The Miracle Chase Giveaway!

(Photo by artist Katherine Du Tiel)

I like to think that even though I create beautiful interiors for my family and clients, my inspiration is deep rooted and not just led by a color palette, a fabric sample or which way the sun comes into a room. Just like a beautiful woman with no soul, a beautiful room with out personal warmth can be very cold and uninviting. Where we draw this personal warmth and inspiration is so important. I am blessed to find it in many different places.

(google images)

So each month or so I hope to bring you an inspiring person, project or experience that has touched me and helped me become a more beautiful mother, wife, friend and designer. Because these moments of personal inspiration are a great part of what helps create a larger more beautiful world around me (and hopefully you, too).

Meet Joan, Meb, and Katie, the authors of the book The Miracle Chase. I have known Joan personally for several years. When I first met her, at one of my husband's business work dinners, she mentioned she was writing a book about miracles. I was very intrigued and we spoke briefly about it. We dropped the subject when the conversation at our larger table turned more "business - like". What Joan failed to tell me then, and several years after, was that she and her friends had all been the recipients of several personal miracles.

(Authors in 1999)

Those miracles led them on a 10 year personal exploration to uncover "What Really is a Miracle?" Because just like you and I; Joan, Meb and Katie really had trouble believing that their Modern Day Miracles weren't just really weird coincidences. In fact, in some cases it would have been better to believe they were coincidences rather than Miracles, because then they had to question the roots of their Faith.

(Photo by Artist Katherine Du Tiel)

Miracles can be really messy stuff. When you need a miracle you're probably not in a very happy place, you are in turmoil and in great need. And after you have received a Miracle, revisiting the traumatic event and trying to make sense of everything can be very painful and difficult. Most of us prefer to forge ahead into the light rather than look back on dark events. To recognize the Miracle you have to recognize the pain and that's why I think we hear so little about a Miracles these days.

I do not want to give away too much of the book, but it highlights each of these women's journeys, their personal Miracles, their incredible friendship and the history behind Miracles in every religion. What is so touching and personally endearing to me is that these women could be your friends, the women sitting next to you at PTO, or your neighbors.

(we heart it)

The book has become a wonderful gift to me. After I read it I started sharing the stories of these three women with my close friends. And that is when I received a wonderful, unexpected gift. My friends revealed to me their own personal Miracle stories. I have had many moments of wonderful, deep, meaningful conversations with women I have known for years, yet never knew their secret stories. What a wonderful surprise to develop deeper friendships with them through these conversations. Who thought a little book would provide such a tremendous gift to me?!

Joan, Meb, Katie and I wanted to give the readers of Willow Decor this Gift as well. If you are the recipient of The Miracle Chase Giveaway, we will send you five The Miracle Chase Books and a $25 Starbucks Gift Card. This will allow you to share the book with your five closest friends, enjoy some time together and hopefully spark some wonderful conversations and bring you closer as friends.

The authors are always trying to help others, so please know that a large portion of the book sales profits go right back into the Miracleworks Foundation. A charitable organization set up by the authors to give back to women and children in need. You can check it all out on their new website by clicking on the photo above or HERE.

To enter The Miracle Chase Giveway leave a comment below. To purchase the book click HERE. They also have put together an online forum for people to write in and share their Miracle stories. To learn more about the Miracle Club Online click HERE.

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I hope you are as inspired as I am - Happy reading, my friends - may you take the time to find out some extraordinary things about each other!! xox - Gina

(as always Willow Decor receives no compensation for recommending this book)

And Here's What The Kids Are Giving Teachers.....

Teacher gifts are always a challenge. Every year I try to find something small, but personal, that the teacher or coach will enjoy. Craft shows and handmade items are generally my favorites and this year I have found some wonderful, thoughtful gifts. I have included all the links in case you think some of them might work for you. (Please note that Willow Decor accepts no advertising of any kind. All items mentioned I purchased and my endorsement is not compensated in any way!)

My children go to a small school and in many instances both have the same teacher for different classes. Luckily none of their teachers read my blog, so I can reveal who is getting what!! First, the English teacher. He is very inspirational so we found this small quote on a canvas transfer above that he can hang on the wall of his classroom. Inspirational wall art can be found here.
Our Science teacher loves cooking and especially the science behind cooking. Alton Brown's cookbook goes deep on science while still being witty and fun! We think he's really going to like it! I found it on Amazon, but any book store has this.

The Latin teacher is always inspiring the kids and makes class so much fun. We found this wonderful copper bracelet on ETSY. It is written in Latin and means "She flies on her own wings" which really means "She is strong". You can find it on ETSY by I Am What I AM.

ETSY has so many unique items. I was practically giddy when I found these cuff links, decoupaged with vintage French music.

You see these are for the Director of Chorus, who also happens to be the French Teacher! Come on - aren't these so great?! You can bet no one else will be giving him these!! You can find them here on ESTY by ISMAY.

