Inspired Goodness

Crayon Rings

Grab yourself a large roll of white paper, invite over 7 of your closest pals and enjoy playing with these rings made of crayons.

Just roll the paper down your dining room table - and draw away. How perfect to set the mood for a fun dinner party!

{ found here }

Gift Giving for Weddings

In Sunday's New York Times, an article appeared giving tips for spending just the right amount for gift givers. At times, all of us are faced with this dilemma - how much should one spend? Do you give money or should you aim for something a little more personal?

Well, the answer really depends on you, your relationship to the recipient and your own situation. I personally think a thoughtful gift paired with a lovely handwritten note will always out-way the item you've selected off a couple's wedding registry.

My plan has always been to ask myself two important questions:

1. Would this couple be able to get more length out of cash? Perhaps they are trying to save money for a house or focused on planning for their future.
2. Would the couple appreciate something unique and if so, how can I pair their personality and common interests into something while keeping within my budget?

So where does one go to find a well-edited selection of gifts?

My favorite g0-to source is summed up clearly right here: Shop-A-Matic. Yes folks, I'm a huge, huge fan of New York Magazine's selection of chic choicest. In fact, nearly every gift-giving occasion that I am faced with, its always the first place I turn to.

Above are six amazing finds from a recent Apartment Therapy, Small Space Solutions Shop-A-Matic.

1. Venetian Mirror: perfect for anyone with a nice entry way. At $199, this is the most pricey item on our list, but they will keep it forever and think of you each time they smile at their reflection!
2. Orla Kiely for Target Kitchen Canister: So cute and at only $20, you can add a grouping of matching utensils and wooden spoons.
3. Foaming Dish Scrubber: Black & White + Simple Clean Design = Smart Gift Idea. I'd pair these with a similar b+w pieces, including these dishtowels, a set of classic salt + pepper shakers paired with a gift card to their favorite local eatery!
4. Tea Cup and Hook Tiles: Don't we all need an extra little pocket for kitchen's smallest essentials.
5. Decorative Pillows: I adore these pillows and at $18 each, you can spurge and get the happy couple one of each color!
6. Key in Lock Hooks: A fun twist on the simple coat hook, idea for anyone with creative tastes.

Check out the entire list here.

And by all means, whatever you choose to buy, remember to be a good friend and always include a GIFT RECEIPT!

Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO

Living in Brooklyn has been full of so many wonderful weekend adventures for me and one of my favorite outings was this past weekend, when John and I made a trip to DUMBO for Brownstoner's Brooklyn Flea.

Since the weather is too chilly for these crafters, makers and shop keepers to be outside, they've set up in some empty storefronts along Front Street and are there every Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm.

We saw a lot of great stuff, but these were the items that stood out most in my mind:

Birdhouse Jewelry by Amy Lapierre - make sure to check her Etsy store for some fun handmade jewelry (all with outstanding prices)

Christina Stankard, another Jewelry Designer whose earrings I adored. She doesn't have a website, but I found some items for sale here. Email her at ctstankard (at) hotmail (dot) com for inquiries.

KG + AB make amazing ceramic figurings mostly of animals) - I fell in love with this owl and the 'Bears in Love'. You may remember the Porcelain Pug from the same company we featured in our holiday gift guide.

And last but not least, I can't fail to tell you about the most amazing tiny cupcakes we saw from Kumquat Cupcakery. I just loved the look of these pretty treats and hope to get a chance to use them in an upcoming event. In all, Kumquat offers over 17 flavors like Lemon + Lavender, Pumpkin, Coffee Caramel Burbon and Peanut Butter Banana Honey.

On a special side note, it looks like Kumquat's owner Keavy Landreth is also an alumni of the same college as moi, so there's a total soft spot in my heart to see other Parson's grads taking their creativity to the next level.

An "Impressionable" Gift Solution

Found these stationery desk sets today and thought they'd make a great gift all on their own, or with a little embellishment, you could really personalize them for the intended receipient.

Simply have a custom rubber stamp made with their new monogram and names, add in a few coordinating inkpads and give to your favorite set of newlyweds – and you have an instantly chic gift!

{ found via Parcel Post }

Bookbag by Anthropologie

When I arrived home from work last night, there was a small pouch stuffed into my mailbox. My mailman isn't the gentlest of delivery persons, but nonetheless, this special gift was delivered unharmed.

I ran upstairs and ripped it right open and low and behold my very favorite store sent me an adorable gift:

As if I couldn't love you even more, thanks Anthropologie - you made my day!

Orange Beautiful Calendar

I''m thrilled to finally have received my Orange Beautiful 2009 calendar, which arrived at my door today. If you have any friends who love paper, type and great design, this is a wonderful gift for the holidays.

