A Gift Wrapped Life - Gifting Tips, Advice and Inspiration

Gift Wrapping...............with 18th century romance

2012-02-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

When this gorgeous 18th century French engraving print was given as a gift to readers of French Essence, many of us went over and eagerly followed the instructions to download our own printable size file copy. The personal engraving was generously shared by David Terry, a most amicable reader of French Essence and has a wonderful history and story attached which you can read here on his website. It will be absolutely gorgeous when printed out on high-quality paper and framed to enhance it's lovely nature. The pampered pet subject certainly fits in this household and it really does look like Daisy with her little hair pouf and all. I have the perfect spot for it. But in the meantime............I just couldn't help but see it as a most fabulous gift wrap. Do you agree?

While I was at the printers with my handy flash drive and romantic gift wrapped notions in my head, I had them print out quick working copies of some of my favorite images strictly for personal blog and wrapping use as I am immersed in developing a few gift wrapped "notions" which I hope to share soon. The base paper is a aged image of antique letters which I printed on a larger 11" x 17" sheet, a perfect base for the smaller top image of a faded but most beautiful dress trimmed in the style of the last century, it appears to be on a wooden mannequin. Unfortunately, I do not have the source for this image so if anyone does please pass it along so proper credit can be linked. Isn't it lovely?

Photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

St Tropez...................gone gift wrapping

2012-01-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

This makes me want to head where the sun shines bright and hot.....somewhere where you wear scarf turbans and cool cotton caftans. St. Tropez perhaps. When I received my Jo Malone refill order a few weeks ago there was a nice supply of gray and white stripe tissue that made me want to explore a more summery gift wrap presentation. Pinstripes always make me think of summer Once the tissue wrinkles were ironed out so easy I got going and by chance came across this fashionable Leggiadro illustration from a 2009 copy of Town & Country. Bonus.

If I have said it once, I have said it at least a hundred times..............there is gift wrapping ideas in those old magazines. I am always on the hunt for fun and fashionable images that will give gifts a more unique and personable appearance. I will match this one up to a friend who loves the sun and wearing designer shades.

My gift wrapping dose of Vitamin D.

Thank you to readers who commented this past week and a sunny and

warm welcome to new followers.

Photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

A little chuckle.............to remind you

2012-01-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

Hope you are having a most wonderful weekend.............

and remember life really is quite short and quite funny.

I love to laugh and hope you do too.

Photo via Pinterest

The most fascinating floral idea

2012-01-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

It is rare that I go visit the world of wedding blogs unless I want to lose myself for hours in silk, satin, and tulle and truthfully sometimes I do. I also lose myself in the pure creativity that romance inspires. Perhaps it is the passion of the occasion that gives brides their extreme dose of creativity and that is the part that I find so fascinating in the world of weddings. The details. When I saw this floral arrangement on Style Me Pretty, I was in awe of this clever idea, a raised blanket of fresh florals in gorgeous colours. Brilliant. Fascinating.

Though I am sure that brides will embrace this DIY idea of using metal pegboard and dangling stems, wouldn't it be fascinating on a dinner party table as well? See more views here.

Love this presentation idea as well from here, certainly as a wedding centerpiece or for any occasion but what a spectacular way to bring a floral gift to a deserving hostess............ or for any reason at all.

Photos linked at source

Granola Gifting................hello comfort

2012-01-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

Even though it doesn't seem like winter yet, such an unseasonably mild stretch this year I must be feeling some type of winter nesting urge because I am cooking and baking up a storm over here. Lately I have been referring to Pinterest using my board labeled Hungry as an online recipe source, you have thought of using it that way haven't you? I tried a chocolate sour cream cake that was quite yummy but I must say the chocolate frosting was incredible. In between trying new recipes I have been baking up more than a few batches of the Granola recipe from our trip to Rancho de los Caballeros that I told you about in this post here.

You might remember that the recipe was restaurant-huge so I halved it and still ended up with three professional sized trays, more than enough to bring some Hello comfort to anyone I see in the next week. So far that has included my yogurt loving manicurist, my dog sitter, four friends, and a former client. There is some major comfort in granola and what better way to say a winter hello?

I just happened to have a set of twelve glass jars in my storage room so they worked out quite good for my ranch granola gifting and I was able to use my rubber stamps, tags, and labels from Besotted that I posted about before the holidays. The Ultimate Stationery Set was one of the best self-gifting presents I have ever bought for myself. I am thinking I may try to order a Homemade stamp, I have the Handmade one though I think that applies to crafts and sewing............though the granola was handmade so to speak wasn't it?

Just so you know, this granola is to die for.............really.

I might be doing gift refills all winter long. Which may only be a few short months now...............

iphone photos by Sande Chase

Any gift envelope.............embellished and special

2012-01-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

When I saw this gorgeous gift wrapping on Haute Design after the holidays while catching up on my favorite blogs I had a quick thought. I wonder if these are gift envelopes? If so, all the better and more impressive, do you use ribbon to dress up your gift envelopes? And why not? Nothing could make the recipient of a simple envelope feel all the more special whether it be a heartfelt birthday greeting, a pair of show tickets, a gift certificate, a spa day, and most especially a wedding gift card (I always wrap wedding cards with a beautiful ivory satin bow). From this day forward...........let's embellish our envelopes. It's a thoughtful touch that makes the giving and the receiving all the more special for all of us.

Photo found here via Sarah Klassen - Haute Design

Soft Landing in 2012

2012-01-06T10:44:00.001-05:00

I prefer soft landings in the New Year. Give me a few weeks to ease into thinking too hard about resolutions, to-do lists, and goals. I sort of putter about, doing a few tasks that make me feel a bit productive but nothing too challenging. One of the things I try to do is clean up my photo files which I did yesterday. To make it fun I always try to find a favorite photo. And this is it............my soft landing in 2012. Dreamy, soft, layered with colour and movement. Much of what I wish in 2012 for you and me.

Photo via my Tumblr

The Ranch Granola.............my daily treat

2012-01-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

I noticed after my last post that it was all about the cowboys. I did see some women wranglers, just a few but they sure walked the walk and looked the look. I am guessing that riding horses all day keeps you in fine shape and I am also guessing that they stay away from over-indulging in the delicious ranch granola. It is certainly one of the best granola recipes I have ever tasted and as soon as I shake this airplane cold, those hot trays will be coming in and out of my ovens.

It wasn't until I read the Rancho de los Caballeros granola recipe on the flight home that I realized they obviously make this in huge breakfast batches as it is one of their most popular recipe requests. They told me it freezes well so I am going to make the supersized batch and give jars as crunchy treats to some of my friends. You can adjust the fixins to suit your appetite.

Everything in moderation, which definitely includes granola. But this crunchy treat sure adds a good bit of fiber and taste to smooth yogurt, another healthy favorite. I add in diced bananas, fresh pomegranate, blueberries, chopped walnuts and a bit of honey to Greek yogurt, then layer it with granola..........the taste highlight of my day. I have never gained an ounce eating this each and every night for the past two years but I can't say I have lost any either. Some people love a glass of wine each day. I weirdly feel that way about granola, especially when it is homemade.

