Liza and I first met Priscilla Harris and Kim Beladi, when we were frantically looking for someone to shoot photos for our StyleBlueprint Gift and Accessory show.

Girls just wanna' have fun! Carol Fails and Betsy Cunagin at the Gifts and Accessories Show.

We knew the best way to get everyone “jazzed” to shop the next day was to share photos of the opening night.  Experience has taught me that impromptu crowd shots are tough–either you end up getting the back of people’s heads (like my wedding reception photos) or you’re stuck with with staged photos. (Flip through various Nashville publications if you want examples.) The art of capturing the in-between moment –a phrase coined by Priscilla– as if you’re an invisible guest, not the hired gun, is where genius lives. And it is this ability that describes the essence of these two seasoned photographers.

When it comes to vintage jewelry, we just say, "how much?"

Seeing them in action, we understood exactly what Priscilla described. Our guests felt completely at ease with these two top-notch photographers, as evidenced by these shots.

After all these blogs, Liza and Elizabeth are still having fun.

Priscilla and Kim, have one truly competitive advantage: they are both moms. With a keen eye and patient demeanor, each clicks away, capturing those wonderful images that are natural, spontaneous and anything BUT contrived.

Full disclosure - Kathleen is my niece and godchild.

Come on guys, just give us a smile.

When Priscilla told us about her picture parties, we thought, “Now, that’s a brilliant idea.” Here’s how it works: you, as the hostess, provide the location and invite a bunch of your friends and neighbors over for a photo session. They spend less on sitting fees while you earn credits towards your purchase. It is a Tupperware party of sorts, but instead of taking home plastic containers, your friends walk away with priceless photos of their loved ones, having had a good time to boot. This idea works for me for a couple of reasons. Since I am a huge procrastinator (i.e. mailing Christmas cards in late February), their picture parties are a huge motivator to get it done! Also, there are some gorgeous gardens in Nashville (mine isn’t one of them), so you can snap the photos in someone else’s lovely yard and come away with a wonderful portrait.

Where is this field located? Gorgeous setting, gorgeous girls.

Priscilla and Kim will shoot your family inside in a studio setting if that is what you’re looking for. In addition, Priscilla adores photographing those special moments that chronicle peoples’ lives, like baptisms, prom parties, engagements and weddings. And, they especially enjoy photographing children. Take a look at some of best shots from their Facebook page.

Nashville has some great photographers and we so enjoy showing you our favorites.  Priscilla and Kim are definitely in that category.

Priscilla and Kim are offering StyleBlueprint readers a special deal: You can book a regular session which usually runs $200 for only $100.  You must use it by December 2011, perfect timing for your holiday cards. In addition, Priscilla and Kim will offer a $50 print credit for any session booked and completed during the months of April, May and June. Space is limited so you need to call today: 615.498.3880 or www.kandpphotography.com.

Meet the McLeods - all six of them. Yes, they are relatives!

Be sure to see our StyleBlueprint Deal today: F. Scott’s Table 3 Sunday Brunch, $20 for $40. Click here.

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Valentines can be so much more than red roses.  It can be as simple as taking the time to tell your friends that they mean the world to you.  Perhaps it’s cooking your kids a special breakfast and hugging on them a little longer.  Or, it can be a day that you pull out all the stops and really get romantic.  But for me, it’s a day where I embrace my family and remember to let it be known that without my husband and children, I would be so empty.  They each give me such joy every single day. I’ve always bucked the romantic side of Valentine’s Day as I don’t like the idea of forced affection, but the day does seem to have grown on me each year.  A lot of red & pink and love & giggles is fun during the gloomy late winter months.  Here are some things that have caught my eye as Valentine’s Day approaches:

At Bella Linea, these pillows capture my eye each time I am there!

Another Peace & Love item I saw was in the Sundance Catalog.  I keep thinking I’ll have time to make something similar as I want this, but a little bigger:

Isn't this adorable? Click picture to see it at the Sundance website.

I always associate leopard print in the same light as Valentine’s Day: too much kinda gags me while just right is classy and perfect.  This cashmere/silk scarf at The Perfect Pair is the just right kind:

If I did not have 2 8-month old kittens, this would be mine. $245.

I like to make homemade Valentines with my kids each year.  I’m thinking about heading to Michael’s to buy the supplies needed for my girls to make these cool felt bracelets for their friends.  The boys will just get a card, and I’ll have to come up with a different craft for my 6-year-old son, or just buy the Star Wars ones….

Aren't these fun for tween girls? For info on how to make them, click this picture.

Chocolates really do make everyone happy.  Well, most everyone.  I love the truffles from The Cocoa Tree made right here in Nashville:

Picture from the blog "another food critic."

Here is the way the Graves’ start Valentine’s Day: love in the form of eggs.

This is not hard to make - use lots of butter - your kids will LOVE it!

Elizabeth:

With a house full of “girlies,” Valentine’s Day is always about pink, a little more pink and all-out shoutin’ pink.  They love to make special cards embellished with candy hearts and usually, they make an extra-special one for my husband and me.  I agree with Liza when she says Valentine’s Day is a time of gratitude and remembrance– a good time to smell the roses, if you were lucky enough to get some!  Valentine’s Day(in my wildest dreams) makes me want to curl up in front of a roaring fire, with a good glass of port and read Sonnets from the Portuguese-14 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning or watch Wuthering Heights as Heathcliffe claws his way to his lover, Catherine. If we do anything of importance in 2011, it should be connecting with our family and friends more. It will make you happier in the long run and probably add a couple of years to your life.  But truth be told–it is fun to see what’s out there in the world of Valentine treats.  Here are some of my favorites.

You can’t go wrong with these fruit tartlettes from Whole Foods in the Hill Center.  A real bargain at 99 cents each, they are perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth on Valentine’s Day.

Fruit Tarlettes for your Valentine's Day tart.

If you Google Peppercotton Jewelry, you’ll find Patrick Culpepper and Aurelia Cotton are the rock stars of jewelers, with their designs in  nylon mesh tubing filled with loose Swarovski and vintage Czech crystals.  These two have hit the big time with press coverage in several national publications including Seventeen and New York Magazines.  But I love their work because of Patrick’s Nashville connection – namely his Aunt Tanza – who is a good friend of mine. Stay tuned for information on Peppercotton’s trunk show planned in Nashville on March 3-4th.  I have seen their work up close and personal and it’s divine.

Delighful and decadent--necklace by Peppercotton

I have collected handbags forever under the guise of handing over my treasured collection to my daughters one day.  They will probably be minimalists and shun the notion of anything collectible, but these clutches from Gus Mayer are worthy of my collection–any day.

A perfect clutch for Valentine's Day

Since Rebecka Vaughan is planning to do a Style Blueprint Deal in late March, I couldn’t resist giving you a peek at her best selling bra, Deauville from Prima Donna.  This bra is the Rolls Royce of bras – gorgeous and seductive with a timeless appeal. If this bra doesn’t get a certain someone’s attention, throw in the towel and call it a day.  Seriously, this line makes me drool.

"Hello, handsome...it's Valentine's Day"

xoxoxo

Liza and Elizabeth

P.S. Love yourself and check out our deal today with Digs Interiors. Seriously one of our hands down favorite stores.  $24 for $50: www.deal.styleblueprint.com

© 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Francie:

For busy women, there are few things better than one-stop shopping. And for one-stop gift shopping in Nashville, it’s hard to beat You’re Invited. This store carries a wide variety of merchandise across an affordable price range, which makes it possible to find a gift for just about anyone!

