My Favorite Things 2014

My Favorite Things .... you've waited all year! 

Well, I made it through my first Thanksgiving without my baby girl home.  Joe and I are entering a new chapter in our lives where we now have to

share our babies with their significant others.  In the modern world of text messaging, skype and social media you would think the transition would be easier to swallow, not so .... I still have a lump in my throat!  

As I walked down the staircase and through the foyer on Thanksgiving morning I passed a collage of old photos of Joe's family from the 1930's.  Included in this collage is a handwritten letter from his uncle while he was deployed during WWII.  I stopped and studied the letter and had a moment of clarity, while Ashley may not be spending the holiday with us, she is safe and not in a war zone ... talk about a reality check!  This letter also became the inspiration for this years My Favorite Things.  

There is something about a handwritten note ..... the personality of the handwriting, the creation of a story, a feeling, or expressing yourself artfully for the recipient is a gift in of itself. 

So this year I'd like to share with you a few favorite desk top items, all crafted here in the USA ... even some right here in Connecticut.  It is my hope you too will be inspired to more often than not, drop a note to someone special.  I promise your choice words, in your handwriting will indeed be a perfect personal gift!

Working Title 

Every desk needs a paperweight.  As a child I remember my grandfathers desk having a stack of notes about patients or things to do under a paperweight. Memories of him sitting at that big executive desk, glasses hanging off one of his ears, still makes me smile today. 

Working Title is a division of one of my favorite art lines Soicher Marin, while visiting their showroom at the October Market Allyson and I discovered these charming beauties!  Hand crafted in the USA, these weights are meticulously crafted and composed using the art of decoupage, from images in the Sociher Marin archives. They are fun, beautiful and a must have on any desk! 

Working Title creates so much more than just paperweights, they have created clocks, various plates and are experimenting with vases and more! Unfortunately these beauties are only available to the trade, although if you're interested .... we can help you out! These are positively a unique gift that will be remembered. 

The King's Scribe 

Who could imagine that doodling in the margins of a legal pad would turn into a successful creative business.  That is exactly how Alissa Harvey started.  Some serious doodles, which were an escape from the corporate world for Alissa, exploded into designs for exquisite stationary and pure excellence.  

I just love success stories ... Alissa's talents continued to shine as she developed her craft, her designs have been featured in Martha Stewart, the Knot and more. The orders kept coming and she outgrew her Studio in Danbury CT, the next logical step? Open a store front.  

Alissa's shop The Kings Scribe can be found about 25 miles over the CT state line in Chappaqua NY.  Here you will find not only stationary but all writing essentials, gifts, clothing and more!  No worries, just because Alissa has a brick and mortar location, doesn't mean she's lost that personalized design service.  She still designs and customizes beautiful stationary & invitations check her out ... you're sure to be impressed!

The Village Chocolatier 

Let's just be honest ... while the idea of writing a personal note is a wonderful idea, its something many of us are out of practice with.  It may take a little bribing to get some of us to actually sit at a desk and write! .... So ... let's bribe ya!  

Everyone loves chocolate!  The Guilford Green has some of the best. With a combination of handcrafted chocolates and truffles made on site and other confections imported through out New England you are sure to find an amazing selection. 

The Village Chocolatier  is worth SO the trip to Connecticut's historic Guilford, there you not only will find the delicious confections but a day of shopping and dining on the historic green. 

'You've got mail' ....  I chuckle when I reminisce about being excited back in the day, as my PC took 5 minutes to warm up, then the squelch of the phone line connecting to the web and my AOL account announcing 'You've got Mail!'.  Now, I open my laptop each day and I literally have hundreds of emails to dig through, lets just say the excitement is no longer there.   Although, funny when I pick up my snail mail and see a hand scripted envelope ... I smile and rip it open ... because 'I got mail!' I wish all of you ... lots of mail and a very Merry Christmas ....

definition of extraordinary

I bounced on my toes through the kitchen, into the family room, back to the kitchen following closely on my mom’s heals. “Can we go? Can we go?”  My bathing suit was rolled in my towel and tucked tightly under my arm, I was all ready to go. 

