MONDAY PRESENTS...FOR FATHER'S DAY

1. Winston polarized lenses by Warby Parker- $95.00

If the Father on your list is in need of new sunglasses, then consider sending him a few frame styles from Warby Parker. Ship them to his house so he can try them on and return the glasses he doesn't like. Prescription or non-perscription glasses are available, there are also a few color options for the polarized lenses.

2. Workday Survival Kit at Amazon- $10.91

To show your Dad that you appreciate his hard work, this relief kit contains a remedy book, bandages and affirmation cards. A sweet way to say thanks!

3. Personalized Leather BBQ Apron- $59.95

For the grilling Dad, I love this rugged leather apron with a customizable restaurant logo.

4. Modernist Cuisine at Home at Amazon- $140.00

While this book seems very expensive, it is a great bargain compared to it's counterpart, the six-volume set Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking ($455.19). Modernist Cuisine at Home is a beautiful coffee book style table by Nathan Myhrvold and Maxime Bilet. It will show your adventurous Dad how to master Modernist cooking techniques and teach him how to refine classic dishes like the hamburger, wings or macaroni and cheese. The book is big, beautiful and very interesting to read though. 

5. Bulleit Rye Whiskey- around $22.00

This rye whiskey would be great for sipping on this Father's Day . It's aged between 4 and 7 years, the profile is full of spice, oak and and red fruit flavors. It's smooth enough to drink straight up and affordable enough to use in a cocktail (I recommend mixing it with ginger beer).

6. iHide Leather iPhone Protection at Fab.com- $10.00

This premium leather iPhone back has a perforated pattern that makes me think of the interior of a sports car. It has an adhesive backing that can be reapplied again and again to help protect your Father's iPhone in style. 

7. Teak Petanque Set from Design Within Reach- $310.00

Petanque is a yard game similar to Bocce that originated in Provence, France. This DWR set comes in a stylish box is made of teak and the balls are chromium-plated steel.

MONDAY PRESENTS...FOR MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is May 13th this year, here's a little design inspired gift ideas!

1. Lavender Flower Wreath from Terrain- $58.00
This wreath is made of dried lavender, yarrow, echinops, wheat and larkspur, it's a great alternative to the traditional Mother's Day bouquet.


2. Sea Salt Southern Artisan Chocolate by Olive and Sinclair Chocolate- $5.99
Chocolates are always a safe way to go for Mother's Day. I love this Chocolate Company out of Nashville, TN for their beautiful packaging and unique flavors (Salt & Pepper, Mexican Cinn-Chili, Buttermilk White).


3. Call Your Mother Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson- $99.00 
I first found this pillow on Fab.com and I love the idea of a Mother giving this pillow to her Daughter as she becomes a new Mom. I think it's a phrase we've all heard once or twice from our own Moms.
An added bonus is that the pillow is made with felt made out of 100% recycled water bottles!


4. Core Sample Stopper from Anthropologie- $58.00
These beautiful glass bottle stoppers are topped with aquamarine, raw emerald, smoky quartz and lepidolite. They would make a great gift accompanied by a bottle of wine or olive oil.


5. Market Backpack from Brook Farm General Store- $65.00
This Farmer's Market Basket doubles as a backpack; perfect for Mother/Daughter weekend outings.


6. Savon De Marseille from Old Faithful Shop- $10.50
This giant block of hand-crafted soap is from France would look great in my Mom's soap dish :)


7. Honeycomb Votive Holder from Jason Home and Garden- $22.00


8. Early April Dishtowel from Anthropologie- $16.00
I'm not sure there's a Mom out there who doesn't love a pretty dishtowel!

DEAR SANTA,

I've had so much fun Christmas shopping and working on my Holiday Gift Guides that I thought I would put together a dream Christmas list for myself. If you have Santa's email address, please send him a link!

1. Plex Led Cuckoo Clock- Occa-Home for $200.00
I first saw this clock on Fab. but I missed the sale :( I love the cheeky and simple design and the vibrant colors it comes in.


