LA DOLFINA

Unique Closet Hardware

2012-01-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, we upgraded our master bathroom which included replacing the bi-fold closet doors with curtain panels.

I finally got around to sewing on these Chinese frogs the other day. A Chinese frog is an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button and a loop through which it passes.

The usual purpose of frogs is to provide a closure for a garment while decorating it at the same time.

I've actually had them safety pinned on for the longest time and finally got around to properly attaching them!

It really makes such a difference.

We used to leave the curtains open all the time but now it feels so good to "button them up"!

Have any of you replaced your closet doors with curtain panels?

Special Delivery!

2012-01-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kate on winning the

Ikat Pillow Giveaway!

And a great big THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to enter and visit LAURA & KIRAN'S website.

Wishing you all a great weekend ahead!

Have you seen this house?

2012-01-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just came across it and am in love!

It's all of 1700 sq. ft.

I love the size, scale, and floor plan so much!

And of course all the wonderfully charming features and attention to detail through-out!

This little gem really makes the most of what it's got!

The kitchen laid out in this way feels so expansive.

The guest room is the epitome of cozy,

along with it's charming bath.

The master bedroom feels so gracious especially with that fabulous ceiling and french doors leading outside.

I love the classic, elegant master bath.

Simple yet so tasteful.

The floor adds just the right punch to this elegantly understated bath.

This was formerly the garage that has been converted to additional living space.

The cozy back yard,

complete with a classic pool,

and

incredible views!

So here's the skinny...

It's located in the Hollywood Hills and is owned by a film location scout who is renting it fully furnished to Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux for $17, 500 a month!

It looks to be available again soon as Jennifer recently purchased this home in Bel Air for a cool 21 Million!

I don't get it?!

LAST DAY TO ENTER THE IKAT GIVEAWAY!

*Images from Hooked on Houses

Nautical Inspired

2012-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Those who have followed my blog for a while know about my obsession with the sea and all it's wondrous treasures...

Today I thought I'd share several cherished pieces of Limoges I've found over the years with a nautical inspired design.

I'm curious, have any of you ever come across these nautical inspired pieces?

I'm absolutely smitten with them and find them incredibly intriguing.

Do you think they were used aboard a yacht or shipping vessel?

We are fast approaching the end of the IKAT GIVEAWAY. You can still enter here if you haven't yet. The winner will be announced at the end of day tomorrow!

I'm linking up to Thrift'n On A Thursday over at Savvy City Farmer.

AND

I JUST LISTED A NEW TREASURE AT
IL TUO TESORO.

Scarf Love

2012-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

I just ordered this scarf by John Robshaw from One Kings Lane today and can't wait for it to arrive so I can try out these amazing looks I saw recently on You Tube via the blog Delight.

Do you have a favorite?

There is still time to enter The Giveaway for a pair of Laura & Kiran Ikat Throw Pillows!

$1 Treasures

2012-01-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Hanging 2-tier basket

I love a good challenge, so with a tighter budget in the new year but still loving to treasure hunt, I'm trying to only buy treasures that fit into my adjusted budget and fall between $1 and $5.

Don't tell my husband but sometimes I push it to $10!

Old Chinese Rice Bowl

My goal in 2012 is to SELL my treasures and use that money to fuel my dream which I've been doing too much thinking about and not enough executing!

This turned out to be a $10 treasure as I bought a stack of them for $1 a piece.

So, in the spirit of spending less time and money on treasure hunting I thought I'd show you what you can find out in the trenches for $1.

I've sold most of them

Don't get me wrong, I'm not totally giving up on treasure hunting, it gives me too much joy and there still is a lot to gain from the hunt.

I'm practicing self discipline for one.

A great basket

I also get my creative juices working by seeing interesting things and thinking about how they can be repurposed or used in a fun and unique way.

Perfect for laundry

I'm also much more interested in doing some DIY's using the wonderful things I've collected over the years.

and sundry items

That is a good thing for a perfectionist Virgo who tends to shy away from hands on projects thinking they will never be good enough.

I am going to turn a challenge into opportunity and when the time is right, I look forward to sharing my journey to making my DREAM a reality!

I think you'll be very surprised.