Rancho de los Caballeros Homemade Granola

15 cups old fashioned rolled oats

5 cups sweetened coconut flakes

5 cups slivered almonds

2.5 cups vegetable oil

2 cups brown sugar

1.5 cups honey

5 tsp. cinnamon

5 tsp. salt

Mix all of the above ingredients, spray your cookie sheet with Pam (or line your trays with parchment paper) and bake at 325 degrees. Bake until the granola begins to brown which is approximately 15 to 25 minutes, you might want to check midway and stir it up a bit. I would suggest leaving some bigger granola clusters. Allow to cool and mix in the following dried fruits which can be chopped to any size you prefer. Will keep stored in a container for 2 weeks but as I mentioned, it freezes well.

1 cup dried apricots

1 cup dried prunes

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dried cherries

1 cup golden raisins.

If you happen to like your granola fruit a bit softer, you can use this slow-roasted Cranberry Coconut Granola recipe found here which includes the healthy addition of flax and sesame seeds and extra-virgin olive oil instead of the typical vegetable oil. Either recipe makes for hearty and thoughtful granola gifting..........who wouldn't enjoy that in the wintry months ahead?

Top photo by Sande Chase/Photo 2, 3, and 4 via Pinterest here.

We brought a Cowboy back from Wickenburg, Arizona

2012-01-02T15:02:00.002-05:00

Our new cowboy saddling up on Cricket.

They say a good vacation is one where you experience new things as a family. A break in tradition. I would have to say that our Christmas week at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona was all of that and more. Along with perfect weather and blue skies in the Sonoran desert, we all came home with the feeling we had a most unique vacation in a most beautiful setting. Rancho de los Cabarellos is more of a family resort than a dude ranch so it isn't roughing it on any level but keeping with the relaxed tone you can wear jeans on their championship golf course.

Austin started the cow penning competition with a mild-mannered horse that he jokingly nicknamed "Narcolepsy" as he was sure it was dozing at times. Riders of all levels are well-matched to horses by the wrangler team who carefully watch your increasing skill level. By the end of the week our adventurous son was loping every chance he got and loving every minute of it. We all loved that a golf course, swimming, and tennis courts were just outside our door, the Trap & Skeet Shooting, the picturesque Bradshaw mountains, stargazing, nature hikes, the delicious cookout ride and some Camelback mountain climbing in Scottsdale. The hospitable Rancho de los Caballeros is full of families, many arriving annually so the groups get bigger and bigger with grandchildren being added every year. It is also known as a corporate getaway.

Switching to a feistier mount named Bon Jovi, those competitive greenhorns of mine want to win this Team Penning competition. Not so fast boys.........

......my husband's "Tumble" which happened within our first hour at the ranch. You can see his horse still bucking and Austin's horse reacting. A few tense minutes which pretty well sealed my skittish horse fear as I observed this tumble in slow motion. My husband grew up with horses on their property so even old hands can take a tumble now and again. Just so you know, this has only happened 3 times in 5 years at the ranch. He wasn't the one we expected to tumble was he?

Once he was checked over by his son for injuries, Jim dusted off his pride, retrieved his sunglasses and headed over to saddle up on another horse with the amicable and relieved head wrangler Willum who tried his darnest to mentally condition me for a trail ride after witnessing Jim's "tumble".

The "building confidence" talk with Head Wrangler Willum. I did manage to lead Powder River around the corral but thankfully no surprise loping as mentioned in my former horse experiences here. Truthfully........I just don't have that adventurist Annie Oakley personality. But our son sures does.

Father and son heading out for an afternoon ride while this cowgirl walked over to the Ranch spa where I had the absolute best 90 minute massage......ever. Should you ever make your way to this western resort spa, ask for Lynell.

Yes, that's me, the failed Annie Oakley wannabee on Powder River with my matching boots and hair pure coincidence. I should be wearing my jeans but I was already feeling the effects of the delicious ranch meals and I suspect Powder was feeling it too. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style but dinner is a jacket or western vest sit down menu dinner. Every dinner was delicious and we would share bites to try it all. I am a yogurt lover and a self-appointed granola connoisseur if there is such a thing, I was able to lasso the recipe for their homemade granola and as soon as I go into town and get some supplies I will share the popular Caballeros granola recipe.

Heading out to the ravine trail with Lowell, the genial and experienced 89-year old wrangler who told the guys everything they need to know about the desert and horseback riding. The ranch offers two trail rides a day, morning and afternoon which differ in their direction and skill. These two guys need some cowboy hats, not just to look the part but to sun protect their ears and necks. I also think they need a few more plaid shirts and one of those western bolo neckties...........look the part a bit more.

The town of Wickenburg is located about 1.5 hrs. from Phoenix and is the home of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. A surprisingly large private collection of local mining history, western artifacts, and artwork and well worth the visit into town. This area was originally known as the dude ranch capital with many ranches but there is just a few left. Los Caballeros has been here since 1948 and is one of the Historic Hotels of America.

The Lone Ranger contemplating how many years it will take to earn his own ranch? Or wondering how soon he can get that horse to lope again. But I think he would agree, there is nothing like riding or loping in the Sonoran desert for new cowboys.

Happy Trails in 2012. I hope you all had a most wonderful holiday and

Happy New Year!

All photos by onsite photographer Melanie Bess Hogan of Saddleback Photography

No conpensation or endorsement was received for this post.

Merry Christmas...........from Annie Oakley

2011-12-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

I hope you found some inspiration, a few new ways to wrap up your holiday gifts in style with the 9-day Gift Wrap Extravaganza. And I hope all your lovely gifts are wrapped and waiting under a sparkly tree, all ready to bring smiles and warm feelings to all you chose to gift this year. Off we go to celebrate a family milestone..........a small break before our son starts his next chapter.

Where can three Canadians, very fair and pale ones, go where it is warmer but not hot? Somewhere different? Somewhere where we will step out of our normal routine? Where we can have some really good laughs? To do something our son has always wanted to try?

I am going to be a cowgirl, like a real cowgirl with cowboy boots, hat and all..............and this will be the part that gives my cowboys more than a few laughs. Everyone who knows me knows that I am not the most agile person, yet married to a natural athlete and the mother of a son who is quite physically gifted as well. So I will be the one who gets on a horse and goes around in a circle like the father in Modern Family in the dude ranch vacation episode...........I know that. But that doesn't mean I can't try. Again.

I have been on a horse before but each time it didn't go according to plan. Not the nice, cantered jaunt that was promised by men in plaid shirts. More of the "catch the horse" and "hold on" type of rides where cowboys have to rescue the one who got away yes, with me on it. So yes, I am skittish but determined to lasso this fear because I really like horses but if worse comes to worse I can always go to the spa or golf with the guys.............. I can't golf either but I am a surprisingly good putter. But I can try. Again.

Happy Trails...............and have the most wonderful holidays.

I wish you a most magical and celebratory week

with your family and friends.

You are the best readers of all.

One last addition to the Gift Wrap Extravaganza.

Some brilliant and most creative gift wrapping here.

You are going to love this one.....I did.

Photos via Pinterest

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza ..............The Metallics

2011-12-21T08:11:00.000-05:00

Warm metallics and simple white-on-white wrapping.

Strings of pearl and glass make for embellished strands here.

Though this is a popular photo I wanted to remind you of the beauty of pleated tissue. Never underestimate tissue in gift wrapping, it makes for a softer gift presentation and with the addition of vintage broaches and soft ribbon it becomes truly glamourous..........as seen in the blog This is Glamorous.

