Starting Fresh

After all the spirit and sparkle of the season ~ my body, my eyes, and my mind are in need of a rest.

You could call it a time out.

You could call it a good cleansing.

Or you could call it a new outlook ~ after all, it is a new year!

I like to call it ~ starting fresh.

Starting fresh means more time for me to spend with you which I always look forward to.

I’ve also been looking forward to sharing some wonderful news ~

From her studio in Moss Vale in the southern highlands of Australia, my good friend Coty Farquhar is welcoming a fresh start with the launch of her newly published magazine!

Photo Courtesy | Coty Farquhar

January Issue No.1 of Styling has arrived! This stunningly beautiful digital magazine brings long-awaited inspiration for the soul to readers around the world!

Photo Courtesy | Coty Farquhar

In Styling ~ seashells and soft white create a breath of fresh air and old-world splendor is interpreted through fine porcelain, pristine farmhouses, and of course lot’s and lot’s of beautiful flowers. All captured by Coty’s stunning photography.

Photo Courtesy | Coty Farquhar

Each issue of  Styling will celebrate the creativity of others who have caught her eye. January features Australian stylist & antique dealer Appley Hoare and takes us to the picturesque Monaro plains in New South Whales where Coty introduces us to the beautiful & inspiring artist Emma Pfeiffer.

Photo Courtesy | Coty Farquhar 

 Coty will also keep her eye on antique auction houses around the globe. Every month she will highlight current collections and treasures from the past that are being offered up for bid and sold at recent online auctions.

While you're looking for your paddle let me tell you ~

There’s so much more to explore in Styling ~ If you’re ready to start fresh with new beginnings, green grass & a warm breeze ~ you’re just a click away!

Photo Courtesy | Coty Farquhar

Remember it’s summertime Down Under ~

Enjoy!

Friendship

Today I’m featuring the delightful watercolor illustrations of Caitlin McGauley.

Her bright colors and simple subjects are fun and refreshing and a reflection of a girl who revels in purchasing a new paint color as much as new shoes!

Caitlin McGauley offers her works through her website, private commissions, and causes close to her heart. I also love seeing her illustrations over at Kate Spade’s website, Lonny, and Daily Candy.

“Friendship”

That’s the title of my post today because Caitlin’s work is reminding me of someone special. A friend who I’ve come to know through blogging.  Imagine that!

Actually, there are many bloggers who will tell you that they too are delighted to call her a friend.

She’s famous for the stories she writes about people, places and things. She really pulls you in & is known for occasionally pulling your leg which you don’t realize until “The End!”

These days she writes her stories in her cozy cottage far, far away but remains close to us in all the “social” ways. We’re still trying to get the girl on Skype but she’s always off touring castles on the Scottish Highlands with her Kilted husband!

I’m happy to report though that she made her way back to the States just in time to celebrate the holidays & her birthday with her fabulous friends and family!

 She’s a stylish & sophisticated one who remains true to form.

And no matter where she is, she remains close to all of our bloggy hearts.

Happy Birthday, Duchess!

Be sure to visit Caitlin McGauley at her website and blog where she’s happy to show you her sketchbook!

And by all means, be sure to visit my dear “Duchess” Deb Peterson Milne at her blog where she pens all those wonderful stories I was telling you about ~

Merry Christmas

 

Dear friends and family,

Wherever you are, far or near, I wish you and yours ~ peace, love, good health, and happiness.

Merry Christmas!

Going Shopping!

Thank goodness for Gift Guides!

They’re everywhere & for everyone!

A virtual treasure trove of thoughtfully edited gift-giving ideas by fabulous bloggers, designers, stylists, and tastemakers is making shopping easier than ever this year. 

Here’s a sampling of some of my favorites!

Grace Bonney at Design Sponge is at the top of my list with an assortment of really wonderful ornaments & trimmings for decorating the tree.

Skyla Freeman is a Capitol Hill staffer & former writer for President George W. Bush. From her darling D.C. apartment, Skyla writes her stylish decorating blog - Sanity Fair. Her gift list would be a book-lovers dream!

Paula who writes the darling blog two ellie posted her own children’s wishlists! My kids would be thrilled if I did that. What do you wanna bet the Grands read two ellie too ~

Smart mom.

Sarah Tolzmann who pens one of my favorite blogs, Note To Self  has got things covered with gift ideas for the ladies the gents and also the host!

 

Erin Loechner writes Design for Mankind and has put together a practical gift guide for the brother-in-law, “Because he swears it’s “Dob kit.”

 Bonnie Tsang has gathered together a list of great utilitarian gifts for the hands-on kind of girl.

Oh Joy!

Katie Armour has a festive roundup of things that make her smile at the Neo-Traditionalist.

Blair Friedeman at Delight by Design has two lists that caught my eye. One for the “glam girl” who’s practically impossible to shop for and another list for the “natural” entertainer.

At Julie Leah – a life & style blog she’s got the hard-to-buy-for guy all figured out and his preppy girlfriend too!

Gabrielle Blair is a Design Mom who has pulled together a gift guide for doing good!  I say she’s already doing good – Just look at her darling family! Check out some of her favorite products that give back.

I seriously am so thrilled about finding this manly-man list for the MR. at The City Sage.

Thank you so much, Anne!

 Playing Dirty Santa or Yankee Swap? Camila Pavone will show you how to play in Effortless Style! She’s got a grab-bag list for under $20!

I adore this photo of Camila & her husband grabbing a sweet moment!

To wrap things up Kirsten Krason at 6th Street Design School has the greatest examples of free holiday gift tags I’ve ever seen! Ready for you to download, print, and sign with your own special holiday message!

Thank you, Kirsten!

One last bit of news.

 to & from magazine is here!

This week, co-founders Katie Anderson & Meg Biram launched their premier Holiday 2012 issue!

Thank you, everyone. You’re the greatest gifts of all! 

Oh no! Still browsing?

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