Happy Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very merry and bright christmas.

Here is a lovely little girl decked out in her adorable red peacoat in the midst of mistletoe fields just outside London. How dreamy would that be?

Gift Guide #8

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 8: For yourself because every once in a while you deserve it.

the LIST: ONE: Michelle Armas' work is AMAZING! TWO: Milo Baughman really outdid himself with this credenza! THREE: A perfect party dress to usher in new year's. Might need a sweater, though... FOUR: And two golden earrings... Isn't that how the song goes? FIVE: I *heart* adorable cloth market bags! SIX: It's nice to feel like a lady. SEVEN: Well, you would need something to put your new lamp on, am I right? EIGHT: There are so many fantastic and inspirational design books out there, how about Decorate or Undecorate?. NINE: The Delta lamp — it's a diamond and a lamp. TEN: So many new clothbound classics, so little time. I must read them all! ELEVEN: Who could resist an outing if they received these sweet cards. TWELVE: This might be my all-time favourite fabric pattern, would pillows perfect?

Deck the Halls!

A little last minute inspiration for your holiday decor! Hope you are all enjoying a very comfy and cozy holiday evening!

Gift Guide #7

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 7: For your darling husband who rides a motorcycle and reads history books.

the LIST: ONE: The gift that never stops giving — Beer of the Month club, hopefully it's just as good as his own homebrew! TWO: You can never have too many bicycles, especially to do wheelies on and impress your wife!THREE: Warm winter gloves keep his hands toasty while biking. FOUR: Still dreaming about going back to Rome? This book, all about the materials and how they built their amazing city is perfect for history aficionado! FIVE: When it gets a little warmer, taking a romantic hike through the Oregon forests sounds perfect! SIX: it is about time we update our phones, how about the iPhone 4S? SEVEN: Is it too much to match your belt to your motorbike. EIGHT: How about that rad Chrome bag for when he is riding his other bike. The best part is the seat belt buckle! NINE: Who could resist an outdoor tub in the dead of winter? TEN: Quintessential Oregon attire, afterall he doesn't have the sandle birkyet. ELEVEN: At the top of his list year, since we've been getting record low and dry weather. TWELVE: The sweetest treat, would be just to take him out on a breakfast date, full of hashbrowns and bacon!!!

Ahhh!!!!

Just in time for the holidays. Look what's up for sale? Anyone near the Chicago area can now add this to their christmas wishlist!

That's right the Home Alone house is up for sale! Can you believe it?

It is the epitome of Classic Christmas homes, and makes you just want to rock around the christmas tree, doesn't it?

Gift Guide #6

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 6: For your hilarious brother who wore a leisure suit to your rehearsal dinner.

the LIST: ONE: Marty McFly had one, too. Now he just has to get back to Doc in time! TWO: Follow along with one man's motorcycle journey. THREE: To enhance his already beefy burgers. He could even top it with ramen. FOUR: A more modern tie to replace the dated leisure suit. FIVE: Sweet hipster poster inspired by one of the greatest movies of all-time! SIX: A manly plant that'll survive his lack of watering for a while. SEVEN: You never need an excuse to see a movie with friends or even a date. EIGHT: Who could resist the two best things from the 80's — legos and Indiana Jones? NINE: A wallet only little brothers could pull off. TEN: Sweet hands-free camera set, to take photos or video while motorbiking, hiking or just up to his normal funny-business. ELEVEN: Another awesome find for his apartment — it even connects to his iPod. TWELVE: The best magic trick — bring a bag of peanut butter cups into the room, but don't look away, they'll disappear before your eyes!

Gift Guide #5

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 5: For your artsy-cool Sister who can pull off anything and makes the best playlists.

the LIST: ONE: Since she minored in french — and so she'll never forget that semester abroad! TWO: She really does make great mixed tapes, here's a card to inspire you to make one for her. THREE: To beef up her personal library post-Art School. FOUR: Inspired by her recent trip to Amsterdam — new Oxfords. FIVE: The quintessential laid-back dress and she'll look amazing! SIX: Every vegetarian's must-have! SEVEN: Help her deck out her own studio with a new light table. EIGHT: Make that iBook go the extra mile. NINE: To pull her through these last all-nighters in style. TEN: Hip head scarf only she could pull off! ELEVEN: Gorgeous and unique necklace — perfect for little sis. TWELVE: Never can have too many art supplies. Maybe she'll even make a painting for you!?!

Funny story...

So, this weekend the prof. and I went to this —

And it was awesome, so many designers and makers, shops and local artists, that i had not only heard of, but had been following their work for some time. A few new shops intrigued me and I had hoped to talk to them about creating something for me! This one was there —

{Caravan Pacific} And the lamps are even more perfect in real life. But with a $500 price tag, I will bid my time to order until at least after christmas. But the other makers, these guys didn't make it and I was bummed. I will just have to go to Eugene to see their stuff in person! I LOVE all the local artisans in this state! Oregon rocks!

But what was the real highlight? I had really hoped to meet her —

{Grace Bonney} of this book —

{Design*Sponge At Home} and this spectacular blog (I have been reading FOREVER!!!)

But alas, it was only 11am and she wouldn't arrive on scene to sign books until 3pm. I would miss it. Then low and behold, I was wondering around, when as a tall man moved away, it was none other than Grace Bonney less than two feet away! I was beside myself with glee! I actually talked to her! Asked her to sign my book (she did!) and even talked to her a bit more! I could not stop smiling. She is very sweet, very down to earth and since she had gotten married in Savannah we actually had a bit in common, since we used to live there!

