T.G.I.F :: Wise Words & Blissful Beats

And remember, never let those ruby slippers off your feet for a moment, or you will be at the mercy of the Wicked Witch of the West. ~The Wizard of Oz

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1. bench   2. dress   3. loafers   4. polish   5. coasters

6. teapot   7. sweater   8. earrings   9. bracelet   10. blanket

11. candle   12. photo album   13. lantern   14. purse   15. tee

That perfect Christmas light twinkle..

The tree is lit, your stockings are hung, the decorations are perfectly in place.. you're ready to capture all of your hard work. And don't you dare skip the artsy photos of the twinkling lights. 

You know the ones..

Aren't they pretty?

Guy, this post proves I have no idea how to work my Nikon.. let's take a look at all of the fun "artsy" pictures that were taken before I captured the one above. The first picture I took just looked like lights on the tree.. so I messed around with the f-stop and just went with it. 

I've appropriately named all of these glorious pieces of "art".

Acid Rain

Circle Dance

Neon Garland 

Warehouse Party

The Swimmers

It's always fun to play around.. what artsy pictures will you come up with?

Dear Santa.. The Connie Wong Edition

photo credit Jill Thomas

Moderne Press is a public relations company that's personal, helpful and never pushy.. And founder Connie Wong is one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Her clients such as Elva Fields, May28th, Harabu House and Crane & Canopy can be found in the pages of Elle, Martha Stewart Living, Instyle and many more. How do you land such pretty glossy pages? Amazing products and a kick ass PR team {enter, Moderne Press}!

Searching for gifts for always busy, always trendy, always one step ahead of you ladies in your life? Maybe this list can help.
Thank you Connie for sharing your wish list with us!

1) Jade Yoga Harmony Mat

This past year, I’ve made an effort for more balance between my work/personal life. I’m finding weekly yoga classes a great way to leave behind any stress of the day and just be present in the moment. A new yoga mat would help me get the started the year off on the right note! 

2) Heath Serving Platter in Sand

Every single piece by Heath Ceramics is simply beautiful. I love how the pieces are still handmade in their Sausalito factory. Every Heath piece I’ve collected is one I know I’ll have for a long time to come.

3) Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne

One of my favorite fragrances! It’s a beautiful floral that always makes me feel good. 

4) Apple iPhone 5

I’m hoping for the upgrade to an iPhone 5. Hello to better photos and Pinterest on the go (my latest app addiction)! 

5) Tory Burch Leather Eddie Bow Ballet Flat

I basically live in flats and have been coveting these since last year. What girl doesn’t need a little sparkle in her step? 

6) Vince Honeycomb Cardigan

This sweater is cozy, yet chic – ideal for all the cold winter days ahead.

7) Alexis Russell Pave Diamond + Turquoise Horn Necklace with gold chain

This is one of the newer designs from Alexis Russell. The sparkly diamond horn is balanced by the earthy turquoise – great for everyday wear.

8) Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Taper Vase

This vase is just cool. Flowers will soften the toughness of this studded design.

9) Gift Certificate to a Spa

Leaving behind emails and getting pampered for a few hours would be simply amazing! 

10) Linda & Harriett Calendar

I have a tradition of purchasing Linda & Harriett calendars for years now, and I’m never disappointed by the designer Liz Libre’s modern, colorful and whimsical designs. As a bonus - after the end of the month, you can tear away the postcard on the back – perfect for all the thank you notes I write on a monthly basis.  

Dear Santa.. The Drew Davis Edition

Drew Davis is taking Austin, Texas by storm.

If you aren't familiar with her music, you need to follow this link immediately to check out her new album, Old Old Heart.  Make sure you follow her facebook page Austin friends, you'll want to follow her shows around town.. And to those of you everywhere else, you should "like" her page too, you don't want to miss her updates! 

Thank you Drew for taking the time to share your Christmas wish list with us! 

