"Faux" pas?

I've been wanting to do something with the glass block windows on the front of my house for some time--my husband insists that they're energy efficient, but these long, narrow windows leave much to be desired. I had a brainwave when I saw this tile mosaic on Apartment Therapy--wouldn't it be fantastic to create a "faux" window pane with glass tiles and put the faux window over the other one? Then I'm happy on the outside, and we still keep the efficiency.

I'm thinking I might use some clear caulk or glue to attach the tiles to a piece of glass or plexiglass, then grout and mount it over the window. What do you think? Anyone ever tried something like this?

Monday Inspiration: Cozy Reading Nook

I'm loving the vintage eclectic mix I found in this reading nook on design*sponge. Nothing particularly glamourous, just accessible, comfortable, and calming for your magazine and cup of coffee.

Friday Finds: Happy Holidays on Etsy

I was not out Black Friday shopping, as I think sales that present even the teeniest chance of being trampled to death aren't worth it. Instead, I've been on Etsy, finding some holiday inspiration:

Bronze Star Urchin Ornament from Kissa Design -- made entirely of paper! Wouldn't this be gorgeous on top of the tree?

DIY Ruby Red Double Paper Luminary (set of six) from Prudence Octavia. The warm glow is so inviting...

Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments (set of 12) from Hope and Joy Home. These take me back...

DIY Swinging Ornaments Holiday Christmas Card Kit from Heal.Create.Share. I love this idea--so much better than the cards I could create by myself, but still personal.

Design for you

With all of the home value concerns lately, it's easy to focus on resale value when you decorate or make improvements--but this find is just a bit of a reminder that sometimes, you have to do what makes you happy (or in this case, what makes your furry friends happy). The great thing about this playhouse is it's not intensely bright or covered in carpet and string--it's an excellent blend of beauty and function. See more pictures here.

DI-Wednesday: Log Dome Display Jars

Over a year ago, a summer storm knocked over three gigantic eucalyptus trees, right onto the neighborhood's power supply. 24 hours later, we had electricity again, and a big pile of wood was left behind by the electric company--I gladly helped myself to a few lovely big branches, but I have yet to find the perfect project to use them for, until now! I love these charming wooden and glass display domes from DesignSponge. They grant such presence to their keepsakes, I can't wait to get started!

Last Chance DI-Wednesday: Ornament Wreath

If you're looking for a last-minute wreath to great your family as they cross the threshold, check out this easy to make wreath from CB2: all you need is some wire and leftover ornaments! Enjoy!

Christmastime is Here!

There's always something about Christmas--even when we're grown and know that Santa won't be coming down the chimney, there's always a spark of happiness in the air, that gives us an excuse to hang sparkly lights to our heart's content.

With that in mind, here are a few inspirational pics to get us in the mood: