laura loves

anya hindmarch

2009-08-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

I enjoyed this article about Anya Hindmarch from the September issue of Vanity Fair. She's one of those really cool people you wish you knew. And I loved this picture.
{image: Simon Upton/The Interior Archive via Vanity Fair}

help, I'm bored

2009-08-17T09:18:00.003-04:00

I know you've seen this cute packaging, but have you played around on the "help I'm bored" section of the website? Very clever.
{images: Help Remedies}

perfection

2009-08-12T15:57:00.003-04:00

I adore these book covers, from Mara Zepeda's home tour at design sponge. I think I may have to make this image my computer background, I love it that much.

kate spade clothing

2009-08-11T09:03:00.004-04:00

Cute stuff over at Kate Spade's new line of clothing. And not too crazy expensive, either. Their new website looks great, too.

{images: kate spade}

summer salad

2009-08-04T16:15:00.009-04:00

Last Friday was okra night at the cabin, and my mom made this delicious salad to go with the main course (the okra). She found it in InStyle magazine, from Hugh Acheson, the chef at Five & Ten in Athens. Sadly, I have never eaten at that much acclaimed restaurant, as it opened after I had already graduated (also, sadly, I am that old). Here's the recipe:

Salad: Toss arugula, large chunks of watermelon, and crumbled feta (my mom used goat cheese). Drizzle with dressing.
Dressing: In a jar with tight lid, mix the following, and then chill:
1 C. olive oil
2 T. fresh lime juice
2 T. champagne vinegar
2 t. chopped fresh thyme
1 small shallot minced into small half rounds
salt and pepper to taste

{image: chowmama, a site with kid-friendly foods that look extremely adult-appealing}

the art of le tour

2009-07-29T15:28:00.004-04:00

We watched the Tour de France religiously--Trey for the cycling, me for the scenery. For the final stage, Lance Armstrong rode a Damien Hirst designed bike, which will be auctioned off later this year for his Live Strong Foundation. In an interview, Lance mentioned he was a Hirst collector. I thought that was pretty cool.
{image: live strong}

on the bedside table

2009-07-28T08:31:00.006-04:00

This summer, I've been reading A Year in the World by Frances Mayes. The writing is a little frou frou for my taste, but it's a nice escape for a girl whose kitchen has been ripped out all summer and she hasn't had a home-cooked meal in about six weeks.

{images: amazon, castle}

grant design collaborative

2009-07-23T17:35:00.004-04:00

Let's see if I remember how to do this blogging thing...Last week was home in Canton for lunch, and my mom and I dropped by a new store downtown, Grant Collaborative. Apparently, it's the "laboratory" for an amazing graphic design group that I can hardly believe chose to take up residence in little ole' Canton (previously famous for, um...hmmm...maybe as the birthplace of golfer Bobby Jones, even though Atlanta claims him? or the 1973 Lady Warriors State Basketball Champs?).

Check out their website here, where you can see more work like they did for 1. Herman Miller, 2. Goin' Coastal Restaurant, and 3. Blackberry Farm.

{images: grant design collaborative}

the summer book

2009-05-28T09:53:00.003-04:00

I don't know where the time goes these days--can't ever seem to find the time to update this blog (and I don't think it's going to get any better now that So You Think You Can Dance is back). But now that summer is here, I'll be pulling out one of my favorite books, The Summer Book by Susan Branch, filled with lots of easy summer recipes and ideas.
{image: amazon}

grosgrain napkin ring

2009-05-11T18:07:00.001-04:00

I spotted this really cute grosgrain ribbon napkin ring in House Beautiful--from Social Couture.

pretty, amazing

2009-05-11T11:31:00.003-04:00

Well, I'll just have to say that is one gorgeous dress.
{image: j. crew}

stripe love

2009-05-07T13:05:00.001-04:00

Love these striped canvas fabrics I just found online at Paper Source.

keith lissner cocktail dress

2009-05-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

Dear Matt and Mere,
Please get married soon so I can wear this pretty dress to your wedding!
Love,
Laura
P.S. From here, spotted on Daily Candy this am.

south of the border

2009-04-29T16:18:00.003-04:00

I started hearing some buzz about Mexican Coke a while back, because it's made with cane sugar instead of America's favorite sweetener, high-fructose corn syrup. So passing a grocery store in Fort Valley, I gave it a try and it was really good--we're talking pre-1985 good. Well, the secret's out--read all about it here in this month's Garden and Gun.

