Attention: a quick side note that has nothing to do with easter eggs: My blog is getting a little facelift for the day so I apologize in advance for the design inconsistencies and flaws. I’m hoping to finish it all up tonight. Thank you. Now back to the Easter post….

April is here and that means the Easter bunny will soon be filling baskets with candy and colorful goodies. I still get an Easter basket after all these years thanks to my mom! A basket doesn’t have to be filled with plastic grass and milk chocolate bunnies that no one eats. Here are a few fun Easter gift ideas that the bunny probably wouldn’t think of (sorry bunny). Who wouldn’t want a bouquet of flowers from a bearded man?

(ONE: Feather-Shaped Trays from Jayson Home, TWO: Wooden Eggs from Olive Manna, THREE: Vintage Brass Bunny from Etsy, FOUR: Burly Man With Flowers from Dear Hancock, FIVE: Tina Pocket from DWR)

hello valentine! Here’s another great card/creation from Linda & Harriet—the cutest letterpress shop in Brooklyn. I hope all of you have a fantastic Valentine’s Day filled with love and happiness. Thanks for following—I heart you.

xoxo!

Check out more of L & H’s Valentine letterpress goodies.

I’m sure you’ve already heard this name being raved about all over blogs but I had to do yet another post on this lovely company. I first became obsessed with EmersonMade when I saw the cute little flower/poppy pins she was creating—perfect for parties, showers, gifts, weddings, etc. Then I did a blog on her table linens which are to die for. THEN, I got so excited when I found out Emerson was going to start an apparel line. ahhh! (cue the heavenly music) Well, the apparel is here and it’s better than ever.

My latest purchase and obsession is the Valentine Paper Heart Tee. I ordered one of these to wear on the big love day and let me tell you, it is even sweeter in person. It’s a vintage, distressed red, a perfect, snug fit and it’s ever-so-soft. A lovely way to be in the Valentine’s Day spirit. It also comes in a cute little cloth bag with an EmersonMade stamp on the front and a mini little bag of fresh lavender tied on. adorable! She also makes onesies of this tee for the little babes. Order up my dears, there’s still time!

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention how in love I am with the Blue Bell denim. I need a pair for the Spring. Check out the EmersonMade website. Emerson (cutest name ever) designs AND models the clothes. She has such great, effortless style, a beautiful home and a sweet, successful company.

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. Here are some sweet little gift ideas for your lovers of all ages. The lady gift guide is my ultimate wish list. That Chloe bag is perfection and the heart sweater (that I believe is supposed to be for men) is so cozy. The man gift guide was inspired by my husband (note the pizza cufflinks) and the peanut gift guide is a shout out to my sweet little niece and brand new nephew. enjoy!

(For the Lady: top to bottom, L to R: Heart Sweater, Norse Project, Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Lotion, Funky Green Flowers, Jayson Home and Garden, Custom Heart Sampler Embroidery, Miniature Rhino, Heart Stud Earring, Jennifer Meyer, Marcie Leather Bag, Chloe)

(For the Man: top to bottom, L to R: Skinny Cotton Tie, Stevan Alan, Pizza Cufflinks, BarneysNY, Back Pack, The Herschel Supply Co., Tivoli Model 3 Radio, DWR, Rockford Red Heel Monkey Socks, Fox River Mills, Victorian Love Pillow, Jonathan Adler)

(For the Peanuts: top to bottom, L to R: Robot Bookends, Sandy Vohr, Cupcake Lip Gloss Set, BarneysNY, Baker’s Delight Kid’s Apron, Anthropologie , Super Hero Tee, Morfs Brand, Heart Measuring Spoons, Paper Source, I Love Lucy Cupcake, Cupcake Minneapolis, Mushroom Pouf, Anthropologie)

I’m feeling all sappy, pink and red. Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching so I thought I’d put together something to get you all in the mood. I wish we could trade those perforated valentines like we used to in elementary school. Even though I can’t do that, I CAN be all romantic and make dinner, pick out some pretty flowers and pass out some cute cards. The one thing I hate about lover day is going to dinner. It’s always cheesy and the menu is always screwed up and fixed. Mike and I try to go out the weekend before to avoid the cheese factor and limited menu or better yet, stay home.

