I love Ruby Love's Modern Baby Books

I'll admit that I'm a big fan of documenting everything (I'm a lawyer, after all!) and I cherish the baby books my mother and grandmother made for me. But a lot of the books on the market today just strike me as a bit too cheesy, a bit too...well, babyish. Cue a random (but most welcome email) from my blogging buddy Laura over at JourneyChic a few weeks ago recommending Etsy seller Ruby Love's gorgeous baby books. Needless to say, I ordered one immediately and I love it so much I just had to pass the recommendation on to y'all. There are, of course, a lot of great baby books available on the market today, but here are a few reasons that I think Ruby Love's makes the top of my list:

1. There's a wide assortment of styles/colors to choose from -- and plenty of not-so-cutesy options that may appeal to your more sophisticated side. [By the way, if you're interested, I happened to select the "Ryland" option for myself.] Because let's face it, you're going to have to live with plenty of cartoons, and kid stuff for the next, oh, decade, so I say pick what you like now before your baby forms his or her own opinion.

2.  The books come as 3-ring albums, which means you can customize, add or subtract pages to your heart's content. I love that I'm not constricted by stupid prompts or left staring at blank pages because I didn't get around to documenting Baby Conn's first sneeze (just toss that page!). This leads me to reason #3...

{Baby Book Holiday Pack}

3. While the standard album comes with plenty of great prompts (personal favorite includes "This Day in History", which reminds me of my Grandma saving the major headlines of the year of my birth -- something I will always treasure) and lots of blank pages for your photographs, there are loads of supplemental pages you can purchase to beef up your album and even extend it into your child's toddle hood (assuming, of course, you haven't completely abandoned documenting your child's every move out of to sheer exhaustion).

If, however, none of Ruby Love's albums strike your fancy but you're still looking for something modern and fun, I'd suggest checking out my two runners up: Baby's First Book over at Rag & Bone and the Binth Baby Book. Any of these would make a wonderful holiday or shower gift for an expectant or new mom.

DwellStudio Stationery

DwellStudio has recently teamed up with Tiny Prints to launch a new line of paper goods. The clean, crisp modern designs combined with the fresh color choices perfectly channel the brand's home and baby offerings. Above is a selection of holiday card designs that I think are particularly charming. Even better, many of these have coordinating gift tags and address labels, ensuring all your paper needs are met for the coming holiday season. And, of course, the brand made famous for beautifully designed options for the nursery has a deep selection of birth announcement cards on offer as well -- and I'm making a mental note to revisit the site next spring for just such a purpose.

{6} I'm craving this Spring.

1. Jonathan Adler's new stationery line. I'm a huge paper freak so I was ecstatic to see that the purveyor of Happy Chic had delved into a new line of stationery and paper goods. Aside from the usual note cards and journals, Adler also offers wrapping paper, paper plates and paper lanterns (prices start at just $4.95). Now I just need a great excuse to throw a party....

2. A bold blue bag. I'm a big believer in the power of a great bag (or pair of shoes) to perk up your wardrobe. This Spring, a bright blue bag is the perfect alternative to black or gray (and it won't show dirt like white or cream would). My pick is the "Branded Stud" leather bowler bag in cobalt blue by Ted Baker ($245). It's perfect not-too-big/not-too-small size and outer pockets make this a sensible choice, though it's the contrast purple stitching that really pushes this one from "love" to "lust".

3. Trina Turk's indoor/outdoor pillows and linens. Trina's latest offerings in her nascent expansion into home goods are the epitome of Palm Springs cool. Trendy brights are paired with clean white in retro, yet on-trend geometric prints. I'll take one of each, please.

4. Restoration Hardware's Klismos collection. Speaking of outdoor decor, I'm drooling over Restoration Hardware's Klismos collection of outdoor furniture. [See? I'm not a total hater of RH, I promise!] The pieces feel modern with their matte gray finish and sleek lines, but the collection is grounded in classic shapes and forms, from the urn pedestal base of the dining table to RH's interpretation of the klismos (a Greek chair style marked by its curved back and legs). Of course, I'd perk up these pieces with some of Trina's pillows.

