I've been thinking a great deal lately about the innocence of childhood and the loss of innocence, as I'm sure we all have been. It's difficult to articulate what exactly is so special about innocence or why it should be protected. To even describe innocence in words is a challenge: an ignorance purest in nature. A state of blissful unawareness. A time free from evil intent. In truth, innocence is the real dividing line between ...

I love me some window seat. Growing up, my living room had a window seat that stretched the length of, well, the windows, and I clocked a more-than-respectable number of hours there. The sight of a window seat immediately takes me back to the many days I spent laying on mine-- pup curled up beside me, the late afternoon sun beaming in on me through the glass, drifting off into so many pleasant slumbers that ...

Have you ever thought to wonder at the versatility of the armoire? Well, today's the day to do so because today, nuggets, today I am going to present to you with a smorgasbord of armoires whose reincarnations are so multitudinous you might even pee your pants in excitement-- a detachable, free-standing closet. The possibilities, I tell you, they're endless. Exhibit A: a rather traditional employment of the armoire; clothing. We've only just arrived at Exhibit B ...

Keeping in mind this week's mediation (On Gifts), hopefully you've resolved to include some especial and less tangible aspects to your gifting this year. There is still, though, the matter of wrapping the tangible ones. If you have a bundle of presents to wrap, it may be wise to set yourself up a little gift wrapping station. Whether it remains a permanent fixture is between you and your craft room (some of you just laughed ...

One of the traditions that abounds this time of year is the exchanging of cards. These cards serve both to bestow seasonal greetings upon your relations as well as to establish yourself and your style via the vehicles of font choice, photo selection, and sign off line. Some might argue that your holiday card reveals more about you than even your shoes. Need to announce a new family member? Make like the Tuohy's and blind ...