Friday, December 28, 2012

Cozy Fireplace Nook

I really like this cozy place to warm up just inside the door. The stone floor is perfect in case you have on snow-covered boots. Just stand in front of the fire until you melt and then go back outside for more fun in the snow. It is well thought out for reading too, with each wing chair having a floor lamp. A cozy nook with a fireplace and a bookcase wall -- what more could you want? via

This made me laugh.


This is such a clever way to illustrate writing rules, isn't it? via

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tabitha's Favorite Places


She likes the contour memory foam pillow. Webster loves it too. What is it about that pillow? Goodnight from all three of us!

She also likes my big thick Irish knit fisherman sweater on the bed in the other room. Maybe she'll teach me to put my clothes away.

Do Good Deeds

Christmas with Kelly


My friend Kelly has invited me to have Christmas dinner at her house practically every year since 2004. My mother stopped going a few years back and I ate my first big meal with her in the early afternoon. We usually dined on Cornish hens and all the trimmings. Last year we had the works here at the cottage because Kelly and her family spent Christmas in Florida and left Piggie with us. Yes, she's Piggie's mom. I had a wonderful time and it was especially meaningful this year. It took the sadness out of my first holiday without Anna.

Wonderful Conservatory

Wonderful Conservatory built onto the side of an old stone cottage. Pauline Hurren, Architect - South Australia
via Millie @ The Laurel Hedge on Pinterest

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Book/Mitten Project for Newtown School Children

"Chester Raccoon stood at the edge of the forest and cried. 'I don't want to go to school,' he told his mother. 'I want to stay home with you. I want to play with my friends. And play with my toys. And read my books. And swing on my swing. Please may I stay home with you?'" — "The Kissing Hand," by Audrey Penn.
Kim Piscatelli of East Hampton, Conn., hit on the idea of sending a copy of this book to each of the kids from Sandy Hook Elementary with a pair of handmade mittens adorned with a heart in one palm, signifying the reassuring kiss left there by the mother of scared, sad Chester in the story.
Read more about this heart-warming project here.

Best Bookends Ever

Don't you absolutely love these handsome bookends? I hope I'll be lucky enough to find a pair for myself one day! I love the way they are displayed in this photo. via