My Christmas List: Part Two

If you missed Part One, it's good! Check it out, here - or just keep scrolling down. There's some really good stuff!

So we all have that guy (or girl) in our life that we never know what to buy. Birthday, Christmas they all are sort of lost on us because they're just entirely too hard to buy for. For me, it's those guy's guys that I just can't ever relate to. My brother-in-law, primarily. He's a big beer guy, brews his own, (and it's very good incidentally) but I always just find myself bringing him beer as a gift. Practical because I know he's going to drink it, but boring because it's something he's already bought himself. I found myself lost again this year wondering what to buy him, when I stumbled across this Yeti COOZIE! I didn't even know they made these things!?!?!? He will love it, and it comes in assorted colors you can choose, all for $25 which is our "family threshold". I had to start off Part Two of my Christmas list with this, because I feel like we all have that person in our lives that we know would LOVE one of these, and it makes for a great gift that they'll use and appreciate. 

The Fire TV Stick turns any regular television into a smart television. If you don't already have a smart TV, I definitely suggest one of these little units, which plugs into an HDMI port in your television and allows you access to HULU, Netflix, Amazon TV and more. 

For the person who has EVERYTHING! They definitely don't have a fresh box of French macarons! 

We could all use a little more humor in our lives. 

Ever have that moment where you wonder if you cut the iron off? Not sure that you turned on the crock pot? Smart plugs are the solution for these little nuisances that usually require a special trip home to check. You can turn the power on or off to the appliance plugged into these adapters with your smartphone. 

I ordered this for myself this Christmas! LOL! Tis' the Season, right? But seriously, I've had an immersion blender for a long time and I love it. When I saw this package, which is essentially an immersion blender with attachments that allow you to have a power whisk, food processor, bullet, and blender all in one? For $40?!?! YES! I'm all about space saving in a tiny kitchen, and I think this is going to be so fantastic! Thought you might love it, too! 

Nest Candles have the sweetest packaging, I love them! The 2oz votives are relatively inexpensive, and very fragrant. Holiday is my fave. 

I got these last year for Christmas, and I will NEVER have another set of wired headphones again. 

Mark is working on two new books right now, but his first book "Beautiful" is still a top seller, and is filled with great decorating ideas and advice. I highly recommend it. 

Splurge on your cuddle time with this gorgeous cashmere throw! 

Love a large tote for grocery shopping, farmers markets, bringing things to parties I'm not hosting. This one is great! Love the stripes! 

Alright, this combined with Part One (keep scrolling) are my offerings to the endless lists on the internet this year for good gift ideas! I hope you find at least one thing you'll love for you or someone else, and above all - that you'll have a wonderful holiday season with the people you love! 

My Christmas List: PART ONE

So it seems like everyone is doing a Christmas list of goodies from around the internet. I often find them helpful, but know what sort of work goes into one of these things, particularly when you're trying to find links to send someone to the right place instead of on a wild goose chase. But, cause I love ya, I've made sure they all work and you're all set. So, without further ado - let's take a look at the 2019 Christmas List I think you and THEY will love!

The perfect candle. This is something I burn year round, and actually have going right now! Capri Blue Volcano is the quintessential scent of Anthropologie. If you've ever been in a store, walked by a store, or probably thought of a store - it's the scent that accompanies those experiences. It's sweet, and citrus-y, but has enough of an earthy balance to be a favorite scent all year long! It's my favorite candle, and has been for years! Definitely a must buy for the person on your list who loves home. 

If you're a seasonal scent person, and are looking for the perfect Christmas or winter fragrance, look no further. The luxury scents of Votivo brand candles are beyond enticing. They burn clean, and are wonderfully fragrant. This ICY WHITE PINE scent is my favorite. It's a hint of balsam without feeling like you're smelling a Christmas tree into February, you know? Sometimes you want that clean forest winter smell without feeling like you should be unboxing decorations! 

I finally have a patio/outdoor space that's all ours in 2020, and I couldn't be more excited. It's made me begin to think of all the pretty planters and pots that I'll need come Spring. Of course, you could use these beautiful footed vessels for anything year-round. A fruit bowl, a place to put your keys, you could plant succulents or an orchid in them, top with moss ... 

They're just really interesting and  that's not easy to find at that price point! So if you know someone who loves to garden, or just loves to have pretty and interesting things - these are worth a go! 

Who doesn't need a good looking tote bag? I mean, I'm sure there are some manly-men types who are going to rail against this, but for most of us, having a sizable grocery bag or tote in the car is a great idea. Sure, you can keep your reusable grocery bags in there, but what about when you have a party you're going to, or you just need a bag on the fly. Look sharp and put together all the time by keeping one of these lovelies in your car! Makes a great gift, too.

