Gifting via Martha

If I could have any job in the world a gift wrapper would probably be among my top 2 or 3 choices. I L-O-V-E to wrap presents! The paper, the tape, the bows and ribbons - I am in holiday heaven! So this season I would encourage everyone out there (I've already encouraged myself) to take just a minute extra to un-rubber band your christmas gifts (yes, there are people who use rubber bands to wrap gifts, I am now related to such people) and put a personal stamp on each one. The images below are great examples of how to do just that from Ms. Martha {www.marthastewart.com}:

This one is SUPER easy - just pile a TON of premade bows on top of a plain wrapped box. I also really love this one - premade bows that were snipped to look like flower blossoms. A single color palatte can make a big statementI made my own Christmas tags this year that are very similar to the ones below. This is tissue paper that was wrapped to create a layered effect.I really like these woodgrained papers, perfect for the eco-conscious person on your list.

Merry Christmas and happy wrapping!

Top Ten Tuesday

Here are todays top ten favorite things:

1) A very soft looking white couch with a fabulous chandelier - who could resist?

2) A non-paper porcelin travel to-go mug. LOVE IT!

3) Potato soup - my all time favorite food, especially for a snowy day like today!4) a FABULOUS gift wrap from Paper Source, perfect for Christmas time5) My new favorite sweater that I've been wearing non stop for the past month :)6) Too funny to not put on this list. What baby wouldn't love a Hitchcock? 7) I've had this cake in my inspiration file for over a year trying to figure out how to incorporate it in to something. It is so adorable! 8) A blue door that I'd like to explore9) Talk about adorable - wouldn't Tink be the cutest in this?10) My little doll!

Hello MAINE!

A while back I came across this site, Summer Maine {www.summermaine.com}, offering summer cottage and home rentals. The first time I went through the site I immediatly started telling my best friend & my husband that we needed to take a vacation to Maine. They looked at me like I was crazy. I'm pretty sure that I've got them warmed up to the idea - but take a look and see what you think - are you up for a vacation to Maine?

I don't know if I think that the summer or the winter looks like more fun!
How Christmasy!

This reminds me of the B&B we stayed at in California - so cozy and welcoming...I always love all white...I am particularly in love with this photo...

Love that map....

Perfect irregularity....

LOVE those Windsor chairs...

I adore this kitchen. Something about it is so quaint and charming.

I REALLY like this kitchen. I love that the lower cabinets look to be an inky blue but the top look black.

Love that mural....

This is perfect!

I'd love to stay in this room. The skylight is perfect and I love that little painting - no headboard needed in this room for sure!

Isn't this adorable?I can't say that this room is really 'me' but I love the little balls on the curtains and that worn in yellow quilt.

I hope you enjoyed your tour of some of the summer homes available in Maine!