5. Stony gray espadrille wedges. Bettye Muller Menu Wedges (Piperlime, $195). For me, nothing says spring or summer like a pair of espadrilles. I love the sensible height of these wedges and the gorgeous putty gray color. As a bonus, these are sophisticated enough for the office (or at least mine).

6. The perfect pairing of color and scent. UK companies Jo Malone and Farrow&Ball have teamed up to create a new line of candles inspired by F&B's gorgeous paint colors. When Dave and I are in London in May, I'm going to have to swing by a Jo Malone outpost to get a nose on this new collection, but I'm already wild about the very idea of their Wild Fig and Cassis in Pelt. The aubergine hue is the natural choice for the warm, fruity (yet woodsy, thanks to the cedarwood) scent of fig and blackcurrants.

Round Up: Valentine's Day Cards

Okay so Valentine's Day may be 10 days away, but consider this a friendly reminder that it is just around the corner. I do not, as a general rule, put a lot of stock in Valentine's Day as a romantic holiday -- which is lucky for Dave as his first Valentine's Day gift to me was a blender. I do, however, thoroughly enjoy Valentine's Day as an excuse to buy and send cards and stationery. Even if it is just a "Hallmark Holiday", Valentine's Day is just as good a reason as any to let the people you care about most in your life that you...well, care about them.

If you're still looking for the perfect card or cards, I'd suggest foregoing your local Walgreens or CVS in favor of searching out a card that's a bit more personal and unique. And remember: cards are even better when you take the time to include a handwritten note. This year, while I'll be writing a few cards by hand, I think I'll send most of my cards virtually. Iomoi has a wonderful selection of Valentine's Day motifs (like the one above) for its virtual e-cards and, at $15 for a yearlong subscription, you could send Valentines to everyone in your address book.

Source list (from top left): 1. TTV Photograph Valentine's Day cards from Maile Lani ($12/set of 3). These are practically art-quality and would make great seasonal decorations. 2. Like card from Michelle Brusegaard ($3.25). The perfect card if your relationship is still in its nascent stage. 3. I Love You My Dear letterpress cards from Tara Hogan ($14/set of 5). I can't resist a cute pun...especially when it's on letterpress! 4. Love All Lovely cards from Up Up Creative ($9/set of 4). The retro-70s vibe of these cards is great and the color palette is a nice change from sticky sweet pink and red. 5. Vintage-Inspired Candy Shop Valentine's cards from Two Poodle Press ($4/set of 10). A great price; perfect if you're buying for an entire class. 6. Pride and Prejudice Valentine from Stars and Stillness ($3). What girl wouldn't melt for Mr. Darcy? 7. Laugh Love Dream notecards from Orange Beautiful A great take on the typographical trend that's still raging hot. I love the black and white card paired with the hot pink envelope. ($10/set of 6).

Source list (from top left): 1. Valentine's Day card from Jen Rotert ($3.50). Sometimes it pays to keep it cute and simple. 2. Letterpress Friendship card from Sycamore Street Press ($4). A great friendship card that's more sassy than sappy. 3. Valentine's Day Personalized Cards with Keepsake Mailbox from Ink Spot Workshop ($21/set of 20). The kid in me loves this whole set: the stickers, personalized cards and mailbox to keep them in. 4. Happy V Day card from Sweet Perversion ($4). The simple exterior belies the bold message inside this card. 5. Sweetheart Ribbon Card from Anna Cote ($5.50). Just plain pretty. 6. You Fill My Heart with Love card from Just Another Day ($3). I love the modern, clean look of this card. 7. The Bee's Knees Valentine Card from Lily Jane Stationery ($3). I love how the bee's path is in the shape of a heart. 8. Do You Still Love Me? letterpress card from The Sherwood Press ($4). This card would be perfect for my bug-loving hubby.

This coming week I'll be doing something a bit different in honor of Valentine's Day: I'll be posting some of my favorite love poems and accompanying artwork from favorite Etsy sellers. I've long been a fan of poetry (indeed, this blog's name is the first 3 words in one of my favorite Latin love poems from Catullus), though admittedly I have not shared my passion for verse on this blog before. Poetry has a way of capturing the real rhythms of love (and loss) in a way that prose quite simply cannot. And so, I thought I'd take this Valentine's Day as an opportunity to share with you a few poems that have meant a lot to me over the years. But don't worry, if you're not a fan of poetry I'll still be interspersing the poetry with my usual posts on design, shopping and style.