Please don't forget to enter the IKAT GIVEAWAY here or at the top of my sidebar for a chance to win a pair of beautiful ikat throw pillows!

*All photos La Dolfina

Hello Rain

2012-01-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

I've been expecting you!

What took you so long?

Well, now that you're here...

I can indulge in some of my favorite rainy day activities like, bundling up next to the fire with a good book,

and my favorite meal.

And I've been dying to put on my rain boots and splash in some puddles!

I'm extra prepared this year because I scored these cozy rain boot socks at J Crew's After Christmas Sale,

and can't wait to try them out!

Anyone care to join me?

Make a Difference in Someone's Life

2012-01-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

A good character is the best tombstone.

Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget me nots have withered.

Carve your name on hearts, not marble.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Great Ideas

2012-01-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

In the new Ballard Designs Catalog!

First up is this fantastic assortment of sunburst mirrors made out of driftwood that look like a DIY just waiting to happen.

And if you happen to have a spare bedroom just waiting to be transformed, why not turn it into a closet!

Please don't forget to enter the IKAT GIVEAWAY at the top of my sidebar if haven't yet!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
It looks like we are in for a rainy one!

IKAT GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-19T02:49:00.000-08:00

Now that you know how to tell real ikat from printed ikat, I want to introduce you to Laura & Kiran's amazing collection of handcrafted fabrics and give you a glimpse into their retail store which is located in their warehouse in the popular Berkeley Fourth Street shopping district.

Laura & Kiran fabrics are sold through fine fabric stores and designer workrooms across the country but for those of us fortunate to live in the SF Bay Area we are able to visit this textile mecca in person!

For those who are not local, you may call or email Rachel at the Berkeley location and she will be happy to assist you.

The Laura & Kiran Retail Store is both a fabric showroom and a home decor boutique for bedding, pillows, footstools and curtain panels in their fabrics.

They also carry an eclectic collection of Indian textile accessories, as well as place mats, napkins and tablecloths.

Fabrics are available by the yard and prices run between $25 to $50 a yard, plus there is usually a selection of sale fabrics starting at around $12 a yard.

Their cottons, linens and silks run from lightweight sheers to heavyweight twill stripes for upholstery and celebrate the interplay of weave, texture and color for which they are known.

In fact, many companies you are familiar with use Laura & Kiran fabrics such as Crate & Barrel, Ralph Lauren, Ballard Designs and Lee Industries, just to name a few.

This bedroom featured in the October 2011 issue of Coastal Living featured an upholstered bed by Lee Industries with Laura & Kiran fabric.

You can view their fabrics By Collection or

By Pattern on their website.

Now on to the Giveaway!

As new sponsors of La Dolfina, Laura & Kiran would like to offer my readers a chance to win this pair of down filled, 20"x 20" ikat throw pillows.

To win you must:

Be a follower of La Dolfina

Visit Laura & Kiran's website leaving me a comment with the pattern and name of your favorite fabric.

For additional entries, you can post this giveaway on your blog, facebook and twitter.

GOOD LUCK!

Winner will be chosen on Friday, January 27th.

LAURA & KIRAN

1425 Fourth Street

Berkeley, CA. 94710

510-559-3300

EMAIL: RACHEL@LAURAKIRAN.COM

Today I'm linking up to

Potpourri Friday

&
Pink Saturday

A Living Tradition

2012-01-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

REAL IKAT

The ikat look is everywhere these days, but most of what you see featured in magazines or blogs is not real ikat, but a print or jacquard made to simulate the look.

The work "ikat" comes from the Indonesian mengikat meaning "to tie up."

Real ikat is make by skilled craftsmen who tie and dye the design into the yarn before the fabric is hand woven. During the weaving, the yarns move slightly, giving the motifs a distinctive feathery edge known as the ikat look.

Look closely at real ikat and you will see that no two motifs are exactly alike. In a real ikat, the front and back of the fabric are the same because the design is in the yarn, not on the surface of the fabric like in a print.

Ikat is practiced in a variety of regions - Japan, Guatemala, South East Asia, Africa and India - but in all these areas the process is similar.