Here are some ideas for eight occasions when you need a gift:

Baby Shower: Find something for every baby and mother among diaper bags, burp cloths, blankets, travel pillows, photo albums, books, puzzles, growth charts, stuffed animals, and many other adorable items.

This section of the baby gifts has guitar onesies that are perfect for Nashville babies.

Young Girl’s Birthday: Cute bottle cap necklaces, backpacks, lunch bags, tote bags, picture frames, bulletin boards, piggy banks, and diaries make for happy birthday girls. While I was taking these pictures, I overheard a mother saying this was her girls’ favorite place to come spend their money.

We all know at least one girl (she may be a grown girl) who needs this bag!

Your Best Girlfriend’s birthday: Give her a practical Hobo purse or wallet, a luxurious pair of Bedhead Pajamas, or a unique piece of handmade jewelry.  Any of these gifts will be tempting to keep for yourself!

All of this beautiful jewelry is made by local artists.

Family Birthday Party: There are numbered candles (much cuter than the ones in the grocery store!), cupcake decorations, and paper products, as well as painted plates and ice cream scoops you can keep for all of your family’s birthday celebrations.

The “It’s All about Me” plate on the far left can be used for all sorts of special family days.

Stock the Bar Party: Choose from wine stoppers and coasters to many styles of glassware that can be personalized. All of these would also make great hostess gifts.

Every SEC fan’s bar needs a team serving piece.

Wedding: Brides will love the Gail Pittman Pottery, monogrammed china, and my personal favorite, Beatriz Ball’s handmade metalware. The trays and bowls are gorgeous, and I have a napkin holder that is pretty enough to double as a candy dish.

These Beatriz Ball pieces are beautiful and practical—they never tarnish and can be put in the freezer and oven.

Thanksgiving: In addition to items specific for the holiday, such as turkey napkins and place cards with holders (call me old-fashioned, but I am a big fan of place cards), treat your host (or yourself if you’re the cook!) to a cute apron, lovely picture frame, or monogrammed hand towels.

An angel or cross is the perfect gift for someone you are thankful for.

Christmas Party: Whether you need to decorate your own house or take a gift to someone else, you’ll find plenty of choices: coasters, serving pieces, stocking holders, placemats, matches (one of SB’s top 5 gifts for girlfriends, hostesses, and teachers last year), ornaments, snowmen, wine glasses, cocktail napkins and holders, and much more. There’s even a skirt for your Elf on the Shelf!

Check out the stylish reindeer.

In addition to gifts for almost everyone on your list, You’re Invited also has a huge stationery selection. There are in-stock invitations for every occasion. Printing is done in 3 to 5 days, and can be as fast as 24 hours if you’re in a hurry and can approve the proof quickly. They also carry several great lines that can be ordered, including wedding invitations. If you haven’t ordered your Christmas cards yet, they have enough options to suit everyone’s taste (trust me on this, I looked at most of the choices before picking mine). They also carry note cards, notepads, pens, gift tags, greeting cards, and other stationery products.

There are more than 75 Christmas and holiday invitations in stock, which will inspire you to plan a party.

The wonderful people who work at You’re Invited are even better than all the fabulous merchandise in the store. Anna Reynolds Peebles, who has owned the store since May 2009, is delightful. She also has seemingly boundless energy—she managed to buy the store and plan her wedding at the same time! You’re Invited has been open for more than 10 years, and the entire staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Meet them at their Holiday Open House TONIGHT, November 18, from 5 to 8 pm (see THIS WEEK for more details)

• You’re Invited
• 5133 Harding Pike, Suite C3
• Nashville, TN 37205
• 615.353.5520

www.yistationery.com

You’re Invited!  Look for the pink awning.

A special thanks to Francie Likis!

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

There are a ton of reasons to be happy that Anatra agreed to be a sponsor in November.  Here are a few off the top of my head:

• All their earrings (what a selection!) are 20% off this month, with the mention of StyleBlueprint!
• Anatra’s design team has a great eye for objects of beauty — whatever the age: If you’d like a piece of your grandmother’s jewelry updated or redesigned, they understand how to transform a gorgeous piece into something even more compelling.
• Anatra’s “wish-list” works – it’s what I call the 1-2-3 punch: you find it, they scan it, then he buys it.

Chalcendony earring looks beautiful in all colors.

If you're a client of the "closet girls" you know they love hoops.

Original 1980's Nugget Ring

One of five re-created necklaces from that ring above!

A single diamond mount from that same ring. Don't you love the simplicity?

A few weeks ago I stopped by to meet with the owner Maria Fouce and her marketing guru Katherine to work out the details of their sponsorship.  Since I adore jewelry, I couldn’t be happier about the meeting place.  Anatra Jewel is serious eye candy.

As I sat down to talk with them, I reflected on my past career.  I cut my teeth in sales and management and went on to be a consultant or insult-ant as one of our clients so eloquently deemed us.   What I learned from my consulting days is this: the vibe starts at the top.   What I mean is this: the person at the top determines what’s important in a company.  If the top dog loves computers, then the company embraces technology; if the boss gets in at 8:30 a.m., then the ranks file in about 8:29 a.m., and so forth.   The personality of the leader of the pack resonates throughout the company.

I mention this because I felt an instant connection with the owner Maria.  She is unassuming and willing to tell her story: why she went from being a hairdresser in Los Angeles to owning one of the nicest boutique jewelry stores in Nashville.  Suffice it to say, there was lots of blood, sweat and tears in the transition, but she figured it out.  Maria is one tough cookie.  Through all this, Maria has created a nurturing and fun place to work.  I promise, you will feel the good vibe.

Katherine, Troy, and Maria.

Basically, Maria surveyed the landscape in town and saw an unfilled niche in jewelry stores: boutiques where women can feel comfortable shopping for themselves.  Rather than focusing on the ultra high-end market, she has zeroed in on stylish jewelry women can justify buying for themselves.

This necklace is a great "wish list" wish!

If you’re like me, you rarely buy jewelry for yourself.  I’m not sure if this is a “southern thing” or a universal thing about women’s buying habits.  Even if we are traditionalists and let our husbands or boyfriends buy for us, we know there is only a 50-50 chance that he’ll get it. Right?  (We know they all have great taste; they picked us to hang out with, didn’t they? But jewelry is really tricky.)  We’ve all fallen prey to the trap of selecting a piece of jewelry for a friend or loved one, only to see when they open the box that it was wrong — all wrong.

Stackable rings are great alone or with your other rings.

Here’s where Maria’s vision comes in.  She decided to make it easy for women to buy for themselves with her prices and selection of jewelry. She loves to see mothers and daughters shopping together, as if to say, “It’s OK to buy it, honey.”

These rings are exquisite.

Maria’s wish list system works.  Anatra will scan the items you love and keep them on file.  Instead of throwing down lame hints to your hubby, you murmur, “Sweetie, why don’t you pop by Anatra, I found a couple of things I like.”

You’ll hear your husband breathe a sigh of relief and you will find your perfect gift under the tree.

You may call fowl, “BAH-HUMBUG. Where’s the surprise element?”

Here’s my thought:  we all have too much stuff anyway, and at a certain age you just want what you want.  And that’s perfectly OK.  The thought of my husband wandering the stores looking for my Christmas present is not the best use of his time.  I’d rather be at a movie or sipping a martini with him.

Stop by.  You’ll see that this place is special.  And, for fine jewelry, their prices are really great.

