Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?

 

 

Everyone who reads design blogs has probably heard of Pigtown Design – a wonderfully written daily diary by Meg Fairfax Fielding.    Although Meg’s home base is Baltimore - in the historic Pigtown neighborhood – her blog is a running commentary on any town or country where she finds historic architecture, interesting interior design, antiques or whatever else she finds intriguing.  Fielding, whose roots run deep in her town could probably become the Good Will Ambassador of Baltimore, she is such a great supporter and proponent of her city that lies in the shadow of the capitol.   And as if keeping up with one blog isn’t enough, Meg is also a foodie and  writes a second blog Pigtown Pigout on edible delights.    But, there is more to Meg than blogging:  in “real life” she works as the Director of Development for the Woodbourne Center.   Woodbourne has a fascinating history – one of the oldest charities in America, founded in 1798 – it provides a safe haven and home for children who are abused, neglected, or unwanted.  Some children at Woodbourne suffer from mental illness, some suffer from poverty, some suffer from drug abuse – but all suffer.    The children’s welfare depends on the generosity of others that keeps Woodbourne operating but, like most charities,  this years donations are down – way, way down.  Even the state has cut their funding, but more damaging, it is requiring that 2% of last year’s grant be returned!  Woodbourne needs your help.   Can you spare a dime, a dollar?

 

 

The Woodbourne Center – once this house is where the orphans actually lived.   Today it houses offices for the staff, including Meg who is lucky to have a gorgeous fireplace in hers!                                    

 

 

 

This year, some of the children are seen in a video reciting their Christmas List.   To watch it, go  HERE.   It’s heart breaking.  Their wishes are so basic - books, pens, pencils, an MP3 player, art supplies, Monopoly, a radio, a sketch pad.  One child quotes the bible.    Another  wishes for joy and happiness, something he says he doesn’t have much of.   Oh my.  If it doesn’t make you cry…….  To hear their simple dreams and hopes is a real eye opener to how so many children have to live their lives in this – the most prosperous nation in the world.

 

As Meg wrote: 

“As economic conditions worsen, it is often children who suffer. Their parents are more stressed than ever and their frustration is sometimes taken out on their children, who then act out and get into trouble at home and at school. They are often the unseen casualties in the economic climate.

But, through wars and depressions, in good times and bad, Woodbourne has been a refuge for these children, providing them with a safe place to recover from the traumatic events which have scarred their young lives.”

 

You can make a donation –  HERE.

 

 

Cote de Texas Christmas Giveaways!!!

 

My Faux Holiday Table for the Houston Chronicle

 

Getting into the Christmas spirit, I am so thrilled to offer a few giveaways today – as a special thank you for all your friendship, support, and loyalty this past year.  Blogging to an empty room isn’t much fun – having readers is what it is all about and I am so very grateful for each visit you make, each comment you leave, and each email that you send my way.    When I first started Cote de Texas - soon to be three  years ago  (!) – there were very few design blogs out there.   Now, it is a vastly different landscape filled with hundreds of wonderful ones to read.   I realize you have plenty of options to choose from now and I am most thankful and truly humbled when you stop by.   So, onto the giveaways!!

The first giveaway is something everyone needs during this season – a Linen Keeper.   A what?   The developer of the Treasure Linen Keeper Portfolio asked the same question the first time she saw a vintage linen keeper from the 1950s.   The portfolio, a folder where you can store your freshly ironed linens, measures 14"x20” with a 2.5” expandable spine.   It is acid free, which makes it perfect for also storing larger photographs or documents, along with placemats, table runners, napkins and tablecloths.     The Linen Keeper will protect your valuable textiles from wrinkling and yellowing and it is easily stored in a drawer or cabinet.    There are several different categories of covers from which you can choose – and all are just $40.00.   But, one lucky reader will receive the Linen Keeper of their choice! 

To enter – all you have to do is go to the web site, Queen Anne’s Place, HERE, pick out the Linen Keeper you would like, come back to the blog and leave me a comment telling  me which one you picked out.   Be sure to include your email address in your comment.      That’s it.  Act fast though – the giveaway closes Friday night at 12:00 pm.  

The runner-up will receive a special giveaway from moi! 

                                  

The Treasure Linen Keeper Portfolio – this one is  my personal favorite!  There are several different skin covers in the Animal Print Collection to choose from.

You might like this one from the Asian Collection.

 

Or, you might prefer this cute one under the Polka Dots section.   And I also liked the Toile Collection covers too. 

Good luck!!!  Remember, go HERE, choose your cover, come back and tell me your choice in a comment!   There will be one Linen Keeper for the First Place winner and the Second Place winner will receive a special gift from me!!!!

 

  
 

The Holly Golightly Christmas by Visual Vamp

 

The next giveaway comes from The Skirted Roundtable.   Many months ago when Linda Merrill of  Surroundings approached me to join her in hosting a design podcast – I was thrilled and leapt at the chance to have another venue in which to talk about decorating.   I suggested Megan of Beach Bungalow 8 as our third partner and the unlikely ensemble of East Coast class, West Coast hip, and Southern drawl was hatched.    Linda came up with our concept and name (which is great on so many levels) and she is our trusty editor and moderator.   Megan and I are Lucy and Ethel.  

This April will be our first anniversary and to say we are shocked by what has transpired would be putting it mildly.   Our guest list has exceeded all of our wildest dreams – and we hope to continue next year with entertaining and informative guests.   Or maybe you prefer just the three of us!    This week we take another stab at holiday decorating, focusing on different blogs and their Christmas decor.    After this week, The  Skirted  Roundtable will be on vacation until the first week in January when we welcome Stephen Drucker, editor in chief of House  Beautiful magazine as our first guest of 2010.

In sincere gratitude for all the listeners who have supported The Skirted Roundtable this past year – each of us is having a giveaway:   there will be three First Place winners in all.  One winner will receive a gift from Linda, one will get the gift from Megan and the third will get my gift!!!   To enter – go to The Skirted Roundtable blog page HERE and leave a comment on THAT page.   That’s it!    We’ll pick the three winners Thursday night.   So hurry and leave a comment – and go ahead and listen to the newest podcast while you are there!!!!

 

Here’s wishing all of you a Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful & healthy New Years!!!!