Tidy Arrangement

via 1+2, 3
Boston has had yet another snow storm.  In preparation, I stocked up on groceries and picked up some flowers while I was out.  Amazing how some lovely floral blooms can lift the spirit, isn't it?
I have every intention of tackling some closets today in desperate need of some organization, (organizing is not my forte). Usually, once I complete one project it motivates me to go through the entire house.

I've got news!  My blog boutique is now open!

You all know how often I change my blog headers... I've got so many headers saved, I thought it was time to open a boutique.   Have fun browsing the boutique, and hopefully this will be a quick, simple way to spruce up your blog if you are in need of some help!

Enter to win a Sur la table gift card

Life is a Dance

What is your earliest memory of dancing?  Is your Mom twirling you around in the living room as a kid?  Perhaps, it's your four year old self, your stocking feet carefully set upon Dad's feet, while he teaches you how to dance.  

We dance through life from ballet class,  to school dances, proms, clubbing, our weddings, weddings of our children and grandchildren.

In relationships we dance around the real issues that we are not always ready to deal with.

If you are like me, then you dance in the kitchen, (I already warned my son I can't be held responsible for any embarrassment I may cause him, if I'm not aware he has friends at the house).

If we are really lucky then we will still be dancing well into our nineties.

When was the last time you danced?  

Sur la table $50 gift card giveaway
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A Nantucket Christmas

 Last year my husband surprised with with this lovely coffee table book filled with beautiful

images capturing our favorite island during the Holiday season.  Flipping through it 

renewed my desire to someday inhabit the island as a local.  Nantucket at Christmastime

is the quintessential picturesque village that one envisions a Christmas village should look like.
Truly right out of a storybook.  Who wouldn't want to live in a storybook?

All images are from the book, A Nantucket Christmas, by Leslie Linsley

Photography by Jeffrey Allen

Available here

Potterybarn $50 e-card giveaway enter here

Saint Nick's List

December is upon us.  Old Saint Nick is busy making his list and checking it twice...

Which list are you on this year? 

Naughty or nice?

Who said nice girls finish last?  If that's the case, I'll happily take last place if it means attaining

a J. Crew metallic hobo and vintage pearls!

Pottery Barn $50 e-card giveaway enter here

John Pawson : Plain Space - The Book.

Architect John Pawson with the book.

John Pawson : Plain Space by Alison Morris

In Plain Space, author Alison Morris presents both this recent body of work and earlier projects from the perspective of someone who has had unique access to the work and archives of the office. In thematic essays and narrative project descriptions she examines the firm's working processes, relationship with clients, and approach to design. These insights into how Pawson and his office approach all different kinds of projects, including a cricket pavilion, a ballet stage set, apartment and boat interiors, will be of interest to architects, students, and anyone looking to simplify and beautify their own living space. Filled with exquisite photographs and detailed drawings, Plain Space will be the next must-have book for fans of John Pawson and a perfect introduction to his work for anyone interested in the absolute best of contemporary design.

I have definitely added this book to my wishlist and to my amazon.com bookstore - simply click on my bookstore on the right hand side of my blog and have a closer look.
Photographs via Plain Space.

Bookish Beauties

There is nothing like finding a book that you just can't put down.  I can't remember the last time I found a book that truly moved me.  What do you recommend?  Is there a book that really spoke to you?  I would love to hear your absolute favorite.
photo credits: 1) concrete and dust, 2) style injection, 3) my ideal home

Book - Simple Home

I was in Small Acorns last week and while talking to the lovely Amanda, my eye spied a great book. It is called Simple Home by Mark and Sally Bailey. When I pointed it out to Amanda, she mentioned their great website and 'Baileys Home Store' business that they have in the UK.  

Mark and Sally Bailey believe in the repair, reuse and rethink philosophy - so their style is a mix of vintage and new. Check out their mail order store and see the amazing products that they source. Their Whitecross Farm would be a world to behold as you venture from one building to another to see all their collected products. Amazing. Unfortunately they do not deliver to New Zealand...yet.

Interior Design books and magazines should be inspirational and I have started my own Amazon bookstore, which you can see to the side of my blog. If you want to know what is on my bookshelf, what books I think are great and some books that I yearn for - check out my Amazon store. I'll keep updating it over time.

Photographs via various sources.

Inspired By White

Elegant, graceful and pure

I am loving these photos drenched in soft white!

How about you are you loving the white?

On a side note, a big hug to Karen of, Finding My Muse,

for forwarding the Versatile Blogger Award to me.

If you are a lover of books than hers is the blog

to follow.

The award requires me to share 7

facts about myself.

1) I am a huge dog lover!

We have a dachshund

and a Papihuahua,

(Chihuahua/papillon mix),

They call all the shots but they

are so cute I don't care!

2) I have 2 books on my nightstand at

the moment, House Rules by, Jodi Picoult,

and Every Last One by Anna Quindlen.

They are both so good, I have been

reading them at the same time!

Are you reading either of these?

3) I am a Libra. I am not big

into astrology but I would say the

standard traits are dead on.

4) I am a homebody. I love to travel

but when we are not on vacation

I am content just hanging at my home.

5) I talk to my Mom every day. I am

so grateful she is healthy and close by.

6) I love Christmas! The tree goes up the

day after Thanksgiving every year!

7) I am a big Sarah Mclachlan fan!

Now, I am supposed to forward this award to

15 other bloggers but I'll tell you what I have

decided to do.

I always get a little stressed worrying that I may

have forgot someone or I may slight somebody

unintentionally, so since I love you all so much

go ahead, grab the award if you want to I am

forwarding it to all of my lovely blog friends!

photos via apartment therapy, decor pad & martha stewart

Praise The Chaise

It's Sunday, time to get comfy in that perfect chaise

Sip some coffee and indulge in a chocolate croissant

Enjoy some classic films

Begin that book you have been wanting to read

Be good to yourself because you deserve it!

Wishing you a very relaxing and joyful Sunday. xoxo

images via country living, traditonal home, my home ideas, flickr, photonet & apartment therapy