LotusHaus

A Bird-i-ful Easter on a Budget!

I knew there was a reason why I was holding out from doing a bird theme for previous parties... The first weekend in April, my hubby and I had a wonderful mini-vacation on the Oregon Coast. We enjoyed so much untouched nature while walking barefoot on sandy beaches, soaking up the sunshine, drawing in the sand, beach-combing, relaxing with dear friends and eating very well! We spotted a wild herd of elk, many pairs of bald eagles, an osprey nest, a wild bobcat, seals and many other aquatic animals. We even got to kayak a bit. As a souvenir we took home these gorgeous branches from our host's property... they had the most lovely sponge-like moss. These branches became a very economical and sentimental centerpiece for our Easter Dinner...

I placed the branches in various glass cubes with white gravel to support them, and added some lovely feather birds that I picked up at the Dollar Tree store ($8 for 16 pcs!). The aqua blue table runner is just some lightweight dress fabric that I had previously found at a thrift store. Luckily it was long enough to cover the entire set of tables that sat all 15 of us!
I loved how easy and effortless these centerpieces turned out to be! It doesn't take much to make a statement when these little bird friends are smiling at you and your guests!
Chirp, chirp... A little birdy told me to pull out my white vases for the display shelves! (The pink and purple blooms are Hyacinth from our garden.) 
Here's the view from the other side of the table... 
Say hello to my little friends...

For party favors I found these yummy jelly beans (the size of small grapes), that looked like speckled bird eggs. I looked everywhere for small birdnests that would fit my budget but to no avail. Finally, I broke down and made my own. Using wrapped brown wire (found in the floral section at the craft store), I wound it around my hand 4 times, cut a square of brown wax paper, placed the jelly beans in the center, tucked brown tulle around them and scrunched the package into the nest. The brown ribbon held it all together.

We had a lovely dinner and lively conversation... After dinner we were greeted with a full rainbow! It was so big and so close that I couldn't get it all in the photo! Now if only I could find that pot of gold!

Noka Chocolate Easter Bunnies

For some elegant looking chocolate easter bunnies and eggs, check out Noka's purple ribbon set! I'd love them even more if they were organic chocolate... but isn't the packaging so lovely!

Organic "LOVE" to Your and Yours!

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! This organic "LOVE" photo was taken by Duncan and Melany Berry, my dear friends and mentors, and co-founders of Westwind, the most magnificent coastal habitat and sustainable retreat center situated on the central Oregon coast... this natural artwork exists as a result of 3000 miles of land meeting 6000 miles of sea at the wild edge of our continent...Showing us that love is everywhere!

Zen Gardenia } Valentine's Day Arrangement by Jayson Home & Garden

Zen Gardenia is a creative and endearing Valentine's Day arrangement available from Jayson Home and Garden (delivery in Chicago only). I LOVE the sweet scent of gardenias, the artistic curly willow and wire wrapped bamboo cane and the adorable heart shaped vase.

The Sayuri Valentine's Day Arrangement by Brassavolas Floral Couture

I LOVE this Valentine's Day arrangement by Brassavolas Floral Couture!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Check out these symbolic Chinese New Year Recipes from my favorite foodie, Jaden at Steamy Kitchen! You can also click here for more about the symbolism behind the foods eaten during Chinese New Year celebrations... (egg rolls represent prosperity because they resemble golden bars!)

Chinese New Year Party Ideas from Pier 1 } Year of the Ox

These decor and party ideas from Pier 1 for celebrating Chinese New Year on January 26th, are so fun and colorful! One year I will make time to have a party!

Ikebana Style Christmas Centerpieces (cont'd)

Here are a few more splendid Christmas Ikebana arrangements from Bree, the super talented floral designer at Kuga Designs!

