Dulcibella's Profile

Brilliant. I would probably hang it from a hook right next to the outlet because I'm a coward about electrical stuff. But it's still a fantastic idea.

What a great day. She'll remember it all her life. I remember making elaborate houses of leaves in autumn with my sister when we were quite young. We loved those houses, lots of happy memories connected with them.

Now, years later and 1000+ miles apart, we've been sending email back and forth today while she chooses colors for her kitchen that's being renovated. And just this morning I learned that when she was looking for tiles for her backsplash, one of the images that came up was a play kitchen that my daughter and I made for my granddaughter (google Monet-at-Giverny play kitchen, or search on Ikeahacker).

The thing is - there is something really deep about the way we connect around the subject of home. It's not just color schemes or back splashes, it's a metaphor for deep feelings that connect generations. The silly kitchen we made for my granddaughter had some kind of emotional dna that harkened back to those houses of leaves.

We (my neighbors and I) have been through a development protest process. With a case that took over 10 years of attending meetings of the town planning committee after work, ultimately went to the state Supreme Court and was tossed back to the town planning committee which caved to the developer.

It was a heartbreaker and, basically, I have no faith in the ability, or maybe the desire, of town planners to prevent developments, no matter how egregious.

But there have been two positive outcomes: 1) it's a great way to create a close neighborhood; 2) I've learned a lot about how the process works, or doesn't work which is useful as a citizen.

Great to be offered something a little different than the usual utility sink. But I need a bigger sink, so I'll stick with my ancient, unlovely-but - practical stone sink.

My neighbors have a white mailbox with bright-colored family handprints all over it. Cute.

I love Dansko clogs. At one time (when I was working in a bookstore) I had 16 pairs in different colors. It was the only way I could be on my feet all day.

I always travel in them - it makes everything easier on my feet and back - from taking off shoes in security lines, to dealing with swollen feet on long flights and even walking around cities. I once even hiked in a pair in mountains in Italy - my feet were just wrecked after a couple of days in my hiking boots, so I switched to Danskos and my feet improved.

The only thing is their distinctive style. I don't mind it with more casual clothes, but I do wish I could find the same level of comfort in something a little dressier for the evenings.

Really adorable, looks like you could maybe adapt one of those useless old tv consoles as well.

Snowshoeing is the BEST, but if there's not enough snow for that, just walking in all that white loveliness is excellent, too. I love snowflakes on my eyelashes and face and the quietness caused by the muffling effect of snow.

Also, I like making fresh pasta and meatballs when I have an afternoon in the kitchen on a snowy day. I always make enough to freeze a couple of meals and eat one that day. Comfort food plus, 2 easy meals in the freezer for non-snowy days.

We haven't had a real snow day in New England this winter and I miss them. (I can't believe I just said that).

I greatly prefer carpet in the bedroom. Wood is twice as expensive, plus you have to cover it with a rug. I like the feeling of bare feet on thick carpet.

That said, I've taken up the carpet and I'm installing wood floors in my bedrooms because of pets. Pets and carpets just don't work.

Neat idea and an easy diy.