Burn This Now: Nest “Beach” Candle

If you’re in a summer state of mind and have extra cash to blow, consider the “Beach” candle ($45) by Nest. It smells gorgeously summery. Imagine throwing open the windows of your very own shore house on a gorgeous day. It kind of captures that kind of mood. The candles combines notes of coconut, “sparkling turquoise water,” lotus flower, melon, and sensual woods. Also, the packaging is chic and sleek, with a box draped in neutral stripes and a nubby white ceramic votive that will fit into any room’s decor.

Summer’s short enough as it is, so why not make the season last as long as possible by burning this now through Labor Day? $45 might sound like a splurge for a candle, but when you consider it could save you the millions that a beach house costs, you’re actually ahead of the game.

Image via Nest

DIY Craft: Glitter Votives for Valentine’s Day

My heart melts at the mere sight of a little sparkle. So when I saw this tutorial for DIY heart votives coated in glitter, you can imagine how excited I was to give them a try.

For my version, I made some slight modifications:

• Instead of doing all mason jars, I used 3 different types of glass votives: a mason jar, a small square glass votive, and a slightly taller round one.
• For an inexpensive alternative to vinyl, I used drawer liners (contact paper) for the cut-out hearts.

The mason jar was the only container with any kind of lid, which is key to this project. As I was making them, I covered the glass votives with a piece of the contact paper to coat the insides with polyurethane, and then the glitter (Martha Stewart Craft Glitter). It was messy, and the results weren’t nearly as even and neat as the mason jar. I’d recommend using only mason jars for the best results, as the tutorial instructs. Otherwise, your work surface will be caked with sticky polyurethane and you’ll have glitter stuck to your hands for days.

Read on for some helpful tips and tricks.

The BIG 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

This super special gift guide calls for a celebration…it’s my 1,000th post! Two and a half years, hundreds of products and almost as many collection previews have all amounted to countless words in 1,000 posts. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and growing with me…it truly means so much.

Now, onto the gifts!

In this edition of my Holiday Gift Guide, price is not an issue. With the previous guides (here, here, and here), I wanted to show you some fabulous picks that fell into certain price ranges, because budgeting during the holiday season can be so difficult and stressful. But the gifts here are geared toward the recipient; they’re perfect for all the special women in your life. And if money is no object, well…she’ll be delighted this holiday season.

So…let’s get started! (Gift picks after the jump.)

A Glimpse of the Holidays at Terrain

If you’ve never been to Terrain, you’re missing out! Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, it’s a nursery/home/garden shop owned by Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters/Free People. There are several barns on the property, a greenhouse, a few nurseries, and a lovely cafe. It’s basically a treasure chest packed with lovely little discoveries just waiting to be unearthed. This time of my year is my favorite time to visit. The gardens are packed with Christmas trees, the outdoor firepits are roaring, and the barns are decked out in their holiday finest. It’s a great spot for inspiration; I love going to get new ideas to bring into my own home. Here are a few snapshots I took recently to get you in the holiday spirit!(Please excuse the stranger in this photo.)This handsome fellow was decked out in plaid flannel…so festive!I love these thick birch stems randomly spray-painted with metallic silver paint. They look so pretty against the strands of retro bulb lights.These punched-tin pendants lights are a staple throughout all seasons at Terrain, but when their intricate patterns are illuminated, they take on a new, festive look during the holidays.

Seasonal Scents for Your Home

Candles are a necessity in my apartment pretty much any time of year, but especially around the holidays. With the early darkness and waning daylight, autumn and winter require an extra dose of illumination. Here are some of my faves for this time of year.

Image via Terrain
Sparrow & Co. Campfire candle ($34): I sniffed this lovely candle at Terrain last weekend, and let me tell you, it smells heavenly. A lovely, not-t00-heavy blend of coconut, wood smoke, and vanilla hand-poured in Scotland. And the little illustration on the label is just darling.

Voluspa Frosted Pinecone candle ($18): Cypress, pine needles, balsam, and pinecone seeds are a holiday must-have. This is especially great if you have to have a faux tree in your place; it scents your home just like the real thing.

Image via Lafco NY
Lafco Ski House Feu de Bois ($55): Ok, this is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a candle. But, if you’ve got extra cash or want to give someone a really lavish housewarming gift, this is so special. This candle literally smells like a ski lodge nestled in the snowy mountains. It’s part of Lafco’s Dream Homes line, which features a candle for every type of home — so you’re covered for hostess gifts during the summer months, too (think Beach House, Towne House, and Greenhouse, to name just a few).

Click through to see many more lovely lights.

Love List

Here are some things I’m loving this (late) Friday. Clockwise from top left: Essie nailpolish in Merino Cool; Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde; my J.Crew Ice Cube Bracelet paired with my Michael Kors watch; lightning bolt nails I saw on Pinterest; getting lovely home decor inspiration from Pinterest; and Class Actress‘s debut album, Rapprocher.

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend, we got our first taste of fall weather here in Philly. A cool, brisk breeze blew through as temps dipped and the first few leaves started to fall from their branches. It was a perfect time to usher in the new season.

On Friday night, I attended a cocktail party and book signing at Terrain in honor of the release of the new book, Design*Sponge At Home.

Me with Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney

Terrain served specialty cocktails (made with apple cider, Root, and and a dash of vanilla vodka) in mason jars with little wooden flag accents.

Baubles I wore to the event. Clockwise from top left: Michael Kors watch; J.Crew necklace; Wendy Mink earrings; Rabid Fox knuckleduster; LOFT feather pin (used as a hair clip); Digby & Iona 14-point Stag Ring.

You have to see how beautiful Terrain looked…more photos after the break.

Missoni for Target

Target’s latest designer collaboration brings iconic Italian brand Missoni to the masses. The renowned design house, whose zigzag patterns are instantly recognizable the world over, brings their chic Italian style to the big box store in a 400-piece collection. You’ll find everything from apparel and accessories to stationery and home decor.

Go here to view pics of the entire collection. What do you think? Will you be buying anything from the collection?

Images courtesy Target via Fashionologie

On the Shelf: Design*Sponge At Home

I’ve been reading the blog Design*Sponge for years. It’s my go-to source for home decor inspiration via home tours, decor ideas, DIY projects, and even floral bouquet photos. Now Design*Sponge is being translated into book form with Design*Sponge At Home, which is now available for pre-order. You can get a sneak peek at the book here; Grace Bonney, the site’s editor, is featured in a gorgeous little trailer, and some stills from the book are featured. I love the trailer; the way the videographer captured everything D*S is about with beautiful imagery is just stunning.

Video still courtesy of Design*Sponge

Powder & Smoke Candles by DL & Co.

I love the packaging of new Powder & Smoke Candles by DL & Co. Who can resist faux colorful paint dripping down the side of a candle jar? Fragranced with pretty scents like Golden Nugget and Aquamarine, they’re the perfect hostess gift. And with packaging this clever, there’s no need for wrapping.