December 4, 2008

Gift List: The Artiste.


1. doodlebook frame
A frame that you can truly make your own. Comes with an 80 page sketch pad and photo opening. Notes, doodles, comments…just have fun with it then rip it off and repeat.

2. Marimekko arni wall hanging
“Aarni” (2007) by Maija Louekari imagines a forest like no other with abstract black trees and one swirling line-drawn red species, all on crisp white.

3. Gregory calendar game

4. Estudio-5 clock

5. P-Sharan SQ-35 pinhole camera kit
Before digital photography, there was film photography. Celebrate this venerable art form with a 35mm camera that you build yourself… from cardboard! It’s a lensless pinhole camera, functionally similar to the first film cameras of the 1820s. Experiment with film much like the pioneers of photography did at the dawn of the art. Using the four included pinhole filters, you’ll be able to create intriguing pinhole camera images.

6. ZoomArt monocular
A small and practical zoom with high quality optics, that make it possible to admire the details of fine art, sculptures, architecture and miniatures from 3 feet to infinity.

7. bottle cap tripod
This provides a solution to the issue that’s probably as old as the camera itself: What to use as a tripod when you don’t lug a tripod around?

8. 24 wax crayons in a box
More than just a compelling color palette, these Wax Crayons surpass European specifications for toxicity and even adhere to the food provision ordinance, which is much stricter than the regulations for the toy industry. To achieve this level of quality, pure beeswax is combined with all-natural pigments to create pure color that can be used in all kinds of ways.

9. Annie Leibovitz at Work book
Annie Leibovitz describes how her pictures were made, starting with Richard Nixon’s resignation, a story she covered with Hunter S. Thompson, and ending with Barack Obama’s campaign.

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December 3, 2008

Round Up: Christmas Cards.

I was trying to hold off on this Christmas Card Round Up for as long as possible because I keep seeing more fantastic designs each and every day. But I thought I’d better get it posted before everyone’s cards have already been stamped and sent! Well what are you waiting for? Take a look!

Posted In cards, christmas, holidays, paper goods, round up
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December 3, 2008

On the Rocks: Apple Cinnamon Toast.

Can’t say that I’ve ever seen the word “toast” in a cocktail name before. However, with that said, Apple Cinnamon Toast looks really tasty!

ingredients:
– 1 1/4 oz. Smirnoff Green Apple Twist vodka
– 1/2 oz. Goldschlager
– Dash of Green Apple Jell-O
– Sliced Apple on top
– Cinnamon Rim
– Garnish with Cinnamon stick, apple slice

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

:: cocktail recipe and photo via Cocktail Times

Posted In cocktails
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December 3, 2008

Succulent Wreath.

I’m in lust with this succulent wreath. It’s made up of five different varieties of succulent plants and the coolest part – it’s alive! And you only have to water it every few weeks.

Posted In grow it, outdoors
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December 3, 2008

Gift List: The Homebody.


1. organic cotton blanket
Knit of soft organic cotton, grown without harmful herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals.

2. sachets
Lavender-filled sachets covered in 100% cotton canvas. Use for linen storage, luggages, or anywhere else that needs a boost of scent.

3. personalized playing cards
Personalized playing cards that are perfect for your next game night. Choose (shown clockwise from top) butterfly, paisley, or dot-pattern motif.

4. Skeem votives

5. monogram pillowcase
weet alphabetized dreams! Personalize your bed (or just spell something fun!) with our Monogram Pillowcases. Graphic letters printed on clean woven pillowcases, with a split back for easy access.

6. cable-knit ballet flat slippers
Our cute ballet flat slippers give your feet reason to dance with soft, comfy sweater knit upper and a faux-suede outsole. They’re perfect for padding around the house!

7. hot chocolate on a stick
Swirl these cubes of the finest Belgian chocolate into a cup of hot milk, or heavy cream “la Belge!” for the ultimate cup of cocoa!

8. better hot water bottle
Though shaped like a water bottle, it’s filled with buckwheat seeds that mold to the body’s contours. So Post-Modern — and no weird sloshing! To heat, just pop in the microwave. Comes with an aromatherapy sachet that can be tucked inside.

9. meadow coasters
The perfect accessory for your coffee table or you can have fun with all four as a trivet.

Posted In gifts
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December 2, 2008

Round Up: Advent Calendars.

I’m running a few days (plus shipping time!) late with my Advent Calendar Round Up. But surely there are some slackers like me out there who don’t mind a late start. Or, who knows, maybe some of you pre-planners are already thinking about next year!

Tower Advent Calendar.
This Christmas calendar holds a 24 boxed large tower with the ability to have a gift every day until the Christmas Eve.

DIY Candy Advent Calendar from Alpha Mom. (via Design*Sponge)
I attached the cups with brads in a grid-like pattern to a piece of decorative paper, then glued the paper to cardboard. I set the board on a table and filled all the cups with candy. Then I carefully sealed each one by painting glue around the rim and gently placing a piece of number-stamped tissue paper on top of each cup.

Chocolate Truffles Advent Calendar.
Twenty-four truffles lead up to a very decadent Christmas. Their accompanying wishes, such as “Peace,” “Hope” and “Compassion” keep the holiday spirit alive. Handcrafted in 12 distinctive flavors, including Italia Espresso, Pear Brandy, French Silk and Conquistador Hazelnut.

Advent Calendar Cabinet.
Hide a surprise like chocolate or an ornament behind each hinged door, so that every day of Advent guests have something new to find. Crafted of wood composites and painted with colorful symbols of the season.

DIY Envelope Advent Calendar from Design*Sponge + d.Sharp.
Starting on the first of December, each numbered envelope will hold a small treat or a note describing a holiday activity for the day, like going to get a tree or making candy encrusted graham cracker houses.

Literary Advent Calendar. (via Black*Eiffel)

Amsterdam Advent Calendar. (via Black*Eiffel)
Windows and doors are numbered 1-25, and reveal a tiny symbol of Christmas behind each one.

PS: If you’d like to check out a few more here’s 2007’s Advent Calendar Round Up!

Posted In christmas, holidays, round up
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December 2, 2008

The Daily Eat: Spanish Churros.

This recipe for Spanish Churros was one of the very first I saved when I started collecting recipes online about a year ago. And have I made it yet? No! So someone please get after it and let me know if this homemade version of the chewy, cinnamon sugar dusted donut-like treats are as tasty as they look!!

:: recipe and photo via My Kitchen Snippets

Posted In recipes
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