Department 56 Christmas Houses

I have tons of Department 56 Christmas Houses. I also, have tons of just Christmas Houses. This year I decided to go less is more and only put out my favorites. It has blossomed a bit, but here are a few pics of some of my personal favorites.

The white house with the trees was a gift in the 1980's from my stepmom and my dad. They hid it under the tree and our dog Sandor, kept pulling at the pillow.

The green San Francisco row house, I carried all around San Francisco, pregnant. Lauren, if you're reading this, someday you have to put it in your house.

I light them with colored lights because I love the glow.

These are on top of our wine/liquor cabinet. No coincidence they are a Brew House and a Wine Cellar.

These are in the front office. Bringing a bit of cheer.

Like I said, just a small sample of some of them. Hope you are enjoying your Christmas decorating.

Swimming Pool Dreaming - In Winter

Swimming pool dreaming in the cold of winter. Ran across this at a blogger's site (don't remember which one) and fell in love. It is by Leslie Willamson Photography.

I love the line of plants by the pool. I know, not very practical. But oh so amazing to look at. And, no one ever gets in my pool, so it is now all about the looks.

Now, hmmm, how to get this same feeling? Something to think about over the winter.


Photo above by Leslie Williamson Photography.

Photo below, my pool, wishing it looked as amazing as the one above.

Re-upholstering Boudoir Chairs for Bedroom

We have had these boudoir chairs since about 1990. They are ancient. As you can see we have put multiple colors of fabric on them, one on top of the other. So, it is feeling like a daunting task. But, I am up for it. Here are the fabrics being stripped off.

Wow, down to the original fabric. Looks kind of sad.

Love the pleating.

Now with the new brown pleats. The fabric you see to the right is for the back and seat. I have a solid gold/tan for the wall back part.

Still pleating. Takes much longer than I thought.

Back of the chair, looking sad.

This project will not be completed until next week. Please check back for the afters.

Candle in wine bottle. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving. My turkey in a bag in the oven. Yum.


Remember candles in wine bottles at all the italian restaurants? Probably not politically correct anymore, but fun to do. I am starting one with my anniversary wine bottle. Love Cakebread. Finding candles that drip is harder than I thought. Most are drip less.

Jennifer Aniston's New Movie

Jennifer Aniston is filming a new movie "Wanderlust" with Paul Rudd. I am in love with her "Wayne" asymetrical jacket. It is classy, and relaxed all at the same time. I do have to admit, I love her style, both theatrical and personal as well. I could be lusting over this jacket.

Kindle and Bookshelves

I got a Kindle for my birthday and Love it!! Love it!! Love it!!. Ok, that said, will it affect bookshelves? We have bookshelves in our house, as do most people. Ours has current as well as some antique type books. So, what do you think? Just putting it out there.

Pictures below via Pottery Barn.

I love the large platter with books under it.

I love the crates on the wall as shelves for objects and books.

I love a saw horse desk, and I love the magazine, and bookshelves.

Controlling Cord Clutter

I hate cord clutter. On my desk, there are 2 laptops and 1 monitor, so I have tons of clutter. Best way to control it, Free. Ha, ha, when I was browsing thru my garage I ran across this old apple crate that someone gave me apples in. It is perfect. And best of all it is FREE. Yay!!

Homemade Pot Pie and Tomato Salad

It's not a secret I'm not a cook. But, I do make a mean Pot Pie!! I just poached some chicken breasts, (or use leftovers), then shred, add a can of cream of chicken soup, a touch of milk and 1/2 bag of frozen mixed veggies, top with a bit of pie crust, (crust only on top, to control carbs and calories), then bake at 400 degrees, until brown on top. Yum. Costco had the best beefsteak tomatoes, we couldn't resist, and pared with some fresh mozzarella, and basil it was a great meal.

Yes, that is a concrete counter top, we poured several years ago in our kitchen. We sealed it with food grade sealer. We still love it today.

Rotary Dial Telephones on Ebay

My Ebay store: Atticroute66, has some great vintage rotary dial telephones. Check them out. Great prices and they make great gifts.

Styling Closets. Sex and The City 2 Closets

After watching Sex and The City 2 on DVD, I was dreaming of Carrie's closet. That will never happen as I have an old house built in 1947. Hey, a girl can dream. So I decided that I would work on styling my closet. I am going to get some new hangers at Target, possible the black velvet, would like a true white, but can only find a cream. For the hubs half (think the old Brady Bunch wall closet, I am thinking wood. I am worried that he would be too hard on the velvet ones. I noticed in Sex 2 that Big's side of the closet is different.

After I style, I will try and post pics. In the meantime, just swoon over these two closets, and the great clothing. Love.