1. Some new mix CDs for my car:  Yes... I still like to pop in CDs. I love getting mix CDs from other people because it's a nice (or terrible) surprise every time the song changes.  Mix CDs are some of my favorite gifts - it's an awesome way to show someone you were really thinking about their taste.

2. Concert Tickets: I love getting concert tickets to any concert - even if it's a band I've never heard of before.  My brother almost always gets me two tickets to a concert every holiday season, and it's always one of my favorite gifts.  If you get two tickets for you to go with the person you're giving the ticket to, that's such a fun way to spend time together and enjoy the thought you put into your present.  If you can't be there, two tickets is still great so the person you're giving them to doesn't have to ride solo...

3. 10 pairs of identical feather earrings off of amazon: These earrings usually run between $5 and $10, and I absolutely love them.  I wear them with EVERYTHING - that is not an exaggeration, anyone who knows me will note that I am almost always in cowboy boots and feather earrings.  The only problem... I lose those suckers about once a month and have to reorder them every time.  I would love a large supply so my ears can be good to go for all of 2013.  

4.  A pair of working headphones: Whether these are Beats by Dre or your standard ear buds, I have gone through 4 pairs of headphones over the past six months.  As a musician, having a solid pair of headphones is really important so I don't overly aggravate my roommates, and so I can listen to all of my music mixes as clearly as possible.  And so, I am ready for someone to gift me a pair of really awesome, durable headphones.  Any takers??

5.  The perfect fall jacket: I kind of suck at fashion (my boss will agree), so even though I am ready to purchase "the perfect fall jacket", I have no idea what that is supposed to look like.  If someone would just give it to me, all of my fall fashion problems would be solved!  

6. A grammy... just kidding... sort of.....

7. A date with Ryan Gosling: This is not a joke.  Ryan Gosling has been filming a movie in Austin pretty much since I moved here, and I have spotted him two or three times now.  Like the rest of the female (and gay male) population, I believe him and I are meant to be, and I would really appreciate it if I could get some mistletoe to work in my favor.  

8. A reason to visit all of the Texan wineries: Texas is the land of beer, but also home to many wineries.  I have been dying to go visit them, but haven't really been able to make the time for it.  I would love for someone to just pick me and say we're going. Sometimes the best gift is taking someone to experience something they haven't before -- especially if that something involves a little bit of vino...

9. For Hall & Oats to come do a private concert for me in Austin.  Okay, it doesn't have to be private, but can they please do a show here immediately?! That would make my dreams come true.......

10. A bigger closet.  Enough said.  

Dear Santa.. The Inslee Haynes Edition

Have you seen these beauties floating around the internet?

Maybe you've seen her work for Neiman Marcus..

She's done two lookbooks for Jacques Levine..

And soon you'll see her creations on Dress It Up Dressing's jars!

You get it. She is an amazing artist.. and I've only named a few of her collaborations! 

Today's wish list is from Inslee Haynes, the creator of all things perfectly sketched and illustrated.

Inslee Haynes is the mastermind behind Inslee by Design. She currently lives in New York City, painting away in her new studio (congratulations!!). Yes, Inslee creates art for major brands, but luckily for us she sells prints, stationary, holiday cards.. and (take note because I don't know any working girl who wouldn't want this..) calendars! 

Her holiday cards will be cheer to all of your friends and family! This is my favorite..

It's perfect for jotting a quick note to let people know you're thinking about them this season.

Alright, I obviously could go on about how unbelievable Inslee's work is for days so let's get to her wish list!

1. Society Social Bar Cart 

I've been eyeing Roxie's beautiful carts for ever. Now that I finally have space in my apt (I'm working at a studio now, not at home!) I think it's time to fill the space with something beautiful and functional like the Sedgewick.

2. Loren Hope Gwyneth Necklace 

I always buy "statement necklaces" full of colored stones. And then I get home and realize they only work with one or two color-appropriate outfits. This necklace is great because it's more neutral.