You must, must, must check out this talented duo's blog for some more stylish paper goods.

Click to buy one for yourself.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Part 2

We hoped everyone enjoyed yesterday's post on the start of our holiday shopping suggestions. Without further or do, here's the second installment of our picks:

• For your crafty friend: A box of goodies to create with (or) a cool apron to keep supplies at arms reach.
• For your best friend: A unique gift for the gal who's always on your side.
• For your sister: She'll adore this bracelet as much as she does you!
• For your mom: Wall Street Decoupage Glass Tray
  
• For new homeowners: They might not have the $$ left in the budget for a real chandelier, but this awesome wall decal is sure to add a bright spot over any couch.
• For families: A personalized family tree print that's perfect for parents, grandparents or older siblings!
• For the collector: Something she'd make for herself if only there were more hours in the day.
• For man's best friend: Your pug-loving friends will go ga ga over this cute pup.
• And last but not least - here's something just for you, a perfectly fun quirky display for your favorite baubles and gems!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Part 1

I know, I know, its barely Halloween (lookout girls, its just around the corner) and I'm already talking holiday shopping. To be honest, I can't really help it. It's somewhat of an addiction with me. SHOPPING!!!

Plus, this morning in my in box was an email from family members already asking for gift ideas and so, let the fun begin.

Here's our pix for some fun picks - organized by recipient. Hope it gives you all some ideas and encouragement to get your holiday shopping kicked off!

• For newlyweds: They're sure to enjoy these personalized portrait mugs 100-times more than any salad tongs!
• For the gardener: A perfect set of note-cards for when the crops don't need tending (or) some pretty metal herb markers for next years plants.
• For the traveler: Pretty Note-cards to write you from faraway locals
• For your boss: A Fontastic Paperweight
• For your boyfriend: Beer Bottle Glassware  (or)  Pint Glasses with etched mustache
• For new parents: Decorate the new baby's room with a cool poster.
• For the little ones: These magnetic felt letters make it fun to learn your ABC's
  

Make sure to check back in tomorrow for Part 2!

A Vintage Cameo Inspires an Entire Wedding

Inspired Goodness was recently invited to join Wishpot as a Wedding Expert - and ever since, we've been having a ball adding items we love to a growing set of wishlists.

A really simple way to keep your wishlists always just a button-click away is the Wishpot add-in for Firefox (our web-browser of choice). Every time you see something cool online that you want to add to your list, just click the button on your browser menu and "poof", it gets added right away!

Part of the fun of being a Wedding Expert at Wishpot, our team was asked to do a guest post -we choose to share how our staff would design a wedding around one object of special importance to the bride. We hope you enjoy reading it!

At Inspired Goodness, our job is to work with the information couples provide to create a vision for their wedding day. The end result is an event that reflects the happy couple via small touches and creative details.

Sometimes, the couples we meet don’t have much in the way of ideas but we stress that something as simple as a family keepsake can really impart a stamp on the look and feel of their day.

In this case, we took inspiration from a cameo brooch passed down from a bride’s grandmother. Check out our suggestions for infusing details taken from this precious heirloom and create a signature look of your very own.

• Color Scheme: Lilac + Black keeps things both modern and elegant.
• Décor: Commission an artist to draw a side profile of you and you’re groom. During the reception, use the art to mark your seats. Afterwards, consider them as a beautiful piece of art for your home.
• Stationery: Scan the designs and have thank you notes printed with the design on front.
• The Cake: Looking to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth? How about recreating a wedding cake similar to this one in your colors? Or maybe these cookies packaged inside a clear box with pretty labels are the perfect favor for your guests.
• Flowers: To incorporate your heirloom, try having your florist affix it to the front of your bouquet with matching ribbon.
• The Dress: Or simply wear it around your waist with some matching wide ribbon.
• Gifts: You’re bridesmaids will love these custom designed necklaces (personalized with their very own profile. Contact the designer to commission a set that makes a unique gift for your closest family and friends.

Now it’s your turn to try. If you had to plan the look of your entire wedding around one item, what would it be and how would you pull it off?

Additional images: Flower cameo, Invitation by Ivory White, black and white invite by Carciofi Design.

Kid Frienly Wedding Ideas

A lot of couples go back and forth - open the wedding to all the children (including your friends' kids, nieces and nephews) or all together deciding to keep the reception kid-free.

If you choose to include a few little bundles of joy, make sure to shower those little ones with a few key details to keep them busy and (hopefully behaved) for your big day.

This wonderful welcome package is a great idea and allows for ultimate flexibility for creating a unique kit tailored to each age group.

Or how about setting up a table with coloring books, crayons and candy centerpieces — both the parents and your young guests will thank you.

For a boy-friendly setup, try replicating this robot-inspired table from Hostess with the Mostess.