Lifestyle

Someday I’d like to make a list of all the things I’ve found while looking for something else. Photos I’d forgotten.

Winter is prime time to curl up with a good book. Add a sunlit easy chair, crackling fire, blanket, toddler or two, and sleeping cat or dog for cozy homebody happiness. • It all begins with a book, a book meant to be held and read. • Even so, some would argue physical books bring a lot more than reading pleasure; they are meant to be seen as well. • For interior design, books can convey style, personality, texture, color, interest, warmth, inspiration and vitality … tangible and intangible concepts that have become increasingly important for homebound readers during the recent pandemic. • Along with other home furnishings and improvements, physical books have experienced a boost in the last two years. • But their rise predated the pandemic.

We must have a loyalty to the cold weather in the Midwest to live among frozen icicles which could double as spears or to walk through 10-inch snowdrifts just to get to the doughnut shop. Either it’s love or we’re all idiots.

H. B. Warner is perhaps best known for playing the drinking druggist Mr. Gower in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but 19 years earlier he was cast by the legendary director Cecil B. DeMille to play Jesus in the silent film “King of Kings.” DeMille bound Warner to a contract that prohibited him from taking any roles for five years that might undermine his “holy” image in “King of Kings.” He wanted to avoid publicity that might negatively impact the film.

Beast-like ‘Carantoñas’ return to Spanish town ACEHUCHE, Spain – It’s hours before dawn in Acehuche, a small town in Spain’s western Extremadura region, and a group of youngsters is ending a parade by setting off fireworks and beating drums. The noise awakes residents for some of the biggest dates in the local calendar: the three-day celebration of the fur-covered characters known as “Carantoñas” that resemble wild beasts.

Looking for ways to glam up your pad without breaking the bank? Here are some affordable design hacks that will spruce up nearly any space and help stretch your design dollars. Look for portable design Look for decor items you can swap in and swap out, whether it means being able to move a decor item from room to room as a refresh or to change out with the seasons.

USA TODAY If you are looking for a romantic getaway, these cities attract love birds of all ages. Each spot offers a AAA five-diamond hotel, a top-ranked restaurant, and a prime spot for an epic engagement.

Q: Dear Ed, we want to upgrade our master bathroom shower with a new multihead setup. But we don’t want to make this a remodel job. Do we have any easier options to upgrade our tile shower stall without creating a big issue?