Dragon Tattoo

I am busy reading. It is not my fault. It's Heather's fault. She told me to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. She always knows what books I will like. Well, I finally got a copy. And I can't put it down.

As you read this I am curled up by the fire reading away. The first chapter scared me...it was BORING. Things quickly improved!

Oh sure, I'll still throw some food on the table and wash a few clothes here and there.

But today Butterball was in school and I didn't even go to Target. Actually I had to wait for the plumber (long, unpleasant story), but for once I didn't mind.

It is also cold and dreary here, so a good book is just what I need. Thank you Heather!

Why don't you join me? Wouldn't you love to have one these cozy rooms to read in? Have you read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo? What did you think?

pictures from: the Zhush, Isn't it Just Darling, Domino, Donkee Home, Caitlin Creer

Dear Easter Bunny

Dear Easter Bunny,

I know you don't usually bring presents to adults, but I have a special request. I can't wait until Christmas or my birthday and I already picked out my gift for Valentine's Day and my anniversary. Yes, I asked Bill, he just laughed. And laughed some more. That leaves you, my dear bunny. If you would like to make me a happy girl and if you have a really big basket, I would like...

Two of these blue leather chairs. Turquoise...they make me happy. I would like to use them as the starting point for my living room makeover. The makeover probably won't happen for a while, so if you want to bring one this year and one next year, that is fine. I don't usually ask such big favors of my friends, but I have been covering your tail all these years and let's just say it's pay back time.
Thanks so much! Hugs & Carrots, Sissy

picture from My Notting Hill

Sarah's House

Have you seen Sarah's House on HGTV? It's good. Sarah Richardson (remember her from from Design Inc.?) buys a house and fixes it up with T.V. cameras rolling. I must say it is very entertaining and she does an excellent job.
Right now they are showing episodes from Season I and Season II. I think these first 5 pictures are from Season II and the last 7 are from Season I.

This is a basement guest suite. I know! It doesn't look like any basement I've ever been in.

Love the pops of green with all the white.

And that light fixture? Yes, please.

This is the entrance hall to the home in season I.

Loving this laundry room. Stainless steel heaven, even the back splash!!

Pretty good, huh? Wonder if Sarah wants to come over to Sissy's House?
You can see more photos at Sarah's site here. I wonder if she and Candice Olsen are friends. You know, they are both from Canada and have shows on HGTV.

So what do you think? Do you like her style? Have you seen the show? If not check out HGTV to see what time it airs in your city.

What I am Loving...

I was recently "tagged" by Janis of Pinecone Camp. You have to check out her blog here. Then make sure you check out her website here. Janis is a lifestyle and interiors photographer and her work will knock your socks off. I think if Janis could photograph my life, it would look a lot more fabulous.

I hesitated to answer all the questions on the tagged list because I am afraid you are tired of hearing about me, so I decided to do something a little different. I am going to do a list of what I am loving right now. Here goes..

1. A great bar cart or bar area....so chic!!




2. My new raincoat. I have been looking for a raincoat with a hood for about 8 years. No joking. I found plenty of cute jackets, just no hoods. I have used the same raincoat for the past 10 years, light blue, from Target. It has just about had it. Boden has some cute ones, but they are heavy duty. I needed something light and I found it today..at Old Navy. It comes in tons of colors, but I think the blue looks best with my orange polka dot rain boots. I am happy...Let it rain!




3. A room that is not too matchy. This decorating is fearless but fabulous. I am going to try and branch out..wish me luck!



4. Big Beads with my bathing suit. OK, really just the big beads. I don't have the nerve, or the body, to skip the top and wear necklaces. But I will say you would get a lot of attention at the pool.




5. Children's rooms that don't look like Spongebob. Or a Disney character.



6. My sconces. I have these same giant over-sized sconces and was wondering if I should keep them on either side of my fireplace. I found this picture yesterday and the answer is yes!!



7. My new purchase from Anthropologie. Dress, but I wore it as a tunic over jeans to dinner last night and liked it. Even better? It's on sale.

