Modern/Classic Christmas

This is another fabulous blend of the modern and classic, found at roomenvy! My mom has been dying to paint her dining room red for years, but my dad is afraid it will look like a bordello. This doesn't look that way at all, so Mom...if you're reading this, show it to Dad!

Modern/Classic Christmas

I love the idea of a red and white living room, especially around Christmastime. But then what do you do for the rest of the year? I've always wondered. Either way, this room is gorgeous and I found it on this website. It's so modern and chic, yet warm and classic. Those are pairs of words that don't always go together, so it's definitely something to aspire to!

Pancakes for Parkinson's Logo

This is a logo I created for a charitable event at OSU called Pancakes for Parkinson's. The idea is that you arrive at the event hungry for delicious pancakes, and then all the money you spend goes to Parkinson's Disease research. The client wanted something modern, and friendly and this is what I came up with.

Gift Ideas!

I pretty much need this perfume. Mostly for the bottle. I will buy it regardless of how it smells, and I am running...not walking to Sephora as soon as I can!

Michael Kors, Very Hollwood

I also really like this one from Coach! Though, it's not quite as frou four, and old Hollywood glamour as the Michael Kors.

Pretty perfumes make fabulous Gift Ideas!

Birthday!

So, I apologize for my severe lack of blogging for the past week! I was home for Thanksgiving, and helping my parents clean and prep the house.

But I am back, and pleased to announce that yesterday was my 24th Birthday! I am now well into my twenties, so happy birthday to me! Let's hope it's a great year filled with personal and professional success, great friends, and time spent with family, and of course blogging!

A Vegetarian at Thanksgiving!

Whether you are a vegetarian yourself, or hosting some for Thanksgiving, there are plenty of ways to make sure everyone is happy, full, and stress-free!

Vegetarian?

1. Communicate well in advance: This is so your hostess can prepare to have meatless options for you. This also goes for anyone with special dietary concerns. It's always better to make sure the hostess is well informed.
2. Explain your dietary concerns in detail: People, especially older individuals, tend to not get what it means to be vegetarian! Plus some vegetarians eat fish, some eat eggs, some eat no animal byproducts whatsoever. Which type are you? Let your hostess know!
3. Offer suggestions: Plenty of hostesses aren't hip to the ways you can exclude meat from your cooking. Recommend replacements for things, like vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You are a pro at cooking for yourself, so offer your insight without taking over.
4. Always ask: This is always a rule for Vegetarians no matter what meal it is, but make sure you ask before taking a bite, just in case there's surprise bacon in the green beans or something!
5. BYOT- (Bring your own Tofurky) or other meatless food items for yourself! For those non-veg folks, Tofurky is basically a meatless turkey substitute with stuffing rolled up inside. Vegetarian? Don't expect your hostess to know what this is or where to find it, especially if they're older, because she is probably not used to shopping for meatless dishes. One sure way to not be left out is to bring this yourself!
6. Bring enough for everyone to try: Wow, it tastes just like real turkey! You can't bring something new and different to a dinner party and not expect everyone to want to try it. Make sure you have enough for yourself, and for everyone else to have a taste.

Hosting Vegetarian Guests?

1. Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask what your guests do or do not eat! This is the only way to make sure that you are clear as to their dietary concerns. If you don't understand something, the best way to learn is to ask!
2. Ask for Help: You are the hostess, but everyone needs a hand in the kitchen sometimes! Don't hesitate to ask for help from your vegetarian guest to make sure you're getting it right.
3. Plenty of side dishes don't involve meat at all: Sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce. These are all great Thanksgiving staples that are meat-free. Make sure you don't put gravy on the mashed potatoes yourself, but rather pass around a gravy boat. This will allow your vegetarian friends to enjoy the mashed potatoes with butter or other toppings.
4. No Tufurky necessary: Don't feel pressured to buy commercial meat substitutes! Plenty of vegetarians don't actually like these and would much rather fill up on the other delicious sides mentioned above! Ask your guest if they would like to bring their own meatless substitute if you are uncomfortable shopping for them! And if you do buy some, refer to Vegetarian tip #6 and have enough for everyone to try!