Ikebana Style Christmas Centerpieces

I'm infinitely inspired by Ikebana artist Lennart Persson of the Nordic Lotus Ikebana Blog! These are few fabulous arrangements from the Nordic Lotus that I think would make for a very modern and artistic Christmas. Hmmm...I'm getting ideas for next year already! Red and black with pops of greenery are a wonderful color scheme that could bring you into the new year (add silver swirls - see photo on left) Not to mention collecting these items over the year would be so easy and versatile to use for other holidays like Valentine's Day and other occasions like dinner parties. For more inspiration you must check out the Nordic Lotus Ikebana set at flickr! 

Merry Disco Christmas! } Go Elf Yourself (I love this!!!!!!)

Starring me, my hubby and Kita the Cat! I do these every year, and it cracks me up everytime!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Modern Christmas Tree } Ikebana Style

This ikebana style Christmas tree by Karen Hsu at Grandiflora brings the calm and serenity of the beautiful snow outdoors, inside my heart and home. "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature, it will never fail you.”  ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Amenity Home } Hemp/Organic Cotton Christmas Decor

This Amenity Home collection of Christmas decor made from a blend of eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton is simply fantastic! Check it out here. Via re-nest.

Azuma Makoto } Air Bonsai

One day I will have a bonsai Christmas tree, but for now I can oggle over Azuma Makoto's amazing plant/floral installation work. The suspended trees shown above were for art exhibitions, so I'm hoping no trees were hurt in the making of this film, lol.  I really admire Azuma Makoto's conceptual work!!! Via Spoon &Tamago

Christmas Decor with Global Flair

These lovely images are from Style Court...they're great inspiration for Holiday decor with global modern flair. Peep the aqua pagoda lantern, white ceramic fu dog and Thai temple statues and urn.

Naughty or Nice Christmas Party by Kelley Moore Creative Media Events } Music by Bamboo Beats

This weekend, our DJ company Bamboo Beats, had the pleasure of rockin' the bells at one spectacular Christmas Party for Kelley Moore Creative Media Events.  Kelley Moore is Seattle's own lifestyle and entertaining expert, who recently appeared on the Rachael Ray Show. I'm so excited to show you some of the beautiful details that Kelley and her team designed for this annual Christmas party... (pro photos to come later, hopefully!)

Kelley's beautifully decorated front porch greeted guests as they arrived at her gorgeous Craftsman home.  

The night air was cold, but this whimsical bike warmed everyone's heart! Create your own light sculpture like this one with a bike, some lights, a basket full of gifts a big red bow!

The front porched featured a wintery lodge theme complete with silver pine cones, snowflakes and a glistening white tree. Guests could also enjoy coffee or hot cocoa with marshmallows while chatting outside.

Once inside, the Naughty or Nice theme was in full effect! All of the printing and signage around the house was done by Suite 7 Creative. Pictured above are beautifully presented Naughty or Nice popcorn take home gifts and a sparkly red and silver trimmed tree.

Wine was provided by Revelry Vinters and there were 2 signature cocktails provided by Crater Lake Vodka & Q Tonic...a Naughty one and Nice one of course!

A delicious array of sumptuous appetizers were served up Naughty or Nice style! The Naughty food was provided by Brasa Restaurant and the Nice food was provided by Lisa Dupar Catering. I enjoyed them both!

Here is Kelley's lounge room with the cutest wreath wearing wooden deerhead I have ever seen, and a jolly old poster of St. Nick! Not pictured above, but equally fabulous was Kelley's flat panel tv that played a faux fireplace dvd with life-like flames flickering about on screen.

Kelley's philosophy in keeping guests entertained is to create fun areas for guests to explore throughout the party space... So upstairs, she created a Nice North Pole by decorating one bedroom as a wonderland photo station. A professional photo elf was there to capture folks in their Nice smiles and holiday cheer!

To satisfy every sweet tooth, guests were encouraged to venture downstairs into the Naughty Lounge for the dessert bar and a little mischief... Trophy Cupcakes provided the devilishly delicious cupcakes and there were plenty of other naughty treats to eat at the dessert bar.