Meet Laura & Kiran Singh who met in India over 30 years ago. Their first date lasted 36 hours. Auspiciously, it was on the full moon of the color festival of Holi, when people run wild throwing powdered color on each other in the streets. At sunset, they took a magical boat ride on the lake in the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Surrounded by flocks of birds shadowed against a glowing sky of oranges, pinks and purples, floating along in an old faded gray wooden row boat, they discovered their mutual love of Indian textiles and their desire to bring contemporary design to traditional Indian products.

On that first date they sketched out the lines of the business they are still doing today.

The starting point of their design inspiration is thinking about color trends in the world of interior design and working out the color stories. Then they look at traditional ikat and textile designs from different regions. By working with contemporary colors and simplifying the designs, they create ikats to accent a variety of home furnishing styles from traditional to ethnic to mid-century.

They have made many visits to the villages in Andhra Pradesh over the years to work directly with the weavers to produce their own designs and colors. The oldest known ikat in India can be seen on figures in the caves of Ajanta. Laura & Kiran are designing in a tradition that can be dated back to the 12th century!

By giving them new designs and contemporary colors they are giving new life to an old craft and keeping a glorious tradition alive.

CLICK HERE to view a step by step demonstration of an original Laura & Kiran ikat being marked, tyed, dyed and handwoven in India.

Be sure and come back tomorrow for a tour of their Berkeley Store and FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!

*Text and photos from REAL IKAT, A Living Tradition by Laura & Kiran

IT'S TEBOW TIME!

2012-01-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

To find out what all the hype is about

Click here

HOME GOODS GOOD!

2012-01-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

$4.99 each...

Get em while you can!!!

So Close!

2012-01-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

You were all on the right track suggesting it was a wedding bouquet.

But, it is actually a wedding cake topper from France around the 1890's!

I've never seen one before, have you?

Thanks for playing, let's do it again soon!

It's Time to Play...

2012-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

What is it?

It's over a hundred years old,

and is hanging upside down.

Those are your only hints...

Good Luck!

I look forward to your guesses.

Tomorrow I will have my friend, Lisa, who is the owner of this exquisite treasure, reveal it's origins.

A Collection Grows

2012-01-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

It all started with the one that got away!

I just couldn't pull the trigger on the $200 price tag.

But a few months later I was rewarded with this wonderful set of Chinese brushes and they didn't break the bank.

And then, one day while shopping The Alameda Point I came across this beautiful artist's paint palette.

That was the day my passion for the paint palette began...

My latest acquisition just arrived from England.

Sigh...

Recent Finds...

2012-01-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

Find their way into a tabletop vignette on my nightstand.

NEW TREASURE JUST LISTED AT
IL TUO TESORO.

A Few Spoils

2012-01-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

From the first estate sale of the year!

My mom and I stumbled upon an estate sale while out on errands late yesterday afternoon.

It just so happened that it was full of the most fabulous vintage jewelry.

I could not pull my mom, the gypsy away until she combed through it all!

Before I knew it, I was right there with her!

But before I ended up there I found myself a lovely vintage shell mirror and 2 wonderful Chinese figurines Made in Japan.

Here are a few close ups of the mirror.

What really grabbed me about this mirror was the unexpected pop of the green shells.

On to the jewelry...

It's rare that I even look at the jewelry, let alone buy it. I leave that up to my mom.

But I couldn't resist the colors of the green Peking Glass necklace and the bejeweled turquoise elephant. I was so pleased with how they looked in my vintage satin lined emerald green jewelry box!

The piece de resistance though was this amazing vintage rhinestone bracelet with it's over-sized dangling ball!

I think I will definitely be throwing a New Year's Eve Party next year pulling out my vintage noise makers and sporting this fabulous bracelet that pays homage to the The Times Square Ball!

We are pretty fortunate here in the SF Bay Area as estate sales can be found year round.

So how will you spend the 1st weekend of 2012?

I'm linking to Feathered Nest Friday

Feast of The Three Kings

2012-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

In western Christian tradition, today is celebrated as Epiphany.

It goes by other names in various church traditions.

In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three King's Day.

Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day.

This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany.

The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal."

In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

The colors of Epiphany are usually the colors of Christmas, white and gold, the colors of celebration, newness, and hope that mark the most sacred days of the church year.

