Foggy Sunday Photo Edited w/ Snapseed

I took this photo from inside looking outside and I liked the reflection of the lamp. It's been a very long time since I've played around with Snapseed on my phone and it was fun making the morning fog in the woods resemble a vintage photo. When I first downloaded the app ages ago, it was expensive ($20) and I could use it on my computer. Google bought it and now Snapseed is free and can only be used on a mobile phone or iPad. Try it, you'll like it! The app can be downloaded on android phones too. xo

Secret Door in A Home Library

I wonder where this book door leads? There was one in a local 1920s house that I viewed last year that led to a back staircase. via

Really Good Advice

I like this quote. Too often we think we have to move to a new place or buy something new before we can start over or start a new project. Trying it this way is a really good idea. via

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can. 

New House Looks Old Birmingham, AL

That old world charm coupled with fantastic traditional interiors and a nice balance of masculine and feminine qualities, this Birmingham, Alabama abode is an absolute stunner. Built for the architect himself, this was constructed by James F. Carter with interior design by Jane Hawkins Hoke. Image courtesy of James F. Carter. More views here at his website. Click on the word VIEW in the logo to see all of his work. I think most of the interior photos in the slideshow are of this amazing house. Swoon!

Garden Desserts

These edible garden desserts are so charming, aren't they? The sand on the bottom layer must be crushed shortbread or other white cookies, chocolate pudding for the middle, topped by crushed chocolate cookies. I spy Oreo cookies in the background. How fun! The mint sprouts with the garden markers complete the gardening theme with potting shed items scattered around.

Grieving Angel

This weeping angel grave sculpture personifies grief to all who see it. via

Otterly Adorable

No words. This has to be the sweetest and most content baby otter ever. via

William with George and Charlotte

The Duke of Cambridge with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Soon there will be another baby. This photo is so charming. via

Snow Bunny

Gorgeous Snow Bunny.

via

I wonder where my summer rabbits go in the winter? This must be a special breed that likes cold weather. I love him, don't you?

My Living Room at Dusk

I took this photo at dusk last night of a portion of my living room that opens to my balcony and overlooks the rear of my property. The sun rises back there and sets in the front. It feels very warm outside today at 45° and you only need a light jacket. It will be a nice change all week and I'm glad. My furnace needs a rest! xo

Gorgeous Sweater Girl

Photo by American photographer William Wegman, best known for his portraits of Weimaraners. This puppy face is very sweet, isn't it. Have a great weekend! It almost feels like spring at my house and my driveway is almost melted. Hooray. xo

Alastair Matchett: Rectory and Garden Renovation Cotswolds UK

After half a century of decline, a Cotswolds house was crying out for salvation.

Be still my heart.

When Alastair Matchett bought the Gloucestershire rectory, one wing was not in use; the roof needed replacing; the flagstones needed re-laying or replacing; re-plumbing, re-wiring, and replastering were needed throughout. But he did it all with designer charm. Photo: SIMON BROWN

Read the article in The Telegraph and see one more photo here.

Bathroom with Antiques

I love what the owner's did in this spacious bathroom. They used an old-fashioned clawfoot tub along with a modern walk-in shower. Instead of built-in cabinetry for the linens and toiletries, they used an antique cupboard. The well-worn antique oriental rug looks nice too. I wish I could see the wash basin which I think is to the right of the cupboard. The shiplap siding looks perfect and I love the owl etching and the cafe curtains. Such a beautiful room!!!!!! via

Perfectly Imperfect Cups

I love these hamdmade cups that are so perfectly imperfect. via

Snow is Coming

More snow is coming later tonight into tomorrow. Here's hoping for a light accumulation for me and you too, if it's heading your way. via

UPDATE: I got my wish. Just enough snow to be beautiful with no driveway plowing required!!

Amazing Millwork

WOW. Everywhere you look there is an architectural detail. Fine woodworking at its best! This window seat will be a great place to read and daydream once there is a cushion in place. via

Lovely Bedroom

So very lovely. This bedroom is very soothing to my symmetry-loving eyes. via

Be Positive, Stay Strong

I happened on this image and verse today and liked it. It's really good advice too. Don't forget to set your DVR tonight for the first episode of VICTORIA, Season Two on PBS. I cannot wait! xo

Dunmore Pineapple in Airth Scotland

The Dunmore Pineapple House in Airth Scotland

This folly in Scotland looks so beautiful in the early morning light on a frosty morning. via

Nice Conversation Area with Fireplace

I like this arrangement. Each wing chair has a reading lamp and an ottoman. Reading around an open fire is one of life's pleasures.The side tables are lower than the arms of the furniture too. This is one of the rules of good interior design and a very hard one to comply with when searching for low antique tables that you like. I am pleased that I finally found mine and it's much easier for the sitter to put down a drink or a cup of coffee on a lower table than reaching up to do so. Plus it looks nicer too. It's all about scale, you know. via

It is warm and rainy today and all the snow has melted. I entered my subscription to Netflix on Sunday and love it. I have watched both seasons of The Crown and later today I will search for another addicting series to watch. 

I just cooked some chick peas in my Instant Pot and have another batch of soy milk yogurt in the pot for a 10 hour session. My last batch (8 hours) wasn't tart enough. I have a new method. I inserted my pyrex 32 oz. (4 cup) measuring cup inside the pot, added 2 tablespoons of my own yogurt to a 32 oz. box of Westsoy as a starter, stirred it up and this method was perfect. No condensation on the sides of the pot to run down and dilute the yogurt and the yogurt was much thicker. Yay.

I stumbled on a very interesting article about the invention of the Instant Pot in the business section of the New York Times. Now I love mine even more! xo

Winter Birds: Made me Smile

So cute. 

It is so much warmer today with fog and rain predicted for tomorrow. The roads have been fine from the beginning but I never had my driveway plowed. I parked near the road and have been able to get out easily with the new tires I got earlier this year. So far, so good. Aren't Virginia Greene's birds adorable? This was her holiday card for December. via 

Glass Jar Love

This collection of glass jars in so many shapes and sizes makes me happy. I have been using French glass refrigerator storage containers since 1973. It just made good sense to me back then and I never fell into the tupperware trap. via

Real Life Kitchen

This is not a trophy kitchen. It looks like one from a real family with dishes in the sink, essentials on the window sill, an almost empty roll of paper towels, and other interesting things. I like it, don't you?

Frozen Road and Crescent Moon

Gorgeous Photo by Aaron J. Groen

"Frozen Road to Nowhere"

Waning Crescent Moon rises over a snow covered gravel road in eastern South Dakota.

click to enlarge

WINTER, 19th Century Illustration

Winter

19th century color printed illustration with holly berries, snow dusted leaves leaves, and mistletoe. I love the twig font dripping with icicles.

Snowball Catching Cat

This is truly wonderful.

This cat really is trying to catch that snowball!

via