Glam Gingerbread

As I mentioned...I'm so ready for the holidays this year. Can't wait to decorate, enjoy cold weather with a cup of hot cocoa and of course decorate gingerbread houses. My hubby and I have done our fair share of gingerbread houses--all via the simple kits found at any store. I'm thinking this year it would be really, really fun to take things up a notch with the Gingerhaus kits from Sur La Table. I'd love to make an entire village.

So do you have any holiday traditions that you are looking forward to?

Little Gold Rush

When I was a child, we went to Colorado often during summer vacation. We always stayed in a really small town where other travelers were few and far between. In between horse-back riding, treks up the mountains, and fishing trips we would head "into town" to check out the local shops. Our first stop was always the old-fashioned ice-cream shop that served up the best cones we'd ever tasted. Afterward my sister and I would always convince our parents to head over to one of many "rock shops."

These shops were filled from floor to ceiling with every imaginable stone, mineral, geode and boulder--most of which were local. My sister and I would carefully choose sparkling crystals, vibrant stones and magical geodes as souvenirs to take home. Among my most prized acquisitions were rocks speckled with flakes of real gold and little jars of gold dust that glistened in the sunlight. These precious metal minis made us feel as though we were leaving with true riches!

Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Dollybird's Lil Gold Rush ring yesterday. Small remnants of golden quartz remind me of the treasures of my youth while providing a textural light show. I love the organic beauty and think this is the perfect grown-up version of my young obsession.

A Secret: Mine

 
When seeking a unique gift for our engaged friends over the summer I turned to Etsy (of course). The couple loves art so I decided to purchase a custom watercolor portrait from Yasmine Molavi's shop: Mine. After sending over a photo, she did a custom watercolor complete with wedding date. We gave them the gift last weekend and the newlyweds were thrilled with this wonderful work of art.

Yasmine also sells custom watercolor cards and I've ordered a few of those too. Her work is sweet + whimsical and every piece I've gifted has gotten rave reviews. If you are in need of a fun and original present, be sure to check out her shop.

Tasty Travels

Wouldn't it be so fun to add the Top 10 Foodie Holidays to your must-see (or maybe must-taste) list and cross them all off? It would be really neat to be able to claim you've tried them all. I've dined on two of them already: New Orleans gumbo and a NYC hot dog. Both are 100% worthy of being on the list.

I have to say pasta in Naples, Italy sounds like the best of the other 8 options to me. What would you most like to taste? Have you already sampled any of these "must-eats?"

photos from here and here

Rock On!

I'm sorry for abandoning you guys last week! Aside from being super busy, I was also super sick. Battling a cold really derailed my blogging. I'm starting the week off feeling a lot better and ready to post away.

First up: I thought I'd bring you a smile this Monday morning.



Colin posted this awesome public service offer a few weeks back. He decided to share his sweet little girl saying "rock on!" to whomever requested. I couldn't pass it up and I have to say that when I hear "rock on Lindsey! Rock on!" my heart smiles and I giggle out loud. Awesome job Veda (and Colin)! Rock on!

Spooky Shades

When it comes to fall & Halloween decor I'm quite set. In fact I have to restrain myself this time of year because I could easily add and add to my collection until my home was bursting at the seems. What can I say? It is my favorite time of year (fall that is)!

As much as I love these spooky shades, I'm thankful that I don't have a chandelier that could use them. I'm not sure I could resist their glowing charm.

What is your favorite season to decorate for?

Not So Spooky!

Can't.take.the.cuteness!

The little ghosts remind me a bit of the nemesis on Pac-man, or Mrs. Pac-man--my favorite.
Don't you just love fall?

Weeeeeeeeeee!

Have you guys seen this Geico commercial with the little piggy who cried "wee wee" all the way home? Thanks to the wonders of DVR I don't catch many commercials but I'm glad I happened to see this one. The little pig cracks me up and makes me smile each time I see it.
Here's to a new week!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeee! 

Rosemary Beach: Tracery Interiors

{ a few of my snaps from rosemary beach }

Our trek down 30A led us to Rosemary Beach. This seaside town was my favorite of all the towns along the gulf we visited. Cobblestone streets and beautiful light, airy architecture make you feel as though you've been transported to an entirely different country. Rosemary Beach is the perfect combination of the Traditional Neighborhood Development and the quintessential beach town. We went up and down the quiet streets and found a few favorite shops, one being Tracery Interiors.

 { above are a few of my favorite interiors from tracery interiors website }

Tracery has created interiors across the South. A peek at their website and blog will give you a glimpse at some of the beauty they've created. Based in Rosemary Beach, Tracery Interiors has a storefront that offers home furnishings, art and decor. Thomas Paul pillows, the simrin glasses I've been wanting and plenty of other gorgeous goods filled the stop. I ended up taking home a cute frame and some seashells to use as filler around my home.