Anatra is located just past the Hwy 70/100 split, on HWY 100, near the Belle Meade Bread & Company.  For more information, see their website: www.anatrajewel.com.

Oh, and did you see the $650 Robin Haley gold cross pendant necklace that Anatra is giving away this week to one lucky StyleBlueprint reader?  Oh, yeah.  Check out the details HERE.

Happy Shopping!

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© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Fast forward to the present where they are making serious inroads in the gift and accessory market.  Their new venture Cake Vintage Table & Home is smokin’ with retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and NapaStyle carrying the line.

In fact, Anthropologie just gave them the nod and said, “We want to partner with you in a big way.”

Their whimsical gift items like guest towels, hostess aprons and dessert plates are staples of the store and make perfect gifts for almost any occasion.  What we are so excited about is their new line of Kitchen papers for serving, including placemats, napkins and recipe books. The doilies we all loved under our grandmothers’ desserts have been retrofitted and re-designed.  Add a little modern bling to your look and use these for bridal showers, hostess gifts and your own personal parties.

One huge advantage of Cake Vintage Table & Home is the pricing; everything is super-affordable.  What I love most about all of their designs is they are both nostalgic and chic in the same breath.

If you’re like me, your social calendar is starting to ramp up, so plan to stock up with a variety of goodies to give as a small “happy” to say thank you.  With over 20 items to choose from, all at under $20, you can put together a gorgeous gift basket for under $50.

If you love their paper goods, then you will go bonkers for the lighting.  The “tea party” light will be in the Anthropologie catalog– it’s got that Alice in Wonderland meets Elton John feel that I can see it in many settings, from your daughter’s bedroom to a wonderful butler’s pantry.  Their lighting collection is created from vintage doorplates, flatware, and other vintage pieces.

Cake Vintage Table & Home and Knobstoppers share the same roof and this means one destination for you get 20% off this month!  Out of town?  Shop online and get 20% off with the code Styleblueprint20. While I was in their store Angie said, “I would love for your readers to see our new store. Why don’t we give the first 100 persons who visit a free placemat set.”   Great idea!

Liza and I gave these away as door prizes at our consignment sale last year and everyone was seriously conflicted—should I keep them for myself or give them away as a hostess gift?  With over 50 sheets in each pad, and seven designs, this is a real treat at $20.  But, we all love FREE!

Paper placemat pads

For those of you who love china (OK, I have four sets of china; that would be me!), Cake Vintage Table & Home has tons of patterns including dinner and dessert dishes.  It’s perfectly fine to mix up your china and silver patterns in one place setting.  Why not?  It’s like adding layers to your outfit – each layer reflects your personal style.   With tons of patterns to choose from, Cake Vintage Table & Home gives you an affordable outlet to create your own look.

Also, Cake Vintage offers an extensive collection of vintage silver-plated flatware, trays, teapots and other accessories including hand made linens.

What a great idea for a wedding gift—a basket of dessert plates, placemats and silver- plated dessert forks.

Don’t forget KnobStoppers (vintage doorknob wine stoppers) for the men in your life. Their vintage doorknob wine stoppers, pool ball and golf ball stoppers make  great stocking stuffers.

Oh-one more thing for being a StyleBlueprint reader: Mention you are a StyleBlueprint subscriber and receive free gift boxing for all the great gifts that you will find here.

Cake Vintage Table & Home and Knobstoppers can be found at 1707 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203.  For those of you who have lived here a while, it’s where the old Porter Paints was – on that section of Broadway that  forks off towards 21st Avenue.

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

My husband and I have been invited to join friends at their mountain cabin over Labor Day weekend.  I am so appreciative of the invitation and want to bring a nice hostess gift and some goodies for the group. Since we will be hiking all day, I want to be able to quickly reheat or even microwave it. Do you have a good recipe that uses fresh ingredients?  I love soups! Thanks so much.

Becky, Belmont neighborhood

Dear Becky,

I have several end-of-summer recipes that will wow your guests.  These are tried and true; I promise your guests will be clamoring for the recipes.  Please feel free to share the recipes with your guests – that alone is a true gift.

Nothing says summer (or any season!) better than a well-mixed gin and tonic garnished with a lime.  I absolutely adore the combination of Hendrick’s gin with Fever-Tree Indian Water tonic.  Combined, they create a delicious flavor. I love tonic in the small bottles because they never lose their fizz.

This soup is so simple and tasty. Buy cucumbers and fresh dill from your local farmers’ market—it makes a huge difference. This can be served as an appetizer in a small cup once you return from your hike.  A dill or cucumber garnish is a must!

Lucy’s Cucumber Soup

• 1qt. buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 medium cucumbers
• 1 small onion or some green onion
• 1 T Ranch dressing
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Pinch of dill
• Peel cucumbers and scoop out seeds.

Add all together and blend in blender.

It’s better when made a least 1 day – preferably 2 days – ahead.

I promise this is the best Pimento Cheese you’ll ever taste.  I served it while on my family vacation and everyone asked for more. Don’t underestimate the addition of vinegar; it gives it a wonderful zing.  Where typical pimento cheese can get boring, this version will titillate your taste buds—cross my heart.

Amy’s Pimento Cheese

• 1 bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 jar pimento, drained ( not the tiny jar, but the next largest size)
• Walnuts or slivered almonds
• Sliced green olives, drained
• Hellman’s real mayo

Stir it all up, chill and chow down……..

My sisters and I have certain cookbooks we just love. The Tomato Basil Pie recipe below came from one of our favorite cookbooks, Heart and Soul published by the Junior League of Memphis. If you ever have the opportunity to buy one on eBay, do it!  They are hard to find, but worth every penny.  I promise there is not a bad recipe in this book.  I made this last night and substituted Panko crumbs for the crackers which added a nice crunch.

Tomato Basil Pie

• 1 9-inch frozen unbaked deep-dish crust
• 3-4 medium tomatoes, sliced, drained, and patted dry
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup crushed rich round crackers

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Thaw pie crust for 10 minutes at room temperature. Arrange some of the tomato slices in pie crust to form a single layer.  Lightly season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with some of bacon and basil.  Repeat layering, using remaining tomato slices, salt, pepper, bacon and basil.  Combine Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise and spread over tomatoes. Sprinkle with crushed crackers.  Bake for 30 minutes or until crumbs begin to brown. Makes 6-8 servings.

AshBlue in Bandywood has lovely hostess gifts, check out their selection of hostess napkins and holders.

Happy Labor Day!

Elizabeth, StyleBlueprint

Each Thursday we answer one question from a reader for both StyleBlueprint and the Her Q’s blog found at HerNashville.com. We also answer two questions each Tuesday just on the Her Q’s blog.  Please send us your questions at: email@styleblueprint.com

© 2010 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

We sold our family home of 48 years, at 1594 Vinton Avenue in Memphis, when my Mom died. Needless to say, it was a gut-wrenching experience. If you think about the memories you have invested in a single address from birthday parties, proms, illnesses, weddings and sadly, funerals – it is mind-boggling. Our house on Vinton was the “go-to” house for parties, school projects and meetings. I guess when it came to opening our front doors, we couldn’t say “no.”  One of my prized possessions is a gift from my sister-in-law, a charming rendering of our family home.

Don’t you agree that the homes featured below capture Janetta’s whimsical and wonderful use of watercolor?  Making your painting into a set of note cards, or Christmas cards, is a great way to get even more fulfillment out of your new art.