3. Goyard St Louis Tote (can't find a link... obviously... why would goyard need to sell online haha)

Now that I'm "commuting" to work a whole seven blocks from my apartment to my studio, I find myself lugging changes of clothes, laptops, painting supplies, all sorts of things back and forth. This bag would be the perfect, chic, statement carry-all that would stand the test of time.

4. J.Crew Valentina Pumps - life time supply

I have these in black and haven't taken them off since I bought them. They are literally the perfect shoe. I want a life time supply of this shoe. 

5. Savon de Marseille Soap in Olive & Lavender

Love this liquid hand soap - the font, the scent, the way it feels. I can't wait to get home and wash my hands at the end of each day! This is a great stocking stuffer.

6. Ray Ban Erika Sunglasses

Sunglass designers will come and go, taking insane amounts of our money with them as we buy into trends. But Ray Ban will always be cool. Except when I loose my beloved pair after a solid decade of faithful wear!! So this Christmas I want to reinvest in my classic go to brand in this pretty new cut.

7. Le Creuset Dutch Oven

The lack of this cooking luxury device is the only thing standing between me and all the complicated french recipes I know I can totally figure out how to make.

8. Decorative Horns or Antlers 

I may not be a big game hunter, but I still think my apartment would look good with some tusks lying around.

9. PUPPIES 

No Christmas list is complete without one live animal request. I wouldn't say no to a bundle of joy, especially a miniature long haired dachshund.

10. Furbish Animal Magnets

I realize this is kind of random. But I hate ugly plastic refrigerator magnets. These are so cute! 

We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers. ~Seneca

Kicking off the first week of December, I've decided to fill each day with wish lists and gift ideas. On today's agenda? Stocking stuffers. They're small, they're important and they shouldn't break the bank. 

For Her..

1. A bar of delicious smelling soap.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is the perfect all natural option.

2. A cheap pair of earrings. 

Forever 21 has tons of stylish options.

3. A gift card to a favorite local coffee shop.

Although her favorite Latte may be an easy $4.50, it's so nice to save those 10 dollars!

4. A small bottle of tea tree oil.

Stressful times call for stress relieving strategies. A dab of oil behind the ears no matter the time of year, will be much appreciated.

5. A bright bottle of nail polish.

Small and powerful. A bottle of Essie is always needed!

6. Bubble bath.

You can't go wrong with a bottle of bubbles.

7. Hand Cream.

L'Occitane's rose scented hand cream gets the job done, leaving a light scent that won't smell up the office (or car, or plane..).

8. A delicious lip balm.

Eos's lip balm is not only adorable in it's spheric shape, it's all natural ingredients work wonders on dry lips. The Mint flavor leaves you smelling fresh for hours.

9. A timeless scented candle.

A serious bang for your buck, Febreze offers a wide range of scents. 

Remember, just because you're buying for the holidays, doesn't mean the candle needs to be Birch scented, they will be burning the candle after the holidays so purchase a timeless scent and use your discount for holiday fragrances on yourself!!

10. A few packs of gum.

A little something sweet never hurts!

Want to throw in a few nicer items?

1. A nice set.

This lip set from Fresh is packed full of perfect shades. 

Sets of lotions or eyeshadows do the job too.

2. The most amazing thong out there.

Hanky Panky.

Enough said.

3. Thank You cards.

Something the holidays wouldn't be complete without.

Puddleduck Paper Co. offers handmade creations. 

4. A rollerball.

Small enough for a stocking, perfect for a travel item. Rollerballs are a perfect way to freshen up mid-day.

5. A tin of tea.

Kushmi teas are top of the line.

A Detox tea would be perfect for the New Year.

For Him..

1. Mini Bottles.

Run to your neighborhood liquor store and grab a few of his favorites, mini size.

2. A Cigar.

He may not smoke it right away, but always handy to have on hand!

3. Golf Balls.

Golf balls aren't cheap, but buy him a few brightly colored balls to add to his collection.

4. Something comical.

These band-aids from Urban Outfitters would be fun to have around.

5. iTunes $10 gift card.

If you know what album he's been eyeing that's great, but this takes the pressure off.