Another thing that's great to have on hand, but that also makes a great gift - linen napkins. I love these hemstitch options in various shades of linen, white, even dark wintergreen. Trust me, it's something people love and want they never think to get themselves. So if you're looking for a gift idea, make these a part of it, and if you're just wishing you had some - 'tis the Season to TREAT YO SELF!

Another relatively inexpensive idea that everyone wants, the YETI. I have to admit, I thought that this was a crazy thing, but then I got this little guy: 

And I fell in love. They've got some great sophisticated color options too, that don't feel too youthful.

We all spend too much time on our phones, right? I mean, we don't want to admit it - and like any good addict we look around and point the finger at someone who uses it more than we do - BUT it's true. WE SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON OUR PHONES, me included. I used to feel tethered to it literally with the cords jumbled everywhere, but then I found this little guy that we now have by the bed. Lightning fast charging, and no more messy cords. Plus, having my phone charging by the bed means that I can be hands free, phone free, stress free somewhere else in the house ... that it until I can't handle being without it. LOL! 

Back to candles, I know. But I thought that these were a great gift idea and the others I thought were a great idea for you! Know someone you went to College with, or who moved away? Still keep in touch and looking for the right thing to buy them? Maybe it's a sister or a brother who got a job out of state and has raised their family in North Carolina while you and yours are still in New York? Well, these Homesick candles are practically for any place you can think of, and are a sweet and thoughtful gift for the person you love. Even if they're not homesick, maybe you're wishing they were home. A great gift for the Mom and Dad's out there who have kids away at college! 

Truth here, this is something I want for Christmas. The new place has granite counters, and I don't have a large cutting board like this anymore. So I'm putting it here in the hopes that my Santa will see it, BUT also because it's a great price and I can tell you I'm not the only one hoping for one of these babies this year! 

These are great stocking stuffers. I want to buy the NAG NOTE for myself! LOL! Little post-it like sticky notes that are pre-printed with a fun header. Yes, definitely buying the nag notes for you-know-who.

There you go - part one! I'll have part two up on Friday. 

OH!!!! And, before I forget. 

I have a very limited number of Cross Bottles available on sale over at Cross Bottle Guy if you're looking for handmade gifts this year! And you can always peruse my instagram for art! 

Holiday Shopping Ideas ...

I hate to say it, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner folks. Seriously - you can't ignore it. Before you know it, it'll be here, and leading up to the big day lines at all of the big-box stores will be unmanageable and long, and you'll want to poke your eyes out with the letter opener you bought for your great aunt because, come on, what else could you possibly get her?

So, I thought why not take some time and put down a few of the things that I think you really oughta think about for gifts to yourself and others from Amazon. Amazon! Yes, the no-lines, 2-day free shipping Amazon that you can shop at with your pajamas on and a glass of wine, and no one looks at you funny. The only other place you can do that is WalMart, but you might end up in jail depending on what your county's open container policy is.

So, don't risk jail, keep your Great Aunt Sissy's letter opener free of your DNA, and sit back, pour the Chardonnay, and shop with me ... won't you? Oh, and by the way, IF you're reading this in your email, you won't be able to see these links. Pop over to the blog and shop along with us!

First up, the Votivo candle company - Icy Blue Pine. I've said it a MILLION times, this is THE candle that you have to have for the holiday season, even if you're not a Christmas tree or Christmas celebrating person. The candle is the quintessential flavor of the holidays, and you absolutely will not regret it. They're a bit on the pricey side, but, they are definitely worth it. Try one out.

And if you want my address so you can send me one ... just email me. I'll be happy to give it to you!

Next, you all need to know a super dark secret about me. You ready? I hate doing dishes. I have a dishwasher, but I hate loading it. Some people find the whole process relaxing and fascinating, and I think you're crazy. For those of you like me, who hate dishes, I lucked upon the most amazing thing for you! 

Paper plates that don't look like paper plates! Less than a buck each, they've got a beautiful blue and white chinoiserie pattern to them, and they are sturdy. And while, yes, they're paper plates and Martha Stewart says we should be ashamed - get over all that mess. You're gonna have Uncle Mike over and he's gonna break your good China, you're gonna miss Cards Against Humanity with your family because you're in the kitchen washing dishes, and frankly, the only thing your mother-in-law is going to remember is how her stuffing is better than yours, so, save yourself the time. Plus, they actually do make a beautiful table. 

