a golden new years eve party is my fave

December 29, 2010 // 0 Comments

Let’s just admit it, New Year’s Eve is an overrated holiday. Maybe it’s because I don’t consume alcohol or own many sequins (resolution perhaps?) but it always seems like a downer. After that thrilling intro, would if we made it a little better this year with a gold and plum party complete with some glittery crackers (tp rolls and wrapping paper), mini flags, a mixed garland and a cake to crack open? Happy New Year indeed.

Want more details on the surprise cake? I’m sharing how to make it over on Liz’s blog today as part of herBlogNog series. It’s easy, I promise.

warm wishes and a breather are my fave

December 22, 2010 // 0 Comments

Shelby Tanner, Alexis Virgilius, Erin Dermody

I like the quiet and magical feeling of these photos. That’s what I’m wishing for the holidays, quiet time and magical little moments.

I’m going to take a little breather until the new year (I may pop in once with something festive for New Year’s), not that many of you are still around these parts. I feel like everyone’s taken off for the holidays and I’ve so desperately wanted to  join in and just head home and hibernate. I’ve been feeling a little worn (read: I’ve been tearing up about everything) these last couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to actually sleeping and spending time with my favorite people in the entire world.

Sending you wishes for a glowing holiday. Thanks for your support and encouragement all year long. It’s been a good one.

felt christmas cards are my fave

December 21, 2010 // 0 Comments

Hooray for the last day of Christmas projects! A hooray for me since my apartment is no longer covered in flotsam and jetsam and a hooray for you since I’m sure you’ve tired of it all.

I made our Christmas cards with my best buddy, felt, this year. Then glue gun, kraft paper and twine found out how much fun we were having and crashed the party. I just had to cut, glue and then do a couple stitches for the tags which are a free printable created by Amy of Eat Drink Chic. I like how each one is a little different and that it’s an unexpected material for a card.

My mom taught me how to make that snowflake last week and I found a tutorial here. I just substituted paper with felt because it’s become my material of choice for everything. Next up, felt stir-up pants.

And sorry for all of the recipients (my small fan club consisting of my mom, Kelly and the Stukeys) who have yet received them in the mail. It’s a grab bag of sorts so it will still be a surprise when you open it.

ornaments with sparkle are my fave

December 20, 2010 // 0 Comments

I’m going to have to give Jennifer 100% credit for this idea. Within an hour of seeing her post, I was in the check out line at the fabric store with sequins in hand. Wouldn’t these be pretty all lined up on a table or hanging above your head on New Year’s Eve? I don’t think I need to post instructions for this one but I will say the ladies at the Las Vegas buffet were right, sequins are all the rage.

shiny baubles are my fave

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This weekend I cranked out my last two Christmas projects (you lost count/interest didn’t you?). Since I made aornament chandelier for those of you that take the minimalist approach, I decided to do something for those of you who like a little more flash. With a few boxes of vintage glass ornaments from the thrift store, a hot glue gun and an embroidery circle – I created just that. I kind of want to keep on adding baubles until it’s as big as a pony. A really shiny pony.

anne + mathias are my fave

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Yay! It’s time for another cool couple – a special winter edition. Didn’t the ear muffs tip you off? This time it’sAnne and Mathias’ turn. And although I’m not quite sure what a futurist is, Mathias’ answer makes me think – “typical futurist,” with a slight eye roll.

Secret to being cool -

Anne: Let your unique voice sing through everything you do; the people who listen and join in are the ones who recognize your coolness and complete it with their own.
Mathias: If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.

illustration by Gemma Correll

stocking stuffers are my fave

December 16, 2010 // 0 Comments

star sparkle, lovely label, salty sweet

stylish sipping, hand heat, fabric floral

cute clutch, drip drop, geometric glitter

christmas packages are my fave

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Wrapping presents is very much a Christmas project. I’m kind of famous for my bad wrapping skills but this year I put a tad more effort into it and they turned out better. The corners still aren’t perfect, I need to take a course from Jordan.

Speaking of packages, TJ Maxx asked me if I wanted to participate in a blogger secret Santa exchange this year. Since I love discount shopping and surprises I merrily said yes. They teamed me up with Julie of Orchid Grey (kind of intimidating buying presents for someone who’s clearly got the cool thing figured out) and she sent me a lovely package of things to keep me cozy during winter. The shawl is like a stylish Snuggie and aren’t those knee socks darling? I’m going to see if I can pull them off. Thanks Julie and TJ Maxx!

Update: See what I sent Julie. I kind of wanted to keep it all for myself.

a fresh interior is my fave

December 15, 2010 // 0 Comments

Ryan took his last final of law school just a few hours ago. Now it’s just the BAR and we’re home free (except for the whole, he’s-an-attorney-now part). We’ve/I’ve been dreaming of leaving our seedy apartment soon. We need something fresh. I love this inviting home from Purvi Padia Design. I love that the neutral color palette comes off as cozy and not stark and bare. And of course I’m a fan of cherry leather. Oh, 2011 is going to be a great year.

bottles of twinkle lights are my fave

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I loved this wine bottle light project so when Lashley invited me over to try it out, I said heck to the yes. I must admit, our arms got tired holding the drill up. It took about 15 minutes to break through the glass but look at that pretty mantle?! Tell me it wasn’t worth it. I would love to have a massive table filled with a cluster of lighted bottles.

photos from Lashley

PS Lashley and I actually met though this blog. Turns out, she only lives four blocks away. Weird but awesome right? I reap so many benefits from this little thing I call my blog.