no. 4: italian recipe book

I think this little Italian recipe book by Angela Liguori would make a great gift for just about anyone with a kitchen. It contains twelve recipes, and is available in her Etsy shop for $18.

no. 3: fracas eau de parfum

If you know any fans of the classic fragrance Fracas by Robert Piguet, Sephora has a little roll-on eau de parfum for $25. And though it goes above the $30 limit I've set, a 1 oz. spray in the classic black bottle is $45.

happy 50th, lilly!

Happy 50th Anniversary to Lilly Pulitzer! And congratulations on some of the best looking prints you've put out in a long, long time. As a recovering addict, this new collection may make me fall off the wagon.

no. 2: ipod speaker

If I'm going to get these gifts done in 30 days (by December 5th), I guess I better get going. For the iPod crowd (not me, though, I actually just bought a new AM/FM "walkman," if you will), this cute little Lego-inspired speaker. At Fred Flare for $25, and it works with all iPod varieties.

no. 1: moravian cookies

First up in 30 gifts/days/dollars, these Moravian Cookies. Named for the Moravian settlement in Winston-Salem, NC and made there, too, these things have got to be some kind of miracle of baking. They are so thin and so delicious, you really will be able to eat the entire tube. Gift set of 3 flavors (spice, sugar, and lemon), $27.99 at Salem Baking Co.

getting down to business

Now that this election thing is over, I think it's time to get serious about the holidays. So I'm going to try to get my shopping done early, and I already have some gifts in mind. I saw the idea for "30 gifts under $30" last year on Jordan's blog, and thought I'd try it this year, too. Stay tuned.
{image: martha stewart}

suzyjack calendar

I think I may have already reached my calendar max for the year (I've already bought this one and this one), but I love this one by SuzyJack.

dining in

I would love to have dinner here, in the new "barn" of Ina Garten. I would be fine just eating a bowl of her macaroni and cheese on one of those barstools. View the rest of the pictures here, from House Beautiful (found via Jane).

green with envy

I love the shades of green used throughout the home of Heather Taylor, the guest blogger over at design*sponge.

nest candles

Speaking of Neiman's, my friend Mary Margaret bought this candle, Moss & Mint by Nest Fragrances, the other day. It's part of Laura Slatkin's new venture, and it smells heavenly.

russell + hazel

While passing through Minneapolis back in September, I made a little trip to the Russell + Hazel flagship store. I think you could safely call that place the Neiman Marcus of office supplies. I left with the address file I've been wanting for about a year now, and these big rubber bands to put around notebooks.

don't forget

As if there was any possible way you could forget to vote...I'm going to try to go early on Friday. Mitzi and Romano's (a cute little boutique) has some great reminders on display.

i love fall: decorations

Seriously, fall is the easiest time of year to decorate, especially if you have an affinity for orange. Stack some pumpkins, throw out some gourds, and buy a couple of candles--you're set until December.
P.S. I seem to have developed an almost unhealthy obsession with Ana Candles, especially since they spiffed up their website.

everything old is new again

It's rainy and cold here in Atlanta, so it might be a good day to break out the wellies. And did you read this article in the NY Times? Dad, who knew you were so stylish?!?
{image: hunter}

natsumi nishizumi

I have been feeling quite uninspired lately. But then, I found the lovely drawings of Natsumi Nishizumi (via Oh Joy!), and that has helped. Looks like she's putting together a nice calendar, too.

in the red

The cover of the new Vogue makes me want to wear red lipstick, which I probably haven't done since my fifth grade dance recital. I love Reese, and since some friends of mine from college went to high school with her...well, we're practically best friends.

drink up

I love these wine bottles, by The Magnificent Wine Co. Check out the rest of their wines--sure does simplify things.
{from simple song via the Dieline}

easy as pie

Yesterday I bought a pair of jeans at the (sorta) new Madewell store at Lenox. It was absolutely the easiest jean buying experience I've ever had. Good fits, good colors, and plain pockets--because I am so over playing the designer jean guessing game. Guess I get that from my dad, a man who has been known to attempt to remove a certain embroidered polo pony from his shirts.
P.S. She designs their snappy little newsletter/calendar.

my kind of bling

Sometimes I think I need a signature piece of jewelry. This might make a nice one (by Etsy seller Kate Szabone).

on the bedside table

Or at least this book will be on my bedside table, as soon as it is released in November. I'm itching to read something about the art world, especially after chatting with the adorable Emily Amy at her gallery last Friday (thanks for the tip, Millie).
{image: living, etc.}