After what felt like an eternity to any young child waiting, the car was loaded.
“C’mon! c’mon!‘ I yelled as I shoved and pushed my way into the back seat.  Finally, Dad backed the car out of the driveway.  I knew the route by heart, I kept my face glued to the window watching each landmark speed by. We rounded the corner by Fowlers Market, and my toes began to tingle, as we passed the package store, my belly tickled.  As my dad was applying the breaks, I could see the tree line and sharp dip of the driveway, it was then that I would shiver with excitement. 

The car doors opened and familiarity filled my senses, a cool, refreshing breeze kissed my cheeks, the old transistor radio barked out play by play of a baseball game.  I ran towards the circle of lawn chairs squinting at the sun reflecting off the water, breathing in the array of smells, the musty old boat house, the freshly cut grass, the crisp lake and the sweet smell of old baking.  There they sat, my Grandfather, Uncle Steve, Uncle Benny & Uncle Stanley, I got a wave and a smile which was abruptly interrupted by a shout of joy, not for me but for a great play just announced through the radio.  My Grandmother sat in her chaise lounge snapping her gum and knitting away, Aunt Mary with her hair done and her signature red nails chatted away while flipping through the newspaper.   I made my way around the circle planting quick kisses on each of their checks. Uncle Stanley pulled me into his lap, and asked “how’s my girl?!” I giggled as he pulled my face to his and smiled widely.  He smelled of cigarettes, shaving cream and bakery confections, which were embedded into his skin. 

A familiar clatter leaked from the cottage, cabinet doors squeaking, dishes clanking, laughter and chitchat filled the air. I wrapped my hand around the screen door handle, pulled hard and scooted in quickly before the door kissed my backside as it slammed shut.  I ran across the cool crackling old linoleum floor, following my aunts voices to the back porch.  “Lisa!” My aunts cried, their eyes danced and huge smiles filled their faces.  They wrapped me in genuine hugs that I would squirm away a little to quickly from.  It didn’t matter if it was a week or a few hours, they always greeted me the same way.  

Through the back porch door I dashed, remembering to hold on carefully to the old railing, these were a few steep steps.  I raced down the hill, trying to watch for raised tree roots, I had suffered more than one face plant do to those nasty little buggers.  I waved my arms calling out to my uncles who were checking the stability of the old dock.  They waved back, the bright summer sun reflected off the water creating silhouettes of their faces, and although I could not see them, I felt their smiles. 

The water lapped against the lake wall, as my cousins splashed and played.  There was no need to say hello to the boys, I just needed to change into my bathing suit and then I’d see them. I ran back up to the cottage, through the back porch door across the crinkly linoleum floor to the bathroom.  Ugh, the door was closed.  I slumped onto the floor to wait.  The trees rustled outside the window, I heard my dad asking about the game.  I listened to my Mom with my aunts in the kitchen and started to count the ceiling tiles above my head, patience was not a strength of this child at the tender age of ten.  The bathroom door opened, my Uncle Jimmy tousled my hair and said, “It’s all yours kiddo!”  I couldn’t change fast enough, I just had to get into the lake!  I busted out of the bathroom, with my balled up clothes and tossed them into the bedroom.  I  darted though the kitchen, out the back door and ran, still cautiously down the hill. 

In my mind I had just gotten into the lake when Aunt Patty called for dinner.  Clearly we’d been in the water plenty long enough because all of us had pruned fingers and toes. With towels wrapped around our waists and dripping wet hair we lined up at the outdoor fireplace for our hot dogs and hamburgers.  Down the center of the long continuous picnic tables, sat potato salad, macaroni salad, condiments and green jello.  
Around the table were multiple generations, there was unconditional love, devotion, tradition, and dedication to each other.  