The gifted Vicki Archer of the blog French Essence wrapped up last year's gifts in neutral sparkle for a popular post on my blog here. I am patiently waiting to see what she does this year as I know she is wrapping in a more colourful palette this year. A little birdie told me so.

Gorgeous, gorgeous and more gorgeous from Victoria magazine and the Atlanta based King of Ribbon Nicholas Kniel who I think I need to visit/meet to master new ribbon tricks. Note the one with the vintage photo. All those glitter papers and ribbons add such sparkle to festive presentations. See his ribbon technique book here.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza

(click on title to view that category)

Humble Kraft Paper

The Sweet Ones

The Romantics

The Subdued

The Brights

Merry Red

The Moderns

Bright Pinks

Photos linked at source/Photo 1 source unknown

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza................Bright Pinks

2011-12-20T08:05:00.000-05:00

Andrea of the blog French Basketeer sent me a photo of a lavender and pink cadeau that is on it's way to me just because I am a lucky girl.........how lovely to cushion this cadeaux in bright pink tulle. A stylish way to cushion your shipped gifts but Andrea always surprises me with her atterntion to detail. She even includes a Bouquet Garni to fragrance the gift experience. I love her authentic French baskets and totes and always enjoy reading her blog where she entertains in great style. It arrived this morning and the pink tulle is a fabulous idea. There is alot to be said for unexpected and surprise gifts.

London-based blogger Carole of the blog Mademoiselle Poirot wraps the most charming gifts. Precious presents or pressies as they call them in the UK. You can go here to see all her wrapping this week.

This fashionable and impressive purse gift is easier than it looks and so worth the time. You can see the tutorial here.

Gold tinsel and pink tissue is wrapped together in bright style here.

I am beginning to think I need to learn knitting so I can do all these clever yarn adorned gifts. This popular gift wrapped technique can be found at Crafty Minx. Isn't it delightful?

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza

(click on title to view that category)

Humble Kraft Paper

The Sweet Ones

The Romantics

The Subdued

The Brights

Merry Red

The Moderns

Photos linked at source.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza .................the Moderns

2011-12-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

With our family holiday dinner behind me and some packing ahead, I am keen on finishing up the last few days of The Gift Wrap Extravaganza so I will double post on a few of the days. So much gift wrapping talent! And as the posts were published it seemed to me a good time to sort them all together so at any time you could easily back reference all this gift wrapping talent and inspiration at any time of year. I will add this gift wrap category of talent from everywhere to my header before I leave this week. I have added a few more to some of the categories as I find them so be sure to take a peek. This brings me to one of my favorite categories which was the most unusual, what I refer to as the "moderns". As much as I love ribbon, there is something to be said for materials and method of a more modern nature in gift wrapping styles. The "Moderns" clearly demonstrate that a novel approach and artistic interpetation make for a unique and thoughful gift presentation.

Adore this lavender and chocolate colour scheme and the clever idea of using trendy feathers as a "tassel" embellishment. From Canadian House & Home

I was more than intrigued with this modern approach to gift wrapping from the Finland based stylist and blogger Age of the Aquarius. The creative execution with tape and string grid patterns in the three photos above shows that holiday wrapping can be simple and sophisticated.

Something's Hiding In Here took a collection of vintage portrait paintings and had 11" x 17' colour copies made for a brilliant gift wrap solution. Ties with simple twine, this highly visual idea was one of the blogger finalists in The Martha Stewart Gift Wrap Challenge.

Along with using imprinted clay tags as modern embellishments, the layering of paper and a modern palette gives these gift presentations a clean and classic demeanor, perfect for the men in your life. Found at the blog Creature Comforts here

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza

(click on title to view that category)

Humble Kraft Paper

The Sweet Ones
The Romantics

The Subdued
The Brights

Merry Red

Photos linked to source.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza............Merry Red

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

Love the jolly theme from designer Tobi Fairley here. Makes me want to have a Santa party too. I have never met a designer yet who can't gift wrap beautifully.

Clever is all around you when you have a sharp pair of scissors. Don't forget to recycle this years holiday cards for next years festive embellishments. Think ahead.

Pick one festive gift wrap colour in a variety of patterns (if too many papers overwhem you) to give your tree gift collection a cordinated look. From google here.

This whimsical and easy way to dress up a store box was from a J. Crew newsletter last year. Those sharpies are good for more than marking freezer bags.

Fresh greens, small strips of festive gift wrap, and buttons add classic status to simple brown bags. Effort is everything in gift presentation. Above and below From Country Home.

Country Home

Tube Mailer wrapped in gold faux bois paper from Martha Stewart. Christmas logs that won't melt anything but your heart.

A small supply of fresh greens instantly do what we need a holiday gift package to do...........be festive. More Martha here

French simplicity by Sharon of the elegant blog My French Country Home.

Photos linked at source.

A Gift Wrap Interruption..............a message from the North Pole

2011-12-18T09:39:00.000-05:00

When I first saw this free Santa video a few years back I was simply charmed and promptly sat down and sent off a few to my great-nephews and nieces who were enthralled by a personal video message from the North Pole. Brought to you by Portable North Pole (U Group Media Inc in Montreal, Canada) it is a magical message for all the little ones that you know. Once you enter their information (name/location/age/gift wish) the video just takes a few minutes to load and then off it goes by email to anywhere in the world where they can view the video as many times as they want. You can purchase a DVD for keepsake purposes but the video on the PNP website is free. I did a fun and goofy test video for my 29 yr.old son here just to give you a good chuckle. Questions are presented for all age groups so you really can send a video to a naughty or nice adult of any age and have a few chuckles of their own. It is Christmas magic and Santa fun for everyone........but especially for the little ones that still believe in Santa.

Image via PNP

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza............. the Brights

2011-12-17T08:55:00.003-05:00

Those Aussie girls love their colour and use it so beautifully. Designer Anna Spiro of Absolutely Beautiful Things did what designers love to do when it comes to gift wrapping.........tie strips of fabric into beautful bows. You wouldn't miss these under the tree.

The fabric BoBo Wraps have been on my must-blog-about list for a bit and don't they make gift wrapping sense? Love the colours and the idea.............gift wrap that keeps on giving. They come complete with the tie-ups and in different sizes, patterns, and solid colours. May I mention that they are a stylish godsend to the gift wrapped impaired?

Those fun baubles to tie up the fabric wraps are called Bungees.

Better Homes & Gardens just goes to show how much fun gift wrapping can be when you take your time and play around with bits of this and that.

Source found and it is the uber-talented ribbon master Nicholas Kniel from a Traditional Home feature.........but will be back to add the direct link.

It would't be a bright Christmas without at least this popular gift wrapped image from Carolyne Roehm. Don't you miss her gift wrapped splendor? I do.

here

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza

Click on title to view that category

Humble Kraft Paper

The Romantics

The Sweet Ones

The Subdued

The Brights

To view all of the Extravaganza styles quickly click here to view in Snapshot.

Photos linked at source

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza............. the Subdued

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000-05:00

Subdued and elegant palette from Better Homes & Gardens. What a ribbon display!

Artistic application in method and unique embellishments make for a striking presentation from Shimtokk. Love the sequined tulle in gold.

