The "licious" List

Grease Goose on esty is great!

You can get a custom tailored family of wooden dolls. They are all hand painted and varnished with non-toxic materials and range from 1" to 3.5" in height. Send photos to the artist along with descriptions of the family members and voila – there you all are!

Pottery Barn Kids has what I think is the ultimate kids bedding – Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the places we’ll go” bedding and accessories!

Gold gnome from Heal’s (in the UK), if your gonna go gnome – go in high style and gold plated!

URGH…. I love these (for the kid in all o us!) Harold the Lunch Monster lunch tote by Ones and Zeros Fashions on etsy.com
From the junkyard, on etsy.com these cute moustache mugs/tea cups!

MONSIEUR DRESS UP – from Loyal Loot Collections
Tailored collar, cuff, and pocket. Used individually or all at once. Monsieur Dress Up can wear your jacket, scarf, umbrella, and mail. Undress and redress at the door, by the bed, or in the change room. Monsieur Dress Up is a new idea for hanging that special article of clothing. Maintaining the delicacy, integrity, and shape of a shirt or scarf.

LOG BOWLS – from Loyal Loot Collection
Log Bowls combine the incomparable beauty of trees in their natural state with a high-gloss vibrant finish. Each bowl is handmade using only locally reclaimed trees of all varieties (fallen or cut down due to infrastructure, re-landscaping, droughts, or stormy weather). The trees are hand selected, gathered, turned and finished by Loyal Loot Collective and local crafts people. Log Bowls come in a large variety of colors and are completed by hand with a water-based, furniture grade finish.

Visions of red

Here are a few cute and unique ideas for your valentine (or an indulge your self treat).

Now while these may not be the best gift to receive from your valentine – they sure are nice have.

From belles letters on etsy.com this set of 5 decoupaged nesting dolls would look beautiful on a dressing table or vanity.

Now something he can get you – cashmere! This 100% pure cashmere lingerie set will feel incredibly soft and makes for an exceptional gift. The tank top and boy-cut shorts are a super comfy style and really sweet. Exclusively from Red Envelope.

Now if your into décor like I am then these would be a nice gift. Tiny ceramic plates decorated with sweet colors and savory messages. Just right for afternoon tea or romantic desserts, the set includes four differently colored plates, each with its own special message. Exclusively from Red Envelope.

I love this trio of enamel bangles again from Red Envelope.

This special edition Chanel satin lip cream – love the take on the double C’s I also came across these gorgeous cosmetic bags on-line (can’t remember the source) but they would make a nice gift idea – maybe along with a bottle of perfume? Or this "cheeky" little paperweight from red envelope.
And now for “the him” in your life!
I gotta thing for the frog prince…so these have to be included. Chances are you've kissed one or two frogs along the way, but just as the fairytale promised, one day, your prince really did come. Let him know you finally found him with these charming (as in "Prince") and finely detailed cuff links. Exclusively from Red Envelope.
Ok – last cuff link here but how could I resist showing you these Psycho Bunny cuff links? What else can I saw about them – MUST HAVE!!
I love this one – or anything from Ed Hardy but this flask fits the bill.

So don't forget that special someone a little something special this Saturday!

xoxoxo

The "licious" List

I thought instead of a category called things I like....I would give it name (like the "O" list from Oprah) so here it is...The "licious" List. These are items I think are marvelous and must-haves. ENJOY!Letter pillows from Jonathan Adler…..OMG!!!OMG!!!OMG!!!! Also available LOL, LOVE etc…etc…etc…
I adore this little ceramic frog prince – really, I mean how can you resist. I unfortunately, do not have a source for this picture – I will have to source to find where I can get one!
Being Rich is Awesome – what else do you need to say??? Oh…maybe that this little coin pouch is eco-friendly; even more awesome!!!
Wine charms from matsudabunch on esty (they had others with questionable words – which honestly I liked better – but thought I better keep it clean!)
Ants on my spoon by bailey doesn't bark on etsy. And there is also ants on my cup, plate and creamer – really clever!!! Oh, and check out the four seasons wall hanging but at $80.00 it’s a bit too pricey for me!

Love is in the air

I know it may sound funny, but I even decorate for Valentines Day. My daughter has a beautiful white feather tree that we hang glittery hearts on and we made a valentine gingerbread house (out of foam) that I display every year too!

Here are a few ideas for your home that are pretty and fun to do with the kids (or by yourself!).

A Special Spark

Light up your love life with a votive candle creation. Place a candle in a candy dish and add a sprinkling of colorful beads to create a warm, comforting glow

Heart Candle Wreath

Here's a little project for you!

What You Need:
· Pink patterned papers
· White card stock
· Scissors
· Craft wire
· Beads (optional)
· Large candle

Instructions:
1. Cut strips of different pink patterned papers and adhere them to same-size strips of white card stock.
2. Die-cut, punch, or freehand-cut two sizes of hearts from the patterned papers. Poke tiny holes in some of the hearts to allow wire to be threaded through them.
3. Join the hearts by running wire through the holes and also by wrapping the wire around the hearts, measuring the candle circumference as you go. If you wish, slide beads onto the wire as you twist and bend it into curls and loops.

Door Hangers To create these cute sweetheart door hangers, cut two hearts out of felt (ours are 4x5 and 4x6 inches), then hand-sew using blanket stitches or whip stitches. Embellish with beads or embroidery, such as French knots and daisy stitches. Hang from twine.

Or how about these beauties I found on-line

Scrabble pillows Add some love to your home with these scrabble tile pillow (from pillow happy @ etsy.com) covers! The cover is a neutral cotton fabric, the letters are made from a soft black fleece (hand stitched) along with a hand stitched number at the bottom (to keep score). These pillows give any room a hip, modern, clean feel. they would also make such a unique and refreshing gift! They are so cute – keep them out all year round!

