I had to move the bench outside to get a picture in natural light.

I also have added them to a basket in my powder room:

Elizabeth has been so taken by napkins lately that she was compelled to take this photo where the napkins steal the show (anyone else instantly notice the McCarty Pottery as well?)

This near addiction has spilled over into a love for cloth napkins as well.  As I’ve popped in so many local stores this summer, I started taking pictures of my favorite hand towels and napkins.  I hope you are inspired as a beautiful hand towel within reach somehow can be that beam of happiness smiling back at you in the midst of the chaos of life.  And at $15-$25 each, they also make a great gift as we often won’t spurge on these beauties for ourselves.  But one rolled and bound with a special ribbon is always perfect.

A quick note, be sure to check out our THIS WEEK section as it was guest written by 365Nashville, a local blog highlighting 365 great things in Nashville!

Available at Digs, these beautiful hand towels are $15 each.

At Digs, linen guest towels, $24 each

See Digs online at Taigan.  If you missed the press release, a Taigan shopping membership is now free! www.taigan.com/shops/digs/

At AshBlue, these fisherman weave oversized kitchen towels are $25

Also at AshBlue, these sets of 4 napkins for $48. I got these for my MIL for Mother's Day.

AshBlue

At A La Maison, these french large kitchen towels are perfect. $22

A La Maison

At Nest Interiors, these oversized napkins are extremely versatile. $18 each

Nest Interiors

Kayce Hughes has a new line of napkins made from her wonderful fabrics. $5 each

Kayce Hughes

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

The Farmhouse Laundry Line, by Sweet Grass Farms

This has a funny story which involves me.   A good friend was turning 40 and I couldn’t decide what to get her, so I bought her laundry detergent.  How lame am I?  It was just this: I was at that fabulous A La Maison store on 8th Avenue and I was overcome with just how PRETTY the packaging was – I’m a sucker for a pretty package – and it made me WANT to do my laundry.

With a bottle of Farmhouse fabric softener, and the oh-so-good smelling laundry sachets, I was hooked and bought the whole set for the her big day.  My rationale: my dear friend with the birthday will moan – just like I do – about the never ending laundry that 3 kids within a 5 year spread will produce.  So, while others gave her jewels and bags, I gave her laundry detergent.  With a giggle I say, “What are friends for?”  But, I wanted to make that low and dark point of her life a little brighter and feast your eyes upon this detergent and tell me this wouldn’t make you want to do an extra load tonight?

Add the Laundry Sachet bags to the dryer cycle and you have a green way to add a fresh scent to your clothes.  Each sachet bag lasts 5-6 washes and they are great for sock and underwear drawers as well.  By the way, I did add a nice candle with the theme of a brighter life.  But, when the next 40th birthday comes my way, I may just go the conventional route….jewelry.  The Farmhouse

Farmhouse Laundry Soap

Martha Stewart Clean

Martha Stewart has tackled laundry from a green point of view.  No, I don’t mean she hand stitched a green monogram to each sock – well, maybe she did that as well.  But, she really is on a mission to make you change the way you think of clean.  Clean does not smell.  Clean is pure.  Clean is clear.  Clean is only available at Home Depot or at www.marthastewart.com.  Here is the description for her new line called Clean.

Martha Stewart's CLEAN line of cleaning supplies

Martha Stewart Clean Laundry Detergent uses a powerful 99+% plant- and mineral-based formula that removes stains, keeps colors looking new, and leaves your clothes smelling fresh without added perfumes. One double-concentrated bottle of detergent is enough for 85 loads of laundry, making it a great value. It works in both regular and high efficiency (HE) machines and a built-in measuring pump means you won’t accidentally pour too much or spill. What’s more, Martha Stewart Clean Laundry Detergent has no artificial colors or preservatives and is free of SLS and other skin irritants. It comes in a unique 128 fluid ounce bottle that is made of recyclable HDPE.

It’s $17.98 – for 85 loads – and the reviews online are 5 out of 5 stars.  Hoping to be inspired, I bought some and I agree: 5 stars.  I liked the product so much that I decided to buy practically the whole line: glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, laundry softener and dish soap.  To see all the Clean products available, click here.

