With glitter and trinkets scattered all over the house, my holiday decorating has official begun. My style now, and for Christmas is ever changing and I find myself slipping more and more away from all the fufu pink and over the top decorating. My motto, Less is soo much more. I have always preferred a muted palette and although that still remains, the girly pink has been replaced with sophiscated greys, pure whites, creams and browns. As you can see this is a much simplier look embracing architectural elements, mecury glass, cut glass glitter boxes and silver sleighs. Simply yet elegant.

Cut glass glitter box with satin ribbon makes for a delightful gift all on its own..

White flowers all aglow in a mecury vase..

Love this cutie but I need to keep it up high..My little Jessy thinks this furry sleigh is a relative...

Photo's of my tree are coming very soon sweet friends..

In the meantime, I would love to hear how you decorate your home for the holidays!

Love & Friendship,

Jo-Anne

xo

A quick hello and a warm, heartfelt Thanksgiving blessing to you my sweet friends. I'm not cooking this year, just a batch of double fudge brownies and garlic green beans. YUMMIE! The brownies are in the oven, I lit a cozy fire and there is a generous dose of Christmas music on the radio. A no -no usually before Christmas but I've indulged early. I do love to listen to the oldies, like Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Andy William's classics. I remember last year my Dad made the trip from Canada to be with us on Thanksgiving. He loved this holiday most of all as he said, there is no pressure like the busyness Christmas can bring. Just a nice quiet, relaxing day enjoying a meal with your family. I'll be going to my sister Susie's house this year who has graciously opened her home to 15 of us. The table will be set beautifully as Susie always does, with a bountiful of our favorite comfort foods we love. We thought we would set a place at the table in memory of my dear mom and dad. This year will not be the same without them, there is an emptiness in my heart that can not be filled. I am truly thankful for the gift of being their daughter and knowing the most extraordinary human-beings on earth. I love and miss you mom and dad, so very much...

To you my sweet friends, you are a true blessing in my life. And, I am ever so grateful for your kindness and friendship to me this year.

I wish each and everyone of you the Happiest of Thanksgivings!!!

Love & Friendship,

Jo-Anne

xoxo

Thoughts of ...

Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic has to be one of the prettiest shops around. This blissful bedroom from Rachel's blog, displays Shabby Chic's signature charm of ruffles, pink chiffon dresses and luxurious bedding. Oh how lovely it would be to snuggle in such loveliness...

The creative designer behind this fabulous winter wonderland display is Susie Caliendo of Susie Caliendo Design. Susie is a newborn to the blog world and very excited to share with you her decorating projects and ideas. Susie has been featured in magazines such as, Better Homes & Gardens, South Shore Living, Dovetales and The Decorating Book. She is also the Author of " The Halloween Home". Please stop by Susie's blog and say hello. She would love to hear from you..

One of my favorite blogs to visit is the very sweet, and multi-talented, Jennifer of Pear Street Studios. I love photography and Jen's images are the most beautiful I've seen. This one is just precious of a little girl dressed so daintily gathering apples for her basket. Jen's work is really breathtaking- She captures a feeling, a mood in her images that tells a beautiful story. Please visit Jen's blog today and say hello. You will love what you see!

I will post again soon sweet friends-

Until then, wishing you Sunshine days!

Jo-Anne

All In PINK of course-

I'm craving PINK today- I can't explain why...perhaps its all the brown and burnt orange leaves on the ground- or the very thought of snow coming. YES, they are saying snow for the weekend..So today, its all about pink-

And, it wouldn't be proper not to include Marie Antoinette!The silk and taffeta, the costumes, and the cake, we can't forget to eat cake...

I never tire of this gorgeous master-piece. I especially love the country scenes where Marie and her friends indulged in rustic living while sipping farm fresh milk from tea cups.

Can you just imagine! ohh, If only for a spell...

Ruffles of Pink...

Laced with ribbons & bows...

Are you getting hungry yet???

Photography courtesy of-

Photos- http://sopickincute.blogspot.com/

Image- http://www.etsy.com/shop/skippydesigns
Image- http://sopickincute.blogspot.com/

Pink Cake- http://maryruffle.tumblr.com/

**************************************

Dresses on trees by- Image: Boboho / copyright Tim Walker

A few Halloween photo's taken at my niece April's house this year... What fun we all had!!! Enjoy!

Moi- What ever happened to Mary Jane???

Cheryl and Steve

Michelle as Marie Antoinette

Until next time sweet friends-Wishing you a beautiful week!

Jo-Anne

If I were only allowed one word to discribe Fifi O'Neill it would be " Enchanting"! This dainty, elegant and charming sweetheart of a lady has graced us with her talents on "FIFI TV " What will you find on Fifi TV you ask??? Sweet lavender fields, French cooking, good company and a gracious hostess. A most captivating interlude you will only find from Fifi herself. I have spoken to Miss Fifi via telephone in the past and her demeanor and French accent are truly enchanting; but, to see her up close and personal is pure magic. Fifi is a real natural in front of the camera with an increbible sense of style. And speaking of style, Fifi's outfit is simply adorable! She's very relaxed and poised with a gentle air of fairtale about her. Please be sure and stop over to Fifi's lovely blog to show your suport for Fifi Tv. My prediction? Do not be surprised to see this talented, French princess on network television very soon!

All my Love, Jo-Anne

xoxo

Have you received the new Fall issue of Dovetales Magazine? Let me give you a hint of what's inside this issue.. My article on the very talented Sara Duckett of Sadie Olive and a tribute to the magnificent Halloween witch.

Click here to order your copy of Dovetales-
http://www.dovetalesantiquesandhome.com/home.html

The Origins of Halloween.. Traditions, Tales & Folklore...

Halloween's legendary orange glow represents fall's harvest, while the color black was associated with darkness, scary tales, and goblins. Candles were placed in jack-o'-lanterns to ward off spirits and ghosts on the Celt's Samhain holiday. In ancient times, the masses believed that these spirits roamed the Celtic countryside on All Hallows's Eve. Pagan believers wore costumes and masks to hide themselves and avoid being recognized as human. Traditionally, any black spiders that were seen on the eve of October 31st were alleged to be loved ones watching over you. And the so-called sacred Powers of the notorious witch were said to be protected by her mysterious, four-legged friend, the black cat.

Along with old-time favorites, a few of Sara Duckett's specialities are showcased in her successful on-line store Sadie Olive ( www.sadieolive.com).

Visit Sara's beautiful blog- http://www.sadieolive.com/theblog/

These lovely things can be found on my web boutique in Vintage Finds- http://www.vintagerosecollection.com/

New 2010 calendars are here, And feminine note books featuring my photography of pretty rooms and poems. Available in Stationary of my website.



My Angel friend, Fifi O"Neill, Editor of the beautiful magazine, Romantic Country, is hosting a fabulous contest with the prettiest give-a-way ever. You won't want to miss this one! Click here to visit Fifi's charming blog to enter.

*****************

Love, Jo-Anne

xo