Amazing Grace + Happy Easter

I imagine that many of you (like myself) are off work today. And living in the day and age we live in the next few days are probably filled with projects, responsibilities and plans. Getting more candy for the Easter egg hunt, worrying about what to serve for family and friends we'll visit with this weekend, or even making lists of the projects we'll do with these extra hours off are at the top of our lists. As hard as I try not to make them my number one priority they always manage to inch to the top of my to-do list.

My goal over the next few days is to really reflect on the true meaning of the holiday we often associate with an extra day off, yummy candy, lots of sunlight and the beginning of Spring. The truth is the most important thing on my list and the only thing I should be focusing my energy on is praise. I hope you'll join me in reflecting on the sacrifice made for each of us thousand of years ago. None of us are worthy, none of us deserve the gift we've been given but we can all be amazed by His grace. That is what the next few days are about.

Have a happy and blessed Easter!

Birthday Birds

I think these little Birthday Birds that hold candles are perfect for Spring celebrations. Even atop a simple cupcake. The minimal silhouette makes it easy to pair with other decor.

Easter Cookies

Pricey, but oh so cute. From Williams Sonoma.

White House Easter Egg Roll

For the first time ever, tickets for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be available online. Beginning tomorrow, ticketing will begin via this link on a first come first serve basis. The online availability is hoped to allow more children from various areas of the country attend the event. This year's theme is "Let's go play" to encourage children to live active lifestyles. Sports, cooking classes, musical performances, storytelling and the Easter egg roll will all take place on the South Lawn of the White House. If you plan to be in the area log on early tomorrow to be a part of this awesome event!

St. Patty's Treats

Last year I tried my hand at the Shamrock Shake and it was yummy. If you are looking for something besides green beer to indulge on today try one of these yummy + festive treats.


Grasshopper Cupcakes
Green Mary
Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing
St. Patty's Pasta
Irish Cream Cupcakes
Ugly Leprechaun

found via Tastespotting

Valentine

Yesterday, I dropped off a few handmade valentines into the mailbox. I had so much fun making them! Am I the only one who loves to send out valentines?

Petite Greetings

Probably THE most unique greeting idea I've ever seen. Being a lover of all things petite, this is right up my alley. The World's Smallest Postal Service (WSPS) magically transcribes your message (up to 120 words!) on a miniature desk in the tiniest of script, sealed with a miniscule wax seal with the sender's intial pressed into it, packaged up with a magnifying glass in a glassine envelope, and finished off with a large wax seal. A 1.5" x 1" snailmail...can you think of anything cuter? Kids and adults alike would be tickled pink with the adorableness. Available for birthday cards, wedding and party invitations, tooth fairy greetings and love letters.

Hearts a Glitter

This sparkling box of truffles is quite gorge, no? Well it is also the ultimate in "green" packaging...it's edible! Created by Christopher Norman, this dark chocolate heart (with a white chocolate coating) is covered with layers of shimmering edible glitter. Hidden inside are nine heart-shaped chocolate truffles in white chocolate caramel, dark chocolate with caramel and hand painted framboise. They are almost too beautiful to eat!

Happy Holidays!

I'm taking a little blog break to spend some much needed time with family. I'll be back Monday with a few fun posts. I may even post a bit about our Hawaii trip.

Oh, and the image above? Our kraft paper presents tied up in golden ribbon. For a pop of color, I finished some of the packages off with glittery Mickey ornaments I picked up on our trip to Disney earlier this year.

I hope that you have a very merry Christmas!

Wrapped Up

I love this idea spotted on Laura Bruen's Photography blog. What a chic way to wrap gifts and be eco-friendly. I mean, who could pass up a lovely gift wrapped in Gucci? Definitely not me!

Wonderland Windows { Part One }

NYC during the holidays is magical While there on holiday one of my favorite activities was admiring the windows at the departments stores. While in college I was in charge of window merchandising for a local boutique and it was so much fun. To see displays on this level was amazing! I took a ton of photos and will share a few of my favorites here.