{image: garden and gun}

summer linens

2009-04-29T08:33:00.008-04:00

How fun to set a summer table with some vintage Vera napkins? I found these on Etsy, after reading Eddie Ross' Storque post: 1. The Collector's Closet, 2. RetroWear. 3. Joules.

florence (green)

2009-04-25T10:05:00.003-04:00

So much to see in Florence--highlights included climbing the Duomo and dinner at Le Barrique. And after touring the Uffizi, I'm a little less concerned about the cracks in my plaster walls.

venice (blue)

2009-04-21T20:39:00.001-04:00

Maybe the tourists have gotten the best of it, but I still thought it was the most magical place I've ever been. Everything is a photo op in that town.

tory's inspiration boards

2009-04-21T08:20:00.004-04:00

tory burch's south of france inspiration board

I love to browse through Tory Burch's inspiration boards (found via style court). Really, I love to browse through anyone's inspiration boards, and I'd love an entire book or website devoted to them.
{image: tory burch's style guide}

milan (orange)

2009-04-20T20:04:00.003-04:00

Stylish city--how could it not be--with bits of orange around every turn. We were only there for one night, but it was a great place to start.

italy

2009-04-20T19:43:00.003-04:00

So I'll share a few of my (588) pictures of Italy. Inspired by this advice from Nichole and her blog, Little Brown Pen, I tried to pick a color in each city and shoot it. These next posts will help me figure out if that worked out.

summer scarf

2009-04-20T10:50:00.005-04:00

The only time I felt halfway stylish in Italy was when I was wearing a scarf. Gap--put this one on sale and I'll buy it.

how to take pictures

2009-04-20T10:37:00.002-04:00

I tried to get Trey to take pictures of me walking around Italy (like this) but he doesn't really play that game (the architect is better with buildings). Maybe I can photoshop my head on her body and add it to my scrapbook? Love flipping through the online catalogs at Toast, where I found this one.
{image: toast}

a little bit of italy

2009-04-14T19:14:00.002-04:00

Just a little taste of our trip to Italy--more to come. It was amazing, of course, and now I need a vacation to get over my jet lag. Fortunately we were not near L'Aquila during the earthquake, but joined in a national moment of silence last Friday while in the Sistine Chapel.

favorite places: italy

2009-03-31T10:20:00.004-04:00

Well, actually I've never been. But I'm headed there tonight--be back soon!
{image: lonely planet}

favorite places: les deux magots

2009-03-26T17:13:00.002-04:00

Best hot chocolate ever. And I'm sure the fact that it's in my favorite part of Paris didn't have anything to do with it.
{image: les deux magots}

favorite places: lords of the manor

2009-03-23T16:24:00.002-04:00

When I was 12, I took a trip around England with my parents and their friends, the Carters. It was great, and of course I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have, because I was too busy trying to make them find the McDonald's in each town (if there was one to be found). Our last stop was the Cotswolds and the Lords of the Manor hotel. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I walked into the guestroom that almost exactly matched my pink and green Laura Ashley room back home.
{image: slh}

favorite places: the phillips collection

2009-03-23T12:23:00.003-04:00

Trying to think of ways to get inspired lately, I started thinking about some of my favorite places of all time. So that's what you'll be getting this week, starting with The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC. I discovered it the summer I interned for my congressman in DC (when, thanks to Monica, intern was sort of a dirty word). I don't think I've ever felt more at home in a museum, maybe because it is in a former home. And since contemporary art is my thing, I'd be happy to move right in.
{images: The Phillips Collection}

it's time

2009-03-11T21:42:00.001-04:00

It's time to take a little break...I think I am suffering from a case of blogger block or something. I'll be back soon.

