Tea...how do I love thee?

I've been fighting a losing battle with a tenacious cold virus, and I've been especially grateful for tea these past few days.  Few things comfort like tea, whether you're sick or not.  From a cup of spicy chai to a perky green to the soothing herbals like chamomile, it's all good.  My favorite place to buy tea is Teavana   If you're fortunate enough to live near one of their retail stores, by all means go...it's a treat for the senses.  If not, you can rest assured if you order online that you will not be disappointed.  You can also purchase tea accessories like brew pots and beautiful collectible tea sets like the ones pictured below.  Think I'll go brew a cup right now....here's to good health!  xx

Plum Crazy

It's no secret that I love color.  Rich, deep, saturated, glorious color.  Though my favorite is burgundy, lately I've been a tad obsessed with plum.  My bedroom windows are draped in sari fabric and burgundy velvet curtains, and I've been thinking a plum accent wall would be fabulous.  Add some candle wall sconces, and voila - instant romance!  Might be getting out the paintbrushes soon...

comfort food

January.  In my part of the world, it's the coldest month of the year, when my thoughts turn to warm comfort food!  I love one-pot meals. Tonight I'm going to make this delicious West African inspired chicken peanut stew...with a side of crusty bread and a nice spinach salad, I think I'll be a happy girl!  Find the recipe ~here~

What are your favorite winter comfort foods??

xo
Happy New Year everyone!

A Netflix for....books??

Just stumbled across this fantastic service for all you bibliophiles out there...it's called Book Swim.  Set up to work like Netflix, Book Swim delivers books to your door, you keep them as long as you want, and return them in a postage paid envelope.  Flat monthly fee.  Plans start as low as $9.95/month.  I'm loving this idea!  Visit the link ~here~

Gypsy high fashion?

Looks like fashion designers are loving gypsies this season.  Check out Alexandre Herchovitch's fall/winter collection ~here~

Michal Negrin

Israel seems to have more than their fair share of talented designers, and Michal Negrin is no exception.  Her creations are beautifully detailed and romantic, and her website is a lot of fun.  She offers jewelry (natch), clothing, and accessories.  Check her out:  ~Michal Negrin~

she's got The Look

Though I am decidedly unfashionable, I still love fashion. These are the latest ensembles that caught my eye from Polyvore.com..........

books and chai by the fire

I really like this unpretentious book. Elizabeth gives us an interesting history into the bohemian culture and highlights some great interiors by some famous (and infamous) bohemians.

Sigh. I love this book. The Paris Apartment has many luscious photos of gorgeous interiors, but best of all, Claudia shows us how to create that romantic, chic French look in our homes on a *budget*. She gives tips on how to scour flea markets and put it all together. Fabulous.
Bohemian Manifesto is a fun, quirky look at the modern bohemian culture. It details different bohemian "types" (I'm a blend of Nouveau and Gypsy...big surprise!), and extols the lifestyles of each. Great illustrations throughout. Neat Christmas gift for any boho friend.

Blog love affair

...I'm in love with my new blog design. Can't stop looking at it! Love the colors, the feeling, everything about it. It was created by the super-talented Sharon at Plumrose Lane. Click the link on the upper right hand corner of my blog and check her out!

Etsy!

Well, now that my website is up and comfortably running, I decided to give Etsy a whirl. For those of you that don't know, Etsy is a site created as a marketplace for handcrafted and/or vintage items. Soooo much talent - wow! So, I now have a humble little shop there, and I'm excited to create, create, create. My Etsy banner and avatar was created by a VERY talented graphic artist, Dale at Sea Dream Studio. Check her out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaDreamStudio/

And my shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/GypsyHouseDesigns/

Love and Peace!
Barbara