I grew up in a modest brick ranch house built in the early 60’s that was purchased new by my family. For over 40 years very little was removed or changed. As other cherished family members passed on, my mom and dad collected sweet bits and pieces of their lives and added them to their own. Little bits of beauty could be found in the yard… …in the trees… …growing in the garden… …and boy oh boy…in the closets, tucked in chests and dressers, behind hutches, under the beds, in the ... View the Post

I  have been, ever so slowly, whittling down my list of projects that I hope will allow me to “Fall In Love With A House I Hate.”  Most of the time I am pretty adept. But there are certain projects that make me feel like Tim “The Toolman” Taylor. I am lucky enough to have an Al Borland. His name is Mr. Décor. Yes, we do have a few neighborhood characters always willing to hand out sage advice. Tomorrow kicks off the “FALL in Love With Your Home” linky party. I’d love to see ... View the Post

This past week it seemed that each and every moment that I would sit down at the computer for a bit of quiet, happy time to visit dear blogging friends the phone would ring, a knock would sound at the door or someone would fill the seats in my office. Life interrupted. I will admit that at times I find this to be very frustrating. This morning was no exception. I sat down at the computer three separate times. The first inquiry for breakfast came just minutes after I was seated. French ... View the Post

When a guy cuts me off in traffic I think “Maybe he just got a call that his child is headed to the hospital.”   When the sales clerk snarls “No, it is NOT on sale.” I smile and gently show her the ad, because perhaps her dog has just died.   When a kid is really mean to my son I hug him and tell him to practice patience and kindness in return. I remind him that the little boy’s parents have recently divorced and he probably feels lost.   Imagine if everyone gave everyone else the ... View the Post

I have been DYING to see “The Help” since it was released on August 12th. I finally went last weekend. Don’t you just love it when something not only lives up to your expectations but exceeds it? Of course, the Fashionista wanted to see the movie for the costuming (which is indeed TO DIE FOR) and I, of course, was eager to view the set décor. It did not disappoint. Aibilene’s kitchen was as simple, sparse and clean as it is portrayed in the book. So we will go Meandering Through A Mid Century ... View the Post

Thank you to all my dear blogging friends who left a basketful of birthday delights. To be wished happiness, enchantment, spunk and creativity is really all a girl could ask for. It is always good to be reminded that “It is fashionable to celebrate the day and to forget the year”. Amen. Now, a few thoughts on aging. This picture speaks to me. It tells a story of a woman who has lived life to the fullest. She has a certain inner peace. The joy she has experienced throughout the years is ... View the Post