holiday props

How adorable are these printable props from etsy?  Perfect idea for a holiday card photo shoot or photo booth props at a winter wedding?  Love the idea for the holidays and may have to keep it in my back pocket for when Jackson gets old enough to not eat the reindeer nose!

green gifts...or not

Here is a cool list of "green" gift ideas if you are still searching for that special something.  Unfortunately, I am just about done with my Christmas shopping this year (thank you, Amazon.com) so I can't take advantage this season.  The hand-made scarves and bags are my fav though.

Of course, if you are REALLY trying to be "green", giving the gift of a small donation to your favorite charity, giving some home-made treats like these delicious cookies, a nice meal out together, or recycling with a vintage find from the Brooklyn Flea will probably do the trick!

{photos:  Sammy Handmade, Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It, Roberts Revival Radio}

Portland, ORE

 

 

Why is it that everything that comes out of Portland, Oregon is simple, unique, and just plain cool?  I am not exactly sure how I came across them, but OMFGCo. (aka The Official Manufacturing Company) seems to have their hand in everything that is cool in Portland.  This three-man design studio has worked on the signage and collateral at the Ace Hotel, opened this bar, created their own font, worked on a collection of mugs for Stumptown Coffee, and worked on these tags for a bag collection with Pendleton Wools (also from Portland) and Property Of (though not in Portland, I love their bags).  And if you were lucky enough to be there in November, Portland was home to the first little winter market with amazing local vendors like my favorite, herriot grace.  Check out these cloud cookie cutters and feather towels!

All this, plus a great food and music scene makes me want to take a little trip to the Northwest!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my big sister, Tina!

winter wear

Pip-squeak Chapeau, Etc has some amazing pieces for this insanely cold weather we've been having.  Sweaters, coats, hats, and neck warmers.  Each one of them calls my name and I really hope Santa is listening;););)

PS though not their line, I love that sweet black and white checked skirt.  Wonder where it's from.

tis the season

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!  Jeff, Jackson and I had our annual holiday dinner party this past weekend with friends from near and far.  We love you guys!  Jackson had a blast.  And, this morning we woke up to a Christmas package from my sister!  How fun is that?  Cranberry walnut cookies and chocolate bark.  As you can see, Jackson couldn't decide which one was better...so we had both...for breakfast:)  

Did I mention how much we love the holidays in this house?

honey pie

This time of year makes me all mushy inside.  The simple thought of sipping hot cocoa by the christmas tree while listening to Pretty Paper by Willie Nelson makes me teary-eyed.  Now, the tree is up and Jeff has declared that this year, we must "maximum Christmas" (this is exactly why I love this man).  We are planning our attack on the holiday fairs, the holiday markets, and more importantly, the holiday goodies...the baked goodies.  Jeff has been meaning to take me to Four & Twenty Blackbirds due to my love of pie and what better time of year to go.  So, this weekend after a trip to the Brooklyn Flea for some new ornaments, we headed in from the freezing cold, warmed ourselves with a cup of hot chocolate, one slice of salty honey pie and one of the salty carmel apple pie.  I took a picture, which I must apologize in advance, is none too appetizing since we just about devoured them.  The honey pie was custard-y goodness and the sea salt on top did me in.  The apple pie was delicious, but I love apple pie with or without salt. 

I found this recipe for honey pie which I plan to try very soon.

PS Jackson picked our Christmas tree this year.  I'll post some pics soon.

felt love

To celebrate this colorful season and my love for felt, here are some finds - wool wreath, felt bows, and this fantastic rug. A friend from work made the wreath from the instructions on the website which is totally fun; and how pretty would it be to receive a present wrapped with that felt bow on top?