and speaking of Kate... (gen says)

From Gen (who apologizes for her long absence, things have been busy!):

"I just came across an old issue of the World of Interiors which features one of my all-time favorite homes---Kate Spade's apartment in NYC's Upper East Side. I am a HUGE fan of all things 'Kate.' She has a knack for combining the perfect amount of vintage inspiration- re-imagined with a modern twist, in just the color that I am craving!

I think I could be quite happy in a complete Kate Spade world. 

Check our her huge sale -and my hostess outfit of choice (for my fantasy "Kate Spade" dinner party, of course). "

Kate Spade apartment images via Mrs. Blandings.

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.