I am still here in spirit.

Work is crazy for me the first two months of the year.

 I barely have time to read others blogs. I realize now,

I should have offered up an explanation sooner as to my lack of posts.

My load will lighten up considerably

around the week of Feb. 22nd, at which time, I look forward to

getting back into the swing of things with weekly diys.

I hope that the new year finds everyone happy, healthy and harmonious.

I offer a glimpse into diy 2010.

quartz crystals + gunmetal necklace (a thrifty purchase)

= a quality piece

Breadmaking 101

Inspiration

and the interpretation

vintage restored

Dumas' work reinvented

A GREAT Shiraz

Last nite a friend of mine came over for relaxation, girlfriend chit chat, and of course some wine. We sampled a really good Shiraz by Thierry & Guy. Fat Bastard. Thierry is French and Guy is British. The back of the label states that these two are friends and this particular wine started out as an experiment in the back of Thierry's cellar.

Shiraz comes from the grape Syrah, which is a popular wine of the Northern Rhone area in France. Why these two decided to call their wine Shiraz instead of Syrah is a mystery. Shiraz is typically a name for the wines of Africa and Australia using the Syrah grape. It's a little confusing.

I must say, this is a very good wine. And the best part is it was on sale for $5.99, regularly $11.99 at my Grocer. It is full bodied, with a rich color and flavor. A combination of blackberries, licorice, and vanilla. I am always leary of wines that are deeply discounted. However, this wine will go on my list of inexpensive favorites.

Want to know more about wines? Check out The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil. This is a great book (910 pages) that breaks down the wines by country, then region, grapes, etc... Very comprehensive guide.

Vintage Better Homes and Gardens 1960's

A few more days and I will be back to the work stone. I am enjoying my extended vacation. Still organizing and clearing stuff out. Speaking of that. Look what I found.


My Grandmas books that have been packed away since 2003 when she passed on. These almost went into the auction. Luckily I had the fore thought to pack them away for safekeeping. I am so glad I did. I spent a fair amount of time last night looking through these.

The Betty Crocker New Cookbook was a birthday gift in 1966 from my Mom to my Grandmother. There is an inscription hand written by my mom on the first page.

Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Christmas Ideas, copyright 1966. Lots of decorating ideas and creations using felt, construction paper, beads, tissue paper… My kids will enjoy making some of these decorations next year. Especially the 3 wise men made from toilet paper roles and construction paper. Too cute.

Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book copyright 1968. This one is my favorite. Though its forty years old, the distinct decorating style of the 60s is still awe-inspiring. The colors and textures intermingled with timeless furniture, cool decorating techniques, and bold art would be show stopping in today’s homes. The strong use of color is a constant throughout this book featuring bright patterned carpets, robin egg blue painted walls and fabric covered walls, rich velvet couches with contrasting trim, and oversized rich wood furniture.