At the tender age of 10, what happened each Sunday at the lake was just common place, it was just what we did.  Now 35 years later, I see it as so much more.  The dedication my family had and has to each other is exceptional.  At the end of 2012 we closed the chapter on one generation, yet the newest one is continually growing. I watch my Aunts, Uncles and parents working hard to keep traditions alive, to keep us connected.  A task that in today’s world, when we rarely slow down enough to eat let alone spend time with family, is an enormous feat.  

I probably don’t tell my parents, my aunts and my uncles nearly enough how much I appreciate and cherish their efforts.  They in my mind they are not ordinary, but truly the definition of extraordinary.  When the time comes that they need to pass the torch, we will be ready to accept it.  To set a table with delectable, traditional foods down the center surrounded by that unconditional love, devotion, traditions and the dedication that I have been taught.  

I imagine there is a lake in heaven, where a circle of lawn chairs sits off to the side.  This Christmas there isn’t a ball game playing, rather a play by play of Christmas Eve events at my Aunt Trudy’s.  Grammy is clapping as the kids sing Christmas Carols, while Uncle Benny and Aunt Mary are leaning in to hear who is playing Santa this year.  Grandpa is grinning ear to ear knowing his gingerbread men are still alive and well, while Uncle Steve and Uncle Stanley are keeping tabs on which kids are Red Sox fans.  Uncle Jimmy throws his head back laughing as he listens to Amy or Christen’s little ones screaming because Santa is a little scary to them this year. 

Merry Christmas ..... here’s to unconditional love, devotion, tradition and dedication.  

My Favorite Things …. 2013

The garlands are dusted with snow, the tree is ... well ... not decorated but the lights are on it!  My cookbooks are stacked & the grocery list is made. 

I'm thinking, "Christmas Spirit.  Yep, I'm getting there!" Then I remember, none, that's nada, zlicho .... of my Christmas shopping is done. 

My overly organized, planned friends and family are in sheer panic mode for me right now.  To the average on looker, I seem surprisingly calm.  Reality check .... I'm a little panicked!   

Right now I need Maria to coming running through the hills singing My Favorite Things .... It's always amazing to me that this song, the message and the distraction of thinking and remembering some of my treasured things ... can so easily lighten my mood.  

The corners of my mouth are turning up as I begin to think about sharing with you this years list of my favorite things.  Enjoy!

CT River Candles 

CT River Candles 

I love candles.  The soft glow, the dancing light, the scents .... 

Brenda of CT River Candles creates simple soy wonders in fragrances that are light and refreshing.  Soy candles don't create those nasty toxins that paraffin candles do, they burn longer and are made from the renewable source of soy beans.  

Its easy to see why these candles are on my Favorite Things list this Holiday Season.  Check Brenda out, follow her fun little blog with scent updates, candle care and more... I promise you won't be disappointed!  

Kims Cottage Confections

I just think this is SO cool! (giggle)

O.M.G. Love these!

Kim is literally in my backyard.  Right now I can look over my shoulder and see her bakery windows glowing!  In the warmer months, when the smell of baked goods seep up the hill, I have to chain myself to my Studio so I don't wander down for a treat or two!  

This year Kim is back on my Favorite Things list with two items!  First with chocolate truffles, who doesn't love chocolate?!  I ordered these up for a VIP event this fall and they were an amazing hit!  , my absolute favorite new item from her shop are her sugar cookies frosted with images!  I had her magically embed my holiday logo to share with clients! 

If you didn't get out to visit Kim last year for her white chocolate covered popcorn, can't imagine why you didn't, check her out this year, you're never too far from Kim's Cottage Confections she'll ship anywhere! 

Serenity Goat Milk Soaps

Isn't this molded soap just so neat?