{ photos of tracery interiors shop, from their blog }

Luckily the sweet girl behind the counter let me know that Tracery Interiors has an online shop. So even if you can't make it to Rosemary Beach you can still browse virtually.

Fa Real

Found this on a random tumblr with no source, but it was too funny not to share.
Working on some fun posts, coming soon...

Grown-Up Playhouse

When I was a little girl we'd visit my cousins who lived about an hour away every so often. They had a sweeping back yard with a hill and tire swing. Their closest neighbor raised peacocks who would peek their beaks through the fence dividing the properties. We'd always find long peacock feathers along the fence line and I certainly thought they were magical as we used them as fairy wands and other games.

But above all of these wonders my favorite part of our trips was the chance to visit their playhouse.  Hidden beneath a tree, behind the main house was a tiny Victorian with a sweet porch. I honestly couldn't tell you what the inside of the playhouse looked like. I just remember the magic it contained for me.  A secret spot for us to play and hide. Our own space. I bet if I saw it now, it would be merely a small, rickety shed like shelter but back then it was a tiny castle!

Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon an article in the NY Times detailing a woman's dream home in the Catskills. A grown-up playhouse was my immediate connection. Sandra Foster carved out her own private retreat behind a run-down trailer and it looks just lovely. Adding to the whimsy is a tiny creek you must cross to find the cottage hidden within the forest. Perhaps most amazing for us adults is that the beauty of this mini-mansion is that it was completely, lovingly and wonderfully restored and decorated for under $3000! This gives me hope that I too may one day have my own "playhouse."

Take A Chance

KSNY has done it again! Their St. Louis store hosted an installation that was as beautiful as it was magical. Named "Take A Chance" a few walls of the shop were lined with lovely colorful mini envelopes each containing a suggested chance. "Eat cake for breakfast," "sing outside of the shower," and "embrace color" were a few of the recommendations.

I'd like to make my very own version using Envelopments Roll-A-Deck by filling it with whims and fancies. What fun it would be to pull out a colorful card in moments of boredom or when inspiration is lacking and be immediately energized! And on days when you are feeling 100% the Roll-A-Deck would be a great punch of color for your office decor.

Adorable Recordables

There are so many adorable wedding videos out there today done but such creative professionals. When I wed my sweetheart I was convinced I didn't need a videographer and in a last minute rush once coming to my senses I was forced to hire a "so called professional" who did a less than ideal job. I still cherish what we do have but if I had to do it again I think I'd seek out an inspiring storyteller like the brides below did. Take a peek at these really sweet videos.

Summer in a Snapshot

This photo so gloriously speaks summer to me. Can you tell I'm dreaming of picnics on the beach today? Oh I can't wait to visit the sea soon...

Aren't the ladies' swimsuits fantastic?! The good old days were so chic!

Rue La La

I've been scooping up some great deals on Rue La La lately. It is a membership only site that was featured in Oprah magazine last month. Right now they have great discounts on Thomas Paul goodies and later this week they'll have Michael Kors, Beaches Resorts, Rich & Skinny and more on sale. Best part, if you sign up now (thru 8/8/10) you'll get $10 in FREE credit. Scoop up the freebie while you can!

I Scream for Ice Cream!

I seriously might scream of joy if I received something as cute as this in the mail. Ice Cream Party in the mail?!?! Are you kidding me? This has my name written all over it. Think it would be too pitiful to send one to myself?

Book Bag

Kate Spade has completely redefined the words "book bag." The new Book of the Month clutches from from "Kate Spade Publishing" are perfect for bookworm fashionistas like moi. My KS wishlist is approximately 3.2 miles long now. Sigh.

Cotton Candy

Ever since I went on a little photo safari at our local carnival a couple months back I can't seem to get cotton candy out of my head. And I don't even really love the stuff. I think I just love the look of it and the nostalgia + whimsy it symbolizes.  I added a couple new prints to my shop, themed around the spun sugar.

Want more cotton candy goodness? You've got it! I've compiled a little vignette of some of my favorite fluffy candy inspired treats. Enjoy!

1. Ryan Reynold's is Sweet
2. Divine Twine 
3. Printable Cotton Candy Labels
4. A Field Journal's lovely Cotton Candy Photo
5. Cotton Candy Kid from The Black Apple
6. Aquolina Pink Sugar Perfume--with notes of Cotton Candy
7. Cotton Candy Dress
8. Candy Colored Necklace
9. Martha Stewart's Pretty Display
10. Little Sweet Treats by EvaJuliet 
11. Cotton Candy Clip/Brooch
12. Polka Dot Clutch
13. Candy Girl
14. Cotton Candy Photo

Blush Beauty

I'd love to have pink hair and a pretty, rosy frock just for today. Not sure I could pull of either but it'd sure make the day more fun! Three day weekends should be a regular thing. Who's with me?

Merry Marry

I'd like to share with you this mood board from Snippet and Ink. It makes me so, so, so happy! Perfect inspiration for a fun-filled weekend don't cha think?