And because I mentioned it ... Cards Against Humanity. A great gift to give at White Elephant and gag parties because it's something a lot of people want but never actually buy for themselves. 

But for a second, let's go back to the table stuff, 'cause I can sense the collective sigh. "Oh, Artie. Paper plates? Really?" And all I have to say is yes, really! Some of you have the opportunity and the means to set a really gorgeous table with your sterling and crystal and great grandmothers china, and if you invited me over for dinner, I would think it was nothing but lovely, and glorious, and all of the other things. At the end of the night, what I'll take home with me is the full experience though. How was the company? Were you a good host? How was the food? Was there music, conversation, playful banter? Did the guests get along, was the wine poured quickly and without regard to how much I already had? At the end of the night - what will linger with your guests - is NOT how fancy your place settings were. 

The beauty of your table is just a piece. A small piece at that. So, save yourself some time, and get the paper plates. Dress them up with white cloth napkins: 

An arrangement of fresh flowers, and candles. Candles in various containers are a great idea - but at the holidays I find the glint of mercury glass to be really beautiful, and you can get 12 for about a dollar each here:

And if I already lost you with the paper plates, you're not gonna take any more table advice from me, but if you are still with me, remember that candles on your table should always be unscented. Let the food take over there. 

I burn candles often, and when I found these I thought I had hit the lottery. Seriously. Great, clean burn, lasting around 8 hours. They are unscented, and you get 75 for $20. It's a great deal. 

There are some of you still scowling. I can feel it. Don't hate me. I'm not telling you that you HAVE to use paper plates, I'm simply suggesting that your Christmas season might be a little more enjoyable spending time with your family, and not the dishwasher. However, I get it. Dishes are a good excuse for avoiding Uncle Tom and Aunt Lois. Who invited them, anyway? 

Now, let's roll down the list of my staples. Things I have, things I buy, that good stuff: 

Heavy duty, perfect for shopping at the super market, the farmer market, going to pick apples (I took mine to pick blueberries, and well ... it's blue.) But you gotta look cute when you're buying food for those paper plates. 

I have two favorites when it comes to handsoaps and lotions. One is Fruits and Passions Coriander and Olive Oil scent. Oh, it's heavenly. Really, it is. You'll walk around all day smelling your hands - I swear. 

The other is from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day: 

I fluctuate between this basil scent, and the Coriander and Olive throughout the year - mostly to not get tired of one or the other. Also, coincidentally, they make both in dish soap. For those of you who aren't gonna buy those paper plates! 

Another thing I've recently become obsessed with is Myrtle topiaries. I blogged about it, and gave you the link to a site that sells them out of the Cleveland, Ohio area already. But here it is again, just in case you missed it. 

Knowing nothing at all about the care of these plants, I wanted to jump in and not have to spend a lot of money doing it. I found that this was really the best price online and because no one sold them locally, I jumped. I ordered two, one arrived in beautiful condition, the other a bit dry and sad. The truth is, plants don't like to be shipped - so, it's a gamble. It perked right back up after a couple of days of being repotted, watered, and put in the sun. So, if you're looking for a time to break into the game of caring for plants ... here's a way to do it without being too destroyed if you kill it. 

This! OH THIS! This is a must have. Now, before I get started. How many of you have left your protein shake in the container a little too long, and then you realized that the putrid smell NEVER leaves your shaker bottle? I know I'm not the only one! Well, THESE are EXACTLY what you need. Maybe it's not you. Maybe it's your kids, or your grand-kids? They're all caught up in being pretty and muscled up because that's what everyone says we need to be, and they are hopped up on whatever GNC says they gotta use, and they're leaving their used blender ball cups in the backseat while they're in class and then insisting you buy them a new one because it smells like someone left a dead foot in it. Yes, you know what I'm talking about! Ok, buy these. Takes care of the odor. I SWEAR! 

If you don't already have it, I highly suggest you download Amazon Music. It's great for creating those dinner and party playlists that'll keep all your guests happy. It's FREE! (with commercials, and some limitations on music ... but, you can upgrade and get all the music commercial free!) Speaking of music ... 

I can't wait for this to come out mid-November. Did everyone see the movie last Christmas? I'm sure you did, it was a huge blockbuster hit, and for good reason. Everyone loves a feel good movie, right? I'm always scratching my head when I sit in a theatre and previews come up for what will be on the big screen every Christmas. One year that sniper movie was debuted on Christmas. Really? I mean, does that even seem logical to the mass public? I'd rather watch Toy Story 4, or 8, or whatever they're at now. Anyway, that soundtrack was great - and it's been reimagined with covers by Pink and Kelly Clarkson. Oh, it's so good! The little pieces I've heard here and there ... I can't wait! 