This one is near and dear to my heart.  Aleta & John of Serenity Goat Milk Soaps have created something very special.  For full disclosure, I'm a little bias about my love for these soaps, after all Aleta & John are family! These soaps are crafted here in Durham at my family homestead, with milk from my sisters farm, Utter Works. This newly established company is off to a great start!  Serenity is offering  11 marvelous scents, and of course an unscented oatmeal option. I'm totally over the moon for the molded soaps, the doe & kid is my favorite.  

Simply packaged, these soaps make great hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and grab bag shares!  Go ahead, give them a try.  I have a bar at every sink .... 

In O'Scents of Madison 

perfect ….. 

The vivacious, exuberant, and spirited Dyan of In O'Scents of Madison is once again on my Favorite Things list this year.  This time of year when the cold chills me to the bone and the dry air draws every ounce of moisture from my skin, I turn to Dyan for remedies!  I just love her bath tea bags, I draw a steamy bath, let one of her scented bags seep for a few moments then slide in.  The aroma swirls around my head, my bones thaw and all is well.  Just before I'm climbing into bed (where my linens have been graced with Dyan's Lavendar Linen Spray)  and I start dreaming of sugar plumbs dancing in my head, I apply one of Dyan's lotions, and all is well. 

Dyan customizes beautiful gift packages, they are the perfect way to remember that someone special this holiday season. 

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad……

Enjoy!

Magical Mantels

I was about nine years old when Santa started to lose his magic.  I starting bombarding my mother in October with the Santa questions.....

"OK, who is it,  you or Daddy eating the cookies on Christmas Eve?" 

"Really, it is YOU that knows when I'm sleeping and when I'm awake, right?" 

"There are just too many Santa's in the mall today! He can't be everywhere, I've seen more than two at once!"

"I think it was Uncle Joey wearing a Santa suite last year at Grandmas, Santa's beard was falling off and I'd know Uncle Joey's shoes anywhere!" 

"There is  NO way the fat man is fitting down the Chimney .... did you see how small that hole is?!"

My poor mother, she spent 3 months 'sshhing' me and protecting my younger sisters. She was persistent and had all the right answers, but I could be a handful.  In the end  how she didn't wring my neck is proof she's part saint. 

As the years ticked away my doubt in the spirit of Santa Clause began to dwindle, and the magic returned.  I've often looked at my fireplace and remembered looking into my childhood fireplaces with great anticipation of what this enchanting season will soon bring.  It very well could be why I love decorating the mantel every year!

Personally my mantel has taken on many different identities over the years, I've had the reindeer theme, the winter village, the traditional greens and my most recent favorite.......nutcrackers! 

Captivating mantels can be simple, whimsical, classic, wild and so much more! I've absolutely fallen in love with these ........

This mantel showcases antique heirloom ornaments. After loosing our tree twice one year, this display I would definitely consider. It is safer for the ornaments and keeps my anxiety to a low roar.  Not to mention, the ornaments are out where you share their memories and tell their stories! 

Here is a whimsical, naturally inspired twist on a holiday mantel design. Lemons, Kumquats, Clementines and Limes mixed with a few little silver ornaments creates an unexpected texture and coloration with these vibrantly colored fruits. The delicate touch of evergreens with their sharp fragrant and free form branches build the final perfect element for this exquisite design.

 

A few years ago I wrapped all my gifts in a white a red theme, not even a glimmer of green, gold, or sliver just red and white. I mixed stripes, polka dots, solids and other fun patterns. I loved the challenge of staying truly monochromatic, not to mention it was a refreshing new look.  Here this transitional mantel display in red and white, is crisp, bright and is reminiscent of the youthful memories candy canes bring to life!


