Darlings, I wanted to share one of my favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas with you, in case you are racking your brain trying to think of a way to show your Valentine how you feel (like I am!). I call this a Love Jar or Love Bucket and you simply fill a handsome jar with tiny heart-shaped love notes.

Here are the steps:

1. Find a jar and/or bucket in which to put your love notes. (I used a vintage decanter {similar} and silver bucket {similar} from my fave store in San Francisco, Past Perfect, but you can use whatever vessel strikes your fancy. I chose both a jar to put the love-note hearts in and a silver bucket so that my valentine, Fred Baby, had a place to put the notes he had read.)

2. Pick up a sheet or two of pretty paper. (I used Paris map wrapping paper from Paper Source. Papyrus and Kate’s Paperie also have great options. Be sure one side is blank so you can write on it!)

3. Cut out tiny hearts! (Or, use a heart-shaped punch, which is probably much easier. The number is up to you. I used our anniversary, 2/18, and cut out 218 hearts, which admittedly is a lot, but you could do whatever number means something to you and yours. Or, add a twist: Start with 14 for Valentine’s Day and then add a new one each day – that would be such a fun tradition!)

4. Use a pretty pen to jot down your favorite memories. Ideas of what to include: things you love about your Valentine, special dates, adventures, nicknames, inside jokes, or whatever you want to express (our Love Jar is filled with a lot of food references and travel adventures – big surprise!). It’s amazing how writing something as simple as “ancho fudge pie” or “San Marino snow” can bring back a flood of memories.

5. Deliver your Love Bucket to your love bucket! While it’s technically a gift for your valentine, it’s really such a gift to yourself, too, as you get to travel down memory lane with your favorite travel partner.

Do you have any favorite Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts that you’ve given or received? Do tell, lovelies xx!

[Photos by BussBuss; art print by Shelby Healey]

So you guys know my boyfriend Andy Spade, right? His clever shop Partners & Spade is offering a really cool and cheeky Christmas present for a mere $.99. For less than a buck, they’ll send you (or your lucky gift recipient) a polaroid of “any over-priced product” in their store (packaging included!). Genius, right? Details here.

Or, make this idea your own by printing out fantasy gifts for your loved ones (or tear things out of magazine…or snap photos of things you want to give…or, if you’re really artsy, you could even draw them!). Think anything from those dazzling Louboutins for your bestie to a private island for your lovie. The options are endless.

I love this idea, how about you? Would you want to give or receive a gift like this? I know I would!

My sweets, how are you spending Thanksgiving this year? Last year we hosted my darling husband’s family at our place for the first time ever. And this year, we are excited to play hosts again – this time, hosting my parents for the first time! Since we are going to be a small – but merry – group of four, I’ve been asking each person, What are your Thanksgiving musts? What do you really love at Thanksgiving and would be crushed not to see on the table?

I’m all for Thanksgiving leftovers (it’s really the best part, isn’t it?), but with out-of-town visitors, I also know it’s fun to take them to eat at new places. So, we’re cutting out the superfluous and making our musts. So far, that’s been turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes (my Mom makes the BEST ones ever), stuffing (really dressing, but I will forever call it stuffing even though it’s not coming from inside the bird), and cranberry sauce. I’ll also be making some crispy Brussels sprouts and a simple green salad for added crunch.

I’ve never been a big pie person, so in lieu of that, we’ll be making chocolate mousse (my mother-in-law has the best recipe) and I want to try this pumpkin bread pudding just to try something new. And, in addition to Pizza Bianca, I might be making these sparkling cranberry brie bites as an appetizer to nibble on while we cook the day away.

But enough about me, I wanna know: What are your Thanksgiving musts?  What just isn’t Thanksgiving without it? Family fights and tears, not included.

[Table from The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well via A Lovely Being; Gnome via Slim Paley; Pudding by Romulo Yanes; Brie bites by Yummy Mummy]

Can you believe it’s Thanksgiving week already? Come Black Friday, we’ll have a dazzling Holiday Deals Gift Guide for you, chock-full of great gift ideas and coupon codes, but for now, let’s talk hostess gifts. I love coasters because they’re incredibly practical (who can’t use a coaster?), plus they can add just the right pop of style for not a whole lotta clams. They’re the perfect hostess gift, don’t you think? Here, a few cool and chic faves…

Jonathan Adler British Flag Coasters – for your British brother-in-law who sometimes misses where he grew up.