"Alexa, finish this blog post." 

...

Ok, that's not how it works. But it's a great bluetooth speaker with all of the built in technology that you need for super ease of use. I love mine, I keep it in the office, and while I'm working on things I don't have to get up and change stations. I linked it to my Amazon Music account, and I simply say: "Alexa, play the dance party playlist" and all of a sudden - DANCE PARTY! 

They're not inexpensive - but here's what I've learned from buying less expensive versions. You're going to spend $39.99 over and over and over again, and not get clear, quality sound. So just spend the $99.99 once, and get it over with. 

And, one last one. You know I love a good design book, and while I haven't had the opportunity to finish this one yet - I can already tell you it's one of my all time faves: 

Every single page is drool worthy! You're gonna love it, I promise! 

We are off to New York City this weekend - Tyler's birthday present included tickets to see Waitress on Broadway. Even though I've seen it already, (twice) I think I'm just as excited as he is. I'll be back on Monday with a before and after that has me itching to change things up ... again.

Books on Sale!

I think that most of us probably look for a bargain when we can find one, don't we? I know I do! And because I do so many book reviews here on the blog, I'm constantly purchasing on Amazon and love when I get a chance to get even further discounts on their already reduced prices! 

Right now, and until December 17th, you can use promo code GIFTBOOK and receive $5 off book purchases of $15 or more. That's right!

So if you wanted to buy a book for someone for Christmas, or if you were keeping your eye on one of the books from my reviews, you can get an even bigger cut on the price! I decided that I would share with you some of the books I would definitely suggest using this coupon for!

First up, Mark Sikes' Beautiful. I did a review on the book, here. I can't tell you how many times I've looked through this book, cover to cover. Probably dozens. Maybe 100! It's truly beautiful from start to finish, and already a great bargain at $33.39, the book with the discount code GIFTBOOK is a mere $28.39! When was the last time you paid $28 for years worth of inspiration?!

An oldie but a goodie, Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style is another of my go-to books. Just $43 with the coupon code GIFTBOOK! 

You could use it on any of Jeffrey Bilhuber's books, and you'd be filled with inspiration from start to finish over, and over! Honestly, any of the books I've reviewed under the book review tab would be wonderful additions to your library! And with this coupon code, it just makes it a little easier! 

So click on any of the links above for the specific titles, or the banner below to shop for your favorite books! Just don't forget to use the promo code GIFTBOOK at check out! Hurry, you've only got til' the 17th! 

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree ...

I have decorated over 100 Christmas trees. Seriously! Thanks to the tour of homes that I used to participate in, and the fact that I had anywhere from 4-6 trees at the old house. And I used to really enjoy it. USED TO! Now, I either end up with no time to do it for myself, or no where to put a tree.

However, I still love the smell of Christmas that you get with fresh, live greenery - so I wanted to share with you quickly my most favorite candle of the Holiday season:

Votivo candles are absolutely the most fragrant I have ever found, and each year when they unveil their signature holiday scents, I get excited and stock up on my favorite, Icy Blue Pine. Votivo says that the candle is a potent powerful punch of prickly pine pleasure with the underpinnings of sweet and spicy stripped cedar bark topped with merry crumbles of crystallized ice cubes - the suspended delight of wintery wonderland adventure. My own review of the scent is this: IT'S CHRISTMAS IN A BOX! I'm not even kidding. You walk into any room where you're burning this candle and it has this incredible power of just yanking you into the holiday spirit.

Amazon sells the candles in three sizes. The votive candles here:

These votives last about 20-hours. And then they have the large candle, which is the size that I have burning right now! 

All of the Votivo candles are soy blend, and this particular fragrance is limited to the holiday season, only. The holiday collection of scents come in mirrored jars, or quatrefoil tins and fit perfectly with any decor.

The quatrefoil tin is 4oz, about half the size as the large candle, and twice the size of the votive. Of course, I'm not the only one who loves these things, so they're in limited quantity. 

I also just noticed that they have a room spray! 

Consider it sold! Seriously, if you're a fan of fragrance candles, you will love this one. I have spent so much money on candles throughout the years, trying to find one that not only smelled like Christmas, but smelled as good burning as it did when I picked it up off the shelf! I know I'm not the only one! These candles certainly aren't inexpensive, but, they are incredibly aromatic and I've never found a candle that smelled more perfect for the holiday season. 

If you're not a holiday fragrance fan, I will tell you that my go-to scent for the rest of the year, is Volcano, by Capri Blue. If you've ever walked by or near an Anthropologie store, you have smelled this intoxicating candle. 

