Whenever we’re invited to Christmas parties, I try to bring something sweet, homemade, and chocolate.  On Christmas day, I also prefer to serve a medley of Christmas cookies with coffee, instead of one single dessert after the big feast.  I spent this past weekend frolicking with my family, attending holiday parties, and making four of my absolute favorite cookies to give and share.  Here are two of those cookies I make that are sure to please any chocolate lover on your list !

Chocolate Dipped Handmade Biscotti

and Chocolate Wafers with Peppermint Buttercream Filling

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Hello friends, and happy Friday.  I have the most marvelous news !

But first, have you heard of Stella & Dot?  Stella & Dot is a relatively new line of jewelry that has everybody talking.  Babes, it’s all the buzz. 

Stella & Dot’s gorgeous pieces have been featured in In Style, Lucky, Teen Vogue, Better Homes and Gardens, and Cosmopolitan magazines, as well as the New York Times and all over television.  See all the press right here. 

Now check out a few of these spreads 

I have perused this site several times and I am smitten with so many of these pieces. 

So here’s my sassy and classy giveaway that I’m bringing to you, courtesy of my friend and Stella & Dot stylist Jacquie.   

One lucky winner will receive this La Coco Brooch Necklace, inspired by style icon Coco Chanel.  It is a $98 dollar value, and isn’t it stunning?   I want one !

What I love about this necklace is that this double chain of two different sizes is paired with a brooch and can be worn eight different ways, depending on the look you want.  And the brooch will be updated every season. 

This piece comes apart and can be restyled however you choose:

I can so see this paired with my jeans and a great top.  No fair one of you gets it.  *Pout* 

But here are some of my other favorite Stella & Dot pieces I’m considering buying. 

 Garden Party chandeliers, the Kelly cuff, Charlize teardrops, and the Bloom Flower Ring,

All images courtesy of Stella & Dot. 

Want a chance to win that La Coco necklace ?

Giveaway Eligibility 

1. Visit the Stella & Dot website, then come back and leave a comment on my site telling us your most favorite piece. 
2. Random question just for fun.  In the same comment field, tell us what is your most prized fashion accessory and why? 

Important note:  To be eligible, your comments must be entered on this website’s comments page under this post, and not via email, or in my contact form, on Facebook, or in your reader.  Thanks in advance. 

Giveaway ends Sunday October 4, 2009 at 8 p.m. PST.  One entry only please. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. 

Finally, I’ve been very busy working on many more projects this week.  I can’t wait to show all of you.  Stay tuned.  And best of luck in the giveaway. 

When I go to an antique fair, I sometimes go incognito, then I photograph all of the things I love, or the things that inspire me. 

What I truly love about outdoor antique fairs is the exposure to other people’s conversations.  I’m not eavesdropping on purpose.  But one can’t help overhearing the most interesting observations with so many persons milling about inspecting, inquiring, and always commentating.  I find it fascinating.  I find people fascinating, with all of their different tastes. 

I have perused several of the the larger local antique fairs in the past month, and I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve found inspirational.  Some can be recreated right at home. 

Take a tour with me. 

I spotted this mirrored coat rack made from architectural salvage.  It reminds me of the coat rack I made with an old headboard.  You can see that project right here. 

Look at these beautiful conch shells that someone has carefully embellished with pearl string.  They’ve been mounted on secondary clam shells and they make quite a pair.  They were very large shells, about 8 inches tall, and so very pretty up close. 

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Hello friends.  This weekend, I am pleased to showcase the oh so chic, oh so talented Alexandra Ferguson and her gorgeous line of decorative pillows. 

Alexandra works in the fashion industry in NYC, so she is well versed in patterns, sewing, and serious style. 

Featured several times on Apartment Therapy here, here, and here, Alexandra is known for her super stylish designs created from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles.  Did you know that every pound of felt is the equivalent of 10 water bottles?  So instead of ending up in the landfill, those plastic bottles get turned into this loveliness. 

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