Anyway, here’s some Valentine’s Day eye candy for you.

P.S. You’re probably thinking, what’s with the random green dress? Well, my friends, I don’t wear red and I love neutral colors so the green dress it is. I would add a little V-Day flare by smearing some red on my lips and sporting that amazing heart necklace.

Items L to R, top to bottom:

(ONE: Fetty Heart Necklace, TWO: Fleur de Lys Juice Glass, THREE: Nars Lip Gloss, FOUR: MCQ Paneled Stretch-Jersey Dress, FIVE: Be Mine Card, SIX: Hugs Pillow, SEVEN: Dazzling Dahlias)

We all have places to be and people to see around the holiday time. I’m doing lots of flying this Christmas—home to KS and to Mike’s fam in Dallas. You know what that means—lots of airport time and TSA touches…great. Although the long lines and fondling can spoil the trip, at least accessorize yourself so you’ll look and feel cute while delayed or on time. And if you’re traveling by car, you’ll look hot at those sketch gas stations where you stop to take a quick wiz.

Here are some travel things I love. They’re kind of overly colorful for my usual taste but I’m drawn to them. Here we go…

(L to R, top to bottom)

1. Orla Kiely Dark Multi-Stem Tote: This tote is wonderful. It’s colorful, vintage-inspired and large enough to toss your travel goodies in there with ease. It also has a nice coating on it so if you happen to spill some airport coffee, just wipe it off and go about your day.

2. Lanvin Patent Leather Ballerina Flats: I love Lanvin flats. They’re pricey but so comfy and chic. I like that they’re simple—no frills or beads or labels, just lovely. They’re perfect for flights and car rides. You can easily whip them off for the TSA and they take up minimal space in your luggage.

3. Books Lifestyle Notebook: I always have the pleasure of reading lots of books while on the plane or in the airport. This is a perfect little journal to document the books I’ve read—during and after the holidays.

4. Jonathan Adler Specs Case: I don’t really need a glasses case but this one is too cute not to have. It’s cross-stitched and colorful. It’s actually not even that functional for travel because glasses would prob get smooshed but who really cares. As long as the case is cute.

5. Swissco Tortoise Toothbrush: Looking at this cute little toothbrush makes me hate my free, pink one from the dentist. This would be a fun little item to pack. Or if you’re staying put and hosting out-of-town guests, put a few in the bathroom for them. They’re tortoise, cute and a necessity.

6. iWave Grassroots Headset: There’s nothing worse than not having music on a long flight. These are perfect. They match everything, they’re sustainable and made out of bamboo, and they cover your ears to block out crying babies and talkative plane neighbors.

7. Christopher Elbow Chocolates: Yes, these colorful things are chocolates. What do chocolates have to do with travel? Absolutely nothing. However, I always like a little snacky snack on the plane and in the car and what better than an artisan chocolate that matches all the other travel accessories?! These are beautiful little chocolates. Buy some for your trip or for someone you love.

8. Anya Hindmarch “Girlie Stuff” Metallic pouch: A great little travel accessory to throw in your travel tote or purse. This metallic beauty can house makeup, tampons or other “girlie stuff.” It’s always nice to have your girlie stuff in a separate little pouch so it’s easily reachable.

wishing you safe, happy and accessorized holiday travel. xoxo

sequins, bubbly, platform heels, smooches, noise makers, Dicky Clark, midnight, partays, annoying drunks that decide to go downtown for one night out of the year…ahh, New Years. I’m actually not a fan of this “holiday” or amateur celebratory evening but I am a fan of champagne, good food and sequins. I’ll probably lay low, go to a nice dinner with Mike and fall asleep on the couch by 10…yes before the big ball drops. I always tell myself that one of these years I’ll get all slutted and sequined up even if all I’m doing is a mellow dinner with bubbles. Maybe this year.

So, whether you’re staying in or going out on the town with friends, hopefully this style board will get you excited for 2011. My dream NYE ensemble would include a pale dress, platform glittery heels, wavy hair, light pink glossy lips and a large glass of bubbles. If I were more social and threw parties, I would definitely be ordering the above confetti garland and the cute, gold-dotted plates. And the golden, sprinkled cupcake—a must. Who wouldn’t wanna devour a pretty cupcake and wash it down with booze?

