Doodle Softies

A few weeks ago, I was picking Marlowe up from pre-school and fell instantly in love with a self-portrait she had painted.... perfectly capturing her 4-year old self-image... big smile, ultra glamorous eyelashes, crazy fingers and all...   :)

So, when my cousin suggested I might want to have the artwork made into a doll; this sentimental girl jumped on the idea and commissioned Doodle Softies to make it happen.  After only a few e:mail exchanges re:  size, preferences, etc; we received a perfect 3-D rendition in the mail...

Upon opening, Marlowe exclaimed... "It's Marlowe!" (the true sign of a job well done) 

... my heart swelled. 

She sleeps with her every night.  

 Bringing art to life for kids.... a great idea.

Well, what do you know?...... the wishbone

......... so I was browsing through one of my favorite online home decor shops recently, High Street Market, and I fell in love with this wishbone objet (I know, I'm supposed to be paring down):

anyway..... it got me thinking.... what is the significance of the whole wishbone thing anyway?..... it's not something I've ever done...... the dueling pinkie pull of the wishbone, that is, as I'm more than a little squeamish when it comes to animal parts...... but seems like something I should know if I was planning on displaying one around my home somewhere or giving it as a gift.  Well, here is what I found out:

"The tradition of two people simultaneously snapping the collarbone of a bird in two and the bearer of the larger half making a wish began 2,400 years ago. The Etruscans, who lived on the Italian peninsula, believed fowl were fortunetellers because the hen announced she would be laying an egg with a squawk and the rooster told of the coming of a new day with his early morning crowing. A circle was drawn in the dirt and divided into twenty wedges that represented the twenty letters in the Etruscan alphabet. A piece of grain would be placed in each wedge. A hen would then be allowed to peck at the grain. As she ate, a scribe would list the letters in order and those letters would be interpreted by the high priests to answer questions.

When one of these chickens was killed, its collarbone was considered sacred and left under the hot sun to dry. Anyone was permitted to hold an unbroken bone and make a wish, thus, the name wishbone. The Romans took many of the Etruscan customs as their own and because everyone wanted good fortune, they fought over the bones, breaking them.

It is said that the phrases “I need a lucky break” or “I never get a break” come from being the loser in this tug-of-chicken-bone contest.

The English heard of this superstition from the Romans and called their wishbones merry-thoughts. When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock in the New World, they brought along the custom of breaking the wishbone. When they discovered the Northeastern woods of North America were filled with turkeys, they changed their custom from the chicken bone to the turkey bone."

-from www.greenlightwrite.com/wishbone.htm

Do you remember that 80's saying "things that make you go hmmmm?" :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Gift Giving: The Heart Locket

Valentine's Day is a month from tomorrow and few pieces of jewelry evoke in me a more romantic notion than a locket.  They've been around for centuries, in fact, and were especially popular among the Victorians who gave them as condolences of lost loved ones; carried them as good luck charms; and used them, believe it or not, to carry pills or poison (lest they be attacked I suppose; unfortunately not very romantic).

Thankfully, they've evolved over the years to be more tender keepsakes offered to loved ones (and baby girls); often featuring a heart or other pertinent symbol or photo and sometimes monogrammed with the recipient's initials.  I'm especially partial to those made of brass or vintage ones.

The Dedication Company

Stella Saves the Day

I can't think of a more "heartfelt" gift. :)

Have a great weekend!

Gift Giving: A Monogrammed Robe

I suggest you run, not walk, to your closest Target or go here online if you are in search of a yummy robe as a Christmas gift for your mother-in-law, girlfriend, sister.... or any girl who likes a bit of comfy.  In general, I think the overall lingerie/robe market has been seriously lacking of late...... so I nearly screeched when I spotted this super soft and plush goodie on my way to the diaper aisle a couple of weeks ago.

Dubbed "The Cozy Robe" by Gilligan and O'Malley (Target's house brand I think); this robe lives up to it's name AND it's now on sale for a mere $15 online (add in a buy one; get one for 1/2 price offer) and you can get yourself one too for $7.50!  Then, drive it straight down to your local embroiderer to add a charming monogram for $10 or so.......

