New Love Boxes I Finished Yesterday...

Granny Chic Book of the Week...

I love this old book. It's a little old fashioned (in the weird way) in places, but mostly it's old fashioned in the good way. The book gives advice like: don't wear tight shoes, you can't be charming if your feet hurt. Hilarious, but still true.

Charm is a word that has some negative connotations now, but in this book it means sincerity, kindness, generosity and ettiquette. It was originaly published in 1938, but no culture has needed it's advice more than our current one.

As you read, you may have to edit for content. For example:"There is scarcely an hour that passes in which someone doesn't do something for you. It may be the grocery boy . It may be the mailman. Most of all it will be the people with whom you work and live. Do you stop to realize the humanity of these givers of good things that make your life comfortable? Your telephone operator, your stenographer, your maid, your laundress, the man who tends your garden (I wish....), the chauffer who taxis you? What is your attitude toward them? Are they mere scenery, something you paid for and so needn't be aware of? You can't afford to think so. Your attitude toward those who serve you reflects your attitude toward everyone else. Charm springs from warmth, not etiquette."

I don't have gardener, (dang) or a chauffer (no biggy, I love driving) but I have a hundred people who help me accomplish the things I want to do. How would you like to be the kid at the UPS store that does my laminating? Poor guy. I should tip him, but I hope that I thanked him very kindly anyway. I sure appreciate that he made my Christmas card so shiny. I love shiny. I need to do this better. I get so distracted thinking about other things, I often don't even look the cashier at the grocery store in the eye and say, "Hello". Bad manners. I am going to do better.

Anyway, (rambling, sorry) this book is just silly in places (the parts about bathing), but it has some great points. Enjoy!

Great Quote...

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship, it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him, and is willing to trust him.
Emerson

Crossing Delancy...

I love this old Romantic Comedy with Amy Irving. Hurray! It comes to DVD in Feb. See it here.

Love this little dress...

See it here.

Dorothy Draper...

CBS Sunday Morning featured a story about Dorothy Draper a few weeks ago and now I am seeing her everywhere.

In an introduction to her most famous book, Entertaining is Fun, Carleton Varney writes, "It was not uncommon to see a Dorothy Draper-decorated room with aqua-and-white striped walls, vibrant "lipstick red" carpeting, and curtains made of a flowery chintz; pink, violet, and red roses entwined with vibrant green leaves and aqua blue ribbons on a sparkling crisp white background." She is known as the first proponent of what we now call "eclectic." She believed that is was fine to "mix periods" and she certainly did that. She was one of the first people to make decorating a profession. She was the Martha Stewart of her time; she was extremely talented at creating a recognizable brand and selling it.

After seeing, the story on Sunday Morning, I was interested to learn more about her style. However, this is glamour dressed up, not the comfortable "Granny Chic" that I love, but it is a lot of fun.
See part of the CBS Sunday Morning story here.

I'd love to have you leave a comment...

And, what I understand is: you don't have to have a blog to comment, just click other or anonymous in the choose an identity area and you don't have to enter a web page, even though it asks for one.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas...

I love the tradition of Santa Claus. I always have. But, even more than the myth, I love the real story. Nicholas was born in the third century in the village a Patara located on the southern coast of Turkey. He was raised by wealthy parents who were devout Christian and who died leaving him a wealthy orphan. He was made a Bishop of Myra while a young man. To follow the example of Jesus, he used his entire fortune to bless the needy. He was known for his generosity to children and his love for them.

In 2006, we have added some glitz, a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer to the mix. But, the idea that someone could do some small kindness for children and then have so many millions of people try to commit similar small acts of kindness1800 years later in an attempt to do likewise is a miracle that cannot be surpassed by Santas that come down the chimney and fly all over the world in one night. That is the kind of Santa it is so important to believe in, just a normal person who wanted to do some good and who made the lives of the people around him a little better.
In our current culture where the idea of personal responsibility seems to take a daily beating in the media, the concept that one regular person can make a real difference seems less and less popular. And yet, one person makes a real difference all the time.
In order to become a Catholic Saint you have to have so many recorded miracles to your name. I don't know about those or what they are. What I do know is that he did perform one miracle of which I am sure. He was a good example.
I believe in Santa Claus and in the idea that anything or anyone that can inspire us to reach beyond ourselves to do a bit more for someone who needs us is something to believe in at Christmas time and all the other times of the year.
And, I believe that the real story of Santa is better than the myth, as it often is.

Merry Christmas...

Yesterday, I ate cake...

I ate some chocolate cake that was amazingly tall and very delicious and it had a green mint frosting with chocolate ganache. It was very good! And I ate some other cake that looked kind of like this. It was chocolate cake with chocolate bits inside and it had whipped cream topping with crushed candy cane on top. Amber, please send the recipe?

Matryoshka Dolls...

I know several people who love these dolls and this ebay store has a great selection at very reasonable prices..

See them here.

A Star for Christmas...

As I have written before, I love the work of Art Glass Artist Robert Held. Amazing! Look, a STAR for Christmas! Beautiful! See his site here.

