"10 - 9 - 8 - 7 . . . "

Greetings and Salutations,

The next time the sun rises over the east bay hills here in San Francisco - it will be the beginning of a new decade. of a new year. of a new day. and of another simple Friday. and another chance to start over. or a chance to simply keep going forward.

But, tonight will be filled with merriment.

And reveling crowds in the streets.

This last year has been such an amazing time for me. Celebrating some great successes with my business. Having the chance to perform with some amazing musicians and friends. And 2009 will always be remembered as the year that I started blogging (though I first began writing in late 2008 - no one but my mother and a few friends were reading until this year - lol.) And I love having the chance to share part of my life with you. And I hope the new year brings me further opportunities to meet more of you in person.

But, I've never been a huge 'party-goer' for New Years Eve. There have been a few years that I've seen the ball drop - and heard the clock strike midnight - but, most likely, I'm in bed - sleeping quietly - for I love to be up early on New Year's morning - usually for a long run. Clearing my head. Setting my sights on new goals. Putting it on paper. Making it happen.

So - my New Year's celebration is rarely about midnight - but more about the dawn. The eastern sky slowly beginning to illuminate. The new year slowly becoming a reality.

Ready. Set. 2010. Go.

Happy New Year,

tartanscot

Holiday Organizing Ideas: Storing Ornaments Safely

Holiday clean-up is a chore many of us dread and can't ignore. Packing and storing Christmas tree ornaments is a project that takes some planning and time. There are several storage options to help you pack away ornaments neatly and safely until next year.

Up for doing-it-yourself? Martha Stewart uses corrugated cardboard, paper cups and egg cartons to covert a standard plastic storage bin into a container perfect for housing our most fragile ornaments.

Who said storage can't be stylish? The beautifully patterned jacquard fabric of the Jubilee Ornament Storage Chests makes them easy to spot when it comes time to trim the tree.

This space-saving holiday storage box consists of three stackable trays with adjustable dividers to accommodate as many as 48 ornaments. I like that the clear body of this Christmas storage box allows you view the contents easily.

These Archival Ornament Storage Boxes provide secure storage and protect your holiday treasures from damage due to ultraviolet light and migrant acid.

Now that you have organized your Christmas ornaments, are you still buried in ribbons and gift wrap? If you need ideas on storing holiday gift wrap, go here. For more DIY ideas, go here.

Happy holidays, happy organizing!

Trend Alert: Canopy Beds

Thom Filicia

Canopy beds aren't just for little girls' rooms anymore. Lately, the classic furniture piece has been popping up all over shelter magazines and in interior designer's portfolios -- and I can't seem to get enough. Following the old mantra that "bigger is always better", builders today are making incredibly large master bedrooms. Sure, these may seem like a luxury to prospective buyers, but more often than not, homeowners are left wondering how to fill the vast spaces to create cozier, more romantic bedrooms. Canopy beds are a great solution for those oversized bedrooms as they not only take up a greater volume of space in the room with their height, but they also create the feeling of a room within a room. Additionally, canopy beds are a wonderful way to demarcate between sleeping and sitting areas, which also makes a canopy bed is a great solution for a loft.

When I saw this gorgeous quatrefoil bed in a recent spread in House Beautiful, my jaw literally dropped. {And for your reference, it's the Asilah bed from Ironies.} Hand-carved and inlaid with bone, it is, for me at least, the ultimate bed (I burn, I pine, I perish...).

David Mitchell

For a more modern look, keep the lines of the bed clean and architectural. Forgoing a fabric canopy will enhance the look. In this small bedroom designed by David Mitchell, the dark spare canopy is a wonderful contrast to the clean white walls as the vertical lines of the bed sharply set off the horizontal slats of the paneled walls. The height of the bed also highlights the height of the room, which is particularly important when the footprint of the room is small.

Kathryn Scott

I love the clean, Early American farmhouse feel of this bedroom. While both the headboard and floor-to-ceiling curtains sport an intricate floral pattern, the simple bed linens keep the look from being fussy (or stuffy).

Kara Mann

In this room by famed Chicago designer Kara Mann, I adore all the contrasts of the dark brown lines against the clean whites of the room -- from the floor to the bed too the walls, large white spaces are framed by dark brown lines. The more intricately carved wood sidetables keep the room from veering into cold and geometric.

Kara Mann

A second room from Kara Mann. While I generally prefer canopy beds without any sort of fabric on top, a simple, gauzy white fabric, draped casually on top has a wonderful beachy feel and would be a great way to change your room up for the seasons.

Kim Coleman

I love the metal work on the foot of this bed -- so much so in fact that I might have foregone a bench altogether just to show it off more. That said though, I do love how Coleman used simple white drapes just at the head of the bed to create the impression of a soft and dramatic headboard. By leaving the rest of the canopy unadorned, Coleman keeps the look from being too precious.

Tom Stringer

I love the look (and feel!) of an upholstered headboard. In this bedroom designed by Tom Stringer, you get the best of both worlds with this bed that features a canopy bed with an upholstered headboard. The soft yellow stripe, paired with yellow sidetables, is such a refreshing jolt of warmth in this predominately white and blue room.