2. Squares Blanket- Ferm Living for $149.95
This throw blanket was made for my sofa.


3. DIY Charm Necklace- Anthropologie (prices vary)
I've always loved the concept of charm bracelets and necklaces but I usually find the charms to be a little cheesey. Juicy Couture carries a cute line but even they seem a little bubbly for my taste. This new collection from Anthropologie is right up my ally, with tiny trinkets and oddities as charms.


4. Dark Nostaligia- Amazon for $45.00
This design book by Eva Hagberg is beautiful and unique. I had a chance to check out this book  briefly and I haven't stopped thinking about it. There are so many great hotel, restaurant, and bar designs in it! It would be a perfect source for inspiration.


5. Holga iPhone Lens- Photojojo Store for $30.00
Downloading the free app. Instagram has change my life. I take photos on my iPhone for work all the time, mostly of furniture while I'm shopping or project progress. With Instagram I can edit them to look like something off an actual camera. This Holga Lens would add another level to the editing I can do on my iPhone!


6. Sihouette Cameo for $299.99
If you are a crafty person, you need to check this thing out! It works like a home printer but instead of printing images, it cuts intricate designs into paper, vinyl, fabric and more. You can use your own design or work with the templates from the online store. I am dying to play with one.


7. One of a Kind World Globe- Etsy
I love globes and this one is so unusual. It's from the 1940's and over time the paper was removed or came off. The effect is this mix between modern and vintage, that Restoration Hardware should be all over. Sadly, this crazy cool globe has been sold, I want!!

1. Meadow Collection- Glassbaby for $440.00

While I would never expect Santa to spend this much on glass votive holders, I had to share. I found this company on the show 'Home By Novogratz'. The married design team works out of New York and the cameras follow them to a lot of cool local boutiques on the show. Glassbaby makes beautiful handblown glass votive holders and "drinkers"that are sold individually or in sets like this one.

2. Laguiole Letter Opener for $42.30

Laguiole is a classic knife and corkscrew company known for it high quality products. I like this because it's neon!

3. 'Untitled' by Dorthe Alstrup- 20x200 from $20.00 - $2,000.00

I would put about 90% of the artwork sold on 20x200 in my home. They carry limited edition prints for great prices and the artists involved are awesome. I'm always looking for art for my home, but lately I've been trying to fill a photography void. I love this print because it has such a playful story hidden inside and the colors are beautiful. 

4. Jessica Simpson Bede2 Pump- Belk for $79.00

I came across these at Belk last week and wanted to eat them up! Color blocking is real big right now and I love wearing bright shoes because I wear a lot of dark neutral clothes.

5. Stereoluxe AM/FM Radio and MP3 Dock- Urban Outfitters for $199.00

Design meets function- this is a beautiful way to accessories your home and listen to music. This MP3 player has a home in my living room.

6. Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles- Amazon for $17.99

Colin Meloy, the lead singer for The Decemberists, and his wife / illustrator collaborated on this book and I've been dying to read it. It looks amazing!

MONDAY PRESENT...FOR THE PREPPY GIRL

1. Holiday Sock Three Pack- J. Crew for $25.00
Who says socks are a bad Christmas gift!? I love giving and getting socks for Christmas and this three pack is a perfect little packaged gift.


2. Sudsy Glass Strand- Anthropologie for $78.00
This glass strand necklace is like an abstract version of a pearl necklace. Every preppy girls owns pearls and this necklace would be a nice alternative. Also, the fact that it's glass means it would match any outfit!


3. Birchbox for $10.00 a month
Birchbox is a great gift for any woman! It's a monthly box of four to five beauty product samples by well loved companies like; Stella, Nars, Benefit and Philosophy. You can gift 3, 6 or 12 months.


4. Monogram Note Cards- Kate Spade for $26.00
Every preppy girl loves monograms and every preppy girl needs stationary (for sending thank you cards and love notes). These note cards have a simple foil stamp on the front and bold black and white stripes on the back.


5. Hunter Regent Boots- Zappos.com for $195.00
Hunter is a very classic boot company that's been around since before WW1. Over the last few years they've become a popular fashion trend because they've added more styles and funky colors. I love the Regent Carlyle because it's a dressy version of the original and they kind of look like riding boots.


