I have been working overtime the past few weeks, making and sending piles of tinsel stirrers for sparkly NYE parties and weddings! I don’t usually get to see photos of these beauties at their final destinations, so when my friend Maddy sent me photos from an editorial she asked for my assistance with, I wanted to share! I love the navy, gold, and silver together.

You can see much more on Green Wedding Shoes. Hugs to Athena Pelton for these lovely images!

And with that, I’m signing off until after Christmas! My family is here and I’m excited to hunker down and be cozy and lazy :) I’m not really much of an NYE celebrator myself, but I’ll meet you back here for my 2014 in review post on December 31st – one of my favorite traditions. Until then, I hope y’all have the merriest Christmas!! xo

As today is December 1, you may have been expecting a monthly goals post! But since I have the first gift guide ready to go, I thought I’d post it today, so if you do decide to purchase anything from it, you can take advantage of Cyber Monday sales! Goals will go up tomorrow.

A. Southern phrase calendar ($12 + free shipping today only) | Colorful and fun, and perfectly priced for giving to friends.
B. How Marvelous How Wonderful t-shirt ($25 + 30% off with code CYBERMONDAY) | I adore their whole Hymn collection, but feel like this one is particularly appropriate!
C. Citrus recipe box ($34) | This tin has the prettiest colors. Even if you don’t need it to hold recipes, find something else to stick in here!
D. All in one bag ($105 + free shipping today) | Natalie gave this to me as a bridesmaid gift, and though I was surprised at the color at first, I now love it! I’ve used it so many times in the past six months, and it’s really flexible.
E. Hand-painted wrapping paper (price upon request?) | This has to be the prettiest wrapping paper in the world.
F. Kaleido trays (from $16) | I love all of the color combinations and think these would be perfect on a bureau or coffee table!
G. Boxer pajama set ($39) | Don’t mind the sultry VS model – I’ve heard these are the comfiest, cutest PJs!
H. Large cosmetic bag ($22) | The yellow dots are classic and fun, but there are so many other patterns to choose from!
I. Anchinalu scarf ($38) | A beautiful scarf, and it helps create sustainable business in Africa.
J. Soma water filter ($49) | An elegant, filtering carafe, and it helps fund charity: water projects.
K. Floral stocking ($30 + 15% off today with code BLACK15) | They make stockings now!!
L. Vintage mason jars (price varies) | Who doesn’t love a blue mason jar? Personally, I think the legit vintage ones are preferable to the reissued anniversary ones. Scoop up a few at your local flea market or Craigslist, and fill them with something pretty for a friend!
M. Nesting boxes ($54 for three) | The prettiest boxes for storing away less-than-pretty things!

Psst: past colorful gift guides if you need extra inspiration…
2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

One of my favorite things about our interconnected world is how easy it is to discover marvelously talented people today – people who, even just five years ago, I might never have had a chance to encounter. The internet and independent storefronts like Etsy have made it so much easier for talented folks around the world to set up shop and find like-minded consumers – and I love that!! I think it’s so neat that someone who might never have found a market for their DIY keychain kits or cutest Disney princess dresses or wooden toys in their hometown can now grow a booming, worldwide business thanks to the simple and inexpensive tools at our fingertips.

In the same vein, I don’t often set foot in galleries, so until recently my chances for learning about talented young artists were slim. With Etsy and Pinterest, however, I now have more options than I have walls. Here are five of my current favorites:

Artist: Yang Yang Pan
Medium: oil
Print pricing: from $25 for an 8×10″ print to $75 for a 16×20″ print
Original pricing: unknown

Artist: Belinda Marshall
Medium: acrylic
Print pricing: from $40 for a 7×8″ print to $140 for a 16×23″ print
Original pricing: starts at $275

Artist: Emily Rickard
Medium: acrylic (I think)
Print pricing: $32 for an 8×10″ print
Original pricing: starts at $575

Artist: The Fox & She
Medium: acrylic
Print pricing: n/a
Original pricing: starts at $135

Artist: Michelle Armas
Medium: acrylic and oil
Print pricing: $35 for a 13×17″ print, $350 for a 36×36″ canvas print
Original pricing: starts at $200

I know that Michelle Armas’ work is nothing new in the online world, but I adore it. That particular painting just fills me with glee – it’s all of my favorite colors in one square, and I will have it in our home one day!

In the meantime, I’m wondering if it might be worth it to try my own hand at an abstract? I have no experience whatsoever with painting, but I think it’s good to try something creative and outside of your comfort zone every so often. Have any of you worked with acrylic or oils before, or been interested in trying? If I’m not the only one, I might try to convince one of my best friends (a very talented painter – she graduated from RISD!) to give us a primer. Let me know what you think :)

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Friends, it has been a whirlwind few weeks! Can’t wait to share MUCH more SOON, but in the meantime, I had to post these adorable images from Cyn Kain! She ordered some of my tinsel stirrers for her sister-in-law’s baby shower, and everything turned out too cute. Nothing makes me happier than seeing shop goodies in their element!

They are pretty festive, if I do say so myself :) You can see much more from the (adorable!) shower on On To Baby, and order your own stirrers here!