Tom Scheerer

I love the coral color of this bed, especially in contrast to the china blue bedding and denim colored rug. I also like how Scheerer has designed the canopy with its tautly pulled cover and gentle pleatings on the panel behind the headboard.

Jodi Macklin

Another example of how well a canopy bed works in the light, beach-inspired bedrooms that I find myself so drawn to as of late. The injection of navy blue, in lieu of a lighter shade, is a refreshingly bold (but not jarring) choice for a bedroom.

There are literally dozens of wonderful options for canopy beds available on the market today. Here are my perfect dozen, from a budget-friendly IKEA bed to a "price upon request" (i.e., if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it) stunner by Oly Studio.

Sourcelist (from top left): 1. EDLAND bed from IKEA ($299). Since this bed is made out of wood, it's a great candidate for a bold paint job. 2. Turner canopy bed from Restoration Hardware ($999.99). I love the subtle tapering of the posts on this bed, crafted out of black cherry. 3. Canopy metal bed by Annie Selkie for Vanguard Furniture ($2,599). You can't get much more "Chinoiserie Chic" than this. 4. Modern Glamor Hayward Bed from Ethan Allen ($2099). This bed is a wonderful blend of British Colonial and Hollywood Regency. 5. Italian Campaign canopy bed from Anthropologie ($1250). This bed has risen to iconic status, thanks in no small part to Miles Redd. 6. Antonio canopy bed from Pottery Barn ($1,299). A great bed at a great price; swap out the headboard fabric for your own to get a truly customized look.

Source list (from top left): 1. Summerland Key bed from Cottage and Bungalow (call for pricing). This gorgeous faux-bamboo frame comes in over a dozen great colors. 2. Milleunanotte canopy bed by Emaf Progetti from AllModern.com ($7,161). The bed-equivalent of the Parson's table, this simple bed will never go out of style and would work in both traditional and modern interiors. 3. Legion Bed from High Fashion Home (pricing upon request). Low to the ground, this platform bed draws upon both Chinoiserie and Romanesque influences. 4. New Country canopy bed from Ethan Allen ($1049 bed; $179 canopy frame). The black finish and paired-down details on this bed skirts a traditional country look in favor of a cleaner, more architectural style. 5. ducduc Cabana canopy bed from AllModern.com ($1895). Technically a child's bed, I love the idea of using a twin-sized version of this bed (with the matching bolsters) as a wildly glamorous daybed. 6. Oly Studio Walker Bed from Tonic Home (call for pricing). Similar to Anthropologie's canopy bed, but with an upholstered headboard.

New Year's Resolutions and Goal Setting Tips

As we ring in the new year, many are setting resolutions. Some of the most common new year’s resolutions are to lose weight, get in shape, eat healthier, save/make more money or my favorites, get organized and give back.

Most statistics state that by February, you will have broken more than 90%t of the resolutions you made. While it may not be easy or overnight, here are some helpful steps to make it easier for you to reach your goal and stick with it:

Be Specific – Describe what you want to accomplish in detail and write it down. Many studies have proven that the simple act of writing your goals down greatly improves your chances of accomplishing them. Also, let your friends and family know your goals. They can help support you during rough times.

Be Realistic – Set goals you are capable of achieving. Instead of setting ten new year’s resolutions, you may want to limit it to two t o three that are attainable.

Be Disciplined – Understand that it may take energy, sacrifice and plain old hard work to obtain your goal. Breaking up a larger goal into smaller tasks can help keep you motivated and on track.

Be On Time – Establish a timeline and set completion dates for your goals and tasks. This should also be written down and will help you to stay focused.

Be Rewarded - Give yourself a small reward after accomplishing a goal. Celebrating your success will keep you motivated and will help you keep those new year resolutions.

Happy, healthy 2010!

*images courtesy of Countdown Entertainment LLC, photo.net, Southern Living

"Aw . . . poop . . . "

"Candied Cookies"

Happy Christmas!

Greetings from the 'tartanscot kitchen' on a bright, beautiful Christmas morning. I've been up for hours getting some things ready for a holiday dinner I'm attending this afternoon. And I've made one of my favourite cookies.

My mother used to make these when my brother and I were kids - and we've always laughed at their appearance - because frankly, they look a little like 'poop,' but, good grief, they are the tastiest things on the earth. They bring back so many memories. From the 'milk and cookies' tradition when I was a kid - to 'hot tea and cookies' sitting with my mom, chatting about everything under the sun - in the years since I've moved away.

"Candied Cookies"

2 cups of sugar

1/2 cup of milk

1 stick of butter

4 tablespoons of cocoa

2 1/2 cups of quick oats

3/4 cup of chopped walnuts and pecans

2 teaspoons of vanilla

1/2 cup of chunky peanut butter

directions

combine sugar, milk, butter, cocoa in a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil-stirring occasionally. Let mixture boil of 90 seconds. Remove from heat.

Add in remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Spoon mixture onto wax paper. Let sit for 30 minutes until hard.

