Pom-Pom Decor

I picked up a copy of the Marie Claire Idees magazine while in France (one of my favs) and wish I would have thumbed through it earlier. This idea they share of making pom-poms to put on a wreath, a package, or make a holiday chain out of them, is such a great one. Anyone made them before? Are they time consuming, or tricky?

(images scanned in from Marie Claire Idees)

Christopher David Ryan

Speaking of prints, I also really like this one by Christopher David Ryan. (via Coco+Kelley)

Blanca Gomez

I am in love with these prints by Blanca Gomez. See more at her etsy shop. (via a Cup of Jo + Casey)

SimpleSong Christmas Cards.

These custom Christmas Cards are utterly adorable. It is all in the details - the custom stamp, moo cards, letter from their two-year old, letterpress etc... SuAnn from simplesong knows how to do it right. Awe, I am inspired. Read more about them here.

Holiday Traditions

Multiple people have asked me about Holiday Traditions and I wanted to open it up to you readers. What types of traditions or memorable moments do you have in your home during the holidays? If you have children, how do you make this season magical for them?

This year, we are having a very low-key Christmas. On both sides of our family we are not exchanging gifts, and my husband and I opted to keep it very simple. We're having a "less is more" Christmas and so far, are thoroughly enjoying it. In fact, it wasn't until last night that I bought our daughter her first gift.

Regarding traditions, we are still working on creating new ones for our little family. Having our child more attentive this year has encouraged us to seek out more 'kid friendly' and family-oriented traditions. To date, one of our most memorable Christmas evenings was snowshoeing up in the mountains under the bright moonlight, something I definitely want to repeat. Hmmm... do you think they make snowshoes for a 2-year-old?

Here are a few traditions that I have heard about, and liked.



Stephanie shared this gift giving option with me from Dandee. The idea is to give each person/child 4 gifts. Something to 1: wear 2: read 3: want, and 4: need. I love the simplicity of this.



Another friend told me about a tradition she started with her child. The idea is to wrap up all of your holiday books (and others or library books if you don't have them) and allow your child to unwrap them every evening before reading starting Dec. 1st. On Christmas Eve they get to open a brand new holiday book to enjoy.

(A Christmas Carol - shown above)

Please share your holiday traditions.

Holiday Cards 2008

by That Sky Blue at Cotton Idea Studio


Peace & Joy by Old Tom Foolery


Dutch Door Press


Egg Press


Snow & Graham at Greer Chicago

Whoops... I still haven't got my Christmas cards yet. Here are some that I have had my eye on this season. Gorgeous.

Last Minute Online Shopper's gift guide under $15

Today is the one of the last days for many online retailers to order and get your gift items before Christmas. Here is a quick "last minute" online gift guide. Happy giving.



ABC3D : $13.57 Fantastic alphabet pop-up book I previously blogged here.





Microplane Grater/Zester : $11.99 One of my favorite kitchen gadgets. Just a thought, but you could give with a box full of lemons, limes or oranges.



Lotta Jansdotter: Stationery Box: $14.95. I have this stationery and it is beautiful.



The Elements of Style Illustrated : $10.09




Domino (1-year): $9.99
Bon Appetit (1-year) :$15.00
Gourmet (1-year) $15.00
ReadyMade (1-year) : $11.97

*ADDITIONAL $5 OFF ABOVE PRICES TODAY! Great deals. 12 months of Domino for $5... wow. See other magazine options Here. Best prices I have ever seen on most yearly subscriptions.


Voluspa Decorative Tin Candles $9.00

For the Kids:




Hansel and Gretel illustrated by Jen Corace $11.55



A Child's Day: An Alphabet of Play by Ida Pearle $10.36


Games we like to play with the kids and grandparents.

Deluxe Canasta Caliente : $13.23
Deluxe Pit $15.25
Phase 10 Card Game $4.00
Rook $7.74



Now the Day Is Over $13.99 (One of my most favorite kid's albums)