COTE DE TEXAS: It Was A Very Good Year

It Was A Very Good Year

 

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Hello, it’s Joni – the face behind Cote de Texas.  I thought I‘d introduce myself for once – all professionally photoshopped, with 54 year old wrinkles and jowls miraculously removed and my image stretched vertically to make me look less……horizontal!    Thank God for photoshop!   Signing off on 2008 brings thoughts of this past year – a year in which Cote de Texas played a huge part in my life.   So many wonderful things have come my way because of this little design blog – the friendships made in real life and through emails, the support you brought with each and every comment (except that occasional nasty Anonymous!) and then there was the wealth of knowledge that came from reading your own blogs about design in your lives.  It’s a small, but growing community – the design blogs – a sisterhood (and brotherhood) dedicated to our homes and our love for them and for those of our friends.

Cote de Texas has become a passion – something which I feel a great responsibility to.   I think about it a lot, questioning my ability to keep you entertained:  what I will find to write about next, will I ever think of anything decent to blog about again?  Just knowing you are out there, clicking onto an old post drives me mad – I wish I could have something interesting and new to post three times a day, but three times a week is more the reality, unfortunately.  

Sometimes what goes on behind the scenes is funnier than what is written.   This year – the award for absurdity goes to a homeowner who shall remain nameless.  When I received gorgeous real estate photographs of her house in an email, and was informed it was up for sale – I naively shared it with you, of course!   The homeowner quickly wrote me, aghast, and demanded to know if I had broken into her home and taken pictures of it!!!  Uh, no.   I’m not THAT crazy for a new story line!    What a headline that would make:

Desperate for a new topic, blogger Cote de Texas broke into a Houston mansion to steal pictures of it to show her readers.   Arrested, she remains in jail, unable to post bail – her funds all dried up due to her incessant purchasing of French antiques.”

OK.  I’ll admit to suffering from writer’s block now and then, but trust me people, your homes are safe from me!   But, finding new topics to write about became somewhat harder this year.  2008 was the year of the Design Blog explosion.  Every day brought a new and exciting design blog to read and with each new blog, the competition for fresh material became just a little bit more intense.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve started to write about something, only to discover three other bloggers had already covered the subject, and more adequately, too.  Still, somehow I managed to write a number of columns that you found interesting judging from the amount of comments and emails it garnered.   So, here, is a recap of 2008’s more popular Cote de  Texas stories.   I hope you enjoy revisiting these with me.  Follow the RED links to reread the story in its entirety, if you so desire.  And my favorite picks of the 2008 design blogs follows.

 

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Katrina refuges seek shelter in the Houston Astrodome.

I learned a big lesson this year.  Politics and design blogging don’t mix!   Not everyone, by a long shot,  who reads this blog wanted to hear how great Obama was.  Trust me on this!    When I wrote about President Bush and Hurricane Katrina in Gustav – The Bad, boy were the comments heated!  Quite a few of you threatened to never read my blog again after that post!   But it worked both ways.  A Republican blogger friend suffered the same exact threats from Democrats.   I learned, I learned!

 

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Kelly Wearstler, noted designer and author, is just one of the many famous interior designers fined in Florida.  

The one story that truly resonated with readers and created the most comments was ASID – An Agency Out of Control - a post written about Kelly Wearstler, among other notables, being fined in Florida for practicing without a license.   I was stunned to learn what is happening to interior designers in Florida and other states and it was a real eye opener to read how intrusive ASID has become.   Readers mostly agreed, though some pro-ASID people left comments too.  To date, there have been more than 200 comments left, debating the issue of the state licensing of interior designers.  The battle still rages on, but the anti-ASID side seems to be making the most strides.

 

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Hunkering Down with Ike

Another popular storyline and a more poignant one was the series about Hurricane Ike.   I was deeply touched by all the well wishes and prayers you sent our way during Ike.   I can’t express how much your comments meant to my family, even though I didn’t have the electricity to read them and had to resort to using my car battery to charge up my laptop!  As I write this now, our fence is finally being replaced from Ike’s damage – but we were the lucky ones.   Galveston and Bolivar Island suffered greatly and still suffer today.

  

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The beautiful oaks trees and houses of Galveston’s Historical  District.

