And The Winners Are:

I'm excited to announce the winners of last week's home design book giveaway !  They are:

Jessica, winner of "Simple Home"

Carole Sinclair, winner of "Reclaiming Style"

and

Liz, winner of "The Natural Home"

Congratulations to you all.  Please email your postal addresses to debra@cocoonhome.com and your books will be on the way!

Many thanks to Ryland Peters & Small for donating the books and to everyone who participated.  I loved reading all your comments.

Moving Mode: Creating New Holiday Traditions

Last weekend we headed to the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down our Christmas tree and thus begin a new holiday tradition in our West Coast life.   I'm happy to say we accomplished both.

Here's to creating new traditions and treasuring old ones.

I would love to see your holiday decorations.  Send images to debra@cocoonhome.com and I'll share them on my blog.  Enjoy this very special season!

Tomorrow I'll reveal the winners of our reader giveaway!

'Til Monday: 5 Friday Favorites

1. Tea cakes with orange butter cream.

2.  A Navajo inspired sweater.

3.  The prettiest horse.

4.  A smoky quartz

and

5.  a beautiful dreamcatcher.

Big Score. Big Branch. Big Mantel.

 On our drive to the SF flower market last week, Natalia and I spotted a utility truck trimming the trees along the highway.  Since we were on our way to buy evergreen branches to decorate both our homes for Christmas, it  took less than a NY minute for me to pull over.  We frantically began loading the van with eucalyptus, holly  and all sorts of pine branches (some with huge pine cones still on them!).   Take a look at how much loot we managed to pack into the car.   This is the story behind the big branch that is now is adorning our big fireplace mantel.  A very happy ending, don't you think?

I just love it when the universe allows such things to happen.  An unexpected moment of serendipity at its best.  I'll show you where the rest of the branches landed next week.

Thank you, Natalia!

Out And About: Farmyard Darlings

Tucked away among an array of lovely plants at Mt. Diablo Nursery lives Farmyard Darlings, this week's Out And About featured shop.  Upon entering the space one is immediately greeted by two very warm-hearted and high spirited women:  Carole Sinclair and Kim Berry, founders and creative forces behind FYDs.  Their love for vintage finds and rustic collectibles comes together seamlessly in this shop.  They stock it with custom designed and repurposed items reminiscent of the Old West.  Take a look at how they've  honed down a unique niche while staying true to their vision.

Introducing the Farmyard Darlings: 

Be sure to checkout and like the Farmyard Darling's Facebook page and if you're a local join them this Friday evening for a dose of East Bay holiday cheer.

Don't forget to enter to win one of three home decor books on Cocoon Home Blog!