Have a sparkly, golden nye! xoxo

party items from L to R, top to bottom (1. Ticker Tape Tidbit Plates, Kate Spade, 2. Bow Napkin Ring, Kim Seybert, 3. Cupcake with Edible Glitter, Wilton, 4. Tassel Garland in Neutral, Confetti System, 5. Draped Crepe Wrap Dress, Haute Hippie, 6. Morganite Diamond + Sterling Ring, David Yurman, 7. Glitter Pump with Hidden Platform, Miu Miu)

I know it’s almost Christmas and gift guides like this are a little late but guys always seem to be the last ones left on my list. My husband and brother are the two toughest guys to shop for. They both already have everything and never seem to WANT anything—how is that possible by the way? Whenever I ask my husband what he wants his response is “I don’t know. Don’t get me anything.” grrrr. How can he restrain himself from not having a mile-long list in his head like ME?

Both men in my life are really into fashion, books and good food + drink. Here’s a gift guide inspired by them. If you’re in the same situation as I am, I hope this guide will help you out. If you order online today, it should get here in time for Christmas so click and shop away my dears.

The man who’s hard to find gifts for gift guide:

1. Santa and Jesus Tie, Jack Spade: What man wouldn’t want Jesus and Santa around his neck? holy and holly.

2. Swiss Champ Hardwood Pocket Knife, Swiss Army: Whether your man is outdoorsy or just needs to whip out an attractive knife/scissors to cut stuff, this contraption will be his friend.

3. Glenmorangie 18 yr Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey: Every man needs a stiff drink around the holidays. Why not give him an old, expensive one?

4. Honeybee Double Old Fashion—Rogaska: He’ll need something schnazzy to drink his drinkies from. Handmade lead crystal—pretty yet tough, rough and manly.

5. Embedded Ballpoint Pen—Duller: Perfect for his desk at home or at the office. A nice pen is something he’ll use daily but never buy himself.

6. Taking Aim: A great book for his coffee table. A cool book featuring some of the world’s best musicians.

7. Mason Pearson Comb: I know my man uses a comb but it’s one of those cheapo Walgreen’s specials that doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing—especially when he leaves it out on the counter. Give him one of these hand-crafted tortoise combs. His hair and the counter will thank you.

8. Hopi Pouch: A box of random goodies for your man. cute!

now go buy some stuff! xo

It’s the holiday season (cue music) and all of us have tons of parties, get-togethers and events to attend. Just when you think you’ve tackled all of your holiday shopping, you realize you don’t have a gift for the host/hostess of the party! dun, dun dunnnnn…

I hate rushing out and grabbing a gift that I haven’t put some thought into. I like shopping to be a process. I look, I look some more. I look online. I think. I go back and buy, etc. Hopefully these finds will help prevent you from freaking out and grabbing the nearest paper napkins in your drawers (not that paper napkins aren’t great) and re-gifting them to the dear hostess. naughty gift-giver! This holiday season, take yo time, shop and be stress-free.

happy holidays and happy hostess-ing!

xoxo

(The gifts: A: Squirrel Bottle Stopper, Jonathan Adler, B: Eat Table Linens, EmersonMade, C: Pomegranate Nut Bowl, Michael Aram, D: Le Labo Candle, Barneys NY, E: Scout Soap Set, Jayson Home, F: Cucina Hand Soap, Sur La Table)

Every time I’m back home in the KC area, I must make a stop to visit The Curious Sofa. It’s such a perfect little place. Everything is casual, vintage, slightly French and beautiful. They carry a lot more than just sofas, as you can see. I was so excited to find out they now have an online store! The above pictured items are my favorites after sifting through all the finds.

I love when special, little boutiques carry holiday stuff. It’s hard to track down Christmas decor that’s tasteful (and neutral since I’m not a red gal). I’m so sad that the cute little vintage Santa mugs are already sold out—they would make such a perfect gift. If anyone knows where I can find more of these cuties, let me know! Anyway, check out their site, and if you’re ever in KC, you must visit the store.