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Yellow Trousers.

I so love the yellow trousers in these pictures from the Sartorialist.  This is exactly the kind of outfit I would choose to wear myself - only adding a big red handbag! 

Only halfway thru the day I usually start to realize that everyone around me thinks my choice of colors or patterns is a bit over the top!

I embrace the boldness of colors in clothes, interiors, flowers, art...even food! 

I think this lovely red bag would look great with the yellow, black and white ensemble!

How about you?  Do you like to wear colors and patterns or are you more into neutrals?

Speaking of pattern - I am loving these pink ikat pants from Jules Reid that I spied over at Elements of Style!

Why don't the fabric stores stock fabric like this?!!!

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Boston Cream Pie.

Last week I had a dinner party for my sister Al's birthday.  Happy Birthday Al!  I made Winter Vegetagle Curry and a Fiery Pineapple Chutney - a tried and true recipe from the Fields of Greens cookbook - made many times while I was in college for a house full of friends.  I love cooking for people and sitting around the dinner table for hours talking and laughing.  For dessert, I thought it was time to try something I haven't baked before!

The Boston Cream Pie!  I took this Martha Stewart recipe for Boston Cream Pie cupcakes and doubled the recipe to make two large round cakes to layer.  I quadrupled the vanilla cream part so it would be full of goodness and to be sure the pudding would be falling out the sides!  It was a success!  I meant to take a picture - but before I knew it the cake was being sliced and eaten by all!  Who has time for pictures when there is cake to be served!  What's your favorite cake to bake?  I always like to try something new, and add to my list of favorites!

is for Shutters.

I love a house with shutters on the outside and lately I have been crazy about shutters on the inside too!

They give a room so much character!

I love the way this table looks under the shuttered windows.  They frame the room so well!

These free-standing vintage shutters in the window are gorgeous!

Such a beautiful entry!

Somehow they make a room look so special.

Love this room!

The perfect little nook!

The double shutters on this window make the whole room so much more dynamic.

I could definently be happy waking up in this room every morning!

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Picnics on the Ice.

These images make me want to take a picnic to a frozen pond in the woods with friends...ice skating with the comforts of home!

I think ice skating is the best when you are outside on a frozen pond rather than a rink.  Growing up we always went to the frozen pond in the park to skate - with the rest of the town!  But, in truth, I have always been pretty clutzy on the ice!  Our dad was always the best skater!  As long as you have someone to hold onto!

I think the experience would be even better with a sled full of hot cocoa and treats to keep you warm!

is for Endearing.

 I love this couple in the snow.

It was part of a Birkenstock ad from years ago.  Yes, we are Birkenstock girls!

I love the big red blanket - and the snow of course!  Go for a walk with a loved one!

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Super Cute Hats.

I am crazy about these hats from Kate Spade!

I love a good earflap hat and pompoms!  I have even made lots of earflap hats with pompoms - but I love the whimsical nature of these!  Why do I have to fall for things I can make for myself?

So cute!

Who wouldn't enjoy wearing an igloo on their head?

I don't think I would be able to wear this one because I love Christmas, but I can think of a few people who might love it!

Rach gave our sister, Al, this awesome goggle ski hat for Christmas and she loved it so much she bought one for herself too!  Doesn't it look great on her!  Perfect for the cold weather around here!

So, of course, now I want one too!  Do you have sisters?  If so, do you share this problem where you all want the same things?  Rach and I often buy the same things without even realizing it - but I kind of love that about us!

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 Cross-Country Skiing.

One of our favorite things to do when it snows is cross-country skiing!  We always went in the Dunes when we were kids and it was so much fun!  Now, whenever it snows, it is fun to grab your ski's and get out there!  Sometimes we head out on the golf course on Lake Michigan, but it is more fun to go on a trail in the woods!

I love these old South Shore Line prints!  Rach and I both have this one in our homes.

Over the holidays we went up to the Kettle Moraine nordic trails in Wisconsin and enjoyed the fresh snowfall!

The trees look so amazing covered in snow and the trails are so peaceful!  In late January there is a candlelight ski that is gorgeous!  The trails are lined with luminaries!

Eloise is so fearless - whenever she fell down she just hopped back up on her skis and raced to catch up with the rest of the gang!  As the youngest of four girls I can totally relate to the "Hey guys-wait for me!" sentiment!

Here's Rach and her family on the same trail last year!  Such a cute family!  If you love snow - then you'll love cross-country skiing!

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Happy New Year!

Here's to a fantastic 2010!  I hope everyone had an excellent break for the holidays and spent some time with loved ones!  We had a wonderful time up in Wisconsin with our family.  My parents are always so happy to have the house full of family and good cheer!  I love all of the old traditions we have maintained over the years and the chaos that ensues with four nieces and nephews running around.  Here is to a new year and new beginnings!  Last year was a tough one and I am optimistic that 2010 will be full of good news and new opportunities for us all! 

Thanks so much to all of you who stop by this blog and leave a comment!  It has been so great getting to know so many of you!  Your enthusiasm has been oh so encouraging!  It is always so exciting to hear what people have to say or finding out about one of your blogs to explore!  There is so much inspiration to be found!  Thank you to you all!  Looking forward to hearing from and meeting more of you in the New Year!

All our best - Fric and Frac!