Remember those beautiful trees from the Historical Districts in Galveston that you commented on?    All those gorgeous trees are now dead, killed by the salt water during Ike.   I can’t bear to think how terrible it must be for that neighborhood, many of those oak trees were planted right after the Great Storm.   In an interesting side note to the Galveston story, one reader was motivated by the pictures to purchase a second home in the historical district!  Lucky girl!

  

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The Wheat’s beautiful kitchen.

So many of you enjoyed Stalking the Wheats in West University and at their Beach House – Bolivar Style.   I still get emails about their house and specifically their kitchen paint color:  Benjamin Moore Fieldstone, btw!  In all – those two stories generated lots of comments and private emails and Sally Wheat became a bit of a celebrity with Cote de Texas readers.  Luckily their Bolivar beach house survived Ike.

  

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The Toile Peugeot!

New Car Blues (and white) was another one you commented on.   But more interesting was the fact that so many design bloggers love the vintage Jeep Wagoneer.  Let’s start a petition to bring it back!

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Virtual Beach House #1 versus

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Virtual Beach House #2

I never can anticipate what story you will like or reject, and sometimes your choice is surprising.  One such surprise was My Virtual Beach House.  Apparently, everyone has dreams of one day furnishing a second home too!    You voted on whether you liked Beach House #1 or #2 best.  House #2 won.

 

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The beautiful living room from the popular movie Something’s Gotta Give.

My all-time favorite topic to write about is the Something’s Gotta Give beach house – and I’ve done it as much as humanly possible.  So many people had emailed me about that house that I decided to write a blog on how to achieve the same look in your own home in Beach House-Series #4, Hamptons House.   My dream is to one day write an entire book about that movie beach house!!

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Nancy Lancaster’s Famous Butta Yellow Drawing Room

The answer to that aged-old decorating dilemma – To Clutter or Not to Clutter remains elusive to me and, apparently,  to lots of you too!!  It seems a number of people can’t decide if they want to live in a cozy, cluttered home or in a slick, clean and spare interior.  I’m still undecided – what about you?

 

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The Infamous Miles Redd Slipcover

When Decorno wrote that she hated this skirted table in a Miles Redd interior, I felt a need to defend it in Skirted Tables.   After Decorno responded, the war of words was on and comments flew from my blog to hers and back again.   Never has such a silly topic gotten so heated!

 

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And finally - Thank Yous to Bloggers, Readers, and Stalkers!, a recap of the year’s emails and gifts I received deserves a reading if you missed it the first go round.  If you have ever sent me a picture of your home, it probably was included here!

Here is my list of favorite new blogs in 2008.   There is one for each month – it was hard to limit it to just 12, all the new blogs are great!!!  In no particular order, in fact the last one is favorite:

Velvet and Linen – What can I say about Brooke Giannetti?  Beautiful, talented, sweet, warm.  Her blog is phenomenal, her talent even more so.  The first time I read hers I thought, “well, it’s been fun writing mine.”  Brooke lives a fairy tale life in two beautiful homes she and her architect husband created.  Read it and often – you will be amazed.

Visual Vamp – Another dynamo, Valorie Hart is an interior designer, florist, tango dancer, inn keeper – you name it, she’s done it.  Her blog is the stream of consciousness that flows from her intellectual brain.  I adore her!

Cheap Chic – A 17 year old writes about fashion.  OK, it’s not design, but she’s my daughter!!!!!  oy!

The Lettered Cottage – Layla is redoing her darling cottage and we get front row seats.  Catch her now – she’s probably going to be HGTV’s next Design Star!!!

Color Outside the Lines -  Artie, working and decorating and gardening in upstate New York.   He’s a doll – the sweetest there is.

Simply Seleta – Seleta lives in Florida’s wonderful northwest area.  Beautiful with 4 beautiful little ones living in a beautiful house.

Renee Finberg – is an interior designer from Florida.  A wealth of knowledge, her blog is exotic and heady.  Worth a daily visit!

Lime in the  Coconut – Florida again.  Linda writes about beaches, hotels in sunny spots, her house, and her tropical style.  Delightful!

Canyon Wren Cottage – Texas!  Austin!  A recap of real estate happenings in the Hill Country. 

Willow Decor – Swedish gray and white all the way.   Lots of yummy eye candy.

Harmony and Home – A Californian interior designer blogs about interior design.   Rebecca’s story on the Golden Mean is first rate.

