Malm Fireplaces

I know there seems to be a bit of a theme developing here... but it's so dang cold here that all I can think about is how to get warm.

As most of you know, I moved last year into a sweet little place...

with no fireplace. What a mistake!

I've always lived in homes with a fireplace and I guess I didn't realize until now, just how much I'd miss it!

So, here's my idea.

MALM!

via Apartment Therapy

Malm has been manufacturing fireplaces since 1960, in Sonoma County California, not far from the internationally-known California wine country. Their fireplaces come in either traditional designs or more sophisticated and modern styles.

Malm's most unique features include its use of a broad range of materials and its willingness to custom design fireplaces for interested

(code word for wealthy)

customers.

via The Estate of Things

Besides the obvious design advantages of a freestanding fireplace, having the fireplace in the center of the room means more heat can radiate into the air, improving the fire's efficiency. The use of lightweight metals has advantages over the heavy stone typical of "old-style" brick- since there is no need to heat hundreds of pounds of bricks, these fireplaces heat up much more quickly, radiating useful amounts of heat into the room sooner.

Finally, viewing angles for the fire in a freestanding fireplace are much larger than would be available otherwise. Huge bonus!

Malm fireplaces are available in many porcelain colors as well as brass, stainless steel, nickel, copper plated or matte black finishes.

I'm convinced!

via Malm

I'm blown away that they still make these beauties...

I soooo hope I can make one work in my place!!!

Cold Days, Warm Blankets.

As the temperature continues to dip today, thoughts of snuggling up under a great blanket take over. And the blanket that always comes to mind is the classic Hudson Bay Point blanket. These blankets just ooze cozy, rustic, and old school charm. I really noticed a resurgence in popularity of these blankets that seemed to coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics last February in Vancouver. Although the design has remained largely unchanged for 230+ years, they still manage to look modern, streamlined, and cheerful in any room. They seem most appropriate for log cabins but would be just as home in a modern downtown loft.

via The Marion House Book.

via Elle Decor.

via Houzz.

via The Marion House Book.

The Hudson Bay Point Blanket might be the oldest and most identifiable Canadian tradition. These blankets were originally created in 1780 for fur trappers, traders and natives to survive outdoors in frigid Canadian winters. The point system is used to rate the warmth and size of the blanket. These blankets are such high quality and so highly valued that they are often handed down through families and found for hundreds of dollars on ebay and in thrift stores.

via Re-Nest.

If you ever happen upon one, grab it up!

They are worth every penny!

I'm Not Worthy!

I'm so excited to have gotten a "Stylish Blogger" award from the uber talanted Fran from Green Street. Truth be told, I'm not so sure how stylish I am but one thing is for sure...

I love me some awards!

It's funny, but anytime someone says "You've won an award" (which doesn't happen very often, incidentally) my mind goes right to that "Christmas Story" movie where the father wins that hideous leg lamp and brags to all his friends and neighbors that "I won it... it's a major award!"

I don't know why, but that just kills me!

Now, for the 7 things about myself...

1. I don't wear socks. No matter the temperature, outfit or occasion, never.

I hate the little seams that go across the toes.

They bother me to the point of distraction.

It would take 30 minutes in the morning before school

for me to adjust and re-adjust the location of the seam

just to be able to put on my shoes.

2. I have been to all 50 States and all the Providences in Canada.

3. I attended Catholic school for 12 years (4 of which were girls only) before going on to college

where I was majoring in Nursing and Biology.

4. Back in the day, I had a huge crush on Steve from the children's show,

"Blue's Clues".

I thought he was so sweet and so good with children.

Very "boy next door-ish".

I wont get all into that weirdness...

(In fact, maybe we should just keep that one to ourselves, OK?)

5. While I was in College, I worked at Grosse Pointe Indoor Tennis Club

as a USPTA tennis teaching professional.

I helped develop and implement the tiny tots program.

Super fun job!!!

6. Some of you may already know this, but I have an incredible weakness for fabric. All kinds of fabric. It's my achilles heal.

I also collect skeleton keys from all over the place.

In my last home I had them displayed on a wall in the entryway.

7. Last but not least, I started this blog because of my Sister-in-Law.

We live quite a long distance from each other

and even though we were always friendly with one another,

we weren't exactly good friends.

Almost one year ago, I was in Connecticut visiting.

It was on that trip that we discovered our mutual obsession with interior design.

We really bonded over blogs and decided to jump to the otherside

and start our own blogs.

Without her encouragement, support and ever positive attitude,

I would never have started blogging.

Thanks Fran!!!

I would like to pass this award on to:

Cara at Lilac and Grey

Carmie at The Single Nester

Elisa at What the Vita

As part of accepting the award, they'll...

+ Thank and link back to the person that awarded them {me}

+ Share seven things about themselves.

+ Pay it forward to some recently discovered bloggers.

+ Contact those bloggers about the award!

8500 Square Feet of Goodness

Over the Christmas holiday, my fabulous Sister-in-Law (who I don't spend nearly enough time with) and I had the opportunity

to go to Ann Arbor to check out

The Treasure Mart.

It was gooooood!

Open since 1960, The Treasure Mart has been committed to reuse, recycling and repurposing. The constantly changing inventory of gently used merchandise includes beautiful antiques, nostalgic collectibles, a wide variety of useful household items. They sell everything on consignment which means money spent at this store will go back into the hands of the local community.

I love that.

Another interesting feature of shopping at The Treasure Mart is the monthly price reduction on all items priced at $5.00 or more.

An item that has been in the store for a month from the date on the ticket is 10% off, 2 months 20% off, 3 months 30%, etc.

This ensures quick turnover and great deals!

While wandering around the three floors and 8500 square feet of "packed to the rafters" goodness, we came across this little beauty for $75.00.

I had to have it.

And now, I can't get this image out of my head...

Is it too crazy or should I be like Nike and

"Just Do It"??

I know it's only paint, but I'm a committment phobe... hahaha!!!

I'd love to hear your ideas!

I Have a Confession.

I have a confession.

I am not a fan of the whole “New Years Resolution” thing.

It’s not that I don’t get the appeal. Believe me, I do.

A New Year feels untarnished by bad choices, untouched by drama.

It feels full of possibilities and second chances.

We all know that a turn of the calendar does not absolve us of our choices,

or rid us of our demons,

or serve as a free pass for a do-over.

So this year,

instead of setting silly goals and

making a bunch of promises to myself

about living like I ought to anyway...

I'm just going to

spend more time with these guys.

nieces & nephews

My favorite people in the whole wide world!

Welcome 2011!