Do you ever... drink mulled wine?

My dear Anglophiles... cheers! We had a glorious winter storm today... (You are reading this past tense.) I happen to be one of those people who hears about winter storms and gets giddy inside... like any kid in town, hoping school will be canceled (my childhood fantasy)... So I sit with you on a magical snowy eve. I will share with you that while I write I am sipping mulled wine and nibbling at a luscious brownie. Chocolate + mulled wine... then throw some writing into the mix... bliss, my loves... as simple as that. (Only thing that could top it is if I were supping on some trifle... a mental to-do for the weekend??)

Anyway... while mulled wine dates back to Victorian times... it all started for me when I was a kid. I was a horse rider... and the farm where I took my lessons had a wonderful winter party every year. I always remember that in the "trophy room" they served mulled wine. I distinctly remember the smell of it and the sweet warm taste... perfection even then!

When I walked into the house tonight I just knew it was a mulled wine eve... and here I sit. Now if you have never imbibed... well then, this IS the time of the year to truly enjoy this fabulous age-old libation!

Mulled Wine with Brandy

One bottle of red wine (nothing to pricey... burgundy is good for this)
1/2 cup brandy
1 cup sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
12 cloves
1 orange, zested
1 cup cranberry juice

Combine all ingredients into one pot... bring to a simmer for 15-20 minutes (do not boil). Pour into a lovely mug... and IF by chance you can sit near a fireplace to enjoy... well, then you understand my passion for this marvelous drink!!

Do you ever... consider decorating eccentricities to make you and your home purrrr?

Adding a little deliciousness to your home is therapy for the soul as far as I'm concerned. Another layer of warmth, a little nod to bohemian... an objet d'art to inspire. I have some thoughts on things that will make your abode richer for the taking... So good in fact, you may not want to leave your jeweled nest!

* Any spot would entirely covet a small dark oriental rug... There's just no denying this, my loves! Where to go with this thought? Well, for starters... the powder room, in front of the fireplace, the foyer, next to your bed... Dark, warm, rich reds and deep peacock blues make these gems perfectly decadent and Doris Duke-able.

* More small lamps... Everywhere, you just must. Turn off those overheads and rest your weary forehead... Lamps are the way to go for the most inviting rooms.

* A touch of exotic... Some leopard or tiger or zebra... Beautiful faux furs are everywhere for the taking... I prefer low pile to the build a bear look. The flatter the fur, the more exotic and real these beauties will look. You won't need many... just a touch here and there.

* Bohemian luxurious on the cheap... You know, funky brightly painted peacocks or parrots... or a cool oversized ceramic lion or horse. Any sort of interesting statues that you can put on a table or in your bookshelf will make a room feel more well traveled. Buy these on the cheap at flea markets, etc.

* Silver... Any kind, size, shape, or price. A bit of sparkle... tarnished or not, is worldly and intoxicating... Grouped together, it is an even more luscious display.

Do you ever... consider how enchanting the wrapping and presentation of a gift can be for your dear hearts?

OK... You did the shopping... or you made it... (Whatever, whichever... you are done with that part... Scratch it off the list, doll!) Now the really good part begins. The wrapping. I will tell you I LOVE this part. Now it's not that I don't like the shopping piece... Oh, I do! I just think the wrapping is the frosting... Ahhh, where to begin??

First I will tell you, in all seriousness... I do not wrap all the presents I give with such TLC. True, it's true... perhaps unfair, but too bad... I do pick and choose and that's that. You do too... right? I mean, not every gift needs so much lovin'... but alas, even for those that you may not doll up quite so much, I have some ideas.

Down to business...

* My first rule of thumb... put on some music, find a choice beverage and... plug in your glue gun, sister... you are going need it it tonight!

* Second rule... the dollar store rocks when it comes to cheap-o cool stuff to hot glue onto the tops... this is not about beaucoup bucks... it's about chic, fun... hip and happenin'......got it?