French Essence – France, Provence, Vicki Archer, The Book, The Blog – Vicki leads the life we all dream for!!!!

Here is wishing all of you and yours a Happy and Very Healthy New Years!!!!    I am looking forward to sharing 2009 with all of you!!!

83 comments :

  1. Happy New year, darling! I am excited to see what 2009 brings to you and your blog! I have enjoyed reading it in 2008!!

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  2. Dear Joni,

    Your first sentence of this post feels so like myself. The wrinkles, the jowls, the horizontal self! 52 instead of 54...but who's counting!

    Girl, I need to tell you that you have been "tagged"! Visit my last post to find out more. Happy New Year! :) ~Cheryl

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  3. Joni - you're the best. Thanks also for being there for all of us "little bloggers", the ones who don't have front-row seats in the design world. On behalf of all the balcony dwellers who just write about what we find pretty, with maybe some ugly life bits thrown in, thanks! I have learned so much from you this year - mostly about kindness.

    Love, Terri xo

    P.S. You are looking very vertical. :)

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  4. Joni, getting back to you on your questions. Your pic looks great...so stop giving away your secrets...! LOL

    As far as the "tagged" ....you have been at this a lot longer than me.... if you have been tagged many times..... I am sure you can pass.

    No pics of my house. Moved from a small place in CA to a big place in TX. Kind of like starting all over. Lot's of bare walls and empty corners. Wish I could say it looks like yours....but it doesn't.

    I'm on the outskirts of Dallas ! Rockwall area.

    ~Cheryl

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  5. Dearest Joni,
    Thank you for the wonderful mention and I am so touched to be included with such creative and clever bloggers.
    Cote de Texas has taught me, charmed me and inspired me since my first reading, so I want to say a huge thanks to you.
    I look forward to sharing many more blogs and emails in 2009. Happy New Year, xv.

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  6. Great post. You have done great at blogging. You are so right about the community. Although I am new, I am finding everyone to be so sweet and kind. I wont always be "the new girl" and look forward to growth and more great blogs. Keep up the great work from TEXAS!

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  7. Joni,
    Cote De Texas is a gift to everyone! Your posts are so well thought out and informtative! Many of the ones you mentioned are stored in my favorites file. especially Sally Wheat's house. Such a beautiful home and lovely person, she is so willing to share information! Thanks so much for mention - I am humbled to be such great compnay.
    Happy New Year!
    xoxo-Gina

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  8. Happy New Year Joni and thank you for providing us with such a fabulous blog!!! I have learned so much from you & have enjoyed your blog....can't wait for more in '09.

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  9. Joni,

    You keep writing, and we'll keep reading! Hope your 2009 is blessed beyond all measure! Sending much love your way...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  10. Dear Joni,

    Happy New Year to you and thanks for providing us with such a fantastic blog. I appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts. I am always inspired by your posts and enjoy seeing photos of your home and work, as well as the work of other designers. You have great style and a terrific sense of humor! I look foward to your 2009 posts.

    All the best,
    Deborah

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  11. Happy New Year Joni!!! There may be a million blogs out there but yours is still the best!! The Oscar winner!!! It is coupled with your generous nature to help us all in our homes and in our life. Our countless conversations on everything from decor to religion have meant more than you know. Here's to an even better 2009!
    Cheers!

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  12. I so much enjoyed this post. You are as pretty as the homes you show. I do not have a blog and you make me want to start one. Your blog is one of my favorites, I look at daily. Thanks for the time that you devote to it. vickydarnell

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  13. I so much enjoyed this post. You are as pretty as the homes you show. I do not have a blog and you make me want to start one. Your blog is one of my favorites, I look at daily. Thanks for the time that you devote to it. vickydarnell

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  14. Dear Joni - What WAS life like before Cote de Texas? You've taught me so much and put up with a lot (stalkers!). Love your sense of humor and spirit of generosity!!!! To 2009 - a year of peace.

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  15. Happy New Year, Joni! I'll be here, reading every fabulous blog post you publish, in 2009!

    I see you've listed some of my favorite design blogs and I see new ones, to explore.

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  16. Anonymous 9:19 AM is Pat@Back Porch Musings, Joni.

