Elle Decor magazine has a regular column that provides a very brief bio on an interior designer and then lists “12 Things XYZ Can’t Live Without”.  I always enjoy seeing what is important to someone else, so just for fun here’s my version of  …..

10 Things I Can’t Live Without

Family – love them to death.  I’m still surprised when we get to see the boys (who don’t live in the same state as us) and realize they’re all grown up.  You mean they aren’t 12?

Popcorn – a diet staple.  My whole adult life I’ve been addicted to popcorn.  Thank goodness Dan can cook for himself!

TV – biggest time waster by far.  But I can’t break the addiction.  With all my real interests, I can’t believe I still get caught up in what’s going to happen next on Grey’s Anatomy and then, just suck me in some more because now I have to follow the soap opera on Private Practice too!  I’ve tried rationalizing it as my necessary down time, but – honestly, it’s a time waster.

Color – in my home, my clothing, nature.  I could post 50 pictures here…how do I distill my pleasure in colors with just a few photos?  One of the reasons I enjoy designing so much is that I get to work with color more than I’m able to in just my home alone.  How about revisiting my post on Exuberant Color for a glimpse of my love affair with color?

Accessories -I do love my stuff.  One of my entreprenurial efforts was when I owned a home decor store specializing in accessories.  I was absolutely in heaven….going to market and shopping for the best value and look in accessories was so much fun.  Of course, I took home a little goodie for myself now and then – can you blame me?

Travel – anywhere and everywhere, but especially internationally.  Dan and I have had the great fortune to literally wander all over the map to places like Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, Spain, Fiji, Australia and China.  Next in our plans?  Scandinavia.

 

 

My new Kindle and reading, reading, reading.  I took Kindle to San Diego with us and absolutely loved the convenience and comfort of using it – in the car or poolside, it was great!  Interested?  Here’s an affiliate link to check it out.  Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6″ Display, U.S. Wireless)
 

 Flowers - my years as a florist really developed this love.  The spicy fragrance of freesia, the delicate scent of peonies, the vivid purple of lisianthus, deep red roses or vivid yellow sunflowers.  Notice a theme?  Colorful and fragrant  – what’s not to like?

 Photography – macro nature and old rusty stuff are favorites to photograph; I love my digital camera because now I can shoot up a storm and just delete my disasters.  I’ve scanned all my old family and travel photos to my computer and now I use them for everything from Christmas name tags to email dressing.

 

 

My computer - I’d be lost without it.  Connecting with others, learning, sharing ideas, maintaining my photo library (instead of stacks of shoe boxes) and sometimes I even use it just to wander the web (if there’s nothing on TV!).

Creativity - I thrive by trying new techniques, ideas or products.  I’ve tried my hand at watercolors, jewelry making, cross stitch and knitting, stenciling, sewing pillows, designing furniture to name a few.  Cindy was my partner in crime in lots of those adventures.  What shall I learn how to do this year?

You Know Me

This was actually kind of a fun exercise – you should try it.  I found Jennifer Ortiz’s version here if you’d like to see someone else’s Must Haves.  If you had to pick 10 things to describe what you love and what makes up who you are, what would they be?  Care to share?  Now that I’ve shared a bit about me, I’d love to learn about some of you out there. If 10 things are too many, how about 3 or 4?  Leave me a comment by clicking the word “Comment” below the ads.  I look forward to meeting you…