Happy New Year

Ringing in a New Year brings excitement and hope. A clean slate and opportunity for new beginnings. While these past few years may have been a challenge for many, I can’t help but feel this is the year we turn it around. Every day we have a choice to stay stuck or re-chart our course in life. It may not be easy, it may mean making difficult decisions but real change comes from having a clear goal and taking daily action to achieve that goal. I hope 2012 brings you health, happiness and a desire to live your life to its fullest potential. Here’s to a Happy New Year and Happy New You in 2012. Cheers!

images here & here

Snowball Cookies

My mother makes these cookies every Christmas. They’re called Sand Tarts but at this time of year, we call them Snowballs. They are super easy to make and aren’t very sweet. A wonderful compliment with coffee or tea. Special note: when you roll out the dough make them small, about the size of a large marble so you can easily pop one in your mouth. Otherwise it’s a lipstick disaster or the floors may look like someone tracked in a bunch of snow, either way, not good. Trust me.

Snowball Cookies aka Pecan Sand Tart Cookies (yields 5-6 dozen)

1 cup unsalted butter
powdered sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
2 cups flour
2 tsp. vanilla (maybe a dash extra)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter & 6 Tbsp. powdered sugar. Work flour, salt, vanilla and nuts into creamed mixture.
Form into balls and remember…big marble size so you can just pop them in your mouth.

Cook on ungreased cookie sheet bake for 25 minutes until lightly brown.
Let them cool just a couple of minutes then bathe them in powder sugar while still warm. Enjoy ♥

While I Shovel the Snow

As most of you, it’s been a bit hectic around here. Last minute shopping, getting presents shipped off in time, writing Christmas cards, baking Mom’s Sand Tart cookies to take with us to New York. We are attending a family holiday party the day we arrive and it just wouldn’t be right to show up empty handed. So in the spirit of the holidays in the Big Apple, I wanted to share this music video with you. It was shot in New York on a day it was snowing so heavy, it looks like feathers falling from the heavens. The contrast in black and white makes it all the more magical…and haunting. The song is “While I Shovel the Snow” by The Walkmen. Video directed by Jake Davis. Enjoy.

Shop Esty for unique gift giving

Esty is an online treasure trove. It’s a place where sellers have personal storefronts to sell their wares. The site focuses on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. Please note that in all my posts, I hyperlink all store or item names so you can visit their websites. Simply hover over the name with your curser and you will see it change color, then click. Easy!

Above: Eye Poetry has beautiful 2012 calendars featuring ethereal photography that will inspire all year long. For the little ones, this large knit teddy bear from Yarn Miracle is just waiting to be adopted and promises to always be there for a hug. Below: I adore handmade knit items. Like this chunky cowl neck scarf from Happiknits or this darling knit hat from Ozetta where you will also find leg warmers for riding boots. Love the big wood button! They all come in a wide range of colors, just specify when ordering. I’ll take one in Charcoal please!

Above: The journal Bandolier at Cleverhands is the perfect gift for an artist , writer, or student. Replace that pencil case with something that keeps your pens and pencils with your journal. Travel light, draw often! At Whitney Smith Pottery, she crafts beautiful ceramic pieces, like this set of Lotus nesting bowls.

For a truly unique and grandiose gift for the cook who loves their cast iron, look no further. FeLion Studios created Made In America, a cast iron map of the contiguous United States of America. Each pan joins its neighbors to form a unique echo of the US. This final composition is 9 feet 6 inches x 6 feet and weighs approximately 550 lbs. A one of a kind piece of artwork. Individual states are available and they take on custom work as well. Have a wonderful weekend!

sources: (1) burgundy knit cowl (2)  white knit hat (3) eye poetry calendar (4) knit bear
(5) journal bandolier (6) nesting lotus ceramic bowls (7) cast iron made in america

The New Restoration Hardware

This past year Restoration Hardware had a major store and image make over. They now present their home furnishings in a gallery setting with towering ceilings and taupe painted walls as the backdrop for their grand scale furniture, lighting and artwork. Restoration Hardware furniture and decor feels more European in style and a dash of old Hollywood. They have teamed up with artisans and craftsman to create these timeless treasures and reproductions. RH as always be my go to for drapery. Panels come in 84” – 120” in length and either 50” or 100” inches in width which is difficult to find premade. Beyond that you’re going custom made. Every holiday season they come out with fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers, most of which you can find online. Happy shopping!

A Collage of Colorful Ornaments

This weekend was cold and grey but these glittering ornaments in all their glory warmed me right up. Worthy of any coveted Christmas tree collection. Have fun decorating your tree.

The Christmas Spirit

As Christmas draws near, we’re busy decking the Halls, partaking in holiday cheer and shopping for loved ones far or near, naughty or nice. But let us not lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. Let’s be extra kind to those around, even as our holiday patience grows thin. As our actions speak louder than words.

images from here

A Christmas Cottage

When I first saw the exterior photo of Jill Sharp Brinson’s 1930s cottage I said to myself “Yes please!” but the love didn’t stop there. The interior is fresh but maintains its cottage charm with an architectural mix of salvaged woods and steel. In the December issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Ballard Designs’ creative director Jill Sharp Brinson puts her spin on Christmas in her Peachtree Heights cottage with Suzanne Kasler’s latest holiday collection for Ballard Design. Jill shares this darling abode with her photographer husband, Rob, along with their three dogs. I love the modern touch of the chevron tablecloth and just look at that kitchen!

 

All images from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Photography by Rob Brinson