Every Christmas, when I think about things to put on the "list", I usually turn to my growing list of books that I would love to own. I know my current collection is getting kind of big. It makes me smile to think of creating the perfect nook in our new home to devote to my passion for reading. This space would have to have great lighting, a window to gaze out of when I take a rest, a "fall into it" kind of chair and a soft throw, and then of course stacks of books! But then I am torn to make it into a library feel, with a large table and leather chairs so that I can spread everything out and make it a space of study. Oh well, I will come up with something. Here is a few of the books on my hit list.

Art and Science of William Bartram Love beautiful illustrations of botanical foliage

Flea Market Style by Ali Hanan Love to see how people put together electic items found in all kinds of shops. I love the idea of buying nothing new, every item having a story.

Textiles from India: The Global Trade by Rosemary Krill My boss just came back from India and had the most wonderful images of architecture and pattern. Would love to see it in person some day.

What Would Audrey Do? by Pamela Keogh I would love to know what she would do! As I get older, I still feel like I don't know what to say or do in situations. I would rather be a door knob then engage in a conversation at times, so I would love to have some tips in by back pocket to refer to in delicate situations. I am remembering the tragic ending of Roman Holiday, I always cry at how strong she is!

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home by Charlie Wing Owning our first home can be scary at times. I think the fear for me stems from the unknown. I would love to be a better helper for my husband and not freak out at a water drip. I think the illustrations would be a great help!

Italian Villas and Their Gardens: The Original 1904 Edition by Edith Wharton Love beautiful grand spaces, let's me create the perfect daydream location

Mr. Boddington's Desk: see blog

I love getting an email from a friend with a link to something that just makes my mouth drop open! The website portfolio of Mr. Boddington's Studio is so striking and I just love all the prints and patterns incorporated into the cards and invitations! The witty writing sprinkled through out paints a humorous picture of the character and charm of the brand.

The style also matches up with the New Vintage trend currently taking storm!

images and information at www.mrboddington.com

Anthropologie's new site dedicated to inspiration, check it out: www.theanthropologist.net

a shot from our photo shoot with Rachel and Brian in Boston

My best friend from college, Rachel Henderson, just launched her new website and blog of her work. I remember all the fun times we had in art school, pulling all nighters, eating junk food, trying to get through wood working class keeping all 10 fingers! Now she is an established photographer in New England and it was an honor to work on her new identity and name. My husband and I worked hard on getting what they envisioned for their new business. Boy the pressure was on, right up there with trying to design your own identity and website, scary! We had the chance to go to her gallery opening and see so many of the people she had photographed. Good times. Check out her new site:

www.47moments.com

Loving this dresser by Kent and London, a furniture company out of England. Alphabet Drawers was inspired by wood block type for printing. I would love this in my living room or a child's room. Perfect balance of whimsy, this would make a nice antique to hand down your family line.

image and information: www.kentandlondon.co.uk

What a bizzare little website, with some oh-so-good finds! Whenever I think of J. Peterman I always think of the Seinfeld character that Elaine worked for and all the really funny stories. Any relation? All the apparel images are hand drawn! Their "For the Home" and "Rare Finds" was a land mine of goodies. Here are my picks. As I pulled it together, I was reminded of that old black and white movie, The Ghost and Mrs. Meir, loved it!

images and information from www.jpeterman.com

I found this website to a really beautiful shop in Newport Coast, California called Juxtaposition Home. The website lacks information, but makes up for it with beautiful shots of the shop. I love love love the long table stacked with books! Another shop to be inspired by. Has anyone seen it in person?

image and information:juxtapositionhome.com