Eat.

So yummy.

Also on their way to Christmas Dinner - Spiced Walnuts. Served in individual tartan cones.

And it wouldn't be a party without a pecan pie.

I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday.

Cheers,

tartanscot

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you woke up this morning with everything (and everyone) you could want underneath your Christmas tree. As I reflect back on the blessings of this past year, I know that starting this blog has given me some of the best gifts I could have wished for: a voice and an outlet for my creativity and, just as importantly, a community of wonderful and supportive readers and fellow bloggers. Best wishes for a wonderful day full of merriment, memories and (of course) style.

Photograph courtesy of Canadian House & Home.

Business and Finance Central

http://www.ncwll.org/

Your home for all the latest business and finance news and advice, info about loans, insurance, starting your own business and much more.

"Happy, Happy Christmas . . . "

and best wishes for an amazing new year,

tartanscot

photography by Dewitt Jones.

Christmas Decorating from Coast to Coast

After posting pictures of my Christmas decorations earlier this week, I was so excited when several of you took me up on my offer and submitted pictures of your own homes all decked out for the holidays. My excitement became even greater when I realized how wonderful so many of these pictures were -- I am so impressed! In particular, I love how many of you go well beyond traditional holiday decorating (i.e., a Christmas tree, stockings and a wreath). Instead, decorations line stairwells, tables, and just about any spare corner in your homes creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere throughout the house. Perhaps best of all though, I love the variety of decorations and styles that these photos display; no matter what your decorating taste, I'm sure you'll find something you like.

Our first stop is to Dallas, where loyal Odi et Amo reader Nichole lives in a charming traditional home. There's such a line when it comes to outdoor decorating between being festive and being tacky, and I think Nichole tows that line beautifully with some simple garlands around the columns (which highlights her charming portico) and a wreath on the door. I also like how the decorations can be enjoyed in daylight as well as at night.

Aside from the Christmas tree, festive garlands hung along a banister are my favorite holiday decorations and when they can highlight a gorgeous stairwell, as they do here, all the better. I also love how Nichole placed two small Christmas trees on the landing. Well done, Nichole!

I suspect many of you will recognize this D.C.-area front door as belonging to Beth (author of two of my "must read" blogs, Chinoiserie Chic and Style Redux). Her red angel wreath is such a gorgeous and fun alternative to a traditional spruce wreath and really pops against Beth's black door.

Colorful blue and pink ornaments bedeck more towering greenery in Beth's sitting room.

A close-up of Beth's Christmas tree in her family room shows off an array of beautiful metallic ornaments. I love the mixture of textures and styles here, all made cohesive by a gold and silver color palette. Beth has done a wonderful series this month over at Chinoiserie Chic chronicling her holiday decorating room by room; if you're looking for innovative ways to deck the halls in style, it's a must read.

Our next stop is southern New Jersey, where we'll check in on the home of A Lil' Welsh Rarebit's Christy. Christy's colorful Christmas tree reminds me so much of the Christmas trees of my childhood -- the colorful lights, mix of ornaments and lovingly wrapped gifts just sing "welcome home for the holidays!" to me.

I love the warmth and personality of Christy's mantle, which displays are variety of holiday treasures both old and new. There's also a certain urban quality here with all these colored lights against the brick wall that I find very appealing.

Next we'll make our way to Iowa and Kara's midcentury modern-inspired living room. I love how Kara kept her holiday decorations in line with her overall design aesthetic. The effect is simple and modern, but still cozy and festive.

A few simple snowflakes, a bowl full of blue and green ornaments and a cute throw pillow were all Kara needed to make this corner of her living room feel festive.

And, of course, how could I resist including a photo of these cute faces? Kara's adorable pups are Arlo and Minnie, respectively. Be sure to check out all their many adventures over at Kara's blog, Living in the Moment.

The final leg of our virtual tour brings us back to the Dallas area at the home of Liz, whose blog It's Great to be Home... chronicles the ongoing renovations of her charming '60s-era ranch (as well as the house flipping venture she recently launched with her husband). Liz's gorgeous living room (and that stunning fireplace!) is hands down my favorite room that she and her husband have redone. For the holidays, Liz has shown the fireplace off to its best advantage with two small trees and a lovely green garland.

Liz's Christmas tree is just so joyous -- I love the tightly edited red and gold color scheme, which compliments all the creamy neutrals and rich browns of her home. The simply wrapped ribbon really makes a statement, doesn't it?

Finally, Liz decorated the buffet in her dining room with more greenery and a red runner, which ties the tablescape in with the decorations elsewhere in her house. I particularly love Liz's collection of large silver candlesticks, staggered at different heights thanks to a silver cake stand (brilliant!).

Thanks again to everyone who was kind enough to submit pictures and I hope the rest of you are as inspired by them as I am. Tonight Dave and I are off to Florida to spend Christmas with his family and, while I'll be sans-laptop while I'm gone, I'll be back home on Monday, enjoying our "staycation" and blogging away. But until then...

Merry Christmas!

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