The traditional liturgical symbols of Epiphany are usually associated with the Magi.

The symbols include either three crowns or a single crown, various portrayals of the Magi or Wise Men, three gifts, a five pointed star, or a combination of a star and crown.

A more modern symbol of Epiphany is a globe or a stylized portrayal of the world.

Around January 6th, the symbol +C+B+M+ with two numbers before and two numbers after (for example, 20+C+B+M+12) is sometimes seen written in chalk above the doorway of Christian homes.

The letters are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.

These letters also abbreviate the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, "May Christ bless the house." The beginning and ending numbers are the year and the crosses represent Christ.

Marking the lintels of doorways is an old European practice that originally had overtones of magic (protection of a house). However, the symbols are now used throughout the world and usually represent a traditional Epiphany prayer and blessing.

An Epiphany Prayer

Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realize that it was not because of our own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because you loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus.

As you have accepted us when we did not deserve your love, will you help us to accept those whom we find it hard to love? Forgive us, O Lord, for any attitude that we harbor that on any level sees ourselves as better or more righteous than others. Will you help us to remove the barriers of prejudice and to tear down the walls of bigotry, religious or social? O Lord, help us realize that the walls that we erect for others only form our own prisons!

Will you fill us so full of your love that there is no more room for intolerance. As you have forgiven us much, will you enable us with your strength to forgive others even more? Will you enable us through your abiding Presence among us, communally and individually, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear?

May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.

We thank you for your love, praise you for your Gift, ask for your continued Presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart.

Amen.

And so a new tradition begins...

*Text from here

A New Year Blessing

2012-01-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

I hope for you in 2012

That the single, most significant dimension of life is your relationship with the Source of Goodness who never ceases to sing love songs to your soul.

That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily.

That you treasure your loved ones and let them know how dear they are to you.

That you make choices and decisions that reflect your truest self.

That you look in the mirror at least once a day and smile in happy amazement.

That you remember relationships are what count above all else - more than work or money, or all the material things we spend so much time tending.

That you live in an uncluttered manner, enjoying the freedom to be content.

That you keep your sense of humor when things don't go the way you want.

That you find adventure in each new day and marvel at the wonders of creation which constantly present themselves to you.

That you never give up on yourself when others turn away or do not understand.

That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind and spirit.

That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges that come to you.

That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency when you are in need.

That you carry peace within yourself, allowing it to slip into the hearts of others so that our planet becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more.

*Joyce Rupp January 2004
*All images via Kellie Cashon's Pinboard titled Photography:Nature/Wow

The Dog Days of January

2012-01-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

We've been dogsitting my brother's miniature Maltese for the past week while they took their daughters to Disneyland & The Rose Bowl Parade.

We love "Louis" and always look forward to taking care of him while they are away...

This is how Louis spends most of his days, but when he's with us, he's called Lou and we love to shake up his pampered little world!

So, we thought a great way to start 2012 would be to take Lou on a long walk by the bay.

Thank goodness my husband grew up with dogs, a beloved German Shepard named Heidi, so he knows when it's safe to let them off leash and keeps a watchful eye on the situation.

It was absolute JOY for us to watch this tiny little fellow allowed to run free and roam to his hearts content!

In no time flat his bony little legs were soaked to the bone.

He became a two toned dog, or as my mom exclaimed upon seeing him later, "he looks like he's wearing boots!"

We indulged his every turn and in the process provided much comic relief to all of the other dog walkers in our path!

I didn't grow up with dogs so Lou is "my dog in training."

Every time I dogsit I get more and more comfortable with him and as my confidence grows so do my heartstrings.

I'm so impressed with my husband walking this pampered pooch passing our neighbors with their Goldens and Labs.

He just shrugs and calls Lou, "a chick magnet."

We thought this was the perfect spot for a photo op.

We call these photos, "Lou by the Bay."

Here he is taking in the view of

"The City by the Bay."

He loved the smell of the bay breeze!

Well, that is how we started off 2012.

Now we are getting ready to send Lou home to his family who are on their way home today.

It's getting harder and harder to give him back...

Here is a short video clip of Lou and some new friends he met on his wondrous and wild New Years Day walk!

