For those who don’t know, an animated GIF file compiles a number of images as frames displayed successively, kind of like an old flip book movie. It’s a fun tool for play but also useful for making buttons or ads too.  With an animated .gif, you can layer several images on top of one another – look how fun it can be! 

To do it easily and for free, you can use the Photoscape software, available here.

Simply click on and drag your images to the row above.

Then choose your interval times and sizes.

Save your new animated .gif, it’s that easy.

Have fun with funny faces, kids, pets, any subject you like.

You can use illustrations or your logo to create ads for your business or blog with this same tool (just make sure your images are the right pixel size before importing them).  If you have Photoshop Elements, you can do it there to, here’s a helpful You Tube video – the first four minutes explain how to make an animated gif in Photoshop. 

Have fun creating! 

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1.  The mirror reminds me I’m getting closer to forty every day so I have found a few beauty products that help me feel presentable when I leave the house.  Here are my four ‘if ever stranded on a desert island’ essentials.

Ole Henrickson Collagen Booster; Smashbox Photo Finish; Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20; Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer (Raisin)

2. In December, my husband listened with close attention when I made my Christmas list clicked on the hyperlink I emailed him and bought me this lovely camera bag from Jo’s Totes for my Christmas present. It’s very green and it’s so lovely. And I will bring it to SNAP (did you know I’m speaking on a panel at SNAP?) and you attendees can all admire its cleverly divided compartments that hold this budding photographer’s lenses and lip gloss. Cause that’s really all I need when I’m out and about, my camera lenses and my Burt’s Bees lip gloss. And a Twix bar stashed away at the bottom.

3.  I’ve taken up abstract painting again for no other reason than that smearing paint on something (a canvas, a wall, a piece of furniture, a child…) makes me feel good.  Clearly I have no idea what I’m doing but maybe in a few years with a lot more practice I will. In the meantime, just pat me on the head and say “That’s so nice dear.”  

4.  Remember how I resolved to become a ‘more tea less wine’ person?  Well in order to do so, I bought myself a pretty little glass teapot and some gourmet honey from a local Teavana shop.  I do not like milk in my tea, only honey but let’s take a random poll, how do you drink your tea?

Thank you for indulging me in that profoundly important life changing poll.

My kids’ pediatrician told me to use local honey during allergy season to help with hay fever, which I do, but I cannot resist this latest sweet treat, it is so wonderful. I keep it on my desk and stir it in my tea, it’s pearlescent and creamy and tastes lovely and it makes me happy.  You too can splurge on it here.

5.  I really like Joss & Main. Ever since I joined last year and recommended it to a few of you, good things have come my way.  New club chairs, a curated collection of my own, and this coastal inspired transitional table that I spied in a recent sale that I had to had to had to have for the entry.  It’s solid wood, and I adore the X on the side and it looks so fabulous up close in real life.  Glossy white accent tables make me happy indeed.  

And because I’m a habitual furniture mover arounder (HFMAs unite! – we need a club) the writer’s desk that used to be there is headed for another home, but speaking of Joss & Main, our pal Nester’s sale is going on right now and she curated quite a charming collection too, so check it out. 

Those are the things in my life which make my world complete.  What’s your latest favorite thing?

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The character is divine and the movie sets are magnificent.  The apartment Mame lives in takes on a completely new and different look every few years based on her iridescent theatrical personality.  During the movie, viewers get to see six separate and completely different designs, and to quote Jonathan Adler, “Watching Auntie Mame is a right of passage for every aspiring decorator”.  For a full tour of the six different makeovers during the movie in Mame’s apartment, visit Julia’s post on 3 Beekman Place.

So I have a neighbor named Tatiana and we met eight years ago at my annual garage sale. Tatiana is the closest person to Auntie Mame I know. Up my driveway eight years ago she walked with her husband Miguel and Tatiana and I became instant friends.  When I first met her, her name was Jennie, but then she decided she wanted her name to be Tatiana because she preferred Tatiana so she legally changed her name to Tatiana.  At the age of 45.  I love that.

Tatiana is my Auntie Mame, she eats and drinks and decorates as she pleases all with a zest for life that’s rare these days.  She lives around the corner from me and we meet for coffee from time to time to catch up. She always wants to come to my house because she finds it so soothing, and I always want to go to her house because I find it so inspiring, so we take turns.  But on our last coffee visit I won and got the pleasure of visiting with her in her home.  

You can take in any room in my house in one glance, but hers? Oh my. It’s filled with her collection of precious things from the last twenty years scattered and displayed as she pleases. Walls painted in shades of saffron, muted turquoise, amethyst, and mustard yellow. Chinoiserie collections include everything from exotic screens to Chinese consoles, and she also displays eastern European objects from Turkish brass urns to Persian rugs, the list goes on.  She’s inherited some furniture from her grandmother, but acquired most of her collection through clever second hand shopping at thrift stores or flea markets.

Tatiana is a self taught artist too, and she showed me some of her recent pastel sketches, just beautiful.

Tatiana always makes me think about how important it is to decorate your home with what you love.  Even if it’s irreverent or unconventional, eccentric and colorful, if you love it, then do it, display it.  Life’s too short not to.