This might not actually be holiday but it could but it sure works well with this elegant palette. Perhaps a sprig of mistletoe or a pretty fresh flower. BHG.

More vintage lovely from Heather Bullard.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza

(just click on title to view)

Humble Kraft Paper

The Romantics

The Sweet Ones

Subdued

Photos linked at source.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza.............the Sweet Ones

2011-12-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

Sweet little toppers and clothespins found at dollar stores take on clever status when topping these sweet little round boxes. See the glitter clothespin tutorial at the blog Creature Comforts.................. just darn adorable.

One of my favorite ribbon colours and what girly girl doesn't love glitter, tassels, velvet, and sequins? Found here from holiday 2010 at Grey Likes Weddings

Wouldn't this be the best for the manly man who is nature lover? I guess those two go together don't they? Found here.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza ~ 7 days of Inspiration from Everywhere

Humble Kraft Paper

The Romantics

The Sweet Ones

I have so many creative and wonderful gift wrapping ideas that I will be posting twice on some days so you have as many gift wrapping ideas as possible over the next week. Be inspired..............I certainly have been!

Photos linked at source.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza.............the Romantics

2011-12-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

I have had an idea for sometime to dye French newspaper a pale pink tint for gift wrapping. This romantic gift by The Seven Gypsies has captured the look I was after here. I love how she has used stamps to seal the edge and the beribboned gift tag.

Gift wrapping by Mandy of the blog la Parisienne.

Mandy of a la Parisienne share a mutual passion for presentation and dream that one day we will get the opportunity to create together. The link here will bring you to her popular blog's Gift Wrap section where you can see all her creations with a Paris flair............especially her very popular pink feather and gray tissue presentation.

Heather Bullard is the undisputed queen of vintage wrapping into presentation of beautiful slendor. She is a good recycler too, often using vintage flowers, bits' of vintage ribbon and my personal fav............leftover wallpaper, especially the metallic ones with a romantic nature.

Embellished petite lace bags From Victoria Magazine June 2003 issue via Haute Design.

Photos linked to source. Please advise if any link needs correction.

The Gift Wrap Extravaganza.............7 Days of Inspiration

2011-12-14T15:15:00.003-05:00

One of the my holiday pleasures is the surge in gift wrapping creativity. It is the one time of year where I have lots of company so I thought this year I would being all this gift wrapping talent together in a 7-day extravaganza of style. Some of it is new, some older, some you may have seen before, but all of it is clever and will inspire you in the gift wrapping week ahead. I will be categorizing by theme or colour and will post each day. I will begin with kraft paper........a humble paper that is this season's favorite. You can refer back to these posts all week long as I will backtrack add any new ones I see along the way. Are your scissors ready?

This one from Creature Comforts was ringing all my festive bells this holiday season, kraft paper, yarn, pom poms, torn fabric ribbon, and fashionable embellishments, all the things I talk about using in one great package.

This charming package from The Blissfully Content Wife also uses torn fabric strips as ribbon along with a sweet gift tag. Go over and see how she uses newspaper in a post she named Frugal Gift Wrapping.

Cosy Cottage Cute uses white ribbon, twine, and simple elements for a natural presentation.

This package has been around the Internet for several years but I didn't want you to forget this personalized idea. If you have time and patience the tutorial is here. Simple but chic.

I love how the blog Brunch at Saks used this new glitter ribbon and how simply it elevates humble kraft paper.

This one is from designer Mary Drysdale and was in my photo file from last year and I love the calm and elegant seashore theme.

Such a sweet tweet, tweet embellishment from here.

Can you draw? Recycled as in using Trader Vic's grocery bags.

Found here.

How sweet, find the bow download and tutorial here.

Gorgeous simplity from the beautiful blog My French Country Home.

All photos linked directly.

A Gifted Greeting Card

2011-12-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

Our big holiday dinner is pushed up a week since we are flying out on the 24th for a vacation so I am busy making pastry, carrot cakes, and wondering where I lost a week. Does everyone feel like that? I am hoping to fit in a few moments to make this gifted card..............it just strikes me as absolutely perfect. It is a stylish way to use up small bits of wrapping paper.

The year we had Buddy the Elf in our front window

2011-12-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

People still comment and chuckle about the year we had Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf in our front window at Christmas. Not just a small Elf, but a giant one. Like the kind of clear mylar ones they use for movie display in a Blockbuster window which is exactly where our persuasive son got the 10' image. It was actually kind of perfect, the photo image was of Buddy the Elf peeking around a corner with his impish demeanor and a huge red bow, hard to miss since our son adhered it to the outside of our large Dining Room window. As silly as it looked with our holiday decor, it brought a smile or chuckle to anyone who passed by our house that year. It is quite possible that our fun-living son was telling me to lighten up and I do have to admit that in those days Christmas was a perfectionist endeavor with a 5 day ready-set-go marathon plan. Finish up the last-minute design clients, deck the house and a 4", 6" and 12' tree in designer splendor, shop for gifts in 48 hrs., menu plan, grocery shop, prepare a Christmas dinner for 28, and drop into a exhausted heap for the rest of the week. They weren't my finest moments.

I still do most of those things but ever since Elf hung with us that year, I do so with a lighter heart. I deliberately lower my perfectionist goals, scale it back, and if any part of our holiday preparations has me or my boys stressed, overwhelmed, or exhausted, I know it is time to...............think of Buddy the Elf, watch Love Actually, and just lighten up. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it does have to be fun. It is our new holiday tradition.

Photo 1 from google/photo2 from Pinterest.

Happy Everything.................and Ribbon Posies

2011-12-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

I am calling these Ribbon Posies because this gift embellishment is as simple as gathering a handful of flowers into a flower posy. I was hunting around for short pieces of ribbon as I have this fab idea for a designer hair adornment for Daisy if it works and came across these Midori Ribbon samples. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was ironing linen fabric, stamping grosgrain ribbon, and tying up these short but wider lengths of vibrant silk. This ribbon Posy is easy, easy and a great way to gather up leftover lengths of ribbon or minimize your ribbon yardage purchase. Take as many ribbon pieces as you want, loop each ribbon, mix up the widths, colours and textures in this case I mixed up the patterns, then tie with another short ribbon piece. That's it.

I was dying to use my new Besotted rubber stamps and just love this Happy Everything, I think it is my absolute favorite phrase. Since this ribbon is a grosgrain, the stamp image isn't as sharp but I love the result on this banded grosgrain.

This would be a beautiful presentation for a holiday birthday. I am always careful not to decorate a holiday birthday gift with a Christmas theme as it can look like you grabbed the seasonal gift wrapping supplies if you know what I mean. It might be the holidays but it is still their own special day so I like it festive but mindful. The same applies to gifts given to anyone who does not celebrate Christmas but has their own festivities.

I have used linen fabric before for gift wrapping way back here but wanted a smoother presentation. I simply cut the two pieces of linen fabric slightly larger than the box size about 1", pinned along cut edges in place to fit exact, and then ironed the edges. One piece going one direction, one the other and both affixed on the underside with double-sided tape. I have yards and yards of this linen fabric from my designer days and think I will use it more now that I have this result. You can use any fabric that will give you a nicely pressed edge.

I tucked the ribbon on the one end and left the top with a stylish v-cut. The ribbon is also held in place with double-sided tape. The Ribbon Posy is held with a dab from the hot glue gun.

