Hallngarden isn't this indeed wonderful? I've been doing a little inspiration research through out this. I google decluttering, home decor, organizing. I look at web results and image results. I look at online magazines for ideas. How can those ideas help me? Can I apply any of their methods? rethink my attitude? What does Peggy want out of the available space? Who or what owns this space around me? Do Dave and I own our space or does the clutter own it? Am I happy with the present state of things? Is this really such a big job or can I break it down to be more manageable. When I get into the feeling of I'm tired - it's my cuppa time. That's when I surf for ideas, read online positive attitudes or just simple take a break from it all. Kinda like my winter tune up diet - this year I've approached my annual winter tune up differently. It's not just a diet, I'm doing a lifestyle tune up in all areas of my life. Health eating habits, healthy mental habits (ongoing challenge) and healthier home living habits. I am working this winter on Peggy's mind, body and immediate surroundings. Being a horrid sleeper - bedroom hygiene is a must. By that I mean - decluttered, nice looking - somewhere that is mentally peaceful. It helps a great deal. The funny part is - it's contagious. When I get more organized at home, DH starts to organize his space, his computer area. I don't coax nor bother him - it just seems to rub off. I can't actually say 'at the end of all this' because it is a lifestyle change for me. It will never end because it's a beginning. It's liberating. How this journey affects each and everyone of us will be different. I sincerely hope this has been a very positive experience. Even if you are doing this and not posting - I wish you success and happiness from your efforts. Like I said, I love this place. You inspire me too! Cheers, Peggy

Flamey...I SO agree with all you posted and although I have never been to 'Etsy'..I'm headed there to see what's up. I also agree w/Susanjf as to the fact-perhaps with the state our country is in-job losses, etc..may be we'll all strap in & start making more useful gifts & quit spending $$ at the stores for gifting. I, like the 'pink bird'...tend to craft towards useful home dec things vs.."dust catchers"..more to my liking. So many of the big, annual craft shows here in FL are basically 'the same old things-just more of them'-to the point I quit attending them. About 7 yrs ago-I held annual Xmas craft parties here in my home, for the gals in my park...women who NEVER even crafted nor thought they could-are gung ho now..many even bought glue guns! LOL! Methinks all some folks need is to be shown how to do one craft & it may spur their creative juices to spread their imagination into bigger & different creative ideas. I really wish the tv networks would increase crafting shows.

Boy ladies we DO have a lot in common! I was amazed at all the same hobbies and crafts we do alike. Becky, I love to sing too and was in my brother's band at one time, I prefer Country, he prefers rock. I eventually got a job where I had no choice about a promotion and had to take a night shift position and had to leave the band. I am now back on days THANK GOD! I wonder what kind of things do you guys collect? I collect (beside scrapbook supplies of course, LOL) quilts, fisher price little people-don't laugh they are getting pricey-no pun intended. LOL Mickey mouse things for my daughter, Nancy Drew books, dollies as in sewn, and any old looking and affordable furniture (hard to find both ) for my old run down Victorian house. Penny

A comfortable, welcoming home has always been my main goal when decorating my houses . . . and I've worked hard to keep it that way. * I have coffee tables we can and do put our feet up on. * No throw pillows that are not comfortable to lean against! No piles of throw pillows that look nice but have to be moved someplace else in order to sit down. * Sofas and chairs that are VERY comfortable to sit on. * Accessories and art that were bought because we love them and they reflect us. * There are books everywhere; ones that we've read and cherish, not ones purchased because they look good. * Candles in every room, to light in the evenings if we're in that room. * I hate overhead, harsh lighting, so there's lots of lamps around. Good practical ones with 3-way bulbs so that they can be adjusted to suit the mood . . . and that are good for reading. * no big, elaborate, sprawling tablescapes on side tables, coffee tables, nightstands and dresser tops. I like for us, and our guests, to be able to use these areas for books we're reading at the moment or, say, a cup of tea. * every bedroom has comfortable, machine-washable bedspreads or comforters. I like that we can lie down for a nap or prop ourselves up to read a book without worrying about messing up the beds. * speakers, so that we can have beautiful music in every room if we choose. I especially love listening to Classical music during Autumn and Winter evenings with a good book or decorating magazine and a cup of hot tea. * I love to set a nice table for my family's dinner. I have quite a few different dinner and salad plates that I change around and always have lit candles on the table for our dinners. It makes me happy to make my tables welcoming and cozy for my family and friends. * four fireplaces, because we love sitting fireside on our cool mountain evenings. I think fireplaces add so much warmth to a room, but totally understand that four of them is not the norm. Even one is lovely, though. * comfy rugs in every room. There are NO rugs in my house that you have to take your shoes off to walk on ;^D * much loved dogs that add to the warmth and comfort with their love and devotion . . . and their nose smudges on every door and low window ;^) Lynn The book was one I was reading that day. It's usually on the bookcaase in there. That would be too much for me to have on one table all the time! . . . and there were/are dog nose smudges on every one of those 4 glass doors! The furniture out on our front portal is old and doesn't match, but those chairs are very, very comfy. We all prop our feet up on the old coffee table as we sit and chat and look out at the view: