gift giving friend

The other day I peeked into my mail box and this is what I found...

This picture does not even convey how beautiful this suede envelope and velvet ribbon are. How about the silver intaglio with Evy stamped on the back? Makes me think I might not be creative after all.
Inside was this beautiful necklace with a "7" for my seven children. She hand braids these herself. Makes me think I have no patience. And the beautiful card is her business card with her info on one side and the beautiful antique statue on the other. One of her treasures no doubt.
If you want to give someone something totally unique to make them feel very special one of Evy's treasures will do it.

I like to name my clothing after friends. This is the Evy top. It reminds me of her.

santa baby

I love beautiful art and usually have more that one piece of an artist work. I would love to have a collection of peonies by Jacqueline Gnott. I don't know if Santa reads blogs but if he does I have been a very good girl this year.
Well fairly good.

gift giving children

I love finding something that I adore to give as a gift. When I found these bears I new I had to have them for our store. I find myself grabbing them all the time to give as gifts. I love adding them to a day gown or blanket for a new born gift. They are perfect gifts for my little girls to give at a birthday party. Even my teen age girls have stolen them from the office (they did ask first).
They come in two sizes and are soft and cuddly. How cute would the little one be poking his head out of a stocking this Christmas?

Another favorite children's gift are these crayons from Melissa and Doug. (also now available in Kayce's shop) The are nice and hard so they don't break and they are triangular so they won't roll off the table. My girls love them and I am crazy about the red case they come in.

How about you...do you have a little stash of children's gifts in your closet or do you head to the toy store when a party comes up?

Christmas

I am in love with these stocking from Holly Mathis Interiors they are made by Michelle. I am not really a decorate for every holiday kind of girl but Christmas is my absolute favorite. I am so excited this year to have a store window to decorate too. I have already been dreaming and hope to share some of the process. I am hunting for images of vintage stamps and labels so if anyone has a great source please let me know.

How about you...what is your favorite holiday?

inspiration

One of the things that I love about my job is hunting for inspiration. I love finding vintage clothing a patterns and turning them into something that works for today.
I don't know if these women ever had children.
I have so I like it when things are fitted just above my tummy and then use a little gathering to hide.
I love the seam down the center and the tie at the neck.
The little bow if this neckline will find its way into the spring line.
I am in awe of all I can do on line. I still remember when I worked for Ralph Lauren we would have to go to the library to hunt for inspiration images.

peanut butter cookies

I have a few favorite cookie recipes that I make over and over. This is one of them. It is from Cookin' with Home Storage by Vicki Tate. They are fairly healthy and not too sweet.

1 C softened butter
1 C freshly ground peanut butter
1 1/4 C honey
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
4 C whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

Blend butter until smooth. Add peanut butter and blend again. Add honey and blend again. Add eggs 1 at a time and beat until mixed. Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Roll into balls and put onto ungreased cookie sheet. Use a fork dipped in cold water and flatten with a criss-crossed design. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes on the top rack of the oven. Remove immediately. Cool and enjoy.

(I added some chocolate on the top before cooking)

Bauer 2000

A big thanks to Julia for letting me know about Bauer 2000 pottery. I have a soft spot for pitchers.

Dont' you think that Jack and Lilly would appreciate the upgrade from their current stainless steel?
They have all of my favorite colors.
Lilly would probably be so appreciative that she would stop eating the furniture.