70 and sunny

2009-03-06T09:15:00.002-05:00

This weekend I'll be wearing some J.Crew flip-flops, L'eau de L'artisan, and Opi's Coney Island Cotton Candy. Finally, I think warm weather is here.

dinner for four

2009-03-04T08:50:00.002-05:00

Such a perfect room. From Habitually Chic's post on stylist Lili Diallo. And more pretty things in her portfolio.

lulu de kwiatkowski

2009-02-27T08:43:00.006-05:00

Love this girl--her style, her fabrics, and her book of collages. There is a nice profile of her (with more pictures of her collages) over on 1stdibs. This collage is about her childhood; mine would probably include ballet shoes, Hello Kitty, and Chef Boyardee. And it would probably be completely made of stickers, as I was quite an avid collector.

on the bedside table

2009-02-23T09:10:00.005-05:00

What, the title Wine and War, doesn't appeal to you? Well, don't let the word "war" scare you. My dad gave me this page-turner, about how the French saved their wine from the Nazis during WWII. And let me tell you, this recession sounds like a cakewalk compared to the German occupation.
{images: barnes and noble, eddie ross (looks like it was in martha stewart)}

yay! for sid

2009-02-18T20:47:00.004-05:00

Shopping for men's clothing was never one of my favorite things, until Sid Mashburn came to town. You just feel cooler when you walk in the store. Congratulations on being named one of GQ's Most Stylish Men in America. And he (unlike JT) didn't even have to get in a leotard and dance with Beyonce.
{image: men.style.com}

true love

2009-02-18T13:52:00.005-05:00

Don't worry--this post isn't about Valentine's. It's about how much I love the Richmond home of Katie Ukrop. Seen in Domino (hold on, let me wipe the tears away--I mean, should I even link to their website since it's all going away?!?) last summer, I found some more pictures of it on This Young House. BTW, This Young House is a great blog and makes me feel like renovating an old house isn't such a bad thing.
P.S. Trey, you can stop rolling your eyes at the pink dining room. Love me, love my favorite color.

{images: this young house}

wait!

2009-02-16T21:01:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong--I can't wait for Spring--but I'm afraid these little guys are coming up a little too early. Although nothing puts a smile on my face as easily as a jonquil in bloom, I was hoping to enjoy them in March, not the middle of February!

mon amour

2009-02-13T10:05:00.001-05:00

Wouldn't this be a great little gift, to express your sentiments en Francais? From Etsy seller, Anne Kiel.

love, waffle house style

2009-02-13T09:33:00.003-05:00

Personally, I think a Valentine's Day dinner at the Waffle House sounds like a great idea. I'll have the grilled cheese and hashbrowns, scattered, smothered, and covered, please. I noticed the one on Cheshire Bridge was sporting some rose-colored lighting, and now I know why.
{image: waffle house}

inspired

2009-02-13T09:25:00.004-05:00

I love this collection of pictures from the inspiration board of the Boston boutique, Looc. Elements of Style's post here about the boutique will make you want to move in immediately.

dreamy library books

2009-02-10T10:46:00.002-05:00

Such gorgeous books, from the library of Sofia Achaval and Thibault de Montaigu. From the pictures of their home over at The Selby.

gypsy + jet set = gypset

2009-02-10T10:41:00.005-05:00

Hmmm...this Assouline book sounds interesting, but it looks like we'll have to wait until April 2009 to find out what it is all about. From the Assouline website:

Yuppies, Yippies, Jet Setters, Bright Young Things, Generation X, Generation Y . . . and now the Gypset. Fusing the ease and carefree lifestyle of a gypsy with the sophistication of the jet set, the Gypsetters are artists, surfers, designers, and bon vivants who live and work around the globe, from José Ignacio, Uruguay and Ibiza, Spain, to Montauk, New York. Gypset Style explores the unconventional, wanderlust lives of these high-low cultural nomads and thte bohemian enclaves they inhabit, as well as their counterculture forbears, such as the Victorian explorers, the Lost Generation, the Beatniks, and the hippies. And along the way, author Julia Chaplin looks back at quintessential gypsy boho moments in social history.

