Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas...I will be trying a new cocktail this holiday season! Not sure which one yet, but one of these tasty little numbers will probably be making an appearance. Gosh, they all look so delicious - good thing I have all next week off to try a few new cocktails!

Hot Buttered Spiced Cider (Food Network)

• 1/2 gallon (8 cups) apple cider
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 1 strip zest
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, plus 1 strip zest
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• Bourbon, rye or whiskey (optional)
• Cinnamon candy sticks, for garnish (optional)

Chai Toddy (Food Network)

• One part chai tea concentrate
• One part whole milk
• 1 star anise
• 1 oz. cognac/brandy
• 1 oz. DeKuyper Buttershots liqueur or butterscotch schnapps
• 1/2 graham cracker, crushed and powdered

Apple-Ginger Sparklers (Martha Stewart)

1/4 cup Ginger Syrup

4 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider or Champagne

6 cinnamon sticks

6 pieces crystallized ginger

  White Cosmopolitan (Martha Stewart)

1 cup white-cranberry juice

4 ounces vodka

2 ounces Cointreau

Pear & Cranberry Bellini (Martha Stewart)

1 cup pear nectar

1 cup craberry juice cocktail

1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

 

handmade stockings

I decided this year I would try and make our Christmas stockings...something cute and creative. I'm a little late for this Christmas - but I'll be ready by next Christmas. Here are some adorable ideas I found on Etsy to get my wheels turning. I have all next week off, so a little project sounds fun!

2011 design trends

ASID shared a very interesting article about one of the big new design trends for 2011. It's quite a simple trend...reassessing what you really need to live comfortably, finding local balance, and looking for more personalized products.

Simplistic designs are the new thing as the financial crisis has forced many to simplify their lives. Designs mixing modern ideas with technology and basic forms will be a strong focus. Mixing glass and metal with softer elements will also become more common to transform perspectives and the function of a space.

People are going to me more interested in selecting items for their home that have meaning or are from their local city...something that has been personalized to fit their lifestyle and family.

Cheers to a great year in design for 2011!

displaying your Christmas cards

What do you do with all the cards you get in the mail? After looking at some of these fabulous ideas from Habitually Chic...you may think twice about just putting them in a basket!

D and A Studio

D and A Studio is an award winning design firm with offices in both Seattle and the San Juan Islands. One of their custom homes caught my eye - not just because of the unique design details, but also because of the attention to detail when it came to green design. The home uses geothermal heat, advanced framing, locally crafted custom windows and doors, non-toxic finishes, and recycled and salvaged materials. I love the open courtyard that leads to the upper deck...gorgeous views!

dress up your mantle

I love some of these designs to spruce up your mantle and table for the holidays....hope they help inspire you to take your Christmas decor to new heights this year!

crafty paper ideas

I just sent out my Christmas cards....and I keep telling myself that I will get creative and make them next year. But when Christmas rolls around...I'm never in a paper crafty mood! Well after seeing some of these creative ways to make cards from Paper Zone, I just may get creative.....maybe. Take a look at the ornaments made out of paper too!

stunning home in issaquah

Gelotte Hommas built a stunning home in a Issaquah. Green design was their focus and they took it to the next level in the construction of this home. The trees that were cut down from their lot were also used as their millwork throughout the home - windows, doors, and even their cabinets! The architecture of this home is quite beautiful, and the connection it has to the site where it sits is truly remarkable. I absolutely love the entry door! Hope you enjoy...

more holiday entertaining ideas

We went to a fabulous Christmas party this weekend and it has inspired me once again to come up with unique entertaining ideas! These cake balls are adorable and easy to make! I had much success at my homemade peppermint marshmallows on Friday...so I am ready to tackle another new cute recipe. Here are some great ideas for the little ones to enjoy during the holidays too!