Holiday Round-Up: 2010 Calendars

Dabney Lee at Home Monogrammed Desk Calendar ($25)

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, I'm beginning to look forward to the start of 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism. Like many of you, 2009 was a year of great anxiety for Dave and me. In many ways, I know that we are very blessed to have made it through the year with our jobs, bank accounts and sanity (relatively) in tact. Indeed, things could have been (and could still be) far, far worse. But -- and this may just be blind optimism -- I'd like to believe that things are not just looking up, but are actually on the mend. And so, as we find ourselves at yet another transition from one year to the next, looking back on the past and hopefully to the future, I am reminded of that Counting Crows song from the '90s:

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe

Maybe this year will be better than last

I can't remember all the times I've tried to tell myself

To hold on to these moments as they pass.

On a lighter note, I'd argue that a necessary precursor to embracing the present is to keep track of it. Sure, you could rely on your Outlook calendar (and boy, do I), but sometimes it's nice to have something pretty to look at as well -- and I am not talking about those horribly cheesy "rah team!" calendars handed out by your company. Every year I indulge in one or two (or three) desk and/or wall calendars to decorate my offices at home and work.

Of course, if you're still doing some last-minute shopping for the holidays, calendars also happen to make the perfect, inexpensive gift. If they're monogrammed (like the Dabney Lee version above) or contain personal pictures, then all the better. I typically buy an extra one or two every year for emergency gifts for co-workers and acquaintances.

Source list (clockwise from top left): 1. Snow & Graham Wall Calendar ($29). 2. Tara Hogan Letterpress Calendar ($42). 3. Paris is for Lovers Calendar (Irene Suchoki; $20). 4. Illustrated Desk Calendar (Up Up Creative; $18). 5. Letterpress Calendar with Walnut Base (The Paper Thieves; $26). 6. Desktop Calendar (Michelle Brusegaard; $20).

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Custom Photo Calendar (Story by Mia; $50). 2. Lily Pulitzer Wall Calendar ($24.99). 3. Perpetual Calendar - Blue (Orange Beautiful; $28). 4. Kate Spade Desktop Calendar ($20). 5. Keep Calm and Carry On Printable Spoof Calendar (Women) (Little Brown Pen; $5). 6. Avie Designs Desktop Calendar ($20).

Holiday Round-Up: Gift Wrap

I've always been a bit fanatical about gift wrap; indeed, how my gifts look are almost as important as what they contain. While I don't have a gift wrapping station (or any sort of crafting corner for that matter) dedicated to the pursuit, I do keep a stash of gift wrap on hand for year-round gifting. The holidays, of course, are when I really go crazy and stock up on a number of wrapping papers as I look forward to a marathon gift wrapping session. In my book, a glass of wine, a classic Christmas movie (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and Love Actually are two of my favorites), and some serious wrapping is a great way to spend a quiet, chilly evening in. I frequently offer to help family members with any last minute gift wrapping as well and they generally indulge me as none of them find the process remotely entertaining.

That said, I know there must be other gift wrapping freaks out there. After all, why would The Container Store exist if there weren't? And so, I thought I'd indulge myself a bit today and pull together a round up of my favorite wrapping paper for the holiday season. Of course, I won't be using all of this paper -- I generally select three or four papers to get the job done (and typically at least one of those is an inexpensive, jumbo roll from Tarjay for children's presents, which are invariably gigantic). When it comes to trimmings, I usually invest in some cute gift tags, but otherwise tend to leave gifts unadorned, save for maybe a simple ribbon. I know the look is a bit incomplete, but since many of my gifts are shipped to Florida every year, elaborate embellishments aren't particularly practical. Also, while I love the idea of coordinating my gift wrap with my Christmas decorations, my gifts always end up under someone else's tree (we've yet to celebrate the holiday at home) and so the effort of matching would be for naught.

