a new book and a winner!

In Saturday's mail I received this beautiful new book.  I was the lucky winner of a give away on Stephanie's blog, La Dolce Vita.  She was so generous that she actually let the winner choose from a very well edited selection.  I'm so happy that I chose "The Perfectly Imperfect Home" by Deborah Needleman, the founding editor of Domino Magazine.  It's filled with charming illustrations by Virginia Johnson and quotes by famous decorators/designers.  This is a book I will read cover to cover and study the illustrations over and over.  It makes me so excited to start making our new (old) little house a home in Connecticut.  This book is going to be my road map.  Thank you Stephanie!

and the winner of my little collection of black & white things is:  Jane!  Funny how this worked out today.  Jane is having a link party called "Flowers in the Wintery House."  I was thinking I wouldn't link up, because my flowers are looking a little sad...I always have in the past, but I was feeling a little out of sorts shall we say with my Trader Joe's roses. Jane is an amazing floral designer and has the most imaginative arrangements all over house.  She says things like, "so if you have a stem of black raspberry, add that to the mix." All things considered, I don't think Jane will mind if I link up to her blog, Small But Charming.  Check it out...it's fun to see how everyone uses flowers in their pretty homes.