I’ve collected even more images of what I consider “Auntie Mame Style”.  These are interiors that are filled with art, pattern, and color to reflect the tastes and personalities of the residents.  

Miles Redd

Jonathan Adler in Lonny

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via The Lennoxx

via Trendey

via Pinterest

via Harper’s Baazar

One of my favorite things to witness is when people decorate without care or concern for what others think and they mix pattern and color as they see fit. They decorate with wild abandon and to the beat of their own drum.  I applaud anyone who displays what he or she loves fearlessly, with no regard for what other’s think, by definition channeling their inner Auntie Mame. 

And shouldn’t we all?  Maybe not in the form of bright colors in every single space or layer upon layer of competing pattern or fishbowls hanging as fixtures in our entry. 

Instead, be inspired to fill your home with collections that are meaningful and important to you, irreverent or eccentric as they are.  Life’s too short not to. 

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Hot tea on a cold day

An abundance of citrus

Cozy {faux fur} blankets

Indoor gardens

Lit fireplaces

What are your winter favorites?

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I always always forget what the date is. I mean, I know what day it is most of the time, but I’m terrible with remembering the actual date. I like to keep a little calendar in front of me at my desk to keep myself informed. I suppose I could just look at my phone or get up and go look at the big calendar in the kitchen or click over and check my Google calendar.  But I prefer the idea of a small calendar to keep me in the know and also because some talented artist took the time to sketch and create and press something completely lovely on beautiful paper to represent the year and I find them irresistible.

Last year I bought one from 1Canoe2 and here is their 2012 version.  Playful illustrations that change from month to month, and I love that the desktop calendar sits in its own wood stump.  Talk about clever.

Here’s an intricate Old School Letterpress calendar available at Paper Source, each month is a hand drawn seasonal scene.  Also available at Old School Press.

This Desk Calendar by Two Hand Design features bold colors and combines both animal and botanical motifs. Also comes with a handy stand. 

Those who love ombre and soft watercolors will love this dip dyed letterpress calendar at Parrott Design Studios.

Charming turn of the century images appear in this calendar by Missing Q Press with exquisite detail.

This whimsical calendar by Linda & Harriet can be repurposed as postcards, how fun are these prints?

Quilters and lovers of geometric patterns will love this Quilt Letterpress Calendar by 4th Year.

This Studio Carta Letterpress Calendar is one of my favorites in the shop at Angela Liguori , such pretty repeating patterns and soft colors.

And this is the one I finally settled on for myself: the floral hanging calendar by Silhouette Blue.  I love the simplicity and the bright colorful botanicals.

Those pretty floral prints can be repurposed as greeting cards at the end of the month, or would be sweet framed in a series in my little girl’s room too.

More Eye Spy features to come this year. . .  Meanwhile, tell me, are you as drawn to letterpress stationery as I am?  Do you buy yourself a pretty desk calendar or stylish organizer every year?   Do share. 

Oh and the Growing Your Blog series continues this week.  Did you catch Nester’s post on Authenticity and Sarah’s post on Monetizing? Jen’s is coming up today, she’ll be focusing on Community & Social Media, I hope you’ll follow along.  :) 

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Plus there’s the whole kids home from school this week and climbing the walls and they’ve already played with their toys 3½ times and watched those two movies I bought, and they’re all “Get out of my room, stop touching me, Mom we’re boooored”.  So bottom line: momma needs a little aromatherapy. 

I go to Whole Foods maybe five times a year, and I stay away mostly because their prices are kinda obscene. My friend Staci calls Whole Foods ‘Whole Paycheck’ and that girl is right on. But the only place I could think of in town to buy the trifecta of ingredients for this latest concoction (essential oil, sea salt, and body oil) was Whole Foods, and since I’m a one stop shopper with kids in tow, I made the trip. 

I took some pretty pictures (with the lens I mentioned here) of the process and officially apologize for the next sentence which sounds like a commercial. A gentle rub with sea salt will exfoliate the skin and the essential oils possess beneficial moisturizing qualities and antioxidants!

To make your own, first equip yourself with some decent containers. Canning jars, old jelly jars, even plastic containers with lids will do.  I chose these 12 oz. glass jars with plain lids from The Container Store since I wanted to give two away as gifts.

Next, gather the following ingredients:

18 oz. coarse sea salt

18 oz. fine sea salt*

4 fluid oz. grapeseed oil*

½ fluid oz. lavender essential oil

dried lavender buds (optional)

*You can skip the fine sea salt and go with just the coarse sea salt, but the mixture of the two is really nice.  Also, look for other natural unscented body oils like almond, avocado, or even vegetable glycerin.  I found all of my ingredients (except the lavender buds which came from my garden) at Whole Paycheck.   

Mix these ingredients together to make 36 oz. of lavender sea salt scrub . . .

Spoon your scrub into your clean glass jar . . . BTW it smells amazing! 

