Snowflake Season!

{image from NOAA Photo Library}

It's getting to be snowflake season! In the spirit of winter fun I thought I'd share a photographer who fuses art, science, and--indeed--snowflakes.

Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley (1865 - 1931) was a pioneering photographer of snowflakes. Perfecting his own experimental technique, Bentley was able to capture and rapidly photograph individual fleeting flakes.

His photographic legacy leaves a thorough visual archive; his snowflake images act not only as scientific artifacts, but also as wonderful examples of the splendid innate patterns found in nature.

Holiday Craft Fun!

Hello everybody!

Now that the holiday season seems to be in full swing, I thought it would be fun to pass along a DIY ornament! Just a few simple steps for assembly. After printing out the image above, cut around the perimeter of the triangular shapes and (including the tabs). Then, with a craft knife, gently (and carefully) score the lines between each triangle, and where each tab abuts a triangle.

For the string to hang the ornament, first poke holes in the two white dots with a needle or thumbtack. Use a ballpoint pen to widen the holes, and then place each end of your string through one of the holes, tying a knot on the back side of the printout.

Apply glue or tape to each tab, and then fold up to reveal a wondrous winter octahedron ornament!

It's the most wonderful (and stressful) time of year!

I, like everyone else in central Massachusetts, woke up to snow this morning. Unlike most, I was super excited. I love winter, snowball fights, fires, mugs of cocoa, and pretty much anything else you can think of when you think of winter in the Northeast. This holiday season is a bit different, however. This year is the first year I will be sending out a holiday card. And not just on my own, with my boyfriend. The pressure is on.

Given that it's just the two of us and we don't have any adorable kids or precious pets, I'm opting for a non-photo design. I've been all over eInvite.com and have come up with a top 3. What I'm asking of you all is to vote on which one you think I should go with for my holiday greetings, and why!

{Dazzling Holiday via eInvite}

{Checkerboard's Sweet Delights via eInvite}

{Berry Trees via eInvite}

Red All Over

There are so many great choices this year for holiday cards, I am going to have a hard time deciding which to order. One thing is for certain—it’s going to be red! Here are a few of my favorites…

{L to R from top: Be Joyful by Crane & Co.; Dove of Peace by eInvite.com; Engraved Calligraphic Ornament by William Arthur; Selfless Santa by Carlson Craft; Harbinger by Checkerboard, Ltd.; Spray of White Berries by take note! Designs}

Serenity

I received the new West Elm catalog in the mail last week and was immediately struck by the wonderful color palette of their new collection. In particular, these two pillow shots caught my eye. I love the muted, serene colors.

{images from West Elm}

The Natural Choice

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with all the red and green that inundates everything this time of year. I thought I would refresh things at bit for you (and for my own sanity) with a more neutral palette for this party inspiration board. Ruffles, city sippers & holi-decor in natural tones and lush silver...without the old standbys. Yes, red and green you have been left curbside. Here at eInvite we have some fashionistas and foodies, so I can’t wait to see what everyone has in store as we get posting about party inspiration.

This year I have been seeing and loving ruffles. They are so full of texture, proportions and are just plain fun. I am loving these tops from Rachel Roy (top) and Madison Marcus (bottom).The silver and white tones are great for formal events or to wear with your favorite jeans. Add a little sparkle and your good to go.

The natural elements are also seen in these home decor items that exude taste and sophistication. The Glacé Christmas Stockings are from Ballard Design and the The Olive Branch and Tree of Life Menorahs’s are designed by Michael Aram and are available at Neiman Marcus. Their description of the artist just make you want to have them in your home.

A little holiday refreshments always make the noise and the bustle (and Uncle Robert) a little more festive. Serve up some new ideas and start some new traditions. Now what holiday is not complete without a little Alchedemia? I was greatly inspired by weekend fun to add some cocktails to my post this week. St. Germain is my new favorite discovery. A liqueur made from elderberry blossoms of the French Alps. Their logo is actually the little “bohemian” bicycler that delivers the blooms from the mountainside. I happen to just love the aroma and the taste is so much like the juice our family makes from the same flowers in Brasov. It brought back the summer.

St. Germain Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Grey Goose vodka
- .75 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz juice of a lime or lemon

Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve with your citrus slice.

Images and recipes for the Lava Lamp & Two Turtle Doves, the other libations were from cocktailtimes.com

Words to Live by

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” JFK...big words to think about every day. It is that time of year.

The holidays are finally here! Holidays...time for family and friends, time for eating more than we should, time for toasting and indulging. eInvite has given you plenty of reasons to say thank you, spread cheer and rejoice in the new year.

Welcome 2009 with an expression of gratitude and excitement...

Select photo cards are priced at a sweet 40% off until December 2. This Brown, Green and White Photo by eInvite.com is a great way to welcome a new baby, announce an engagement or send a family photo. Holiday Happenings , also by eInvite.com is 25% off until December 3. Winter Sprig Shortfold Note by William Arthur is engraved inside and a wonderful, modern note for the holiday season. We also featured Harvest Gold by Checkerboard. This is a perfect greeting for business or family. We can't forget to give thanks to all the folks that have supported our businesses throughout the year.

Even though it's the holidays, you newly engaged love birds are thinking about your wedding, amidst the bustle. These White Scroll invitations from eInvite.com come with free matching note cards! They are priced under $1 each. This is the perfect way to invite your guests when you are on a budget...without sacrificing design and style. (Free note cards to boot.)

Also featured for your holiday inspiration are White Pumpkin Candle from Pottery Barn. They are such a great option to the standard orange pumpkin. They are modern and pretty cool. Love them! The Decorative Straw Turkeys from William Sonoma are a natural way to decorate your home for the holidays.

Silver, Scarlet, and Seriously on Sale

Now is the time to snap up ridiculous deals in every category on eInvite.com because it's the Holiday Sale until December 3rd. I adore the custom embossed personal stationery because it has a tactile appeal and looks rich, yet subtle. The lovely crisp slate grey Memo Card (top left) is only $14.93 for 100 flat notecards! The red Prestige Monogram Correspondence Card (bottom right) has eye-catching glamour for just $41.93 for 100 cards. Perfect personalized holiday gifts.

I am also loving the red modern holiday cards. Decorative Wishes (bottom left) is sexy for $74.24 for 100 on sale, and Happy Holiday (top right) is 100% recycled cotton with a luxurious texture and thickness for $117.00 for 100. For this card you can also change the ink color to a rich sap green or other color and pick whatever font you want with the online customization tools. You see a preview instantly too.

Finally, I have to pull out the Silver Shimmer Invitation (center), a double-layered folding panel wedding invitation that is modern and substantial - for just $212.63 for 100. This could work for a wedding with any color scheme that uses platinum accents. Red ink would look amazing for the inside text for a winter wedding too.

A Winter Wedding

Taking cues from nature, this white (with touches of pink!) winter wedding is romantic and cozy.

{Images, L to R from top: Martha Stewart Cake, Sterling & Pearls by Checkerboard on eInvite.com, Tommy Hilfiger suit from GQ, JS Boutique Strapless Pleated Taffeta Dress, mimi designs, karen wise photography, Red Orchid Design, pink champagne via snippetandink.blogspot.com, White Embassy by Crane & Co. on eInvite.com}

Green Season

At eInvite, holiday orders are pouring in and here's one of the trends of the season we are really happy about...

Eco-Friendly Designs

With stylish, eye-catching holiday designs and a modern color palette, this mini-line of completely recycled holiday greetings is helping lots of people "go green" this season! Reasonably priced and delightfully textured.