Archive for the ‘gift’ Category

meet your inner artist.

Monday, July 11th, 2011

We all have a camera that takes instant snapshots, or in a few cases, captures compositionally genius moments in an easy digital format.  But how often do you actually DO something with those photos besides post them on facebook?  And how often do you look at the walls of your home and think “that spot is perfect for something but I’m just not sure what”?

Thanks to Easy Canvas Prints, we have the simplest solution: an inexpensive and fun canvas printed photograph!  Select your size, upload your photo, choose your border (it can be colored, a continuation of the image or a reflection) and ta-da – nifty art that’s fully customized and created by you.

With a rainy-June-longing for a day spent in a Hilton Head beach chair, I determined the perfect subject for my new wall art.  Just a few clicks and two business days… Look at my adorable 8′ x 10′ creation in it’s perfectly packaged box!

And wrapped neatly in a protective plastic covering.

The perfect piz-azz for a formerly dull wall.

Don’t you love the reflected image along the edge?  Personalized gift idea, perhaps?

Who’s up for a day at the beach!?

quick (girly) gifts.

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Though last weekend was dedicated to outlet shopping in Freeport and boutique shopping in Portland – I somehow still have gifts to buy.  It’s a good thing it’s such an enchantingl time of year (and that shopping is one of my specialties).  Here are a few affordable little gifts for all of you last minute shoppers (like me!)…

Lighten up any room with these fabulously footed mercury glass hurricanes from West Elm.

Every hostess needs the cutest in kitchen accessories. This oven mitt and pot holder will make sure you’re burn free and looking good at your next dinner party.

If you were at the L.L. Bean flagship in Freeport last Saturday, you could have snagged a signed copy of The Preppy Handbook’s sequel, True Prep.  (I did!)

Furbish studio is home to this eclectic zebra bangle in the cutest of colors.

I adore these simple Kate Spade posts! The classic studs come in every jewel tone you could possibly wear.

Why didn’t I think of this first? Yup, those sparkly little hearts just clip right on any old pair of flats – ingeniousness from ban.do!

I am always in need of an umbrella that makes the rainy days feel not so dreary. Jonathan Adler has the solution with sunny prints to brighten the cloudiest day.

I was given a very similar clutch for my birthday (thank you Al & Jennifer!) and I just love it so much that I think you should have one too!! EmersonMade’s gorgeous silk flowers make for the perfect details like here on her clutch or you can purchase flowers alone – perfect to perk up your favorite tee!

These are quite possibly the cutest golf balls ever! Iomoi has a great selection of gifts under $50.

Looking for an art lover pressie? What about a museum membership? One of my current obsessions: the MFA and it’s new wing.

Christmas shopping in the Portland area? You must stop at Foundry Lane for chic home accents and unique jewels, LeRoux Kitchen for anything and everything cooking, plus deliciously flavored vinegars and EVOO’s (black truffle..mmm) and Asia West for table covers, beautiful Japanese bowls and $15 throw pillows – yes, please!

art on the affordable.

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Mostly, I am obsessed with 20×200 because I found this.  The ultimate Christmas present (aside from perhaps a live domesticated piglet or a puppy) – a piglet print!

Sharon Montrose - Piglet 2

But also, I am obsessed because everything is so chic and so inexpensive!  All you need is a Christmas Tree Shop frame and tada – the perfect $30 gift.

Jane Mount - Ideal Bookshelf 101: Robert Verdi

Youngna Park - Winter Flags (East Village, New York)

Online-window-shopping for fun prints, gorging on Monica’s antipasto and a glass of vino rosso all adds up to the perfect last night in November night – delish.

under $50 treats.

Monday, December 21st, 2009

‘Tis the season to give.  I’m sure by now you have finished your holiday shopping… but in case you haven’t, here are a few last minute gift ideas, all under $50.  There are some ideas for entertaining, pretty accessories and active adventures.

A wonderful wintery scarf from Banana for $49.50

Banana Republic Plaid Scarf

I love!  This bracelet from Ca Cao can be purchased here or at Mint Julep stores in Boston for $44.

ca cao bracelet

Giving to someone who loves the freshly fallen snow?  Jiminy Peak in the Berkshires has discounted lift tickets ranging from $25-$39 if you buy them online.

jiminy peak

Aren’t these coasters from Cursive New York the cutest?  For $16 you get a snazzy box of 8.

cocktailcoasters_1

Who doesn’t love melted cheese (or chocolate)?  It’s a personal favorite of mine, not to mention an interactive dinner party course.  You can get this chic fondue set at Williams Sonoma for $29.95.

Fondue Set

Liberty prints? Yes, please.  On napkin rings? I die.  These stunning napkin rings by Julian Mejia Design will make any place setting unique and beautiful.  Perhaps a little steep at $19 each, but still adorable.

deals-napkin-rings_300

I wish you happy shopping!

cuter than cute: iomoi.

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Invitations, stationary, gifts, you can pretty much do it all at iomoi and in serious style.  You can even send the most adorable e-stationary!  Set the tone for your next fabulous bash with an invite from here and your guests are sure to be elated.

This has got to be some of the most amazing e-stationery there is.  For $15 you can buy a years subscription to unlimited designs for all of your gorgeous emailing needs.

e-stationery

I had the hardest time picking which invitation to put up.  Click here and you’ll see why!

iomoi1

It is the giving season after all and these make some pretty gorgeous under-the-tree delights. I am pretty sure this paperweight was made for me…

paperweight

Design your own tote bag, work, play, beach… endless possibilities for something so cute.

canvasBags

Thanks to Amanda who alerted me to the fabulous iomoi site – now there’s no excuse for non-stylish accessories or correspondance!

be jeweled, give jewels

Friday, December 11th, 2009

If jewelry is what you’re gifting this holiday, then you must must must MUST think Chelsea Gwynne.  A dear friend from Pomfret, and a designer of stand-out baubles that are classic yet fun, flirty yet sophisticated and mostly just gorgeous, Chelsea has spent the last two years cultivating a style that compliments mothers, sisters, girlfriends and girl friends, alike.

Here’s a sneak peak – but I know you will just have to scope out her blog for more sparkles!

Gorgeous for holiday – the Garland Necklace.

Garland Necklace

The stunning Tilda Ring – this one is my absolute favorite!

Tilda Ring

The Garnet Klimt Earrings – after oogling for months, Chelsea is busily making a pair of earrings just for me!

Garnet Klimt Earrings

So go ahead, adorn your family and friends (or just yourself).