Next time you’re at Home Depot, check out the Clean line.  It’s located near the mops, which was convenient as I needed one of those as well.

Green Wash Ball

A product that has piqued my interest, but I have yet to try, is the Green Wash Ball.   For $29.99 you get this little green ball that apparently cleans your clothes by changing the ph level of the water in your machine.  The ph level change removes the dirt.  The video says simply, “It’s science!”  It lasts for 1,000 washes.  Yes one thousand washes.  It’s made by the same company that markets those spiky looking blue dryer balls that are used instead of fabric softener.  I’d love to try this gizmo and when I do, I’ll be sure to post the results on our StyleBlueprint Facebook page.  The online reviews are mixed; here is one from Amazon and this one from Lighter Footstep.  I do question the ability to sanitize with this GreenWashBall.  If anyone has further information, by all means please comment!  Green Wash Ball

The Green Wash ball

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap

You are either part of the Dr. Bronner’s cult, or you don’t know anything about it.  That seems to be the extremes this company cultivates.  Dr. Bronners has been in the soap making business for 150 years and is certified under the National Organic Program AND is Fair Trade.  And, of course hemp oil is one of the ingredients…. Actually, I say that in jest as the Industrial Hemp Movement is one worth knowing about.  The most interesting thing about these Dr. Bronner’s cleaners is that you can use them on your counter top, your bathroom, your clothes and then soap up and wash your hair and your dog with it!  Ahhhhh, now you see it.  Every camper in America falls into the Dr. Bronner cult because it’s truly the all purpose magic cleaner needed out in the woods.  I’m not sure how a washing machine would handle the soap, but for sink washing while traveling, this product is great.  See the website for information on all the products offered from this eco-friendly company.  Available at Whole Foods.

Dr. Bronner's classic soaps that started the cult following.

There are many others out there and with all this laundry I’m sure I’ll eventually try them all.  Bye for now.  I really do need to get back to my laundry….

© 2010, 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.

Fabu

First off, these fun crows and eggs from Fabu. The eggs are $7 each and the crows are $12.  I know the pictures are terrible; they are from my iphone…..but you’ll get a good idea!

The Beveled Edge

Next, check out this cute Halloween Village at The Beveled Edge.   That’s my eight year old daughter staring in amazement.

The Beveled Edge also featured all this skeleton stuff which wasn’t overly creepy to me, just fun!

Caldwell Collection

Caldwell Collection has these magnificent witches, and many more, for sale.  There is even a HUGE one (maybe 3 feet big?) that you could buy and just bring out each October for the next few decades!  She is fabulous.  Witches start at $95 and the huge one is just over $300.  Drop by Caldwell Collection, on Bandywood, to see them!

a la maison

a la maison has lots of Halloween decor as I pointed out last week.  My favorite are these pillows, black on one side and white on the other, handmade in Nashville and just $25-$30 each!  These old style jars are filled with fun witches brew ingredients for $17.95.  I hear they have some more in a similar style, made by the same person, for $25 that have candle wax dripping and more fun ingredients!  I love these….

Jason Parker Counce

Speaking of a la Maison, Jason Parker Counce’s handmade witches and other creations continue to be available for purchase there as well as at his booth at Gas Lamp Antiques next to the 100 Oaks Staples. His booth is at the far back of the showroom. Check out these pictures from his booth:

Custom Embroidery

Custom Embroidery has some cute Halloween things as well.  They always have fun seasonal items.  They were closed when I went by, so here are some pictures from the outside looking in:

Import Flowers

Import Flowers has some beautiful Bittersweet that they just got in on Wednesday (it’s yellow in the picture because it takes about 24 hours for the yellow “shell” to fall away after taking it out of the box).  I was there as they opened the box!   Check out the box of bittersweet ($18 a HUGE bunch).  I love the cabbages as they last FOREVER (I got them one Thanksgiving and I still had them out at Christmas!  They will start smelling like cabbage after a few weeks though….)

