A restful weekend here in Annapolis, in no small part thanks to a crazy burned out electrical transformer that led to a blown out Verizon box that led to a service call to happen between 9am and 9pm that led to a mandatory day at home.  It is a wonder how we ever did anything without the internet…or Fios TV. Anyway, it did give me time to put together a St. Patrick Day mantel.  I have never attempted to capture the luck of the Irish in my decor, but like my Valentine’s mantel, I am quite pleased that the simplest additions really do have major impact.  Do you like the sparkly shamrock? I give the Princess full credit!

Some green depression, vintage postcards and a bunting of shamrock pennants gives homage to Old Saint Patrick.
A close-up of the gorgeous green of the glass.

Vintage St. Patrick postcards are known for their amusing nature and exuberant love of the perfect Irish lass! I love these examples of both.

Also a first…the princess’ first middle school dance…how can that be!

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I have missed you Spring! Your subtle beauty and clear light, your gentle winds and sparkly sun. You are like a breath of fresh air after the darker days of winter. It may still be 35 degrees outside but in my house…we welcome spring.

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Valentine’s Day is approaching and with it the thought that spring might be kind of..sort of..mostly near. Not that snow isn’t impossible, I mean it snowed on spring break last year, but the warm fuzzy feeling of Valentine’s Day just translate to warm days and green returning.

I was never one to decorate for Valentine’s, but an impulse pillow buy led to another and some vintage Valentine postcards found their way home and next thing I know…full on Valentineo decor…and I like it. Come on inside and experience the LOVE!

Well, we made it to February. The air is still chilly, a little snow is still on the ground, but love is in the air to keep us warm. Come on in to see our Valentine touches.

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By Helen Hunt Jackson

O Winter! frozen pulse and heart of fire, 
What loss is theirs who from thy kingdom turn 
Dismayed, and think thy snow a sculptured urn 
Of death! Far sooner in midsummer tire 

The streams than under ice. June could not hire 
Her roses to forego the strength they learn 
In sleeping on thy breast. No fires can burn 
The bridges thou dost lay where men desire 
In vain to build. 

O Heart, when Love’s sun goes 
To northward, and the sounds of singing cease, 
Keep warm by inner fires, and rest in peace. 
Sleep on content, as sleeps the patient rose.

Walk boldly on the white untrodden snows, 
The winter is the winter’s own release.

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Winter is officially here, with the frigid temperatures, snowy weather and grey skies. Not much fun to be outdoors right now; inside seems much more appealing. I think the best part of winter is making the inside pleasant, warm and cozy. I like to be welcomed home each afternoon by simple textures, muted colors and lots of elements to make me smile. It’s not my favorite season but cozy makes it so much more bearable. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy my winter touches.

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Of 2024 Christmas pictures are dropping, it already feels like a very long time ago. I miss them but getting the house simple and cozy for winter is the next project. I hope they bring you joy!

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It’s going to snow, supposedly a lot, tonight. School and work are closed, the snow shovel is out of the garage, snow pants and gloves are at the ready and the hot chocolate waits some heat. It will give us some time to take down the Christmas decorations…that makes me a little sad but I’m ready for some quiet areas inside to rest my eyes. I will miss the joy Christmas items can bring, I hope the photos bring joy as well.

It has been pretty gloomy weather wise this holiday season. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it does draw you to the more cozy elements of life. Quiet times inside, good books, hot chocolate, warm socks and Holiday movie marathons. I think my decor really reflects “cozy” this year. Lots of layered fabrics, vintage touches and natural elements. Our master bedroom is probably my favorite spot beside my new kitchen.

We traveled for the holidays to Philadelphia to visit family and experienced the first white Christmas for quite some time. I’m usually pretty eager to take down Christmas after the 25th but this year I think we will enjoy the season a little bit longer. We have some time before school starts again, so some more time can be had in our Christmas house before it is all tucked away until next year.

I hope your Christmas was warm and cozy!

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I could not believe it when I looked at my calendar and saw that Christmas was three days away. Last week was packed with so much activity; parties, cookie making, last minute shopping and school Christmas concerts…I need a break from all the fun. I truly enjoy the season but need to remember to slow down and be still with all the beauty. I love to decorate my home but I’m often so rushed I only glance at it as I rush out the door. Do you feel this way? Well, slow down and enjoy our foyer in all its glory.

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