{image: assouline}

love and candy

2009-02-09T19:38:00.002-05:00

One of my 5-year olds at work used the words "love and candy" to describe Valentine's Day, and I couldn't agree more. I really like this idea from Martha Stewart, especially since I've been looking for a way to use up the rest of the Dum Dums, after I've eaten all the cream sodas.

can't wait!

2009-02-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

Tonight and tomorrow, I'll be glued in front of my television watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I don't even have a dog or anything, but this show is about the most entertaining thing around. Especially if your favorite movie (like mine) is Best in Show.
P.S. Note to self--set DVR for Gossip Girl and 24.
P.P.S. And Wednseday night, it's going to be all BEAT DUKE!

birthday present

2009-02-06T10:41:00.002-05:00

Pictures of the exquisite letterpress stationery I gave my mom, created by Suann of simplesong.

dear coterie

2009-02-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

I just saw where one of my favorite bloggers, Coterie, is taking a little break, and I just wanted to her to know how much I'll miss reading her posts. And I wanted to thank her for this little award she gave me a while back--it made my day (week, year...)!
P.S. And I especially appreciated her inauguration post.

happy birthday, mom!

2009-02-05T06:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to the best mom. Ever. Period. And I will gladly accept any challenges on this statement. This picture is from her college days, when she claims she was a hippie. I'm pretty sure you cannot be a Phi Mu Rush Chair at Georgia in the early 70s and a hippie, but since it's your birthday, I'll play along.
P.S. I'll show the rest of you what's in the package tomorrow.

armchair traveller: arles, france

2009-02-01T14:34:00.005-05:00

My only disappointment from my trip to France a couple of years ago was the hotel where we stayed in Arles. I think I can remedy that next time with a visit to this one, Hotel Particulier.
{images: hotel particulier}

brighter days ahead

2009-02-01T09:48:00.005-05:00

I almost bought this little jacket at the Gap on Friday; I'm thinking I should head back over and get it. I'm firmly in the camp that to get this economy going, we've got to keep buying.

finally

2009-01-29T21:54:00.004-05:00

So my quest for a perfume that smells exactly like Kiehl's Grapefruit lotion has ended--they made their own, Grapefruit 1976. And I don't think it's a coincidence that this scent was originally introduced the year I came into this world.
{image: temptalia}

chic retreats

2009-01-29T21:36:00.004-05:00

I have been thoroughly enjoying myself while browsing Chic Retreats, full of little jewel box hotels. I've pretty much planned trips to all seven continents.
P.S. I wrote this post pretty late last night, and after re-reading it, I realized I should have written 6/7 continents--Antarctica isn't really on my travel radar.

my inner nerd

2009-01-27T19:34:00.004-05:00

Let's just say that if I won the lottery, I'd probably go back to school and get a PhD in Linguistics (don't even get me started on how much I love the Great Vowel Shift). That statement probably helps explain why I am dying to read this book, by Kitty Burns Florey. Some of the happiest days of my life were spent at the chalkboard diagramming sentences in Mrs. Bowman's 7th grade language arts class.
P.S. My inner nerd also loved this post a while back by Jane.

virtual entertaining: valentine's day luncheon

2009-01-23T16:39:00.014-05:00

I love the planning part of entertaining, but it's the execution that I'm not very good at (coupled with the fact that my kitchen is currently under renovation). If I was giving a Valentine's Day luncheon (girls only), these would be the ingredients:

Table: ribbon placecards (using leftover Christmas ribbon), red and pink striped Ana Candles, red tulips, napkins made from fabric by pippijoe
Menu: grilled cheese and tomato soup, hot chocolate with marshmallows for dessert
Favors: striped lollipops

{images/details: 1. martha stewart, 2. ana candles, 3. the floral scent, 4. pippijoe, 5. candy warehouse, 6. martha stewart}

on the bedside table

2009-01-21T11:14:00.003-05:00

Rococo by Adriana Trigiani is light, easy, and made me laugh out loud (and will do the same for all of you with any interest in decorating). A perfect escape for these less than perfect times.
{images: barnes and noble, living, etc. }

good looking

2009-01-21T11:04:00.002-05:00

Love this return address label from Etsy seller Boetieque.

