Side by Side

It is no secret that I love the Camilla Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I want it bad. But I saw another recently that is also a contender.

Top Image from here

Bottom Image from here

Decisions, decisions

Wish List #3

The Architect's Brother





Just a stunning book that I saw at the library and had a really hard time giving back. Would earn permanent spot on my coffee table (if I ever get a new one).

Available here

Wish List #2

Letterpress Kit




I know this is not something any real letterpress aficionado would endorse but the idea of making letterpress at home appeals to me. I will never be able to have areal press and I can never see myself anywhere near a place where lessons are offered but i love letterpress! This seems like an affordable option for me.
Information here

Wish List #1

These are in no particular order!

Pottery Barn wall cubby. I just love this. It looks like an old printers tray but without the stink! I love how it is used as an advent calendar here but I would use it year round to show off my treasures!
Available here

Mrs Meyers Iowa Pine

I am a devotee of Mrs Meyers Geranium scent and I use it all the time in my house. However, I was at Target today and they had the Holiday collection from Mrs Meyer - Iowa Pine! I decided to give it a try and it is awesome. Not year round but for right now, it is awesome! My house smells like Christmas trees!

Christmas Gifts

I was talking with someone today who has canceled Christmas for the adults in her family. This saddens me a lot because from a purely selfish point of view, she gives the greatest and most thoughtful gifts. I completely understand her reasons for not shopping for the adults and I hope she can stand by her guns. When I mentioned to her that I was mad that I wouldn't be getting gifts from her this year, she told me that she would not have a clue what to get me anyway. I thought that odd but then realized that I mainly talk about clothing for children other stuff aimed at children. Hmmmm. Maybe in my mind, I have canceled Christmas too. NAH.

I decided to make myself a ridiculous challenge and find 25 things that I would love to open one day. They can be indulgent, practical, cheap or extravagant fantasy gifts but they must be aimed at me. Not my children and not my husband but ME. Okay then , here we go....

Cool Clock

I like this clock for the kids playroom. It is happy and bright and cool. I wonder if I could make it myself but I am pretty sure it would be easier to just buy it and know the job is done right!

Available from Pottery Barn Kids and on sale right now.

Donna Hay Seasons

I want this book so badly. I want it so badly! However, it is only available in Australia right now and the cost of shipping is prohibitive to me. I cannot justify spending more on shipping than the actual cost of the book. So I will wait patiently and hope that it comes to these shores soon. This book shall be mine, oh yes, it will be mine!

Cute Advent buckets!

I really love these buckets from Garnet Hill. They are so cute and a different spin on the whole 24 days of Advent thing. I grew up always having advent calendars and I really want to keep up the tradition with my children. Anticipation building is a good thing! I know this could be done very easily myself but I am not sure I would make the time for it! Maybe I could put it on next years to do list.

Available at Garnet Hill

Snowy Village Cake Pan

I think I need this! I can see it being a part of Christmas and I know my son would love it. Available at Williams Sonoma

Chandeliers

Pottery Barn has a little sale on chandeliers right now and boy am I tempted. I have long (talking years here) loved the Camilla 6 arm chandelier. It is everything I love in a light fixture. Not too formal, not too fancy, just beautiful. Perhaps now is the time. I think it is time to jazz up the dull light fixture that came with the house we rent. We will be here a few years yet and I want to look at it everyday! A few other chandeliers have caught my eye but they are just fleeting fancies. The Camilla may be that one true love!

From Pottery Barn

Olive Juice

I am loving the latest catalog from Olive Juice. So many things that I would put my daughter in and that in itself is a refreshing change. I love all the greys they are showcasing. Makes me want to dress her up and go for long photo op walks! I am also a fan of the shoes. Oh the shoes. I love the Asters and they also stock Supergas. Too much!

All items and images from Olive Juice

Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home

I received this book last week and thought it looked interesting. I made my first recipe from it this evening and it was outstanding. I chose Sausage in Red Wine Gravy with Rosemary Yorkshire Pudding. The whole meal came together in less than an hour and probably 30 minutes total hands on time. I served it with Broccoli and both my children and my husband cleaned their plates. Very easy, very tasty and very successful. I am making the braised chicken in Marsala sauce next.

Overall the book is beautiful to look at and easy to reference. I love that each recipe has a photo and I also love the time line given for each menu. Definitely recommend this book to both the novice and more experienced cook.

Adams Scary Apples

I also saw these over at Matt Bites and want to try them too. The black looks so cool and shiny. I think I will make them this weekend too! Instructions here

Pie in a Jar

I cannot begin to tell you happy this makes me feel. Individual pies frozen in jars and then removed and baked when the mood strikes. Genius and bliss. I am going to make some this weekend. Get all the details and instruction at Our Best Bites - Awesome.