We hooked up the Naughty Lounge with our red uplights and gave the whole room a smooth red glow. That cool backdrop you see behind the DJ consists of a whole wall of color printouts with the word "Naughty" in the middle. Make one like this using your own photo or graphics with Blockposters. My hubby the DJ, played lounge music to start and then turned up the heat when everyone came downstairs to party! He had them dancing all night long! Thanks Kelley! Thanks Sheena!!!

Credits:

Event Design - Kelley Moore Creative Media Events
Event Rentals - Totally Tabletops
Printing & Signage - Suite 7 Creative
Wine - Revelry Vinters
Signature Cocktails - Crater Lake Vodka & Q Tonic
Naughty Food - Brasa Restaurant
Nice Food - Lisa Dupar Catering
Cupcakes - Trophy Cupcakes
DJ Music - Bamboo Beats

Ornamental Art by Karen Kimmel

Karen Kimmel is an awe-inspiring artist that I've gushed about before! This holiday season, Karen has created a collection of beautiful ornaments available at A+R. Each ornament is die cut from colored acrylic or veneer and packaged in it's own muslin bag with ultrasuede tie. They are so modern and organic looking displayed on a Manzanita branch...you can display these all year round! See more of her work here. Via Kim Vallee.

Retro Christmas Decor Ideas

This post goes out to Amy of EcoKind Design, a fantastic Seattle based resource for green interior design, eco-friendly makeovers and organic lifestyle tips! Amy asked for some inspiration for a retro Christmas theme, so here are some fun ideas...Enjoy!

spray painted paper lantern! Source: here

muffin cup ornaments! Source: here
 
retro Christmas decor via HGTV! Source: here

return of the aluminum tree! Source:here

retro holiday card! Source: here

Reusable and Stylish Holiday Tree

I love this Six Pointed Star Holiday Tree by Relish for saving trees while showcasing sweet baubles and ornaments...or even your own origami or handicrafts turned ornaments. Via Better Living Through Design.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If only my crafting were this magical! Be inspired by Little Brown Pen

Modern Goods by Yuki Murata } at Kobo Seattle

I'm loving this collection of beautiful global style tableware from Modern Goods by Yuki Murata! My favorite is the Asian cloud design! These would be enchanting for the upcoming holiday dinners! See the collection and meet the artist at Kobo, one of my favorite Seattle shops!

Yuki Murata will be at KOBO Gallery alongside her handpainted bone china tableware designs on Thursday evening, September 18th, 6-8pm.
 
Her experience spans multiple cultures and disciplines from her identity as a half-Japanese woman to her product design company working with artisans in Tangshan, China.  From fine arts to architecture to tableware to textiles, Yuki has been exploring the significance and intersection of globalism and modernity.

The origins of her designs are grounded in her Asian heritage, her love for the natural world and her passion for authentic joyful living. 

Please join us at KOBO to meet the artist and see her new work.  Samples of her latest fall collection will be on view and to launch her new designs we are running a KOBO special promotion through the end of September 2008 on all Modern Goods tableware*.   Pre-order any of Yuki's designs and enjoy 20% off if you buy 3 or more pieces of any style or design.  Delivery in November. 
 
Buy early for the holidays or for that special occasion gift.
 
*Purchases must be made through KOBO to receive the special promotional pricing.  You can place orders by email at info@koboseattle.com or by calling us at (206) 381-3000. 

 

Doileez } by Modern Twist

I really adore these reusable silicone Doileez by Modern-Twist! "These food safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez, are easy to clean and provide a variety of uses. Use them under vases, table centerpieces or to decorate food presentations at parties."  Of course you know I'm lovin' the lotus shaped ones...Thanks to HWTM for this one!

A Green 4th of July!