Source List:

1. Holiday Garland gift wrap paper by Elum Designs ($3.50/sheet). Lime and fuchsia is such a fun, poppy twist on the traditional green and red. It's also printed on 100% recycled paper and has a lovely matte finish (so much more modern than a strong, plasticky string).

2. Tori gift wrap from Erin Ruth ($3/sheet). Grey and purple is a very sophisticated, on-trend color combination. The wintry motif in the damask print is subtle enough that leftovers could be used for gifting throughout the year. PS - Erin Ruth also sells gorgeous matching gift cards and purple ribbon for one-stop shopping at its best.

3. Nutcrackers gift wrap from Hello!Lucky ($2.50/sheet). I love the vintage feel of this whimsical print. A perfect choice for the men (and boys) in your life who might shy away from more feminine patterns or colors.

4. Red Berry Branch gift wrap from The Container Store ($7.95/sheet). I love the minimal, chinoiserie feel of this pattern; it's just so classy. I'd tie it up with some lovely white and red ribbon.

5. Merry Christmas Black on Kraft gift wrap from Kate's Paperie ($9.99/roll). The combination of bold lettering and common butcher paper feels very homemade and cozy. A bit of white, black or red twine is all the adornment you'll need, but a few sprigs of holly or pine would be a great, organic touch.

6. Merry Berry gift wrap from Whimsy Press ($8/roll). Simple and classic, but in a modern way. This paper comes in a huge roll so you can get a lot of mileage out of it.

7. Chilly Dogs recycled gift wrap from the Container Store ($7.99 for 2 sheets). Dachshunds with reindeer antlers? This paper was made for me (and fellow doxie-lovers everywhere). I wrapped many of my presents up in this paper last year and it was a huge hit with the extended family (there are a half dozen dachshunds between my cousins and I). For the truly obsessed, pair with these charming wiener dog tags.

Source list:

1. Merry Christmas Purple gift wrap from Kate's Paperie ($11.99/roll). My gift wrap of choice for this holiday season, I'll be stocking up on several of these rolls to pair with this lovely gold star paper.

2. Spruced Up gift wrap from Whimsy Press ($8/roll). The unexpected pops of hot pink are a wonderful surprise to the Christmas tree design. Whimsy Press sells particularly high quality paper and I can't recommend their gift wrap enough.

3. Cardinals gift wrap from Snow & Graham ($3/sheet). Love the red and turquoise color combination on this high quality matte paper. I'd save this for someone who can really appreciate the packaging.

4. Pavilion double-sided gift wrap from Smock Paper ($8/2 sheets). I'm always a sucker for double-sided gift wrap (2 patterns for the price of one!), but I particularly like this design from Smock Paper, which features gorgeous pavilions on one side and a red and white geometric print on the other. Sure, it's not strictly "holiday", but it's got red in it, right?

5. Jewel Tone Ornament wrapping paper from Rock Scissors Paper ($5.99/roll). The fun colors and vintage atomic styling just makes me smile. Equally perfect for kids and MCM fans alike.

6. Reindeer gift wrap from The Container Store ($8.99). A sophisticated black and white palette with just the right amount of shimmer. Particularly gorgeous in person.

So what about you? Are you a fan of gift wrapping? If so, what are some of your favorite sources or tips and tricks?

Holiday Round-Up: Christmas & Hanukkah Cards

{Last Year's Christmas Card}

Even in just the past few years, I've seen a noticeable down tick in the number of cards I receive during the holiday season. Perhaps holiday cards have simply become old fashioned (and, let's be honest, way too much effort) in a world of instant connectivity. After all, why waste the money on a card and a stamp when a simple text message will convey the same message instantly? In the corporate world, more and more businesses are switching to e-holiday cards (yuck!) under the guise of environmentalism, but I suspect it's more to do with cost savings than saving trees.

There's a world of difference between a thoughtful card and a text message or e-mail and I think there are some good arguments for keeping the tradition around (even in this digital, eco-conscious world). For one, the effort of sending a card is always noticed and appreciated by the recipient. For another, best wishes are just about the only gifts we exchange with most of our extended network of friends and family -- why not make those wishes a bit more thoughtful and sincere? And besides, who doesn't love getting mail?