santa maria novella

2009-01-19T09:07:00.002-05:00

Trying to plan a little trip to Italy in April, and hoping Ill be able to make a little visit to Santa Maria Novella. Those monks sure know how to make some pretty products.
{image: lafco}

my favorite girl (2nd) cousin

2009-01-16T08:42:00.003-05:00

My little cousin Meg got the coolest gift from Santa, an old typewriter (note to SantaTrey--I want one, too). So during the holidays, we set her up with a fake martini and she typed out the sweetest letter to me that I will save forever.
P.S. Maybe the Easter Bunny can put a new typewriter ribbon in her basket.

In case you can't read it: Dear Laura, you have very cute shoes. I wish I had some like that. Even though you are not my cousin, you are a very good cousin. You are very pretty and I hope you have a very good CHRISTMAS......................meg

dining out

2009-01-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

My in-laws have been visiting for the past two nights, and though it's been a tight squeeze in our 2BR/1BA, they have treated us to some delicious dinners out. Monday night we had dinner at what easily may be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta, re'past.

breath of fresh air

2009-01-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

Love the look of these candles by Etsy seller Ol'factory Candle Company. Who knew there was a perfect candle for the golf lover?

b. braithwaite

2009-01-11T18:07:00.004-05:00

I avoid baby stores like the plague--maybe it's because I spent 20 minutes in Babies R Us one day looking for a crib top sheet , only to realize there's a reason babies don't need top sheets. Or maybe it's because I work with kids, and I'm just not ready to have one waiting on me when I get home. No matter, because that all changed when I purchased three gifts (a shower every Saturday in January) at b. braithwaite. A beautiful store, the nicest people, and the wrapping is the best part.

cult of kate spade

2009-01-09T13:56:00.003-05:00

I would happily drink the kool-aid offered to me by any of the Kate Spade crowd. And I'd love to go through the closet of Creative Director Deborah Lloyd, from Harper's Bazaar, February 2009.

even in this day and age

2009-01-08T19:50:00.002-05:00

I love a girl who writes real letters. And I love these pictures of her tools, from February's domino.

modern monogram

2009-01-07T07:44:00.002-05:00

If I wasn't already maxed out on stationery, I would be ordering this set from Black Pearl Press. Nothing I like more than a modern monogram.

j. crew spring

2009-01-05T11:46:00.001-05:00

Looks as though it won't be too difficult to spend those J. Crew gift cards I got for Christmas!

i want candy

2009-01-04T18:11:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite holiday things was consuming a large amount of red licorice scottie dogs. I got mine at Star Provisions, where my mom and split the best Shrimp Po'Boy I've ever eaten. Next time I will be ordering my own.

giada at home

2009-01-04T17:47:00.005-05:00

I know I've said this before, but I love Giada. I've got her Winter Minestrone simmering on my stove, and I've been enjoying these pictures of her home from Architectural Digest. I especially love the kitchen set of her new show, Giada at Home.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T08:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays, everyone! We're leaving today to do our annual Tour de Georgia. Perry, Oglethorpe, Montezuma, Canton, Jasper--just a few stops on our list. We'll probably drive about 400 miles and never leave the state!
P.S. This photo can be filed under "not so easy holiday:" cutting down our tree in the freezing rain at Ty-Lyn Plantation.

easy holiday (10): cookies

2008-12-23T08:36:00.002-05:00

No time to decorate your freshly-baked (or freshly-bought) gingerbread men? Just sprinkle them with sugar crystals, like Sweet Paul did here (he also posted a gingerbread recipe, too).

easy holiday (9): paper

2008-12-22T07:50:00.006-05:00

I try to keep my wrapping paper scheme simple--this year it was supposed to be red, brown, and white. But then of course I ran out and had to throw in some silver, too. I wrapped my special little gifts in the gorgeous hand-printed paper by Rifferaff.
P.S. Emily--that paper was one of my Etsy buys!
P.P.S. If you aren't wearing them, wellies make great wrapping paper stands.

