It's the Most Lackluster Time of the Year...

OK, I'm rephrasing that cheery carol for a post-Christmas season, all right? The cookie-baking and decorating are over, along with festive family meals and a performance of the Nutcracker. My ever-growing Santa collection and Christmas tree have been stowed in the garage, along with all the wreaths and decorations. The house looks downright bare. With below freezing temps some nights, I decided that my patio plants should migrate to the living room. Now it has the look of a small botanical garden, which lifted my spirits a bit.

Sigh. What's a girl to do? First, I bought myself a new yellow orchid at Trader Joe's to liven up my office. Then I realized that the family room was starting to look a bit shabby. My pouf footstool purchased at the late lamented Pier One seven years ago was shedding bits of burgundy leather all over the floor. It took a while, but I finally found a replacement online and put in an order.

The 36-bottle metal wine rack next to the kitchen dining area was home to only a half-dozen bottles and the rest of the shelves had become a catch-all for Noah's Legos, puzzles, crayons, games and assorted other items. Very sick of looking at it. Once again, I turned to the internet and after an exhaustive search, came up with an inexpensive (code for shipped in a flat box and you assemble the darn thing) cabinet with glass doors and criss-cross wine storage. It's a rich red and matches the kitchen chairs. Andy and I have been constructing it together on the quilt-covered kitchen table, which is going much better than the first time we tried to hang wallpaper with only a little cursing.

Finally, my attention turned to the once-beautiful cotton dhurrie rug we bought when we moved into this house. Despite being hauled outdoors and hosed down a few times, it is now permanently stained from God-knows-what the kids have dropped on it. Some of the edges, which I have repaired a few times, are frayed beyond rescue. Time for something new. Without even stepping foot from the house (which is good because I've been clomping around in an orthopedic boot due to a stress fracture in my foot), I surfed through dozens of rug and furniture sites, looking for something appealing. It seems cotton dhurries are not available anymore, but I found a great-looking rug made of polyester, which will take a lot of abuse and can be hosed off.

It's amazing what a little online retail therapy can do to relieve the winter blahs. I promise to stop spending money for a while (at least until Valentine's Day). Happy New Year, y'all.

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