First up: Bergdorf Goodman, Part 1
Theme: Seasons Greetings

BG was my FAVORITE. The windows were abstract and gorgeous. Enjoy!

Santa Claus, Indiana

I caught a little Radio Shack ad mentioning the town of Santa Claus, Indiana. After doing a bit of digging, I found out it's a very tiny town that was named on December 24, 1852 {how appropiate!} and everything is Christmas themed like Holiday World {a theme park}, Santa's Candy Castle, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Kringle Place {a shopping center}, Holiday Foods {a grocery store}, Silent Night Cafe, Lake Rudolph Campground & R.V. Resort, Santa Claus Museum, Frosty's Fun Center {miniature golf and arcade}, Santa's Lodge and even Santa's Medical Center.

The town's post office is especially special. It's the Santa Claus Post Office and people flock there every year to have their Christmas cards stamped with a special postmark. Every year they choose the design of the Santa postmark from submissions from art students, and it's the only Santa Claus postmark in the US during Christmas time.

Each year, 10,000 letters addressed to Santa Claus are sent to the Santa Claus Post Office and volunteers with the non-profit organization, Santa’s Elves, answer all of these letters. It's a tradition that was started back in 1914 when Santa Claus’ 14th postmaster, James Martin, answered the children's letters himself.

If you'd like to mail your Christmas cards to be stamped with the special postmark, make sure they have correct postage, and mail them to: Postmaster, Santa Claus Station, Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998. Make sure you specifically request to have them stamped with the Santa Claus postmark. There is no charge for the postmarking, but there is a limit of 50 per customer per day.

Handmade Stockings

From handkerchiefs to quilts to sweaters to baby socks, there are plenty of creative and beautiful handmade stocking ideas over on Martha.

Snow Day!

Today it snowed in Louisiana. Not the type of snow we've had before that is really more like hard rain that melts before it hits the ground. But real snow that is actually sitting on the ground a bit. Now all you northerners can laugh at us but everyone is enjoying it immensely--well not my doggy...the snow freaked him out a bit! It really makes me want to visit NY and PA again where there is powdery snow often. Just don't make me drive in it! The white ground surely makes it seem like Christmas time...what things make it officially Christmas time for you?

This is what I see when I look out of my office window. Beautiful, no?

Recycled Wreaths

This "Ever-Green" wreath is handmade from old traffic signs making it truly green. It is lightweight, easy to hang and will last through the years. Such a creative take on traditional holiday decor. Makes me think of other similar ideas you could DIY. For an indoor version I think old magazines, cardboard and Modge Podge could do the trick. Do you guys have any eco-friendly holiday decor tips+tricks?

Lightweight Lenses

For the camera lovers on your holiday list, these handblown glass ornaments are very lovely and on sale! The details are really wonderful too. Textured surfaces and see-through lenses.

Chirstmas Cards

I just signed, sealed and dropped off our Christmas cards in the mail this morning. I really enjoyed putting them together this year. I guess it helps that we only have a short list of recipients - our immediate family which is small and our close friends.

Each year I try to wrap presents to coordinate with the colors of our Christmas cards. This year, packages will be wrapped in kraft paper and tied with shimmering golden ribbon.

Do you send out Christmas cards?

Reindeer On The Road

I HAD to post this. Not because it is particularly stylish or anything which goes against the blog's premise. But because I think it is hilarious! Not in a "this is great, I want one kind" of way but in a, "I can't believe they came up with that and people will buy it kind of way." I am ALL for decorating for the holidays, believe me. But isn't this reindeer car costume(complete with a red nose a la rudolph) pushing it? Tell me..am I a Grinch or is car dress up pushing it?

Found at Target stores

Just A Little Garnish

Looking for perfect, simple packaging and gifting ideas for the holidays? Head over to Garnish for well, a little garnish. And if you are looking for great holiday ideas for treats, hosting, etc check out their ideas too! Lots of handmade inspiration and adorable ideas to be had.

Asterisk + Flourish

Got a type lover on your Christmas list? Well, wrap up you gift with these asterisk + flourish inspired holiday cards, tags and wraps from UPPERCASE. Very clever, I'd say.