I’m sorry for being a bit MIA— if you follow me on Facebook, you know last week was a big week in the lives of many of my closest friends. One friend had a baby (Baby Emi has joined us!), one friend got engaged, and one friend got married! So I’ve been busy celebrating, even from afar.
So things are still a bit hectic, but I saw these awesome animal DIY puppets, I had to share. Aren’t they so cute? And easy to make!
Nothing says I love you like these thoughtful hand-crafted beauties.
To play cupid– bow & arrow.
Accordion heart gift wrapping.
Being from Florida, I am partial to eating oranges in the winter, since they are at their freshest. Turns out, oranges are also popular for Chinese New Year (or lunar new year). They are considered symbols of abundance and good fortune {and their golden hue doesn’t hurt!} so they are often seen around town, used for decorations and gifts. We even have one in our office!
As Chinese New Year is quickly approaching {we have a couple of days off next week!}, here’s a beautiful wreath from Design*Sponge using winter citrus. Make it just for fun, or to add to a celebration of dumplings and fireworks this weekend!
Our stuff came in from the States {yea!} but it’s like we are starting over with the unpacking! Lots going on here, so quotes– some to motivate, some to say it like it is (ok, like how I want to be!}– help me to take a breath and enjoy the movement. What gets you through?
Is it terrible that I am lusting after these things so soon after Christmas?
I love these thank you cards. I need to make some.
My hubby wants this apron.
When we hosted last week we discovered that even with the lights on the wall, it was still a bit dark. We need a more permanent solution, but in the mean time I put together some candles to give some ambient light.
We are still figuring out where to get every thing we need {as it is when you move to a new city} so I’m happy with how these turned out with just a bit of creativity.
At Japan Home Center {kind of like a home store bodega, if you can imagine that} I found small whiskey glasses and votive candles. But that wasn’t quite enough. My husband came up with the idea of using black rice and it was the perfect solution. It gave the votives the modern look I wanted. 
We scattered them around and they worked just as I hoped. I can’t wait to use them again.
What do you think?
A few things I’m loving right now…
Lace eggs {wouldn’t these be cool at bridal shower?}
Polka dot tights {seriously cute}
Water Pitcher {who doesn’t need one!}
As we relax and recover on this first day of 2013, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Since today is a day for goal setting and good fortune, it helps me to know where I am going when I see where I came from, both personally and professionally. Care to take a journey of 2012 in pictures?
The year started out with much excitement and hope as we settled into a new routine in Washington DC.
I managed some weddings for a few amazing couples– {Helen & Joel, A bike couple, Erin & Adam}
And one incredible 5 year-old’s birthday party.
Hosted some casual parties– {book club, dinner party, gold cocktails, kitty party, impromptu hosting, indoor picnic}
And did some fun DIYs.{Sprinkle covered marshmallows, Christmas tree, Gold planters, drip paint pots, flower design, balloon backdrop, polka dot tablecloths, gold barrettes, star chandelier}
I also had the good fortune to travel a good bit this year. 
And, most recently, picked up the family and moved to Hong Kong.
Thank you so much for taking this journey with me, whether today, this past year, or over the past nearly 3 years since I’ve been blogging. I am so grateful at all I’ve been able to do and share with you. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2013 has in store — and hope you will join me!! xoxo
If you are having guests visit for the holidays, for a day or for a week, you might be looking for activities to keep everyone entertained. This fun DIY would be a great way to busy hands and commemorate the visit— or another trip.
Take a map from your city, your hometown, or a place that you and your guests went together and use it to make a personalized ornament. Cut up the pages into shapes, add a ribbon to create a map ornament,one for each person to take home. This one is in a circle, but your could try triangle christmas tree shapes, or paper mache the map on the ball.
See full directions here.