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  17. Joni - You are truly an inspiration and a fun read. I came upon your blog by accident. While in the Houston area I googled Cote de Sud Houston. I was trying to locate a bookstore where I might find my favorite magazine. Instead I found your blog - what a delight.
    Love all the interesting information you provide.
    Ry Bryer de Hickman

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  18. Your generous and warm spirit shine through this post and every post in 2008. I look forward to another great year from CDT, and I especially look forward to the CDT top 3 designers!

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  19. Happy New Year Joni! I love visiting your blog. ~Cindy~

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  20. Happy new Year...here's to a fun year of inspiration and more to come in 2009!

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  21. Great post and recap, Joni. Never fear about being outmoded by an newcomer blog - you are an legend in your own right now and the blogging community couldn't do without you! Wishing you, Ben and Elisabeth all the best in 2009 and viva Cote de Texas!

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  22. Happy New Year, Joni!

    I loved this post. I wanted to say thank you to you for your site -- for all your inspiration, knowledge, wit, humor, comments, emails and kindness. It is always a great and beautiful addition to my day!

    xo Isa

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  23. Joni, You can see what an inspiration you have been to so many other designers, artists, and those who believe in beautiful surroundings! Thank you. Working full time + painting, now I have to figure out when to sleep, with so much to read!

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  24. Happy New Year, Joni! All of these posts were among my favorites of yours this year. Wishing you all the best this year!

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  25. Dear Joni,
    Your blog was the first design blog I visited, and oh boy have you gotten me hooked! I ditto Virginia's comment, "What was life like before Cote de Texas?"! Your keen eye and entertaining commentary is much admired and appreciated. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and inspiring New Year!

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  26. Oh, you look fabulous of course -don't be so modest! Happy New Year, Joni - your blog brought much happiness and beauty onto the internet this past year and hopefully as much so if not more in the upcoming year! 2009!!

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  27. You are the best and I can't wait to bump into you sometime in Houston! Thanks for all of your inspiring articles and great humor! Ching-Ching to the new year and many more fabulous posts from Cote de Texas!

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  28. I just adore your blog and look forward to fun reads throughout 2009.

    Your picture inspired me! You look 35 in that picture. I'm going to start some Photoshop work on a picture of this 54 (whoops! 55 yesterday) year old gravity challenged face.

    As for your occasional political comments on our soon to be gone government administration...you know how it's said that, "A rose by any other name is still a rose.(?)" Well, a schmuck my any other name is still a schmuck!

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  29. Happy New Year, Joni! I totally appreciate all of your effort and hard work in producing your blog...you have great taste and an equally important great sense of humor-thanks for entertaining us all so well!

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  30. Joni- a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing some of your favorite blogs! Happy golden 2009!

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  31. I'm laughing so hard at the thought of you breaking into a home to photograph decor. What would you bee charged with? HA.

    The thought of practicing without a license is crazy. If I'm opening my wallet I can hire whomever I wish, including the talented but not licensed. My daughter has a master's degree in design and project management.....she's not a brain surgeon and certainly hasn't the ability to harm anyone through her unlicensed design efforts. Sheesh! ASID is outta control for sure.

    I agree about the politics and such, I just don't go into it. It doesn't fall into the focus of my blog and I don't want to muddy the waters.

    Thanks for everything you do. I also love following you on Facebook!

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  32. I'm laughing so hard at the thought of you breaking into a home to photograph decor. What would you bee charged with? HA.

    The thought of practicing without a license is crazy. If I'm opening my wallet I can hire whomever I wish, including the talented but not licensed. My daughter has a master's degree in design and project management.....she's not a brain surgeon and certainly hasn't the ability to harm anyone through her unlicensed design efforts. Sheesh! ASID is outta control for sure.

    I agree about the politics and such, I just don't go into it. It doesn't fall into the focus of my blog and I don't want to muddy the waters.

    Thanks for everything you do. I also love following you on Facebook!

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  33. Joni,

    I love the recap of the most popular, many of which were my favorites too! You ARE the quintessential blog to read. You set the standard, I think, for all design blogs out there and what impresses me most is the amount of research and information that goes into your blog. It's amazing! Thank you for including me on your list of new blogs. I'm very flattered! I'm trying to live up to the standard you set for us all! Happy New Year and may many wonderful blessings come your way in 2009!