The past three years I've had my holiday cards made for me by a friend (who also happens to own her own stationery store here in Houston). This year though, I'm woefully behind and will likely have to resort to pre-made cards. So just in case any of you are as behind as I am, I've rounded up a {Christmas} dozen of my favorite ready-made holiday cards.

Source List: 1. Fa La La La La cards from Kate Spade ($30/set of 10). 2. Hanukkah Candles cards from MOMA Store ($18.95/set of 8). 3. Reindeer Roll Call cards from Ink Spot Workshop ($30.50/ set of 18). 4. Merry Christmas Cards from Annechovie ($18.50/set of 8). 5. Printable Holiday Cards from Up Up Creative ($6/3 downloadable styles). 6. Holiday Welcome Cards from Vera Wang ($31/set of 10).

Source List: 1. Dog Silhouette Personalized Christmas cards from Fire Hydrant Press ($42/set of 25). 2. Scroll Ornament cards from Vera Wang ($37/set of 10). 3. Red Tree holiday cards from Kate's Paperie ($17/set of 10). 4. Cherry Blossom holiday letterpress cards from Snow & Graham ($14/set of 6). 5. Dreidel Dreidel letterpress cards from Albertine Press ($15/set of 6). 6. Merry and Bright holiday cards from Stationery Boutique ($25/set of 16).

It's Greek to Me

This past weekend found me hosting three out-of-town guests and no big plans other than a birthday dinner on Saturday night. And so we decided to spend Saturday afternoon at the Greek Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the country. We spent the day gorging ourselves on spanakopita, gyros, and baklava and even sampled some Greek wine and coffee (very sweet!). And, while there was little to do at the Greek festival aside from, well, eating Greek food, we still had a wonderful time. In honor of that, I thought I'd bring together a round up of my favorite items featuring perhaps the most iconic of design motifs: Greek key.

A popular explanation of the Greek key motif is that it's meant to recall the Greek myth of the labyrinth that imprisoned the minotaur on the island of Crete. While the idea is loving (and indeed fitting), the origins of the interlocking right angles and vertical lines (also known as Meander), the origins of the pattern are unknown and are probably not exclusively Greek. In fact, the Greeks (or rather the Minoans, the early inhabitants of Crete) probably borrowed the design from the ancient Egyptians, with whom they frequently traded. In truth though, there are probably multiple, independent origins of the design as it was used all over the ancient world -- for example, the motif has been found on Aztec sculpture, Peruvian crafts and Chinese architecture. But, since the Greeks (and the Romans after them) used the design liberally in their architecture, pottery and sculpture, the term "Greek key" has stuck.

And, while it's debatable whether or not the repeating pattern is a universally-recognized symbol of eternal life, it's certainly one of the oldest and most enduring patterns in human history. If you're in the market for home decor that can stand the test of time (and who isn't in this economy?), then just about anything with Greek key is a safe bet.

Source list (clockwise from top left): 1. Greek Key accent table ($330) from Global Views. 2. Greek key personalized coasters ($80/set of 100) and stationery ($60/set of 100) each by Dabney Lee Stationery and available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 3. greek key pillows ($375 each) from Jayson Home and Garden. 4. "Frank" white lacquer dining table ($2,750) from Revival Home and Garden. 5. abbott single arm sconce ($210) from Circa Lighting. 6. Greek key settee by Eric Cohler for Lee Jofa. 7. Greek Key frame ($78) from Jonathan Adler.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 8. Byzantine barware ($175) from Pieces. 9. Greek key letterpress mini cards/enclosures ($6/set of 8) by Missive. 10. Greek-Key scroll jacquard bedding ($79-$399) from Williams-Sonoma Home. 11. Clay Very Stoned Carpet ($75-$1400) from Madeline Weinrib. 12. greek key border tile from Ann Sacks. 13. Suzani upholstered ebony toned greek key chair ($245) from Material Recovery. 14. Cypress cocktail table from Hickory Chair. 15. Radcliffe etagere ($2,500) from Jonathan Adler.