The Math teachers are both getting these cool Math Equation Clocks. You solve the equation to get the number (or time). They are made with recycled CD's - I think they are so fun! Also on ETSY by Geek Gear

Some of our other teachers and coaches are getting the most wonderful candy ever made. It is a fragile toffee enrobed in Callebaut Chocolate and rolled in hazelnuts and almonds called Milk Chocolate Butter Nut Munch.

It is made by the Trappistine nuns of Mount Saint Mary's Abbey in Wrentham, Massachusetts. A wonderful order of almost fifty women praying for all of us and making yummy candy as well. I love to visit the Abbey and drove out there yesterday to pick up a case, but you can also mail order it by clicking HERE. All your purchases support the Abbey and the work of the nuns. I encourage you to try it - it is so delicious!
Stay tuned on Sunday for a wonderful inspirational post here at Willow Decor- I will be sharing some personal discoveries and a fabulous GIVEAWAY! I am really excited to share it with you!!

And the following Sunday, get ready for a second fabulous GIVEAWAY from our friend Kym at 3 Fine Grains. You know we LOVE Kym here at Willow Decor. Kym just opened a new store called A BEAUTIFUL MESS so if you live near Agoura Hills, California be sure to check it out HERE or come back next Sunday to see what amazing item she has for you for the Holidays!

Have a great weekend! So excited for Sunday Night!!
xox-Gina

Holiday Decorating in White Part III

(west elm)

I love decorating for the Holidays, especially decorating in tones of white. Over the years at Willow Decor my "Holiday Decorating in White Series" remain my most popular Holiday posts.

I spend all year collecting images near and far to bring you beautiful examples to inspire you to recreate in your own home. I was quite taken with this little blue spruce tree sprayed with "snow", wrapped with burlap and adorned with small mercury glass ornaments. Wouldn't this look so sweet on a table or a sideboard?

Of course tablescapes are always an easy way to introduce a beautiful theme to your decorating. If you are planning any holiday dinners this table is lovely and simple to recreate. Small bunches of white carnations in tiny vases sit amid votive candles and bunches of Paperwhites. The glass just sparkles!

Here is a similar theme by Preston Bailey but much more dramatic. Each vase of white flowers is a bit larger and the huge fabricated flowers are stunning.

This table is so pretty and it could work for almost any holiday in any season. The flowers hanging above the table are gorgeous. It is likely a chandelier covered with the greenery.

I love this room from Ikea UK -so many great and inexpensive ideas! The mantel is very chic and not costly to recreate. The plates, glass hurricanes and candles can all be found at Ikea very reasonably priced. Add some garland, a few homespun ornaments and presto- chic mantel! I also like the addition of wrapped presents as decorations. The stack of presents looks fabulous under the glass table. Finally the branches adorned with ornaments add a festive flair.

This room from Country Living is a perfect exercise in Holiday decorating with restraint. The lovely chair, rug and gauzy drapes would be completely overwhelmed with heavy holiday decorations. A small white feather tree modestly adorned is a perfect compliment. I also like the small gift on the chair. Very sweet.

Another exercise in restraint, here mercury glass and wreaths are the only addition to this room from Coastal Living, but it still says "Holiday" to me. Sometimes less is more.

The final photo is very modern and chic table from Valorie at Visual Vamp. Fresh and classy!

To read my previous Posts on Holiday Decorating in White click here. And if you want even more inspiration head over to Faded Charm (here) - to find dozens of links to other blogs that have used White as their Holiday inspiration!

(photos Skona Hem unless otherwise noted)

Thanksgiving Inspiration

I'll be spending the day baking with my children and getting ready for Thanksgiving. My entire extended family is coming to my house so I want everything to taste amazing and look perfect (just a little personal stress!) I thought I would share with you a few inspirational Thanksgiving table photos I have been saving, to help you with your Thanksgiving tablescape.

Martha Stewart steals my heart above with a beautiful wheat sheath tied with a satin ribbon upon a linen tablecloth. I love the simplicity of this - I just wish I had a linen tablecloth and a wheat sheath - Definitely putting it on my list for next year!

I adore this next linen tablecloth with the inspirational script. I love the dried corn tied with ribbon and the bowls filled with nuts and candles. Simple and lovely from Country Living.

I can't recall where I located this photo, but I love the pheasant feathers and the setting in front of the fireplace. We have too many people coming but if you have just a small gathering, the spot couldn't be more cozy. Finally a great way to use your pumpkins left over from Halloween. I am going to get several bunches of fresh flowers at the market today and have my very talented sister (the organized one) arrange them inside my Halloween pumpkin.

After a very stressful Fall, I am counting my blessing and have much to be thankful for. I count you, my readers high on my list. Wishing you and your families a very joyous Thanksgiving.

xox-Gina

Surroundings Holiday E-Magazine & Saturday's Marketplace

(Photo by Michael J Lee Photography via Surroundings)

Check out Linda Merrill's Surrounding's E- Magazine this weekend when you have a few moments of quiet time. Stunning images, gift ideas and great holiday tips from many top designers and bloggers, including one from Willow Decor! (was that little old me on page 7??)

