Decorating Blues

You've probably guessed by now that I like blue. From calming and serene to energizing (and even appetite-suppressing), the range of hues is vast. Here are some great ways to use blue in decorating.

Color Magic: Tap Into Psychology to Better Use Blue at Home

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Weekend Celebration

Can't wait to dig in to the most delicious cake ever. Hope your weekend is just as sweet.

Colorful Combinations

Like going bold with color? Here are some great tips for using color and some lovely palettes that you might not have thought of. I know which one is my favorite--can you guess?

8 Daring Paint Palettes for Fearless Color Lovers

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Lemon Perfection

Around these parts, January is lemon month. We recently picked bags and bags of Meyer lemons (not to mention oranges and grapefruits), and there are still bags and bags' worth left on the tree.

We give most of it away, but I always make a few sweet treats. This year I made lemon squares and Meyer lemon sugar cookies for my book group.

But my new favorite is a Meyer lemon tart, a variation on this recipe:

I substituted Meyer lemons for the key limes. It's easy to make and deliciously tart-sweet. (And once we're past lemon season, I plan to make the key lime version -- key lime pie is my favorite!)

What are cooking up these days?

Welcome Home

I have a fascination with foyers, probably because my house doesn't have much of one. There's a small pony wall and column to separate the entry from the living room, but no space at all for any sort of furniture or even a mirror for a last makeup check before heading out the door. We have coat hooks (very handy this time of year), but I long for a bench or a pretty chest where I could stash a few running-out-the-door necessities, especially a sticky roller for removing dog hair.

Entry No. 3 here makes me swoon, but it's more than I could ever hope for:

Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Entryways of 2012

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And, of course, the organization in No. 2 is insane. What's your favorite entryway?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. King at the August 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Courtesy of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Pattern Play: Houndstooth

I'm so excited that houndstooth is popular again. I've always loved this traditional pattern, and it so fun when done in unexpected colors and sizes, or used in unusual ways. So when I came across this Houzz article, I had to share it. Enjoy!

Guest Picks: Hankering for Houndstooth

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