Lordy, Lordy, I just turned 40!
My 40th birthday was Saturday and I spent the day feeling resolutely thankful for the privilege of growing older. Because, as I remind myself and anyone too slow to run away from my prosaic wisdom, the alternative is no fun.
In this spirit of gratitude, I've compiled a list of other things for which I give thanks. I should warn you, though, it's not your typical list of good health, my kids, husband, blah blah blah. Those are too obvious. This list includes items that make my inner designer think: What would I do without...?
1) Wood - it's a magical (and renewable!) material that provides us with everything from the bones of our house to furniture to stunning floors. Is there anything more beautiful in a home than a gleaming wood floor? Yes, a gleaming wood floor with an amazing wooden chair on it. With a puppy.
2) Bright pillows - these can transform a boring couch in a boring room for cheap.
Have I told you about my Marimekko obsession?
3) LED lighting - this type of bulb lasts very long and consumes a fraction of the energy of incandescent. Which means I don't have to blow a gasket after discovering my 9 year old left the pantry light on all night. Again. Better lighting = better parenting.
4) Quartz Countertops - Have you ever played the "But-Does-The-Kitchen-Have-Granite-Countertops?! Drinking Game" while watching House Hunters? I don't recommend it... for your liver's sake. While granite is gorgeous, very popular, and the eponymous stone of my neighboring state of New Hampshire, my true affection is for the even more durable quartz countertops. Two words for you: no maintenance.
5) Empty Corners - the Victorians had a fear of them, so a typical Victorian room felt a bit cramped. Their need to fill every last inch even led to a furniture piece nicknamed the What-Not.
Be gone, you nasty empty corner!
Why hello, you fetching stuffed birds.
A reborn bureau, otherwise consigned to languish in the back of a consignment store.
7) Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Oh wait, wrong list.
What makes your inner designer go WHEEEE?