christmas twenty twelve




ok so here we are 4 days til christmas.  my shopping is done and i just decorated the house.
i went to trader joes yesterday hoping to get some wreaths and poinsettias but they were all out.
imagine that.

thank you annie of the beautiful blog, most lovely things. for that darling little white dish up there.  so kind and thoughtful of you. xo






i decided to clip boxwood and stick it everywhere.






i hope you can bear to look at more pictures of these rooms.
i can't help it, they are all i've got to share with you.





































while i was out shopping yesterday i happened to pop into my local salvation army and found these adorable saddle shoes.  it wasn't until i got home and put my glasses on that i saw they are ralph lauren polo.
merry christmas to me.

hope all is well with you lovely people and you are all in good health and spirits.


merry christmas everyone!  

xo
janet

68 comments

  1. Simple and elegant ! I love the shoes.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family !

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  2. Merry Christmas to you too!!! Hope it's a happy and peaceful one.


    And...I never tire of looking at those rooms. :)

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  3. Merry Christmas, Janet.
    Darling shoes and such a lovely home you have.
    xo, A

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  4. A girl after my own heart...especially being the boxwood darling I am!
    A very merry Christmas and beautiful holiday season to you and yours!

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  5. Serene Christmas perfection. Wonderful photographs.

    Crazy 'bout the saddle shoes, too.

    Happy Christmas!

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  6. wow what a find! Lovely photos, you have a beautiful home,

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  7. I really love your home...I feel the peace and tranquillity in every room that you have created.
    Merry Christmas to you and your Loved Ones.

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  8. Dear Janet:

    Your rooms are always a great delight to me! I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a love-filled 2013. I want to thank you for blogging so regularly and putting me to shame (I hardly ever blog anymore because I am always on the road for work). I love the fact that when I am sitting in some anonymous room in Manila, I can escape from the grind and enjoy your lovely posts.
    Hugs!
    Raina

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  9. I love your simple, classic and elegant take on everything. I really think you need a book deal.

    xo Terri

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  10. P.S. Did you tell us what that pillow fabric is? Do I recall that the drapes are Pottery Barn? Love the brown and white with the fresh green boxwood.
    xo

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  11. Merry Christmas to you as well! I love looking at your home.
    xo

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  12. Janet you tickle me! Good for you, finding Ralph Lauren saddle shoes! I snatched up two pairs of loafers the other day at my thrift store!! $3.99 a pair and both in excellent shape. I haven't looked to see who made them, but they fit like a dream!
    I really enjoy your simple home with your boxwood decoration!!
    I am already ready to take down my Christmas things and go back to sorting out all the things we don't "need"
    I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!!
    Brandi

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    1. Happy Christmas Janet! Your home looks wonderful and so fresh and welcoming.

      Your shoes were a great find. Don't you love Op. Shops! I broke my favourite sunglasses a few days ago (have had them for about five years) and took them to the optometrist to be repaired. On the way home, stopped at one of my favouite Op. Shops and because I had sunglasses on the brain decided to look at their big basket of old sunglasses. Found a wonderful pair of Gucci white framed sunnies for $2.00. Also in the same basket was a black framed Prada pair so I bought those as well. I wasn't absolutely sure if they were real or fakes but they were nice anyway. It was lovely news when my optometrist confirmed that both pairs were real. Lovely unexpected Christmas present from the Salvos. Have a wonderful Christmas! Pamela

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  13. Every time I see your house I feel happy and peaceful:). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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  14. How lucky on the shoes- it's like Santa Ralph wanted to give you something for the holidays. And when I go to your blog, I am always so excited to see your house- some of us really, really need the inspiration. (Because some of us may be digging out of years of clutter and stuff and can't quite see the light at the end of the tunnel....)

    Have a wonderful Christmas and the Happiest of Happy New Years.

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  15. Your rooms have become as familiar to me as my own. The shoes are great; I seem to find the best stuff when I'm not looking too.

    Happy holidays, Janet.

    Sue
    xo

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  16. Your home is perfect, beautiful simplicity. I love your Christmas decorations. So tasteful and understated.

    Question: where is your toaster and coffeepot? Your kitchen (as well as the rest of your home) is so un-cluttered. I never get tired of seeing every corner!

    Merry Christmas!!
    Sky

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    Replies
    1. thank you! the toaster, coffee pot and microwave are in the little pantry area.:)

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  17. Even though I've seen pictures of your rooms before I never get tired of looking at them. Your clean, elegant, peaceful decor is so refreshing, it's always a delight to see, and the boxwood is a nice touch.