For this year's 4th of July party I was inspired by the cool green, white and brown colors of Carlene & Sonny's wedding theme and the Its Heavenly Blog. I wanted to keep my party as green & reusable as possible and really didn't want to buy anything novelty that I knew would never see another day. I used green colored reed placements to dress up my wooden screen and covered my cushions with green fabric remnants. For table decor I used exising glass vases, wrapped them with bamboo placemats and filled them with colored curly willow that I already owned.

Other green decor included bamboo shoots from our bedroom and my masterpiece of the day...a bamboo water fountain! I took my bamboo floor lamp and secured a wood tray on top with raffia wire. Then I made an arrangement with bamboo shoots, river rocks, succulents from the backyard and an old fountain pump. Voila!  A relaxing and free flowing soundscape to melt away the heat. We love it! It's still in the patio and greets us whenever we enter our home!

Totally Tabletops } Creativity for Rent!

Hey party people in Seattle! For your next special occasion, holiday bash or shower, get creative and head to Totally Tabletops to dish up on colorful tableware that you can rent without breaking the bank. And make sure that you enjoy your own party, by hiring the Invisible Hostess to help you put on a spectacular soiree!

Mother's Day Celebration

Mother's Day was a wonderful day! I had all the mothers in the house (mom, grandma and mom-in-law) and we had a fat old brunch at our big tables decorated with fresh lilac from local yards and pretty pastel blumeboxes. This was the first time I had the chance to use these recyclable cardboard vases and they provided a great boost of color (great idea for simple and affordable wedding centerpieces). They were also great as portable gifts - each mother got to take one home. Upon entering my home, guests were greated by a vintage Thai painting of women in the floating markets. This painting and my mom's love of lilac and yellow were my color inspiration. I decorated some white lidded boxes with 100% recycled cotton Midori paper in three different colors (purple, pink and blue) and filled each box with color coordinated goodies, like candles, candies, stationary and a sweet capiz photo frame of my husband and I. They were fun to open and can be reused infinitely! Afterwards we enjoyed a stroll through the Bonsai Collection and Rhododendron Garden at the Weyerhauser campus in Federal Way (south of Seattle).

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you all enjoy spending time with the women that have shaped your lives! Many peace and blessings to the women of the world. May you continue to shine your light and your love!

Mother's Day Eco-Friendly Bedroom Makeover

How about helping your mom refresh her personal space with these gorgeous and eco-friendly elements from Gaiam! Sweet and sentimental, this allium inspired organic cotton bedding set, and embroidered fair trade silk chrysanthemum throw pillow, are sure to set a soothing and blissful mood. Create a corner for tea and reflection with this beautiful and sustainable tea table and cushion set. And lastly, help her create a zen atmosphere with a combination of a natural rock & resin fountain, inner peace sculpture and some enlightening paisely wall sconces.

Mother's Day Gifts from Carol's Daughter

Carol's Daughter is an amazing hair and beauty product line with roots in Brooklyn and an awesome story of dedication and entrepreneurship (read her memoir! Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found my Passion). In the mid 90s, the Tui Hair Oil was given to me by a friend in Brooklyn (Guava, mango and passionfruit ~ smells so good!). At that time all of the products were handmade and packaged in the kitchen of Carol's Daughter, Lisa Price, and you could only get it at a small shop in Brooklyn. Now, Carol's Daughter has an amazing Body Shop-like store in Harlem on 125th St., many locations nationwide and celebrity support from the likes of Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith. I highly recommend all of the gift sets available and promise that your mom and you with both enjoy the tantalizing scents and luxurious butters!

Kiss The Earth } Happy Earth Day!

Kiss The Earth poem adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh: Buddhism in Action, by Maura D. Shaw (Skylight Paths, 2004).  For some additional inspiration I highly recommend any book by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.  Peace is Every Step is one of my favorite reads.

Take a moment now to watch this earth inspiring clip from the Planet Earth Series by BBC via KarmaTube

Organic Floral Decor } On a Mission to Celebrate Earth Day in Style!