Many of you may know Janetta. She is a tireless leader in Nashville’s philanthropic circles with deep roots in town as she was born and raised in Nashville.
I first met her at an art show and, since I adore watercolors, I was immediately drawn to her work. She works in an impressionistic style and loves to splash color here and there. Janetta has a knack for going to the heart of the matter and discovering what is most important to the families whose homes she paints. She was trained as a nurse and wonders if her work ultimately has a healing effect on the people who buy it. She considers Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, and Henry Caselli to be influential in her painting style. And back to her home town roots, she was encouraged to draw by Betty Partee and Vicki Bartholomew at Harpeth Hall. Janetta’s all-time dearest guru of style is Dana Sherrard.

When I asked Janetta to talk about her paintings and thoughts on painting homes, she mused,

“Homes are such interesting extensions of their owners. I see them as sacred space for a family, shaping thoughts, memories and dreams. The personalities of houses and their gardens are of endless fascination to me, and I’ve actually been painting them here in Nashville and throughout the Southeast ever since I was seventeen!”

I hope you enjoy your portrait as much I love mine.

For more information, including prices, contact Janetta Fleming at #476-6543 or through email  janetta@comcast.net

Auld Alliance Gallery:  #352-5522

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© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Liza: My Top 5 Things

Mingle Earrings. While I love all our local jewelers, my eyes set upon these a couple weeks ago and ever since they have haunted my dreams.  Je les adore. $160  The Perfect Pair.

iPhone Battery Extender Carrying Case. I would love to get this.  So cool and so practical.  If I get it, my kids can play all they want as I will have 6 – 7 hours more of internet time, 350 hours more of standby time, or 28 hours more of music…just by using this case!  Click here if you want one. $99.95

Family Vacation. Money to go back to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for Thanksgiving 2010. Know of a deal?  Send it my way.  We went for Thanksgiving 2007 and we really want to go back.  If you want a great family vacation, without a water slide in site, this is a good one

At the Botanical Gardens in San Miguel. Otherwise, this city is very colonial in nature with 500 year old cobblestone streets.

Laser Treatments. Laser off all my armpit, upper lip and bikini hair.  I hate shaving and waxing.  I want it all gone.  Then, maybe I’ll do my legs.  Stay tuned….I’m investigating and will post more about what laser to choose in 2010…..

Bridge Lessons. Have you heard about the huge resurgence that Bridge is enjoying?  I love card games: poker, hearts, spades, rummy….solitaire.  Sadly, I do not know how to play Bridge.  Local aficionado, Julie Walker, has beginner lessons starting in January 5th through March 2nd.  You can take her two hour class either from 9:30-11:30AM or 12:30-2:30PM, whichever fits your schedule.  The course is $145.  If you want in, email Julie at juliewwalker@comcast.net

Elizabeth: My Top 5 Things

Not sure if I’ve been naughty or nice, but here are a couple of things that sure would look wonderful under my tree:  I think I will go with the utilitarian item first

A Mandolin. (Sorry Liza, the one you gave me didn’t work and then I accidentally ground up one of the blades in the garbage disposal)  A mandolin is a sophisticated apparatus that cuts potatoes oh-so-thin. The main reason I want one is Elizabeth James gave me the Splendid Table cookbook (a great gift by the way) and I love the Turmeric Caramelized Onion Potatoes. They truly are to die for.  Williams- Sonoma has great mandolins for about $200 in their recent catalog

A mandolin is great if you like sliced paper- thin potatoes

French Scarf from Zelda’s. Seriously if I won the lottery, my first stop would be Zelda’s.  I love the store and the clothes are beautiful. They are works of art and timeless in their own right. But, since I did not win the lottery, I love this scarf for $138

These French scarves are gorgeous and come in so many colors.

Margaret Ellis Necklace. My husband has given some gorgeous Margaret Ellis rings and a necklace in the past but I think this pearl necklace in 24 carat gold  would fit in my stocking quite nicely… I love that it can be worn so many different ways.  Margaret Ellis

Isn't this pearl and 24 carat gold necklace beautiful?

Jo Malone Perfume. I discovered Jo Malone years ago while on a trip to NYC with my girlfriends.  My did we have fun mixing and matching the various scents.  Scent mixing in the trademark of the brand and it works.  I like the idea of French Lime for Christmas this year.  If you order by the 18th of December, standard shipping still applies!  www.jomalone.com

Mixing fragrances to create your own is Jo Malone's edge

A Weekend in Nashville with my Husband. If you have never done this, try it. Book a room at the Hermitage or Hutton Hotel on a weekend when there is a great show in town .  David Sedaris is coming in April to the Ryman or even catch David Gray’s show in the month.  Get a martini before at the hotel and head over to the Midtown Cafe where they will shuttle you downtown.  You could always eat a late meal at the Palm– guaranteed for happening fun, then stroll back to the hotel.  Promise, it  does your soul good to be a tourist in your own town.

Husband plus Hutton Hotel weekend is a good combo!

Plum Charm Bracelet. OK, I am sorry, but I need to add one more item.   I love this bracelet from Plum Charm Bracelets and here is why:  It reminds me so much of my father who spent time as a teenager in Mexico.  I remember there was a bracelet he gave my Mom from Mexico.  It had all the qualities of the one below– gorgeous patina of the silver and old world quality.  They don’t make them like this anymore!

Happy Holidays!

© 2009 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Hostess Gifts

1) Case of Wine. Buy a case of your favorite red or white in a comfortable price range.  You’ll get a case discount and have 12 bottles ready to give.  Tie on a bow and go.  I know it’s not particularly interesting, but it’s always appreciated and always used.  Just buy the case upfront so you’re not scrambling last minute.  Elizabeth’s favorite bottle of red wine is Plungerhead Zin at about $15 a bottle with a 98 Robert Parker rating!  Liza’s favorite $10.99 bottle of white wine is: Raimat Vina 24 from the coast of Spain, with a 90 Robert Parker Rating.  Liza thought she didn’t like white wine, but this one has convinced her otherwise.  See comments below for great deals at The Wine Chap.

Raimat Vina 24 2008

Plungerhead Zinfandel 2007

2) Match Sticks. The long sturdy match sticks are my favorite.  They are cheapest at Manor and a la Maison at just $3.50 per box.  Take two and wrap some fake berry garland around it, slip your calling card on top and voila!  Don’t be fooled by the picture, this box is just over four inches long x 2 inches wide.  Who knew luxury could come in the form of a match?

3) Ornament. Handmade snowman ornament by StyleBlueprint favorite Jason Parker Counce; available at Digs $14 and $24.

4) Specialty Salts. a la Maison, Ashblue, Whole Foods.  A friend gave me some Vignalta salt, from Italy, earlier this year as a Hostess gift and I think of her with fondness whenever I use it, which is about everyday!  For the Vignalta salt, click here.

5) Granola Bark. At just $4.99, the dog lover host will be so appreciative that you thought of their four legged family member(s).  Plus, this won’t add an ounce of fat to a friends thighs…and they are a healthy treat for dogs made by local company Two Good Dogs.  We love local.  Available at Fido, The Green Wagon and Caldwell Collection.  See comments below for how to order a sample FOR FREE.  Granola Barks

Girlfriends Top 5:

1) DVD’s. How long has it been since you have seen The Philadelphia Story?  It’s just about the best movie ever made….and it’s great to watch with girlfriends.  The Philadelphia Story

2) Blackberry Farm Cookbook. I can’t figure out if the pictures are the best part or the recipes.  I guess that’s just like Blackberry Farm: is the food the best part or the warmth that envelopes you while there?  Available at Davis Kidd $60.