 ........and you have a gift that cost less than $25 but looks like a million bucks.  OR for an extra, extra treat.... tuck a gift certificate for a manicure or massage in the pocket before you wrap it up....... guaranteed to bring a giant smile to any gal's face!

Gift Giving: Personalized Notecards

"You can take a girl out of the South, but you can't take the monogram out of the girl"...... that's what I say. Few gifts delight me more in both giving and receiving than those that have the special added touch of being personalized.  Yes, it takes a tad bit more planning but it's definitely worth the effort.  Over the next week or so, I'll be highlighting several of my best-loved personalized gifts starting with one of the easiest and least expensive (yet most charming).....

Personalized Note Cards

the perfect hostess, teacher, birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or anytime gift...... here are a few of my most recent favorites:

The OHello

Bernadette Meyer Designs

Elsie J

Ella Bella Notes

Impressions on Paper

Row House 14

Naomi Lynn

Wrap with a piece of ribbon and add a cute pen (if you're feeling extra industrious) and you're set.

Beth's Doohickeys

 I guarantee you'll get a cute thank you note! :)

It's a wrap!....... part I

......... I have a thing for wrapping or should I say I have a thing for beautifully wrapped gifts.  It doesn't matter what time of year, I hoard wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags and such in excited anticipation of having the occasion to wrap a pretty package to give as a gift....... so while others might grimace at the thought of wrapping all those gifts this time of year...... I am filled with delight at the idea of double stick tape, ric rac, folded corners ...... and pretty packages under my tree and adorning nooks and crannies in my home.

One trend I'm going to try out this year is wrapping with fabric.   Known as furoshiki in Japan, the art of wrapping gifts in cloth is a tradition symbolizing both the importance of the entire gift experience in Japanese culture as well as the country's desire to cut down on waste.   The overall effect is quite special and lovely, I think, and allows for so much creativity as seen in the photos below:

I love the idea of using a vintage scarf, handkerchief, or hand towel that can serve as two gifts-in-one.... and what better way to use leftover fabric than to style it into something lovely around a wine bottle or potted paperwhite...... the opportunities are endless!  For a super short/they make it look so easy tutorial, check out this video and.......

Get your furoshiki on! :)

image sources

Gift Ideas for Kids

In honor of "Cyber Monday", I thought I'd share a few of my favorite gifts for kids from the most famous e:tailer of all: Amazon.

1. Usborne Sticker books - This is absolutely my favorite children's publisher.  These sticker books are perfect for travel in the car and there is a great variety for girls and boys.  
2. Dress A Snowman Kit - As if another motivation for it to snow were needed! :)
3. How to Draw UglyDoll book & UglyDolls - for unknown reasons, my girls love these ugly guys and  they seem to have staying power because I keep seeing them year after year.  They would get an extra kick learning how to draw them and coming up with their own ugly "cuteness".
4. Portable ping pong set - I must admit, this is something that looks like as much fun for me as for them.... I can hear the giggles now as their daddy and I take each other on for a match.
5. Mr. Sketch scented markers & Melissa & Doug doodle pad - I was so jealous of my friend's Mr. Sketch "smelly markers" when I was a kid and they haven't changed a bit..... they're still wonderful.
6. Acorn Daisy Mule Slipper & Foamtreads Slipper - why, ofcourse! :)
7. Owl Talking Alarm Clock - I know I could always use a little help getting the kids out of bed in the morning!
8. Children's bib apron - Because cooking with little ones can be fun..... and messy!
9. Laugh Out Loud Jokes for Kids - Because every kid deserves to be in the spotlight and it feels good to make people laugh.

How about you?  Any good gift recommendations for kids?

