What I would have missed...

I'm a late convert to Downton Abbey. I know... it's been the talk of blogs for the last two years, but my husband wasn't interested in watching it, so like a foolish ninny, I didn't make the effort to try to watch it on my own. This 3rd season I was determined to get him won over, but after 10 minutes in on the first episode, he gallantly handed me the remote and wished me a jolly time watching without him. (Insert an "Oh, Robert" kind of sigh and downward glance.)

I'd debated the amount of time it would take for me to try to "catch up" by watching Seasons 1 and 2. Spending a few minutes on the Internet speed viewing some "recap" videos actually gave me a good grasp of the storyline and characters.  But deep down I knew that if I was going to do this right, I would have to invest in it and take the plunge with a totally immersed commitment.

I'm so glad I did, because I would have missed all of this:

The Edwardian Clothing of 1912 to 1914.

One of my favorite periods.

oh my, the hats!

Devoted Sisters...

The Fox Hunt 

with more wonderful clothing...

The lustful attraction...

and THE Scandal of it all...

The Amazing Interiors of Downton

 The Tablescapes

The Flower Show

 The Sibling Rivalry

 Smoking and Plotting

The Meany

When keeping your mouth shut causes so many problems...

  

Wistful Angst

(with more wonderful interiors)

On again...off again...

The Bickering

Priceless One liners...

with more interiors...

Tea for Two...or One

I realized that I could watch on my laptop with Netflix, but only, Season 1. They don't have Season 2 yet on streaming, so I'm joining Hulu to get Season 2. If you want to get up to date, it's possible. Do tell...are you a fan from the beginning, or are you just a little late to the ball?

Wish me luck and Tally Ho!

Be Inspired #126: Celebrating Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm sending you a little note today

 just to let you all know how much you are loved and appreciated.

In keeping with the day,

 I wanted to highlight some of the links that shared a romantic,

 sweet, and loving theme. 

I "fell in love" with this wonderful vintage window

 and Valentine's Day Mantel from Bella's Rose Cottage.

This sweet lace confection started out as a felted cuff bracelet,

 but after some contemplation, became a romantic

Needle Case from Kadee Willow.

Jamie from Better With Age
created this fun Valentine-y Heart Banner,
and just look who made a cameo appearance!

Jeanette from Creating a Life encouraged her kiddos to

express their feelings and creativity with this

Valentine Love Note Station

Marissa from Becoming Kindred, with her girls, created a 

Woodland Valentine Mantel in their Dining Room.

LOVE that moss heart!

I just had to share this precious image of one of the latest creations

 from our talented friend Rosemary, from Villa Barnes,

Birdie Crowns

...can it get any cuter?

I've heard that it takes months to perfect 

these yummy looking Chocolate Macaroons.

Jennifer from Town and Country Living

shares the scoop on her first batch.

My mouth is watering just looking at these...

And Hey...

Have you entered the

Give Away with EpicLinen?

just click here

EpicLinen is a young company from Provence 

where you will find clothing accessories, 

and lovely linens for your home.

And while you're in the party mood today,

please visit my other Friday Party Pals:

Hope you'll join in for the party today,

Come link up your inspiring posts, vintage or new.

Please have a link within your post to be featured.

Lots of Valentine Hugs and Kisses,

Top Visited Links from Be Inspired Friday

There was so much Valentine fun last week, I'm seeing hearts in my sleep! So here are the top visited links from Be Inspired Friday last week. Thanks so much for linking up the inspiration!

Guest Room Makeover

from Restoring the Roost
(I just adore that wonderful red iron bed!)

Junk Salvation Show at Faded Charm

(Kathleen gave us a tour of her booth space)

Breakfast Trays

from May Days

(wow, LOVE that red/white quilt!)

Freshening Up the Dining Room for Spring

from Town and Country Living

(Jennifer always brings her A Game to the party!)

Did you enter the Give Away with Epic Linen?

Just click here

See you tomorrow for

xoxo,

EpicLinen Give Away

I'm so excited to introduce you to my newest sponsor,

EpicLinen 

EpicLinen is a young, family company based in Provence, France that has been gathering together some of the most beautiful linens manufactured in their home country of Lithuania. Created from some of the finest linen in the area, they have been busy designing one-of-a-kind table and home accessories, just now debuting in the U.S. These items are just a few of the beautiful pieces available through their website.  Take a peek at what you can find.

Table Linens

Lovely Napkins, Hemstitched Linen Table Runners and Placemats

You can find Cushions and Pillow Covers, and also Fabric by the Yard. Do you have a project in mind like slipcovers, curtains, or your own special table coverings? I think you'll find some beautiful ideas here.

Now here's the fun part, EpicLinen is not only offering a Gift Certificate for $30.00 for one lucky reader, but they are also sharing a discount code for 20% off all orders now through March 3. If you are the winner of the Gift Certificate it will automatically be applied to your purchase. Discount code is CG USA. (Discount not applicable on "Special Offers") When browsing the site, please click on the dollar icon in the upper right hand of the page for currency conversion. 

I think you'll find some beautiful things at wonderful prices...

(look for the button on the sidebar)

Here's how to enter:

For multiple entries leave a separate comment for each:

1. Visit  EpicLinen and look around to see how you would use your gift certificate, then leave a comment on this post.
2. Visit and "Like" EpicLinen on Facebook
3. Follow EpicLinen Blog 
4. Follow EpicLinen on Twitter and Pinterest
5. Share the Give Away on your blog, Facebook,Twitter, and/or Pinterest
6. And just to be sweet, be a follower of this blog, Common Ground, thanks!

Give Away closes Tuesday, February 19
Discount code available until March 3

Have fun getting to know

  EpicLinen,

thanks so much for entering,

(I was compensated for this post by EpicLinen as one of the Sponsors of Common Ground,
 but all opinions are my own)