Should you wish to indulge in this Midori ~ Gala Dupioni ribbon found here, it does come with a finished edge. These are sample pieces so the raw edge is shown. Midori has just opened a retail website.

Linen and ribbon done simply and beautifully too.

Another way to use this ribbon.

A sparkly holiday ornament gives the Ribbon Posy an extra dose of holiday sparkle.

A sparkly welcome to new followers and thank you to readers

who left lovely comments this week.

Photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

By Invitation...................all sparkly and bright

2011-12-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

If a group of woman bloggers were actually able to get together for a big holiday party, what would we wear? That was the fashionable question this month for the international group of bloggers who are participating today in the By Invitation Only series. Last month had me dreaming of seeing the world from up above, this month I am dressed to the nines, being all silly and full of bubbly. And since it's all in good festive fun, I put some feathers and ribbon in my hair. It's a holiday party after all......................all Sparkly and Bright.

And what would I bring as a Hostess Gift?

I am a really good guest after all. Really good.

Black gloss gift wrap, damask embossed wide ribbon, one feather hair scrunchie, one crystal stretch bracelet perfect for small and special gift boxes, a bit of satin ribbon binding.

My hostess gift................wrapped all sparkly and bright.

See what the other festive party girls are wearing here.

Photos from Tumblr/Bottom photo by Sande Chase

Pink Gift Wrap posssibilities........on Saturday morning

2011-12-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Sparkly gold tinsel and pink yarn gifts from a most gorgeous party found here.......or a huge pink sheer pom pom which you can make yourself. This link is for pom poms from waxed paper but you can use any material you wish. Wouldn't this huge Pom Pom be beautiful as a gift topper? Maybe all three tinsel, yarn and pom pom together? Call a friend over and make a Pom Pom night of it..............gift wrapping fun together.

Top photo by Joielala Photographie for Sitting In A Tree Events/Bottom Photo from Tumblr

Red Satin Ribbon and Gold Stripes

2011-12-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

If you have beautiful red ribbon........you can gift wrap anything beautifully. Red ribbon is the classic of them all anytime of year, but it is during the holidays that it shows it's festive and vibrant power. The wider the better, be lavish with it and make great big bows. Red satin ribbon here and here, and plain white gift boxes here.

I especially like red ribbon with this gilded stripe gift wrap paper for a classic and elegant Kate Spadish presentation.

Isn't gift wrapping fun?

Photos via Tumblr

A favorite blogger...............wraps simply and beautifully

2011-11-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

I have always loved how Gigi of The Magpie's Fancy turns her words into something that gives me pause, how she sees everything around her at home in Portland, Maine.....the day-to-day wonder that can be just outside our door if we look closely as she does as she moves through her day. I knew that Gigi likes to gift wrap, she has often told me so as we comment back and forth, but I was charmed by her post yesterday on Simple Gifts. I thought her post captured the heart of gifting this holiday season, to give thoughtfully..............simply and beautifully.

Photo by Gigi Thibodeau of The Magpie's Fancy

A Day of Nothing

2011-11-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

It is the most miserable day outside, cold, wet, howling wind and midway to snow, even Daisy is curled up into the smallest fur ball imaginable. The house is very quiet, my son off to a residency interview, my husband at work, then hockey till late, it could be a long stretch of productive...................oh forget it, no work today, just my PJ's, my big fluffy bed, Daisy beside me, and the new book I started, maybe a wee nap? I just need a day of nothing before the busy month of December. Just one.

Photo via Tumblr

Cyber Monday............shopping with A Gift Wrapped Life

2011-11-28T13:29:00.001-05:00

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite ~An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins was my favorite gift book last Christmas, my go-to holiday gift. The one I gifted as a single token or as an add-on to something larger. And I will be gifting again this year, not to the same people of course but I am sticking to this dainty and chic book because it does what I always want a holiday gift to do..........delight the recipient. Not only is the cover a festive shiny metallic, it is filled with gorgeous little drawings and the type of historical "bon-bons" that anyone on your gift list would find fascinating so I have added it to my astore here. Filled with delicious morsels of information such as how Louis XIV developed a fondness for the Bartlett Pear, the emergence of faux jewels and frilly lingerie, the art of divan lounging, the ancient uses of Saffron, how top hats incited a riot, the festive use of Confetti, and my personal favorite............aerostation, the art of hot air ballooning.

"The word "exquisite" come from the latin verb exquirere, to search out, or to seek. It means uncommon delicacies, carefully selected, and the kind of beauty that can "excite intense delight or admiration" as explained in the Oxford English Dictionary."

HOW TO GIFT THIS BOOK: I like to wrap a gift with cues from the book itself. Since this makes for a perfect Hostess gift, I would include one of the following items if you are including it with another item: A Tin of a high-quality Saffron spice, bubbly French Champagne, or a basket of gorgeous Bartlett Pears. For fun, include a envelope or packet of sparkly paper confetti.
GIFT WRAP IDEAS: A brilliant red metallic gift wrap with a wide red satin ribbon and a tube of Saffron threads tucked in the ribbon. A Cherub or Hot Air Ballooning theme gift wrap with gold ribbon and a small Cherub ornament. A simple ivory gift wrap paper with black grosgrain or satin ribbon and a Pear ornament.

You can read the author's blog here.

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite can be ordered here in
the Impress Her section of my Amazon store.

Images via author's blog

My favorite read this month.........maybe this year

2011-11-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

Just finished.................even though I tried to slow it down to make it last longer. I was hoping it would take me through our quiet evening but I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and I literally gasped when reading the last line.
My favorite read this month, maybe this year.

Added it to my 2011 Reading List here.

Photo via Amazon

Happy Thanksgiving............and a season of gift wrap begins

2011-11-24T08:02:00.000-05:00

As it turned out, this collection of gift wrapped samples had an autumn feel with some festive touches just starting to make their way into the mix. Perfect for wishing my American readers Happy Thanksgiving. They weren't intended to go together, it just happened that I piled them together to get them out of harm's way.........harm being a 6 lb. canine companion who was a bit too intrigued by the berries we cut while walking this morning. As you know, she also steals ribbon. One of those helpers you really have to watch, possibly probation.

I have been playing around over here, getting ready for the biggest gift wrapping season of them all. Using up wallpaper sample sheets from outdated wallpaper books, bits of shorter ribbon. Getting close to figuring out exactly what this year's gift wrapping theme will be this holiday season. Started hunting for the sparkly bits that will add the festive touch. That decision, that colour direction, that theme is a process, I rarely end up where I started so it likely won't be what is shown today. Though this could certainly be used as inspiration for recycling things you already have and jump starting some ideas of your own. The next month I will focus on gift wrapping of many styles so I hope you will follow along.

I used a trio of short fringe trim samples to make these pom poms for a male gift sample. More interesting than ribbon. I don't think men care if there is ribbon on their gift but I do think they like to see a presentation effort more than we would guess. It means keeping your eyes open for more unusual embellishments that don't strike men as too feminine.

I also like the "deer" ribbon used in a flat layered treatment for a guy gift. The plaid background paper is also a wallpaper sheet. Wallpaper sample sheets can't be used for larger gifts but they do work well for smaller gift presentations. Don't be too quick to throw out wallpaper sample books if you are a designer or know one, they are an great gift wrap source for petite gifts at any time of year. And some of the male-based patterns too. The same goes for the trim books as you can see by the pom poms. All kinds of embellishment possibilites for women or male gifts.

