MY FAVORITE SONGS OF 2014.

Hello folks! First, I must apologize for not posting much recently. I've been extremely busy with the holidays and when not busy, I have been completely exhausted. I am sure a lot of you have been feeling the same way.

Second, I would like to share some of my favorite songs from some of my favorite albums of 2014. This next week or so I plan on sharing my favorite things of the past year (and I'd love to hear your's as well.)

FLICKR PHOTO OF THE DAY : RED BIKE.

"beginnings of a love letter" by andrea. (See also: blog)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : THE BAKING BIRD.

Good afternoon! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Today my friend Kylie is kind enough to share her holiday wish list, which makes a fabulous gift guide. Kylie lives up in Portland and runs The Baking Bird, where she shares her adventures in baking (she has such great recipes), as well as little bits of her life up in the northwest.



1. cats let nothing darken their roar 2015 calendar, 2. 2 bandits saturn's cuff, 3. ace & jig reversible black coverlet duster, 4. small spells crescent moon mug, 5. staub matte black cast iron cocotte, 6. swim club bath salt doug fir, 7. sunday supper's cookbook, 8. classe ouvrière churned seashore honey, 9. apocalyptic candle, 10. lo & sons OMG army green bag, 11. another feather gold fill arch ring, and 12. aesop resurrection aromatique hand wash

Thank you so much for sharing your great picks, Kylie!

BEST OF THE WEEK : DECEMBER THE THIRTEENTH.

• The prettiest way to give gift cards.
  
• This hipster logo design guide is laughably true.
  
• Fancy up potato chips for parties.
  
• 50 snow domes.
  
• Create some silver & gold star piñatas.
  
• Wow: meals elaborately created with candy.
  
• This museum looks like my cup of tea.
  
• Since we have a fake pink Christmas tree, I really want to make these from real tree scraps.
  
• The Little Prince was one of my favorite stories growing up, and I can't wait to see this.
  
• This DIY colorblock ornament chandelier would make quite a presentation.
  
• I found this video/project rather mesmerizing.
  
• What a unique Edwardian wedding.
  
• I'm going to bake these pignoli cookies for the holidays.
  
• The best albums of 2014. I totally agree with a lot of these.
  
• Also from Miss Moss: Unknown Summer.
  
• I'm not usually into big floral centerpieces, but this winter one is gorgeous.
  
• On rejection and criticism.
  
• Peppermint and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations.
  
• Paint some colorful ornaments for your tree.
  
• A pretty fabulous holiday tabletop
  
• Use scraps for creative gift wrapping.
  
• This gingerbread vintage camper totally makes me smile.
  
• 10 free printable holiday posters for your wall.
  
• Such a cute and easy project for kids.
  
• Some really good blogging advice.
  
• 25 cookie swap recipes.

I really hope y'all are enjoying your weekend. Stay warm, make some gifts, bake sugar cookies, and savor a warm liquor drink. Xoxo. (artwork above by Carolina Búzio)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY : MAGIC.

"Make Magic Happen," an inspirational print from Handz. ($22) Reminder: the giveaway of two prints from this shop ends this evening, so make sure you sign up!

TEN IMAGES OF INSPIRATION : WINTER STYLE.

Since I'm sure the majority of my readers don't live in climates quite like Los Angeles (I'm still mostly wearing shorts and t-shirts down here), I thought I'd share some of my favorite cold-weather styles. I admit, I almost wish I could join in with the long coats, thick scarves, and cute knit sweaters.

Sources (from top to bottom): Chinapig, Fancy Fine, Barefoot Blonde, TFS, Russh, Vanity Fair, Flashes of Style, Hel Looks, The Speckled Perch, and Keiko Lynn.

GUEST POST : ASHLEY ORDING'S HOLIDAY WISH LIST.

Ashley Ording was one of my first close Internet friends (and one of the first I met in "real-life"), from back when I was 18-years-old. She works behind-the-scenes for Anthropologie, collects incredible vintage goods, and is one of the most stylish ladies I know. She put together this holiday wish list for my readers and I have to say, I'd love every single one of these things.


Crescendo Dot Flatware: My flatware situation is in need of an upgrade and this polka dot set is too cute.
Vintage 1970s Clutch: I love the muted colors of these cotton clutches, I'll take both please.


Vintage 'A' Brooch: I have a small collection of 'A' brooches and this one would make a perfect addition. Plus it will help me in my futile quest to be as cool as Laverne from Laverne & Shirley.
Mint Metal Wire PLant Stand: Now that I have more space for decorating I've been going hog wild with plant collecting, and to keep my cat from eating all of them I need a few cool plant stands like this mid-century inspired one in my favorite color.


'The Ten-Year Nap' by Meg Wolitzer:: I recently read Meg Wolitzer's book 'The Interestings' and I loved it so much that I want to read everything else she has written.
Vintage Cuddly Kittens Stationary: I don't really need to say why I like these notepads, because just look at them.


Kate Space Nisella Flats: I am completely obsessed with these fancy flats in the perfect shade of navy.
Angela Dalinger Collected Cups Painting: Angela Dalinger is one of my favorite artists right now and I think this print would look perfect in my living room.

