Winter crewcuts

I just got my new crewcuts catalog from J.Crew and I just love the styling...magical and bright, just like kids are. I wish some of these clothes they offer were made in grown-up sizes.

Pooch-Pack

I thought this was an interesting product made by Pup To Go. The people in these photos clearly love their "babies"! I'd be curious to see what my labradoodle Addie thought of strollin' around town in one of these (she'd probably love it).
images: Pup To Go

The Latest from Amy Butler

I am really needing a new laptop bag for my computer and I've been waiting to find something a little different and more stylish than most of the stuff out there. Well, my wait is over. I just spotted some of Amy Butler's newest designs on the decor8 blog and I'm in love. The patterns...the colors...genius! I am definitely buying one of the laptop bags, and I think I may have to ask Santa for one of the travel bags, too. LOVE!
Images copyright Amy Butler Designs

Another hit from scissors.paper.cake

Here is another party from scissors. paper.cake...isn't it perfectly beautiful? I just love the apple red color paired with the powder blue...unexpected and wonderful! Ladies...you rock!

Yummy Parties

I love these amazing party pics that I found from the new talented Australian team called scissors.paper.cake. When I think of the phrase 'eye candy', other than a gorgeous guy:), this is what comes to mind. Don't you just love the sushi?!

Feeling Festive

Pictured clockwise from the top: Christmas in the City invitation from Stacy Claire Boyd, Ribbon Champagne Flutes from Real Simple Celebrations, Winter Holidays invitation from Stacy Claire Boyd, Chocolate Cupcakes with Gingerbread Toppers from Martha Stewart Holiday Sweets, Merry Stripes invitation from Stacy Claire Boyd and Paper Angel Name Places from Cox and Cox.

Cuckoo for Zoku!

I'm thinking that the Zoku Quick Pop Maker looks like a fun gift for the whole family this holiday season. Watch this video and see what you think. It looks like instant gratification to me... can't wait to try it! Available at Williams Sonoma for $49.95 - $79.95.

Annie

My daughter Annie is featured on the local news today. She's talking about her jewelry and hair accessories business where a portion of her profits are given to St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis. Click here to watch the video. Have a great weekend!

Oh Nuts!

One of my favorite Christmas memories as a child was when my family would visit the home of the Metz's. Every year it was their family tradition to sit down together and fill what seemed to be hundreds of walnuts with treasures and hang them on the Christmas tree. When their family and friends would visit during the holiday season, each person would choose a nut from the tree, crack it and see what they got. Is that fun or what? I don't even have to tell you how magical it was and how much we looked forward to our visit at their home. Their walnuts were simple with looped red yarn hanging from each. I have since embraced this tradition. Some years I keep them simple and others I spray paint them in silver or gold. This year I decided on plain walnuts with natural twine and finished with a little red and white gingham knot. Inside they are filled with gold coins, fifty-cent pieces, a few pretty postage stamps, tootsie rolls and even some folded money. The winning walnut has a ten dollar bill! You could fill them with sweet holiday messages. It doesn't have to be money and you don't necessarily have to hang them from a Christmas tree either. You can hang them from a wintery branch that you use as a centerpiece on your table. You can really get creative with this. For many years I would decorate a tiny little topiary and use it as the centerpiece at our annual holiday party at the office. It was fun to have a nice lunch together and then pass the nutcracker around the table and see who got the treasured walnut. So on behalf of the wonderful Metz family, I give you their fun tradtion which I have enjoyed for many many years.

Gettin' Crafty

In my December 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine, two projects relly stood out for me. We'll see if I get a chance to do either one of them... I hope so! The entire magazine is just full of terrific holiday ideas as always... but here are my absolute faves. Directions on the decorative candles can be found here and the pinecone elves here.

Ferm Living

I love to find new online stores with quirky and cute unique items, and I just found a new one...Ferm Living. Here are some of my favorites...

Clockwise from top left: Bindweed Wallpaper, Keys Wall Sticker, Velo Tea Towel, Peacock and Fern Silk Pillows

Pottery Barn Kids

Here are four cute items I saw in Pottery Barn Kids recently.

