Ornament Tradition

Clever Kaila posted about a wonderful holiday tradition at her house: each year they add an ornament that signifies something about the past year. In her case, she just purchased a "new house" ornament to commemorate her recent move.

What a great idea. How fun to pull out ornaments like you're unpacking memories.

Just one question: what can this bird ornament symbolize? Because I want it.

Darlybird Kids — Giveaway-A-Day 11/30

Find the winner for yesterday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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You know by now that I'm a Darlybird fan to the tenth power. And I feel I've done a pretty good job of letting you know about the latest and greatest at that fine establishment. Except I'm wrong — I've been totally slacking because I have barely told you anything about their amazing children's selection! So today's winner is so lucky to receive A RETRO COOL RINGS DINING SET FOR KIDS!!!!


Let me tell you right now that I get a total kick out of children's dining sets. So adorable. And in my experience my kids totally buy in as soon as they see something like this. They see it. They get that it's kid designed. They get that it's special and they prefer it to all other dining options immediately. What a super-easy way to make their day.

This particular set includes an 8" plate, cup, spoon, fork and 5.5" bowl. Dishwasher safe. Loving those colors.

You're also going to want to check out some of the other child-like niceties at Darlybird:


You know your inquisitive child would be all over this do-it-yourself clock kit.


Keep don't-cross-the-line arguments to a minimum with this funky travel bingo game.


Shouldn't your child own this so-precious Elephant and Nemo diary?


Wish they made this Light Bright Blankie in queen size.


And. Um. Look at this barrette.

Once again, kudos to the buyer, Rachel Shutz, who puts together the Darlybird collection. And extra kudos because I don't think I will every tire of seeing that fantabulous logo!

Thank you, Darlybird!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced tomorrow morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the 11/29 Avenue Sweets Giveaway is:
Juliane who commented: "Chocolate just makes me happy! " (at 9:06pm EST).
Congratulations Juliane! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Book of the Week — Best Christmas Pageant Ever

It's hard for me to imagine that there is anyone that doesn't know and love this book. But just in case. . .

Reading this book aloud to my kids is one of my very favorite parts of December. Belly laughs from all listeners/readers in every chapter. And as sure as Charlotte's Web, you'll find me crying in the end.

Love, love the Herdman's names: Ralph, Ollie, Claude — they could (and one does) belong to my own kids.

You can find it in hardcover here.

Out of the Ordinary Children's Clothing

Lovely Denise sent me a link to The Beloved Child — an excellent collection of some really terrific, hard-to-find children's clothing lines. I'm loving these pieces from Urban Baba.

Avenue Sweets — Giveaway-A-Day 11/29

Find the winner for yesterday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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I'm drooling. Totally drooling. Because I am a full-on sugar addict — not chocolate mind you — sugar. And today's winner will receive A 3 1/2 LB. GIFT TOWER OF CANDY FROM AVENUE SWEETS!!!



That's right. Not one pound. Not two pounds. But 3 1/2 pounds of mouth-watering, lip-smacking deliciousness. A combination of: signature almond nougat, tasty hazelnut nougat, golden caramels and rich chocolate caramels. You know you're thinking you'd share it if you won, but you'd really eat the whole sweet sugary goodness while you wait for Lost to return in February.

Agnes Jones, the talented sweet tooth behind Avenue Sweets is all about the nougat. Nougat is a word that can knit your brow, until you read the description from their website:

Nougat is a traditional European confection that dates back many centuries. The basis of AvenueSweets nougat is called a mazetta, which is a sugar and egg white mixture. Then nuts are added to the mix. In our traditional nougat, we use a generous helping of fresh, whole almonds. For a marvelous variation, we add hazelnuts. The end result is soft and chewy nougat with a subtle, sweet taste that is irresistible.

In addition to nougat luciousness, Avenue Sweets is also a purveyor of handmade golden caramels — which I confess is the main cause of my drooling. I so love anything caramel. Feel your tummy rumble as you take a look at some of Avenue Sweet's offerings:



Yummy caramels in golden and chocolate options, pretty in boxes or jars.



Boxed nougats — the small ones are perfect for hostess or teacher gifts.


Gift towers in lots of sizes.

I am just dying to get a box of these sweets in front of me. Although I'm sure they are delicious year round, these candies put me in the holiday mood. Love the elegant packaging. Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.