Welcome 2012!!!

Are you ready to make some NOISE?

2011-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

I AM!

Especially since I came across this old box of vintage noise makers I found up in our attic while putting away our Christmas decorations yesterday!

I forgot all about them.

I wonder if it's too late to have a New Years Eve Party?

Maybe next year!

At any rate, you can be sure I'll be running out my front door at midnight twirling, clanging and flapping these cuties.

It will definitely be an improvement over pots & pans.

Whatever you do to ring in 2012 be sure and make some NOISE!!!

AND

HAVE

VERY

HAPPY

NEW

YEAR!!!

I'LL SEE YA'LL NEXT YEAR!

Are you ready for

2011-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

A Fresh Start?

A Clean Slate?

A New Year?

2012?

Bring It On!

I'm so ready!!!

Thank you all for being a very wonderful and treasured part of my life this past year. I have cherished and appreciated the time you have spent reading, commenting and connecting with me personally. You have all made 2011 a year to remember and I'm so excited about what lies ahead for all of us in 2012!

A N T I C I P A T I O N

2011-12-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Dec. 23rd has always been my favorite day of the Christmas Season...

It is because it's our "night before Christmas."

Christmas Eve is the day and evening our family gathers together to celebrate.

We try to attend Midnight Mass after all the celebrating but it gets harder and harder every year.

I think it has something to do with getting older and stamina... but that mom of mine usually does both, Midnight Mass and Christmas Morning Mass because she can't get enough of celebrating the birth of Christ.

So, let me be the first to wish you all a very

M e r r y

C h r i s t m a s

An Early Christmas Present

2011-12-21T17:16:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

Unfortunately, Lake Tahoe was not white.

It just doesn't feel right to be in the mountains at Christmas without snow...

Our boys did get a day of snowboarding in thanks to the man-made stuff!

*All photos taken by me at The Village at Northstar

Special Delivery!

2011-12-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas...

This gorgeous 25" fresh Fraser Fir wreath by Green Valley Christmas Trees, a leading online Christmas tree delivery company, arrived on my doorstep!

As soon as I opened the box, I could smell the freshness and fragrance!

Green Valley Christmas Trees is committed to providing the freshest, most premium Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands and grow their Fraser Fir, Noble Fir and White Pine Christmas trees in their native soils.

I set about decorating my wreath before heading off to Lake Tahoe for the weekend.

First,

I attached a deer head at the top of the wreath.

Combing through my extensive collection of pinecones, or "winter shells" as my friend Kathysue calls them, I chose a variety of different sized natural and glittered pinecones attaching them to the branches of the wreath.

I finished it off with a beautiful green double faced satin Midori ribbon and dangled a large metallic copper sugar pinecone from the bottom.

There is nothing like the sight of a beautiful wreath to greet you throughout the Christmas Season!

Home for The Holidays

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

What's this?

2011-12-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

Presents wrapped and under the tree?

That's right! I'm way ahead of the game this year.

I thinks it's a combination of emptynesthood and light Christmas decorating, at any rate I'm thrilled to be heading up to Lake Tahoe tomorrow for a long weekend.

What's on the agenda?

Our son and his friend are due to arrive any minute and will be joining us for a weekend of snow boarding and bonding.

This year we are bringing supplies to bake Christmas cookies, Nigella Lawson's Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts and my Grandmother's famous Doo Dads!

There's a knock at the door!!!

They're here!

I'll see you in Tahoe...

Laura & Kiran, Handcrafted Fabrics for Modern Living

2011-12-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

A Prelude

I thought that before I formally introduced you to my newest sponsor, Laura & Kiran and their fabulous line of fabrics and home textiles,

I would begin by showing you photos of the dizzying array of incredible scarfs they bring back from their trips to India and sell in their Berkeley, California shop.

I was so smitten by them and thought I'd better show them to you first in case you might want to purchase one as a Christmas gift.

They are quite large measuring approx. 30" by 74"

They come in silk, silk & wool blend, raw silk and boiled wool.

Prices range from $59 up to $98

They really are quite beautiful.

Just ask my mom...

She loved them all!

I love the one she finally chose.

She has a great eye, that mom of mine!

