December 5, 2007

On the Rocks: Grape Spritzer.

Grape spritzer is a little more frou-frou and sweet than I usually go with for a drink. But the lavender color really caught my eye and the more I thought about it, the better it began to sound.

Ingredients:
– 1 two liter bottle grape dry
– 3 cups quality champagne
– 6 cups ice

Garnish: Black seedless grapes cut into slices

Tip: Add a bit of cranberry juice for a tart and fruity splash of flavor.

:: image and cocktail via Matthew Mead

Posted In cocktails
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December 5, 2007

Bella Umbrellas.

I can’t decide whether to love or hate these Bella umbrellas. They’re child-size paper parasols planted in flower pots, taped open a bit, and illuminated from the inside with a cluster of battery-powered lights. The toppers are created out of some accordion-folded mylar. I think in the right setting they could really work, but not in my house. Still, an interesting twist on something unrecognizable when you first take a look, which is what I really appreciate about them.

Posted In christmas, holidays, make it
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December 5, 2007

Architectural Details.

Each of these little stainless steel architectural figures is smaller than a paperclip (1:1500) and designed for adding detail to architectural models. The detail is astonishing, you can even recognize features and attributes of the figures. Love that they come in those little pop-out sheets. So MINI-esque.

:: via bad banana blog

Posted In office
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December 4, 2007

Cortado Coffee Mug.

I’m having a rare day where I’ve actually consumed too much coffee. My stomach hurts! I probably needed this Cortado coffee mug by designer Pilotto Ignacio. It’s meant to show the perfect mix of 2/3 coffee and 1/3 milk, but it could have shown me my consumption limit today.

:: via designers block

Posted In kitchen
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December 4, 2007

Matthew Mead Holiday.

Matthew Mead’s holiday style guide is up and running with some great ideas and finds for the season.

Lots of great downloads are available as usual, but my favorite has to be the date book covers. You know, for those little pocket calendars you can pick up for a dollar with puppies and horses on the cover? Well, with MM’s download you just print it out and pop it into place in the plastic cover. All of a sudden cheap and kitschy turns into chic and trendy.

Posted In christmas, food, holidays, house and home, make it
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December 4, 2007

Play Tents.

Oh man, I totally would have wanted one of these play tents when I was a kid. In fact, I wouldn’t mind crawling into one for a nap right now. Great color and pattern choices in both girl and boy selections.


Posted In kids
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December 4, 2007

Make a Mantel.

Love, love, love this idea from casasugar on what to do if you’re lacking a mantel to hang your stockings upon. Spray paint a branch (or not), suspend said branch from wall of your choice, hang stockings. Fantastic idea!

Posted In make it
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December 4, 2007

Monogrammed Boxes.

I, like most Paperphiles, am obsessed with gift wrapping. Especially packaging, anyone can wrap up a box with pretty paper, slap on a gift tag and call it a day. Creating a fantastic package is another story altogether. These monogrammed boxes from The Martha are perfect for little trinkets, gift cards and stocking stuffers. The best things come in little monogrammed boxes.

Posted In make it
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