Really N.E.E.T.

Found this cool photo AND this stylish-yet-livable room in online magazine, N.E.E.T.

Seeing that it’s pimping a holiday gift guide, I’m likely late to this party.

But there’s a new one out now…

Cup of goodness

As someone who has a good amount of  stuff hanging around, I love this idea as seen on SF Girl By Bay blog –
Vintage cupcake tin as jewelry box.

Check out her blog for more cool design and decor ideas.

My new house

Okay, so it’s my new house…in my dreams. But really, as far as I’m concerned Julia Brabec’s New Hampshire A-frame, which was recently profiled in Ready Made magazine, is nearly perfect.

Take a look at the rest of this amazing house (like the bedroom below) on Itinerant Bordeaux blog.

Free shipping on furniture at UrbanOutfitters.com

Through January 24th, Urban Outfitters website is offering FREE SHIPPING on selected furniture.
Here are 3 items I wouldn’t mind putting in my house:

• Danish Modern Storate Side Table, $180
• Jet Set Storage Bench, $240
• Jewel Ikat Slipper Chair, $325

Holiday trim

Last year we took the holiday off from decor. No tree, no lights, no wreath. The spirit was in our hearts (kind of). Isn’t that enough?

Not this year.

Last weekend my husband got a Christmas bee in his bonnet and decided to uncover our big white tree and take down the 9 bins of  brightly colored balls, lights and holiday accoutrements, and create a holiday wonderland at our place of residence.

The first hiccup came fast and proved debilitating.

When we pulled our big white tree from the bag, the whole back of the tree was a  rusty shade of brown.

Hmmm. It’s not good, but nothing some shiny balls and a shit-ton of garland can’t help.

Then we removed the tree topper from the bag and it looked like it had spent the last 2 years in someone’s bum. What was once a white Christmas was now a giant skid stain on our holiday.

I saw it as a sign to post-pone decorating for yet another year. My husband, however, got on Amazon and found an iridescent tree he thought might withstand the heat.

Now that is holiday spirit.

Holiday-ready home

A few festive things to get your home in the holiday spirit:

1.) Alexander Girard Nativity Set, $410

2.) Utopia Man/Woman Menorah, $295

3.) 3′ Tinsel Tree, $29

4.) Pop Up Holiday Centerpiece, $25.95

5.) Mustache Ornament, $8

6.) David Stark Sparkly Wreath, $47

7.) Mod Dot Dreidel, $24

8.) Christmas Tree in a Can, $9.95

Soooo cute-o

What’s Cracking Good — Alessi home accessories

Whenever I go into Haus, I end up oogling all of the adorable kitchen accessories by Alessi.

While not cheap, you can’t help but smile at the whimsical colors and cool design.

Here are some of my faves:

• Lily Pond Sushi Set, $94
• Paradise Birds Salt & Pepper, $56
• Suicide Bath Plug, $28
• Banana Boys Bottle Caps, $36
• Mr. Chin Egg Cup, $29

Find them locally at Haus Modern Living
4700 N. Central Ave., Suite 102
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 277-0111
Tues – Sat 9 – 6pm
Sundays & Mondays 10 – 4pm

Everything…and we mean EVERYTHING Thanksgiving

While you might be frantically assembling your Halloween costume and making mad dashes to the grocery store for trick-or-treat candy…Martha Stewart is WAY ahead of you. She’s already got her whole Thanksgiving in the bag.

Her new site, Everything Thanksgiving, just launched Monday with menu items, centerpieces and tips for your most beautiful…and time consuming…Thanksgiving EVER!

Even if you’re not turkey crazy, take a looksy at the photos. It’s hard not to get into the giving…or eating spirit.

Inspiration by Orla Kiely

Whether it’s her clothing or housewares, I’m often inspired by Orla Kiely’s simple, funky designs.

Currently I love the look of her new fall line. While her pieces are often prohibitively pricey (think Kate Spade), I could look at the ’60s and ’70s-inspired slideshow on her website several times through.

Here’s a sample:

Ghoulish garden

I found these creepy garden/yard statues at Target for $39.99. Though they look stony, they are actually a lighter weight (but still substantial) material.

I’m hoping they might be on sale, and on my patio by Saturday.