Laura & Kiran

1425 Fourth Street

Berkeley, Ca. 94710

For those of you who aren't in the SF Bay Area, you may call Rachel at 510-559-3300 who will be happy to assist you.

You can also email her at STORE@LAURAKIRAN.COM

A New Vignette

2011-12-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

I did some rearranging in this room just before the Christmas Holiday.

I replaced the concrete faux bois demi-lune console table with this vintage bamboo screen I've had for over 20 years stored in our attic.

As you can see, it needs fabric panels but I'm loving how it looks on this wall.

I found some wonderful silk last week at the most fabulous shop.

I look forward to introducing you to Laura & Kirin, my newest sponsor, in my next post.

Some of you might remember several months ago when I bought this pair of Ginger Jars at auction.

I originally intended them for my mantel which is where they've been until I moved them over to this dresser and placed them in front of the large Henredon mirror.

Now I realize they belonged here from the start.

They are absolutely perfect in size and scale and have made this part of the room come alive!

This vignette will definitely be staying long after the Christmas Season!

Sans the festive touches of course!

So, what do you think?

Is it a keeper?

Hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend!

Spread JOY!

2011-12-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

What better place to start than in the kitchen!

Ooops!
(I didn't notice that I had jotted down the name of a movie I've been meaning to rent on the chalkboard which I now think is probably better come January!)

What JOY might you be cooking up for the holidays?

Communicate JOY simply, with a smile, a kind gesture, a little help or a gesture of forgiveness, and the JOY you give will certainly come back to you. After all, the spirit of Christmas is contagious!

Our Christmas Mantle

2011-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

Please come in!

I'm so glad you could take a minute to drop by today...

I'd love to show you our Christmas mantle this year.

It is the simplest mantle I've ever created.

You should see our tree! Talk about simple!

It is white, with white lights, crystal icicles, and several white glittery vintage birds that sit upon the Christmas bulb and glow.

It's quite beautiful in person but does not photograph very well.

It seems I'm not the only one who has embraced a simple Christmas this year.

A dear friend emailed me telling me that she too used a much lighter touch in her Christmas decor this year and has found it to be very calming and serene.

I look forward to lighting the fire and all the candles and coming in here each evening to just be still and reflect.

It is a ritual during the Christmas season for my husband and I to come in here each evening, lay down on our couches and gaze at the fire while we recount the past year's events and memories.

Now, as emptynesters, we talk about our excitement in having our boy home for the holidays!

That is our Christmas present!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

A Mystery

2011-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

I did a post earlier this year on my youngest brother Stephen and his wife Wendy and their amazing wedding in Rome at the Vatican a few years ago...

Well, this mystery is about their cat Heidi.

(Heidi)

You see, several years ago, their previous cat, Kiki, was found dead and believed to have been poisoned.

(Kiki, Rest in Peace)

About a year or so later they located a litter and picked out 2 sisters, a tiger cat they named Heidi

and her orange sister they named Ginger.

(Ginger)

They were teeny tiny when they brought them home and were lavished with lots of love and attention.

They were once again a happy family...

Until, earlier this year Heidi, the adventurous one who loves to roam the neighborhood starting losing her collars.

Not only that but she would stay away for several days at a time.

The first time it happened they were extremely worried until she reappeared 3 days later. From that time it became routine for her.

(Heidi is trouble when she's cooped up!)

One day she returned without her collar. Since it was a safety release collar they figured that she got caught up in branch and lost it, so they replaced it and the i.d. tag.

Well this too became a routine and for last 6 months or so they have replaced her collar and i.d. tag at least 7 times!

Last week while on the phone my brother looked out his window to see Heidi coming down the driveway in what looked to be a red t-shirt!

He couldn't believe his eyes and quickly hung up the phone to go outside and fetch her.

Sure enough she was sporting a tiny red t-shirt that had USA on the back. Upon further inspection, the tag inside read, Build a Bear.

I know you are probably laughing right now, as I did upon hearing this chain events via my mom, but as you can imagine, my brother and his wife are very upset!

Needless to say, Heidi has been under lock down ever since and my brother and his wife are trying to figure out how to solve this mystery.

They are currently considering the following options...

