Winter Hideaway

Hello,

Tucked behind The Shabby House in Boise, a small garden shed has been magically transformed into a charming winter hideaway. As you enter the shed, concrete blocks lead the way to an inviting daybed piled high with fluffy white linens and a warm fur blanket to wrap yourself up in. If you get too cold, you can pull the curtains back and have a sip of brandy from the silver liquor decanter. It's the perfect spot to daydream, read, or recharge your batteries after a long winter.

My sisters and I had a similar hideout in our backyard in Spokane that my Father built out of sturdy wood beams. It had a ladder that led up to a rooftop deck hidden high up in the pine trees. Many summer nights we slept under the stars in our comfy sleeping bags reading Nancy Drew by flashlight and watching for the elusive shooting star while our faithful dog, Tutti, patrolled the yard-keeping bad guys at bay.

If you don't have your own secret hideaway, I suggest you look around for a small spot in the garden or a lounge chair in front of a sunny window or warm fireplace where you can daydream and recharge your own batteries!

I hope these pics inspire you to create your own special spot.

Happy Dreaming!

Di

Some Silly Stuff

Hello,

In the dead of winter, when the anticipation and excitement of Christmas has passed, and all that's left is a bit of a gloomy gray day outside-we all need a little silly stuff! I snapped the following silly stuff (and some pretty stuff) on a recent Sat outing with my bf. My fav item (pictured above) is a dashing red hat, matching scarf, and movie star glasses every fashion Diva should have.

Hope you enjoy!

I bought the adorable red and white polka-dot apron with heart pocket to wear when I greet my guests at an upcoming Valentine's day dinner party I have planned.

I yearn for the first sunshine of Spring and planting pretty purple pansies in my urns.

Everything looks pretty under a cloche!

She saw sea shells at the sea shore (and the antique store).

Amateur rose paintings are popular to collect and add charm to your dining or bedroom.

The "Drama" Queen! Who doesn't want to be one?

June weddings are right around the corner. Why not choose a beautiful vintage gown?

Oh Cinderella, Cinderella when will Spring ever come?

Take care,

Di

Christmas in the Rear View Mirror

Hello,

As we steer towards Valentine's Day and Christmas is fading fast in the rear view mirror, I wanted to share a few pics of my booth all decorated up for Christmas. I hope you enjoy this last look at my fav holiday as I bubble-wrap and pack-up the last brilliant bulb, red ribbon, and shiny bauble-not to be seen again until the snow flies next November!

A tiny pink tree sits atop a white garden table surrounded by pretty pink bulbs and watched over by a heavenly angel.

An Antiques Store stays open late for last minutes shoppers searching for the perfect present.

Fluffy pink cookies sit on a pink flowered plate. The word "Dream" is spelled out in old game pieces and invites you to do the same.

A vintage Betty Crocker's "Cake and Frosting Cookbook" waits to instruct you on how to make the perfect sugar cookie or lemon bar.

A pair of poodles sit under the pink tree.

"Polly's Christmas Present" begs to be taken home and read to your little one."

A red reindeer family sit on a shabby shelf and vintage tags wait to be filled-out and put on pretty packages.

A plastic light-up Santa and a "Made-in-Japan" Santa cohabit ate on an adorable blue and black dresser with black flower seat pad chair.

A letter to Santa sits on an old typewriter with the word "Believe" spelled out in game pieces- do you believe?

Mismatched Santa salt & pepper shakers are fun to collect and can be purchased cheap if they have lost they're mate.

And here's another.

A corner packed with all sorts of pretties to take home!

A pair of pink Paris hatboxes make great storage.

I "Wish" you all the best in the new year!

Happy New Year!

Di

A Vintage Christmas Memory

I held my breath as Dad said, "Alright girls, here goes!" He reached around to the back of the tree and plugged in the string of lights. They flickered for an instant-causing me to shut my eyes tightly. If they didn't light, it would take hours for him to go through each bulb trying to identify the burned out culprit. When I opened my eyes, the tree was a dazzling display of light and color. The tinsel we had thrown on the tree moments before (even though Mom complained she would still be picking it up at Easter) sparkled brightly among the large multi-colored bulbs. I let out my breath while Julia clapped and Teresa shouted in delight. Christmas Eve had finally arrived.