Lanterns
These inexpensive paper lanterns add dimension and fun to your interiors. I love the different patterns and sizes – they make for a great addition to your Valentine’s Day décor.

Adorable Houses These are adorable anywhere in the house – I love the felt hanging houses off of the towel rack – original!

So add a few hearts and a bit of red this February – it will definitely cure those winter blahs!!!

Home made charms

As you know, I love charms and my Thomas Sabo is the creme de la creme of charms. Recently, I have found a few more that I thought were worthy of mention....and what's really special is all of these charms are hand made by talented individuals.

Pickled Tink

This is a great online store (oh and she sells in retail locations too!) started up by Chrissy Christoferson. She’s a mom of 2 busy little boys, and makes sweet little necklaces and bracelets - with your kids' initials, names or other words like mom, mommy, mama charms. I think they are so special.

Marmalade Designs

I first saw these at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. Kate Singer is the designer behind the Marmalade label. A hardworking free spirit, Kate pours her heart and soul into developing her jewelry line. Kate hand builds each new style from sheet metal, then casts and polishes each silver piece. Fabric or papers are then in layed and coated with a layer of crystal clear resin. The pieces are versatile (many being reversible!), durable, and waterproof. Necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets are all available at Marmalade Designs. I got one for Christmas this year - it's a cute little embroidered bicycle - the online store should be up and running soon - so I will be adding to the chain soon!

HomeStudio This are really beautiful! Cool Affordable Gifts! And you have to check now to see their $25 grab bag of 6 pendants or sets of 4 for a great price….this is an awesome deal! These pendants are hand assembled with a reused wood scrabble tiles and a silver plated bail. Each one has a paper graphic image, and protective shine that makes it gorgeous!Important Note: These pendants are water resistant, and NOT waterproof. Be sure to check them out when you’re looking for an affordable pick-me-up or gift…..you can find them on Esty.com
I just bought these 2 – I can’t wait to get them - ahhh...I see another collection starting.

Handmade Holiday

There is nothing like making handmade gifts for family and friends. Here are a few simple ones even I could do! Thanks to BHG.com for the inspiration.

Sparkling Green Sensation

Paint a clear ball with acrylic paint; let dry. Apply a thin coat of crafts glue to the ball and spoon ultra-fine glitter onto the surface. Gently shake off any excess glitter. To minimize messes, work over a shallow box, a box lid, or a jelly-roll pan covered with wax paper. These would make a pretty tie-on for that special present.

Matching Pillow Set How lovely would this couple be – on my own sofa!!
What you need for the red pillow
· 1 yard of red felt
· Scraps of white felt
· Fabric glue
· Red pom-pom trim
· Matching sewing thread
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-inch square of red felt.
2. Cut a tree pattern twice onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the tree-shape openings.
3. Cut a 4-1/2-x-10-1/2-inch rectangle of white felt.
4. Glue the white rectangle strip onto the back side of the pillow front, covering the tree-shape openings.
5. Cut a few pom-poms from the trim and glue them onto the trees.
6. Sew a 17-1/2-inch length of pom-pom trim across the pillow front.
7. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of red felt.
8. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
9. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.

Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.
What you need for the white pillow
· 1 yard of white felt
· Scraps of red felt
· Scalloped-edge scissors
· Matching sewing thread
· Fabric glue
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-x-14-inch rectangle and a 17-1/2-x-4-inch rectangle of white felt.
2. Cut a 17-1/2-x-3/4-inch strip of red felt and use the scalloped-edge scissors to trim a decorative edge along one long side.
3. Sandwich the strip of red felt between the white felt rectangles and sew together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
4. Trace a small tree shape onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the opening.
5. Trace a large tree shape onto red felt and cut out.
6. Cut a 4-1/2-inch long strip of white felt using the scalloped-edge scissors on each long edge.
7. Glue the white felt strip on the back side of the tree-shape opening followed by the red felt tree shape.
8. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of white felt.
9. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the pillow back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
10. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.

Festive Paperweights

Glass paperweights decked out for the holidays make practical and gender-neutral gifts -- ideal for coworkers and teachers. The super simple project starts with a glass paperweight kit, available at crafts and hobby stores or online. Decorate the paperweight with scrapbooking paper, gift wrap, or an old Christmas card. Thin foam letters glued on one paper send glad tidings.

Now if you are more like me – buying handmade is another option. And there s no other place to go for spectacular handmade items other then the mother-ship of handmade, http://www.etsy.com/.

Sterling Silver snowflake by Erin ElizabethA teeny tiny Sterling Silver snowflake charm glides along Sterling Silver chain. One tiny Freshwater Pearl snowball slides alongside. The Sterling lobster clasp is framed by two Sterling Silver beads. This tiny, delicate necklace is perfect for layering or wearing on its very own! This necklace measures approximately 16 inches long, the pendant measures approximately 1/2 inch long.

Lovely Earthenware by Paloma's NestAs seen in the December 2008 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine!!! Spreading the JOY of the season, this little dove bowl will find a special place in your heart.This little dish (or they have ornaments too) is perfect on an entry table, dresser or desk, to catch jewelry and all of life's little treasures, or just as a reminder to share JOY in your home and your world. A lovely gift for yourself or for someone else...Each piece is hand-crafted of fine pure white clay, and fired in our kiln; the piece has a protective matte finish applied to the surface and is designed for decorative use only.

Snowman Tray by Little Korboose
Ok, we know I love all things snowman…but this little tray is so special! All of the their plates/trays are made from melamine so it is dishwasher safe – just no microwaving with these babies!

So go ahead, pull out the glue gun or the credit card and happy hand making!