Uphold the well being of the planet & celebrate Earth Day in style...enliven your inner space with some modern organic green! Treat the planet, it's inhabitants and yourself to these charitable & eco-chic floral arrangements. Each of these beautiful organic bouquets not only support the environment, but they give back to the beautiful people of the world. Pick up some flowers this week and feel good about the world you live in! You'll be happy to know that these blooms are also delivered in gorgeous sustainable packaging. Trust me, this will be an awesome experience! Don't forget to compost these lovely things of beauty and they will be enjoyed forever.

Rainforest Green Bouquet The mission of Rainforest Foundation-US is to support the efforts of indigenous and traditional populations of the rainforest to protect their environment and fulfill their rights. The Foundation helps indigenous communities secure land rights, manage natural resources and strengthen their capacity to defend and sustain their ways of life. Now you can support the Foundation through the purchase of these magnificent chartreuse colored roses. With each one dozen purchase 5% will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation-US. $49.95

Earth Share Oriental Lilies Earth Share is a nationwide network of America’s most respected environmental and conservation non-profit organizations. Earth Share is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting the vital charities that work to protect the environment and our well-being every day. Now, you can help support Earth Share in its vital mission simply by purchasing this unique and fragrant bouquet of Oriental white lilies – 5% will be donated to Earth Share for each purchase. $59.95

A Bouquet to Save Plants United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant and renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Now you can support United Plant Savers through the purchase of these beautiful mauve colored long-stem lavender roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to United Plant Savers. $49.95

Asiatic Lilies that CARE CARE’s mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from CARE’s global diversity, resources and experience, CARE promotes innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. Now you can support their humanitarian efforts with the purchase of these vibrant yellow and orange Asiatic Lilies. Each bouquet is hand selected and shipped fresh from the farm. Plus a portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to CARE. $59.95

Healthy Child Healthy World Roses Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, specifically parents and caregivers, about environmental toxins that affect children's health. Goals are met through increased scientific research, government policies which are more protective of children, and educating and mobilizing individuals around the country. Support Healthy Child Healthy World through the purchase of these spectacular bright pink roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to HCHW. Includes two-dozen long stem roses. $69.95

Easter 2008 } Life is An Occasion, Rise to It!

This Easter Dinner Party was inspired by what I saw at a recent movie marathon with my hubby. Inspired by the surreal colors and shapes from the Dr. Seuss movie, Horton Hears a Who (I just loved the precious pink clover!), the floral arrangements are made from plants from around my hoodville. Yellow forsythia branches and pink flowers from some rock climbing ground cover (anyone know the name of these flowers?) along with their green leaves were all the elements that I used. Clumping the flowers in masses gave me the color power I needed to make a strong statement. I lined the inside of the rectangle glass vases with leaves for a nice splash of green and an intriguing underwater look.

For the table runner I used a colorful outdoor table cloth (the kind with the flannel backing) that I had previously picked up at a discount store. I cut the table cloth into 3 table runners - oh so easy! For place settings I made tiny bouquets using the same flowers and foliage. For my party favors, I made tiny accordion books with a quote from the magical movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, "Life is an Occasion, Rise to it!"

Making an accordion book is really very simple. Cut up some cardboard (the back part of a notepad) into whatever size you want (mine was about 1.5"x 4"). Take some pretty paper (like origami paper, scrapbook paper or in my case, Amy Butler paper from Jo-Ann's), cut it to a size that's 3/8" wider than the board and then glue it down and wrap the edges to the back and secure. Cut up some paper slightly smaller than the cover and accordion fold it. Glue the top and bottom pages to the inside of the cover and wrap with a ribbon.

For my party I asked my family not to open the books until after dinner. When they opened the books we played a little game of favorite things. I asked them questions and they had to write down their answer on each of the 6 panels. The questions were about their favorite color, favorite pet/animal, favorite day, favorite flower, favorite food and favorite hobby.  We learned a lot about each other with this game! Apparently, my husband's favorite flower is me! How sweet!