Kate Spade Live Colorfully Borough Coasters – for your friend who can’t get enough of the Big Apple.

Tree Ring Coasters – for your bearded husband who loves escaping to Rock Reach House.

Reclaimed Slate Coasters – for your friend who throws killer dinner parties.

Squares CoasterTray – For your whip-smart graphic designer friend who values color and pattern.

Rorschach Coasters – for your psychologist mother-in-law who always says “tell me more…”

Jonathan Adler Jet Set Coasters- for your fearless friend who spent the last year traveling around the world solo and is finally coming home!

iomoi personalized coasters – for your Palm Springs-loving friends whose house was smashed in by a tree over a year ago and finally got their re-building permits approved.

How To Make It In America. Do you love it, too? I’m obsessed. Which got me to thinking… What would Ben, Cam, Rachel and Domingo do for Thanksgiving?

AphroChic Placemats – They’d eat on these oh-so-Brooklyn-it-hurts placemats.

Graffiti Cocktail Shaker – Let’s face it: Drinks will be the main event.

Cutipol Rondo Gold Cutlery- If Kappo’s not in jail, he’ll insist on these bombdotcom utensils.

Spherical Ice Tray Set – Because they know drinks these days are all about the ice.

Bicycle Glasses – I mean, hello.

Bear Rug Coasters – If there are any coasters, they’d have to be these.

Don’t Give Up The Ship Pillow – Word.

Holy smokes, how cute and perky are Katrina Szish’s polka dot walls!? I simply couldn’t resit sharing on this Monday morning.

You know how I love all things black and white. But polka dots…

And stripes, too? Yes, please. Even the dog matches!

Insane or insanely clever? You know how I feel, but what do you think? Would you polka dot your walls or would it drive you mad? Id’ love to know: To polka or not to polka, that is the question??

p.s. Joy’s polka dot walls!

[Photos by Brian Harkin for Time Out New York]

My first reaction to seeing Christmas trees in stores already? Oooh fffff-reaky deaky call me Wheezie! After a few deep breaths – and some medically induced chocolate – I thought why freak out when I can chic out instead? We’re still a comfortable two weeks away from Turkey Day, and a super-cushy six weeks away from Christmas. Plenty of time to make the holidays merry and bright, right? Right?!

All a girl needs is the perfect party dress (check), fabulously festive Christmas cards (check), a colorful and affordable hostess gift (see exhibits C for coasters and H for highball glasses above). Oh, and a spike-the-punch necklace to help you remember how to keep calm and holiday on (check).

Luckily, all of the above are available in one bright spot, thanks to my best gal pal, Kate Spade. And she’s such a peach to give us free shipping too.

Aaand, wer’re breathing…

Justin Bieber’s lovechild be damned. The lovechild I’m interested in is the one between iPad and typewriter. When I saw this doozy in the Anthropologie catalog, I about peed my pantalones. A quick perusal online revealed that it was sold out. But some stealth detective skills (um, Google) lead me to creator Jack Zylkin’s website, where you can shop and view a video of how the USBTypewriter actually works. It’s pretty brilliant. And, if the $600+ price tag makes you wanna weep (like I nearly did), not to fret, as you can buy a DIY kit for just $74. Santa (and Mike Holmes), I hope you’re listening.

Clickity clack here to shop and see more.

Have you seen the new West Elm holiday catalog? I literally squealed with delight as I flipped through it (that normally only happens with the Anthropologie catalog). Beautifully styled and chock-full of amazing holiday hostess gifts, Christmas gifts, and holiday decor, I couldn’t resist sharing a few favorites with you. Typical holiday decor never really speaks to me (and doesn’t fit in with the style of our house), but I’m a total sucker for all things white, shiny and soft, like these sweet owls, moody feathery wreaths, and cuddle-worthy faux fur blankets. And, even though it’s a beautiful, sunny 80-degree day as I type this from my terrace, I look forward to cold nights worthy of cozying up indoors.

As previously mentioned, I’m not big on autumnal hues either, so I love the use of poppy colors, stripes, and zigzags. A fresh and modern holiday indeed. What do you think? Are you a fan of these new pieces? Or, do you prefer more traditional holiday decor?

You can see and shop all of the above and more online at West Elm.

Have you heard of Sweetest Day? Me neither. But recently, while shop-hopping at Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles, my friend noted that she was trying to be good by not buying everything in sight because Sweetest Day was coming up and her hubby had just bought her some amazing vintage cocktail rings to celebrate it. Say what?

It turns out that Sweetest Day, which takes place on the third Saturday in October (this year Sweetest Day will take place this Saturday, October 15th), is mostly celebrated in Ohio (where my lucky friend hails from) and the Great Lakes region.

(Note to self: My parents are from Ohio…Why did they keep this from me and how can I make them pay up for lost time?! Hmmm… Must consult Judge Judy, stat.)

Rumors point to Sweetest Day being a Hallmark holiday, but it turns out that a nice man by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston, who worked at a candy factory in Cleveland, Ohio, actually started the holiday in 1922 as a way of doing something nice for the city’s less fortunate and often forgotten residents: the sick, the elderly, and the orphaned. Sweet indeed. So, with the help of some film stars and neighbors, he gathered up and passed out boxes of candy to local hospitals and orphanages.

These days, Sweetest Day is a mini-Valentine’s Day of sorts, where husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and friends and relatives, celebrate those who have shown them kindness. Sometimes that’s with a card, or a special dinner for two, or with a box of candy or, for some lucky ducks, with envy-inducing vintage jewels. That’s just the kind of holiday I can get behind. How about you?

Of course, as residents of Ohio start to migrate to other areas of the country, the holiday has begun to spread and anyone who wants to get in on the Sweetest Day fun can celebrate.

Will you be celebrating Sweetest Day? Is it a holiday you have heard of or is this news to you? I’d love to know. For those of you who celebrate Sweetest Day, do you have any favorite gifts you have given or received over the years? Please share in the comments!

p.s. I think this is a great way to spend Sweetest Day!

[Top photo: DIY pillow by In Between Laundry; second photo: handmade heart cut-out dress dress by kayemkay; third photo: via Nicole Allen's Pinterest; fourth photo: via Le Love; last photo: handmade fox plush by RoyalMint]

Since we spend something like one third of our lives in bed, it might be time to invest a bit more in the boudoir. Here, five chic bedroom picks I’ve been dreaming about.

1. Kate Spade New York Piedmont Park Bedding – Chic + romantic = a perfect night’s rest.
2. Fifi Chachnil La Serenite Playsuit – So French. So fabulous.
3. Petek Design Spooning Print – A sweet reminder of the best way to sleep.
4. Only Hearts Livy Set – Beats my normal oversized Tshirt and skivvies ensemble.
5. Illume Boulangerie Jar – Why not indulge all of your senses?

Nothing says glamour like gold. And gold never feels more right than when autumn rolls in. The glittering hue punches up neutrals like black and camel and even makes the perfect backdrop for gorgeous green. Ready for a gold rush? Below, my top five picks for adding a little luxe to the season.

1. Typewriter Initial Watch – Keeping time has never been more stylish (and affordable).

2. Dara Ettinger Geode Disco Ring – Add a little bling with a stunning ring. (And get free shipping on $75+ orders!)

3. Scoop Embellished Blouse – Top off your look with something ladylike and luxe.

4. Zara Heel – Classic and chic, the perfect fall companion.

5. Flora Side Table – Cloud + gold = sweetly bold. (p.s. It’s the last day to get this amazeballs Burke Decor deal, which would let you take $90 off of this table.)

New York Fashion Week’s in full swing and while I can’t be there this time, I can salivate over runway photos on Style.com and console myself with a dazzling new designer iPhone case, can’t I? Power Support USA has teamed up with fashion designers Tibi, Rory Beca and Rachel Pally for this new fall collection and it’s knocking my neon pink socks off. Aren’t they fun? I’m especially smitten with the Tibi case featuring the girl with those cute brown shoes (note to self: find those shoes!). Do you have a favorite? You can see them all and shop (each is $55) right here.

p.s.

It’s back-to-school time, so I popped in at one of the cutest shops online and off, ReForm School, to see what the cool kids (re: you and me) were into these days. Just a few must-haves:

1. Baby Baggu – For carrying your school supplies.
2. Half of The Things Print by Ashkahn – OMG. For your crush!
3. Meg Plate by Donna Wilson – For school lunches, natch.
4. Tanya Aguiniga Rope Bracelet – You’ve gotta have something to wear.

p.s. How are you getting ready for the new school year?

It’s the first thing people see when they enter and the last when they leave. Might as well make it charming as h-e-double-hockey-sticks. Available here and here.

Which welcome mat is your favorite? I’m contemplating one of each xx!

p.s. This one would be perfect for my husband!

The lookbook of the Missoni for Target collection debuting on September 13th has just been released and can you say groov-ay? How adorable is that bike? It’s my favorite piece in the entire 400-piece collection, which includes everything from clothing for women, men and babies to bikes, blankets, shoes, luggage and home accessories. Aside from the bike, I’m loving the home accessories (and that insanely cute baby outfit) the most. I’m even loving the ugly-chic blanket (top right) that reminds me of the one that kept me warm on countless nights while snuggled up on the couch watching Dallas when I was little (um, you did watch Dallas, didn’t you?). Are you already plotting what to scoop up next month? I’d love to know your faves…

[via Fashionologie]

I’m SO excited! Kelly Wearstler is opening a boutique in LA in late September/early October (so soon!), which will feature her new clothing collection and some of her home goods. This photo of a graphic print dress and an ultra glam and femme couch makes me so giddy. I just can’t wait! To satiate my craving, I might just have to indulge in this equally chic Kate Spade iPhone case. Fellow Los Angeles dwellers, are you as excited as I am about Kelly Wearstler’s new boutique in West Hollywood?

My dears, I wanted to kick off the week — this last week of July (sniff, sniff) — with something undeniably fun and a confession: I love Matte Stephens. You too? His mid-century-influenced illustrations always bring a smile to my face and almost always remind me of my sweetie pie niece (she’s the proud owner of this print).

At the tender age of five, she’s a total fish in water and never fails to make me laugh with her giant goggles, which is just one reason I love this Swimming print. Aside from being totally charming, Matte’s prints are also totally affordable. Which means adding to my (and by my, I mean my niece’s) collection won’t break the piggy. Where to scoop up your own Matte Stephens? Right here on Etsy.

p.s. Speaking of my niece, a huge Happy Birthday shout-out to her mama (my big sis) today xx!

It’s only Wednesday and it’s already been one of those weeks. And if Facebook is any indication, I know I’m not alone. So, as an antidote to succumbing to the glum, let’s fawn over some sunshiny yellow doors instead, shall we?

Ever since I spotted Andy and Kate Spade’s glossy painted doors years ago, I knew they would be a must in my own home. Would they be navy or red or ebony? I wasn’t sure. Until I saw these yellow doors. I’m not sure my heart’s yet returned to her normal rhythm.

I love how they feel graphic, modern, playful and preppy all at once. Plus, they look great with white walls. I actually prefer white walls, but love a pop of color, so bright yellow doors are right up my alley. They look just as great as exterior doors and they do as interior doors, don’t you think?

Do you love them too? Have you or would you paint your doors yellow or a fun shade other than white or a standard neutral? I’d love to know xx…

[Photo 1 via Bright Bazaar; Photo 2 by Little Green Notebook of her daughters' door (how great is that?!); Photo 3 via Canadian House and Home; Photo 4 by Add Wimolrungkarat]

When these amazing paintings of Audrey Hepburn popped into my inbox, I nearly lost my marbles. They’re by artist Sarah Ashley Longshore and are currently at the new Gallery Orange in New Orleans, Louisiana. Naturally, I had to contact Gallery Orange owner Tracy Gielbert to find out more.

Sarah Ashley Longshore’s work has been featured by Anthropologie and she counts Salma Hayek, Penelope Cruz, and Blake Lively among her celebrity clientele.

Want one of your own, too?  Prices range from $550 for an 8″ x 8″ to $8500 for a large 4′ x 6′ piece. All original painting are acrylic on canvas with a high gloss resin, which lends a glossy magazine feel. Gallery Orange is offering free shipping and 10% off with code orange through August 31, 2011. You can browse online here, or if you’re in the neighborhood, visit Gallery Orange in person at:

819 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70116

[Photos by Sarah Ashley Longshore courtesy of Gallery Orange]