Eddie Walker...

I love Santa. What a great guy! And, I have a small collection of Eddie Walker Santas, but as I was telling Michelle yesterday, you just don't see them around much. Duh? Ebay. There were quite a few listed including this cute guy. Speedy Delivery.

Gift of Organization...

These might be cute for just the right person on your list. See them here.

Great Quote...

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Fun Granny Chic Website...

See it here. Sorry they won't let you copy pics out. Still fun though.

Granny Chic Tub...

Isn't this darling. I love this tub. See it here.

Great Quote...

Love your friends. Give them dignity and richness, and help make their time alive abundant.

Alexandra Stoddard in Time Alive

Granny Chic Cute of the Week...

Anything quilted counts in this category. I adore these shams. They even come in Euro Squares. Does everyone love Euro Squares? I really do. Find them here.

Granny Chic item of the week...

I think these old-fashioned refrigerator dishes are very cool. And, look at this:

Holds 2 cups
Microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher safe
Will not stain
Glass
Dishwasher safe

There are several sizes available. I think it would be darling wrapped up with some homeade treats and a red bow.

See it here.

Has anyone heard this album?

It seems like the perfect thing for the Rock-n-roller on your list. These guys were great at the 2002 Winter Games in SLC. I really hate to buy crappy Christmas cds don't you and it's all about having the tunes going during the holidays. :)

Love this Armoire...

It seems to belong with Alice in Wonderland. See it here.

Great Quote...

In the pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.
Albert Einstein

Visible Storage...

I have to decorate my home out of Pottery Barn Kids and Teen because they have my colors throughout the year, not just in the spring. Aren't these great? Cds, dvds, mags... the possibilities are endless... See them here.

Mom, this Marimekko bag would be cute?

Very cute, and very red! :)

Beth's Market Bags...

Beth has darling new bags... see them here.

My Nutcracker and My Nutcracker Poem...

Our Nutcracker's fixed with a perilous gaze
He's grumpy, he's worred, he's stressed
you could say

He's shopping & wrapping & baking & spending
& running & raving & driving & grazing...

Too much!!!

He wants each of his friends to know that he cares
So he comes and he goes and he stands and he stares
At this one and that one and that one and this one
The blue one, the pink on, the red one, the right one

And he goes back and forth on this maddening track
until he drives himself nuts and he cracks

But don't you be like that...

Christmas is JOY it is Happiness & Love
IT is Peace that alights in the heart like a dove

Besides...

Your commotion is good it sends grace and a tear
Just to think there is someone who cares around here.

Know that your motions means a lots to a many
Your trinckets and troubles go far. They do. Really!
They remind us of one who was born without cradle
Long ago, far away in a poor little stable.

So think of poor Nutcracker, but
Don't be like him
Ring bells, sing and shout!

Good Tidings and Cheer
are what Christmas' about!

copyright 2005

Alicia's Pretty Red Snowflake Box...

I painted this box for Alicia's friends this year, and now I am looking for traditional cherry, Christmas red everywhere. I love it! Great idea Boo! :)

5 More Favorite Christmas Albums and The Great Velvet Fog...

One of the most wonderful evenings of my life was spent in Abravanel Hall at Christmas. If I remember correctly Craig and I were able to obtain tickets to see Mel Torme in December of 1995. We were young and broke and the tickets were kind of expensive for us, but it was worth every penny. The hall was packed with fans of every age all there to see a legend perform. His performance was electric and his voice was crystal clear and better than ever that night. His drum solo was amazing.

During the evening, he made the comment that real music appeals to everyone and lives forever. It is interesting now to see artists like Rod Stewart and others making albums that rely on the appeal of old standards.

On August 8, of 1996, just about 8 and a half months later, the great Velvet Fog suffered a stroke that ended his career. Now, I would pay 20 times the amount of the first ticket to see him in concert again. There are so many things that I have put off doing until I could more easily afford them, and I believe there is great wisdom in that, but just that one time I'm so glad I didn't wait. What a night, what a sound... Mel, we're still listening.

A little red...

We are going to add just a little more red to Christmas this year... Have you tried these Peppermint Tootsie Pops? They are delicious.

Best Wishes... Tiffany

Polka Spots...

Mom, thanks for reminding me about the beautiful wrapping to see here. Carolyn Roehm's site is beautiful.

Thanksgiving...

I am so thankful for so many things and mostly for people that I love. I am very blessed with wonderful family and good friends and neighbors. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone... Best Wishes... Tiffany

Holiday Music...

I have to admit that I loved this movie. Subsequently, we always buy one or two new holiday cds each year and we got this one. It's a classic. The jazzed up version of The Nutcracker Suite and Eartha Kit singing Santa Baby are so fun. I was sorry that they did not include the duet with Will Ferrel and Zooey Deschanel singing Baby It's Cold Outside. They have the one with Zooey singing with Leon Redbone instead. I would have loved to have both. It's a fun song, if a bit earthy when you really listen to the lyrics.

Granny Chic Book of the Week...