* The paper... Keep your eyes peeled, no need to spend too much... Kraft paper is spectacular, as is plain old white, red, or silver. I do get a few gems each year, but I mostly keep it in check. I DO use wallpaper scraps and leftovers... they are magnificent, truly the best. I also love foreign newspapers, any letters that are not going to be kept... Use your noodle, toots... there are lots of ideas here if you forage around!

* Decadent and glamorous... Try silver paper... wide red ribbon... a few cheap but sparkly ball ornaments, and a sprig or two of evergreen.

* Nature stunner... brown kraft paper, simple string or elegant dark plum ribbon... then pine cones, greens (boxwood, small twigs, cedar, etc), whatever you can dig up... Glue to the top, then add some red berries (go faux here... craft stores) and always a touch of silver or gold... a small bauble or a glitter star. You get where I'm going, right?

* Red paper... silver ribbon... the wider the better. Then... my favorite... foil covered Christmas chocolates! I am partial to the big foil covered Santas... but any of these will do... think European here. Yes, Virginia, I really do glue gun these down, but make it quick and painless... You don't want to melt the dear old man, now do you? (Pssst....a few gold coins glued around in small groups is pretty fabulous on this one as well.)

* Wallpaper... flocked is even better (my weakness, naturally). Then wide luscious ribbon (can be cheap as well since the paper will do the talkin')... Add to it vintage inspired goods... velvet leaves, funky flocked berries... the ticket here is the craft store... the Christmas faux / artificial aisle is loaded with all kinds of junk that will make you wild!

Do you ever... consider homemade gifts and notes from the heart?!

Every year we all run around, lists in hand, trying our best to give the most thoughtful, wanted, needed gifts... We spend oodles of dollars in hopes that the oohs and ahhs are truly touching someone. I am the first to say that time is a luxury in my world (surely you can relate)... so the idea of making something is not always a reality. However, this year I am bound and determined to create a few goodies... from the heart! Some of these ideas will take a small purchase... but nonetheless, each is more or less a DIY.

* An all time favorite of mine is a framed photo with a few sentiments. I will typically print a black and white photo and use a simple inexpensive black frame with a white mat. I always write a bit on the mat... whatever you want, your thoughts, or the dates, or a poem. Dig deep darlings... even sweet and corny stuff is cool here. This is classic and truly something that anyone can put pretty much anywhere. A set of a few would certainly be about the coolest gift to give or get in my book. Wrap them in brown craft paper with a string... Eco-chic. Simple. Done.

* A gift from childhood. No doubt anyone would love something that moved them as a child... It could be something very kitschy... favorite candies in a cool box (think mary janes, bubble gum cigars, boston baked beans, candy buttons, etc.), a game that they loved, a journal that you have written down favorite memories, with a few photos tucked inside. Anything that you have collected that reminds them of their youth will bring a smile to their face.

* Bake something delectable. I would love a baked gift from someone any day... brownies, fruitcake yeah, I may be the only one on earth), bread that can be frozen... cinamon rolls... tie with a pretty ribbon and a heartfelt little note on top.

* Decoupage. This is entirely no brainer... Do not let this simple idea intimidate! Buy Mod Podge... and you can glue and seal photos, papers, any darling scraps of anything, really... onto glass, wood, plastic... find you inner crafty self and saddle up, my loves!

Divine inspiration is everywhere!

If there is any question I am asked over and over, it is "How are you inspired?" Ooh, and it is such a good question! It is a question I too ask anyone who I am curious about... I love to know what makes someone tick... what is it that gets them out of bed, allows them to see things differently than I do. I find people to be infinitely interesting... and really, being curious is really a wonderful thing to be!

Certainly I understand that people want to know why and how creative people are inspired, we all want to be creative in some way... and we all are! Everything is just about perspective, really. How you're willing to view yourself and others around you is a good place to start.