Thank you, Avenue Sweets!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced tomorrow morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the 11/28 Blonde Designs Giveaway is:
Spyderette who commented: "What beautiful notecards! And such a personal touch in this electronic world!" (at 8:46am EST).
Congratulations Spyderette! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Ask Design Mom: Urban Family Photos

Dearest Readers, I am off helping with the Boutique today and am begging your help.

Allison Anderson writes: Dear Designmom, My family and I are getting our annual family photos taken for our Christmas cards. This year we want to do something fresh, artistic and different. Perhaps urban, to reflect our current life. We hired a photographer, now we just need some ideas. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Because of the boutique, I have not been able to give this excellent question the attention it deserves. Please help me answer by offering your clever ideas as usual. I'll start.

1) For an urban-looking photo, I like the idea of showing your family on a busy sidewalk doing a little window-shopping. Maybe one of the kids could even have their face pressed up against the window to get a better look at the goods.

2) I also think a photo of the family emerging from a car or taxi, bags on shoulders, scarfs and hats in place, could be cute to show an urban family on the go.

3) Another idea is to put the family around or near a park bench in a city park. City parks look different than suburban parks. If you can get some pigeons in the shot, even better.

Illustration from Getty Images.

Blonde Designs — Giveaway-A-Day 11/28

Find the winner for yesterday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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Up for grabs today is a custom and high-style and super-special prize. The winner of today's Giveaway will receive A SET OF 25 CUSTOM NOTECARDS — WINNERS CHOICE — FROM BLONDE DESIGNS!!!





These notecards are terrific. Fab design after fab design — and each with colorful coordinating envelopes. Angie Gubler and Kristin Rees, both former art directors at Martha Stewart Magazines, teamed up in 2002 and made a little stationery magic in Brooklyn when they founded Blonde Designs. Featuring the beautiful typography, clean design and soothing colors you'd expect from Martha-kind-of-gals, the designs are totally now and chic.

Blonde Designs offers custom, custom, custom. In quantities as little as 25 you can have totally custom stationery at your fingertips. Can I stress how lovely it is to have a box of stationery featuring your very own name? Or maybe your child's name — for notes to Grandpa? So much cooler than the box of generic thank you cards you picked up at the grocery store.

In addition to chic notecards, take a look at some of my other Blonde favorites:



Super-cute bookplates that coordinate with their other stationery offerings.




Too sweet for words baby announcements.


Clever and friendly party invitations.


Clean and subtle and designy holiday cards.

I have seen a set of their fab custom notecards in person and they are absolutely smile-bringing. You want these, so comment already!

Thank you, Blonde Designs!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced tomorrow morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the 11/27 KoBo Candle Giveaway is:
MissEm who commented: "I'm entering this one for sure!" (at 1:35pm EST).
Congratulations MissEm! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Loft Sweater

Received a mailer from Ann Taylor Loft today. Crushing on this velvet tie cardigan. I especially love the length of the sleeves — very feminine and perfect for hiding the fact that I haven't offically worked out my arms for at least a year.

Heartwarming Holiday Stories

I just read my sister's reports on her visit to New York. Read more about our Martha excursion here. And absolutely don't miss her Thanksgiving Miracle here.

Holiday Cookie Party

In the mood for a holiday get together? Here's an excellent and low-stress idea:

A smart friend of mine invites friends for a Cookie Exchange. Each guest brings about 2 dozen of one type of cookie — say, gingersnaps — and an empty container. After a light lunch and happy visiting, each guest gets to fill their empty container with a few of every kind of cookie. This makes for a pretty terrific party favor.

My family is especially good spirited about me getting away for a couple of hours when they know I'll return with yummy yummy baked goods.

Gingersnap recipe here.

Thank you, Rebecca!

What a wonderful Guest Mom Rebecca has been! Great pictures. Great ideas. No wonder New York misses her so.

Come back anytime. . .

Linda Clay Kobo Candle — Giveaway-A-Day 11/27

Find the winner for Friday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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I couldn't be more delighted to feature my friend Linda's fab boutique today. In harsh reality, only New York Area Locals can take advantage of the boutique, but readers far and wide can score something lovely, because Linda will send the winner of today's Giveaway a COVETABLE AND TO DIE FOR KOBO CANDLE!!!