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  34. Joni - What a perfect intro/recap for one new to blogging: I shall continue to look forward to your humour and acute observations in the coming year!
    judith de SF

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  35. We need more months in the year...

    you are my Texas hero....wish we were neighbors...I'd be in your employment line...handing you my freelance resume from 30 years of design....no degree just certified down deep in my soul...a passion for taking something ho hum and making it fabulous

    I love chatting by email, too

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  36. Thanks so much for Cote de Texas, Joni! Your posts have really inspired me - not only to work harder to grow my design biz (with aspirations to do it with as much style as you do!), but also to maybe get in on some of this bloggy fun for myself! We'll see what 2009 brings. For you, I hope it brings much success and happiness and lots of inspiration for future blog topics (ok, that last one is really more for me and all your other readers! :).

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  37. Happy New Year Joni! I had totally missed the great table skirt debate. Too funny. And don't worry about not being able to post daily - the depth of your posts shows that quality is better than quantity!

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  38. Brava, Brava, Bravissima! Thanks for all your blogging and for your terrific sense of humor and wit. I still laugh when I think about the post of the builder houses when you asked what was the reason for those low odd windows in the garage- a place for little children to peer over?

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  39. Happy New Year, Joni!!!! I hear that in 2009, there will be no more wrinkles in the world. Is that true?

    You do a bang up job, kid ;) Your blog is literally the best on the internets, and you know that I come daily to peruse your latest insights. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

    Andrea

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  40. Joni! How I love thee! Words would never be able to express the sincere and honest gratitude I have in finding you and your blog. You've kept me motivated, and for much more than just blogging, but for decorating - dreaming, and being a giving and kind hearted person. You're an inspiration of massive proportions, and to be featured as one of your top favorites for 2008 brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so very much, and Happy New Year!

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  41. Joni, Cote de Texas is definitely among my favorite blogs. I've really enjoy getting to know you this year. You're a real sweetheart, and I love, love, love your style. Hopefully we can meet in real life one of these days.

    Happy New Year!

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  42. Joni, you were probably the 2nd or 3rd blog I found but you are my absolute favorite. I truly get heart palpitations when I see you have posted. I wouldn't care if you blogged about your grocery shopping or how to put on toilet paper rolls as long you keep on posting.
    Whether it is your drive by's stalking and peek ins, question clutter or no clutter, never enough sconces, flowers, beach houses, it seems like you read my mind before I even knew I was thinking it.
    You have entertained me more than you could ever know and the knowledge I get from your posts is unbelievable.
    If you need stuff to blog about please post the emails you receive from people asking questions about their decorating problems and your responses.
    Luv every minute of your blog, don't ever stop or I will have to stalk your ever move. Just kidding...maybe xo. MB

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  43. Happy New Year Joni.. I enjoy your blog though I'm just a country girl writing about poodles and gardening.. ;) Dixie

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  44. I want some of that Photoshop!!
    Its very evident how dedicated you are to your blog, because it is always so entertaining. Of course, you are blessed to be such a clever person. I'm looking forward to another year.
    Carolina

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  45. Interesting hearing the followup to these posts. I'm sad to hear the oaks died. Its a reminder to replant asap when a tree comes down. Happy New Year Joni.

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  46. Joni, you are so GRACIOUS and SMART!!! Honestly, your blog is just THE BEST!!! I love, love, love it! You are brimming with the most wonderful ideas. You have such a vision...and attention to detail. You are the Rolls Royce of designers!!!

    Here's to a WONDERFUL 2009!!!
    Hugs!

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  47. A Truly Happy New Year to You, Joni! May all your dreams come true.

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  48. It is such fun recapping your year!
    Your blog is the standard by which all others are measured.
    Thank you so much for making my year brighter and better.
    xo xo

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  49. That yearly recap was wonderful...The best of the best!
    What a wonder you are...Your posts are always amazing, full of wit and research and always always you leave me with something I never thought about.

    Continue your good work, dear friend...Photoshop schmotoshop...your light shines right through!

    To a wonderful 2009!

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  50. Joni, I know I speak for lots of your readers when I say that you can post about ANYTHING at all and we'll eat it up. You have a real knack for this and we appreciate your taste and insights. Keep up the great work in 2009 and we'll keep tuning in to Cote de Texas!