If I am able to zero in on a few things about what inspires me and how I am inspired, I would start with having a very open mind. By this I mean "open" to many things, not just creativity. Having an open mind encourages exploring... It allows me to not shut down other people's ideas and thoughts too quickly. I will tell you this is something I, too, have to work at. Keeping an open mind is something to remind yourself of... going into anything, really. I TRY to do this, I remind myself of it... I even find myself telling others... Okay, here's an idea, keep an open mind. By keeping an open mind, I can find inspiration nearly anywhere I go... in anything I do.

I live in a very small town in Wisconsin and people often wonder how it is possible to design home and fashion from a small town in the country... How could one live there and not in a city? How could one be inspired there? I do think it is understandable how someone could wonder this... especially as I have lived in cities as well and find them to be terribly inspiring... just full of good stuff at every turn, nearly overwhelming me with all the amazing resources available. The funny thing is... inspiration is something that you need to find, not just "outside" yourself... but within yourself as well. Not to get too gooey here, but this is really how I feel about it. It really becomes a matter of willingness at a certain point and the ability to be able to "get" inspired. Where you live has nothing to do with it, really... Not everyone wants to be inspired... (I assume you do, as you have read this far!)

Once you have decided that you do indeed WANT to be an inspired person, and that you want to keep an open mind... you'll find a pretty cool journey in front of you. Creativity is something (as I said earlier) we all have inside of us, so... find it, use it... get a hold of it in whatever way you can... Whatever makes you giddy... gives you butterflies... makes you want to jump out of your skin even if you don't know what to do with it... Do those things. Once you start to realize that those things you've identified are open to you, are yours for the taking... then you can start to channel them.

For instance, last winter my dad, Dave, decided after many bouts with health concerns, that he needed to stop his racing pigeon hobby. It made me sad to see him let go of something he loves so much... BUT one thing I will say about my father is he knows how to mine inspiration and channel it. He always has, I am certain it is one of the reasons I understand it as well. He decided that he would begin a new path... and working with his hands and woodworking was it. Now, I will say I did see several weeks of him looking a wee bit down and out... and then... he found it! He figured it out, he needed something to grab onto. How did he get there? He had to go inside himself and realize that sitting around watching CNN all day was not going to be a very productive thing for who he is as a person. He found inspiration, and now jumps out of bed to get out there and start working on projects... a whole stack of them!

As for me, I look everywhere... I read everything I can get my hands on. I love magazines as they are quick tidbits for me, quick little doses of food for my brain and soul. I adore wandering around bookstores, every aisle... for hours... with some chai tea... I love doing that! I can barely contain myself... I leave so inspired... Sometimes I don't even know what to do with it, but I use every ounce of it.

I also find great inspiration in old movies... I love the sets, the clothing... the way they speak. I find wandering around antique stores, vintage clothing boutiques, or flea markets to be wildly inspiring.

Do you ever read biographies? I love them, just depends on who... but they can really allow me to view things in a new way. I always want to see things from a fresh perspective.

A fresh new blank journal... I don't know why... but just a place for me to scribble my thoughts or make notes... anything that comes to mind.

A few other things to trip your trigger...

* Any form of travel... to see the way other people live. If you can't go, then at least check out travel books... so many good ones... just luscious!

* Food... new foods, unusual combinations... how someone else serves something... I love this.

* Be a voyeur of all things around you... really look at people, and things

* Music... I always have beautiful music on.

* Trying new things in general... do you always wear the same things the same way? If so, make a change!

* Re-using... Oddly, I am very inspired to re-create with what I have... It forces me to look harder at what is in front of me.

* Going to someone else's home... fascinating, wonderful... and so inspiring.

* Force yourself to try at least one new thing soon! Surely there is something on your list.

* Keep lists, notebooks, journals... Write down anything that is cool to you.

* Start a visual journal or tear sheet journal... for no reason but to inspire you. I keep several different ones...

Do you ever... delight in the little things?