*As a final little decorating touch, Lou Ferrel’s (owner Import Flowers) wife is having a “garage sale” from the trailer behind Import this Saturday.  Worth checking out if you are over there!

AND- Remember that EdgeHill Village is hosting a Halloween Block Party Thursday night, October 15th from 5-8PM!   Nest Interiors, located there, will also be hosting a Ransom+Scout Handbag Trunk Show from 2-8PM.  20% off all Ransom + Scout purchases!  Feel free to go in costume:-0!  Yes, I know I put the “0″ not the “)” as in “ooohhhh, if you dare!”  Featured Band: The Young Republic.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Theatre Mystique Open House
Thursday, October 8th from 6-8P
Saturday, October 10th from 10A-6P.

I was so impressed with Jason’s creations. The work and pride that goes into each piece is evident.  And, I know you won’t believe this, his prices start at just $35. Using antique and vintage elements to give that well loved look, Jason signs and dates every piece. Most items are One-of-a-Kind, where others are made in Very-Limited-Numbers. This protects the collectors of Jason’s work, and also ensures that each season offers new treasures!

Look at the picture of the cat coming out of the white pumpkin. It’s about 12 inches high. The pumpkin was made from an heirloom wool blanket and the cat was made from a 1920′s black Mohair coat, with vintage crepe paper trim, ribbons and an old bell necklace… and it is only $55!   That prices rivals mass produced decor from China and it is one that, with care, can be saved for a future generation.

Check out this sweet white cat made from vintage fabric. Even Jason's handwritten tag underscores how special each piece is. I also like how the cat is white and thus will pop against some traditional black Halloween objects.

Check out this cat-doll below.  Isn’t she stunning?  More stunning is the work and detail: “Themed The “Good Witch”, she has a Vintage Halloween Fabric Dress Trimmed In Old Ribbons and Trim, Holds a Black Cauldron on One Side…and a Vintage Nut Cup Purse on the other, With a German Die-Cut Witch Face on it circa 1900′s.  She Also Has a Black Felt Witch Hat Adorned with Old Millinary Flowers and a Cotton Witch Head Pick from 1940′s, German Spiderweb Die-Cut and an Old Spider Ring!” -$175.

Jason is one of those guys that you can just tell would make your house look it’s absolute best for any holiday or party you are having.  He’s been featured in Country Living, Southern Living, Traditional Homes, Country Home and Nashville Lifestyles.  And, he’s super nice, always a plus! www.jasonparkercouncedesigns.com.  Here are some pictures from his French Dolls Collection, made exclusively for a la Maison.

The Large French Witch (in the window) Has a 1940's Toile' Dress with a Black Felt Hat Adorned with Old Flowers and Net. Holding Her Key in one Hand and an Antique Copper Lusterware Cream Pitcher in the Other. Her hat is removable.

Jason's explanation on this French Doll Collection: (the ones pictured here are the smaller ones) "Each One Starts Off With a Vintage China Head. Then, I Create the Body on a wooden Base, Then Start Constructing the Elaborate Dresses...Using 1800's to 1940's Fabrics. I Make the Final Touches By Hand Sewing on Trims, Bows, Ribbons, Even Old Millinery Flowers. Ending Up With Some Antique Piece to Finish...My Signature This Season is an Old "Key"...Catch Phrase, The Key To Their Heart!

a la Maison has lots of other Halloween decor and I’ve picked out a few pieces to show you in the following photographs. Most everything you see is under $30 and much of it is individually made by Southern artists.

Be sure to stop by Thursday night, October 8th from 6-8P to experience eerie decor and ghoulish delights!  If Saturdays are just easier, another Open House is planned from 10-6P on October 10th.

a la Maison is located next to the Cane-ary and across from Douglas Corner and Karmel Skillington, on 8th Avenue South. It’s still easy to miss – look at the windows for signage, not up on the bricks.  Parking: either in front of the store, or just past that grouping of stores, heading towards town, on your right.  Absolutely worth the trip.  We have some future posts planned for more of the fun things we found!

© 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.