This table centerpiece was my version of an Easter Egg hunt! Using colorful mini chocolate easter eggs and an acrylic office supply cube, my family had to use chopsticks to nab a treat. It was fun!

To see more of my parties click here! Enjoy!

Feng Shui Rabbits for the Kids!

I want one of these! How cute are these Feng Shui Rabbits?! Buy them here.

With large floppy furry ears, these cuddly plush rabbits are a joy for any child to receive. These wonderful rabbits are dressed in brightly colorful outfits with the Chinese character "Fu" - Good Luck or "Shou"- Longevity on its stomach.  Fengshui rabbits wear Mary Janes and come in decorative round boxes with the Chinese eternity symbol on the box cover. This box can be used to store additional toys or used as a fun decoration around the home.

Spring Asian Cookies } PopArtSweet's Etsy Shop

Etsy is such a great place for inspiration! I'm lovin' these artistic and Asian inspired cookies by PopArtSweet! Wouldn't these make fun baby shower, wedding or Easter gifts?

Egg Hurricane lanterns } Mod Easter style all year long!

I am lovin' these ceramic egg shaped ceramic hurricane lanterns from Graham and Green! Wouldn't a tablescape with these lanterns as the focal point make for a very modern Easter setting? You could also place a small cup of water inside with a kenzan and have a few branches or grass blades protruding in and out of the holes!

Scent O' The Irish } Get Lucky!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I found some lovely Irish scents and soaps that could take you over the rainbow! (if you could smell through the internet, lol). The Ilaun perfume, with it's lovely packaging, has a fresh and light scent with the fragrant essence of Orchid. The Handmade Irish soaps in Irish Rose, Irish Field, Irish Linen and Irish Hedgerow are sure to conjure up images of a very lush and green Ireland. Have a lucky green day!

Easter Party Favor Idea } Organic Chocolates in Natural Sinamay Pouches

Here's a sweet idea for an organic Easter Party Favor! Wrap up some tasty organic chocolate easter eggs and bunnies from Sweet Earth using some colorful and natural fiber Sinamay pouches (A product of the Philippines!) from Plum Party, add some raffia ribbon plus a Bloom card and convey your sincerest Easter greetings! Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

Jin Patisserie } Please don't hide these Luxe Easter Eggs!

Celebrate Easter the right way with beautiful delectables from Jin Patisserie! I am so in love with the graphic beauty and super luscious styling of all things Jin. Check out the collection and online shop here (and enjoy the lovely twinkling music that plays after the jump)

Valentine's Day } Organic Rose Basket

This is a lovely eco-chic rose gift basket that I made from my Organic Bouquet order on Valentine's Day. The wrapping cloth is a beautiful and vintage Furoshiki that was a thrift store find and the woven basket was purchased at Daiso. Both packaging items are elegant, eco-friendly and completely reusable. For the floral arrangement I lined the basket with plastic and a shallow square piece of floral foam (I can't wait until a more eco-friendly version of this nasty spongy green stuff hits the market), and inserted the organic rose blooms. Finally, I added silver crimped wire for embellishment. If given more time I would have added one colorful ribbon around the basket but in the end, I like how this gift turned out.

Who Says You Can't Get Organic Roses? } 2 for 1 Valentine's Day Special at Organic Bouquet!

Be my green Valentine! Buy one dozen organic red roses for your loved one and get a dozen for yourself for free! I'm lovin' it! Better order today!

Gung Hay Fat Choy! } Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat

In honor of the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year and 2008 being “The Year of the Rat” check out this special collection of Asian-inspired flavored chocolate mice by Burdick Chocolate. These cute and tasty choco mice come in a wooden box with flavors like dark chocolate and tangerine, Chinese Tea, mango coconut and hot pepper hazelnut. What a delicious way to celebrate a new day!