They come in a variety of sizes, but the 20 oz. jar for $23.99 is their best value, and saves you $6 over the Anthro price. 

I hope you're all enjoying the hustle and bustle of this season, and finding all the gifts and trappings for everyone on your list! 

An Update PLUS Design Direct to your Door

I know it's been a while since I last posted. I can't believe how the time has gotten away from me. Let me first start this post with a little update. It's personal, maybe too personal, but as I fight my way through this change in my life, I figure the more people that know, the more accountable I must be.

About 8-years ago, my weight became a problem, and I spent the years after cycling in and out of the yo-yo, new-fad, trendy diet thing. From one day to one week, they were impossible to stick to, and the weight (if any) that I lost was instantly thrust right back on plus a significant bonus. Nice, right? In January, before we left to celebrate Scott's birthday in New York City, I stepped on the scale for the first time in months, and THAT, was when I decided that I, indeed, had to make a change. So, these last two weeks have been filled with all sorts of lifestyle changes that have consumed a lot of my extra time that I used to spend searching for blog filler. I apologize for the absence, and thank you for the understanding.

If you're in a diet mode, or are just looking for a little meal replacement that's quick, easy, and inexpensive, I highly suggest that you try the Atkins Advantage French Vanilla Meal Replacement Shakes.

High in protein, low in carbohydrates, and filling enough to get you through to the next snack or meal, they really are quite delicious and have been an incredible saving grace to my little journey. I've thought about starting another blog to document this progress, but haven't gotten the courage. I'll let you know if I do, and if you choose to follow along you can learn more about what I'm doing, how I'm losing, and what the overall goals are! 

In other news, Scott and I discussed the blog and some ideas for my readers and friends who follow along that I could do on a bi-weekly basis. He and I both agree, that many of you live in an area where you either have to drive hours to find stores, or shop online to buy things for your home. Thus, the idea for a bi-weekly posting called DESIGN DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR! I'll find some great things online that I think are worth your taking a look at. 

For instance, this candle from Aspen Bay. Anthropologie has made this their signature fragrance, and the 20oz jar sells for 29.00 plus tax at their stores ... located primarily in high income areas. If you don't live near one, and want to save some money - you can get the same candle through Amazon.com for $25.00. 

Now, the discount doesn't seem like much til' you factor in tax and shipping - which ultimately will save you $10, and before you know it your home will smell like a slice of paradise. Absolutely my favorite candle! 

Recently the use of the Union Jack flag has been a big trend in interiors. I like the look, but I'm not sure that I can make the commitment to a full chair upholstered in one of these vintage textiles. Enter the idea of a pillow. I found this heavy weight chenille 18x18 pillow cover that's quite nice: 

And at just $9.99, how can you afford to say no? Amazon has a great and easy return policy. I actually ordered 2 of these myself for our guest room. They haven't come yet - but when they do, I'll let you know what I think of them! They also have the US flag for the same price in the same size. 

Lastly, Wisteria is offering 20% off EVERYTHING for Presidents' Day, but the sale ends TONIGHT at midnight. I particularly love these shelf tables and skirts that they currently have on clearance for $174.99 (take an additional $35 off during the sale). 

These tables are so useful. I've used them as bedside tables for a bedroom I did for a client and her teenage daughter, but I could see it as an entry table, a bar table (as shown above) instead of a buffet in a dining room, a dressing room table - perfect for storing things beneath. This price is both the table and the skirt - so it's a great deal!

That's all for now folks! See you next time! 

Decorating with Amazon - GREAT Deal on Rugs!

I've tooled around Amazon for a while and I found some great rugs I had to share with you because I know how many of you are looking for a good deal on rugs - aren't we all? Amazon has some amazing bargains and the things that they sell .. it's a veritable playground for people decorating on a budget. Take for instance, this rug:

Can you believe that this is only $109.99 for an 8x10? Yeah! I know! I could work a whole room around this rug. I'd probably layer it over a slightly larger jute or seagrass rug. Amazon has some great prices on jute, too! 

Can you believe it? 10x14 for less than $230? Over hardwood, layer the jute first, and then the $109.99 wool rug to anchor any seating arrangement - a dining room, living room, even a bedroom. So, there you have it ... great bargains I really wanted to share. Short post today - lots going on around here. More about that later. 

Oh, and it's the last week to vote for Color Outside the Lines! 

And please remember to vote for Color Outside the Lines now - February 12th for Best Writing on a Design Blog for the 2014 Design Bloggers Hall of Fame Awards. Read the full post here, or click here to submit your ballot!