{ image via CNN }

But there is a little something that those of us in the Dallas area can do!  A friend sent out the following email, asking us to donate a few things that will be taken down to Mexico and really help out those in need:

I spoke this afternoon to a special friend from my school whose grandparents and extended family live in the area of northern Mexico just west of Nuevo Laredo, where entire communities have been flooded out.  Her father has driven down there with a trailer full of donated cases of water, diapers, clothing, etc.  There were so many people in the streets in desperate need of water and bread that he had given it all away before he reached his own family.  Her father will be returning to Dallas by the weekend to begin collecting and sorting another load to go next week.

The people affected had almost nothing to begin with, and now they have less than nothing – including no water to drink.  If you have friends with outgrown children’s clothing, etc., please ask them to join in with us.  And if you have clothing, shoes, towels, blankets, or would like to donate cases of water, diapers, etc. – please let me know.  We can gather things at my house this week and then they’ll be driven down to Mexico, person-to-person.

~ Janis

UPDATE: All household-related items are needed, including canned or boxed food, and “anything that might be used to set up a home.”

If you live in the Dallas area and you’d like to help out with a donation of clothes, food or water, just email me and I’ll let you know how.  Thanks!

I’m sharing my top 10 tips for adding flair and personality to your home – I hope you’ll stop by to say hello!

{And while you’re there, see if you can spot a little surprise in my post – I don’t know if you’ll notice it, but let me know if you do.} :)

See you over at Odi et Amo!

We started off with six days in Provence, a region in southeastern France known for its fabulous soaps, abundant lavender and gorgeous countryside adored by such painters as Van Gogh and Cézanne.  Our home base was the charming town of Saint Remy de Provence {where Van Gogh painted more than 150 of his works}.  We stayed on the grounds of an old chateau just two blocks from the center of town, which was a huge treat.

Our first day began in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, a beautiful town criss-crossed by a lovely river.  We ran straight for the flea market – and let me tell you, French markets are awesome!!  The sights, smells and hustle & bustle were more than I had hoped for.

My obsession for chocolate croissants began in L’Isle sur la Sorgue – I think “deux pain au chocolat, s’il vous plait” was my mantra throughout the entire trip!

After oohing and aahing to our heart’s content, we made our way to Les Baux de Provence, a former fortress that is now known as an artist commune.  The views of the town from across the valley were simply spectacular.

On day two we headed out to Arles, the historic town where Van Gogh painted Starry Night, The Cafe and a host of other well-known paintings.  Along the way we stopped near Tarascon to check out the Les Olivades fabric factory and outlet, and after walking the Van Gogh trail in Arles we drove through the Camargue to the seaside town of Saintes- Maries-de-la-Mer.

The Camargue is well-known for its wild flamingos, black bulls and white horses.  Who knew?

Day three was a bit of a rain day, but we were not to be deterred.  We headed to the market in Vaison-la-Romaine, enjoyed a tour of the L’Occitane factory and got thoroughly wet along the way!  Still, a great day.

On our fourth day we enjoyed the market in our own little town, St. Remy.  It’s funny, after just a few days we definitely felt like it was home!  The market was fabulous, and once again we bought just about everything in sight {I think we’ve bought each other’s birthday and Christmas presents through 2012}.  The afternoon was spent in Avignon enjoying the 16th-century walled city most famous for its Palace of the Popes.

On day five we were hot for lavender, Provence’s claim to fame.  At the Musee de Lavende in Caustellet we learned the difference between lavende {fine lavender grown at high elevations whose essence is extremely costly} and lavendin {the more common and less-expensive lavender used in everyday soaps, etc.}.  In our pursuit of lavender we drove through Village de Bories which featured spectacular dry stacked stone walls and houses that looked a bit like beehives.

Later that day we enjoyed walking through the gorgeous hilltop town of Gordes, known to be the home of some of France’s celebrities.  Next came Rousillon, a surprise stop that proved to be well worth it – the buildings in this artist mecca were bright red from the pigment in the soil that the town is known for.

The lavender trail became hot and heavy around Sault – even though the lavender wasn’t yet at its peak {late July and early August are prime lavender times} the lavender fields were gorgeous and it was unbelievable to see how they dominated the landscape.

Our last day in Provence was spent at the market in Carpentras, and ended happily back in St. Remy where we wandered the town, met a local artist and enjoyed saying goodbye to our temporary home.

The very next day we hopped in the car and drove to the Loire Valley to check out the chateaux!  Coming soon…

P.S.  My mom was the designated photographer for this trip, so most of the pics can be credited to her!  My aunt was the amazing trip planner {her true calling in life, I think}.  I was just along for the ride!

I just got back from spending two awesome weeks in France (sneaky, huh?!?) and I’d hoped to have a full post together for you guys about it but it’s taking me longer than I thought!

In the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek to tide you over.  :)

{ The hilltop town of Gordes in Provence. }

Happy Friday!

P.S.  I’m also trying to get caught up on emails that you guys have sent me, etc.  – I haven’t forgotten about you, I promise!

But what if I had to pick only one show on HGTV?  OMG, it would be like having to pick your favorite child {or cat, in my case}.  But if you really twisted my arm, I’d pick Sarah’s House – I know, I’ve shocked you yet again.

What about you?

I think that about a third of my inspiration photos are from that magazine!  So imagine my surprise {and delight} when I noticed that IGTBH is included on their list of Design Sites We Like.

Thanks, Canadian House & Home!!  You rock.  :)

Click here for the full list of blogs.

When we met seven years ago, who would have thought it would turn out like this?

I’m one lucky chick.  Happy Anniversary, babycakes!

{ via Design*Sponge }

Anyhoo, here’s what I’m thinking – how about a series on IGTBH featuring readers’ homes? Everybody that wants to play will send in a photo of their most favorite part of their home along with a few sentences describing what the space is and what they love about it.  Then I’ll post the photos and descriptions for all you guys to check out {and swoon over, of course}.

Anybody in?  Let me know in the Comments what you think.

Anyhoo, I’ve changed the date so the post is now on the IGTBH homepage, but it’s still not showing up in Google Reader – so if you’d like to read it, just click here.

Thanks for your patience with my technological difficulties!  Here’s a pretty picture as your reward for hanging in there.  :)

{ David Jiminez }

UPDATE:  Ugh, now it’s there and I feel like a doof.  Sigh.