Happy List: #191

Hi! Welcome back to the Happy List!

Did you miss me while I was taking a break last week? I missed you all. I’m glad I can connect with you via Instagram and Facebook when I’m not here on the blog.

This week on the blog I shared some updates to the kids’ bedrooms. I had to snap pictures while they were clean to commemorate the moment.

I also shared the freaking amazing Copper Christmas Trees I made out of copper flashing. I’m doing a great job of keeping my humility in check aren’t I? Hahaha! I just love those Christmas trees and enjoyed the heck out of making them.

Now here’s the main event: The Happy List!

SIMPLICITY

I love the simplicity of this room decorated for Christmas.

Also, do you know how hard it is to purposefully drape a blanket on a bed in order to make it look like it wasn’t purposefully draped? Try it. It’s so hard.

(image: True Home via My Domaine)

HOUSE IN MAINE

I need to go to Maine. Who wants to go with me? You know, when we can all travel again.

I spent way too much time looking at the portfolio of Maine-based architecture firm, Elliott Architects. You’ll love seeing all of their ideas.

(image: Jeff Roberts Imaging for Elliott Architects)

EMBROIDERED PORTRAITS

I am in absolute AWE of the embroidered portraits done by artist Danielle Clough.

Her designs on vintage tennis rackets are out-of-this-world too!

(image: Danielle Clough via This is Colossal)

QUIRKY WINTER TRADITIONS

Fodor’s Travel has a really interesting article about quirky winter traditions around the world.

Don’t shoot the messenger for me telling you that in Barcelona nativity scenes have a very unorthodox and sophomoric participant called “El Caganer.” No one really knows why.

Go read this Fodor’s article for other quirky traditions around the world.

ENGRAVED LEATHER TRAY

I’m a sucker for anything personalized with handwriting. This leather tray from Etsy shop Wood Present Studio melts my heart.

(Wood Present Studio via Etsy)

ON REPEAT

I can’t help it, but every year Winter Song sung by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson gets stuck in my head.

That’s not a complaint!

Much to Handy Husband’s dismay, I have been known to sing, “Is love alive?” while dealing with the dishes someone left in the sink. Hahahahaha!

I love this live version. (As a side note, it is hard to play the piano when you are cold.)

If the video doesn’t load, here is the link.

CHRISTMAS WITH PETS

Oh. my.

I laughed so hard at the lengths some pet owners have to go to keep their Christmas trees away from their pets. Go check out this article and you’ll also see a plastic wrapped tree and one in the shower.