6. Forget Me Not Earrings- UncommonGoods from $100.-$300.00
I love these simple little earrings designed, by Kiel Mead, to resemble a knot around your finger as reminder. They would make a charming reminder of how much you love someone this Holiday Season!


7. On The Spot Gloves- Anthropologie for $28.00
Just a sweet pair of gloves, prefect for the stocking.

TACKY, TACKY, TACKY

Hello! Sorry I disappeared last week, lots of work trying to get ready for the Holidays, finishing up some exciting work projects and preparing for a party. Over the weekend I hosted a Tacky Christmas Party, with a grand prize for the most ridiculous outfit and a White Elephant Gift Swap. It was a great time with friends and family with plenty of delicious food and wine, as well as  a few batches of Grasshopper Mint Shooters being passed around. The Sweater Contest got rather competitive and the White Elephant Exchange had fun gifts ranging from home goods, gag gifts, wine and liquor, gourmet snacks and the most popular, an "adult goody bag". We were lucky to have freakishly warm weather and could continue the party outside by the fire pit!

 I know most of my guest had some luck putting together their outfits at thrift stores and Walmart  but I thought I would share some "fancy" tacky sweaters I've seen this season. 

kate spade

urban outfitters

topshop

abercrombie & fitch

abercrombie & fitch men's

urban outfitters

urban outfitters

Hope you had a great weekend too! 

MONDAY PRESENT...FOR THE CONNOISSEUR

1. Horn Handle Corkscrew- Laguiole for $189.00
I know there are lots of fancy, high-tech ways to open wine these days, but any true connoisseur (including any restaurant sommelier) prefers a traditional corkscrew. Laguiole is an iconic knife and corkscrew company from France that's been around since 1829. Their products are well designed and made in lots of exotic materials, like this one with a horn handle.


2. Colonel Monocle in Whiskey Tortoise- Warby Parker for $50.00
Warby Parker is a really cool and affordable eye-ware company. You can check out their inventory online and sign up to get a box of your favorite 5 pairs sent to your home to try on for free. For the more adventurous and sophisticated person on your list, why not go Monocle?


3. Bacon Moon Pie- Uncrate $33.00 for 4
"Bacon Moon Pies are expertly produced savory treats made using high-quality bacon sourced from CA to create a traditional Scottish shortbread with rice flour, bacon fat and bacon cracklin. In between is a marshmallow made from Vermont maple syrup and high-quality bourbon, along with a bacon fat and cracklin caramel, all of which gets encased in 72% dark chocolate." Umm yummy.


4. NUB Cigars- Uncrate for $5.00-$8.00
Don't know much about cigars but I thought these were note-worthy because they're short so you don't have to commit to a big expensive cigar in one sitting.


5. Whiskey Stones and Gift Set- Uncommongoods from $19.50-$58.00
I personally enjoy a couple ice cubes in my whiskey or tequilla because I like a little water melted in the drink. If you like a pure chilled drink, put Whiskey Stones in your freezer and add a few into your glass to keep things cold without the pesky melting factor. They are made out of soapstone so they wont scratch your glassware.


6. 'Talk Jerky to Me' Tasting Box- Foodzie for $29.95
Foodzie is a really great site for unique food related gifts. I think this Jerky Tasting is a fun and manly gift, it would pair well with a bottle of red wine or glass of whiskey. 


7. 2009 Velvet Glove Shiraz- Mollydooker for $185.00
"...intense warm blackberry, choco-mint, smoked bacon and marmite-toast aromas with nuaces of coffee, roasted nuts and vanilla." -Lisa Perrotti Brown
Obviously a pricey wine, but if there is a person on your list that you need to impress, this is the wine for them. The beautiful bottle comes in a black velvet bag and is uniquely shaped. It's an award winning design and an award winning wine. This is the kind of wine you will never forget drinking.