A GIVEAWAY : RESTYLE PRINTS!

Today we are having a giveaway from ReStyle, which has been one of my favorite Etsy shops for years! Jan, the designer behind ReStyle, is offering readers the chance to win two prints of their choice from her shop. Hoorah!

To enter the giveaway: Visit ReStyle and comment on this post which two prints you would choose if you won, along with your name and email address. This giveaway ends Friday, December 12th at 11:00 p.m. Good luck!

FLICKR PHOTO OF THE DAY : A MOMENT.

Untitled by Chelsie A. Olivieri. (See also: website & blog)

GUEST POST : DESIGN CRUSH HOLIDAY WISH LIST.

Today the lovely Kelly Beal of Design Crush has put together her fantastic holiday wish list to share with Design is Mine readers. Enjoy!



A colorful muddler for my bar. A cheeky bottle opener for my beers. A set of sturdy napkins for dinner parties. A set of teakwood utensils for my kitchen. A piece of watercolor art for my walls. A bangle for my wrist. A bag for all of my things. A duvet set for my bed. A pair of cozy boots for winter. Wraps for my nails. A hand hook for my keys. A jumbo crystal for good juju in 2015.
Thanks, Kelly! If you love these, check out more greatness on Design Crush!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : FOR THE BOHEMIAN.

A gift guide after my own heart. I keep finding myself drawn more and more to bohemian clothing pieces and household objects. I would happily take any of the above for myself. (P.S.: Stay tuned: next week we have a bunch of guest gift guides from some of my favorite bloggers and friends!)

1. Lola Stone Rose Floral Velvet Burnout Fringe Kimono ($248), 2. simple matte black crescent studs ($12), 3. Arise Cuff ($11), 4. The Fates Cuff ($110), 5. Magical Thinking You Are Here Canvas Print ($39), 6. Kumba Throw ($220), 7. Womens FreeBird Dream Catcher Arrow Tank Top ($20), 8. Gypset Style ($45), 9. Wildflower Feather Bunch ($32), and 10. Kyanite Moon Necklace ($37)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY : BRAVE & WILD.

"Always be brave and wild at heart," wooden pallet art from Pixels & Wood. ($55, see also: Scout Mob)

INTERIOR INSPIRATION : HOLIDAY DECOR.

It's time to put on Bing Crosby's White Christmas on the record player and trim the tree. What are your holiday decorating plans this year?

Sources (from top to bottom): the happy home, The Style Files, Kate Ann Photography, Domino, Bright Bazaar, Fjeldborg, Wit & Delight, Smile & Wave, Life in Grace, Matchbook Magazine, and Yvestown.

FLICKR PHOTO OF THE DAY : STUDIO ENVY.

"my new studio" by camilla engman. (See also: blog, portfolio & shop)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY : GOLDEN.

"You Have a Heart of Gold," by design studio Variety Show. (See also: blog)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : FOR YOUR BEST LADY FRIEND.

This gift guide is for the ladies in our lives who give the best advice, take us out for drinks when we feel hellish, and will listen to our longest rants without complaint. We are thankful for you. (Psst, Amy, I am talking to you.)

1. Vintage Enameled Pegasus Necklace ($22), 2. Goodlife Key Tags - Totally ($6), 3. Izola Jasmine Candle ($35), 4. Wooden Owl and Pussycat Brooch (AU $22.45), 5. Adorn Jewelry Holder, 6. Lovely Rabbit Pattern Cardigan ($24), 7. A5 A4 "Be my friend" ($12.84), 8. Pennant - Do Your Best ($36), 9. Two-Headed Boy Collar Pin with Chain ($31), and 10. Friendship Rectangular Tray ($66)

TEN IMAGES OF INSPIRATION : TABLESCAPES.

I have had a few people ask me for some table decorating ideas for Thanksgiving, so I'd round up some of my favorite pretty tablescapes for the holidays. There are a couple more posts planned for the day, but I wanted to first wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Sources (from top to bottom): Ruffled, Style Me Pretty, Ruffled, Sunday Suppers, Modern Girls & Old Fashioned Men, Design*Sponge, Elements of Style, Delta Breezes, and Elizabeth Anne Designs

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : GIFTS FOR THE CRAZY CAT LADY.

Hey, we all know one- or are one (I'm more of a crazy cat lady than I usually like to let on.) Here are some ways to wish our feline-loving friends the happiest of holidays...

1. Happy Cat Cardigan ($35.90), 2. Retro Cat Swedish Dishcloth (£3.75), 3. 2015 World's Most Super-Amazing 100% Awesome Cat Calendar ($16), 4. Feline Fanatic Tote ($19.99), 5. Cat Your Eye on the Time Necklace ($24.99), 6. Persian Cat Mini Cushion ($30), 7. Meow iPhone Case ($34), 8. Cycle Cat Silkscreen Print ($30), 9. Cute Wooden Cat Tape Dispenser ($20), and 10. Cat Ring ($65)