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV2_XrXOzjfD4mSb22jYHvmsAcuWzQXCmhRrtYrAPv698mXIn7W86Tt0ujeaf5D6rZZzwmlMuVqJ8i0Yspx_ERWTzs1HyaI9EfadRcv1wT9Gs9QHdftrLLXRXSG4Nx_swHOgGan3z5GNM/s320/DSCN788866.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">music from my sister<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMIgT87KHIkDU9PyRBG1BkW5ojwo78hcJQ85b9I8WManr84N-O1WAN_BZwmff9rWdMAeRwuV_cfLvh9WIltbYvLnWbCWchdKctgeNADlypnXI1eKM3R95FsB4hWzortCIhhejnNgnA4Um/s1600/DSCN784866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMIgT87KHIkDU9PyRBG1BkW5ojwo78hcJQ85b9I8WManr84N-O1WAN_BZwmff9rWdMAeRwuV_cfLvh9WIltbYvLnWbCWchdKctgeNADlypnXI1eKM3R95FsB4hWzortCIhhejnNgnA4Um/s320/DSCN784866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> a gift from a friend who has moved to the opposite side of Canada</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/AVvXsEg5a4whnVz43UYlru0JQN79XXQJRaJg5jZGaYVTRRcHfcPbV9As1-6cNYUxe8_xr0ZdNRmBO_54b4s8Kl8fpVX4OkaVsQ4RYvOlqxcFParoATEhuY-Gbu3NUwpP-ie3I5DOP2ynCgRtXTmI/s1600/DSCN785566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a4whnVz43UYlru0JQN79XXQJRaJg5jZGaYVTRRcHfcPbV9As1-6cNYUxe8_xr0ZdNRmBO_54b4s8Kl8fpVX4OkaVsQ4RYvOlqxcFParoATEhuY-Gbu3NUwpP-ie3I5DOP2ynCgRtXTmI/s320/DSCN785566.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> finding small pieces of slate and turning them into unique Santas</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/AVvXsEhyeFmfl0TUlewXEpl09HKlDJrD_f6yPkZxYBKXExIDN0TYqIJgunLzAKwTYjE_xJV4CUu2cpkIwWtYopumctSko8e0_0D4LbmSyOPmzHABJS9Y0PE9s3R2B1fu3NpdHf623MNP3hSrpbG-/s1600/DSCN786866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeFmfl0TUlewXEpl09HKlDJrD_f6yPkZxYBKXExIDN0TYqIJgunLzAKwTYjE_xJV4CUu2cpkIwWtYopumctSko8e0_0D4LbmSyOPmzHABJS9Y0PE9s3R2B1fu3NpdHf623MNP3hSrpbG-/s320/DSCN786866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my son's ornament collection one for every Christmas, laid out for his nieces to play with, the odd guy playing the guitar is a  <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/12/17/nl-mummers-parade-1217.html">mummer, part of Newfoundland tradition</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r35VPFolLYqZzWTldhfAS_hguFFsGO9FSUXRV3t2WmTg7tyQcwC__rc4C7qKF4dZ19BpxJir_uIhDkEaMvKb9oDq9u2m8hlfqZldyuKD89dKFjYGXwlU-WSq8kDT-Ou4aNcRwkdmaeVm/s1600/DSCN787066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj1IfrSaX0SY2h_V91gkvHU85zeFdiXKPcgfQjQ6uSlRMYvWMAGocPd_uUKdgSm_TQ9QKQ1fSzusRKUkabHZIyj37H-v7PMrwNSzekjYN5UAAPUt9EkMCtG_w3IaKe80BLFFz1vp2re32/s1600/DSCN787166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj1IfrSaX0SY2h_V91gkvHU85zeFdiXKPcgfQjQ6uSlRMYvWMAGocPd_uUKdgSm_TQ9QKQ1fSzusRKUkabHZIyj37H-v7PMrwNSzekjYN5UAAPUt9EkMCtG_w3IaKe80BLFFz1vp2re32/s320/DSCN787166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">new  candles waiting for friends to arrive</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a6Alo7s8Xm8CXUi_gH0v2TNux8YdB-ulpb2sNW7fbCfdcIq1j8TEcrpKmrNGEMVrMarftnAJZpSVfo9FHX7D-Ug7JBP7Hm41PGOQbNyzayAraZ1j6MOHSID1NOoN7scqZW9RqpFkj5pd/s1600/DSCN787266.