Had I been invited to a Thanksgiving feast this year, I would have brought this as a hostess gift, fresh berries and all. So I think more of you should have invited me since I am not a big eater, bring really good gifts, and help with the clean-up too. Remember, here in Canada we celebrate our Thanksgiving in October. We are just a bit envious of Americans this today...............it is such a great start to the festivities ahead. Happy Thanksgiving and have a most wonderful day with your family and friends.

All photos by Sande Chase

Besotted Giveaway Winner is...................

2011-11-23T09:32:00.001-05:00

~ Illustration by René Gruau ~

The nice thing about hosting a Giveaway is hearing from followers. Or long-time readers that rarely comment because it is nice to hear from you now and again. Or new readers that say they are happy to find your blog and stick around because they like what they see. Because of this, I use the old-school method of counting Giveaway comments. By hand, so your name remains in my memory bank. Which really sticks when you have two or three votes like many of you did and I write your name multiple times. By the time Dancing with the Stars was over, I had all your lovely names written on individual foldover cards, ready for my son to pull the winner of this most gorgeous Besotted Giveaway. As lovely as it is to hear from you, it is even more wonderful to pass on a gift that I think will bring the recipient such pleasure. Thank you Mrs. B Miss B, the owner of Besotted got married last week! for your thoughtful and generous giveaway. Winner is..............

Marie ~ Mrs. Dalrymple

Please email me so we can get your Pretty Parcel off to you.

sandechase@agiftwrappedlife.com

René Gruau illustration via Dust Jacket Attic

Tulle & Red Wrapping.............de la Renta fun

2011-11-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

Every time I see this tulle and red Oscar de la Renta dress, I just go crazy. That divine champagne crush pleated silk tulle draped in crazy directions, pure genius. I want that fabric. I couldn't tell you how I did this modified gift interpretation and chances are pretty good that you wouldn't actually wrap this way anyways. It is just plain crazy gift wrapping.................

.....................but it was de la Renta fun. I will try it out on one of my fashionable friends. After all, nothing wrong with a little crazy fun now and again, especially when it comes to gift wrapping. Right?

Giveaway Reminder

The Besotted Giveaway ends Tuesday evening.

Winner will be posted this Wednesday.
You still have time to enter.

photo 1 from Oscar PR Girl/Photo 2, 3, 4 by Sande Chase

Another adorable Pastel Paint Project

2011-11-20T13:31:00.000-05:00

You may remember the post last summer here when I talked about painting those sweet petite french yogurt jars and how my clever sister-in-law collected them from our trip to Paris. I couldn't help but think about that post when I ran across this blog tutorial on converting leaner versions with the same method. You know these retro versions...............the generic ones that come with flower deliveries, the ones you keep too long because you feel guilty throwing away a perfectly good vase even if it's look isn't quite that exciting as some nicer ones in your collection of glass vases. Doesn't everyone have a box or shelf with these around? I thought they took on a whole different status when painted in a lovely array of pastel colours...............they look downright adorable to say nothing about how they would be perfect for use as a sweet "doorstop" gift. Add a few blooms and make someones day. You can read tutorials here and here.

Image from the blog Little Gray Fox

My Memorable Gift ............ designer Jamie Herzlinger

2011-11-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

"What makes a gift memorable?"

That's the question I have been asking a group of stylish people, more specifically "What is one of your most memorable gifts?" The one that gives you a warm feeling every time you see it?

In the case of designer Jamie Herzlinger, who begins my Gifted Giving series, it is a gift layered in memory. The stylish interior designer who has offices in Scottsdale and New York, could easily tell you it is the latest Bottega bag or Chloe jacket but her most memorable gift is one that celebrates family and tradition. Both family and fashion run deep in Jamie's history, her great aunt started the millinery department for Mrs. Bergdorf, her grandfather a well-know couture coat designer, and her mother an established name in the 60' and 70's fashion scene as a women's sportswear designer. As Jamie says "my passion for luxury was established at an early age". It was Jamie's own personal fashion style that was noticed, then successfully fashioned into an interior design career 20 years ago. Along with being named one of the Top 20 designers in Traditional Home and a designer in this year's Kip's Bay Showhouse, Jamie has a current feature in Lonny magazine here . I am delighted that Jamie has shared her most memorable gift, keeping this original and special gift close to her heart.

"At a very young age my grandmother taught me how to cook. I fondly remember spending hours in her kitchen making her famous recipes and creating our own together. When I was 13 years old, she surprised me with my first cookbook, The New McCall’s Cook Book. Decked out to the nines in shiny red Christmas wrapping and tied up with beautiful grosgrain ribbon, this book was my rite of passage into becoming a real, grownup cook. Many years later cooking remains one of my favorite pastimes and my now vintage cookbook from the 60’s is one of my favorite and most used collections of recipes. Filled with my treasured memories, The New McCall’s Cook Book has a rich history on its own. It originated as a monthly American women’s magazine that enjoyed popularity during much of the 20th century, with columns authored by famous women including Eleanor Roosevelt. McCall’s reached its peak of readership in the 1960’s and published a series of 18 cookbooks. Since the age of 13, I’ve kept the book in mint condition. I’ve only had it rebound once and my initials are still embossed in gold on the bottom right corner. Along with my everyday favorites, I’ve passed down the legacy of the cookbook to my two daughters with our tradition of making the McCall’s absolutely fabulous Thanksgiving menu which I have supplied below".

Hors d’oeuvres

Chilled Caviar, White Toast Rounds

Lobster Bisque with Sherry

Golden Roast Turkey

Old Fashioned Dressing

Giblet Gravy

Cranberry-Apple Relish

Butternut Squash or Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli with Lemon Sauce

Grapefruit and Avocado Salad Platter

Assorted Hot Rolls

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

Ice Cream Turkeys

White or Rose Wine, Cider, Coffee

You can view Jamie's luxurious and varied portfolio here. Along with being one of the featured designers on the NBC Open House, Jamie has recently introduced a lifestyle website which brings the public access to over 400 of the top "to the trade only" manufacturers in the interior design world.

See the new McCall's Cookbook here.

All photos from Jamie Herzlinger

Pretty Parcels ..............a Giveaway from Besotted

2011-11-15T14:26:00.001-05:00

If you read my last post you know how besotted I am with the gorgeous paper and stamp website Besotted Brand. The owner Miss B and I got to email chatting and she is as wonderful as her product. She has graciously offered a most wonderful stationery giveaway to the international readers of A Gift Wrapped Life............her most popular stationery ensemble Pretty Parcels with an extra something special added in just for the holidays. Along with the calligraphy Hello stamp, I asked Miss B if we could include the Fig stamp so you can use it to stamp your holiday ribbon as shown below, won't that make for a fabulous holiday gift presentation? Pretty Parcel indeed, the Besotted hinged box is filled with a lovely array of Besotted products that will enhance your correspondence. I am excited that one of my readers will win this most fabulous giveaway as I just adore this website. The best news of all............it is open to international readers. Yes, anywhere in the world. Isn't this the most divine giveaway?

