thinking about...

this cute book I spotted while at PB Kids today. The imagery was really beautiful and inspiring, and looked like it was chock full of great ideas. Definitely on my wishlist!

daily candy vocabulary

The New York Times recently ran an article featuring Daily Candy's newest book, entitled "Words That Don't Exist but Should". I'm not an avid DC reader, but I definitely got a laugh out of some of the words, including 'manbiguous' (a quality in a man by which his behavior, sexual or otherwise, raises questions about his sexual orientation) and 'mouse potato' (the wired generation's answer to the couch potato). 

NIck Olsen of the Daily Dose had me laughing out loud when he wrote about a badly designed West Elm headboard by saying, 'I'm now putting down my bottle of Hatorade.' The word is a new personal favorite of mine.

What are your favorite made up words?

bring back Budget Living!

Given the current economic condition, it seems fitting that we should bring back Budget Living! I loved their motto of 'Spend Smart. Live Rich.' While I wasn't always so thrilled with some of the photography (a bit too 'retro'-feeling at times), they jam-packed so many ideas into each issue. I just picked up the BL 'Party Central' book last week, and love it! The book includes themes, recipes, and best of all- the receipt total of what the party will cost. Above are a couple of snippets. From top: New Year's party with 'hangover helpers' in a pinata; Kentucky Derby party; recipes for a Camp party.

Also to note: the Party Perfect Favorites book store is up and running. Here you will find all of my recommendations for party and entertaining books, host/hostess gifts, and book favorites for kids and babies. I will keep updating the site, so you can refer to it at any time.

 

ETSY find: vintage children's book illustrations

There is something so magical about vintage children's book illustrations. They tend to speak to my nostalgic idea of what childhood is or should be. 

Pictured above are selections from several card series by Etsy seller 'Stories & Divinations'. They are described as "charming, original frame-worthy illustrations salvaged from overly-loved 1930's American children's schoolbooks mounted with care on smooth creamy cardstock with a satin edge.' She has given the various collections names like 'Summer Boys Becoming Men', and 'A Whole + Happy Life.'

These cards would make a wonderful gift in and of themselves, or make an ordinary gift more special. A series of three is priced at $12.50 and can be found on Etsy at the Stories & Divinations store.

when you really care...

I started photographing the gifts I've received from my friend Gen, long ago. The one above was taken in June of 2005. 

Gen is the kind of friend I never thought I'd find in Nashville...a kindred spirit in every sense of the word. We share a love of all things 'design-y', with gifts being no exception! Here, Gen has wrapped a flea-market find in a lovely kraft paper box, with a photocopied page from a Warhol book (affixed to the bottom of the box). Truly, I couldn't imagine a better present. The wrapping alone was a gift in itself.

While sometimes it doesn't seem worth putting the extra time and effort into wrapping a gift, the message behind a well-wrapped present often translates to 'I care about you.' For loved ones in your life, the attention to detail is well worth the effort and won't go overlooked.

bookplates

I am starting to notice that I tend toward weekly 'themes.' Last week, it was cupcakes, this week, books. While I can't promise I will always stick within thematic parameters, it seems in line with the way my brain works...so for now I will go with it!

A friend of mine once mentioned that she always gives cute bookplates as birthday gifts for her 3 year-old's friends. I thought it was a brilliant idea, and asked her to direct me to her source. Lo and behold, she said Blonde Designs is her favorite.

Blonde Designs was founded in 2002 by Angie Gubler and Kristen Rees, former art directors (and colleagues of mine!) at Martha Stewart. For those of you in love with the Martha Stewart-esque style and color palette, look no further. The saturated pastels and sophisticated typography ooze good taste. Best of all, the bookplates are SO affordable! Only $12.50 for a personalized set of 25. Go to their website to order www.blonde-designs.com.

always judge a book by its cover

To me, there is no better gift than a book (other then wine or food, perhaps). So I was delighted when my book club threw a 'baby book' shower for me last year. I have always been drawn to the clean, crisp illustrations of many children's books, and even purchased quite a few way before the thought of having a child entered my mind. 

While a mom-to-be will always appreciate a classic (Goodnight Moon, The Giving Tree, The Hungry Caterpillar), a more unusual selection can be a great gift as well. A book with a charming cover doesn't even need gift wrap...just a ribbon and a sweet note. A couple of my recent favorites are shown above. Whatever and Tikki, Tikki, Tembo have slightly 'dark' endings for children's books, but nonetheless, are beautifully illustrated. All of Maira Kalman's (What Pete Ate from A-Z) books are amazing, not just because of the quirky illustrations and bright colors, but because they entertain the adult just as much (or more then!) the child. I just found Leonardo the Terrible Monster during my last trip to the book store, and thought it was delightful. You can't go wrong these days, with so many great books to choose from.