Gap Cheer Factory

I can't decide if these commercials are cute or obnoxious, but either way they are pretty intense and styled beautifully. You can send a silly customized greeting cheer with a friend's name in it here! With choices like Mo' Mistletoe or Big Ol' Piece of Peace you'll be sure to bring someone holiday cheer...or at least a good laugh.

Coco Avant Chanel

Tonight, Cate (my period piece viewing partner) are going to see this movie. I am tres excited because the cinematography and costumes look absolutely beautiful. Take a look at some stills from the movie below.

Thanksgiving Invitations

My mother has hosted Thanksgiving Dinner at our home for as long as I can remember, so each year it is assumed we will be having it. She usually just makes a few phone calls to her sisters-in-law saying, "Same time, same place."

I personally love the idea of sending formal invitations for Thanksgiving Dinner. If you have the time, it's a personal touch that goes a long way!

These invitations are from Chelle Paperie and are just so uniquely beautiful. They definitely add a rugged charm to America's first holiday. They are die-cut and then placed inside the custom linen bags along with an RSVP card telling the guest which dish they should bring.

Clothbound Penguin Classics

These beautiful, beautiful books are on my Wish List. The complete set, of course! What a great gift idea for the design savvy reader in your family. Their covers were illustrated and designed by Ruben Toledo, and they are so bright and fabulous that any recipient would be thrilled to have these adorn her bookshelves. Take a look!

They are going for $20 at Anthropologie, or $13.60 at Amazon. Amazon it is! The cover for Jane Eyre looks like Buckeye leaves!

Stories For/From Students

I have been working on a really fun project at work called "Stories For/From Students." It is a campaign where OSU students donate money and books to young readers. They wanted to go with a fairytale/storybook theme. Here is what I've been working on so far!

For those of you who are not OSU students, the building on the top is our University Hall, which I illustrated to look like a bit like a Fairytale Castle.

Must-Have #9

These are something I discovered in High School on many, many trips to our favorite Thrift Store Locale, The Village. I started to think about accessories and really putting together entire outfits back then, and there was a whole area under glass devoted to these beautiful and sparkling Must-Have items.

#9 Jeweled Brooch

They are stunning, whether vintage or vintage replica. You will never stop receiving compliments on the ones you are sporting on a sweater or jacket, they can instantly dress up a daytime look for an evening out, and they just make you feel decadent! What else can you ask for?

Cranberry Sauce: No More!

Does this sight make you feel excited about Thanksgiving? Yeah, me either. I am not a huge fan of cranberry sauce, and I know it's a traditional November dish, but there is an alternative that I am very comfortable with. Cranberry Apple Crisp!
Ingredients: 

• 3 cups chopped peeled baking apples
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions: 

• 
  
• Combine apples, cranberries, sugar and flour
• Pour into a greased 11x7" baking dish
• In a bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly
• sprinkle over apple mixture
• Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes, or until fruit is tender
• Yield: 6-8 servingsNutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 407 calories, 15 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 31 mg cholesterol, 122 mg sodium, 66 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein.
• [information from tasteofhome.com]

Must-Have #8

This Must-Have item is one of the few I've blogged about that I don't actually own, myself. I am in the market for one this Winter! In terms of outerwear, I'm a firm believer that you should always let it work with your outfit, rather than against it. I love bold colors, and interesting fabrics but also appreciate the simplicity of basic black. However, there are some situations where a person is in dire need of this item

#8 Camel Coat

A camel coat is a staple because it is the perfect coat to wear when black just seems redundant (i.e. over an all-black outfit) or when white seems to contrasting. It also goes splendidly with brown or navy blue, which alone makes it a Must-Have. The best part is, it has the power to dress up jeans!

This particular coat is from Express, and it is slightly out of my price range at $168.00. Is it in your budget this Winter?

Must-Have #7

This is going to seem like a pretty specific Must-Have, but it's important. You will live in these shoes. Dress them up, dress them down! wear them with pants, opaque tights, or bare legs! Wear them during every season, or type of weather imaginable! They are a necessity. Why? Because when you wear them, you are channeling this fashion icon:

#7 Black Patent Leather Flats

These are all options available at Piperlime.com at varying price points. Links from top to bottom: here ($270), here ($79) and here ($59).