MONDAY PRESENT...FOR THE DOG LOVER

1. Puppy Uppers- Jonathan Adler for $138.00
This cookie jar is part of the Candid Canisters Collection, there is also a Kitty Crack canister. Amazing!


2. Pet Wire&Dine Feeder- Doca Pet for $115.00
This company designs some really great dog feeders, I think this one is my favorite but there are some close runner ups.


3. BASTIS Tail Hooks- Ikea for $1.99
I love this little stocking stuffer. They're cute little wall hooks, perfect for hanging Fido's leash by the door.


4. Leather Collar- Juicy Couture for $45.00
This super sweet designer collar would look so cute on fluffy white puppy, it also comes in black and they both have a signature Juicy Charm.


5. Sushi Plush Toys- Sushi Pups, $5.00 each
For the more cultured k9 


6. Fairisle Sweater- Juicy Couture for $58.00
No words needed, adorable. 

MONDAY PRESENT...FOR THE MUSIC GUY

1. Georgia Brown Guitar Case- Whipping Post for $825.00
Looks like something Bob Dylan would have carried :)


2. Ticket Stub Diary- Uncommon Goods for $10.00
December can be a hard time to find good concert tickets, so for the concert goer on your list this book is a great way for him to organize the stubs from his unforgettable live music moments. It would also make a good gift for a sports fan.


3. Amazing things to do with Margot & the Nuclear So & So's- PledgeMusic prices ranging from $100.- $1,000.00
This is an amazing oppurtunity and a killer gift idea! Check out the link above for PledgeMusic to see the details. Basically, the band is trying to raise funding for their next album and if you donate and they reach their goal you get incentives; like an invite to a rehearsal session, VIP pass tickets, your name in the album credits, or the coolest- a 2 song recording of you and the band!


4. Mojave Picker's Wallet- Whipping Post for $30.00
I don't care if your play guitar or not, this is a pretty cool wallet for any guy! But, it definitely seems more practical for they player who can picks up a guitar at parties.


5. iVctrola for iPad- Design Within Reach for $985.00
This product is made in limited small batches because the Magnavox horns are actually from the 1920's and the base is handcrafted from American Walnut. The really cool thing about this product is that it doesn't need batteries or to be plugged in, how old school!


6. Portable Stereo Boombox for the iPod/iPhone- iHome for $199.99
FM radio and speaker system for you iPod, it also comes in hot pink :)


7. Vintage Rock, Movie and Art Tees-I Love Waterloo for $19.99
This site has an amazing variety of vintage style t-shirts, you are bound to find something to suite your music lover.

MONDAY PRESENT- FOR THE HOSTESS

Tis the season to be giving. I love gift shopping for the holidays, so even though it's a little cliche to blog a holiday shopping guide, I gots to do it! Holiday parties are starting to pile up and they wont stop tell the New Year so I'm starting my list with some gifts for the person who loves to entertain. 

1. Peacock Lollipop Holder- Jonathan Adler for $98.00

This would look so cute out on a table during a Holiday Party, bring it to the party full of Tootsie Pops or even better, cake-pops!

2. Modern House Wine- Swanson Vineyard for around $25.00

Ok, I know I just wrote about all the cool products at Swanson Vineyard but I have to say it again, what a great gift to bring to a party!

3. Monthly Tasting Box- Foozie.com 3 months for $89.00

I've gifted this before and heard back that the box was amazing, full of a great variety of gourmet snacks. Each box comes with 5 unique products like sauces, candy, scones and tea. You can choose a 3, 6 or 9 month package. OR sign up yourself for as long as you'd like at a monthy rate of $29.95.

4. Set of 6 Coasters- Kate Spade for $20.00

"Spike the Punch", "Dance tell Dawn", "Stare at a Strangers" sooo cute, and a perfect price point for a Hostess Gift that will bring some smiles.

5. L Press Juicer- Metrokane at Fab. for $60.00

Hand-juicers can be a pricey thing to buy for yourself but they make a really attractive counter accessory and of couse the given- fresh juice!

6. Sexy Polka Dot Apron- Etsy for $30.00

For the lady who is always slaving away to entertain you, let her feel pretty!