Thanksgiving table cloth, plates, tumblers and garland. Cuteness!

Ribbon Candy

Is there anything prettier than ribbon candy? Just a simple bowl full of ribbon candy and you've got an instant holiday decoration right there... one that would make any child's eyes light up for sure! (image via jordanferney.blogspot.com)

Festive Wall Art

Love this big removable wall appliqué for instant holiday decor. This baroque tree by Nouvelles Images is available for $30.00 from cambria cove.

G'day, mates!

Addie just wants to say hi!

annie b boutique

Here are a few of Annie's jewelry and hairclips from annie b boutique. These make great little stocking stuffers!

Visions of Sugarplums

I haven't tried to make any of these gumdrop pops or candy snails and mushrooms before so I don't know anything about them except that they are so darn cute! I hope that I get a chance to sit down with my children and make some of these little decorations because these are the little details that you remember. These gumdrop figures are what dreams are made of! Isn't this what they mean when they talk about visions of sugarplums... something sugar-sprinkled and wonderful like these little guys? I must make time to create a few before the holidays... should be a fun project for all!

Stacy Claire Boyd Notepads

I took a pic of some of our newly designed notepads that I'll be passing out this year for Holiday presents to friends and family. I LOVE the size of these new notepads...8.5" x 5.5"...perfect for jotting lots of notes in a pretty way. I wrapped mine up in a chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon with one of my favorite pens attached. These notepads come with envelopes and are a great way to send a personalized note in a budget friendly way...they're only $40 for a 100 sheet notepad with 100 envelopes...a perfect gift for them, and you!

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here are a few nice things to whet your appetite. Featured clockwise top to bottom is a fun Thanksgiving invitation from Stacy Claire Boyd, Perfect Roast Turkey from Martha Stewart, Maple Leaf Syrup Favors from Favor Affair and Quick Placecard from Martha Stewart. Enjoy!

Kid Stuff

Here are some cute ideas for holiday gift giving...

Above: Playshapes from Miller Goodman

Above: Personalized towels from Charlie Lewis

Adorable handmade lambswool scarf, hats and "Monty" the fox created by Sara Carr on etsy.

Turkey Day Decorations

Kid's handmade art is always the very best decoration to make any Thanksgiving Day table more special. Here are a few cute ideas that I found at Parents.com and FamilyFun.com.

Clockwise from top left: Thankful Turkey Center Piece, Painted Rock Place Card, Thanksgiving Banner, Turkey Table Topper, Technicolor Acorns, Painted Rock Place Card

I am crazy for this gigantic bird's nest. If I had one of these I'd put it smack dab in the center of my kid's playroom, turn the lights down low, put on a feel-good kid move, throw my little birdies in the nest with a bowl of gummy worms and let them doze off safely in their big nest!

How cool!

hellohanna.com

I love these "get set" placemats from hellohanna.com...so whimsical and fun...it's like playing with colorforms while you eat. I'm going to order some of these for my daughter's birthday party...won't the girls love to decorate them as they eat their pizza! They also have 2 other designs that are just as fun..."hello robot" and "hello jungle". Adorable!

My Halloween Girls

I snapped this photo of my girls this morning. My son Alex is 15 years old and dressing up for Halloween is a thing of the past, unfortunately. So I'll enjoy my little girls who still get a kick out of dressing up and trick or treating! They wore their costumes to school today, Claire a little pumpkin cutie and Annie will join her 7 other Crayon friends at school.
Have a great weekend and a safe and Happy Halloween!

Vintage Halloween

Love these vintage Halloween images that I found at Sweet as a Candy.

Diorama Pumpkin

I never thought of a diorama pumpkin before...I love it! Thanks Sweet Paul!

Cute DIY Headboards

Here are a few cute ideas for DIY headboards that I found at diyideas.com.

Top: "Read All About It"

Middle: "Stylish Stencil"

Bottom: "Seashore Shabby Chic"

Last minute costume ideas

I just love these adorable do-it-yourself costume ideas from Country Living and Parents Magazines.