The little things... these words conjure up a thought in all of our minds surely. Maybe they provide different meanings to each of us... perhaps some people have a full grasp of these words and make this part of their being, part of their daily outlook on life. I think you arrive at identifying with certain things at various points in life (we are all looking, aren't we?). It may be part "old soul" in each of us and part aging, and just maybe partly reality check on life... which I am a big believer in anyway... I think sometimes you get it... and then sometimes you just don't.

Surely we have all looked into ourselves and can be critical of periods in our life... It can take some digging but it's there for everyone. I am brought back to all the little things in life that are so very important and truly precious on a daily basis. I will admit it is easy some days to overlook the little things... easier sometimes to keep moving forward, head up, charging through life. I can honestly say that, being a Type "A" kind of a girl, I can fall into the "move on swiftly trap"... step lively... Well, thank goodness I am humbled daily by life. I truly catch myself sometimes in a hurry, moving excitedly through my day, through a moment... I am a very instant gratification kind of a person. I identify things and then move onto them very quickly. I don't ponder for too long. I am not a dweller, I am a mover. I will tell you while most of the time I find this to be a really great thing, it can have its downside as well. So when I tell you to try and see the wonderment of little things... to "delight" in the unassuming things... you must know mining them out of each day can be a struggle sometimes for me as well. It takes time and thought and great appreciation for the day-to-day to be able to see little things... Not always a reality, but very nice when one is able.

The idea of delighting in the little things has always been on my radar, quite possibly on a subconscious level. I suppose it first came from my parents who were very good to create an environment filled with love and beauty. The atmosphere they were able to make was one that inspired and nurtured a creative thought process. I am not even certain that they know how valuable it was, or that they knew they had fashioned this wonderful think tank. But alas, they did! What it did was allow each of us to be more conscious, more aware of things... little things. Little things don't cost much at all, they tend to be either thoughtful gestures or things you can do for yourself that will put a smile on your face... They allow you to feel pampered... and more than that, to be aware of all the beauty around us. We were outside nearly non-stop... making up games, playing in the tiny creek on our country property... catching frogs and crayfish. It all sounds very fairytale and ideal as an adult, and I think looking back it probably was... but all of it was simple, uncomplicated, unorganized stuff.

I will offer that little things can come in any shape or size... like being thoughtful to other people... telling them you are proud of them... Telling them you love them every day, no matter what, will make a huge impact on your life and someone else's. Thanking people, even a quick email or a "thanks for a great day" or "thank you for all that you are doing, I appreciate all of your efforts"... "thank you for the opportunity"... that kind of stuff.

Do you delight in little things like lighting candles in the evening, or lighting a fire? Anytime I light candles it brings me calm... I even keep a beautifully scented one on my desk at work. End your day in a calming way if at all possible. My days often feel like they fly, and then we get home to four little boys who are full of energy, ready to pounce on us, ready for homework or to play basketball... Dinner needs to be made, projects and fundraisers need to be addressed. There seems to always be someone or something that needs attention... and I know this is all of us, each of you have this... and it can overwhelm.

After we make and eat dinner, then read books with the kids, and get them tucked in... I take a nice hot shower... I love it! It makes all of my muscles relax. Then I sit down to read or write, or sometimes watch something that we have TIVO'd. (Man, do I love TIVO!!!) I know if I don't take a tiny bit of time for myself each day, things can get a bit hairy. I try to start each morning that way as well. I get up an hour before the kids and I work out. It is my time uninterrupted... Now, I will be really honest, I'd rather sleep in for sure... but once I am working out, I feel so good about the time I have alone, and the fact that I am able to do something very positive for my body and my brain first thing... it makes me feel very good. Honestly, it is more mental than physical for me... and it's a little thing.

Baking is another little thing that makes our family very happy... The house smells amazing and inviting, and the boys like to help me. Then we are thrilled with the end result (well, most of the time that is). Now, it is messy as all get out to bake with four young boys... but it makes them so happy, I just do it. (The mess makes John nuts, so he just avoids the whole scene.)

