Design

We've been wanting to see a yellow-bellied sapsucker for awhile. Their evidence is everywhere, in the evenly drilled holes in the bark of sweetgums, maples, and other preferred trees. Sapsuckers are winter residents here, moving north in spring. This morning, we caught sight of a woodpecker moving up the trunk of a Bradford pear. A largish bird, my gardening companion could tell that it was a bird he hadn't seen before (through his binoculars). I was fortunate enough to get a couple of reasonably clear shots, which confirmed its identity: a male yellow-bellied sapsucker!

While briefly poking around the internet this morning (reading about growing kohlrabi and asparagus from seed, converting the White House lawn to vegetables,etc.), a sudden descent of a large flock of cedar waxwings crowding around the birdbath and water dishes caught my attention. They were avidly loading up on water, probably after a berry feast somewhere nearby. There were robins visiting, too, reminding me that I need to refill the dishes. The weather is mild, now, and the water's not frozen, and there's a feeling of spring to come (we have lots of quince flowers that are open now).

We drove down to Lee Jofa at the Pacific Design Center the other day to see what's new. We're glad we did because Lee Jofa just introduced a wonderful collection called "Threads". Thread is a very decadent, very luxurious collection (and yes, they are REALLY pricey), but if you are in a mood for something very upscale, take a look at this line. The colors are muted and subdued; the texture is absolutely sublime, and the look is incredible. Here are some samples of it. Now, the images alone do not do this line any justice. They look way better in person. You can see the entire collection here. For pricing information or to order samples, please visit our fabric site.

As a home accessories vendor, we are constantly looking out for new vendors with interesting stuff we can buy. Recently, we came across a really cute home accessories line called Lazy Susan. Now, home accessories are our absolute favorite thing to buy. Truly, there is no better way to instantly add pizzazz to your home. Here are some samplings of their products. Lazy Susan does not sell directly to the public. We'll be posting their products up on our home accessories site shortly. In the mean time, you can view the entire product line at Lazy Susan web site .

Plotting away ... Things I'd like to grow this spring: sweet carrots green onions mesclun mix lettuce basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mint, cilantro tomatoes green beans (on poles) pickling cukes (on poles) yellow crooked neck squash radish peppers, hot/sweet sweep peas marigolds geraniums

These lovely bathrooms were included in House Beautiful's list of The Best Bathrooms of 2008 . I love the clean white subway tiles next to the pretty Sherwin-Williams's Hinting Blue in the first 2 images. The black and white tile looks great too. The last image though...wow...love the spaciousness that is so perfectly paired with Farrow & Ball's Borrowed Light. The tile here is gorgeous too! To see the rest of the bathrooms on the list, go here . Happy weekend everyone! :)

Jennifer of The Magic Brush discovered this drool-worthy office belonging to BrooklynLimestone . Other than my obvious love for Benjamin Moore "Waterfall" on the walls, I ADORE the hand painted birds and branches on the window. The Kartell Louis Ghost Chair, desk and zebra rug are just divine as well. And what a genius idea to frame a peg board. I think I discovered my dream office!