easy holiday (8): ribbon

2008-12-21T16:57:00.004-05:00

I think it's easiest when you choose a single ribbon and use it on all packages. I ordered two widths of red and white striped grosgrain ribbon from Ribbon Factory--good price and quick delivery. I'm sure I'll order from them again next year.

easy holiday (7): candy

2008-12-18T21:54:00.004-05:00

Decorating with candy is always a good option. Eddie Ross does a great job, and I'd love to have a bowl of those beautiful mints from Sea and Jae (found via Simply Seleta). And how great would these lollipops look just all by themselves?

so sweet

2008-12-15T15:54:00.003-05:00

Who knew sugar could be this pretty! If I had these, I'd probably actually use less sugar because I wouldn't want to mess them up. From Poudrier rose, via this is glamorous.

trey: i want this

2008-12-12T08:40:00.003-05:00

Since we are tabling that trip to NYC, I'm just going to have to try theses fragrances by ordering online. Le Labo Fragances Discovery Set: Ambrette 9, Fleur d'Oranger 27, and Bergamote 22.
P.S. I love you and hope you get over your cold soon.
P.P.S. And don't forget the lululemon gift card.

easy holiday (6): table runner

2008-12-10T16:53:00.003-05:00

I'm more of a table runner than a full-on tablecloth girl--less chance of having to do some serious stain removal if it doesn't have to be too close to the dinner plates. This one would be nice, and proivde a little modern contrast to the family silver and goblets. From amenity, via Design Crush.

holiday to-dos

2008-12-09T15:49:00.007-05:00

I'm a little behind this year--so far I'm 1/6. Looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, since all I've done from my annual list is drink hot chocolate. And that gingerbread house is probably not going to happen until I have some live-in help.

{image: better homes and gardens}

easy holiday (5): headband

2008-12-09T15:43:00.003-05:00

Since I'm usually just a ponytail girl at night (especially when the static takes over in winter), slipping on a pretty headband like this one would certainly help to dress up my look.
{image: forever21}

easy holiday (4): centerpiece

2008-12-07T21:16:00.003-05:00

It usually takes me about 45 seconds to put my red and white striped candles and ornaments in the big platter on my dining room table.

no. 30: gift card

2008-12-04T16:22:00.001-05:00

So I'm all out of ideas. So the last one, a perennial favorite, the iTunes gift card. Buy it anywhere and wrap it in a big box.

no. 29: cosmetic bag

2008-12-04T16:18:00.003-05:00

You can never have too many cosmetics bags, right? This cute one is $22.50, from Henry Road.

easy holiday (3): monograms

2008-12-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

This idea (from Martha) looks pretty easy: use old cards to create monograms for packages. Probably would make passing out gifts on Christmas morning a little bit easier, too.

no. 28: tea towels

2008-12-04T13:06:00.002-05:00

Tea towels are always a great hostess gift; I especially like these by Marimekko, set of 2, $25.

no. 27: wish necklace

2008-12-03T15:06:00.002-05:00

This wear-it-until-the-string-breaks-and-your-wish-will-come-true necklace would make a sweet gift for a sweet friend. $26, by Dogeared Jewelry.

easy holiday (2): tags

2008-12-02T10:07:00.005-05:00

These will be my package labelling tools: a red Sharpie, manila tags, and red and white twine. To make this even easier, you can buy a set of 100 tags and 15 yards of twine right here ($7.50), from Etsy seller Artful Images (that is where I got the pics).

no. 26: kolo album

2008-12-02T09:46:00.003-05:00

My current favorite photo album is the Kolo Cortina Lux, available here for $24. Fill it with a few photos of Christmases past and it would make a very thoughtful gift.

no. 25: hable sachets

2008-12-02T09:34:00.003-05:00

I have a thing for sachets, and a great gift would be a set of 3 lavender filled sachets from Hable Construction for $30. They have several shapes and colors available.

easy holiday (1): stamps

2008-12-02T09:20:00.003-05:00

Instead of trying to get to the post office, I just ordered all of my Christmas Card stamps online. Seriously, it is worth the $1 shipping fee.

no. 24: tiny text bowl

2008-12-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

A variety of these tiny bowls are available from Etsy seller Paloma's Nest for $18. Or personalize your own for $20.

happy birthday, trey!