Peacock Stationery

Rust and Teal Peacock Enclosure Cards ($5/set of 5)

Ever since I blogged about my newfound love of all things peafowl, I've continued to see peacocks (and peacock feathers) pop up just about everywhere -- from the hottest fall fashions to upholstery fabric and now to stationery -- so I know I can't be alone in my obsession. Fortunately for peacock-freaks like me, Michelle Brusegaard's Etsy shop offers up an array of gorgeous and inexpensive fixes. Card enclosures, personalized notecards, birthday cards, sticky notes and calling cards all feature gorgeous peacocks or peacock feathers in a variety of thoroughly modern colorway like fuschia/gray, rust/teal and chocolate/curry.

Personalized Flat Notecards - Twin Peacocks in Gray and Fuschia ($17.50/set of 10)

Happy Birthday Flat Cards with Peacock Feathers ($17.50/set of 8)

Twin Peacock Sticky Notes ($3.50/set of 50)

Teal Peacock Feather Calling Cards ($25/set of 50)

I'll take one of each please. Be sure to check out Michelle's entire peacock collection over at her Etsy shop for the full array of colorways and products.

{New to Me} Dabney Lee at Home

Before I sign off for the weekend I thought I'd leave you with a new discovery I made last night for a great source for personalized gifts: Dabney Lee at Home. I'm really digging the California preppy chic aesthetic. It's all bright colors, bold patterns, lucite and, of course, monograms. This shop is definitely getting saved in my files for future gifting. [By the way, Dabney Lee's original online venture, Dabney Lee Stationery, is equally adorable.]

I'm particularly impressed with the high level of personalization that you're allowed on this site. For all of the products, you have your choice of 36 patterns, 30 monogram styles and 12 colors (it's been a long time since I did factorials but I'm pretty sure that comes out to a really large number of possible combinations).

I had planned on picking up an Iomoi lucite tray for myself, but this one ($130) is cute, too -- and $70 less! Oh decisions, decisions....

I love these paper coasters, which come in a set of 125 for $80. Lucite holder included, naturally. The ice bucket ($60) would be a fabulous wedding gift. [Random aside: Anyone else notice the reappearance of those Coronas? I wonder if they sponsored Dabney....]

The clipboard ($50), in one of my favorite patterns ("batik"). Other favorites include the "happy tiles" (essentially a quatrefoil), greek key, and the zig zag. Many of the patterns definitely have a David Hicks vibe, but there's also a good number of Nantucket motifs, animal prints, and even a modern paisley.

The personalized stationery box set is adorable, though perhaps a wee bit overpriced at $75 for a box of just 25. The selection of design books, however, is spot on. Other products include spiral notebooks, calendars, mouse pads, lucite picture frames and recipe cards.

Well, that's it for me this week -- I've got a full weekend ahead of me between a bridal shower for an old friend, some painting over at the new house (pictures next week, I promise!), and packing up the old house (ugh). I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing and fulfilling weekend. I'll see you here Monday with a great interview and yet another discount and giveaway opportunity! Happy weekend!

My Favorite {Uninteresting} Things

Yesterday Sarah Klassen tagged me to list my six favorite "uninteresting things". Well, Sarah, while I'm not exactly sure what classifies as "uninteresting", here they are six of my favorite things (in no particular order):

1. Gift wrap. For me, the presentation is almost as important as the gift itself and I absolutely adore wrapping gifts (at Christmas, I'll even volunteer to wrap others' gifts). I keep a stash of gift wrap on hand at all times for random gifts -- you might even say I hoard it as I often have difficulty using my favorite sheets or rolls! My favorite online source though is Whimsy Press, which sells beautiful and heavy double-sided sheets. For inspiration and some innovative wrapping ideas, I always check in with A Gift Wrapped Life where Sande has perfected the art of gifting (and gift wrapping).

2. Letterpress. Mmm...letterpress. It's amazing how some subtle relief and texture transforms text and images into something truly magical and special. Bonus points if its printed on white cotton paper. Using traditional printing techniques and high quality paper just make average birthday greetings and thank you cards feel like an event. My favorite online sources for letterpress include Cotton Idea Studio, Ille and Tara Hogan.