    Wishing you a beautiful Christmas.

    Barbara

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  18. Oh, I can imagine it alright...I wanted to get a potted Amaryllis at Trader Joe's last week and I was informed that right before I got there someone came in and bought all of them! I had to wait a few days but finally went back and got one.

    I never get tired of looking at your house and I love the boxwood idea!

    Have a Merry Christmas Janet!

    Linda
    xo

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  19. Those shoes were meant for you. I really love the quiet elegance of your kitchen, tiles are quite unusual here but I might have to copy you one day.

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  20. I never tire of seeing your rooms...they are so lovely. What great shoes!!!

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  21. never tire of images of your pretty peaceful home or your passion for polo.
    those shoes were meant for you. reminds me of charlie brown. he had shoes like that.
    pve

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  22. Merry Christmas! Your house is so chic. That's Not My Age Mansions needs a good tidy & then we're ready to party. Love those shoes.

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  23. Merry Christmas Janet! As is always the most wonderful of cases, your home is serene and lovely and the boxwood only intensifies the loveliness!

    I always feel so peaceful when visiting your site. Many thanks for a lovely year of photos and good conversation!

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  24. I always enjoy the home photos; you have a great sense of style. I tend to use a lot of boxwood this time of year too because it lasts & lasts.

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  25. Merry Christmas Janet.

    Wish i had more clients like you.

    Back to the glittered grindstone.

    xo jane

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  26. Simpler is better. And you do it best.

    Merry Christmas!

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  27. You will never know what an inspiration you are, Janet. My day is not complete without you.

    Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

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  28. I have never commented before, but have been reading your blog for a while. I absolutely love your house! I love the elegance and quaintness of it. Right now I live in a house that I feel is too big. I do this because we have kids that need room to run & in a neighborhood that provides kids to play with. BUT, as soon as they're all out of the house, I'm buying myself (w/hubby!) a cottage and getting rid of all of the stuff I don't want or need. I hope our cottage and garden will be almost as beautiful as your's!
    Leigh

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  29. Your home is really so gorgeous, and I'd never seen your beautiful kitchen until now. I love it. Your saddle shoes are a find!

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  30. Merry Christmas to you! Your home looks lovely.

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  31. Have a very merry Christmas and a lovely new year. Always enjoy visiting your blog.

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  32. I'll never tire of your home pictures Janet. Honestly Never.
    I have a few things left to do this weekend and we got the smallest Charlie Brown tree ever!
    The kids will join us tonight as we have our annual tree decorating evening. Am excited to see how darling Isla is this festive season.

    Happy Holidays to you and your family.
    I love reading your blog.
    XO

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  33. Happy Christmas to you and yours, J.
    Always great to see your tidy, well put together rooms.
    Here's to everything fab in 2013!

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  34. Sigh, I always love seeing pictures of your home - so lovely. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  35. I always love "stepping into your parlor" - and you've decorated it just right for the holidays. The shoes are a wonderful find for you. Merry Christmas!

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  36. i've searched your blog for more full pictures of your kitchen. after reading a couple of the comments i gather you have never really put any on your site.

    would you mind sharing your kitchen with us? i have been thinking about putting curtains in my kitchen and seeing yours sealed the deal for me.

    also, what type of stove do you have? just share the entire room with us. please.

    merry christmas.

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    1. hi dogwalker, if you scroll to the bottom on my blog and look under the labels and click on my house you'll see every square inch of this place. the kitchen is mixed in with other rooms of the house but you'll eventually see all the kitchen posts, down to the kitchen drawers and the viking stove review. one day when i get the time i'll try to sort out the labels by room. but until then you can check there. merry christmas to you too.

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  37. Happy holidays! Your house looks lovely as always! Tasteful, simple, inviting.

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  38. What a great find Janet! You and Ralph Lauren suit each other perfectly :-)! I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Have fun!

    Madelief x

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  39. Janet, one can never tire of seeing your exquisitly simple & elegant home.
    Merry Christmas to you and the best for 2013.

    You are a huge inspiration!

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  40. I also will never tire of looking at your beautiful home - if only mine looked like yours ! I am getting wonderful ideas for my decorating by seeing yours - Thank You ! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.....