3) Lip Gloss.  I you hadn’t noticed, almost all of us LOVE lip gloss and are hugely happy anytime someone gives us some.  Trish Mcevoy, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Lip Fusion are my favorites, but there are tons of great ones out there.  You can hit Sephora at The Mall at Green Hills or at the new Kiosk at the Galleria.  Also, hit local stores Woo Skincare & Cosmetics, Private Edition, or The Cosmetic Market.

4) Be Green Not Mean. With the theory that you can never have too many bags, this one is particularly great.  Available at Caldwell Collection $28

5) Your Favorite Book. What was your favorite book you read this past year?  Liza’s was Love Walked In by Maria De Los Santos.  Elizabeth’s was  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows (don’t let the title scare you off; it’s an amazing book)  Who doesn’t love to read a good book with a nice inscription from a dear friend?

Teachers

We completely endorse gift certificates for teachers.  We polled many; all came back practically the same.  Here are our top 5.

• Starbucks
• Tickets for two to the movies
• Cheekwood pass for the year
• Pedicure
• The Parent-Teacher Store

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

image courtesy of funny site Post Secret

1) Hand-made Ceramic Bowl. Available in Nashville exclusively at Digs: $85.  This is the perfect size to hold a side dish on the dinner table, a pile of soaps in the powder room, or placed stylishly atop a stack of large books on a coffee table.  Digs Interiors also carries serving platters far larger (up to $350) in this same line as well as sauce bowls for just $25. (Digs JUST moved and opened next to the Crowe’s Nest on Bandywood.)  Allison Evans

2) Nashville by Design: Architectural Treasures. Bob Schatz’s latest book full of his fabulous photography.  Text by Christine Kreyling; With 170 pages and 244 color photographs, this book will not just lay dead on a coffee table.  It will be picked up, loved and possibly dog eared with time. Available at Caldwell Collection: $48.95

3) Cashmere. Cashmere anything, but how about cashmere slippers?  Bluefly currently has brown, grey and black by Kashmere for $60.99 reduced from $120.  MIL doesn’t need to know you bought them on sale.  Available in s/m.  White + Warren makes some eco-cashmere slippers and they are the cutest slippers featured here.  These are not dyed but retain the beauty of natural cashmere.  Available from SimplySoles.com for $175 in small, large and x-large, but sold out in medium.  However, medium is the only size available at the White+Warren Website — so we’ve got you covered!  Restoration Hardware may be the steal of day with their Cashmere Slippers on sale for just 34.99.

bluefly $60.99

White+Warren $175 eco-cashmere

Restoration Hardware $34.99

4) Sour Cream Caramel Cake. There are some that truly don’t need anything else,”stuff” wise, but they always love yummy treats.  What could be more tasty than a Leland Riggins Caramel cake?  Website states that 48 hours are needed to make the cake.  As the Holidays approach, I’d order a week out just to be sure.  Cakes can be shipped….$39.  Leland Riggins’ Dessert Designs

5) Terrarium. How pretty is this?  Includes all the plants inside and you don’t have to have a green thumb for these plants to thrive.  In fact, ideally, they will thrive without anything beyond the initial water as they make their own little eco-system in there!  20″ x 10″ this terrarium is quite large- don’t let the picture fool you $145.  AshBlue

6) Painting. A watercolor painting of the family, or the grand kids, by Susan Underwood.  These faceless beauties are total steals starting at $135.  See below.  Aren’t they great?  Email her your photo (check website for details) and get her your check by Dec 12th and you can give your MIL, or your own mom, a special piece of original art that she will surely love.  I’m actually ordering one of my husband with our son for his Christmas present.  I hope he doesn’t read this and ruin the surprise.  Ask Susan to open a paypal account so we can all pay online.  But a snail mail check is worth the time to get one of these lovelies ordered: www.susanwoodardwatercolors.com

7) Low Country Candle. From Spruce, in Brentwood.  Candles are a hard one for our mother-in-laws as the packaging is usually tiny and we want our gifts to be a bit bigger unless it is cashmere or jewelry.  These candles come boxed in a rather large and beautiful box.  I put my iPhone in the picture below so you can get a better sense of the box size.  Scents include: Spanish Moss (my favorite), Gulah, New Orleans and High Cotton.  Super eco-friendly and burns for 100+ hours. $50.  Low County Luxe Candle

8) Party to Go Tote. From Custom Embroidery.  This tote solves all the problems of how to carry loose items in the car in an organized fashion with no broken bottles!  Get it monogrammed for MIL to know how much you love her.  $30 includes that monogram.

9) Clarisonic. Skin Guru Tracey Harris introduced me to the Clarisonic and my skin has thanked her ever since.  Available at many local stores including Trace Skin Care, Maxwell Aesthetics and The Cosmetic Market. $195.  Clarisonic.

10)  Ornaments. Set of four glass ornaments, each encasing a different feather;  available at AshBlue for $24 each, or $96 for 4.  These just ooze “special”:

Happy Shopping!

© 2009 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Liza: Hmmmm, I’ll pass on that today, but I’ll be sure to tell Jay that I would love that under the tree….

Jay:  That is too cool.  It’s a gadget.  I think I’ll buy it.  I’d ask if you pitied me trying to find a gift each year except I know most of you are in the same boat.  So, here’s my list.  Consider it good for fathers, boyfriends and brothers as well.  I included all prices ranges.

BTW- that’s our theme this week: Lists of Gifts. Look for our Mother-in-Law top 10 and then Top 5′s on Wednesday for Girlfriends, Teachers, and Hostess gifts.

Top 10 List for Guys

1) Patagonia Cashmere Hoody. Decadent, soft, warm.  Perfect to wear to work, for drinks, or on the weekend.  Never pretentious and always dead-on perfect. He won’t buy this for himself, but he’ll wonder what he ever did without it.  $300.  Available in dark and light grey.  Buy a sweater fuzz razor to go with it to always keep it looking sharp.  Patagonia has great jackets and sweaters in the $100 range as well.  Patagonia Cashmere Hoody

2) Shaving Set. Sometimes our modernization of a routine actually is for the worse.  Point in case: a man’s shave.  Once upon a time, men took the time to lather up with a badger bristle brush, some good shaving cream and then shave with a great blade.  If your man takes the time to try this old fashioned way of shaving again, I’ve been told he will be hooked– especially in the low humidity winter months when men are often plagued with dry chapped facial skin.  What better company to fit this need than Truefitt and Hill, est. in 1805. So, tell you guy he needs some badger on his face and present him with this gift: the 1805 set for $130.  Other starter kits start as low as $69.  The samples for $9 on the website make great stocking stuffers.  For personal help and testimony to the power of the great shave, go buy yours at J Michaels, 2525 West End Avenue, 2nd floor, Nashville, TN.

3) Potato Cannon. What’s that you say?  Don’t know of the mighty potato cannon?  Neither did I until I married my man from Alabama and ever since, I have had a spectator seat watching all sorts of grown men turn into little boys when given the opportunity to launch a potato a couple hundred yards with the aid of some engineered PVC pipe.  To make your own basic model, the materials will cost you about $35 and much grief will follow.  You can surprise your guy with a classic standard potato cannon for just $55.

