Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad!

I'm out until next week!
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! 
Feliz Navidad!
Photo here

Unconventional Christmas Wrapping

Christmas is almost here, and once again I'm writing about how to celebrate it unconventionally. Why be normal, right? This year I have been collecting cool wrapping ideas. Thanks to my new Pinterest site, I have a handy spot to gather my thoughts! Be sure and check it out here. Anyway, hope you are inspired.

 Recently, I learned about Furoshiki and LOVE it! Furoshiki is an ancient Japanese tradition of wrapping and carrying items in fabric. Stop and imagine the possibilities of that!! There is no end to fabric patterns and folding techniques. I also love that the fabrics are reusable and can be a gift in themselves.

 These decorated clothespins are so adorable!!

My favorite idea for wrapping is using origami inspired folding. It feeds my obsession with origami and the small details make a gift so special. Personally, I've spent quite a bit of time learning folding techniques. Not sure what Mark must think about all the tiny boxes around our apartment. But, I'm determined to have an origami Christmas!!

If you are looking for more beautiful ideas, check out Essimar's Fickr site for more amazing photos!

 Sometimes, only a bag will do. Here is a cool DIY bag, made from newspapers.

Finally, we can't forget our four-legged friends. Check out the "doggie bag" gift with another decorated clothespin! Fantastic!! 

Fantastic wall!

Found this via Tumblr today! Its the Taiwan Noodle House via the Contemporist. I was astonished by the dark walls, intricately covered with noodle bowls. Isn't it fantastic?

P.S. I decided to spiffy up the look of this blog, but I may still change a few things. Consider it my virtual remodeling. You know, its like a new coat of paint and rearranging of the furniture.  

Happy Things

Hello all! I'm so glad to be back, I've been sick for over two weeks and I'm fed up with it!! Of course, the bug hit Liam and Mark, too. Overall, it hasn't been much fun around my little home. Luckily, I've discovered a few things that have brought a smile to my face and I wanted to share them. They are not related in any way; I just enjoy them. 

First, these freshly colored pillows by Leah Duncan. I can picture many rooms where these pillows would fit right in. They are so lively!

Next, I've been pouring over Anthology Magazine. Its so beautiful! In the last year, I've become disillusioned with so many design mags, but this one gets it just right. What is it about being able to thumb through a beautiful periodical? Online photos just aren't the same.

Finally, (remember I said these things didn't relate to one another) I'm in love with this flash mob video! I admit a fan of the flash mob....even if it is overdone. This one is in a Mumbai train station and is too much fun. The music is addictive and fun everyone is having is contagious. Hope you enjoy it!