Keeping It Simple

Loving these simple things...

La Dolce Vita Party Cup:

L'heure de L'apero:

Nice Package Shop:

Easy Dip

This is a recipe that I've made for years. It's so easy and is always popular. It's best if you can make it the night before you are serving it:

2 (4.25 oz) cans chopped black olives, drained
2 (4.25 oz) cans mild green chiles, chopped and drained
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, chopped and drained
1 bunch scallions, diced small
3 large tomatoes, chopped
1½ lbs. grated Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 oz) bottle Italian dressing

Mix all of this together in a large bowl. Cover and refridgerate overnite. Serve with fritos or tostitos. Enjoy!

Easy No-Carve Pumpkins

Okay, it's halloween week and your pumpkin needs a little personality. Here are a few easy ideas from bhg.com.

MollaSpace.com

MollaSpace is an L.A. based design collective with very cool items that you won't find just anywhere. Check out some of their great featured items...

This "Paper Pot" toilet paper and tissue holder was named a winner of 2008 Japan Good Design Award. There are lots of fun colors to choose from, and I love the simplicity of the design. Good-bye boring tissue boxes!

Here is the "Pin-up Frame" that can be pinned, taped or hung on almost any type of surface you can imagine. What a cute idea for displaying your kids' artwork!

The "Color Vase" is a great conversation piece...just pop it over a wine bottle and voilà!...you have yourself an instant snazzy vase!

Swiss-Miss.com

Check out these fun items I recently spied at the wonderful SwissMiss blog recently.

These "lunchskins" from 3GreenMoms.com are reusable, colorful cloth pouches are made from a high quality, moisture-proof German fabric used worldwide in the food industry. These bags are food safe, extremely durable, grease-proof and can even be thrown in the dishwasher. Their design is so innovative and unique that they even have a patent pending! What a great idea!

These are the cutest felt phone and camera cases ever!

Tree Bookshelf from designer Shawn Soh.


How fun...can you imagine happening upon this headed in for your morning commute? There's no way you could have a bad day after that!

Cold Weather Wraps

I just LOVE it when the weather starts getting cooler and the smell of Fall is in the air. There's just something about being outside that makes you feel good this time of year. I also love that there is finally an excuse to start breaking out the scarves and wraps. Not only do they keep you toasty, but they are an accessory that can pull an outfit together quickly and add a little extra style to an otherwise simple look. I love what Anthropologie has to offer this season, and here are a few of my favorites...

The Perfect Pear

Can you even imagine going to a luncheon or dinner party and someone setting this in front of you? This is one of the most beautiful presentations I have ever seen. It seems incredibly simple and looks delicious!

Jennifer's Vision

I found these images on the wonderful Daisy Pink Cupcake blog and I couldn't believe my eyes. Jennifer (fellow blogger and designer extraordinaire) from The Old Painted Cottage blog has clearly poured her heart and soul into her restored cottage, and was gracious enough to allow me to share the photos of the transformation with you all. Wow...can we say night and day difference here? Oh my goodness...Jennifer, you are so talented and I am in awe at what you've done with your home. It is amazing and so are you!

Check out Jennifer's blog for more photos!

My Shopping Endorphins

I am not an exercising king of gal. I know that I should take the time to do it. I know that it's important... yada yada yada. When I hear people talk about exercise and the wonderful feeling that they have when their endorphins 'kick in' and all... it sounds good, but I'm convinced that I was born without them. Mine never seemed to kick in on the rare occassion that I have tried to run, walk or exercise. I was born with an amazing set of shopping endorphins, however, that I just know would kick right in if I made it to this fantastic ribbonry shop in Atlanta, Georgia. Doesn't this place look like a dream? It's designer Nicholas Kniel's enchanting place and I need to make the 2 hour road trip to see it in person. I'm sure that my shopping endorphins will come to life as I hyperventilate my way through his lovely shop. Featured in Victoria Magazine's November/December issue... this charming shop has captured my attention and I can't wait to take a little trip to Atlanta. The shop looks magical, doesn't it?