6. Something fun.

This desk top ping-pong set would be fun for him to stash at the office.

7. Via packets.

Instant coffee always seemed weird to me until I tried this. These packets come in many flavors and are perfect for him to stash in his desk drawer.

8. Patterned Socks.

Who doesn't want a new pair of socks? :)

9. Travel sized shampoos.

Probably not something he would purchase for himself, these Crew mini's will spoil him on the next trip he takes!

10. Earbuds.

An extra pair around the house are always nice to have. These little buds are amazing!

And a few nicer items..

1. A nice pair of boxers.

Roll up a pair of nice boxers, a change from the 3 packs he usually grabs.

2. A leather keychain.

A step up from the metal ring the key came on.

3. A pocket square.

Ernest Alexander's squares are perfectly patterned.

4. A leather card holder.

If he doesn't want to ditch his beloved wallet, he can use this as a business card case.

5. A flask.

This mustache shaped flask wins my vote!

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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1. pratesi   2. tanqueray   3. j.crew   4. alice + olivia   5. heimstone   6. asos

7. diptyque   8. rugs usa   9. fender   10. vintage

11. hunter boot   12. c.o. bigelow  13. le creuset   14. old world

Dear Santa, Is it too early to start asking for gifts??

Instead of the usual holiday gift guide, I thought it would be fun to introduce a new person to you every week from now until Christmas and have them share their holiday wish lists. 

So instead of the "What to buy for the [insert hobby/career] this Christmas" with me rattling off what I think they might like.. You'll get to meet some awesome people scattered across the country & hopefully be reminded of people in your life through the gifts they're asking for this year. 

First off? Myself.

1. Candles (as I may have mentioned before) are some what of an addiction for me. They come and go so quickly that the prices really add up. These are two of my favorite brands & scents. I've never purchased a Diptyque candle for myself because it just kills me to spend $60 on something that I know will be gone in 60 hours but it would be a real treat to get one as a gift. (Voluspa & Diptyque)

2. My sweet boyfriend upgraded my horrible 3gs to the iPhone 5 for my birthday, the only problem is there aren't too many cases out for it yet. This J.Crew case is bright and lovely, it comes out later this month so I can't wait to see them in person.

3. Another addiction I may or may not have would be clutches. So, I feel ridiculous adding a bag to this list but I really do need a cross body bag that I can wear day in day out with no fuss. I absolutely love Botkier and I think this bag would be perfect.

4. This duvet from Anthropologie has been on my wish list for a while. It's finally on sale and I don't know how much longer I can resist the purchase. The colors are perfect and the design is something my boyfriend could actually live with.. no florals or frills like the majority of the Anthropologie bedding. UPDATE: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Between yesterday and today this duvet is no longer available for purchase. I shouldn't have resisted for so long......

5. Smitten Kitchen is an amazing food blog and I'm so excited to see that Deb has a cookbook published. The pictures are always stunning and I can only imagine what great recipe this has to offer. 

6. In a dream world.. but I've been doing lots of research on Cavapoos lately. Seeing this pup under a tree would just.. oh I can't even imagine. As I type this, I'm hearing a sweet puppy that's been crying all morning so I can't imagine leaving it alone all day. But a girl can dream!

7. Old barn wood. There are so many projects I've been wanting to take a stab at lately that require beautiful wood. You'd think that craigslist would be perfect for this but I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for. Maybe I could finally finish my entry way..

8. Fresh products are such a luxury. I want them all! At the top of my list though would be the Lychee bath cubes and the Seaberry lotion. The scents are intoxicating, just so.. fresh. You knew it was coming. It would be so lovely to sit and soak!

9. Used vinyls. Our record collection is very limited. I'd love for friends and family to go to a thrift store or old record store and grab me a few of their favorites. 

10. A faux fireplace. Honestly? Yes, probably a waste of money. I just love the idea of having a fire place so much though. It would be nice to add a faint glow in our living room. This seems like the perfect fix.