Last year's resolutions

Taking a look at last year's resolutions, here's how the year went down...

This year I would like to:

• Try out a new restaurant once a month: not so consistent each month but we did try some new places this year
• Visit a new continent:  We explored Europe (London and Paris) this past spring
• Write a letter each month to a friend/family member: uh do emails count?
• Seek out more creative outlets: Started a vintage pop up shop with two of my favorite gal friends
  
• Acquire items I truly love and value, not just because it's on sale: still working on this!  It's difficult to say no to Pyrex :)

And for this blog:

• Improve quality of pictures: Got a new camera, but unfortunately photography skills can't be bought!
• Begin writing travel guides: Putting this on the list for next year!

We will be back to our regular programming...

Sorry for the lack of posts--we've been enjoying our holiday break with friends, family, and general lazing around.  Will be back next week with many vintage treasure discoveries from Missouri!

Vintage Monday: Finel enamel bowl

BK picked out this Finel enamel bowl from my etsy wish list as a surprise for my birthday.  I love the cheery yellow flower print!

Happy holidays!

Safe travels

And happy holidays!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Clockwise:
Whiskey stones - these help chill your drink without watering it down
Yumnuts - honey cashews make the perfect snack!
Bose Soundlink - a wireless mobile speaker that BK assures me all guys *must* have
Chipotle giftcard - self explanatory

Birthday flowers

Enjoying these lovely flowers, good food, snuggly puppies and bossing BK around today!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: For babies and kiddos

Clockwise:
Elephant growth chart by giraffesnstuff
Owl family mobile by petitcollage
Tea set by Plan Toys
Security blankets at Land of Nod

Happy Birthday Link!

Link is 7 today!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

If you're still looking (and if you're a guy, you've probably only just begun), here are some great gifts for any female on your list!

Clockwise:
Odette arrow cuff - perfection!
Nuxe hand cream - I'm not usually a hand cream fan but this scent is just gorgeous!
Ugg Dakota slippers - heaven in a shoe
Swissco tortoise comb - perfect size to keep in a purse for a quick touch up!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Home Edition

Some wonderful gift ideas to brighten up your home!

Clockwise:
Tea towel calendar from Cicadastudio - I have one from last year and adore it!
JOY little house village from thelittlereddoor - they also do custom orders for family names and such
Fox cushion from Robinandmould - I have the adorable puppy one and this is next on my list!
Slice of bread board with spreader by newberry - cute board made of white oak, perfect for scones and clotted cream or your favorite cheese

2012 Mini Desk Calendar

These mini desk calendars make great gifts for coworkers.  I give them out every year and everyone seems to like and use them a lot.  Etsy has many wonderful sellers that you can buy them from, prepackaged and ready to go.  Or if you love to DIY, you can purchase templates, print them out and assemble them yourself. 

The template I used this year (and last) is from Lemonade Paperie--I love the little graphics and attention to detail (like the flag on the 4th of July and the four leaf clover on St. Patrick's!)

Williams Sonoma Chocolate Croissants

Amazing gift idea alert!  I wrote about these croissants in my previous holiday gift guide and now I can happily say that I've sampled it and can give it my 100% recommendation!

It all began when I got home from work and BK asked if I had ordered a package that contained dry ice.  Now the UPS man is no stranger to our house, but I think I'd distinctly remember ordering something requiring dry ice.  So what a happy surprise we had when we opened it to find a sweet anniversary note from BK's sister and these amazing chocolate croissants from Williams Sonoma!

We quickly rushed them to the freezer to keep and then this weekend, took some out overnight to let them rise at room temperature.  The next morning, they baked for 20 minutes and our whole house smelled like a French bakery!  The chocolate is dark and delicious and the pastry is so flaky and rich.  It seriously rivals the pain au chocolat we've had in Paris and St Martin!

So thank you Lisa, for your thoughtful gift.  This is the perfect gift to impress foodies, friends, family, your boss, or your favorite person! 

7 years and counting

Seven years ago, we were surrounded by family and friends, laughing and crying
through our vows, and enjoying the best chocolate cake.  Happy anniversary BK!

Starlings

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

This is pretty incredible.  Not super cute like the owl video, but it's still pretty amazing!
The goodness starts at 0:25