Nantaka Joy } Send Love to Your Valentine!

Head on over to Nantaka Joy and send some Love! Make sure to order your notebooks and cards by February 9th to receive your items in time for Valentine's Day!

My Vegan Divine Valentine

Conscious Gift Giving is what Seattle-based Vegan Divine is all about! With an amazing and creative selection of 100% vegan goods lovingly arranged and sustainably packaged by  two lovely sisters you are sure to find the perfect gift to match your ideal values.  I have met the eco-divas behind this incredible business and they are absolutely divine! Make sure to place your Valentine's Day orders now! My favorite gift baskets are Chocolate Desires and Exotic Luv! Thanks Santamrit and Simran!

Freedom® } A Rose in Honor of Rosa Parks

"I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free." ~ Rosa Parks

This Valentine's Day remember your sweetheart as well as those women who have whole-heartedly given their lives to love and protect us. Buy your mother and grandmother the wonderful gift of Freedom® An Organic Rose Bouquet in Honor of Rosa Parks. 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this bouquet will be donated to the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. Show your love and dedication with this gift of beauty and quiet strength.

Holiday Gift Design - Scented Sachets and Eye Pillows in Sustainable Packaging

I made some sustainable Holiday gifts this year that I would love to share with you! These gifts went out to the dear ladies in my life. Here's the scoop: {1} Sustainable Kiri wood boxes wrapped with colorful scrap paper, ribbon and a mini ornament bauble. (The boxes were an awesome score at Daiso, a Japanese "dollar" store) {2} My signature Lotus TeaBowl™ EcoSoya Candle with the scent of Citrus Basil and a beautiful carved wooden stand {3} Mini Silk sachets made with reclaimed fabric (last year's table runner) or kimono scraps and filled with scented buckwheat hulls. {4} Silk Eye Pillow made with reclaimed silk (last year's Thanksgiving fabric decor) and filled with buckwheat hulls, flax seeds and organic Lavender essential oil. The buckwheat hulls were leftover from my Thanksgiving floral decor this year. For the packaging I wrapped coordinating scrap paper and tied it with raffia. These gifts were all very easy to make and I had a meditative and aromatic time creating them! Click here for more info on how to make your own buckwheat sachets and eye pillows. Enjoy!

Happy New Year 2008

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Sushi Candy!

Via the Hostess Blog I discovered these fantastic holiday appetizer ideas! I just love the Holiday sushi candy and orange sorbet cups!

Organic Fruit & Flowers } Gift Basket

For some last minute gifts head over to Organic Style for a beautiful Amaryllis plant and this tantalizing tower of organic fruits, nuts and treats!

Modern Picks for Puzzle Gifts

{1} This is an interactive gift for your architecturally inclined nieces and nephews! This 3D handcrafted wood Carp puzzle is a work of art and includes 6 colors of paint and a paintbrush. {2} This beautiful handmade puzzle pillow is constructed of reclaimed ultrasuede and is available at BranchHome. {3} These cool LEGO-like frames from Pylones let you build your photos into all kinds of fun shapes. Great for kids and the boxes have storage compartments, too. {4} I like these modular floor carpet tiles because you can add on as your budget allows! Make yourself a small rug or a whole carpet! Buy it here.

Modern Picks for Photo Gifts

{1} This Huddle Frame and Shelf is nice keepsake and decor gift! There's a shelf in the middle and enough frames for all 7 Dwarfs! {2} I love the 3D sculpture-esque effect of this Spin Frame, and it's made with solid Yompa wood.  {3} This is a sleek metal and wood frame that your guy would love. It's called the Elate Frame and it's at a really great price too! {4} Digicurve is the best looking digital photo frame I've seen so far! It even has a sleek remote control. I am tempted to get this as a business presentation tool for my portfolio or for our DJ business...Wouldn't that be cool? Show photos, play videos and music?!