~ Giveaway Rules ~

Besotted at 4 am............merry and bright

2011-11-10T06:11:00.002-05:00

The good thing about being a blogger is that you always have something to do..........even when it is 4 am , you are wide awake and you are trying be quiet as a mouse. It is too early to browse the stimulating world of fashion, so off I went to visit new links and mentions, that quiet, easy way to wake my senses. I was Besotted this morning, no question about that. I fell in love with this paper brand that appeals to my understated gift wrapping direction this year so I say and I think you will be besotted as well. Besotted is a gorgeous, gorgeous website with the type of products that make for the most personable gifts this holiday season. Calligraphy rubber stamps, petite linen gift bags, stationery, and my favorite of all.........the Ultimate Stationery Gift Set. That one is for me, for my friends I think a personalized rubber stamp will be the most gracious gift of all.

Something for Mrs. Claus at Objects of Desire.

Photos via Besotted.

Getting ready...............for Holiday Gift Wrapping

2011-11-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

Remember the recent post when I told you about my talented blogger friend Lala from My Castle in Spain here? We share a love of presentation and when I saw her sweet home made gift cards I thought it fit in well where I am heading with my holiday wrapping this season. As you will see in the weeks heading towards our biggest gift wrapping day of them all, I will be mostly using natural kraft paper and black gloss gift wrap. Keeping the paper base simpler and more economical but more personal with easy and fabulous embellishments. Today's post is just a glimpse of the ideas I will share in the weeks ahead.

I love my bows as you know. Any size, any fabric, anyway at all and I think I could actually use these to wrap a large gift or knit little mini ones. But what I am really liking this year is a neutral gift wrap palette and I am going to experiment with embellishments and bows of a different nature as well. Two years ago I tried mini ornaments strung into a ribbon nest and will look to expand that idea this year into a more vibrant direction.

Aren't these the sweetest felt bows? Let's see how I can fashion these for the girls and women and a bow tie version for the men this year. We can all do this and I will show you how to make this humble bow a gift wrap favorite.

There will be an affordable abundance of glittery and sparkly baubles for the holidays so this is the time to start stocking up. When used with strips of torn silk which is a truly glamorous way to wrap a gift. I have rolls and rolls of it from my designer days and love the wider "tear' for a voluminous and elegant bow. You can often find a few yards of silk fabric marked down at your fabric store. Grab a few yards now if you like this idea. My drapery seamstress is going to refresh me on how to "tear' fabric into yards of gorgeous ribbon and I will pass it along.

Here is the same idea with a narrower version of torn fabric. Pick a silk fabric colour of your choice and go with it. I will show you many ways in the coming weeks to glorify simple gift wrap with lots of style and sparkle. I did say sparkle didn't I? I will be using a bit of glue and metallic glitter this year too so I can embellish my neutral papers with some artsy flair. One of the best ways to de-stress the gift wrapping part of the holidays is being prepared.................let's get ready. I have lots of gift wrap ideas this year. From the looks of it, a holiday gift wrap party and you are all invited to wrap along with me.

Next week will be busy here at A Gift Wrapped Life. I will have some wonderful news to share and will also be introducing the first contributor in the new Gifted Giving series. She is talented, gorgeous, and stylish and I love her "favorite gift" and it's personal meaning to her. I think you will too.

A warm and thankful welcome to new followers.

Photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 via Pinterest

By Invitation...............look inside my dream

2011-11-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

When I was asked to participate in By Invitation, an international group of women bloggers who post on a common subject each month, I was more than intrigued by the subject this month.

"Let's name the thing/person/place we've always wanted to experience, but haven't. Dream that money is no object. Tell the world what you've always wanted to do or wish you could do, but just haven't done it yet."

Now, I know that I wasn't being asked what I am dreaming about when I am fast asleep but in my case my rem-stage dreams really do fit in with my real day-today "dream", the kind I would need to be fully awake to enjoy. At the risk of sounding like I ingested way too much cold sryrup one night let me ask you this strange question "have you ever flown over your neighborhood in your dreams?" The kind where you can see your neighbors houses from above, where you can feel a soft breeze as you effortlessly fly? The first time I had this exhilarating dream I was totally freaked out and wisely kept it to myself. The second time I actually began asking other people "have you ever had a dream where you actually fly?. Since then I have kept my weird dreams to myself and am patiently waiting for the next one.........because it really is one heck of a interactive dream and I wouldn't mind another. Apparently I am not alone and you can read about "lucid" dreams here that's a relief. I find dreams to be an fascinating subject, so fascinating that I read this article about dream groups here, the latest group trend to compete with book clubs for the most interesting conversations. The informal group looks closely at what your dreams are telling you and then you get to discuss it with other dreamers in the hopes of interpetation. This might be a safer place to ask about flying dreams because I am darn sure there are weirder ones than mine, or at least I hope there are. Regardless of whether I ever get to "fly" again in my dreams, it did tie in well with what my real dream would be.............to hot air balloon in France. See all those castles from way on up. Perhaps those lucid dreams weren't telling me I was weird, just that I need a vacation, a really good one.

If this colourful up, up, and away experience sounds like something to add to the your bucket list, you can start planning it here..............See you way up there.

To read the other posts submitted by Invitation Only bloggers

please click here for a peek into their dreams.

Photo 1/ photo 2 via google/Photo 3,4, 5 here.

Gift wrapping in review...............softly filtered

2011-10-25T09:32:00.000-04:00

Just experimenting with a soft and feminine palette in gift wrapping today. I have in mind a petite collection of beautiful gifts. It always means hunting for interesting papers, combining colours and patterns, finding the right ribbon, closet hunting for embellishments, the right background and the correct camera settings. Sometimes my review shots tell me to leave one idea behind and to start over, some say keep going. This one says keep going...............but it still has a ways to go, just a start in the direction I am heading. Thought you might enjoy seeing the process as it evolves. And yes, that is the silk bud that Daisy had stolen in my last post here. Which got me going in this direction in the first place.

Thank you to readers who left such great comments last week and a warm and wonderful welcome to new followers.

Photos by Sande Chase

Daisy......................trouble in pink

2011-10-23T10:44:00.000-04:00

On the wrap table last Sunday afternoon.

Looking for trouble in all the wrong places...............again.

Photos by Sande Chase

Something really funny..........and some girls really do have all the fun

2011-10-21T08:58:00.002-04:00

Some girls have all the fun.

This girl is having fun with the most shoes ever, go see here.
To say nothing about the nail polish collection.

And this creative lady with the most fun bracelet and bangle collection ever.....

Now back to those killer shoes that are "possibly orgasmic". We were just talking about Killer Shoes in this post here. Who would have thought? Click here for the most far-fetched laugh-out-loud claim of the day actually said out loud by Mr. Louboutin himself (sent to me by a friend). I do like to bring you a little chuckle now and again.

Photos from here

Buttoned-Up in Style........... gift wrapping

2011-10-18T19:52:00.001-04:00

As you know by now, I am a big believer in hunting around in your own closet for stylish gift embellishments. In my last post seen here, that sparkly bauble was a button if you can believe it! Spare bits of sparkle (single earrings), brooches, bracelets, even pearly and colourful strands which I am working on right now. Next up was the box of random buttons that we all store away so I was delighted when I saw this most lovely of buttoned-up gift packages on this beautiful blog right here. They certainly close a gift parcel up beautifully, don't you think? So special on a gift envelope too. Now go see what buttoned beauties you already have on hand.