3. Petit Fours. I should state for the record that I'm a dessert person -- and I'm really not that picky about the form that dessert takes. While just about any baked goods will do, my absolute favorite are petit fours. Like cupcakes, their portable (and you can eat more than one without feeling like a total cow). Unlike cupcakes though, the icing is on all sides, thereby maximizing the all-important icing-to-cake ratio. My favorite petit fours of all time come from Moeller's Bakery, a local institution here in Houston. Birthdays, wedding showers, baby showers...whatever the occasion, I'll find a good reason to go in and order up a few dozen.

4. Fall Foliage. I live in Houston and since we really only have two seasons (summer and the rest of the year), I don't get to see all the beautiful colors that decorate much of the country for a few weeks each fall. Those few weeks of spectacular color are just about the only things I miss about living in New England.

5. Office Supplies. As a little girl, my favorite shopping excursion of the year was school-supply shopping. As an adult, I still have a weakness for office supplies -- especially cute ones. I suppose this favorite plays to my anal retentive, hyper-organized nature, but give me some cute file folders, a beautiful pen and some fun post-it notes and I'm a happy camper. See Jane Work has a great selection of fun and feminine office supplies, but I'm also a big fan of Target for sating my office supply fix.

6. Bubble Baths. I adore a long hot soak in the bathtub. But for a lack of time most evenings, a bubble bath would be a nightly ritual for me. Growing up, my father (a West Texan raised on water rationing) always got upset when I would run a long bath and I was often forced to keep my soaks to a minimum. Now that I'm an adult, however, I have no such rules restraining my bathing rituals, which means I'll happily spend an hour or more soaking and sweating away the stresses of another long day. In addition to some good bath suds (may I recommend this?), a good book and a glass of wine are also key to a perfect bathing experience.

To keep the fun going, I'll go ahead and pick each of the 6 lovely bloggers of the following blogs to share her own list (either here or on her own blog):

A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit

...It's Great To Be Home

The Purple Pea

A Tale of Two Chihuahuas

My Little Happy Place

Simplified Bee

But, of course, even if I didn't include you in the list above (and please don't feel left out if I didn't! I just picked the first 6 that popped into my head that Sarah didn't already select), please feel free to share your little favorites with me!

Gifts that scream "Oooh la la!"

If you're looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift, check out Oooh la la Cadeau, an online gift store specializing in lovely gift boxes for women with a decidedly French twist. The gift boxes come stocked with anything from stationery and journals, candles and bath goodies, to gourmet candies and tea. Even better, right now you can get free shipping on all orders to the US or Canada. I found Sande Chase's store via the lovely blog Annechovie (which somehow, months after starting to read design blogs, I only just now found today).

The Natural Wonder ($75.68) gift set shown above is very on trend with its coral theme. The set includes a journal, paperweight (made from a perserved dandelion of all things!), and some decorative labels. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Tres Chic ($24.66): I just love the graphic black and white striped wrapping paper paired with the pink bow -- tres chic, indeed! I could see giving this boxed set of scented sachets as a "thank you" gift to bridesmaids or shower hostesses. There are a number of other great smaller gifts priced under $50 HERE that would also work as thank you or hostess gifts.

Limone ($109.69): This gift (perfect for a chef or as a housewarming gift) is probably my favorite. Everything comes packaged in a beautiful (and reuseable) orange lacquered box (very Hermes) and includes my favorite liquid soap by Savon de Marseilles. Yes, this gift is a bit on the pricey side, but for a close girlfriend, mother or sister who loves to be in the kitchen, I think it's worth it.

Earth Friendly ($84.18): This set is my favorite of several bath & body themed gift sets, both because I love the packaging and because I think Fig is such a great (and underused) scent. It's very subtle and fresh. The set also includes a set of matching notecards. I think this kind of gift would be great for a new mom or anyone else who deserves some pampering (and who may be writing a lot of thank you notes herself). If you're looking for more baby-centric gifts suitable for a baby shower, they have a nice selection -- I particularly love the gift for the Grandma-to-be!

Bluebird ($84.18): This boxed set has just about everything: decorative file folders, coordinating notebook, cookies, bath pouch, silk sachet, earl gray tea and a storage box to put everything in. The print on the notebook and file folders reminds me a lot of John Derian's decoupaged plates and trays and would be a really thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys his eclectic/vintage aesthetic.