Gift Giving: West Elm

These days my mailbox seems to be overflowing with catalogs vying for my attention and holiday shopping dollars.  Honestly, it's a little overwhelming and I usually stand over my recycling bin purging them before they even make it into my house.  But one that I'm happy I held on to is West Elm.  There are a few items they offer that I think would make great holiday gifts for a great price:

Monogrammable Hammam stripe hand towel - $10

Monogrammable Honeycomb Tassel Hand Towel - $10

Porcelain Hurricanes $19 - $49

Monogrammable olive wood paddle board - $19

How about you.... any good catalog shopping finds?

You Scream, I Scream.....

...... we all scream for ice cream!  Apparently so, because this is the most re-pinned image on my Pinterest boards.

I originally pinned this because it made me chuckle:  I sort of have this endearing annoying habit of telling my guy I don't want any ice cream and then proceeding to ask for a bite of his; and another; and another until he proclaims "I thought you said you didn't want any!" I don't think men understand that somehow if you are eating off someone else's plate, the calories don't seem to count as much. :)

Anyhow..... I spotted these very spoons for sale on my favorite website of all time; Etsy ofcourse; and I thought what a cute gift they would make paired with some scrumptious Sanders Dark Chocolate Bittersweet Hot Fudge Sauce or some of the best ice cream known to man (ok, it's a local company and it really is THAT good); from Graeters...... or if you are feeling extra industrious; you could whip up some homemade hot fudge sauce using this simple recipe:

SANDERS HOT FUDGE TOPPING

14 oz. sweetened condensed milk 14 oz. light Karo syrup 1/2 lb. unsalted butter 12 oz. Nestle's milk chocolate pieces or candy bars (no substitute) Combine all ingredients in top of double boiler over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Cook without stirring, 30 minutes. Put through blender in small amounts on smooth-high speed. Keep refrigerated. Makes 1 quart. Rewarm in microwave or over hot water.

My philosophy on giving gifts is to give things that I have a hard time parting with myself and this would definitely make the cut!

Just Dishin': Fishs Eddy

Each time I visit NYC, a "must-see" is Fishs Eddy.  It reminds me of Anthropologie on steroids for dishware; full of amazing displays and great, unique products.  I literally could spend a couple of hours there:

images source

Their store is chock full of great basics with a smattering of Americana and tchotchkes and while their website doesn't quite have the breadth that the store does,  it still has a plentiful offering of the staples and kitschy gifts.  Here are a few of my favorites:

"rest in grease" spoon rest

White enamel scalloped edge cake stand

color banded diner style tea cup

set/4 Food Bank sauce bowls; 5% of proceeds donated to New York food bank

Jadeite salt and pepper shaker

The funniest thing that they sell are these glove molds.  The display literally "assaults" you when you walk in the store.  I haven't quite figured out whether to love them or hate them; but nevertheless they give me a chuckle.

Vintage glove mold

It's a date.....

..... in 2012, that is.  I can't believe the year has gone so quickly and I'm already racking up things that need to go on the calendar in the New Year!  By now you know that I'm pretty old fashioned, so it shouldn't surprise you that I still use a paper calendar.  There's just something I like about taking a pencil to paper that helps me remember my "to do" list better than typing it into the calendar on my phone or computer.  More importantly, however, I like to save my calendars from year to year so I can look back on them as a form of "mini-journal" of what was happening in my life.  Here's the one I've been using for the last 8 years:

Kate Spade spiral bound desk calendar

but, alas, I'm saying "good-bye" to Kate this year in favor of these equally stylish and more affordable options from Sarah Pinto.

My favorite is this one:

..... it says "this is my lucky year"; appropriate I think for my big "coming of age year!" :)

Plus, Sarah, the designer, is a mom whose little boy has a heart defect and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to support Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.  Love that!

Fashion: Texting gloves

"Cold hands, warm heart" is something I've been known to say A LOT in the winter because I am always freezing.  So when I saw these I knew they were going straight to the top of my Christmas list.

Portolano Tech Knit Gloves

One of a growing number of texting gloves, e-tip gloves or tech gloves reaching the market..... they have a rubberized pad on the thumb and forefinger allowing you to text without taking your gloves off and/or having to remove your fingers from their cozy little sleeves.  That should take care of the "cold hands" part; I'll try and keep the "warm heart". :)