Wallpaper with benefits

You might want to cover every space in sight with some spectacular wallpaper.  And that might make you very happy for a very long time.  But, if you're like me and can't commit to a goldfish, smaller doses might be just the thing.  I like these bits of wallpaper inspiration.... especially the non-committal-single-roll-width-stripe that casually defines an area.  It says "I like you" without saying "We're going to be together forever".  Know what I mean?



images: Ideal Home UK



Can you say Cococozy?

I've been following the Cococozy blog for quite awhile and I was thrilled to hear her big announcement a few days ago.... She's launching her own line of fabrics, pillows, drapes and more at Shop.Cococozy.com!!!  Her sense of style is spot-on so it was no surprise to see that everything in the collection is smart, fresh and oh-so delicious!!!  Many of us can dream big, but this woman actually has the knockers to make it happen.  The products will debut this month at the New York International Gift Fair but you can see them right here.  My top 3 favorites?  Her signature Logo Throw in Aqua, the Quatrefoil pillow in Black, or the Loop Pillow in Light Blue.  They make me weak in the knees!

  

The Ferris Bueller's Day Off house is still for sale

The home from the 1986 cult classic movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is still on the market.  Surely you remember the scene where a beautiful red Ferrari goes through the glass window of a hillside garage?  Well, that house and garage can be yours for a sweet $1.6 million.  The house is spectacular, built in 1953 and designed by  A. James Speyer & David Haid, it's simply magnificent.  Check out these photos:

http://www.buyingahomechicago.com/property_information.asp?mls=07218797

Don't put my love on a shelf

No doubt you've sworn this is the year you're going to get organized.  A place for everything and everything in its place.  It's January 20th... how's it going?  I know we make those promises on New Year's Eve but I say break out of that mold, go for something bold and outrageous...  Renew that promise later in the month.  The holiday decorations are put away and it's time to roll up your sleeves.  Start with a shelf you already have and restyle it a bit... go ahead, do it now.  We'll wait.  Here's a little push to get you started:

Holiday Cards from Shutterfly

It's the most wonderful time of the year... and I say that because I really, really love the holiday cards that come every day.  Most people don't know this, but I actually keep them from year to year.  Only the ones with pictures, of course - I'm not nuts.  But almost everyone I know sends cards with pictures and I treasure each one.  Sometimes it's the only glimpse I get of college friends and their children living on the opposite coast or family in distant lands.  My first stop will be Shutterfly. 

A dear friend takes a photograph of my children every year and I really don't know how she manages to capture them so well.  My favorite had to be about 5 years ago.  I have twin boys and a little girl and they were just "DONE" with the whole idea of having their picture taken.  They were uncooperative, cranky and a little bit impish.  She got them to dance, took a picture and.... Ta-Da... I had an adorable card with my children dancing and the caption read "Be Merry".  It was my favorite!

Every year I create a calendar on Shutterfly with pictures from the last year... Halloween, summer vacation, first day of school.... great memories. And almost every year I create a photo book. That's the favorite gift among the grandparents. I know they show it to everyone!  So now I need to choose a card for this year.  So many to choose from at Shutterfly, but here are the top contenders:

in love with Hollywood Regency style

I'm about to start a makeover in the living room.... and I'm drawn to all of this Hollywood Regency style stuff.  My 13 year old boys may not think it's so fab, but I'm all about it!!!  I have 2 lamps in the basement that belonged to my grandmother... and they are super different.  Check back... I'll photograph them later.  In the meantime...

Piecesinc.com

HGTV

Mitchell Gold Bob Williams

ineverdoyouanygood.blogspot.com

1stDibs

{Winter Sparkle}

Think frost.  Handmade needle felted wool acorns with glittered caps.  The caps are real acorn caps and the "nut" is felted wool.  I make them in a LOT of colors, I just haven't photographed all of them!  Click here to purchase or just a look at some other ways to use them.

http://www.shop.thewoolacorn.com/

Linking up with these fabulous bloggers:
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/



{Befores and Afters}... &... {Bang, Bang Shoot 'Em Up}

I've decided to give the {never used} living room a makeover.  We all hang out in the family room which has the TV, computer and XBOX and we sit in the living room on Christmas Eve.... that's it.  Oh, sometimes I hide in there to talk on the phone so my children can't hear me.  Now, I know if I added more of the stuff that plugs in {like a TV, computer or XBOX} to the living room my family would move right in.  So that's what I've decided to do.  I'm starting with a TV and games but the real dilemma is what to put them on.  I decided an old sideboard would be great since I can hide the gaming system and games inside but, truth be told, I'm not an antique kinda girl.  I'm far more modern - not minimalist modern - definitely not minimalist - but there's nothing shabby chic going on here.  Anyway, I found a store nearby that seems to LOVE their paint sprayer.  It's a consignment shop that also sells used furniture after they've given it a little facelift.  And while these pictures aren't exactly what I'm looking for - they gave me a lot of inspiration.  If I can find a piece with more sleek lines, I'll paint it black and we can all play BANG, BANG SHOOT 'EM UP in the living room.  And not just on Christmas Eve.

Sideboard BEFORE

Sideboard AFTER

Sideboard BEFORE

Sideboard AFTER

Another AFTER {no before shot}

Where's the store?  It's in Chelmsford, Massachusetts:  ConsignmentCorner.net