This is the current heart of my home.  With the cold winter days dragging on, I love to start and end my days in this spot in my living room with the fireplace roaring.  In the evenings, it is designated a "No Technology Zone" as Steve and I sip cocktails, discuss our days, and recharge our batteries.

I'd love to know where the heart of your home is...send me an email with a picture attached.

A couple of years ago, after burning out on Facebook and petty politics, I made a conscious effort to change how I was spending my time. I really wanted to heighten my appreciation of all the positive things I encountered on a daily basis.

To help me reframe my viewpoint I started reading works from metaphysical writers, inspirational devotionalists, and modern poets. The more I read, the more the common theme of connectedness began to emerge. The underlying theory being that we are all one, connected by our spiritual natures. It made a lot of sense to me...that with a common origin we should share a common destiny.

What I couldn't really get a handle on is how we shape that shared path when each of us holds our own views, biases and experiences. Seems I wasn't looking far enough.

Days ago, I read something quite amazing. If you place two living, separately beating heart cells in a Petri dish, they will ultimately unite in their rhythm. SERIOUSLY...think about that.

As author Mark Nepo put it, "It is cellular proof that beneath any resistance we might pose..there is in the very nature of life itself some essential joining force.  This inborn ability to find and enliven a common beat is the miracle of love."

WOW!

The more I think about it, it's about compassion, empathy, and grace. It's asking questions, understanding the answers, and appreciating the feelings.  It's withholding judgement, recognizing uniqueness and loving our human family for who we truly are.

Too deep? Probably. But I do believe that with this common bond all things are possible.

Not coincidentally, I happened upon this beautiful print by Mary Engelbreit, shown below, within moments of reading about the common rhythm...you just can't make that up!

​If you would like to purchase Mary's beautiful and poignant print click here to be directed to her website.

What is it they say about truer words? 

Every day, I encourage you to take a chunk of time, whether it's small or large, and do something you love.  Savor a cup of coffee, catch up with a friend, paint a picture, compose a poem, go for a walk, sew some seeds, bake some cookies, or simply meditate.

The difference you'll feel will be sunshine on a cloudy day, the cherry on top of a sundae, or the spark that lights a roaring fire that propels you to loving your life!

Here are the Top 10 things I'm crushing over right now.  Click the pictures to find out why and tell me if you have a favorite in the comments below.

So this thing is made for relaxing!

​Fresh of its debut at High Point Market in October, I am thrilled to have this beauty in the showroom.  A standard length sofa, turned into a major chaise, the Big Cozy has downtime written all over it.  Can't you see yourself snuggled in with the family watching a great movie this weekend?  I know I can.

Come by the shop and crawl on in...I've got popcorn!

I'm so glad you decided to commit to doing this one thing every day.  

All too often, you can get bogged down in the demands of your life...it's truly at epidemic proportions. So, if even for just five minutes a day, I want you sit somewhere quiet, treat yourself to a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and just BE.

I do this every morning and it just makes everything run a little bit smoother for me.  Sometimes I read a reflection or sometimes I let my mind drift. Other times, I think of three things I'm grateful for or just watch the sun rise.  This small, but mindful ritual is what I need AND what I deserve.

I know you have so many things tugging at your attention everyday, but carve out just 5 minutes and give it a shot.  Then shoot me an email and let me know if it made a difference in your day.  I hope it will!

This is the second in a series of videos I did to sum up my philosophy on life and why I do what I do.  This one is really at the core of taking time to take care of yourself...such a valuable step in maintaining a rewarding and happy life.  

I hope after watching you'll shoot me an email and let me know what you thought.

So often, what you put off until tomorrow never gets taken care of at all. You're too busy chasing kids and corralling pets, or the demands at work leave you exhausted at home. You need a place to relax, recharge and become your BEST YOU!

No matter how busy you are, I can help.  Rely on me to guide you through creating the home of your dreams. During the half-yearly CR Laine Custom Order Event, I will develop a plan, make fabric and frame choices based on your tastes and you'll receive 20% OFF CR Laine's beautiful American-made furniture.

The showroom has been completely revamped and I have brought in about 25 new chairs and sofas to show you what my favorite vendor is capable of creating. Take 5 minutes and stroll through, give me an idea of what you want and you'll be on your way.

The sale runs January 25-February 23 and includes all custom-ordered fabric and leather upholstered items, cut yardage, and pillows in CR Laine's regular collection.  Items in CR Laine's Simplicity Program are not eligible for the discount.

So January 18th is National Gourmet Coffee Day and, with the cold winds blowing outside, I can't think of a better way to spend the day than with a great cup of Joe from Home at Last.  Here are our Top 5 flavors that are guaranteed to warm your soul:

1. Jamaican Me Crazy-This is not just a perfect response to any outlandish request, it is also a delectable brew that blends Kahlua and Vanilla Creme with the sweetness of smooth caramel.
2. Colombian Supremo-For those purists out there, this unflavored South American coffee makes a beautiful full-bodied cup!
3. Highlander Grogg-Can't make it to the Emerald Isle? No worries.  Just brew up a cup of this butterscotch infused coffee with a hint of liqueur, and a dash of spice...YUM!
4. 89'er Blend-Celebrating the Okies to the south, this blend of chocolate fudge, Irish creme, hazelnut and amaretto is always a popular choice.
5. Orange Seville-The aroma of this one is enough to bring you to your knees. This brew is a blend of delicate cherry notes with real bits of Seville oranges ground in.  

Come on in and grab a pound for the long, cold weekend ahead!