Click HERE or on the photo

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Relax and enjoy some Holiday design inspiration then let me know what you think! Be sure to check out more of Linda's amazing work on her blog Surroundings or during her fabulous design podcasts via The Skirted Round Table.

Also, my sister and I, (the one who wonderfully organized my Toy Room to Teen Room), are headed to The Wellesley Marketplace Craft Show this morning. If you have time and live nearby try to stop in. It's a huge juried show with fabulous items. The best part is that the show's profits are returned to back to the community through the wonderful work of the Wellesley Junior Women's Club. For more information about Marketplace click HERE.

Have a Happy Saturday!!

Here's What You're Saying & The "How To"!

(Country Home)

I have gotten a tremendous amount of mail on my recent Dutch Doors post. Its seems this charming design element really resonated with all of you. First I heard from Karla at Its the Little Things That Make a House a Home blog. This very talented lady found a wonderful old solid wood door and created her own Dutch Door. Read the "How To" HERE! The photo above is her new Dutch door - isn't it fabulous?!! Thanks so much, Karla, for sharing it with us! Next I heard from a reader whose friend recently installed interior Dutch Doors in each of her children's bedrooms. She thought it was a fabulous way to be able to walk by their rooms and not see the mess on their floors!! Having two pre teens, I loved that idea!!
Then I heard from a reader who just wanted to bring in light to an otherwise dark space, but keep the dogs inside! She also loved the feeling of being open to the outdoors - and no bugs! Wonderful! Everyone agreed that no matter what the primary use, Dutch Doors added a charming design element to their homes. A warmth and personality all their own - and that my friends, is what decorating is all about!!

I loved hearing from each and every one of you!
(all photos unless otherwise noted House Beautiful)

Welcome Back Thru Dutch Doors

(Traditional Home)

One of my favorite design elements are Dutch Doors. I love how they make an entryway immediately more casual, warm and fun. I have always imagined my children playing, each on a different side of the door - playing store, lemonade stand or ticket booth.

Looking out from a Dutch Door when the top is open is wonderful, as shown above in this fabulous ocean front home from Coastal Living. When we redo our beach house, adding a Dutch door is at the top of my list. So over the years I have collected several images of my favorites.

This natural wood Dutch door, which I found via BH&G, is high on my list of favorites. I love the iron work and my husband Dave, loves natural wood color.

Here is another beautiful entry from BH&G. This Dutch Door is surrounded by glass. Notice the diamond pattern on the sidelights and the transom. Very pretty.

Another photo I have had for some time from favorite designer, Windsor Smith via (Joni at CDT). Though a very neutral space, I love the punch of turquoise brought into the room when the top of the door is open.

Here is another turquoise door I found at Design Sponge. I love how the color of the door is repeated again on the inside of the bookcase.

Another painted door from Coastal Living, this time in yellow. See how Dutch doors add a bit of whimsy and lend a casual feel to a space. This is the type of feeling I am trying to achieve at the beach house.

Brooke at Velvet and Linen has a Dutch door in her gorgeous home. Can't you just feel the welcoming warmth in her house! Beautiful!!

A perfect entry! I adore this shot from Traditional Home. The Dutch door gives the illusion of a larger space. The black painted door, iron work and brick floor are sublime!

Here a laundry room/mudroom from Country Home, achieves the same illusion of space with a Dutch Door and with tile set on the diagonal. Cute dog!

(photo-Jack Arnold Homes)

This door has a lovely arch and X design on the bottom. The door is fully closed, but if you look closely you will see that it is in fact a Dutch door.

This door from Coastal Living also has the X design on the bottom. This seems to be a common element.

(Photo by Eric Roth for Catalano Architects)

You have seen this lovely room before at Willow Decor. It's from our talented friends at Catalano Architects. Notice to the far right a beautiful Dutch door. See the rest of this spectacular home here.

(Country Home)

The next two photos are kitchens with Dutch doors. This is my favorite room for incorporating a Dutch door into the design.

(photo Coastal Living)

In both instances the open top of the door really brings the outdoors in! I love the look but do have concerns with bugs flying in, as I have never seen a Dutch door style screen.

(Delaware Historic Society)

Above and below are two antique doors which caught my eye. I like this first door because I think the scale of the door is very interesting. I like the larger top. I would love to see the entire house but my suspicion is that the house itself is also very grand.

(photo - This Old House)

Finally - this my favorite door of the bunch . I love the color, the antique hardware, the small window and of course how wonderful it looks with the stone surround. Over the next several months I'll be on the look out for an antique Dutch door. If you have a Dutch door, let me know how it "lives" and if you are thinking of adding one to your home let me know which one you prefer.

Also check out Karla's Its The Little Things That Make a House a Home blog. She took an old door she found on the side of the road and created a gorgeous Dutch Door - see how she did it HERE. Thanks so much Karla!!