I know, it’s been a VERY long time since I’ve updated this poor, neglected blog.  I’ve received some really encouraging comments lately, that have given me just the kick I needed to start posting again.  Also, it’s Christmas, and you know I love to write about Christmas decorations.  So I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, and I hope to see a lot more of you in the new year!

I love that Lonny is trying to fill the void in my heart that Domino left behind, but I must admit that the online format kind of drives me nuts.  I’m sure there’s great content there, but I just won’t sit and read a magazine like I would if it were in print.  With Lonny, I tend to just flip through it quickly, and don’t really absorb much of the content.  Does anyone else have that problem?  Though I do love that if you like something you can click on it to find out where it’s from.  I think my favorite feature from this issue is Laura Day’s Manhattan residence.

Is that a mirrored chevron entertainment center?  I think it is…

First up are these galvanized metal planters from CB2.  There are small ones and large ones, I’m thinking about using the small ones to plant my herb garden:

The large ones are really tall – we’re talking 24″ and 32″ high, so they can create some real drama.  And from CB2′s big brother Crate & Barrel, we have these zinc numbers:

They’re a little bit smaller, but they’re also quite a bit cheaper, which is kind of a surprise.  A couple of these could add some height to my little balcony.  As far as outdoor furniture goes, I’m still looking, and I’m sure I’ll have more to say about that later…

From the current issue of Interior Design magazine, this graffiti-ed chest is in the lobby of New York’s Surrey Hotel.  I would love to recreate this with an ugly piece from a thrift store.  Check out the whole slideshow on Interior Design’s website if you have a moment, Rottet Studio did an amazing job with this renovation.

The studded flange is something I’ve never seen before, and I think I like it.  Trim on pillows is often so fussy, I like that this is a little bit tough.  Also, the pillows are 24″ square, and for that I say thank you West Elm.  I’m so sick of skimpy little throw pillows.  Go big or go home.

This little number is only $99.95, but it looks a lot more expensive.  I like the tray top and the dark zinc finish.  They also had this coffee table:

I’m actually thinking about this for myself.  I like that the table has a raised edge – I was actually toying with the idea of making a faux leather box cushion what would sit on top.  It could be a budget-friendly alternative to the beautiful but expensive ottoman I’ve had my eye on.

Did we really need an area rug version of the ubiquitous “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster?