Sunday, December 18, 2011

NYC Holiday Windows 2011

NYC is the mecca of holiday window displays, and this year is no exception. Mostly scattered along 5th Avenue, these retail giants spare no expense or creative drop in getting their windows ready for the season. Months of preparation go into each and every design, and the unveiling is always a thrill! Have a look at some of my favorites for 2011...




Tiffany's








Bergdorf Goodman






















Anthropologie




Juicy Couture



 Barney's



 Van Cleef & Arpels



 Louis Vuitton




 Michael Kors





Photos Courtesy of Daniel Goodman, Dina Spector, Lauren Gries, Anthropologie, and Tiffany + Co


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Crafty Advent Calendars

There is nothing like a crafty advent calendar to get you psyched for Christmas. The count down begins! For most, this month is jam packed with events, gatherings, decorating, food, and holiday movie nights. If you can find a spare moment to cram in some quality crafting time, a DIY holiday advent calendar may be right up your alley! Here are some of my faves...


Manomine
Linen pouches with the numbers delicately sewn into each one + mounted on to a matching linen covered cork board.

Quiet Fish
Super simple hand made envelopes out of specialty papers.

Julie Ree
Loving this! 

Martha Stewart... she always nails it.

Odessamay
Handmade paper cones with mini clothes pins.

Shel + Stone
Simple. Plain. Perfect.

Makoodle
Tiny tins with clear lids, with the artwork glued to the inside. You can add a little magnet on the back too if you have spare room on your fridge!

The Spotted Sparrow
Library cards!

The Marion House Book
Painted linen pouches with the goodie (in this case, a tree ornament) is displayed on the outside.

Casa e Cose
Paper cones (or party hats) are individually strung from a wire.

Maya Made
This is just about as frugal as it gets! Toilet paper holders are sewn (or stapled) at the bottoms to create a little pouch for goodies - love it!


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Hillside House - San Francisco

Nestled in the steep terrain of Mill Valley, California - just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco - The Hillside House has just received the prestigious LEED for Homes Platinum Certification. With a team like SB Architects and McDonald Construction + Development, this house was destined to meet and exceed the standards required to receive such a certification. The LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating System is based upon a number of factors which contribute to a building's overall sustainability. The Hillside House's many green aspects include...

- Western Red Cedar Siding
- Energy Star Rated Whirlpool Appliances
- Kohler Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
- Mythic Zero VOC Paints
- High Recycled Content Interior Concrete from Concreteworks
- Sustainably Produced Stone Veneers from Eldorado Stone
- Sustainably Harvested Floors and Cabinetry from Plantation Hardwoods
- New World Millworks, Reclaimed Timber, + Recycled Metal Roofing

LEED Platinum Certification aside, this home is GORGEOUS!