Girls sing National Anthem

I found this video at one of my favorite blog sites "This Blessed Nest". This group of young girls sing the national anthem before a basketball game. Two of the girls are 6 years old and the others are 7. WOW! I am just amazed...this is extremely moving...I even teared up.

The Proposal

The movie "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock is out on video this week...just in time for the weekend. It is such a great movie and I can't wait to see it again after seeing in the theater (one of the only movies I've been to in years). Betty White is precious as always! We're having cool weather over the weekend, and I plan to hop into my jammies with a cup of hot cocoa and smile my way all through this movie! ;)

Sweet Paul Friday

Leave it to Sweet Paul to come up with a sweet idea to add a little charm to any bare wall. He claims that it's not hard, so here you go...add a lil' cuteness to your space!

Here's what Paul has to say about it:
This is a craft idea I made for Country Living. Its a tree cut out of vintage wallpapers and glued directly on the wall. Great in any kids room. Looks hard, but its not. Make a template on a roll of finger painting paper. Cut it out and tape it to your wall. Then its easy to see if it needs to be bigger or smaller. Cut out the tree in a wallpaper and glue it to your wall using wallpaper paste. Cut out leaves in at least 3 different wallpaper patterns. You will need about 60-80 of them. Glue them on the tree with the same paste. Sing a little song and maybe the birds will come and sit in your new tree.
Photo by Philip Friedman.

Styling by Yvonne Bakker

I ran across the work of stylist Yvonne Bakker on one of my favorite blogs decor8. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

Pink & Peaches Wedding

I have fallen in love with a wedding that I recently saw on the wonderful Style Me Pretty blog. I have never seen such gorgeous flower arangements and I adore how they were styled with the peaches and antique vases. And have you ever seen such a beautiful bride?

Talk about a fairy tale wedding...

Images courtesy of dynamic photography duo, Justin and Mary Marantz.

Halloween Ideas

It'll be here before ya' know it. Here are a few ideas to get you in the mood.

Smile on a stick from Rompstore.

Creepy cupcakes from Martha Stewart:

Heap on green icing and press on mini candy-coated chocolate eyes, a candy corn nose, licorice hair and eyebrows. Upside-down chocolate ice cream cones make perfect witch's hats.

Sneaky mice from Martha Stewart:

Trace shapes onto black construction paper, cut out and mount w/looped masking tape.

Jack-o'-lantern soup form kraftfoods "food and family" magazine:

Use a cookie cutter to create a little pumpkin face out of a slice of cheese to top off a nice bowl of soup.

Takashimaya Love

Takashimaya is one of my favorite places to go when I'm in the big city.

Pretty Things

I have been a long-time admirer of Lori Marie and her pretty little world. Visit her etsy shop and see if you don't fall in love with all of her pretty little things. Here are a few of my favorites. What do you have your eye on?

Pretty Places

My friend Federica at Sweet as Candy always finds the prettiest places to go. I would love to stay at LeMoulin Brégeon in the Loire Valley and go shopping at Gruvgatan 13... such wonderful places!

LeMoulin Brégeon

Gruvgatan 13

Twine...online

I love the simple unique items at twine (shoptwine.com). Here are a few of my faves...(my wheels are turning as I think about my gift-giving list) because I still have time to shop twine online for perfect and thoughtful holiday gift giving!Above (clockwise from top left): tea & cake cups, world of color city, container for one thing, toadstool night light, teeny tiny boxes, embroidered belts, twine tin and kimono clips.

Japanese Design Books

These little books contain a wealth of inspiration for all of you creative people. Get them here.

Sweet Treats

I must be needing something sweet because this is all I can think about this morning... donuts and mini muffins. Don't these look yummy? Featured top to bottom are: Bakerella mini maple pancake muffins, Kripsy Kreme mini donuts, Martha's old-fashioned yeast doughnut holes and Krispy Kreme halloween donuts.

DIY Homemade Jam Packaging

I love this gift idea from Eat, Drink Chic's blog. Homemade gifts are always the greatest, and this one is beautiful and delish! Check out the blog to get free labels that you can print at home.