I like my house…so I agreed.

My husband stressed about it.

“I’m not worrying about it — it’s how we live. I like it when they aren’t all perfect,” I told him.

That said — I still put the ratty cat-scratch ottomans and some superfluous knick-knacks in the “junk room.”

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There’s cool stuff, there are knick-a-knacks, there are extra shoes under the couch, some stuff on the coffee table…like real people have. It looks homey and quirky — and not unattainable.

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Check out the new site for places to go, things to do, and inspiring home photos like this:

Seeing that it’s pimping a holiday gift guide, I’m likely late to this party.

But there’s a new one out now…

Check out her blog for more cool design and decor ideas.

Take a look at the rest of this amazing house (like the bedroom below) on Itinerant Bordeaux blog.

• Danish Modern Storate Side Table, $180
• Jet Set Storage Bench, $240
• Jewel Ikat Slipper Chair, $325

Not this year.

Last weekend my husband got a Christmas bee in his bonnet and decided to uncover our big white tree and take down the 9 bins of  brightly colored balls, lights and holiday accoutrements, and create a holiday wonderland at our place of residence.

The first hiccup came fast and proved debilitating.

When we pulled our big white tree from the bag, the whole back of the tree was a  rusty shade of brown.

Hmmm. It’s not good, but nothing some shiny balls and a shit-ton of garland can’t help.

Then we removed the tree topper from the bag and it looked like it had spent the last 2 years in someone’s bum. What was once a white Christmas was now a giant skid stain on our holiday.

I saw it as a sign to post-pone decorating for yet another year. My husband, however, got on Amazon and found an iridescent tree he thought might withstand the heat.

Now that is holiday spirit.

1.) Alexander Girard Nativity Set, $410

2.) Utopia Man/Woman Menorah, $295

3.) 3′ Tinsel Tree, $29

4.) Pop Up Holiday Centerpiece, $25.95

5.) Mustache Ornament, $8

6.) David Stark Sparkly Wreath, $47

7.) Mod Dot Dreidel, $24

8.) Christmas Tree in a Can, $9.95

Whenever I go into Haus, I end up oogling all of the adorable kitchen accessories by Alessi.

While not cheap, you can’t help but smile at the whimsical colors and cool design.

Here are some of my faves:

• Lily Pond Sushi Set, $94
• Paradise Birds Salt & Pepper, $56
• Suicide Bath Plug, $28
• Banana Boys Bottle Caps, $36
• Mr. Chin Egg Cup, $29

Find them locally at Haus Modern Living
4700 N. Central Ave., Suite 102
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 277-0111
Tues – Sat 9 – 6pm
Sundays & Mondays 10 – 4pm