A hot cup of tea several times a day is another thing that brings me calm and happiness... I love the ritual, the taste and the warmth. I could literally have a hot cup in my hand all day and night. (Well, actually I prefer my wine at night... but you get where I am going with this one!)

I spoke to a friend today who shared with me a book she is reading about people having "nature deficiency" - meaning, they never enjoy any part of nature. Nature is everywhere, no matter where you live, and it is free! Imagine... something so incredible and accessible to most, available 24/7, that is not being taken advantage of. I realize many people live in the city, and I have lived in the city as well... it is not as easy to get to nature in the city, but nature is still there and widely available. If you are able to get to it, there is much peace to find in nature... and so much entertainment... if you are willing to look. Really, I suppose most of what I am saying is wrapped up in that one small phrase... "If you are willing to look" you will find delight in little things... everywhere!

Other ways to delight in the little things...

* Drink your tea or wine from a pretty glass

* Put mulling spices (cinnamon sticks, etc) on the stove top... Thanksgiving all over again!

* Wrap up an abandoned bird's nest as a be-ribboned gift (I gave one to a 7 year old friend of mine who fancied our collection)

* Walk... anywhere you can

* Write your grandmother or an elderly person a letter... you have no idea the smiles you will give.

* Turn off the overhead lighting... Use lamps and low lighting... ahhh, can you feel the calm?

* Put your pajamas or comfy sweats on the minute you get home

* Fill your bird feeders... I love to see the birds come close to the house

* Put a new stack of books or magazines near your bed to inspire yourself

* Write a note to someone... in their lunch, on their pillow... even a sticky note

* Have dessert for God's sake... even if it is just a few bites... one must live!!

Do you ever...

* Collect old perfume bottles and other vintage tchochkes?

* Take at least five minutes (or more) to "just be" every day?

* Rummage through the cupboards when you're cooking and experiment with whatever you can find? An overlooked spice, a kicky new marinade...

* Tuck a few posies into a beautiful mug with a hand-written note to serve as a touching hostess gift, or a cheerful get-well sentiment?

* Visit your local farmer's market? Or, if you have a bountiful garden of your own... bring goodies from your harvest to share with friends, a neighbor, or an older relative?

* Skateboard with your children? Okay, so I know this probably sounds a little odd, coming from me... but with four young boys at home, I'm always open to trying new things!! Well, we recently got our boys the Ripstik Caster Board... and all I can say is, holy smokes... phenomenal! Our 8 year olds, Max and Fin, can navigate around our entire house on those things. Even John and I have tried it... such a blast!

* Hang your curtains or chandeliers from a sturdy piece of hemp rope for a more charming and rustic look?

* Use silly voices when reading to children? (Our boys just love it when John and I "get into character"...)

* Keep a gorgeous bowl overflowing with candy year-round? We do this at the studio, actually... And if I'm being totally honest, I think I probably look forward to our little afternoon sugar rushes more than anyone! Everything from sour patch kids, lollies, licorice ropes... chocolate bars...... What are some of your favorite sweet treats??

Do you ever...

* Create a beautiful porch vignette? Usually, I'm all about bringing the outdoors in... but during the summer months, I love decorating our screen porch just as I would any other room in our home!

* Give your favorite potato salad a little twist? Try stirring in Kalamata olives, capers, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomato chutney, or spicy brown mustard.

* Crave watching It's A Wonderful Life... in August?? (I do. Then again, I'm the one playing Christmas music in July......)

* Have your girlfriends over for Sunday morning brunch? Ooh, and for an extra special touch... try sipping champagne with strawberry French toast!

* Coax your relatives into telling outlandish stories from their youth? (You might just be surprised at what they share!)

* Set a beautiful table... for one? I'll admit, it's pretty rare that I have a moment all to myself these days... but ah, when I do...... what a great way to experiment with mixing and matching your pretty things... AND a wonderful excuse to pamper yourself in the process!

* Enjoy mint tea with lemon cookies? Cheerio!

