Thanks for the input that helps with the decision! Teacats, we have a Big Lots close by so I think I will check those out first as even "on sale" this one is expensive. But I am on about my 5th one from Target & figured maybe I need to buy a better quality lamp to hold up to the kids. Don't know if you realize how correct your terminolgy of "standing up well" is. Mine always seem to have trouble with that feature and stand up diagonally after a couple months!

About a week and a half ago I shoved every bit of sewing detritus to the back end of my huge cutting table and brought out the wrapping paper. This was fine while I was wrapping gifts. Then the DH and the DS went into my studio to wrap gifts. I may never see the table again, LOL. Paper scraps, ribbon bits, tape on the cutting mat, and where the heck did they hide by 6 1/2 square ruler??!! I must find that before I hit it with the rotary cutter. I usually use the day after Christmas as a day to sort and play with new fabrics (DH bought me (5) 1/2 yard cuts and a 2 yard cut of gorgeous fabrics this year - he knows the way to my heart), but it will have to wait this year. I love taking this time of the year to sort and organize. BUT - my son has a new girlfriend. She's gone for the holiday, of course (they are seniors at UT Austin), but she will be back on Monday. He wants decorated cookies to take to her. I have plenty of gingerbread cookies baked (I give them to the neighbors), but he was serious - he wants to decorate them himself, because Krisztina doesn't believe that he can. He's really quite good at it. So I'm going to be up to my ears in royal icing in several colors - I mix, he decorates, LOL. Here are some he did last Valentine's Day (for a former girlfriend).

DH asked me earlier today if some of our remaining "junky crud" can go to the curb this week. I'm not even going to think twice about something if it's ugly or has wonky legs or is just downright cheap-looking ... out it goes! Like I said, I've done a great deal of weeding out already (have taken multiple car loads to the Salvation Army donation station), but there's still a bit more to be cleared. I am a bit concerned about going from a home in which I felt VERY - well, lackadaisical - about imperfections, to a home where I know both of us are going to be quite anal about for some time to come. I know dings and scuffs and spills and pet accidents will happen, but oh, how I long for it to stay nice and NEW looking for as long as possible! I still love the thought of a romantic glow from the pink lampshade, Diane! That white shade is nice too, WalnutCreek. Actually, the more I look at the lamp and the furniture that I've fallen in love with, the more I see the lamp base resembling an urchin and the wood finish of the furniture reminding me a bit of driftwood. I definitely don't want a themed bedroom, but it might be very cool to have a little romantic hideaway that reminds me of the time I've spent on the coast of Cornwall. Hmmmmmmmm ... the wheels keep a-turnin'.

Hobby...great minds think alike! I actually had a couple of trees in my shopping cart at Logees...a variegated calamondin and that vanilla blood orange....I did not finish the check out process though. I may still. I did something i've not done in a long time: took on a photo session for today with an old client that was a very good client. Please cross your fingers for me! If it goes well and they place a good order, I will get the money for that greenhouse! My husband has said I can get one, but I'd rather earn the money. I don't have time for photography clients anymore, but I made this exception for them because of my beloved trees ;-)