That's what I am loving right now. What about you? See anything you liked?

Don't forget to check out Pinecone Camp!! Here and Here

pictures from: Habitually Chic, Old Navy, Eye A Dore You, ?, Full House, Traditional Home

Ikea Family Fun

We made it back from The Great Wolf Lodge and had a blast!! I loved every stinkin minute of it! My throat hurt from screaming. Caution: the waterslides are not for big babies or scaredy cats, but if I can handle it, so can you.

I somehow convinced my family it would be fun to run into Ikea on the way to eat Mexican food one night. I may have forgotten to mention it was 15 miles down the road. Let's just say we arrived at the holy grail of cheap furniture in sour moods. Luckily it didn't last long because we were all amazed. And overwhelmed. That place is crazy good. We got a little scared when we couldn't find the exit. Have you been? It is like a maze. We made the mistake of trying to backtrack and not follow the recommended path. We learned our lesson.

I did not get the table I originally had in mind. In person it looked too long. Yes, I measured, but in person it just looked too big. Even my husband agreed. Plus it was hard to make a decision with two hungry nine year-olds breathing down my neck. Don't worry, I didn't come home empty handed. I bought the world's happiest tray. Don't you love it? I think it will bring me lots of joy.

I also got the world's cutest blanket for the world's cutest baby. This picture does not do it justice. In person there is much more bright blue and light blue and apple green. Butterball loves it. He even said so. Or at least that's what I think he said.

It is part of the Vitaminer collection at Ikea.

Strange name, cute bedding.

For babies or little kids. We also stopped by Bass Pro Shop and I made a solo trip to Anthropologie. See? Something for everyone.

Have you been to Ikea? What did you think?

Bakelite and a Curse

I am cursed with freakishly small wrists. Sad but true. It is not usually a big deal unless I want to turn cartwheels (which on occasion I do) or wear a bracelet.

I recently found a Bakelite bracelet that I loved at one of my favorite shops. Cape Fear Jewelry & Antiques. You have got to stop by and see Pait. He will take care of you and find you something you can't live without. They sell vintage pieces that you won't find anywhere else. One of a kind fabulousness.This particular bracelet was a Bakelite bangle. With turquoise. I loved it, but it was almost big enough to fit over my head. I'm not big into chokers. I went home. I was sad. I don't buy a lot of jewelry because it is rare I see something I like. This was an unusual bracelet. I have seen some good ones. Like this white bracelet with the starfish. Nice.

Or this fun bright pink one. But mine was different. Better. I wanted that bracelet. Bad. I thought about it for two days then went back just to visit. Say hi.

Hello!!! This is it. Can you stand it?
While I was walking around holding my hand in the air so the bracelet wouldn't fly off, John Nelson, who designs and repairs jewelry came up with a way to make it fit my wrist. He is putting cork inside to make it nice and snug. Hallelujah!!

Bill, if you are reading this, I have good news. You don't have to shop for a Valentine's present this year (or anniversary). Thanks hon, I LOVE it!!! You know what I say: Good things come to those who shop for themselves!

Doesn't it remind you of Iris Apfel from this post? Do you love it or does it make you think of your crazy old aunt?

Cape Fear Jewelry & Antiques
Pait Skipper
4107-E1 Oleander Drive Wilmington, N.C. 28403
910-762-1310

In the same store you can find:

J. Nelson Designs: Custom Jewelry Designs and Repairs
John Nelson
910-799-0003

Go. Shop. Buy.

pictures from: Bakelite Bangle Export, Bakelite 4 You, Blue Hydrangea

Vote

As you read this I am riding the rapids in my inner tube at the Great Wolf Lodge..Yeehaw!!

I wanted to make sure you saw this fabulous window at Bloomingdale's decorated by Eddie Ross.

Seems there is a little contest going on. Check it out here and make sure to vote for Eddie. Why? Because I said so and because his room truly is the best!!! The guy has talent. Wish he would come to my house to play (decorate).

Have a great weekend and don't worry about me. I am sure we are having all kinds of fun!!