Do you ever...

* Serve popsicles in pretty glassware? I love this summertime treat... For added whimsy, garnish with your favorite blooms, straight from the garden!!

* Try swapping a couple of boxes of old trinkets with a friend? I always try to look at "junk" in a new way... (Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder!)

* Batter and deep-fry marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers? (Divine!!)

* Give yourself permission to play? By this I mean, try on something new... a brilliant wall color, a sultry perfume, an edgy 'do... a fresh perspective?

* Put low-watt bulbs in several of your lamps? (Trust me... it'll create a more sensuous atmosphere in a snap!)

* Order a pizza and doctor it up with yummies from your own pantry? Try roasted garlic chutney, feta cheese with fried ham and pineapple, sauerkraut, hot peppers...

* Create inexpensive sugared flowers? Take artificial flowers from the craft store (which usually don't thrill me), clip off their long stems, add a little spray adhesive to the petals, and sprinkle with very fine glitter. Voila! They're instantly transformed from fake to fantasy!

* Listen to Edith Piaf over dinner? Her music adds a certain... je ne sais quoi to any evening......

Do you ever...

* Display rustic garden statuary inside your home?

* Keep a list of movies you've watched (or books that you've read) in the past year? Perhaps you'll find one you want to peruse again... Or, if you find your list is rather short... what a great excuse (reminder) to find a little time to indulge yourself!

* Try something new on the menu each time you visit a favorite restaurant? And then encourage your children to do the same?

* Bookmark all of your favorite shopping sites, blogs, and other online sources of inspiration so you can visit them at a moment’s notice?

* Enjoy little guilty pleasures? Like watching E!'s The Soup... Host Joel McHale is so wickedly amusing... and with TiVo... we can buzz thru it in 20 minutes!!

* Treat yourself to that new cologne you've been dying to try? I love anything spicy or citrusy... Jo Malone's Amber & Lavender or Lime Basil & Mandarin are two of my all-time faves...

* Keep a checklist of cities you want to travel to someday - and then start crossing them off, one by one?

* Read Daily Candy? Hip, eclectic, fresh... Just like you!!

Do you ever...

* Take a big mug of coffee or tea into the bathroom with you in the morning to gingerly sip while you are getting ready?

* Work out in the AM so it is out of the way? (And perhaps watch a little Joe Scarborough... or yesterday's episode of Oprah??)

* Spoil yourself on Sunday by lounging, leisurely cooking with your family, reading a good book, etc?

* Take a bath with a glass of wine, light some candles, and listen to great music during the middle of the week?

* Splurge on a really great pair of jeans that are the perfect fit for you?

* Look forward to a good rainy day and a bottomless cup of tea or coffee?

* Make a summer to do list of all the things you want to do?

Do you ever...

* Eat donut holes in the afternoon? (I must admit, I have a weakness for them - that, and a great big cup of Earl Grey - right around 3 o'clock!)

* Flit about your house on a Sunday afternoon... in your robe or PJ's... cup of tea in hand... reveling in little nooks you've created... finding inspiration for your next weekend project?

* Sing REALLY LOUD, but only in the car? (BTW, I recently ran across a great CD called Happenstance by Rachel Yamagata... We've got this one on repeat right now!)

* Keep a standing date night with your hubby? John & I do this almost every week... We literally plan it right into our schedules. It brings us calm & balance amidst all the lovely chaos... (Mind you, it's also a great reason to get glammed up during the week!!)

* Tuck a hand-made card into his suitcase for him to find when he's traveling? Or leave love notes strewn about his favorite haunts, before you leave on a long trip??

* Hang a sumptuous mirror in your favorite room... and then stare at its reflection, imagining how grand it would be if the room layout were reversed - or doubled in scale - for a day?? (I've honestly done this... a bit Alice in Wonderland of me, I know......)

* Tell your parents (or children) that you love them? Every day?

* Squish your toes into cool, wet sand? (Pretty much doing anything without socks is fabulous in my book!)