A collar camera
or
Kitty GPS

They would appreciate any help in solving this mystery!

Almost Done!

2011-12-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on the finishing touches of my Christmas decor but I must say that even when you decorate less, it's not any less work!

I pared way back this year and in the process ended up making some permanent changes that I'm very happy with!

I'm not sure what is happening to me but I'm blaming blogland for my increasing desire for more edited spaces.

First thing we did was decorate the entry which I told my husband was a woodland look.

He looked at me and started laughing recalling an episode from South Park titled, "A Woodland Christmas."

I don't know why but I go crazy over birds during the holidays.

I want to put them everywhere!

But this year, I showed tremendous restraint and used just a few in our woodland entry.

The owl on the left is from my son's Harry Potter Halloween costume from many years ago. I can't resist bringing him out at Christmas each year.

What do you think of my woodland entry or as South Park puts it My Woodland Christmas?

Come back tomorrow and I will give you a tour of my very edited Christmas decor.

Happy Monday!

WARNING... POSSIBLE EYE CANDY OVERLOAD

2011-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

This is the World's Longest Christmas Post.

Come inside Orchard Nursery where they have been busy trimming trees for the last 6 weeks!

You should have seen my mom upon entering.

She was immediately transformed to a little girl, wide eyed and giddy!

All I heard for the next hour was, "Terri! Look at this!"

Many of you have seen her house at Christmas.

It's over the top.

She pulls out all the stops.

She starts the process in early November.

Although she won't decorate the outside until the day after Thanksgiving.

People have always referred to her house at Christmas as Macy's Department Store.

But I think now we should start referring to it as Orchard Nursery!

It's not often we see decorations that rival her own.

It was fun to see her as excited as her friends and family are when enjoying her home during the Christmas Season.

Believe it or not, I had a difficult time pulling her out of here which is why I took so many photos!

She was having such a good time, begging me to take photos of this and that.

It was magical to see her in the midst of so much Christmas splendor.

I, on the other hand couldn't help wondering how in the world one place could stock such an extensive selection.

One employee told us they buy year round for Christmas.

I'm dying to know how much of this stuff they will sell this season and plan to definitely come back for the after Christmas sale to see for myself.

Every once in a while my mom will show me a Christmas decoration that she wants to buy and I'll say, "seriously?" and by golly she'll get it and bring it home and find just the perfect spot for it.

I really feel blessed to have a mom, at age 76, who is still so excited about Christmas.

I love and appreciate her so much!

This was her favorite section.

She has been collecting these Christmas Carolers for years.

She buys hers at estate sales and thrift stores whenever she sees them.

We found out that the older/vintage ones are a bit more expensive as they had a special case for those.

Thrifting and patience pays off!

OK, you're on your own now...

Continue at your own risk...

You've been warned.

Remember, I was in here for an hour!

Even though I experienced sensory overload in the first 15 minutes, my mom could have stayed in there all afternoon!

Have fun!

And,

Happy Decorating.

(I did purchase several of these small velvet pumpkins that were 50% off for my Thanksgiving Table next year)

Believe it or not... my mom did not buy a thing, although she wanted to!

I was proud of her:)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2011-12-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

A visit to Orchard Nursery in Lafayette is a must during the Christmas Season.

It's chalk full of inspiration and has absolutely anything and everything your heart desires!

Upon entering the first thing that greets you is the bulb section.

If the bulb you seek is not here... then it must not exist!

Moving on we come to the Holly Station.

Around the bend are the wreaths.

They were still setting it up when we were there.

My mom checking out the prices.

Off in the distance are rows of Christmas Trees.

A stroll around the grounds provides lots of artistic expression.

Imagine all of this with snow!

But alas, this is California.

After strolling around the grounds we ended up back towards the entrance where the flowering bulbs and Christmas flowers are displayed.

The cyclamen display.

Blooming paperwhites in all their glory.

Amaryllis

Topiaries

My mom loved with this tree that is meant to hang on a wall or front door.

She's still thinking about it!

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Orchard Nursery.

It always takes my breath away!

Be sure and come back tomorrow...

I'll take you inside. Prepared to be dazzled!

NEW TREASURE LISTED AT
IL TUO TESORO