Friday, December 31, 2010

Holga in Texas

After two failed rolls and some minor cursing, I finally have a successful roll from my new Holga.  I decided to bring the camera to Texas because I am NOT a quitter (except for when it comes to Monopoly because that game is simply way too long).  I think B and my sweet nephew Xavier make the perfect models :)
You can check out the rest of the shots on my Flickr page.  Happy New Year y'all!

p.s. I think the use of "y'all" + the calf fry I ate yesterday make me a hard core Texan, don't you think?
p.p.s. If you don't know what calf fries are, look them up.  You'll either be disgusted or have a new found respect for me.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Dreaming of a White Christmas (that really happened!)

I had every intention of sharing the first couple of rolls from my new Holga but I wasted the film by not loading the camera correctly.  Whoops!  I'm not sure I'm ever going to get this lomography thing.  I mean really.  Anyway sweets, how was you holiday?  We had a blast and we're flying out tomorrow to Dallas, Texas to spend the New Year with my brother and nephew.
I don't know if you heard, but much of the south had a white Christmas this year.  I realize for many of you, this is neither exciting nor new but for us snow-deprived Southerners, this was a BIG deal.  It was so beautiful! 
Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of this vacation week.  I am going to bring my Holga to Texas, much to my better judgment, and hopefully I'll have photos to share with you soon.  2011 is almost here, can you believe it?  How will you be celebrating? 

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Holidays + a break

I can't believe it's already time to sign off for the holidays, but alas, the time is here.  I'm working up until Christmas Eve but I still have lots to prepare for including more wrapping!   B and I will be spending the holidays with our family in Atlanta and then we're spending New Years with my brother in Dallas, Texas.  I can't wait! 

I'm sure I'll popping in with a few quick posts before the New Year (you know I could never stay away for too long) but I'm looking to take a substantial break from the blog until January 3rd.  Thank you for all the love and kindness you've shown me this past year.  It's been a good ride.  I wish you and your families a safe, happy holiday season and I hope all of your holiday dreams come true. xoxo

images:  holly coco (via miss moss) / merry christmas / mary ruffle (source unknown) / honeypieLiving / the design files /a field journal

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Art: Be Happy Now

These acrylic paintings by Russian born, Israeli based artist Jenny Meilihove are somehow perfect for the season.  The juxtaposition between small and large and bright and subdued creates a balance that many strive for and few find in their work.  Jenny is proficient in a number of different media including watercolor and pastels and I'm especially smitten with her portraits which just happen to be available in calendar form.  Isn't her work enchanting? 
links: website/ flickr/ shop

Wishlist 12.22.10

How sweet are these initial rings found at catbird?  I really like the little heart too.  Stacking these beauties offers an array of endless possibilities (I'm thinking "wtf" would be as good a combo as any).  Each gold ring is $88.  If rings aren't your thing, there are also little stud alphabet earrings that are too sweet for words.  What do you think?  Are there some initials you wouldn't mind wearing?  

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Interiors: Pink in Portugal

I'm loving all the bright, artistic touches in this home in Portugal.  The pink and yellow accents on the bottom half of the walls anchor the space and allow the colors to breathe.  The unfinished look of the home is perfectly accented by all of the artwork.  Definitely my kind of space!  Check out the full house tour here.

images: Live Ikea

Do more w/your money: WeWood Watches

These 100% wood watches from WeWood are hypoallergenic, "completely free of toxic chemicals", and are quite beautiful to boot.  To top it off, WeWood has partnered with American Forests to plant a tree for every watch sold.  I'd say for $119 a pop, these watches are well worth the money. I have my heart set on this one.  And each of the watches are naturally colored from different wood.  Neat-o, huh?
shop found via oh joy!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Sponsor D&OC

Looking to get your name out in the New Year?  Now is the perfect time to sign up for sponsorship and start out on the right (marketing) foot for 2011.  Basic sponsorship info can be found here.  If you're interested, please e-mail me at downandoutchic@gmail.com.  Mention this post and receive $5 off any package!

