A Wish List for Christmas. . . . . . . .

I don't recall if I ever made a Christmas wish list for myself - but if so it must

 have been back when I was a child. In those long ago years all I ever recall asking

 for was money to take to the big book shop in my English town. I would then spend

 hours in the aisles perusing dozens of beautiful books trying to decide which

 one to buy. I loved books about the ballet, ice skating and horseback riding, as well

 as adventure stories written especially for girls. As I played a lot in the countryside,

I also loved illustrated guide books helping me to identify trees, birds, wildflowers etc.

  

Bob keeps asking me what I'd like for Christmas so I quickly came up with a

 few items I'd enjoy receiving.

Perhaps one of these will be under the tree!

Lou & Grey's

Cloud Boucle Tunic Sweater

in Deep Plum Melange. 

Soft, loose, long sleeves, cozy!

This color is a change for me who wears 

such a lot of neutrals - this is perhaps 

my new personal 'neutral' for this Winter and it's

perfect with those French shoes I bought  HERE.

*****

My favorite eau de toilette spray.

I bought my first bottle on a cruise ship and have

loved it ever since. From day to evening, if I walk 

through a quick cloud of this, I feel special.

*****

ROUGH LINEN

Tricia Rose's amazing Belgian linen bedding and more - I already enjoy 

wearing her fabulous linen pinafore style apron, it makes me feel like

a real cook in the cottage kitchen.

I want to start gathering these exquisite pieces for my bed, starting with 

the over sized flat sheet - go read Tricia's notes as to why she does not 

make a fitted sheet - makes great sense - and the lovely story of how

her business came about, and her thoughts on making everything she

 creates and sells so very special for those of us who love linen.

*****

As for books. . . . . .oh yes, I still love beautiful books of every description. 

I read an amazing article about this Englishman and his

sheep - I now want to read his book. . . . .


. . . . . and this Christmas I'm also hoping for a coloring book!

Have you seen the amazing collection of Adult Coloring Books

now available? 

Below are just a few in a collage I made.

How fun is this idea for we adults who adored coloring as kids. 

Some are being marketed as stress relieving patterns - which makes a lot

 of sense in the current state of affairs in the world today. For me, not an 

accomplished artist, the idea of sitting down with a stunning

black and white page and a box of beautiful wooden pencils in all

the colors of the rainbow and more, really excites me.

The hard part is deciding which one I'd like to start with.

You know me - elephants and lions delight me having been so

 close to both, oceans have taken me around the world, I love

visiting vibrant cities, yet Nature's forests, countryside and natural beauty 

call to me always.

Is there a coloring book you would enjoy finding under your Christmas tree?

Cozy sweaters required. . . . . . .

Hi, it's Saturday already - the week flew by and we've had our coldest weather yet. 
How about some soft, warm and wonderful sweaters for these cold days.

Everybody needs a few. 
Also here is a lovely layering tee, a soft textured - almost like velour - sweatshirt 
with a big zipper up the back, and a pair of pull-on thin knit, but very warm, perfect 
grey pants for around the house on these chilly days. 

The cornflower blue cashmere tunic with the 

cozy cowl neck - a change for me whose wardrobe contains 
so much grey, black and other neutrals. I do like the tunic length 
in winter as it gives extra warmth around the thighs, and looks 
good with skinny pants and tall riding boots. . . . .those great boots we
 all seem to have now even if we don't have a horse to go with them! 
This was part of my generous Christmas gift from friend Paula. I wore 
it to my doctor appointment on Wednesday as the temperature plummeted 
and the winds picked up. I was very cozy, my blood pressure very happy!

This sweater was a treat from Bob and I love it. Although quite thick and chunky, 

it's incredibly lightweight, not itchy, and very comfy. The back dips down a bit longer

 than the front - many of us like that feature which is popular now - and the black trim 

gives it a nice finish with a bit of casual elegance.

These items were all purchased from a new store called Lou & Grey.

It's an offshoot of the Ann Taylor and Loft company, and is being called their 

'free-spirited sibling'. In today's fashion world nothing remains static and new clothing

shops come and go. I think this one has a future if they continue to offer well made

merchandise, beautiful textured fabrics, good prices, and great styles as in their 
current range. When I first looked through their window in my neighborhood (it's 
next door to Anthropologie), I knew I was going to love it!

Have you found any special warm and cozy clothing for this winter?

What do you like to wear around the house on really cold days when the
heating system has to work overtime?