DESPERATE DELIGHTS

One of the blogs I read regularly is The Desperate Diva. It’s always fun to see what Diane has been up to. For the past few months, however, everyone’s favorite Diva has been too busy to blog!

To get my Diva fix, I drop by her three online shops instead --From Desperate To Diva , Home Style Divas , and Just Gotta Try It. I adore her piggy dish towels.
Actually, I usually love whatever Diane choses to feature -- whether it’s sweet treats, seasonal décor, or diva-worthy home design.
Yesterday, a surprise Diva care package arrived on my front stoop. I thought you might like an up close and personal peek at some of the goodies in my package. (Diane, you are my new best friend!) Ornaments, spoon fudge, a plate rack....
Last but not least, in honor of my BLOG DU JOUR, Diane made me my very own Book Blog tea towel. Life is good!

COLOR OF THE YEAR
I know you have all been anxiously holding your breath. The Pantone winner for 2008 is…. Blue Iris.
"From a color forecasting perspective, we have chosen Blue Iris as it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics, and home products," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on color standards for the design industries.“This beautiful blue-purple combines the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple,” says Leatrice.
The color, also seen in phlox and rosemary blossoms, is “emotionally anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic,” says Leatrice, “Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays. Painting a wall in Blue Iris will add an elegant level of composure with a touch of dynamism to any room.”


*** BLOG DU JOUR***
I would have featured The Desperate Diva as today’s blog but Diane says she needs another week or two to start blogging again. I will let you know when she’s back but meanwhile may I suggest visiting Lilia’s Flea Market Studio.

Vintage floral cigarette cards, old playing cards, retro ribbons, bits of wallpaper… I first “met” Lilia through her Etsy offerings.Lilia shops at flea markets and thrift stores for the materials to use in her one-of-a-kind art pieces and art Journals. She sells her extras on-line.
Her blog chronicles her art, her life and her sense of style. No matter what subject she writes about, the blog is a visual treat. Go see for yourself.