Friday, December 18, 2009

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year



Friends, this truly is the most wonderful time of year. Each year, I struggle with how to decorate. Do I keep things simple? I think of how humble the very first Christmas must have been. My mind then thinks, "Wait a minute, we are celebrating the birth of the King of Kings!"


Seriously, sometimes I do good just to have a tree and a wreath on the door.
In my heart, I long for "lush and over-the-top".
I want my home and life to reflect the LOVE that was given to ALL OF US so many years ago

(thank you fabulous Becky Luigart-Stayner)

Wether you have a Charlie Brown tree, a elaborate "magazine worthy" production or a Menorah (love to you Joni and Renee), just remember that
God truly loves each and every one of YOU!


While you are going down your blog roll today and throughout the season, you may want to enjoy one of my favorite musical programs: The Sound of Majesty. I try to listen to it every day, but often miss the radio broadcast. Thankfully, you may listen to it online at any time. Please click on the link and then click "listen". My house may not be magazine worthy in decoration, but let me just say, the music playing is majestic!

Humm, wonder if I could get Tartanscot on my calendar for next year?
This fellow really knows how to decorate for Christmas--

I just adore hearing from all of you.
Please leave me a comment about what The Season means to you, your friends and family.
I look forward to hearing about your decorations and traditions.

Monday, December 7, 2009

A House that Needs a Party

Have you ever seen a house that just needs to have a party? Well, here's one for you.


The coats are being taken.
(Side note: Meg at Pigtown Design, this is what I envisioned for your office foyer!)


The trays are passed.


There is a bountiful spread covering the table--and fabulous china too!


Relaxing after dinner.


Lively post-party conversation in the kitchen.


Off to sleep after a delightful evening...


to rise in the morning for a swim...





and a walk.


I hope this Monday brings your much happiness--and maybe a party invitation in the mail!
Didn't that house need some life in it? It looks like it was made for entertaining.
How about hosting at your house? Anyone having a great Christmas party at home this year?

Oh, and if you want to host a party in this house, you can. It's for sale, just under 4 million.

(thanks MLS for the photos)


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hot Tips!



All too often, we feel like we have to be "nice and polite" to everyone. Unfortunately, for our own safety, we just can't. (Southern gals: you know what I'm talking about!) Have you ever seen someone creepy in the elevator at the mall? Guess what, you don't have to get in!

I had the absolute pleasure of hearing a police detective speak at a lecture on personal safety. The 22-year veteran of police work gave so many helpful tips.

Please take the time to read all of these. They might keep you or a loved one safe. Feel free to email this list as well. (Send them a link, or cut and paste)

(All photos found on Google Images. Obviously, I chose some of them just so you could have a few giggles while dealing with such serious subject matter.)


1. Look under the car before approaching the vehicle. Also, take notice of what types of vehicles are parked on either side. Vans and SUV's are used most in abductions.



2. Don't go to your car if you see a male sitting in the passenger seat of cars on either side of you.


3. Don't place your purse or wallet in the shopping cart buggy.


4. Strap your children into their car seats AFTER you have entered and LOCKED the car doors. Do this even if it means you have to lean over the seats to do so.

5. Follow your instincts. If you feel funny about a situation, pay attention.
YOU are trying to tell YOU something.

6. Avoid carrying a purse. Instead, put your credit card, keys, cell phone in your front pockets.

7. If you do carry a purse, carry it on your shoulder, securing it under your arm. Don't carry the purse with the strap across you body.

8. Also, don't have children carry their backpacks as they are designed with both arms through the straps. Only carry it on one shoulder. Otherwise a child can be snatched by the handle on the pack or by the pack itself.

9. Carry a small flashlight and knife in your pocket. You'd find it very helpful if you were in a trunk!

10. If someone is in a car and ask you a question/gets your attention, DO NOT approach their car.


11. Go small with everything. Keep your valuables to a minimum. Think money clip.

12. Don't put anything into your purse that you want to keep. When it's gone, it's gone.


13. Travel in pair or larger groups.

14. Females: don't go out alone at night. Period.

15. The worst criminals are the BEST con artist.


16. While jogging, don't wear headphones or earbuds. You've disabled one of your senses that could keep you safe. How would you hear someone approaching you from behind? Take your dog--the bigger the better!