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/AVvXsEj_z0dpUZk96wiB3IUnIdB0eykbEqVFzPoc0kYvwMAZHCJwRHLwrG5nlA1nEqIBFpyVlrkSiMfXoQ3cxph2rhinj4TXx3bzPtxdqTdPfl_ObqgCsZs1uQW_OYmYT0bxtxGicgv-IQYj5Im1/s1600/DSCN788066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z0dpUZk96wiB3IUnIdB0eykbEqVFzPoc0kYvwMAZHCJwRHLwrG5nlA1nEqIBFpyVlrkSiMfXoQ3cxph2rhinj4TXx3bzPtxdqTdPfl_ObqgCsZs1uQW_OYmYT0bxtxGicgv-IQYj5Im1/s320/DSCN788066.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmBNaW2tc7bxezyfPEXHAHFt9flXYBH2mdFsHaTdq057NiY8A5yqg-mzSLxJudeCR4-_9YH94ZfkGLw8nIPVcXqM60z_hx45xv7HwWgaMpS-yvQBIRTQ0JS7S-0CD023JBYkVuThjbjqs/s1600/DSCN787466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEhbg_cTKsZPYGvit0jj6PFM1Y59AwteEfEYmMu92bBhuqwCm7uRIMoFimBWYRZCDd1VSqLRFZ2RbZ9VG9WJBnIhxV0bZK2rUAku9MQc1b18rH9Hb8GgnzVy-LaYzWnPOIhDlTUG8d4rf/s1600/DSCN787966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEhbg_cTKsZPYGvit0jj6PFM1Y59AwteEfEYmMu92bBhuqwCm7uRIMoFimBWYRZCDd1VSqLRFZ2RbZ9VG9WJBnIhxV0bZK2rUAku9MQc1b18rH9Hb8GgnzVy-LaYzWnPOIhDlTUG8d4rf/s320/DSCN787966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOH3AH48f2RUX66VsbRkQfHB5YJwvNyocG1PTbOTmwhJQRXchkUBnODhWGSXVfQJYgPhI3lO3VwEJV54N2vdNReb3rCnYW0E6XXTIsV6WjKM_LM1Ix6bOM8e0ceLOf0Em19chKqAP4WnAH/s1600/DSCN788666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOH3AH48f2RUX66VsbRkQfHB5YJwvNyocG1PTbOTmwhJQRXchkUBnODhWGSXVfQJYgPhI3lO3VwEJV54N2vdNReb3rCnYW0E6XXTIsV6WjKM_LM1Ix6bOM8e0ceLOf0Em19chKqAP4WnAH/s320/DSCN788666.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my granddaughters</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/AVvXsEiQgminiUNRl5L_CW8JPOotdqRA8bGWNfOrFohF9JwR3f-WPe9y45hR-PcdUiT7dfqTrM2Xga-KQZTrIU_N1mfVifjNnF6hl1TxYt9tS3vcdwchrD-id2SFY603VBz0p0E7fh3s0KDaY7l3/s1600/DSCN789066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgminiUNRl5L_CW8JPOotdqRA8bGWNfOrFohF9JwR3f-WPe9y45hR-PcdUiT7dfqTrM2Xga-KQZTrIU_N1mfVifjNnF6hl1TxYt9tS3vcdwchrD-id2SFY603VBz0p0E7fh3s0KDaY7l3/s320/DSCN789066.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grimy fingerprints</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR-e19VVTh51BCCOTjK_GrP0nnSiVMQ8kCtDTUXsM1Ktzab8dtbSKfASpQQ5IF4ykbk-R04vqHlqsiHNVxe4qRDycC6CvtFgSQhFjq5qkGGrzDYUYSlWrcSlil4qKzA8H_mGpQ7X7T5qU/s1600/DSCN787566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR-e19VVTh51BCCOTjK_GrP0nnSiVMQ8kCtDTUXsM1Ktzab8dtbSKfASpQQ5IF4ykbk-R04vqHlqsiHNVxe4qRDycC6CvtFgSQhFjq5qkGGrzDYUYSlWrcSlil4qKzA8H_mGpQ7X7T5qU/s320/DSCN787566.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">and even the snow falling outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEhbg_cTKsZPYGvit0jj6PFM1Y59AwteEfEYmMu92bBhuqwCm7uRIMoFimBWYRZCDd1VSqLRFZ2RbZ9VG9WJBnIhxV0bZK2rUAku9MQc1b18rH9Hb8GgnzVy-LaYzWnPOIhDlTUG8d4rf/s1600/DSCN787966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What puts sparkle in your Christmas?</div>

Making Christmas Sparkle

Making Christmas sparkle is not a difficult task.  There's the little things you add to your home decor, there's music and family an...

Read more »