catalog inspiration: CB2 let it snow, let it faux 2010

I adore lookbooks + catalogs. I'd love to to one for cardinalhouse, but let's just say I'm not quite there yet! 

I'm going through my current stash & just HAD to share some ideas from CB2's let it snow, let it faux 2010 catalog [find it online HERE]. All images below from same catalog.

Some presentations are somewhat far fetched, like this ladder all strung up with lights, but inspiring nonetheless. It would be neat for a workshop-studio space! Don't you think?

 Okay, while this idea isn't exactly festive, it sure is pretty! See the cube shelving with the color coded trim? I love it! Now, on the other hand, that leaning wine rack scares me silly. There is no way that rack [or wine] would survive my house! 

Another idea that has me salivating is the icing on those cookies. Think of all the possibilities! Rothko and Kandinsky -themed cookies! Ooh- I'm all giddy!

It's hard to tell that this is actually a mirror, but that's not what I'm focusing on here. Look at how the Christmas cards are assembled in a tree-ish shape [err, holiday cards? if you prefer nansy-pansy PC terms]. Just keep in mind that tape may leave residue, so you might want to choose a non-permanent adhesive. You'll be happy that you did after the holidays!

And here a few of my favorite things from the catalog:

 abacus $149.

hopscotch rug $199.

grey gardens bedding $19.95 - $89.95

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♥ -Kat.

customized photo cards on a budget!

It is November & now's the time to start preparing for the holidays. I'm always on the lookout for good DIY alternatives so I can funnel more money into great food + gifts. Sound good?

How about a way to send out beautiful personalized photo cards on a budget?

Check out Christi's full line of pre-designed photo card templates at her Etsy shop HERE. Aren't they pretty?!

Here's how it works:
You send her the photo you want to use, & for $15,  

she'll work your photo into one of her lovely designs,

personalize it to your specs & 

send you the complete digital file. 

Just like that.
Take the file to your normal spot for printing photos & your entire Christmas card list is taken care of.

Think about it, even if you have 50 people on your list & it costs 13 cents to print each "Card"...that's $6.50 + $15 = $21.50 [or 43 cents each] for 50 customized photo cards. Plus, most places will let you upload your print order online so all you have to do is pick the order up while running errands. That saves a LOT of time, which is such an extra bonus!

Also, for those around the Hartford, CT & Springfield, MA areas: check out Christi's gallery to get some great location portraits done.  Christi really is the sweetest & I know that her customer service is excellent! Her black & white hydrangea prints decorate my mantle & walls!

Alfredo's Gallery 

116 Mountain Road
Suffield, CT 06078

[860] 254-5400

Etsy Shop • Facebook 

happy fourth.

Have a great one no matter what you're doing! 

♥ -Kat.

thursday treats. cast iron lamb chops

[image from CCB blog]

Easter is right around the corner, can you believe it?! This year is flying by far too quickly for me. Oh well. Time flies when you're having fun [or swamped], right?

Fresh homemade [rosemary, mint, basil] pesto & lamb chops seared in a cast iron with a quick sprint in the oven. Yum.  The recipe comes from Callie's Charleston Biscuits, which is a fantastic family grown...not quite bakery--perhaps biscuitry...based out of Charleston, SC. Find the pesto & lamb chop recipe here. They have other tasty recipes on their blog [if you're a fan of cast iron cooking, definitely check it out] & you can sign up for the newsletter. Note: They send out the newsletter fairly regular & lots of it concerns local Charlestons. I'm not 100% that you can tailor it to suit.

fan them on Facebook

Happy Cooking!
♥ - Kat.