Linda and I came upon KOBO candles at the Gift Show a few months ago and we couldn't pass them by. Linda was in love because she is a huge candle aficiando and these are top of the line. I was in love because I'm a sucker for fabulous packaging and Kobo wows. I recommend purchasing one just for the box. Amazing.

Each KOBO candle, complete with lid and matches, is hand-poured with 100% domestically grown pure soy wax and lead free, enviro-safe cotton wicks, to create the cleanest burning and most planet-friendly candle. 70 hour burn time. The scents get universally rave reviews.

What do candles have to do with Linda? Linda is a multi-talented lady who makes her living working with interiors, gifts and especially planters (read: she'll do up your patio pots, window boxes and holiday mantles fabulously). She traditionally works by appointment out of the studio in her beautiful home, but happily, she is holding a Gift Boutique open to the public for 4 days this week. If you live in the tri-state area, you won't want to miss this. Bring your girlfriends, come enjoy some wassail, and find perfect gifts for friends, teachers, mother-in-laws, sisters and neighbors.




In addition to the super-lovely Kobo candles, here are some sneak peeks of some of the treasures you'll find:


Funktion aprons


poultry salt and pepper shakers, by sadek


Seda France candles


mugs and coasters by Jane Jenni


shower caps by Taylor Linens

Personally, I can't wait to be there. I love this kind of thing. Happy women, with friends, shopping for beautiful things in a beautiful home. No crowds. No rush. If only all shopping could be so pleasant.

Thank you, Linda!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced tomorrow morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the 11/24 Blabla Kids Giveaway is:
Karen Rani who commented: "Awww how cute is he?" (at 2:15pm EST).
Congratulations Karen! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Taking Great Pictures: From an Amateur — by Guest Mom Rebecca Rather

[ Note from Design Mom: Because I took Thanksgiving off, I am posting Rebecca's fifth post today. I knew you wouldn't want to miss it. ]

Design Mom requested a few photo tips — maybe in anticipation of a great Christmas card photo. I absolutely love to take pictures, especially of kids. Many of you are probably better photographers than I am (Liz, are you reading?). I have never taken a professional class, but I have experimented a lot and read a few photography books. I love the look of photos from film, but the pictures I am showing today have all been taken on a basic digital camera — no bells and whistles (digital vs. film is a whole other issue). I have never had a super nice camera, but have gotten a lot of great shots (my point and shoot film camera cost $100 8 years ago and I still love it). The reason I show these pictures is to show that ANYONE can take a good picture. There are three rules of thumb that I always try to implement.

Rule #1:
Turn off the flash. The best pictures I have taken have been flash-less. Even when the camera prompts me to use a flash, I almost always turn it off, unless it is pretty dark. Experimenting with your camera will help you get to know what kind of light it needs to take a good picture. When using film, I would typically prefer to use 400 speed film and turn off the flash rather than 200 and have to use the flash. Flashes wash out the face — natural light is so much more flattering. If you are taking a staged picture, try to take it outside in the morning or evening when the light is more subtle. An overcast day is ideal for outside pictures. I also love taking inside pictures next to a window with lots of light. It’s best to have the person with one side of his face next to the window and getting the picture without any direct light from the window.


This one was taken at the beach with friends on a perfectly overcast day.


This one was taken in our dining room on my son’s first birthday. There was a nice bright window close-by, so I didn’t use the flash. I like the softness of the picture.

Rule #2:
Get closer. I love close-ups. Digital is great because you can crop easily to get a close-up, after the fact. Unless you are taking pictures for the surroundings, try to get as close as possible without the person getting blurry. This also takes some experimentation with your camera.


I love that you can see my son’s long eyelashes in this one. I took this one inside, next to a large window with good light.

Rule #3:
Think out of the box. It’s nice to take a picture from a different perspective. This makes it more of an art form — you can get some great frameableshots.


This one I took while sitting inside my house, watching my boys play in the snow.

What other hints do you have for Design Mom?

Lucky Me, Jordan Came to Visit

Jordan, my super-cool sister/an event planner in San Fran/keeper of a blog so amazing it inspired me to start my own, came to New York for Thanksgiving with her talented husband Paul.

