This ‘n That and January Favorites

Confession: I’m a little sad to see January go.  No, I’m not crazy, I promise!  I know many struggle with post-holiday let-down, gray days, cold weather, etc.  But as my family has grown and gotten busier, I’ve come to relish the down time that January represents.  It’s a time to regroup, clean out your files and closets, eat a little better, sleep a little more, spend a little more quiet time with loved ones and a good book.  January is fresh starts, new ideas, and planning.  It’s before spring sports and teens’ activities get rocking and the yard work becomes pressing.  Before spring fever hits and we start running our legs off and writing endless checks for end of school year stuff.  Are ya with me?  In short, it’s my time to breathe. 🙂

That being said, February isn’t so bad.  But things do start to ramp up once Valentine’s Day is in the rear view mirror.  At least in my world. 🙂

I have a few January favorites to share with you!  This…

Remember my shelter mag addiction?  Well, this online publication, House of Fifty, spearheaded by Janelle from Isabella & Max Rooms, is a new cyber love.  I’ve been following since her debut last year and this issue is her best yet!  AND, House of Fifty is now available as an APP!  How cool is that?  I can catch up on the latest decor trends, recipes, lifestyle articles and tips while I’m sitting at soccer practice!  Woo Hoo!

And this, too…

After having my account for almost a year, I’ve finally figured out what all the fuss is about!  How fun is is to create boards to organize my ideas, inspiring images, products, etc?  I’m amazed, too, that while I’m pinning things in the wee hours of the morning (before my kids get up andoff to school and  I get off to work), people are repinning me within seconds!!  What are they following ME for anyway??  I’m a Pinterest rookie, y’all!  But I’m learning fast. 🙂  If you want to follow along, you can find me as Heidiopia.  I don’t promise anything spectacular on my boards, but I’m happy to share whatever speaks to you!

And this…

My crock pot.  Ah, there’s nothing better than coming home after a long day in the classroom and knowing A) dinner is just about ready, and B) the house smells like dinner’s just about ready!  This month, I’ve made a chicken soup, a crock pot lasagne (to die for!), a pot roast, and today– spare ribs.  You just can’t beat it.  In fact, I think I’ll share some of my favorite crock pot recipes soon!  Why should I keep all that wonderful to myself?

And a new one…

Hotel Silver.  I stumbled upon my very first piece last weekend and I’m obsessed now.  I love that each piece has a history, a specific place (preferably stamped on the piece), and a specific time frame during which it was enjoyed.  These pieces harken back to the hey day of travel in the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, when a trip was as much about the journey as the destination, trunks were packed with weeks of attire, and hotels served their meals on soldered silver.  Makes me want to find a hat, don my pumps, and find a lushly appointed hotel restaurant to enjoy.  Again, I’m an old soul. 🙂  I’ll be sharing more about this piece and a few other finds on Friday!  See?  I even have more time to shop in January… just sayin’. 🙂

So there they are, my favorite things for January.  I could list my favorite hot tea, a great book I’ve read, etc, but in the interest of not boring you to tears, these are the most interesting faves.   Just ask if you want the others. 🙂

Now, for a little housekeeping…

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Google is discontinuing Google Friend Connect on March 1st for non-Blogger blogs.  Well, that’s me, folks.  I would hate to lose you, my fabulous readers, so I’d like to invite you to subscribe via email or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.  I’m looking into some other options to stay in touch with each of you (and make it easy for you, too), so I’ll keep you posted, and you will know well in advance before I pull the widget off the blog.  Just giving you a heads up.  I’m not the most tech savvy blogger out there, so I appreciate your patience!

Be sure to check out my Willow House page by Friday for the latest sale information AND the first of my sample sale postings.  Good deals coming your way, friends. 🙂

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Happy Decorating!

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