Guest Post Alert!

Well, I don't know if it's technically a guest post, but I am featured on my blog pal Ashley's Need Read Greed column over on One Fine Day.  Check it out!  And enjoy the other wonderful parts of her super fun and stylish blog while you're at it.

Thanks, Ashley!

Gift Guide 2012: Paper Edition

Oh, you know I love this one.  Paper is my favorite thing in life, and with this gift guide I always try to think beyond "just" notecards.

A Linda & Harriett calendar.  I literally start every year with one of these.  A larger size than before and letterpressed to the hilt, this is paper at its nicest.  With designs that double as postcards.  $34

A reproduction photo of DuPont Circle from Blue Monocle.  This company makes reproduction photos and maps of places all over.  Choose a special place in the recipient's life.  from $25

An acorn notepad from 1canoe2.  This is just fun.  I love the deep green background on the cover.  You get 75 sheets and a whole lot of charm.  $13

An adventure print from Scout's Honor Co.  I love the typography and simplicity happening here.  This 5x7 size has such a nice price that you can splurge on a frame.  $12

Pony Express postcards from Rifle Paper Co.  It's really hard to go wrong with Rifle.  This is a set of 10 cards, and postage on these is cheaper than on normal cards.  It's a Christmas miracle.  $10

Striped letterpress notecards from Heartfish Press.  Stripes and letterpress?  Sold.  This is a set of six.  $16

Gift Guide 2012: House and Home Edition

For house and home, I like simple, useful items that don't cost a ton of funds.  This year I'm going fairly practical yet stylish, which may not come as a surprise to my regular readers.  :)

A Lotta Jansdotter square bowl by way of Fishs Eddy.  Oh, yes.  At first glance, this may seem to be a mere bowl for snacks, but think of the possibilities as a jewelry holder, coin collector, or paper clip cozy.  $16.95

A cheese tool set from Crate and Barrel.  Right now this acacia-wood-handled trio ships free.  Isn't it handsome?  For a cheese tool set.  $19.95

A nylon watch strap from The Knottery.  Did you think that this came from another retailer?  Like one that induces mass-hysteria in bloggers around the globe?  Well, this piece is half of what they charge.  $10

A set of six white restaurantware plates from tribute212.  You really can't go wrong with a classic.  These are the oxford shirts of tabletop dressing.  They go with anything and last forever.  $26

A bento box set from West Elm.  Let's brown bag it in 2013, shall we?  This makes the job much more stylish and green, with a watertight seal, reusable fork, and a sauce container.  Free shipping right now.  $22

A package opener from The Container Store.  I bought one of these about a year ago, and it has paid for itself many times over in saved frustrations.  Perfect for slicing into packages of all ilk.  $4.99

Gift Guide 2012: Etsy Edition

Who doesn't love a gift guide?  From the onslaught of magazine lineups to the buffet-like selection shown on blogs, they typically give great ideas and inspire my inner St. Nick.  As I did last year, I'm going to break up my gift guides into three categories over the next few days.  And again, my attempt is to offer a variety of options for a range of recipients, all at a reasonable price.

First up is Etsy.  It's easy and secure to shop, and you're bound to find limitless possibilities.  These are mine for this season.

A geometric necklace from SD Marie Jewelry.  It's made of brass and oxidized silver, and it's a subtle nod to the chevron trend that won't feel dated this time next year.  $35

A vanilla hazelnut candle from Oil & Wax.  Made of soy wax here in Nashville, this gem is a real treat.  I bought one a few weeks ago, and it won't be my last.  $16

A cheeky grammar print from Alphonnsine.  This piece serves as a gentle reminder and will go a long way in saving the English language in a world of text-messaging fiends.  $19

An octopus tote bag from Idiopix.  It's eco-friendly and has an octopus on it.  I feel like the octopus is the new bird.  $13.95

A bar of Stand by Your Mandarin soap from Music City Suds.  This is another Nashville original, which I love and have given before.  It's all-natural and scented with citrus.  $6

A return address stamp from Foryoo.  I love this idea for newlyweds, new home owners, or anyone with an established address.  They will, too.  $29.95

(Note: I received permission from all sellers to use their images and to link to their Etsy stores.)