Clark Shell, owner of NeoSpud and recent graduate from Wake Forest has become a potato cannon guru.  I know he must be on some FBI watch list as his creations are oddly like the gadgets of the main bad dude from No Country for Old Men. Seriously, you might get scared when you look at his website.  But all these “weapons” are for spuds and paintballs, nothing else.  His cannons make my husband belly laugh like nothing else.  Did I mention that some of his creations can be hooked up to propane tanks to get a huge launch?

I really feel like “You are so Nashville if you….have a farm to invite your friends to.”  If that is you, or you have a big back yard, get your guy a potato cannon and watch his face light up wondering if Santa Claus really does exist.  Basic Potato Cannons can be ordered by December 20th for Christmas.  More involved and pricey cannons- you know the really cool ones- need to be ordered by December 13th.  Contact Clark through his NeoSpud website or email him at sales@neospud.com

4) Hatch Show Print. Known for hand-carved letter press posters, Hatch also has original pieces of art know as Mono-Prints.  I love these.  Guys seems to react even stronger to Hatch than women do.  I’m not sure why, but I think it’s all the hand carved bits to the letter press that intrigues them so much.  These mono-prints start at $110 and go as high as $1650.  You can get a good idea of what these look like online, but a trip down to Hatch, on lower Broad, will really show you their glory.  Hatch Show Print

26"x40" $650.

5) Vinturi Wine Aeroator. Never time to decant your wine? “Vinturi’s patent pending design speeds up this process with ease and convenience.  Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass.  Pour your just opened bottle of wine through this into your glass and it will automatically decant the wine.”  Pretty cool, huh?  Adding a nifty patent pending gadget to wine drinking; what’s not to love?  Available online or at both Bed, Bath and Beyond and at J Michaels Clothiers.  $39.95. Vinturi Wine Aerator

6) Orvis Double Old Fashioned Crystal Rocks Glasses. A great glass with substance.  I bet most of your plates and glasses are in your home because you love them.  Give him something that is inspired by him, but that you will also love $69.  Orvis

7) Gift Certificates. Gift certificate to REI (Brentwood) or Abernathy Road (2nd Avenue).  Money to spend at these two stores will have your guy happy as can be.  Trust us.  $50, $150 $250.  He will be happy and it will get used before the New Year is upon us! www.rei.com

8) Stock Car Racing. Not just a spectator sport.  How about giving him the gift of being able to DRIVE a real stock car for eight laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway?  Just $355.  If that is too much, he can go shotgun for three laps at 150 miles per hour for just $135.   Click here to find out more.

9) Dot Gloves. Women can be fashionably chic with fingerless gloves but that look doesn’t do so well for most guys.  Let your guy enjoy a Titans game in January while still being able to stay connected to his iPhone: Dots Gloves.  Cool Technology for a low price.  $25.  A great stocking stuffer at least. They are almost all sold out, but if your guy can wear a Medium, order today as I’m not sure if they will be around tomorrow!   Dots Gloves

10) Organized Closet. Gift Certificate for Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson to come clean out his side of the closet and pare it down.  Include money for two or four custom shirts and he will be set.  I know– closets……will he be happy to get this?  I bought this for my husband for Father’s Day and he was like “Um, OK.”  But, when they left he was thrilled and thankful.  With the exception of the Big Green Egg (ok, the only reason the BGE did not make this list is because I was trying to keep costs down and those are pricey!) the closet clean out was probably top dog in past gifts.  See this older post of ours for details about the service.  Custom shirts start at $150 + fabric but when bought in packs of four, you get a $15 discount per shirt.  Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

With the change from daylight savings time, and the start of  November, I find some fear creeping up within me. For instance, I ran into Target to grab some last-minute Halloween candy and there it was in all its glory:  a complete display of holiday paraphernalia– trees, tinsel, lights, tea towels, even some reindeer antlers for your dog.  Let’s face it, whether we’re ready or not, the official holiday season is here.

Being a blogger has made me a clipper. I clip interesting newspaper articles, catalog items and magazine pages.   About two months ago, I was getting a pedicure from the Goddess of Relaxation, Noy, and I saw an article in Los Angeles Magazine under the heading of Buzz Shopping.  There in the corner of the page was a darling honeybee jar in the shape of bee which came with a silver-plated scoop.   Honestly, it looked like something that could easily be found in the Tiffany gift catalog because of its silver-plated accents.  Underneath the caption was www.delight.com with a price tag of $42.50!  This website was new to me and worth exploring.

Oh! the honeybee jar

When I got home, I pulled up www.delight.com and found tons of unusual items at great prices.   However, this shopping tip comes with a StyleBlueprint warning:  the website looks kind of kitchy and cheap, sort of Lilly Vernon-esque, with lots of exclamation points!!!!  Once you get over the site shock, you’ll love the creative and ingenious gifts they offer. (Sorry, delight.com.  We really do love your site….)

Here are a couple of my favorites just to kick off the holiday season.  I’m pretty sure you won’t find these in the holiday display at Target:

For Girls:

Delight Toolboxes at $46.50

Tool Box. I love this tool box because it brings back such fond memories for me. My mother was about as far from being a Martha Stewart as one could get.  Don’t get me wrong, she was an entertainer at heart, but on her terms.  One could expect a stiff drink, some good nuts and a hearty casserole if invited to dinner at the McDonnells’. However, uncharacteristically one Christmas she bought a gun metal tool box and painted it for me.  She decorated it with hand-painted flowers and sayings like “keep out or else.”  Needless to say, I loved it and kept it for a long time.   Here is Delight’s version.

Delight wallflowers in 5 colors

Wallflowers. I also adore these wallflowers in five different colors: black, white, pink, lime and chrome.  They’re an inexpensive way to decorate a wall or create a statement over a headboard.  The flowers come in five different sizes and at $26.50.   You may want to splurge and buy two sets.

For Guys:

Delight star finder @ $47.50

Delight StarFinder. I am always looking for something clever for the hub and I think the Delight StarFinder is kind of nifty.  It is light weight, portable and can find over 70 constellations and 1000′s of stars.  It provides computer generated star maps and loads of information on star gazing.

Gotta' love the dryerballs for the person with everything

World Famous Dyerballs. Delight has some cool stocking stuffers.  I particularly like the Nellie’s World Famous PVC free dryerballs.  OK, they may be for the person that has EVERYTHING, but they do reduce energy usage by 25%, cut down on ironing and soften your towels and sheets.   In addition, you can add a scented stick like lavender to give your clothes a wonderful smell.  For $19.75, that’ s worth a try.

Envirosax, reusable shopping bags

Envirosax. I also think the reusable bags in fabulous colors and patterns are pretty darn cute. I know we are ALL schlepping around with our reusable grocery bags, but these roll up neatly and fit in your purse.  My sister gave me some Envirosax  last Christmas and I can attest about $200 worth of Target stuff fits into about 3 bags.  They are on sale now at Delight for $26.50.

Delight was voted the Best of the Web by InStyle Magazine for its ingenious approach to gifts and reasonable prices.

Happy Holiday Shopping.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Right on the heels of Judith Bright’s fantastic weekend big house sale, Kippy Leland, Maggie Troutman and Charlotte Terrell are following suit in a BIG WAY.  They also see the vision of a Big House full of incredible and unique finds.

After researching this trio through their friends, the first thought that came to mind was: old world elegance.  The common bond with each of them is their love of antiquities and their desire to be the absolute best in their field of expertise.  Each woman has her own story about how she started in her career and how her passion led her to where she is today.

Kippy Leland

Let’s start with Kippy.  I’m sorry, it’s probably because I have such a formal name with no chance of a nickname at this point, so I just love a spunky name like Kippy.  So she gets to go first.

