Hello~
It’s been terrific hearing from so many of you–old and new friends–regarding our tenth anniversary. Your support, encouragement and enthusiasm are all greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

I have another anniversary coming up. In February, I’ll be entering my third year of blogging. Gosh, how time flies 🙂 I still have plenty to say and lots to share, so please stay tuned. One goal for 2014 is to showcase more client homes and feature works of my designer friends.

In the two years of writing this blog, I have formed wonderful friendships with other blog authors – modern day pen pals across the globe. Some major talents out there! Generous, too!! Speaking of which, I recently won a couple of giveaways which I’m delighted to share.

First up is this fine white-on-white linen hand towel with an embroidered pagoda – so divine! It is from Teresa Hatfield’s shop. Teresa is the author of the stylish blog: Splendid Sass. Thank you, Teresa!

 To properly show this towel, I asked my dear friend, Gail, to let me photograph it in her Chinoiserie style powder room. Thanks, Gail! When Gail renovated her home 15 years ago, she converted an antique French faux-bamboo pine washstand into a powder room sink. The brass fixtures have aged beautifully. Paint color is Benjamin Moore’s Paradiso #717 – a saturated blue-gray with a tinge of green to keep it from going cold.
 Isn’t this hand towel perfect in Gail’s powder room? The antique Blue Willow cheese stand, from Tone on Tone, makes a great towel tray. In addition to the pagoda, Teresa has many other hand towels in fabulous and fun designs – see them here.
Here is a gorgeous couture pillow from Horsley Kaufman. I want to thank Holly Street from Things That Inspire for hosting such a special giveaway. Holly’s posts are always beautiful, informative and thoughtfully researched. Holly also has an online shop, Quatrefoil Design, of wonderfully curated art, accessories and jewelry. And of course, warm thanks to Linda Horsley and Margaret Kaufman for their generosity.
Each piece in the Horsley Kaufman collection is an original work of art. I wish you can see the exquisite craftsmanship in person – the detail is incredible!
There are many more beautiful pillows, such as these, from Horsley Kaufman’s website: Photos from HK.
I absolutely love this magnificent pillow incorporating a fragment of 18th century bird tapestry.
I’m also enjoying some lovely garden books courtesy of Elizabeth, Lori, and Michele!!! Thank you all for the garden inspirations. I can hardly wait for spring!
 Sending everyone a big merci beaucoup on this charming note card from Linsey!
Bye now,
Loi