I checked this book out on tape from the library. I thought it was a fun read. It was a great surprise to find another just for fun writer to enjoy once in awhile. I have read all the Fannie Flaggs and the Mave Binchy and the Rosamonde Pilcher they have at the library. Suggestions anyone?

I also just finished reading Woodrow Wilson by Louis Auchincloss. The other things I have read by this author, have been short stories and he continues to be brief here so if you just want a really quick overview of this president, this may be the book for you. I am still thinking about a point where the author says that our two most famous/ popular presidents took opposite views on self-determination. Interesting thought. Is this just a given, my gut wants to fight about it. :)

Susan Sargent...

I have loved Susan Sargents books on design and color for sometime and I discovered today that she has an online store of really beautiful things. Her furniture... maybe someday... so pretty. See it here.

Christmas gifts I've loved... Lauren Child...

A couple of years ago, Jenni gave Charity the book I Will Never Not Ever Eat A Tomato. It has been Charity's favorite book three years running. She loves it! So, when we were in a book store in Sun Valley, we were excited to see Utterly Me, Clarice Bean, which is hilarious. Charity is getting The Princess and the Pea for Christmas... Ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... don't tell. Watch for our Christams card which is our version of Lauren Child's delightful mixed media. Thanks Jenni, you always know what we're going to like! :)

I Wake Up in Heaven...

It was somewhat difficult for me to get the colors to show true in these pictures. The chair is not gray, for example. However, this is the redecorating project we finished this spring.

I can't tell how much I love it. The paint is called True Blue by Benjamin Moore. I carried the chip around with me for two years. I wanted a paint that would look great with my Christmas Plate collection as well as incorporate some of the other colors in my home. And, Craig loves blue.

So, we love this room. We used to have a yellow bedroom that we loved when we lived in our condo, and we would say that we woke up in sunshine and now we say that we wake up in heaven.

I believe strongly in decorating in "happy" colors. I loved the cheese commercial that said. "Escape from beigeland." Amen. "Beige is not a color in the rainbow," says Alexandra Stoddard. However, if beige truly makes your heart go pitter pat, you should have beige. Just don't choose beige to be safe, or "neutral." Choose a wall color by what you love. What is your favorite color? That is the place to start. What looks good on you.

One of my good friends has the most warm and inviting home. The wall colors are deep reds and rusts and leaf greens. Whenever she opens the door for me, I think, "Lora looks pretty today." They are a family of red-heads and they look great in autumn colors.

Spring brights are my favorite, but they are not the only colors I love. I love rich colors, like garnent and eggplant. I love jewel colors, like saphire and emerald. I even like pastels if they are clear and true.

In Utah, people often choose what I would call Autumn tones, which go with the landscape, but then they opt for neutrals to be safe. Autumn is great. There is a full spectrum of lovely colors that represent that season; reds, greens, purples... But, spring is also beautiful in Utah, just visit the gardens at Temple Square when the tulips are blooming. In fact, Utah has four beautiful seasons.

Some people say that they find neutral colors calming, I find them depressing. I think you are very unlikely to be depressed in a hot pink shirt, and less likely to be hit by a car, which is also encouraging. Bright colors increase brain activity and decrease depression, really.

I have been asked if living with such bright colors gets on my nerves or if I get tired of them. No, neither. They make my heart sing everyday!

Have a bright and happy day! Best Wishes... Tiffany

Philidelphia Chickens...

Another Christmas idea for the kids. You may already have this, but if you don't check it out here. These songs are delightful but make sure to get the one that comes with the songbook and CD because it's so fun to have the words and sing along. :)

Granny Chic Cute of the Week...

Fun sale going on Hannah Anderson Kids...
Find this jacket here.

My Kokeshi Dolls...

I spent most of Saturday figuring out how to make these dolls and they are so easy.

Ingred:
Candle Cups 7/8" with 22.2 mm hole
Doll Head / Knob 1-1/4" (31.8mm)
Screws 8X1.5" (I believe... take the pieces to the hardware store and see what works)

Paint
Varnish

I am so excited about these little dolls, I am hoping to be able to do an Activity Days spent making these dolls and having a little cultural history on the dolls and some Japanese Snacks including Grandma's Japanese Water Punch!
Best Wishes... Tiffany

Text of... Thou Gracious God... By Oliver Wendall Holmes

Thou gracious God, whose mercy lends the light of home, the smile of friends,our gathered flock thine arms enfold as in the peaceful days of old.Wilt thou not hear us while we raise in sweet accord of solemn praise the voices that have mingled long in joyous flow of mirth and song? For all the blessings life has brought, for all its sorrowing hours have taught, for all we mourn, for all we keep, the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep. The noontide sunshine of the past, these brief, bright moments fading fast, the stars that gild our darkening years, the twilight ray from holier spheres.We thank thee, Father; let thy grace our loving circle still embrace, thy mercy shed its heavenly store, thy peace be with us evermore.

Craig is singing this beautiful music today with the Church Choir.

Don't miss hearing this amazing piece performed by the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir on this CD. Kudos to Aunt Ruth!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!!!! Love & Best Wishes Tiffany...