To really see Kippy’s talents, you must visit her website at www.lelandinteriors.com. Her mentor and teacher was none other than Ted Leland, one of Nashville’s foremost and most venerable interior decorators.  I admire women that follow in their father’s footsteps because it is not always the easiest road, but I suspect, a satisfying journey. When asked to describe her style and outlook on design, she muses,

“It’s a collected look using pieces softened by age, beautiful fabrics, and touches of quality.”

What an incredible description of  the art of interior design. Kippy has some extra inventory to sell and after packing up from the Scott Show in Atlanta she is heading North to sell her treasures.

With a keen eye for quality and the unusual, here are some irresistible finds:

petite armoire

German engraving

gorgeous urn in black and gold

Charlotte Terrell

Next, meet Charlotte Terrell. I kept hearing Charlotte Terrell’s name in the circles I was running in and always came away with a positive feeling about her. Her devotees love her work and collect her with fervor.  When first introduced to her work, I understand why she is beloved.   Her paintings  are lovely with wonderful finishes, muted tones and gorgeous perspectives.  One of Charlotte’s early influences was her ancestral Mississippi Antebellum home.  The mansion is considered one of the state’s finest and represents her respect for history and aged beauty.   Her paintings are in mixed media grounded in century’s old finishes using the trompe- l’oeil technique.   Many paintings of Charlotte’s will be on hand to purchase.  I know you’ll never regret purchasing one of her works.

Gorgeous mixed media painting by Charlotte Terrell

work by Charlotte Terrell

Maggie Troutman

Finally, Maggie Troutman is an extraordinary print collector and expert in high conservation framing.  I first met Maggie when purchasing a series of antique prints of, believe it or not, old pots.  These were not your everyday pots and pans because the prints dated back to the 1700′s.  With paper as old as Methuzla,  it’s important to have the right framer restore and protect your prints.  Enter Maggie Troutman, who 35 years ago began to work in her family print shop.  Even more interesting is her work in shell art.  A designer in Atlanta found out she did “different framing” and asked her to work with a collection of Victorian Shell Boxes from the late 1800′s.  Her research has paid off as she has sold over 300 framed antique prints in shell frames.  I am sure you’d agree, they are absolutely stunning.   She understands antique prints, their value and the art of preserving old works of art better than anyone in Nashville.   I promise.

Shell Oblisks by Maggie Troutman

The Big Sale
710 Overton Park at Abbortsford
Thursday & Friday,  Oct 14th-15th-16th,  10A-5P

Thursday Twilight Sale, 6P-9P
Saturday, October 17th 10A-4P
Sunday, October 18th noon-4P
For information call Maggie at 615-210-6195
Friday, October 15th

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Remember when monograms only showed up on towels, bags, wool sweaters, childrens’ clothing and stationery?   With the evolution of plastics, many other things are now monogrammed.  Manufacturers figured out that for every Mary cup they made, there were multiple M names that would buy that same cup.

Growing up with the name Liza, I can tell you that I was always optimistic when I saw the name necklaces hanging in each new store I entered: Maybe this one will have Liza, instead of the Lisa and Elizabeth that were always present. But alas, I never was able to benefit from the mass marketed necklaces, pencils, and friendship bracelets.  I even sent away for some customized stickers with rainbows when I was about 9 or 10.  They came back with sharpie handwritten Liza on each sticker.  Even at that age, I knew they were too lame to put into my sticker collection (which was the envy of the neighborhood…but it was never complete without the professional name sticker, which that blasted Lisa Campbell pointed out)  Well, today, I can just pick up a “L” clipboard, coffee cozy, vinyl bag or polka dotted paper at just about every store I walk into.

Even more interesting, at least to me, is what is being done with the personalized three letter monogram that can now be manufactured on the individualized level.  In today’s world of the custom made bumper sticker, the custom made monogrammed car sticker has come into vogue.  Well, I think vogue may be too loving a term.  I have to break my silence right here and right now: I detest the monogrammed car sticker.  I know, strong words for any monogram in the South.  How dare I say it?  Here goes: it has taken the elegance of the monogram and placed it at the same level as the tacky sticker I forever wanted as a nine year old.  Monograms belong many places, and our region is known for embracing the monogram with gusto.  BUT- hold off- DO NOT MONOGRAM YOUR CAR!  Wow- I’ve said it.  My fingers are crossed that none of you have one, because, well, that would be a teeny bit a-w-k-w-a-r-d….

Image Courtesy of thepaisleypolkadot.blogspot.com

Ok- before I go any further, I know this post may be offensive to some.  There are many of us Southerners that just can’t help but slap a monogram on everything possible….be it a house flag, your car, and I’m sure your car mats next (I know someone just read that and thought, “hmmm, car mats”……knock yourself out.  I bet you’ll make a million dollars! )  For those who have this sticker, please don’t hate me.  I get it: there is blank space and you CAN put a monogram on it, so why not?  My point is this: it goes against my every bone to be controversial; on this topic we will have to agree to disagree!  So the virtual hand shake has been had.  Thus, let me go on….

I mean, think about it: what has traditionally gone on the back of a car?  Stickers of things you wish to PROMOTE.  May it be a political candidate, a funny quote, your child’s school.  You are advertising some thought or entity.  By placing your monogram on your car (usually centered in the back windshield) you are advertising YOURSELF, promoting YOURSELF.  It’s just kinda ….icky.

So, I was wondering if I was the only one who felt this way.  I sent out emails to some StyleBlueprint lovin’ friends asking their opinions on the monogrammed car sticker and here is what I got back:

“It screams to me, “My life is better than yours because it is MONOGRAMMED.”

” I think when someone does that, they look like as ASS!”

“The vanity sticker at it’s worst.”

“They aren’t so bad.  But, I don’t want one.”

“A sad decline of the once classy monogram”

“Remember in the late 80’s, early 90’s when Raybans took their classic aviator style sunglasses and trimmed them with leather?  They took a classic thing and junked it up.  Just like the car monogram.”

The rapid fire response I got let me know that I was not alone!

And then, my friend sent me a picture of one from her road trip.  I kid you not that the car monogram read MLF.  Can you imagine? If you don’t know what this means, I would blush too hard to spell it out here.  It is the same as MiLF.  Google it.  Really, if you are going to make embrace the car monogram, make sure in the new pervasive text language that it doesn’t stand for something obscene.

So, please, before this gets too much out of hand, DO NOT EMBRACE this trend…..there is a place for a monogram and A CAR IS NOT IT! But your umbrella on the other hand, now you  are talking…..

For more unfortunate monograms, I mean I could giggle for hours, please see Cake Wrecks

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

My favorite hostess gifts to travel with overlap with some of my favorite in town gifts as well. Here are a few to stock your gift closet with.  If you don’t have a gift closet, consider purchasing a decorative chest, or small dresser to create this space in your house.

Cups

One of my favorites gifts for couples with kids, or for the young at heart, are these acrylic cups by Natural Life. For $12.50, I find them at Fabu and Katy’s Hallmark.  Don’t they just make you smile?  And they are versatile.  Captions range from Be Happy, Joy to the World, Peace and many others.  Each are wrapped four to a bundle and are ready to give just the same way they come packaged….just staple on your calling card and you are good to go!  They can be used for morning juice, toothbrush holders, or little vases stuck next to a bathroom sink.

