Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Crate and Barrel Giveaway on the Half Baked

Half Baked - The Cake Blog is doing a $100 Crate and Barrel Giveaway.  What a great idea!  Visit their blog for a chance to win!

Trimming the Tree

Here is some inspiration for decorating your Christmas tree this year.  I love the idea of doing a theme for the tree.  Hopefully we will get one at our house soon!























Pictures from Martha Stewart.

Monday, November 29, 2010

DIY Wreath Project

My friend Jaime just made a beautiful wreath for the holidays and shared her project pictures with me.  The wreath turned out so great and she got all of the materials on sale at Michaels!  She used gold potpourri to add some sparkle to the standard wreath.  I think it looks great!



Sunday, November 28, 2010

Candy Cane Swirl Drink Recipe

In honor of the holiday season that is now in full swing, here is a yummy looking drink for all of you holiday hosts!









Ingredients
1 oz.SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. RedCranberry juice
0.5 oz.Grenadine
0.5 oz.Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda 
Directions
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Holiday Cards - Part 2

Some more of my favorite holiday cards! 








































1. Naughty or Nice Holiday Card by Bright Designlab on Minted
2. Married and Bright on Invitation Consultants
3. Banner Live Love Laugh on Boatman Geller
4. Christmas Cupcakes on Snow & Graham 
5. Fushsia Global Greetings on Invitation Consultants

Friday, November 26, 2010

Holiday Cards - Part 1

It's that time of year for the mail to start pouring in.  I know that some people think of the traditional holiday cards as obsolete, but I still love them and there are so many great websites with lots of options.  Here are some of my favorites.



























































































1. Sweet Snow Holiday Card by Candice Leigh on Minted
2. Candy Cane Smiles by Little Pink Designs
3. Joyful Photo by Invitation Consultants
4. Basketweave Red by Boatman Geller
5. Streamers and Stripes New Years Eve Postcard by Pear Tree Greetings

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for all of my family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Printable from Potter + Butler

There is still time! I just came across this really cute printable for Thanksgiving.  This would be really easy to add to your table last minute.  Here is the link to the post on Potter + Butler and here is the link for the printable file.  Check out their great blog while you are there.  They are party ideas and lots of other stuff!

Dreaming of Greece















I was looking around the other day at travel destinations and daydreaming, and I came across this amazing looking resort on the island of Santorini, Greece.  It is called the Perivolas Resort and it looks absolutely amazing! Second honeymoon maybe?




Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Delicate Candle Displays

I recently realized that I have a lot of candles at my house and not a lot a candle holders.  I have a couple of sets of very nice candle sticks that we got for our wedding, but nothing to hold the larger pillar candles that I tend to purchase. This was really brought to my attention when I had some candles sitting on a placemat that is now covered in wax...opps.  I saw these on Crate and Barrel and I think that they are beautiful!  They are great for anytime of year and still feel delicate and sophisticated.  These would also make a great hostess gift, or holiday gift for someone who loves to decorate.

An Engagement Survival Kit

A dear friend of mine recently got engaged!  She had sent me such a personal and amazing gift when I got engaged, so I knew I wanted to send her something different and fun.  I put together a little "survival kit" to help get her started in her planning, and to keep her sane!  I printed out little tags with her and her fiancé's initials so label everything in the kit.  I included a nail file (I love this one with diamonds on it...it is similar to one that a friend of mine gave me!), Martha Stewart Weddings, a list of my favorite wedding blogs and online resources, a pack of thank you cards and a small journal to keep notes and ideas in.  Everything went inside a fun tote bag!



Sunday, November 21, 2010

Gift Idea - Lovely Lemonade

So I was planning to put together one big post with gift ideas, but I figured that instead I will just post them as I see them. Stay tuned for more ideas to come.


I love this pitcher and lemonade set from Olive & Cocoa.  It reminds be of the south so some reason and the color is so fresh and fun!  Perfect for the person on your list who had everything but loves to entertain. You can never have enough of this kind of stuff in my opinion.





Friday, November 19, 2010

December Book Club

I just recently joined a book club that a friend of a friend started.  I am excited to have a reason to read some great books (I am notorious for starting books and never finishing them!)  I am also looking forward to meeting some new people, and having an excuse to drink wine.


The first book on the reading list is The Art of Racing in the Rain.  I don't usually gravitate towards dog books, but after reading the first 50 pages, I am completely enthralled.  I don't know how it compares to other dog books, but Enzo has such an interesting perspective on things, and the story is really sweet.  So far I would definitely recommend it!

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

FreshyFig on Etsy

I came across FreshyFig's store on esty about a month ago and I just love the mix of vintage and vintage inspired jewelry that they sell.  I think everything in the store is on my Christmas list.  (hint hint)  Here are a few of my favorites!



Click here for the above listing.


 Click here for the above listing.
Click here for the above listing.



Saturday, November 13, 2010

Loving West Elm


I just got the new West Elm mini catalog full of fun holiday stuff and I can honestly say that I want just about everything in there.  I just spent some time on their website and there is even more stuff on there that I love!  Here are a few of my favorites.