I got it!

I just started to write...

and quit soon after.

However, while in the shower I had a thoughtful break through! I break my list into categories. Yes I know it is obvious to many of you but I could not see through the fog to get to any type of list. I am breaking it down to better manage it. Anyone else want to join me and share some goals?


1. Family
2. Personal
3. Professional
4. Travel
5. OH
6. my sweet Salon

In that shower, I reflected on my sister and was inspired when one year, long ago,  she exclaimed aloud to a group of woman a very lofty professional goal. I was awestruck that she could be so ballsy (shall we say). To my admiration she completed that very goal at years end. (I find it impossible or scary to verbally share my goals.) Do I sniff fear of failure?

Back to the list making...

Project Runway

 Our family, sans husband, is getting into the Project Runway spirit via Hulu. We have only been able to catch glimpses of it in hotel rooms and our friends houses until now. We started at Season 6. Wow! I know I am late to the party but I am so inspired with the 23 and 26 year old finalist.

My girls and I wanted Carol Hannah but knew in our hearts that Irina would win.

I have since googled them and saw that Carol Hannah is in New York with a bridal line and the cute Seattle boy, Logan is working with her. He was kicked off later in the show but made a big impact for us. The winner Irina did a beautiful 2010 line you can see here.

Listen to the big people and the little people.

Thinking about the future this week...

taken with my crappy little point and shoot-Leavenworth WA

I am getting a bit emotional. I think I need to write down some goals but that's scary. I did it in 2009 when my at my book club we were given only 5 minutes to create a list of things we wanted to do. I have my list and every item is crossed out...done! Kind of fun to look back. But I need to focus on what's ahead

Organize!

I've got a few days until Sister Ex and I hit the ground running and I have a hall closet that needs to be "handled". Sister Ex has a design room that needs homes for fabric swatches, sample tiles, carpet samples, inspiration photos and files. A few days spent organizing will help take on the year.

Candy Spelling for Glamour

 country living

 country living

country living

I am only trying to motivate myself not stress anyone out but you all know this would be a great project to take on. 

Time to Reflect

Time for us to take a moment (or two) to visualize, set goals, make plans, dream about next year. You can go here for resolution ideas or see what others are saying.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a beautiful time with your family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

photo of Madonna and child statue owned by Lisa Gleason

Cape Cod

Cape Cod Style via Wikipedia

A Cape Cod cottage is a style of house originating in New England in the 17th century. It is traditionally characterized by a low, broad frame building, generally a story and a half high, with a steep, perfectly pitched roof with end gables, a large central chimney and very little ornamentation. Traditional Cape Cod houses were very simple: symmetrically designed with a central front door surrounded by two multi-paned windows on each side. Homes were designed to withstand the stormy, stark weather of the Massachusetts coast. Modern Cape Cod architecture still draws from colonial designs.

Sister Ex recently travelled to Cape Cod and sent me some pics. She knows I would rather see photos of the homes than a photo of her... and I think she's okay with that!

In Washington State the Cape Cod style home would be more commonly found in the San Juan Islands.

Christmas Decorations

Here are some photos taken by my super talented stylist friend Kamie. She always has a clever decorating spin each holiday. This holiday her inspiration is Alice in Wonderland.

Alice
I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!

Creating Beauty

My friend Lisa created this magnificent piece for her school auction. I am glad it sold for a high price because she put so much time into gathering and collecting the jewels and creating this treasure.

More Vintage Christmas

As promised, here is more of my talented friend Lisa's holiday decoration style.

 Below is a shot of her eating area off the kitchen.

 A Latin America inspired Nativity scene. She has others but could not resist the brightly colored pieces and chose it as this year's crech.

Thank you Lisa for letting me share all of this with my people.

Vintage Holiday Decor

My sweet friend Lisa is a design force to be reckoned with. Her style is all her own and it is one BIG confident style. In her home, everywhere you look-a visual feast. Almost overwhelming to take it all in. I phoned and asked if I could photograph her decorations on my pathetic point and shoot camera. I love these images. Imagine what they would look like if a real pro had taken them.

 I love that she has a vintage baby Jesus under the tree in a rustic crib. A reminder of the reason. The ornaments are just so cool with their unique personalities.

Stay in touch because tomorrow I will show you more of Lisa's holiday style. If you want to read and see more of this amazing design maven then go here and here.

Kinda Scary Christmas Window

While shopping downtown Seattle we came across this window display. It was kind of creepy. The doll was leaning against the window "pleading" to get out.

Reminds me of this real estate listing that had the same doll photographed in each room.

photo via Hooked on Houses

Forgotten Children's Fund

Our family gathered together to spend time selecting and wrapping gifts for those less fortunate than us. We get together in honor of our brother Bryan who opened a letter from a little boy asking Santa to please stop at their home. From that letter came the Forgotten Children's Fund which now finds these children and delivers them a Christmas.

Our highlights:

 Each group is given a family, you get to choose gifts from the warehouse and wrap them (as best you can). The award for the best gift wrapper went to our Father. He never complained, got frustrated or produced a package that was not acceptable. And I am a liar.... 

This is where they all end up before delivery. Each child in the family receives 3 toys, a coat, scarf and hat, a stocking bag and sometimes even a bike. The parents receive a blanket and 1 or 2 gifts each as well. A very generous program.

I tried something new with my little point and shoot which did not work out so many of my photos were blurry. Sorry Family.