Candles

Who doesn’t just love a great smelling candle?  They can be pretty pricey as well.  And no, Target’s are not as good as everything else.  For a great gift try the PaddyWax Eco Candle.  Made in small batches in Georgia, these soy based candles won’t break the bank at $16.99 each. You can find these locally at All Seasons Gardening and Brewing on 8th Avenue.  They just received a shipment in featuring 12 scents.  Better yet, three scents are currently on sale for just $8.50. Time to stock up!  All Seasons is located across from the Habit for Humanity Store on 8th between Wedgewood and Division.

Kitchen Towels

While it’s hard to buy yourself a $22 kitchen towel, this same fact means that one is always fondly received…and possibly used that night!  My favorites are made in France by Le Jacquard Francais.  Officially considered a tea towel, they are a large 31 x 24. You can find them locally at A La Maison on 8th Avenue (two doors down from Douglas Corner).

I hope you enjoy my favorite hostess gifts that are easy to pack.  Make yourself a Merci Beaucoup bag and you, too, can feel prepared for whatever hits your social calendar while away.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

www.mccartyspottery.com   www.peters-pottery.net

East TN Pottery

Within 3 years of my wedding, I had grown to hate the Williams-Sonoma place settings we had registered for.  I didn’t know what I wanted, but I was on the hunt.  So, when I found the earthy McCarty pottery, I almost replaced all my Williams-Sonoma with this Mississippi gem.  But, I held out.  I’m not from Mississippi.

I have staked my claim in Tennessee and I wanted Tennessee pottery. I found my plates in East Tennessee from Pigeon River Pottery. I first saw the plates on a fabulous stay at Blackberry Farm.  I turned over the plate and saw the Pigeon River signature and decided then and there that these belonged in my kitchen.  I ordered them from The Old Mill Square where their retail store is (they also have a small shop in Dollywood) and I have been happy with my table setting ever since.  They blend with whatever ethnic cooking I’m doing, and they are equally at home casual or with my silver.  I love that my kids eat on plates that someone actually made by hand, right here in Tennessee.  To incorporate ART into your everyday life in this manner, is enriching.  Definitely one of my top five purchases in the last five years.  You can purchase Pigeon River Pottery in Sevierville at The Old Mill Square or online at www.oldmillsquare.com

Memphis Pottery

My dear friend just turned 40.  We all chipped in a bought her a porcelain bowl made by Memphis potter Mimi Dann.  It is so lovely and now I’m angling for an opportunity to buy one for myself!   Porcelain is amazingly light when you are used to handling heavier clay creations. If you want to see some of her fabulous, one of a kind creations, stop in at American Artisan.

From her card:  Mimi Semmes Dann designs and makes one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels that are both decorative and functional. The work is either wheel-thrown or hand-built.  She is known for her thin-walled, sculptural porcelain bowls which exploit the fluidity, translucence and sensuousness of the medium.

For more information on Mimi Dann, click here.

Nashville Pottery

TurnBull Pottery Tom Turnbull’s webiste says “I am a potter because I have to be a potter…Someone once said ‘if you have talent, that’s a gift from God.  If you use what you are given, that’s your gift to God.’ I’m a potter because I have to be a potter.”

His creations are ones that anyone could incorporate into their decor and capture a brilliant piece of Nashville art for yourself.  His pieces can be found at The Arts Company, The Frist, Caldwell Collection, Fabu and LeQuire Gallery.

Find out more about TurnBull Pottery

Beersheba Pottery

Another gift from a friend (I have great friends!) introduced me to Mayhew pottery.  She has collected it for years in her Beersheba cabin.  I love the way it feels in my hand and it is the perfect size for your coffee or tea.  Phil and Terri Mayhew’s functional porcelain can be found in Nashville at Tennessee Memories.  Their website  www.beershebaporcelain.com is very informative.

I loved learning the difference between porcelain and clay.  “The main difference between porcelain and stoneware clay is that porcelain is free of many impurities to be found in clay. These impurities give various clays their colors and rougher textures, and this, unfortunately, interferes with the formation of the tightly interlocking crystals that grow as the material is heated to its fusing temperature and cooled”  This is just a cool site to spend some time on.

So, I leave you with this: Pottery is a wonderful way to bring affordable art into your everyday life!  I feel blessed to eat upon and drink from my pieces.  I love the serenity I feel gazing at the pieces that sit on my shelves.  I hope you are inspired!

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I called about an amazing wrap in chocolate brown with ruffles featured in Real Simple a couple of holiday seasons ago.  It was a small boutique company from New York so I called the company direct and spoke with the sales associate.  Her comment was they have never sold so many wraps and yes, they were sold out.  .She was helpful and directed me to a similar wrap and my friend Daniel purchased it for his wife Leslie.  Still to this day, it is one of her most favorite gifts.

With supply and demand in mind, I wanted to share with you some incredible deals and gifts ideas available RIGHT NOW.. Nothing better than some early Christmas shopping both locally and online.

10 great gifts under $50

1.    Bobby Brown Mini Tube Tints $30 Available at Belk’s or Private Edition  I received this as hostess gift a year ago and loved it.  The set includes 4 small tubes all in great colors.

2. Pottery Barn  Bamboo Cotton Throws $35 What a great gift for someone that has everything.  They come is 4 fantastic colors:  cream, paprika, camel and chocolate brown. www.potterybarn.com

3. Victoria’s Secret  French Cuff Shirt $28 On sale now.. this is a must have shirt because it stretches to fit your shape, washes and holds up…little or no ironing. www.victoriassecret.com

4.    Red Envelope Holiday Paper Whites in Red Vessel $39 Gorgeous presentation of 10 paper white bulbs..a fabulous hostess gift. Red Envelope is known for their packaging, simplicity and elegance. www.redenvelope.com

5.    Sundance Post Modern Pearl Studs $18 Baroque freshwater pearls in sterling.. wonderful iridescent colors peach, coppery brown, white or gray. www.sundancecatalog.com

6.    Envirosax..Great Reusuable  Shopping Bags $8.49 Each On Amazon.com for grocery and everything else..  My sister gave me a set of 5 last year for Christmas and I love them.  They are deceivingly big, come in fabulous colors and designs and can fit when rolled up in an average purse.  They have small snaps that allow you to roll them up and a small carry pouch.  The only challenge is to remember to keep them in your car.  www.envirosax.com

7.    LL Bean. Wicked Good Slippers and Scuffs Like the name says wicked in their warmth and comfort. Great Slippers for men, women, and kids in lots of styles and colors like:  Chocolate brown, vintage red, cobalt blue $49.95.   www.llbean.com

8.    Iprint.com Photo note cube with 650 pages, color photo on 4 sides.  I love gift items that have many uses.. There are great for grandparents, teachers, teenagers, and friends and cheap at $14.99 per cube.  Check out I print.com for personalized ties, boxer shorts, key chains and more.  www.iprint.com

9.    Stein Mart  Pashmina and Scarves I am not a big fan of Stein Mart for clothes and shoes, but I think they have great accessories and jewelry.  If you need a hostess gift or small gift item, they always come through with good prices.  Their selection of pashminas for $12.95 is worthy of a visit with a lots of colors and styles.

10.    Create  Your Own Bag of Favorites for a Friend Last Christmas my friend Anne put together for her walking buddies and it was incredible.. a tube of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, a small electric foot massager and tube of great lip gloss, bar of chocolate.  Of everything in the bag, my absolute favorite was the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and lipstick protectorate for winter chapping and general dry skin.. It is great at night under your eyes and on your lips priced at $17.00 each. www.elizabetharden.com or at Dillards..

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping.

© 2008 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.