What a weekend. Oh and BTW, we even got our christmas tree!

Gift Guide #4

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 4: For your Sassy Friend who can cook anything and always makes you laugh.

the LIST: ONE: This Cranberry juice is delicious by itself or when you're feeling saucy to mix into a cocktail! TWO: Because she looks soo good in black — why not add a bit of sparkle for a night out! THREE: Only she could pull off a cheeky necklace like this one! FOUR: Inspiring art for her walls. Might even inspire her next vacation! FIVE: A new take on the classic cake plates — go noir. SIX: She is already a brilliant cook, but these tales will inspire even more delicious meals. SEVEN: Stay Classy with these. They crack me up! EIGHT: Adorable artsy kitchen towels to go with her great kitchen. NINE: A must-have for staying in and enjoying a cozy cup of hot cocoa. TEN: Sexy red lipstick that you know is perfect for her complexion, but she would never buy herself. ELEVEN: The latest Fables volume is coming out and no one can resist the mischievous twists on classic fairy tales. TWELVE: Sexy tights for those cold (or hot!) date nights!

Tassels & Bows

A few Do-It-Yourself project ideas for the holidays. This one above is super easy and super cute! You could even add these to toothpicks as swizzle-sticks for your New Years party!

An equally adorable and impressive leather packaging bow tutorial here.

Just in case your crafty-skills are all tied up (get it? Ha-ha!) here are a few awesome bow-tying supplies to bedeck your packages.

Gorgeous Gold Ribbon

Ever popular Baker's Twine

Bright Lace tape Ribbon

Gift Guide #3

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 3: For your Dad who always has a camera handy and loves a good adventure.

the LIST: ONE: To cheer on his favourite college football team as they play in the Rose Bowl this year. TWO: The age-old tradition of giving christmas ties improved this year with a fabulous tartan. THREE: Dads makes the best chocolate chip cookies, how about a modern santa cookie jar? FOUR: So he can be just like Indiana Jones when he travels. FIVE: A handy kitchen radio for calling in the local station to win concert tickets. SIX: Now he can get that perfect shot, just like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation. SEVEN: He secretly wants to wear plaid on the course just like Payne Stewart. EIGHT: An adventure I know he hasn't done yet — way up high in a hot air balloon. NINE: He might be too busy traveling to read all 122 years of National Geographic, but now they have them on DVD. TEN: The latest edition of DK Travel Guides come complete with maps, so even dads won't get lost. ELEVEN: Everyone needs a little iTunes. TWELVE: He can travel in style with a space-age passport cover. Maybe it will even inspire his next trip? To the moon and beyond!!

Wrap it up

The most perfect floral gift wrap. Reminds me of English gardens. I especially like the black floral. Don't forget to add a bit of ribbon or twine!

Gift Guide #2

The Very Merry Gift Guide No. 2: For the creative Kiddo in your life who just started school.

the LIST: ONE: A–Zed Guide through space. TWO: Start teaching your child about the environment with this green dollhouse complete with mini solar panels. THREE: Aren't dancing elephants on everyone's list? FOUR: Stuff a pretty, new knit stocking — coal not recommended. FIVE: Keep all their new books organized in an orange truck. SIX: Perfect Pack for school or stuffing new toys in. SEVEN: Kids favourite word spelled out for them in poster size. EIGHT: Darling mary jane wellies. NINE: Monty here can keep any child tucked in at night. TEN: Deck your child out in the cutest holiday outfits. ELEVEN: Now kids can daydream and practice their letters. TWELVE: When you run out of room on the fridge, this wallpaper will come in handy.

Introducing: Gift Guide #1

The VERY MERRY GIFT GUIDES. I will be presenting eight gift guides just for you in the days leading up to christmas. This first one is for that extra special lady in your life — Mum. Click on the links in the list below. Enjoy! And happy shopping!

Gift Guide No. 1: For your beautiful Mum who sets a perfect table and always wears the biggest smile.

the LIST: ONE: Light and luscious Jasmine Vanilla lotion that she loves for a quick pretty fix. TWO: Re-starting that old tradition of getting a new ornament each year. THREE: A darling ruffle bowl for her holiday table. FOUR: Can't go wrong with a luxe henley sweater by Tory Burch. FIVE: Her favourite historical fiction biography just went royal with Wallis Simpson. SIX: Personalized stationery to write all those thank you notes for her dinner party guests. SEVEN: Because she payed the tuba in high school, get her concert tickets for a holiday show. EIGHT: She can't resist family game night, everyone is sure to love this one. NINE: A snuggly striped blanket perfect for afternoon naps.TEN: Metallic napkin give shimmer and shine. ELEVEN: For a year around gift, send her twelve months of flowers. TWELVE: An ombre metallic scarf will add a sparkle to all her outfits.

Jump for Joy!

It's Friday! I hope you all have a busy and exciting weekend planned! I know I will. We have plans to put up the christmas lights, maybe take a drive for a hot cider date and bake some peppernuts. Enjoy!

Read all about it!

Next week I have something very special to share with you.... Here is a little hint. Can you guess what it is?

Hmmm... Confused? You'll just have to wait and see!