Photos from here

Gift Wrap Inspiration...........on a Sunday evening

2011-10-16T19:55:00.001-04:00

Gift Wrap inspiration........started in the morning with these colours and mood.

By evening I was happy with this.

Where do you find inspiration?

Photo 1/Photo 2 and 3 by Sande Chase/Background image from the book Woman In The Mirror/Richard Avedon

Killer Heels..................and my simple blog template is back

2011-10-14T11:25:00.002-04:00

I feel like I am forced to say goodbye to a really good friend...........forever. Last you heard from me I was playing dress up for a wedding which was lovely, lovely, and putting on a pair of sky-high booties and layering a neck party. But back to the brand-new sky-high booties. I just don't think I can wear a sexy high shoe or boot ever again and that strikes me as downright sad. By 8:30 I thought it was quite possible I had a foot fracture, by 9:30 I hobbled out to the parking lot and put on a pair of flat boots which made me feel really silly and old.............like my 57 yr-old body just couldn't suck it up for the sake of looking taller and leaner. But then I noticed a few younger girls were also heading to their cars or changing to the flip-flops that the hosts thoughtfully provided. Then it hit me, none of us can but we do it anyways. We love our higher heels, how they make us feel and how they make us look.

This is a gorgeous pair of heels. I love high heels, everything about them. Trouble is this Louis Vuitton model was wearing high heels all day long during a grueling fashion month and I can't imagine the pain she must still be feeling. Models help sell fashion but I bet you are as surprised as I was to see what they must do to earn those big modeling bucks. You can read about this disturbing part of fashion here. I am not quite wiling to say goodbye to higher heels quite yet, it would mean disregarding most of the pairs I have and the outfits that go with them. I just need to be smarter about it. Perhaps I just need more practise? I admit to becoming overly-dependant on the comfort of stylish flats in the past year so let's be fair to my feet. I was asking too much of them and my leg muscles that night. So here is the big question..........how do you keep wearing high heels? Or have you given them up completely?

But if all practise attempts fail.................I can always wear them to stylishly ride my bike. I just can't say goodbye to my lovely heels.

Whew...........thought I was on another planet while trying out the new Dynamic Blogger template for the past few weeks. As you can see I am back on a simple template and changes to my other pages will be ongoing. Let me know if any of the changes are affecting your reading or viewing pleasure as this new template is wider. Thank you for staying with me while I experimented. I did enjoy visiting Mars but it was a bit lonely out there so I am back for now, or at least until blogger adds some more features.

Object of Desire here

Photo 1/photo 2 and 3

Neck Party underway............for tonight

2011-10-07T09:24:00.000-04:00

What I like in this Coveteur feature on stylist/designer/blogger Kelly Framel is how she displays her belts. And she has the most fabulous hair style. This whole jewelry display looks like a party ready to happen and is there anything more fun than layering and mixing up necklaces when you have a party happening tonight?

I thought I was going too far, too many...........until I saw this on Kelly's blog The Glamourai. I would consider this a Neck Party for sure and I have one of my own underway for a wedding tonight. Have a fun, fun weekend.

Photos via The Coveteur/The Glamourai

Healey & Grisham............dog lovers extraordinaire

2011-10-03T06:08:00.000-04:00

~ Poncho Jesse ~

By now you know how I love dogs. Everything about them. How they curl up in your lap while you blog. How they burst with excitement when you take them for a walk. How they quietly wait for you to wake up even if you are sleeping in and they are wide awake. How they sit patiently while you straighten their pink bow each morning even if they find it kind of annoying and silly. What is not to love about a dog? What is not to love about a talented duo that photographs animals so beautifully? I fell in love with the website Healey & Grisham and their animal photography, but I fell really fell in love with Janet Healey and Joe Grisham when I read their story and found they are much more than that.

~ Priscilla With Blue Feather ~

Along with running a boutique commercial photography/styling business in Dallas with high-profile clients such as Neiman Marcus, JC Penney, and Pet Smart, the stylist/photographer couple created a e-commerce site named Hooray For The Underdog where you can purchase their stunning images of rescued dogs. Their work has been featured on Oprah and this just serves as a gift source reminder, the exceptional Healey & Grisham animal photography is available for purchase on prints, notecards, journals, folders, and other stationery products which is a wonderful gift for any pet lover on your list. Regally posed Priscilla above is available on a thank you card titled Merci. If you are in the Dallas area, you can visit their boutique where they display more of their work or you can arrange your own pet photo sitting. But I do have to say, I just love this concept of talented photographers styling shelter pets so that abandoned animals find a loving home. Because the sad truth is..........not every pet has someone to put pink bows in their hair.

Photos by Healey & Grisham

A few favorite posts this week.............on the graceful age

2011-10-01T08:19:00.003-04:00

~ Beatrix Ost via Advanced Style ~

Every time I see this photo of this gorgeous woman I want to get up and cheer. And I want to direct you to two blogs, A Femme d'Un Certain Age and Cashon & Co., that both focused their posting on aging this week, as in graceful aging, stylish aging, vibrant aging, the best kind. I prefer to gracefully side step the subject of plastic surgery, every woman to her own but if you do indulge and people start looking at you with a bit of puzzlement, obvious face scanning, and asking you to repeat your conversation, consider you may be over-indulging. Enough said. But fashion? That is a whole other story............I have nothing but admiration for inspiring women over 50 who knock-it-out-of-the-park when it comes to exploring tasteful, creative, and personable fashion. Now for some that might be a more conservative, classic approach, others a creative re-invention, both require a decision from any woman over 50. How am I going to fashionably enter this next era of my life? I know what it means for me.............and I know I wish I could wear a turban. Maybe I can?

My most sincere thank you to readers who offered input and support in the past week as I explored our new blogger template options. We are working hard to see how I can make this dynamic format work without giving up a blog header and my list of lovely bloggers. Today I have set the default view to Classic but remember you can click on the title and view this blog in any of the other views such as Magazine, Flipcard, Mosaic, etc. If you do experiment on your own blog, please make sure you back-up your original template. Enough said.

photo from Advanced Style

I miss my Blog Header

2011-09-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

I love it. I hate it. I am going to leave it for a few more days. And I am going to stop thinking about it, it being the new Dynamic blogger template, and talk about gift wrapping because it is way more fun than trying to figure out an advanced template. I miss my header, my sidebar, and feel like I am the only blogger who gets their head turned so easily. Yes, I can go back to my original template with one click and I will this weekend, but in the meantime I will leave it in it's dynamic version so the rest of you can see how it works for a few more days. I will say this, the dynamic views do give you a way to see your own blog and material with a fresh perspective and that can be good thing after a few years of blogging. But I won't say that I will stay with it............for now. I have more questions than answers. Like why is this dynamic viewing not compatible with an ipad? What's with the inability to add a blog header? Why give us something visually exciting, then limit it's use to bloggers that really only want to go to Tumblr? Though truthfully, perhaps that is the point. So let's just lower my blood pressure a few hundred points and talk about gift wrapping because I ran across this photo with a missing source and thought it made a good presentation point. If you have a gift of multiple boxes, buy the same gift wrap in the varying colours instead of the same one. Just makes it more visually attractive doesn't it? Turns your head a bit more doesn't it?

Photo - unknown source.