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  41. Janet,
    Your home is so lovely. I wonder if you can tell us how you manage such serenity in your life and home. I am always looking at other blogs for ideas and changing things around the house. I always come back to your home as an example of what I want in mine. I think we have the ability to do it, each in our own way, but how did you find it. In this season and with the New Year upon us, wouldn't it be nice to have peace and kindness in our homes and lives. Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring happiness, health and joy. Gina T

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    1. This is a wonderful comment. I wonder, too! And come back every. :)

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  42. I love, love, love that kitchen! I could never get tired of looking at that beautiful kitchen! Or the garden, for that matter...
    xx

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  43. I agree with every wonderful comment about your home decor and ambiance. Please tell us where you found those sensational pillows on your sofa. Did you make them? They look very Pottery Barn-ish.

    You are such an ideal role-model for so many of us. I wonder how you came to be who/where you are. Was it easy? Was it a struggle? Do you meditate daily to achieve the peace you seem to have? These are very personal questions and I will understand if you ignore them - but please tell us where you found those pillows!

    May you have a wonderful Christmas and a terrific 2013 in which you will keep on blogging for the pleasure and education of all of us who are most grateful to you for sharing your life. - Jan.

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    1. i did make the pillows. i ordered an extra drapery panel from pottery barn

      and made 3 pillows from that.

      your other questions will take a lot of thought and probably should be a separate post.

      i'll think about that:)

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  44. Beautiful photos, you have a very gorgeous home! Love the saddleshoes too, what a find. Wishing you a merry and well dressed christmas!

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  45. You seem to know the TRUE meaning of Christmas...it's about keeping it simple. You never did do a reveal post on Larry's office...I'm waiting for that one!!!!

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    1. yeah, i'm waiting too! i haven't done a thing to the room.:)

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  46. Thanks for sharing your home especially at Christmas. It's inspiring, never tiring and thank you for sharing the space in your life with us all. I feel a sense of peace and beauty visiting your blog, those qualities have come to be a touchstone I sorely need, clutter bug that I am and hopefully, one day, a reformed one:) - merry christmas

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  47. Janet,
    I never tire seeing photos of your lovely home. Merry Christmas to you and thank you for all the loveliness you share all year long.
    I am grateful I found you!

    xoxo,
    Eleanor

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  48. The boxwood is simply lovely. I, too, went minimalist this year. Put up the tree, decorated the door, found the manger and declared the decorating finished. I may never again utilize all the old decorations. And I love it!

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  49. Janet,
    Your home is very elegant! I love the simple decorations......S in WA

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  50. Yes, and a VERY merry christmas to you dear chic Janet. And your house looks amazing - never tire at looking at those rooms. Great shoe find too! XXX

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  51. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Janet! Best wishes to for 2013! It's been a pleasure reading your blog and thanks for everything you share with all of us.
    Deborah

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  52. Beautifully peaceful....just looking at the pictures is calming!

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  53. Janet,
    Your home looks absolutely beautiful and I love the boxwood clippings all through the house. Above the range, on the mirror, in your white urn in the kitchen and your blue and white cache pots in the living room...simply elegant in every way...just like you! Merry Christmas dear Janet!
    xo

    Love those shoes too! Can't wait to see pics of you sporting them!

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  54. I'm never tired of seeing your gorgeous home and those shoes are just perfect, karma's gift to you being fabulous and entertaining all year round. xxx

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  55. Calming and peaceful.

    Blessing to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas and best wishes (and great new retro finds) for 2013.

    Donna

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  56. Geez......I have tons of boxwood. I never thought to clip some and being it in. I adore the idea.
    Those saddle shoes rock!

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  57. I think your cottage is wonderful...clean lines, simplicity, decorated beautifully and elegantly. To me, it's cozy and soothing but very stylish. I've been going back in your archives and I am really listening to you on Project 333 and about living mindfully (remember the estate sale and all the stuff; the neighbors losing their home; was the accumulation worth the house...wow, was THAT thought-provoking...). I'm feeling this groundswell of change rising up into me for how I want and MUST live in 2013. I like your recipes, too. I've been coming back here consistently and have put you in my Blog Faves.

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  58. Hi, I have a little cottage in the woods sitting on the Olympic Peninsula and would like to add a touch of charm and elegance. I see it in your sweet home. I would like to begin a kitchen project with upper cupboards. Did you and Larry design the open cabinet above the sink? Is there a post following this project? I LOVE it. Thx, Tracy

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    Replies
    1. i did design the cabinet and i'm working on doing a before and after kitchen post. thanks for asking.;)

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    2. Thank you Janet. I'll keep my eyes open for the before/ after kitchen post.

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kindness is never out of style.

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