* Eat grocery store birthday cake & ice cream - even when it’s not your birthday?

* Plan a weekend brunch with your grandparents?

* TiVo Oprah so you can watch her early in the morning?

* Send your mom or sister a little goodie "just because"? (It's always nice to be remembered throughout the year... not just holidays & birthdays!)

* Keep framed photos of your loved ones at work? Even unframed will do, to keep them close to your heart! If your desk is rather petite, try a small ribbon memo board instead. These are great so you can add & subtract new photos and other bits of inspiration on a whim... Of course, as you know, we're big on the galvanized steel and magnets gig here at the studio!!

* Encourage your kids to catch fireflies in mason jars? (Ahhh... summer can't get here fast enough!!)

* Get lost in a local bookstore?

* Plan your April Fool's gags weeks in advance? (Maybe it's just us.)

* Have an impromptu picnic lunch for two in the middle of the week?

* Wear cocktail rings to type? You'll often catch me raiding the jewelry bin here at the studio if I forget to wear one to work... No lie!!

Do you ever...

* Have to try on any new purchase once you get it home and rummage through your closet to see what else it goes with??

* Make up lyrics to songs? Or make up your own songs?

* Really look forward to Sundays? Tasty pastry in hand, that extra cup of coffee (or tea, in my case)... paper... PJ's... no set schedule...

* Stay up way too late reading a great book you just can't put down?

* Sing at the top of your lungs when you are alone in the car? (Or sing at the top of your lungs when you aren't alone in the car!?!?)

* Pretend to be on American Idol when you are the shower? You know, planning out what song you would audition with... what your answer would be to the question "why are you here"...?

* Keep tearsheets from your favorite magazines in a file to inspire you?

* Plan a stay-at-home date? Complete with cocktails, fabulous music, dim lights, and cooking...

* Take a mini weekend vacation? Whether at home with no agenda (other than to spend the weekend with your loved one)... or at a bed and breakfast where you can get away and relax...

* Light a candle (or many) during the work week when you get home?

* Have NO TV nights... where you make conversation the program of the evening?

* Get dolled-up... for no reason at all?

* Ask your grandparents or parents the story of how they met and fell in love?

* Ask yourself what goals you want to accomplish in the next 5 years... and then figure out how to get there?

* Take a good long walk by yourself with nothing but your thoughts?

Do you ever...

* Send a letter to someone who doesn't get much mail? Talk about feel good!

* Put Snickers bars into the freezer and then cut them into thin little slices? Ooohhhhhhhh.

* Buy a cool jacket and also use it like a blazer? (This is what I love about our Modern Vintage Coat...) Hello, pretty!

* Make your own IN & OUT list? When I was a teenager "W" magazine did these... I always loved doing my own just for fun!

* Order a birthday cake for someone in the shape of a wedding cake? (One 8" circle, with one 6" circle on top... Charming!!)

* Send a thank you note, just because?

* Give a new coffee table book to a friend who may be coveting it?

* Keep a stash of perfectly sharpened pencils on your desk at home or at work? (No idea why this inspires me, but alas... it does!)

* Add splashes of color to your home with new accessories? Throws, pillows, lanterns... easy, quick... and who doesn't love that??

Do you ever...

* Write a letter to a lovely older soul? I have a few pen pals that are in their nineties... three of them actually. I am entirely delighted with our correspondence and I know that for them to receive a letter, or a box of chocolates, or any thoughtful goodie, makes their day (and mine)!

* Use Style Secrets fashion tape? Double-stick strips to hold clothing in place... These are a lifesaver at parties, etc., when you are wearing something that will just not stay in place. Peace of mind in a simple tape strip. So smart!!

* Shop this site? (www.artisanalcheese.com) I love, love it!!! Since we are getting ready for the holidays, and special goodies are a must, this site will just have your mouth watering! I happen to love a good stinky cheese (as I have mentioned before)... These guys have it really figured out. BTW, they also happen to have a few great NYC restaurants... you can read about them on their site. I have eaten at both and they are perfectly delectable!!!