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  51. Happy New Year Joni! I don't think you could ever do a posting I didn't like. Thanks for the lovely memories of your 2008 postings. laurie

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  52. Happy new year !!!!
    Your blog is awesome !!!
    I lived in San Antonio, Texas for years when I was a kid and have so happy memories!!!!

    All the best !!!

    Isabel ( from Buenos Aires, Argentina)

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  53. This was a great post Joni. The skirted table issue made me laugh again at the absurdity of some people. :)

    I think that it is ok for you to blog about a subject that 3 other bloggers have already posted on because it will be from your point of view. (Also, there is a good chance I haven't read their post.)

    Finally, I spied a lovely couch on Ebay and envisioned myself recovering it in linen and thinking "Should I buy it? Would Joni?"
    Blessings to you in this new year!

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  54. I'm incredibly happy to have found your blog. I'm from Houston originally. We moved 2 years ago to El Paso...which as far as design goes, is like moving to the Moon. I'm conflicted with ASID too. I'm an Allied Member, so I'm a "decorator" who has had her own business for 11 years. I have a BBA from The University of St. Thomas and an Associated Degree from The Art Institute of Houston in Design. I was not welcomed with open arms here in El Paso's design community. Oh well...I'm too old to get worked up about petty sniping. Your blog is beautiful and informative. My blog does not just focus on interiors...it's just a hodge podge of things I'm interested in. Keep up the good work. You have found a new follower! Jill

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  55. Joni, this is a PS. I think I forgot to tell you that I loved that picture of you! Annie says to tell you that she and I got into the Hershey Kisses last night (long story) and that no amount of air-brushing is going to change the fact that we've gained some serious weight over the holidays! ;-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  56. Hi Joni
    I am looking forward to sharing 2009 with you also. A very happy and healthy 2009 to you and your family.

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  57. Happy New Year Joni!
    It's nice to know you struggle with filling up those blog pages from time to time, too.
    We're just trying to get back in the grove here. Between holidays and kids home from school, there has been little time for blogland!
    We're looking forward to another year of Cote de Texas, and don't worry... every time we pop over we're always amazed at the depth and amount of work that has gone into one of your posts.
    Best wishes for a great year!
    Karla & Karrie

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  58. Dear Joni;
    You are beautiful!! And so is your blog. I have enjoyed reading it almost everyday since I first discovered it about three months ago. Cote de Texas is absolutely amazing, and and so helpful to me. My kitchen and some adjoining rooms were flooded last August (the ice-maker), and rather than just restore them to their previous sixteen-year-old condition, we decided to remodel the entire downstairs. Your blog and some of the others that you have recommended have been a HUGE source of inspiration, useful ideas, and comfort. We are still in the grueling remodeling process, and I am still being benefitted by your fantastic and generous blog.
    Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you;
    Laura Hardy
    P.S. I have never commented on any blog before. Technologically challenged is how my kids describe me, and they are right.

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  59. You've been an inspiration and have definately set the Bl-Oscar's to a new level.

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  60. I really enjoy getting your updates..especially your photos! Some times you dont even have to write something! A picture says a thousand words! ha

    Thanks for always putting a bit of class in my inbox!

    ~Vanessa

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  61. Hi Joni,So that is the trick to a good picture,thank you for the heads up.At 58 I hate to tell you it gets worse but I think acceptance and life overall gets better.I loved this post.I am new to the blog-land as of Sept of this year.I found you through Eddie Ross and I am so glad I did.You are a wealth of information and inspiration.I think if you keep doing what you have done and stay true to JONI we will all be blessed with a fun new year to look forward too.Although most of could not afford your wonderful taste it is definately something to aspire too.I am a regualar visitor although I don't always comment but today I felt I needed to give you the thumbs UP!! Thank you for the time and energy all of this take,it does not go unnoticed.Kathysue

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  62. Happy New Year and great year end roundup! I saw someone mention your chandelier as one of their favorite posts of the year in blogland and I had to agree. Thanks for all you the beauty you share. xoxo

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  63. It's been quite a year! Reading your wonderful blog and getting to know you has made it so much better. Your beautiful photo! Perfect! and recap of the last year brought back alot of memories.:)
    Here's to an even better New Year! It will be full of changes I think for the better. Thanks for being such a great blogging friend Joni. I appreciate you more than you know.