We had a great time. Saw a taping of Martha that airs today. Set a beautiful table for Thanksgiving. Stuffed ourselves with a delicious meal. And talked blogging.

Bonus for me, she brought a wonderful hostess gift:
Williams-Sonoma Mulling Spices
plus
Williams-Sonoma Five Apple Cider Concentrate
plus
The spice ball dealio that you put the spices in while they mull.

A really thoughtful gift and so appreciated. But oddly, I couldn't find a single one of these items on their website, so I'm showing you this charming set of ornaments — perfect for a foodie — that WS sells here.

Thank you Jordan and Paul!

Blabla Kids — Giveaway-A-Day 11/24

Find the winner for yesterday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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To give you a little relief on this shoppingest of shopping days, the creative geniuses at BlabLa Kids have the perfect gift to help you cross something off your list: AN IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO LOVE LEONARDO THE LION DOLL!



The dolls from Blabla are incredible. Knit, soft, so adorable. I've been spotting them everywhere — everywhere that's super-cool, that it. In cribs with the hottest bedding. In the arms of superstar offspring. In the best edited catalogs. And Leonardo is especially cute.

It is always wonderful to find a company making smart and beautiful and cool wares. What a treat to discover Blabla. So many great products — they fit perfectly the ideal in my head of what childhood should look like. Scroll through their lifestyle album and see what I mean.


Love, love their silhouette sweaters.


Want a pile of their pillow chums on the bed.


Charmed by their backpacks.



Still loving the veggie rattles and birdie bank that I featured in my other BlaBla post.



And I can't say enough good things about their many, many, many dolls.

Blabla's collection is designed by Florence Wetterwald and knitted by Peruvian artisans. Everything is made of natural fibers grown in Peru, making for super-soft, super-cuddly wares. Ms. Wetterwald's designs are so modern and up-to-date, plus so friendly and approachable — I'm completely at a loss to pick a favorite. I love the company description of what Blabla means — Blabla is a small word for a big idea: happiness fits in the palm of your hand. A company you can feel good about in every way.

Forget about the mall, just cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and do some shopping here.

Thank you, Blabla Kids!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced MONDAY morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the Aster+Sage 11/22 Giveaway is:
Heather who commented: "Well, it just turns out that blue is my favorite color, so that will work out great for me. Thanks!" (at 10:50am EST).
Congratulations Heather! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Adorning Doors — by Guest Mom Rebecca Rather

[ I’m basically prohibited from talking about Christmas in my household until Thanksgiving is over. So — bring it on!!! ]

One thing I love about the holidays is driving down the street and seeing how people adorn their front doors. I love that most people hang wreaths and I think they are a great way to express your style outdoors.

I seem to always have grand intentions to make a wreath with fresh greenery and berries, but have never been really successful. One year, I even harvested some red berries from a bush in my yard in the summer and dried them, anticipating an awesome Christmas wreath; but, alas, it was a failure because every time we opened the door a few berries would fall off. This year, I’ve done a little wreath research and here are my findings.


I think my all time favorite wreath is this one from Sundance Catalog.


A NY neighbor puts up a fresh wreath decorated with fresh fruit during the holidays. It is totally “them.” I’m sure it was a lot more inexpensive to make than this one available for $150 here. Although this fruit is freeze-dried and would last multiple years.


I think this idea is really pretty and simple — you simply string fresh cranberries (I would have never thought of that!) and wrap them around greenery. I would love to try this. Instructions here.


I especially love this hip wreath idea from the magazine Cottage Living. The instructions are so simple — you use a square frame for the form! and I love the green berries. I also think using nontraditional holiday colors is a great way to keep things interesting. Cottage Living also has some great ideas for filling window boxes and planters with fresh greenery here.


This is a unique wreath using fresh greenery and simple ball ornaments. It would be fun to see this on someone’s door.


Using faux leaves and berries can also be exquisite — and usable year after year with little or no maintenance. I am amazed at how real some of them look! My friend Megan has had a wreath like this on her front door in the past. The red made a great statement on her black door. Instructions to make this one found here.




And there are a million options for purchase out there. These amazing ones are from Restoration Hardware. There are similar ones available for $25 at Target.

How will you adorn your door this year?

Top wreath available from Smith and Hawken.

