In My Mailbox

I'm sure most of you know about the Ballard Designs catalog.  It's kind of like Pottery Barn, in that it's got lots of drool-worthy photos of stuff we love but most of us can't afford.

Look at the planked walls.  Told you they were popping up everywhere!

The Style Studio on the website is fun:  you can email in decorating dilemmas, read how-to articles, or see photos submitted by Ballard customers.  The catalog itself is a great place to get ideas.  If you're not on their mailing list and would like to be, request a catalog.

I have to admit, though, that when the most recent catalog arrived last week, I was most excited by the little subscription card that fell out.  Two years of Southern Living for $10!  That's a smokin' hot deal that only crops up once in a while.  Southern Living has great recipes and decorating ideas.  Reading it always makes me kind of wish that my grandparents (one on each side) had stayed in the south instead of becoming yankees.  (Okay, I understand that had that happened I wouldn't exist, but you catch my drift.)

I wish I could figure out how to share that deal with you, but it's not currently listed at that price anywhere online.  Amazon has a two-year sub for $19.97, which is still pretty good.  At the very least, be sure to sign up for your free Ballard catalog!