Thank you to all of the amazing sponsors that have supported D&OC this year.  Please check out the current sponsors:
Embraceable Lace- get 15% off with discount code DOC15, adorable rosette fabric accessories
Nico- fabric/rope necklaces and earrings for a modern take on accessories
Little White Chapel- pretty, dainty wedding accessories (perfect for the non-bride as well)
Wallflower Vintage-a great selection of vintage dresses and vintage wares for the home
Enchanted Leaves-  nature inspired jewelry; if you love charms, you'll love this shop
Rebecca Accessories- unique handmade handbags and jewelry
theSwayze-  bohemian, vintage inspired accessories
Beth Cyr- gorgeous jewelry and wedding bands using recycled metals. Her shops can be found here and here.

image: handmade cards by me

D&OC wraps it up Part II

Whew, how was you weekend?  I guess you can imagine what I've been doing.  Wrapping can make a girl tired!  If you missed my first "wrap it up" post where where I laboriously go through all of the supplies for this gift wrap, you can find it here.  I tried to wrap each gift differently, catering to the recipients personality as best I could.   If you'd like to see all of the packages, check out my flickr page (there's also some commentary with the photos about what worked and what didn't).  I still have some gifts to wrap this week, but the end is in sight!  How's your wrapping going?

Friday, December 17, 2010

Happy Weekend

Happy Friday!  I've battled the flu this week and although I have a few battle wounds, I've been victorious. This weekend I plan on resting as I'm still not 100% and wrapping gifts, of course.  What are your plans?  How are you preparing for the upcoming holiday?

images: a collection a day by lisa congdon

pssst...check out the merchants offering free shipping today.  

Thursday, December 16, 2010

D&OC wraps it up part I

Buying gifts can be fun but packaging, for me, is the really fun part!  I've gathered up my supplies and am going with a traditional red and green color scheme.  Some of these supplies were purchased at the local craft store while some were procured from different independent shops.  I've linked to the online shops below each of the photos.
 letterpress wooden gift tags via in haus press; mini bag tags from local craft shop (these were too cute to pass up!)
 card stock paper, large sequins, kraft paper in red and oatmeal, and mini clothes pins from local craft shop; paper doilies via packagery
 variety of garland, twine, candy stripe ribbon, and burlap via carmelos; thin rope via local craft shop
 bunting stamp via olive manna; decorative scrap booking paper in stripes and polka dots and scallop punch found at local craft shop
 ink pad, elastic and wire gold ribbon, tracing paper found at local craft shop; wooden rods found at grocery store
 japanese making tape (christmas themed) via ginko papers; owl letterpress tags via elf design & letterpress, gold star toppers and large sequins found at local craft shop

Well, it looks like I have lots of work to do.  I better get to it!

Holiday Packaging Inspiration


Who's excited about wrapping some gifts?  I know I am!  As promised, I'll be documenting my attempt at creative holiday packaging this year starting later this afternoon with a round up of my chosen supplies.  Have you picked out a color scheme or theme for your wrapping yet?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wishlist 12.15.10

I recently bought one of these handmade yarn wreaths from itz fitz as a gift for someone this year (if that someone is reading this blog, you don't actually know it's for you so don't get your hopes up), but if I'm honest, I'd really like to buy one for myself.  These wreaths are so pretty, I'm not sure I'd be able to put it away when the holidays are over.  

pssst... Here's a great round up of DIY wreaths, if you'd like to try your hand at making one.

(shop found via gathering spriggs)

Interiors: Comfortable Neutrals

As you know, I generally lean towards colorful interiors, but lately I'm craving comfortable, neutral spaces.  I think the combination of my everlasting fever and the cold front that hit the south has left me feeling like more of a homebody than ever.  I want to be surrounded by grey, brown, white, and black- colors that don't challenge my senses too much.  Wouldn't be nice if we could instantly change our interiors to balance our moods?  If you could have the ideal palette to see you through the winter months, what would it be?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Holiday Dressing, feature on iVillage

Last week, D&OC and several other bloggers were featured in an iVillage piece regarding holiday dressing.  We were given events and had to pick the perfect outfit to match the event.  My event was holiday brunch and you can see my (casual) outfit, and the other outfit choices here.  Thanks iVillage!
Thanks also for your kind words this past weekend regarding my mysterious illness.  My fever finally broke this morning after four days of misery and I'm feeling much better.  B is feeling better as well and no longer has his swollen lymph node induced double chin.  Yay! 
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