Magical Mysterious Winter Whimsy!!

There's definitely something mysteriously magical, crisp, clean, and inspiring about winter's whimsy!! The way the bare tree branches, brushed with soft white snow, reach up to sky, very hopeful, very strong. There's something extremely beautiful and awesome about that strength and perseverance that captures me!! Although I look forward to the newness and fresh happiness of Spring, I'm captivated by Winter's longing...

All these scenes/items remind me of Winter!! What do the long Winter months represent to you?? Freedom, Perseverance, Whimsy, Anticipation, Stillness Tranquility, Captivity, Sorrow, Hopelessness, Hope, Warmth, Love, Home?? I'm sure it could represent all these feelings...As I look to the months ahead, I'm going to keep my eyes focused on freshness, excitement, and inspiration...

12 fabulous finds to enthusiastically kick off 2012!!

Ah, New Years Resolutions!! We're on Day 16 of 2012, and much to my disappointment, I'm not quite as far along as I'd hoped on a couple goals. However, much to my excitement and happiness, I'm much further along with a couple of other goals, which evens thing out a little, and definitely permits me to conclude that Jon and I are in good standing thus far. As we eagerly plan for an amazing 2012, I've decided to showcase a couple of...12 to be exact, fresh fabulous finds that have served as awesome additions to our Botbyl Style home decor collection for our new house.
1.) Vintage Salvaged Door (my favorite btw!!) This unique piece lends a terrific sense of depth and character to our entryway, which is currently in the process of being stripped naked of its wallpaper and painted. I'm totally in love with all the gorgeous details, cracks, hinges and everything. As you can see, Cece is rather intrigued by it as well.

2.) Salvaged Barn wood mirrors. Awesomely unique and weathered. Love them!! Found them at the Philadelphia Homeshow at an Antique Market they were showcasing. Love that beautiful shade of kelly Green.

3.) Vintage Birdy - Love this little lady, whom I found hiding out at this small Victorian shop in Pitman. She even has a scarf just like I always do!! Aint she a purdy birdy??

4.) Wooden Box with Chalkboard paint. Adorable!! Fantastic find from Marshalls!! Not sure where I'm gonna put him yet tho :(

5.) Vintage Ruler - Housed in my french bathroom, also from Home Show Antique Market

6.) Rustic wooden star - Groff's Millpond Christmas collection, I have a couple of these!!

7.) Rustic White twig wreath - I've been eyeing this (ok, falling madly in love with) since Groff's Millpond Grand opening which I believe was in November, but I'm extremely glad I waited because I scored this awesome find for half price, $12!! Isn't it lovely?? I tied my famous stripped patterned material around the top of it to hang it. I'll call this my 2nd favorite treasure!!

8.) My Blue Peace Candle - This was a gift from one of my flute students, Ann, who's a fashionista!! Isn't it great?? It's so wonderful I had to display the awesome candle...on top of the awesome box!! It just happens to partially block Jon's view of the cable box in our family room, which is a whole other story.

9.) Trellis Patterned Lampshade - Originally for my office, but currently glamming up our living room poll lamp, on which it will definitely stay!! Love it!! Target btw!! Couldn't resist...and have been searching for a mod shade since we painted the room. This one is sooo perfect!!

10.) Fiery red wall art - From Bed Bath and Beyond, had a gazillion coupons and a gift certificate (thank you Shari) Jon picked it out, rather design-savvy-ly!! He said it inspires him!!

11.) Vintage Rustic Hanging Candle Cage - I'll call it?? Love it!! Groff's Mill pond.

Last but certainly not least...A pollyanna Gift from Jon's family Christmas party, better yet, Jon's pollyanna gift!! He just happened to get this...But I stole it from him, and I LOOOOVE IT!!

12.) Modern Candle Globe - I'll call it!! 

Well there ya have it: 12 new fabulous finds!! Have a Fantastic Day and a wonderful week and Thank you so much for stopping by!!

A Marvelously Merry Christmas 2011

 Christmas 2011 was absolutely awesome!! Here's an illustrative recap!! For Christmas Eve, Jon and I went over Jeff and Danielle Botbyl's beautiful Home (pictured below) where we celebrated and exchanged gifts.

(Their house is extremely gorgeous, and they've only been living there for two months, by the way!!) We had a terrific time!! Now, the following is a recap from Christmas morning...

Later Christmas morning, Jon and I left for Lancaster, where we had made reservations to stay at a beautiful hotel called "Eden". We desperately needed time for relaxation since during the school year, there is no such thing, and we both become exceedingly stressed out. Also, because we don't have children yet, we might as well take advantage of the great opportunity to get away, have a fancy dinner, spend some quiet time by the pool, (let our poor kitty fend for herself), and visit a couple...or more than a couple adorably unique home decor shops in Lancaster, which is extremely well-known for their Amish-made furniture and great deals.

Isn't he...or she(?)incredibly adorable?! We were extremely lucky because we ended up with a room in the greatest location - Poolside and two yards from the gym, so awesomely convenient!! I spent most of my "pool time" listening to new music on Spotify which I plan to integrate into my General Music curriculum.

We had a fantastic time and are hoping to return maybe next year??

Finally, here are a couple photos from this afternoon, during which Jon and I spent quality time with my parents who just returned from South Carolina, where they were visiting my sister Ashley and her boyfriend, Dan.

 How cute and clever is that Home Depot Gift Card?? Love it!!

Hope everyone had an incredibly tremendous fun-filled and stress-free holiday this year!! Looking extremely forward to moving on to 2012!!