Make a label (or use mine available here) and package up a few for your friends…

. . . or keep it for yourself and float away to heaven… ignore the kids, the dishes, the laundry pile, the To Do List, and the husband knocking on the bathroom door with the “Honey, have you seen my gym shorts?” for a solid ten minutes. Baby, you’ve earned it.  

The two sea salts cost $4, the grapeseed oil was $5, and the large jar of lavender essential oil was $22 (I mistakenly bought the larger one because I misread the price tag and wasn’t paying attention at the register because my kids were asking me if they could have a bag of chips or something… )

But you should be able to find 2 oz. of lavender essential oil for about $10 so not including the jars you can make about 36 oz. of sea salt scrub for less than $20.  A decent price difference when you consider the cost of retail versions. 

Float away to paradise y’all.

Over and out.

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I’ll show you mine if you show me yours, so if you’ve baked a delicious or famous cookie this year or anything sweet and holiday-ish, stop by next Tuesday the 20th to link up your treats!

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And in honor of the event, enjoy this serenade by Mr. CM himself . . .

I snapped some pics of the house all gussied up for the season, I’ll share tomorrow.

Peace, over and out. 

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My influences for this collection are detailed at the Joss blog and I hope you’ll enjoy browsing the sales event.  Each and every one of the pieces I’d place in my own home, if I had the space!  You’ll spy a few of the accents I already own, and I hope you’ll find something you love too.  

Hop on over to shop the event at Joss & Main, available for a short time only.  I’ll be there with you, I’ve got my eye on a few of the decorative accessories.

disclosure: I do receive a small referral fee if you sign up and make a purchase, just like anyone else (including you!) who refers new members.

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A month ago, I was asked to curate a sales event (I know, pinch me) which meant I got to go virtual shopping and hand select 60+ items that reflect my personal style. It was so fun! I gathered up all sorts of stylish finds for you, from gorgeous home accessories under $50 to bigger ticket items like rugs and furnishings. The big sales event is next week ~ here’s a little sneak peek of what you’ll find in my curated sale.  

If you’re not signed up yet to get the emails announcing all the sales, here is a personal invitation from me* so you won’t be placed on a wait list.  It costs you nothing, you sign up with your email, and then you’ll have access to various designer decor that goes on sale daily.  *Note, I do receive a small referral fee if you sign up, just like anyone else (including you!) who refers new members.

You definitely don’t want to miss my curated sale next week filled with so many gorgeous things all personally selected by me, you’ll love it!  Look for the sales event next Tuesday, December 13th over at Joss & Main. 

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Jingle Bell Rock ~ Rascal Flatts

I Believe ~ Frank Sinatra

A New York Christmas ~ Rob Thomas

Angels We Have Heard on High ~ Christina Aguilera

All I Want Is You (This Christmas) ~ NSYNC 

Marshmallow World ~ Regis Philbin & Steve Tyrell

Jingle Bells ~ Michael Bublé & Puppini Sisters

Last Christmas ~ Wham

Twelve Days of Christmas ~ The Muppets

All I Want for Christmas ~ Mariah Carey & Justin Bieber (duet)

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~ Barlow Girls

It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas ~ both Bing Crosby & Michael Bublé

Christmas Time is Here ~ Vince Gauraldi Trio (also Toni Braxton)

Hark the Herald Angels Sing ~ Amy Grant

Song for a Winter’s Night ~ Sarah McLachlan

Silver Bells ~ Elvis Presley

The Christmas Song ~ Diana Krall

Mary’s Little Boy Child ~ Harry Connick, Jr.

Cold December Night ~ Michael Bublé

This Christmas ~ Christina Aguilera

Caroling, Caroling ~ Nat King Cole

The Christmas Waltz ~ Frank Sinatra

O Holy Night ~ Celine Dion

Silent Night ~ Sixpence None the Richer 

O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Faith Hill

The First Noel ~ David Archuletta

Ring the Bells ~ Travis Cotrell and Natalie Grant

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm ~ Dean Martin

Let It Snow ~ Michael Bublé

Winter Wonderland ~ both Jason Mraz & Ray Charles

Santa Baby ~ Kellie Pickler

Sleigh Ride ~ Take 6

Who Would Imagine a King ~ Whitney Houston

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) ~ Sarah McLachlan

White Christmas ~ both Ella Fitzgerald & The Drifters

Baby, It’s Cold Outside ~ Lady Antebellum 

Do You Hear What I Hear? ~ Glee Cast

Carol of the Bells ~ Barlow Girls

(It Really Is) A Wonderful Life ~ Mindy Smith

I’ll Be Home for Christmas ~ Josh Groban 

Somewhere In My Memory ~ John Williams (from Home Alone)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ She and Him

Little Drummer Boy ~ Jars of Clay

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? ~ Harry Connick, Jr.

Auld Lang Syne ~ James Taylor

And just to bug my mister because he loves Paul McCartney but totally hates this song even though the rest of us like it, and it’s a family joke to watch his facial expressions every time we play it:

Wonderful Christmas Time ~ Paul McCartney & Wings

What are you listening to this season?  Any renditions I should hear?  What do you recommend?  

images via here, here, and here

~ Linking up to Nester’s Favorite Things Party  ~ 

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