17. Keep what is precious close to you. Never let children out of your reach.

18. Scream and yell. The panic button on your car might help, but so many people just ignore car and house alarms.

19. Know where you parked. Don't use the remote to light up your car--and unlock it. Someone who's been watching you may be waiting for just this moment. What if they get to the car before you do?



20. Don't hesitate to call 911. They are there to help. It is easier to prevent a crime than to solve one.

21. Go to public restrooms in pairs or groups. (Also good advice for younger boys too.)

22. Wear a one piece swimsuit to the beach.


23. If a person is "checking you out" for more than 5 seconds, watch out. They are truly sizing you up. If you feel threatened-KEEP EYE CONTACT. They will know you can identify them and that you are not a submissive victim.

24. Have your keys in your hand when in the parking lot. A long key can serve as a stabbing tool if necessary.


25. Have a buddy over for coffee when you have a service person inside your home.
26. You don't have to open your door to anyone. If you haven't called the cable company, power company, etc., be suspicious!

27. Don't allow a stranger into a 6' radius of you or your children. Keep your distance.

 Spike Heels
28. Wear shoes you can run in when you go shopping or out on the town--no Manolos girls!

Use your God-given common sense.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
If something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't!

Feel free to post any other tips you may have in the comments section. Knowledge is power.

I care about all of you and want you to be safe.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Classic Modern

Last year I toured this house and was amazed that so much style could be packed into such a small home. The house was built in the 1920's and does retain much of it's original character, despite it's cutting-edge styling.


To the left of the main living room you'll find the dining room.
How I wish I could be this "edited".
O.K., no, not really. I like all of my stuff.

How do you like the chandelier? I know most of you have seen light fixtures similar to this one, but as I recall, this is real wax that has been electrified.


Now, look at the kitchen below, who would have thought of using that sconce in the kitchen?
I think it's the touches like that which truly set this interior apart.

Also, notice the metal windows with the great muttons and mullions in the "x" pattern.
Here's another thing: this house is DECORATED for Christmas!
Imagine the restraint one must have!
I adore the wreaths and paperwhites being forced.

The master bedroom above.
Quiet and simple--words I would use to describe the entire house.


I don't think there is one of us who wouldn't love to soak in this tub.
Isn't the marble wonderful?

By the way, the home is for sale. Any takers?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Total Respect



image from the amazingly creative and talented Cathy Holden of
Just Something I Made

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Only One Word?

Can you get to know someone with just one word? Well, maybe. I've been given an assignment. I'm to answer the following questions with just one word. This is going to be tough.


This started when I was tagged by the kindest of bloggers- Pearls and Grace. Many of you have heard me mention her before. If you aren't familiar with her story and her blog, please click on the link above or on the "I am His Pearl" button to the left. She's lived an amazing life and is an absolute treasure to me.

1. Where is your cell phone?

vanity


2. Your hair?

natural


3. Your mother?

elegant


4. Your father?

solid


5. Your favorite food?

comfort

6. Your dream last night?

wish I could remember


7. Your favorite drink?

hot coffee


8. Your dream/goal?

in one word, are you kidding me?


9. What room are you in?

bedroom

(Don't we love the work of John Bobbitt and Pieter Estersohn?)

10. Your hobby?

antiquing


11. Your fear?

like Indiana Jones, snakes


12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

enjoying my family


13. Where were you last night?

home


14. Something that you aren’t?

confrontational


15. Muffins?

yes, please


16. Wish list item?

a Sargent would be nice


17. Where did you grow up?

Deep South


18. Last thing you did?

brushed my teeth


19. What are you wearing?

pajamas


20. Your TV?

Off


21. Your pets?

See post about my dear late labrador


22. Friends?

Top qualityMad Men Season 3 Episode Photos

23. Your life?

Full


24. Your mood?

Grateful


25. Missing someone?


26. Vehicle?

sedan


27. Something you’re not wearing?

make up


28. Your favorite store?

eBay


29. Your favorite color?

green


30. When was the last time you laughed?

seconds ago


31. Last time you cried?

night before last


32. Your best friend?

Mr. Green


33. One place that you go to over and over?

the kitchen


34. One person who emails you regularly?

my non-blogging BF, you know who you are!


35. Favorite place to eat?

my grandmother's