Potholder as Floor Covering

I can't believe how much this potholder rug by Crispina appeals to me. So simple and so smart. How did someone not think of this before? Sort of like a classic rag rug, but way and a half cooler. And at a full one-inch thick, way and a half more plush. I am dying to see and feel one of these in person.

Crispina makes them in loads of colors and sizes (even custom colors and sizes), but I am especially digging the bright colors in the one they make for Romp — perfect for a playroom.

Maude will be delighted to see these as well.

Aster+Sage Handbag — Giveaway-A-Day 11/22

Find the winner for yesterday's Giveaway at the bottom of this post.
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You know how you're about to do a whole bunch of shopping and crazy errands over the next month? And you know how sad your handbag is looking? How about a new one?! The Felt Goddess at Aster+Sage is sending the winner of today's Giveaway A FAB, FAB, FAB BLUE NINA HANDBAG!!!!




This bag is perfect. Just enough room for the mom-on-the-go. Just the right shape. Just the right design. Everything at Aster+Sage is eye-catching and graphic and bright and fun and I'm in love. I first saw their super-cool handiwork at the Gift Show last August and have day-dreamed about it a dozen times since. Home stuff. Handbags. More accessory bags than you can shake a stick at. Warning: your screen may not be able to handle the awesomeness.

Love their pillows.


Love their handbags.



Love their jewelry envelopes.


Love their organizers.


Love their phone/Ipod cases.


Linda Yesline, a Rhode Island School of Design grad, is the girl behind Aster+Sage. Turns out all that construction paper cutting & pasting she did in kindergarten translates really well into textile design. Quality materials. Quality construction. Crisp, clean forms. Three cheers for Linda!

Aster+Sage handbags and accessories are available in shops in the United States and Canada. But Design Mom readers can order online by emailing Aster+Sage.

Hot stuff. Order now before Target/Garnet Hill figures out they should be carrying this stuff. You'll be like, "Aster+Sage? I was already a customer back in 2006."

Thank you, Aster+Sage!
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Giveaway Reminders:
-You have until midnight EST today to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment on this post to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced FRIDAY morning.
-What's Giveaway-A-Day? Read here.
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The winner of the Lucky Piggies 11/21 Giveaway is:
Sandy who commented: "Those are so cute I could just eat them up! Actually, I have two little pairs of piggies that would be very cozy in those!" (at 10:14pm EST).
Congratulations Sandy! Please email me your shipping address by using the email link on my blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!! See you on Friday!!!

Perfect Floor Plan — by Guest Mom Rebecca Rather

Before we moved from NY to KS, in anticipation of buying a house, Design Mom and I had frequent conversations about the perfect floor plan. After living in numerous apts/houses (I think most of us have), I have learned what I like and dislike in a house. The problem is that I am drawn to older homes which often don’t have some of the easy-living amenities that I would love. So the question is, do I get a house with a lot of character and only a few amenities, or find a brand-spanking new house with not much character but lots of modern conveniences?

One of the things I feel I must have is a good mudroom.




It would be so great to have a good big space where we all enter the house (whether it be through the front door or the garage) to drop off all of our piles of stuff — especially after school. I have never lived in a place that has sufficient storage in a convenient place for shoes, backpacks, hats, gloves, umbrellas, etc. In my ideal mudroom, each person would have their own spot at their own height to unload their belongings and each item would have its own place. I’m getting giddy just thinking about it! I like some of these good-looking storage options.


I love the idea of lockers. These are from Sundance Catalog and look fabulous.


There are a variety of lockers found on ebay, as well. You can find these red ones here.


These cubbies, also from Sundance, would provide some good storage possibilities for extra hats and gloves, or even sports equipment.


I think these metal storage baskets from Land of Nod are really fantastic.

I would also love to have a computer/calendar station in the kitchen and a laundry room right next to the bedrooms. The funny thing is, we’ve just found a house that we may decide to buy and it has neither of
these. But it does have a good mudroom possibility, hardwood floors (which is a must — carpet spells
disaster in our household), and a lot of character.

What would you include in your perfect floor plan? (I would sure love the ideas!)

Child-Like Coat Hangers

Love these coat hangers for children by Pakhuis Oost. Especially the yellow. Pretty fantastic.

Available at Rose and Radish.