The three of us sat in front of the fire on our fluffy comforters as the logs crackled and popped. We snacked on cheddar cheese ball with Ritz crackers and drank Mom's special 7-UP punch that fizzed in our mouths like exploding cherries. I reached into the box of chocolates and pulled out a dark square I hoped was an orange creme. There was a small hole poked in the bottom. "Dad," I yelled, "Julia is poking the chocolates again to find the good ones!"

Mom yelled from the kitchen, "Quit squabbling girls! I think it's time to open your present." We scrambled off our comforters and fought for the best spot under the tree. We already knew which present we would open.

I pulled on the ends of the slick silver ribbon and watched it slide to the floor. As I turned the package over and slid my finger under the tape to open the package, the aroma of perfume and memories of my grandmother spilled out along with the pretty pink flannel pajamas. Memories of visits with my Mamma B in Kentucky: playing hide-and-seek in the tall corn, trying to catch fireflies in Mason jars, and hiding out from tornados in the cellar.

I grabbed the pajamas and ran down the hall to my bedroom to quickly change. As I sat back down under the tree, I pulled my legs up to my chest and hugged my knees as I melted into the soft thick flannel. I could almost feel Mamma B's arms around me and hear her whisper, "I love you child."

Outside, the snow fell softly while reports on the radio said Santa was getting closer to Spokane. As I gazed out the window on this magical night, I almost believed it was true.

Merry Christmas!

Di

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Hello,

White is soothing and serene. It cleanses and refreshes. For example, one dusting of white powder on a cold winter day turns the drab, brown landscape of fall into a sparkling winter wonderland. Who wouldn't dream of a white Christmas?

An all-white decorating scheme for your home will instantly relax jangled nerves as you walk through the door at the end of a hectic day. The beauty in monochrome decorating is the ease in which pieces from different styles and periods look perfectly pulled together. And if something doesn't match-you're only a can of white spray paint away! Just remember to add in texture such as a fluffy white rug or fabulous faux fur pillow.

I hope you enjoy the following pics I shot recently at the Antique World Mall. I don't know about you, but I feel calmer already.

Take care,

Di

Ooh La La Decorating!

I strolled lazily through the Puces de Vanves sipping my café latte while munching on a flaky buttery croissant. “Bonjour,” I called out to the old weathered man at the back of the booth. He smiled slightly as I spied a set of battered blue and white kitchen canisters with the words, “Farine”, “Café”, “Sucre” and “Pates” in faded black letters on the front. Trying to contain my excitement I asked nonchalantly, “Combien ça?” (How much is that?). But he was seasoned and saw the tiny twinkle in my eye. He replied back in broken English with a price equal to a week’s salary. I sighed as I bid him and the canisters farewell and moved on to the next booth. I’ve been to this Paris flea market so many times-IN MY DREAMS!

Alas, I’ve only been to Paris in my dreams! I love to collect Eiffel Towers and hope someday to see it in person-especially at night when its 20,000 lights sparkle and illuminate the sky for as far as you can see. The following pics I took of romantic decorating at the Antique World Mall and The Shabby House (in Boise) remind me of what I might find at a Paris flea market. Hope you enjoy your little bit of Paris today!

Your Paris apartment wouldn't be complete without a sparkly chandelier. This one sits inside a gold frame.

The entrance to your tiny Paris apartment would be through an ancient wood door like this one.

A turquoise and gold shelf could hold all your pretty collections.

This chandelier hangs cleverly from the middle of a fabulous white weathered door.

Before going to a play or the opera, you could primp at your faded blue dressing table.

This chandelier hangs from a tent outside giving instant glamour to the ordinary.

Tea with your best girlfriends would only be served with your good silver!

Black adds drama and flare to your French decorating scheme!

This worn window may have come from a church or old farmhouse in the country.

A wardrobe would be a necessity in your Paris apartment as closets and space are nonexistant.

This French chest would hold all of your special treasures.

au revoir!

Di