A few for the road

Oops was that a little blogging hiatus?

errmm...

yurssss

it was

But this will make up for it! Pretty pictures. 

via house to home

Even though gallery walls and botanicals are probbbably going to make some kind of "So-Last-Year" list first thing in 2011, this room is proof that they are classics. 

Is that our new friend Honeysuckle on those chairs? Color of the year 2011? 

Why yes.

It is.

Last but not least...

and every bit as unrelated...

I love this hobbit-window:

via Desire to Inspire

Where has all the time gone!? 

I can't believe it's almost 2011!

Room of the week

Looks like someone went thrifting and hit the jackpot!

Aaannd they hit the jackpot with this apartment. How cool are the exposed-brick walls?

via just be splendid

All the patterns are balanced by the symmetry. I think the two black barrel-shade lamps are perfect for flanking the sofa and photography on the walls.

oh my is it wednesday already?!!!!

House Beautiful color picker

Have you ever used the awesome paint color tool over on the House Beautiful website? It is so handy. And so fun! 

So here's how it works---there are 25 preloaded rooms. Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, etc... choose one, and then go to town switching up the paint colors of the walls, trim, ceiling, and accent colors!

You can even choose what "paint system" you want to pull from. 

I used one of the dining room templates. This soothing grey palette is one of my favorites:

This bright yellow reminds me of my sister...she loves yellow rooms!

 I love how the trim really pops in this next one:

You can save, print, and email your images. 

If you are thinking of painting a room, but are worried that a color might be risky...try it out with this tool  and see what you think after a few days!

Even if you're not planning on doing a painting project soon...it's just fun to try putting different color combinations together---happy experimenting!

Weekend Sleep-In: Color of the Year edition

Did you know that the Color of 2010 was turquoise? Yep...according to Pantone, it was! 

Have you noticed all the turquoise available this year?

Pantone's prediction for 2011? 

Honeysuckle!

Here's what Pantone has to say about this vibrant reddish hue:

"While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."

(one question---did anyone else think "honeysuckle" would be a whitish yellow?)

oh hey mailman...

...we made the mailbox extra cheery for you!

so--- of course you can tell from a mile away that we hit up Hobby Lobby for our Christmas cheer... candycane ribbon and sparkly holly! 

All (pretty much all) their Christmas decor is 50% off all week!

Wassail...have you tried it?

Um, no...neither have I. 

Wassail?

Isn't that something we sing about at Christmas? Yes. I found a wassail recipe while looking at Christmas inspiration ideas over at HouseBeautiful.com. 

I want to try it!

Wassail Bowl

Serves 12

1/2 pound sugar 
1 teaspoon nutmeg or 1 whole nutmeg, grated 
7 12-oz. bottles light beer 
1/2 pint sherry

Heat one bottle of beer and sherry and pour over sugar and nutmeg, stirring until dissolved. Add remaining six bottles or beer and let stand covered for three hours at room temperature. Garnish with apples roasted with sugar and spices (no butter), and lemon slices or apple wedges dipped in red cinnamon. Serve in silver punch cups.

Heated beer? What in the world?!?! Anyway. 

New subject--but still in the Christmas area--

isn't it fun to see other color combos besides red and green for Christmas? 

Don't get me wrong--I love a good red&green but look at these...

Mmmm.. .. smoky gray, black and white...

homelife.au

rainbows and  every color!

pinterest

bright bazaar

pinterest

must have a nod to our old friends red and green:

house beautiful

Oh hi there, navy and gold!

house beautiful

Do you venture outside of red and green? What are your favorite Christmastime colors?

Advent

Happy second Sunday of Advent, my dear and lovely readers! I'm having a relaxing day with my wonderful family. I feel so blessed! Sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I love this time of year. It has been a whirlwind of a month, hasn't it?!?! 

Sundays are one of the best days of the week!

I came across these images of a Swedish place all decked out for Christmas. 

I love the contrast of the jewel tones against the stark creams and floors. So elegant!

images via mixr

These bold tones are just perfect for warming up dreary winter spaces. The Swedes are masters of warming up the gloom!

Happy Sunday!