Out With The Old, In With The Old

My Christmas PJs.

 As 2012 prepares to wind down, many of us are making plans for 2013.

Along with the new year come the ubiquitous resolutions to lose, quit or find something.

This time around, I'm doing things differently. Instead of throwing out the old to make room for the (unknown) new, in 2013 I consciously choose to hold closer the people and places who mean the most. However, there is one promise I am making to myself in the coming months.

A little background ...

My daughter and I were outside Target yesterday when I warned her to watch out for the puddle of water ahead about 15 feet. Her response,"Mom, sometimes instead of looking so far ahead, why not concentrate on what's in front of you, that way you won't worry so much." (((Do I have a smart kid or what?)))

So here's my 2013 promise to me, myself and I. To spend less time worrying about the future and more time appreciating the present! It's gonna take some time because it means breaking old habits. But that's the beauty of growing; it means trying 'till you get it right.

Holiday Preparations ...

As you run around spending money and time -- both in short supply for a lot of us  -- let's keep in mind the reason we celebrate Christmas. I am so blessed to have my little family all together in one place this year.  Everyone is tackling a favorite dish so no one has to do it all. That's great because it means we can spend more time together playing Scrabble, watching Catfish and taking embarrassing photos of one another!  Have a great Christmas, a most prosperous New Year and remember to keep your promises to one another.  

P.S.: Here are some closeups of our holiday decorations.

My Favorite Website ....

A visit to Paris' numerous brocante (antique) markets is high #1 on my bucket list. I've tried to recreate the decor of a Parisian apartment in my own space, which I'll share with you in the coming months.  (Really, as soon as it warms up and I can get outdoors to paint some of my lovely and fabulous vintage finds. The dormant winter months are driving me batty!) 

One Topping the list of my favorite design blogs is www.theparisapartment.com, where Claudia does an amazing job sharing her fabulous finds and treasures. In addition to decorating services, she also leads annual buying tours to France. 

If Paris is on your bucket list in the not too distant future, Claudia's new book -- ''The Paris Apartment, Romantic Decor on a Flea Market Budget' -- might be just what's needed to hold you till you can confirm those flight reservations.

 

P.S.: I'll go through my bookmarks and source the photos above. 

A Few of My Favorite Things ....

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

Bright copper kettles and warm wollen mittens.

Brown paper packages tied up with string.

These are a few of my favorite things.

The Sound of Music
(my favorite movie!)

Bookmark this page and stay tuned for a look at some of my favorite things, including people, places and things.