The same year I became briefly disenchanted with Santa, so did my neighbor Steven, also the oldest of his siblings.  His Mom & Dad weren't ready for Steven to loose the magic.  On Christmas Eve after the children were all nestled in their beds, Steven's dad went to work.  On Christmas morning Steven made his way down the stairs without that typical extra Christmas morning bounce in his step, after all there was no Santa. To his surprise he found his mom livid, her hands on her hips, her face bright red grumbling about Santa being an absolute slob!  Apparently when Santa arrived down the chimney, he must have been behind schedule.  He didn't take the time to wipe his feet on the hearth rug, instead he  just ran right out of the fireplace soot and all on his boots across Steven's moms white carpet. He did of course stop for a gulp of milk, which he spilled and a few bites of a cookie.  Santa always took the carrots for the reindeer but this year one slipped out of his hand and landed in the fireplace. There was just enough question in Steven little head, that for a least one more Christmas he believed, after all his father would never ruin moms carpet, and leave spilt milk........only Santa could get away with that!

I raise my mug of cocoa and toast you, here's to you creating an enchanting holiday mantel and keeping the magic alive!

My collection of inspiring mantel designs continues on my Pinterest 'Holiday Mantels' join in the fun, share and comment on which ones are your favorites!

Next up.......Stockings!
Until we meet again...

Victorious Christmas Wreaths

There are times during this glorious Christmas season that I honestly feel like Rocky Balboa.  I'm far from the physique of the Italian Stallion. Although, I have been know to leave a mall with shopping bags raised high, head thrown back, trotting along belting out my version of Gonna Fly Now!   Seriously, if I don't leave the mall without a black eye, bruised rib, or a broken high heel, I feel Victorious!!

Being victorious is actually where the origin of the Christmas Wreath began!  The history of the Christmas wreath is quite extensive.  In a nutshell, Christmas wreaths symbolize the strength of overcoming the forces of winter, hence the popularity of evergreens which survive the harsh winters so well.  The hanging of a wreath on the door probably comes from ancient Rome, where wreaths were hung as a sign of pride and victory.  Add in the traditions of the Advent wreath, and you have your Reader's Digest condensed version of the Christmas Wreath's history! 

Because your wreath is the first Christmas decoration to greet your guests when they arrive at your home, it's important that your personality shine through and that you welcome your guests with a wowza wreath! I've had a blast collecting various wreath styles on my Pinterest Christmas Wreath board over the last few weeks. Let's check out a few of my favorites......

Its no secret that I'm a huge Etsy fan, and this gem is another Etsy find! This simple and understated wreath is not only a rustic beauty, but it's Antique White Pip berries are scented with vanilla sugar spray. The Burlap Ribbon is neutral enough to blend with any color palette, and honestly you can continue to use this well into the winter months! 

Hydrangeas hold a very special place in my heart. When Joe and I built our house 14 years ago my grandfather planted a heirloom hydrangea bush in our front yard. Over the years, a cutting of this family hydrangea had been planted at various family members homes with great success. Unfortunately, this was not the case at the Davenport House. This beautiful bush didn't bloom for years, although it was always lush with greenery. It never even hinted at a blip of a flower. The year my grandfather died, the bush bloomed for the first time ever and I've had luscious, colorful blooms every year since. This wreath immediately brought memories of my grandfather to mind.... 

I just adore this simple little gem. A Split Pea Wreath!  It is the perfect crafty project to do with kids! All you need is a straw wreath, white glue, dried peas and ribbon. Check out detailed directions on See Kate Sew. I would love to whip up a batch of sugar cookies, hot cocoa with candy canes and set up shop to make a few of these with my kids....humph, I'm not sure I could get my kids to do this they're 20 & 14 now... maybe I'll bring in my nieces and nephews!

Lemons, aren't a traditional Christmas accent but here, they are simply awesome. I love the size variation of them in this wreath, creating a less contrived, perfect layout to the collection of lemons. The free form greens keep a whimsical atmosphere to the design.....I think I might add few red berries for contrast..... 

I just love scouting out amazing Christmas wreaths. Let's continue the exploration together....visit my Pinterest page for more great wreaths.

I'd love you to share your favorites with me! ..... Who wants to guess my top five favorites? Hint... they're not all here, check on my Pintrest......

Next up? Holiday Mantles!