* Dream about the next big thing you want to do? You know, sort of let it percolate... find tear sheets to inspire you... write little ideas about it down on paper... keep tinkering with it. This is how John and I end up making changes on our house or garden, and how we think about things like our barn or pond, etc. We have a few things right now that we are toying with. No rush on any of them... just letting them swim around a bit. Then magically they really do all fall into place... gentle planning and a good dose of fantasy thinking helps. It's fun for us as a couple also... gives us even more to have in common and talk about on date nights and all.

Do you ever...

*Drop tiny tealights into your glassware? Try a mix of heights and colors and styles... very elegant to be sure!

* Go to the bookstore and check out sections that you wouldn't ordinarily? It’s entirely worth doing. I could live in a bookstore... I find them so incredibly inspiring.

* Go to the dollar store? I LOVE the dollar store. Oh, the treasures you will find. Mind you... lots of wading through junk. But still tons of good little juicy tidbits to discover. Especially at the holidays!!!

* Surf European websites for inspiration and/or gifts? I love The Conran Shop.

* Use a pretty side chair for more than sitting? I think chairs are the ideal pedestal for a stack of antique books and a few bits of aged silver. Gorgeous in a foyer, near a desk, bar, or hallway.

* Hang two chandeliers next to each other at staggering heights? Perhaps too decadent for you? Or impossibly elegant??

* Load your guest room up with new magazines and other goodies? Stock the medicine cabinet with tiny pampering goodies... Don't forget bottled water and all those perfume samplers that are sitting lazily in your bathroom.

* Take a nice hot cup of mint tea to bed with you? (I like mine with a touch of sugar and cream.) Oooooh, this is really too good. (Especially with a small slice of warm apple pie on the side!)

* Buy brand new fluffy white towels for your bathroom? I have this thing for white towels... and really, the old ones just need to go once they aren’t fluffy! A nice simple luxurious treat.

Do you ever...

* Wear scandalously chic shoes with jeans? I love dressing high/low... more eclectic... more interesting... more fun to pull together!

* Read Dominique Browning’s monthly editorial column? She is the editor-in-chief of House & Garden. I love her heartfelt writings and down to earth approach. Truly lovely. She also has several beautifully written books.

* Buy Middle Eastern pastries for parties? They are one of my favorite things to keep in the freezer and they are scrumptious! Try them (www.mepdelight.com). p.s. I always go with the mixed tray... you know me, I love variety! Put them on a pretty platter, and you are in fact good to go!!

* Use a mirror on your tabletop as your centerpiece? This is one of my favorite tricks... I then put lots of candles on the mirror... beautiful... shimmering... glimmering!!

* Go to bed with your hair wet? For me this is the easiest way to get some volume into my stick-straight hair. (No time for hot rollers in my world!)

Do you ever...

* Have poached eggs on buttered toast for lunch on Saturday...with a little side salad? (It's my favorite comfort food.)

* Try XM radio station The Loft? I love it. When I'm at home it's my main station... In fact, we just got XM in the studio and now I love it here as well!

* Take your slippers with you when you travel? I always do... that and my big comfy Polartec. (p.s. On that note... buy new slippers! Oh, how I love new slippers! Here's a particularly darling pair...

* Carry a smaller version of your perfume in your purse? I love it for a quick pick me up!!!

* Wear a big cocktail ring during the day? I do most days... no matter what I am wearing... it's just an elegant thing to do. (Check out our fun & fashiony assortment...)

* Take a big stack of catalogs and magazines onto your bed? Just spread them out, notebook in hand... searching out things to do, places to go... I love doing this!

* Make this? Savory spinach and artichoke bread pudding by Emeril... It is to die for!!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/
0,,FOOD_9936_26639,00.html?rsrc=search

* Light candles at your dinner table? I know it's small... but really, it's so lovely.