MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!

Here is my bedroom reading niche (winter only, too hot in the summer to sit in this spot).  Just look at these gorgeous books!  Two interior design books (with one more on the way), one book about the French lifestyle, a new cookbook, an autobiography (autographed, thank you very much), and a biography.  A few of these books I purchased with those great 50% off coupons from Border's, the rest I received for Christmas.

So, here's the rundown:

French Essence by Vicki Archer - a gorgeous book about Australian Vicki Archer's love of all things French.  Here is a snippet about her dream life:  Vicki and her family are from Australia, while on vacation in southern France they find a battered olive farmhouse for sale and purchase it.  Not too easy to travel from Australia to Provence on a regular basis so they move to London and commute to Provence. I am not making this up. This book with its glorious photos by Carla Coulson will be in my hands when an escape is needed.

Rooms to Inspire in the City: Stylish Interiors for Urban Living by Annie Kelly. The cover of this book reminded me of my recent day alone jaunt in London--the ottoman by Robert Kime caught my attention. The layers of patterns in this book are breathtaking.  Hopefully a bit of inspiration will come my way as I  freshen-up my family room.

Bunny William's Scrapbook for Living Bunny Williams has always been a favorite of mine.  I want to immerse myself in the spaces she creates.  She is more of a collector than I am, but somehow she makes clutter look elegant.

And who doesn't love the Barefoot Contessa?  Her newest book, Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That? Fabulous Recipes and Easy Tips is a fun read and her recipes have never failed me.

Decision Points by George W. Bush is getting great reviews and I have an autographed copy thanks to my friend, Lisa.  Having met the former President a few times and knowing some of his former staff makes it a more personal read for me.  

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laurie Hillenbrand also is receiving great reviews.  It is the story of Louie Zamperini (a world class runner) who has survived all sorts of disasters including being stranded at sea for over 40 days (during WWII), then thinking he found refuge by making it to an island, is captured by the Japanese.  His misfortunes continue to mount but he survives and it is quite the tale.  He is now in his 90's and handling the book tour for Hillenbrand who is homebound due to a debilitating disease.

And the book on the way is The Finest Rooms in America by Thomas Jayne.  I will need another rainy day to sit and look through this one (it is raining as I type this, brilliant).  Rooms from my favorite house in America, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, are featured in this book. What a treat (thank you, Connor).

In the meantime, my Amazon Wish List has been reduced by a few items so time to replenish.