    Cheers!
    Katie

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  64. Joni, Happy New Year Girl. You look fabulous by the way! The blogging world would not be the same, and I adore your insight (obviously!!!). Thanks again for taking the time for all of us, I'm always thrilled to get an email from you. Health, happiness, and good memories for you and your family in 09'. xoxo Ali

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  65. Joni,

    I love your blog!! I used to work for Ginger Barber and remember you always coming to the store to buy the fabulous KT candles! (I was the redhead with the Cavalier named Henry :)

    If you are ever out of ideas on what to blog (ha!) will you do something on decorating a fireplace mantle....I am so sick of mine and totally blank on what to do. Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration!

    kelly

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  66. YOU AND YOUR BLOG WERE MY FAVORITE FIND OF 2008. I LOVE HOW YOU TALK TO ALL OF THE BIG AND LITTLE PEOPLE OF DESIGN. I FEEL SO LUCKY EACH TIME I TUNE INTO YOUR POSTS. XO

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  67. Happy New Year, love your blog....

    Kathy :)
    jokaj@comcast.net

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  68. Happy New Year to you Joni! I'm looking forward to another year of your great posts...I have to say I thought the slipcover debate was fun!

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  69. This recap was wonderful, Joni! Since I am a relative newcomer, I enjoyed this so much.....I feel like I am caught up now!

    Thanks so much for your wonderful COTE DE TEXAS and I look forward to more exciting adventures in design with JONI!!
    xoxo..........MIMILEE

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  70. Just started reading your blog and I love your pics!

    Hope you can swing by mine... It is brand new (and lonely!!)

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  71. Joni
    You did some great posts this past year. I just re-read your Something’s Gotta Give beach house post and give it an A++++. The skirted table posts brings back some laughs and posting on anything to do with politics is a definite No NO....I too learnt the hard way. Some of the acid comments I got are still stinging in my mind.
    All in all is was a very good year and you chalked up alot of very good and creative work!!! Cheers to you!!!

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  72. Great recap! Love your humor!
    Thanks for list of new blogs; I'll definitely check 'em out. :-) Susan

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  73. Dearest Joni,

    I have so enjoyed your many posts this year and I am looking forward to '09. I admire your passion for design and energy (as a fellow 54y/o) and find inspiration in your blog.
    We wish you and the family the best for this New Year.
    Your admirer,
    Beth in the Heights

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  74. Happy New Year Joni!
    I loved this post! I had missed so much, so I greatly appreciate the favorite posts of '08. Also love you '08 blog list- couldn't agree with you more!
    joan

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  76. Joni!

    Oh my gosh I was just catching up on my very behind reading and saw that I made "the list." Are you kidding?!?

    An incredible endorsement from the Style Queen, herself? I'm giddy. I'm honored to be among such amazing company.

    You are one terrific designer, blogger and friend.

    xoxoxo
    Seleta

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  77. Joni...so glad to see such a beautiful photo of you. I enjoy each and every post and feel as though I know you. In fact, I was at a French restaurant in the village this weekend and saw someone that looked like you and I wondered.... I know we must pass each other all day long.

    I am not a designer but I have decided to blog more about my passion for decorating as well as the other things I blog about. you inspired me to take that risk in ways.

    Happy New Year!

    Kim

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  78. Thank you Joni for a year of such great joy! Your blog is like a real fresh breath of air...wow. I have seen so many [perfect spaces that I have turned a permanent shade of green!
    Still, I do believe that it is YOUR home that calls to me most of all...it is a dream.

    Happy New year to you and your lovely family. May 2009 be one filled with joy and those most erfect home accessories no one could live without!

    Love,
    Sue

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  79. What a wonderful photo -- for your darn-it-better-be-soon decor book! (gosh -- I'm still a pest about that subject) As wisely mentioned above -- I simply couldn't face a day at the computer without stopping be your blog first. Charming, witty and always educational too -- could this year get any better? Yep. When you announce a book deal ...... LOL!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  80. Felice Anno Nuovo! The Firenze blog is bellissima! I found your blog in August and it is like receiving a design education for free. The very best decorating blog I read. There is a book (or two) in you and it must come out. Start on it (but keep up the blog!!).

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  81. This was a great round-up of some of my most favorites posts from this past year! And yes, let's petition to bring the Wagoneer back!! :)

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  82. Have I told you that you ROCK lately!?

    :-)
    Layla
    The Lettered Cottage

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