50 books...

 

Earlier in the year I came across a great idea, albeit it was not a new idea but it was a great one..  A list.. I know it is pretty simple when you start out but it became really difficult as I really looked at it.  It is a list of 50 things I would like to do in my life, I did not put a date on it, I did not call it a bucket list but just a list of items I wish to see, do or accomplish within in my life. This list became really hard to complete, I am talking about the actual list I think I made it to 36 items, because I was being serious, I wanted to see things that I truly wanted to do on there not just dreamy things that I would not put the effort into.  

So aside from all of that one of the items was to ready 50 books in a years time, I am a lover of books and own piles and piles of them, a lot I have read but quite a few are just waiting for their moment.  Well, I decided it would be a great thing to start right about now.  I thought it would be a great thing to share also and I was hoping you could help me out with some recommendations on great reads?!  I would love it if you would join me too- it is always fun to share a great book with friends.

What do you think - any interest?

My first on the list is Les Miserables, I would love to know if you have read it and what you think.

Looking forward to a wonderful new year full of new adventures with you here on the blog as well!

 

a quick hello...

 

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  We are trying to get it back together here, catch up with reality and take some time to enjoy ourselves.  This year has been an amazing ride and I realized this morning how very many places we have been and how much we have accomplished.  I am excited for the New Year and looking forward to sharing it with all of you!  Thank you for everything, for every comment and every email I truly appreciate your support and encouragement here on the blog and in my businesses!

image via

 

 

ON VACATION

Sending you sunny warm greetings from Palm Beach. On vacation. Back soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a wonderful day! Merry Merry!

Christmas table...

 

Living in California at Christmastime can be such a gift.  We are often able to spend the day in the sunshine outside with family.  I don't know that I have ever had a white Christmas and who knows if I ever will, that's okay with me for now.  I saw this beautiful table setting and I fell in love with it and how simply beautiful it was.

Wishing you and yours a very wonderful holiday!

 

All images via Style me Pretty

 

Winter...

 

Welcome to Winter!  How amazing to run down a chilly tree lined path... or ski on vintage skis.  

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend... relax and enjoy as much as possible.

 

image via/via

 

PRESENT TENSE: HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP GETS FESTIVE

One of my favorite aspects of gift giving is wrapping the presents. I love to make a pretty package. I am pretty sure I got this from my amazing Mom, who has great tips and tricks to wrap the ribbon so there is no bump on the underside where the ribbons cross, and so each folded corner is even. 

Too add to the gift, I like to stick a fresh sprig of holly, shiny red berries or some bells in with the bow and tag. It just makes the presentation more interesting, and memorable. Here are some favorite patterned papers and tags I have come across this season, both traditional and fun. Enjoy the last few days of frenetic shopping for last-minute gifts and wrap em up with your own individual flair.

Photo courtesy of Sugar Paper

State the obvious with vivid red script dons letterpress tags from LA-based Sugar Paper.

Photo courtesy of Mara Mi

Say thank you with sweet little gift labels from Mara Mi featuring winter themes.

Photo courtesy of CB2

Put your own stamp on it with Yellow Owl Workshop's Label Stamp Kit from CB2. It doesn't read holiday so you can use it beyond Christmas.

Photo courtesy of Lobird

This one is to give to all your friends that gallivant all over the global. From Lobird. Each of this company's designs are cuter than the next.

 Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Against a pale green sky, reindeer and pine trees in a winter scene on hang tags from Anthropologie.

 Photo courtesy of Connor

When only the best will do, Connor New York has hang tags with red grosgrain ribbon and hand-engraved motifs.

 Photo courtesy of Target

A cheery Santa and scallop-edge Do Not Open set of tags from Target are just adorable.

Photo courtesy of Target

Wow, these colorful cuties are from Target- love. Zesty colors and modern motifs for the un-holiday color scheme.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Boddington

Mr. Boddington always gets it right, they make some of the best preppy meets quirky papers. Rudolf heads in a playful hand-drawn repeat float across the surface of It's Raining Reindeer paper.

 Photo courtesy of Container Store

My favorite wrap is from the Container Store, with geometric Santa's all in a row.

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

The animals go marching on in Holiday Animals Wrapping Paper available through Paper Source. Too cute for the little one's.

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

White berries with silver leaves against a red ground make this red Paper Source paper an elegant option.

Photo courtesy of Kate's Paperie

Modern and graphic, the wrapping paper of master printmaker Charles Lahti from Kate's Paperie pairs kraft paper brown and poppy red.

Photo courtesy of Container Store

In a multitude of hues, Christmas trees line the surface area of kraft paper from the Container Store.

 Photo courtesy of Container Store

For all of you with dogs, the Container Store has recycled paper with Chilly Dogs as reindeer waiting in line to step up to the hydrant.