2008-12-01T08:41:00.002-05:00

Dear Trey,
Yes, your birthday wish came true. The Jackets are #1 in the state of Georgia (and ahead of the Dawgs in the BCS, too).
Love,
Your UGA wife
{image: Johnny Crawford for ajc}

no. 23: personalized playing cards

2008-11-26T14:08:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking it might be fun to learn how to play bridge, and maybe I'll give these as a gift to some friends to entice them to join me. These personalized cards are $35 at Horchow, and they are by far the cutest. There are also some monogrammed playing cards available at American Stationery for $24.

no. 22: tocca

2008-11-26T08:40:00.002-05:00

Take your pick of these lovelies from Tocca: the Laundry Delicate is $15, the Solid Perfume is $30, and the small Candelina is $16. Or mix and match for a very sweet gift.

no. 21: kiehl's lip balm

2008-11-23T19:10:00.002-05:00

For the Kiehl's lip balm addict, a set of three flavored lip balms, $25.50.

no. 20: ana candles

2008-11-23T19:01:00.002-05:00

Well, you had to know this one was coming. I think a pair of Ana Candles would be an excellent housewarming gift, as they are the easiest decoration around. At Paper-Source, $22.

no. 19: honey

2008-11-22T10:23:00.003-05:00

I remember seeing Bee Raw Honey all over the place last year, and I still can't get it out my head. While the 4 vials/$45 does not adhere to the "30 gifts for $30" policy (but sure does look pretty), you can get a duo for $29, and it would probably be just as (you knew it was coming) sweet.

no. 18: letterpress calendar

2008-11-22T10:01:00.003-05:00

Linda and Harriet's letterpress calendar ($24) was my favorite last year, and she's done another great one this year. This is one of those gifts I usually buy in multiples, and make sure to include one for me.

no. 17: personalized spatulas

2008-11-22T09:55:00.002-05:00

A thoughtful stocking stuffer for the chef, personalized spatulas, $14 for two at Williams-Sonoma.

no. 16: keepsake box

2008-11-21T09:47:00.004-05:00

I've loved the look of sliced timber ever since I saw some little tables like this at Saks one day. And now I'm going to have to up the price limit for these 30 gifts to $35 to include this box, at Cerulean for $35. I think it's worth the extra fiver.

no. 15: jonathan adler ornament

2008-11-19T17:00:00.002-05:00

I bought one of these Jonathan Adler ornaments at Pieces last year, and I'm sure I'll buy another this year. They are also available on his website, $24-$28.

no. 14: snail's pace race game

2008-11-19T16:45:00.002-05:00

This game is one of my favorites to play with kids, and they really seem to like it, too. Like all Ravesnburger games, it's very durable. $24.95 at Fat Brain Toys.

no. 13: tinkertoys

2008-11-19T16:30:00.002-05:00

Don't you think every kid should have a set of these? And the beautiful thing is you don't even have to buy any batteries. At Back to Basics Toys, for $25.99.

no. 12: personalized notepad

2008-11-17T19:50:00.005-05:00

These personalized notepads are about as cute as it gets. Four notepads for $30, by Erin Condren.

no. 11: bathing suit bag

2008-11-17T19:43:00.003-05:00

This cute little bag lets you get one more swim in the morning before you have you leave the beach after lunch. At Basic French for $20.

lunch at joel

2008-11-15T11:04:00.004-05:00

Joel Restaurant (I do not know how to add the accent trema to the "e" in blogger) is one of Atlanta's finer dining establishments. I was reading Eat It, Atlanta (the fun food blog of a friend of a friend) and discovered they are now offering a bistro lunch. I have been salivating over the menu ever since.
P.S. Mom--click on the menu to be able to read it without your glasses.