Altar

I came across this little altar during my hike the other morning.  As I leaned over to stretch at the top of the hill, a feather caught my eye.  Walking up to it, I saw all of these beautiful objects lovingly placed -- I wonder over time or all at once, by adult or by child?  I'll bring my offering next time.

Gift Guide 2013, Part II

To set them apart from the rest, letterpress calling cards from Mandate Press. (photo)

For the stocking, matte nail polish. (photo)

For the chic minimalist, bronze necklace from Bario Neal.

For the perpetual hostess, Irish linen cocktail napkins. 

Whiskey  is always a good option to go with those napkins.

For the ever expanding library, books never fail. 

Christmas Party Planning

I'm hosting a Christmas Party this weekend, something I've been wanting to do for years.  I can't wait to get the house clean, decorated, and full of good smells.  My parents are coming to town and bringing a home-made traditional English Christmas cake, soaked with lots of brandy, which also serves as a birthday cake for my dad.  I'll serve mulled wine, a sparkling punch, crostini, and most importantly, heaping bowls of red beans and rice with cornbread that we can eat while surrounded by sparkly lights or by the warm fire outside. 

Some of my inspiration for the party below...

Photos:

decorated hearth / garland wrapped doorway

mulled wine / orange, ginger, rosemary punch

ricotta and pear crostini / bacon and jam crostini

Gramercy Tavern ginger cake / traditional English Christmas cake

2013 Gift Guide*

 

 For the one you want to sail away with, a ship that flies.

For the new family: a custom Memory game made from their Instagram/Facebook photos.

  For keeping those toes warm, classic slippers from Beans.

For the stylish girls, a hand knit hat with wool from Swan's Island, Maine.

 For your dad's banjo collection, custom wall hooks.

For the stylish cook, a Hedley and Bennett apron.

For the brother who used to count dead armadillos with you during road trips in the south,  

a stuffed one for the couch.

For the nature loving crafter, a cyanotype silk scarf kit.

For big sips of warmth, these Bennington Pottery original mugs designed by David Gil.

For the hostess with a green thumb, a medinilla plant.

* Please note that this is not necessarily a wishlist ;)

ABQ Thanksgiving

Traveled to see my family in Albuquerque this past week, and took a hike around the Three Sisters.  The textures of the rocks, grasses, and cacti combined with the open sky above set the scene for a glorious post-feast walk.