I like

this necklace.

The Gift Exchange

On Christmas Eve we all get together with family from my Mom's side. The highlight of the evening is usually The Gift Exchange. We take this game very seriously. Each year a person is selected to choose a theme for the next year's Exchange. The price limit this year is $35. We draw numbers and choose a gift from the pile. People can steal. The best gifts are highly coveted, stealing ensues, couples conspire and work together. Unfavorable gifts are mockingly advertised, available for stealing. Gift cards are shunned.

This year's theme is Home Decor - No Gift Cards. So I've taken my search to Etsy, it can't let me down! Here are the top options I'm mulling over...



DORIT 12k White Gold - Decorative Wood Candle Holder by Jean Pelle.

Tiny Stoneware Bottle by Sara Paloma

Chosen by Blissful Images. I could get a nice mat and frame.

Terrarium No 109 by The Oak Leaves

What do you think?

mmm

I had this on my english muffin for breakfast...mmm...

I got it here

oli + me

I like yellow gold lately. And I really want one of these...



Whisper Ring, 14kt gold, $35

I'm also thinking about one of these...

My engagement ring is actually a set of small rings and I'm always worried about losing them. This little bag would be cute to keep them in.

courage

I was perusing Simply Lovely this afternoon, pettily thinking about what to buy with my next paycheck, when I found a link to this blog.

Just over a year ago, Stephanie and her husband were in a plane crash. The NieNie Dialouges documents their lives before and after the crash with their four adorable kids. I really can't put into words this woman's courage and amazing faith. Her positivity during such an excruciating challenge is extremely inspiring

photo via NieNie via Justin Hackworth Photography

Around the House

We hosted a little get together on Saturday so the house was tidier than it's usual state.

We had the windows open all weekend and it was gorgeous...probably the last time this year.

Productive Sunday

I got a lot done today and I am giving myself a pat on the back! Among my many projects, I photographed some new pieces that will be making their way into the shop in the next few days.

Hope you had a happy weekend.

Eric likes to make fun of me for my dedication to You, Me and Dupree. If they're airing it in on TBS, I have to watch it. I love those stupid, funny movies. But what makes this one especially irresistible is the stuff Kate Hudson's character sports throughout the movie. I've loved the gold bracelet she wears since my first Movie and A Makeover.

So I tried my own...

Now I have to run, they're showing The Sweetest Thing again...

custom order

for a friend. I'm liking this new design!

drop me a line if you're interested in one!

last weekend in the south

Last weekend we took a long road trip during a short weekend. We headed off to Nashville Thursday night after work and got to look around the city a little bit on Friday morning.

This is Hatch Show Print - really cool place. They are now part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and make/remake great music posters, art prints and stationary.

one of the resident kitties

Buy 1 Get 2 Free cowboy boots!

Later that day we continued onward to Birmingham, AL for a friend's wedding.

The ceremony took place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

And the reception took place at the couple's friend's ad agency - Scout Branding in Birmingham.

This was my first trip to this part of the country. I really liked Birmingham, very pretty and hilly with stately southern homes. And everyone is so friendly!

On Sunday we drove the 10+ hours back to Chicago. Long trip but definitely worth it!