Off the cuff style

In the need for a pair of cuff links? Show off your favorite city or simply wear your passport on your sleeve with these unique cuff links by DLK Designs found on Etsy. Pictured above is a small sampling of designs available but custom orders are welcomed. The cuff links cost $50 plus shipping. These would definitely make a unique gift for a groom or his groomsmen.

These sterling silver one of a kind keepsake cuff links are hand stamped by Tiny Tokens Designs. The cuff links can be customized with names, a wedding date or whatever else you want imprinted. These cuff links cost $70 plus shipping.

Photos courtesy of DLK & Tiny Tokens Designs

The Last Song

The #1 bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, has released his next book The Last Song. It debuted #1 on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. As an avid reader of his work, Nicholas definitely did not disappoint. The story takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina and the tale is about about family drama and the power of love, especially young love.

If you are a new reader of Nicholas Sparks you should begin with his first book, The Notebook. Here are a list of all of his books and the order in which they should be read:

The Notebook*
The Wedding (Sequel to The Notebook)
Message in a Bottle*
A Walk to Remember*
The Rescue
A Bend in the Road
Nights in Rodanthe*
The Guardian
Three Weeks with My Brother
True Believer
At First Sight (Sequel to True Believer)
Dear John** - Release date Feb. 2010
The Choice
The Lucky One** - In production
The Last Song** - Release date 2010

*Indicates made into a movie
**Indicates soon to be released


Photo courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Whoooo's ready for Halloween?

Even though Halloween is still over a month away I found some decorating ideas for your Halloween party. If you want to throw a great party you must plan ahead! The decorative banner above can be found on Etsy by Bekah Jennings. It is 50 inches long and would look great hanging from your fireplace mantel. The handmade banner costs $24.00 plus shipping.

 

The skeleton plates pictured above will sure to be a hit at your party. The set of four square plates could be used for appetizers or desserts. The plates measure 6" with skeletons in four different poses and cost $40.00 plus shipping. 

 

In addition to the skeleton plates this spider set will make your place settings complete. The set of four plates can be either round or square. The plates measure 6.5" with spiders perched in the corner and cost $40.00 plus shipping. 

Photos courtesy of Customsepia and Bekah Jennings

Fun with Typography

I just found some fun typography art on Etsy today. The artwork is by Stephen Fowler of Gemini Studio Art. The one pictured above is a collage of famous Chicago streets that measures 10 x 20 x 1.5 " it costs $89 plus shipping. Also included in his street collection are San Fransisco, Denver, New York, Boston, St. Louis and Boston.

Stephen has created this unique piece for any baseball fan. This piece features the names of famous American baseball stadiums. It measures 20x20" and costs $195 plus shipping.

One of the final pieces I enjoyed was this Chicago White Sox golden retriever. You can also find a variety of dogs with the Cubs, Red Sox and Yankees on their hats. The piece measures 12x12" and costs $77 plus shipping.

Photos courtesy of Gemini Studio Art

Wonderful Graffiti

Freshen up the walls in your home with some Wonderful Graffiti. Search their expansive database of designs or get inspired and create your own custom design. Below are a few of my favorites.

Family Definition
46"w x 72.5"h size shown. Primary text color is Latte, secondary text color is White. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

 Life

"Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments." This quote by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy is shown in Chocolate (primary color) and White (secondary color.) Size shown: 48" x 16". For custom sizes and colors, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

Laundry Definition

Note the subtle (or not so subtle) suggestion in the middle of this definition. Due to popular demand, we added a new size to fit laundry room soffits, or that funky long wall area right above the washer/dryer. 52.5"w x 28.5"h size shown in Chocolate. See our Definitions Collection for more definition designs. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

 

 A Place In Our Hearts (Pink)

Decorate a wall over a crib or changing table with the large version, or embellish a wall of baby photos with a smaller size. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

Photos courtesy of Wonderful Graffiti

U2

U2 is kicking off their North American portion of the 360 tour this weekend in Chicago! Can't wait to be there Saturday night!

Photo courtesy of U2

Easy Fall Centerpiece

In need of a fall centerpiece for your next party? Better Homes and Gardens has a whole list of ideas on their website. The pumpkin candle featured above is so inexpensive and incredibly easy to execute. Here is a list of the supplies and instructions from BHG.

Supplies

• Medium-size pumpkin
• 6-inch pillar candle
• Sprigs of bittersweet, preserved leaves, vines, or artificial berries
• Sharp knife
• Marker

Instructions

1. Snap or cut the stem off the top of the pumpkin. Placing the bottom end of the pillar candle on the top of the pumpkin, tightly trace the perimeter of the candle's bottom with a marker.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut vertically just inside the traced outline. The cut portion can then be discarded.
3. Wedge the candle securely inside. If you've cut the hole a bit too large, simply place a can or other object inside the pumpkin as a base for the candle. If necessary, keep the candle from tipping by wedging one end of a vine in between the candle and the cut edge.
4. Tuck in a few leaves and sprigs of vine around the base of the candle.

Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Every girl crazy bout a sharp dressed pumpkin...

Do you hate carving pumpkins every year or lack a little creativity? I've recently come across a few ideas that might make pumpkin season a little easier and a little more creative! Pier 1 Imports has a few great ideas for this years pumpkin decorating like the Little Black Cat pictured above. All you have to do is simply purchase a pumpkin and place it on the stand. It really is that easy and adorable. The cost is $12.95 and they also have a skeleton.

If your style is a little more Wicked Witch of the West you might enjoy the witch legs featured above. They can also be found at Pier 1 Imports but it will cost you a little more at $35. For an added touch you could buy or make a little black witch hat to sit on top of your pumpkin to cover the stem!

Finally, if a spider is what you are looking for try this one I found at Amazon. With its eight wrought iron legs and google eyes it will make any shaped pumpkin look like a festive and friendly arachnid. Currently the spider is out of stock due to its popularity but hopefully they will get more in stock for the Halloween season.

Update: I recently purchased this spider at an art fair. Once the mum is done blooming I plan on putting a pumpkin in its place.

Photos courtesy of Pier 1 Imports and Amazon

September = Sapphire

Instead of celebrating September with the usual sapphire birthstone why not change it up with the hues of sapphire with a pair of pumps. These Steve Madden Trinitie Pumps are suede with a 4.5" heel. They also come in plum, blush, black, grey and raspberry.

Price: $99.95

If you want to be a little more subtle why not try a unique sapphire hair accessory by Lulu Splendor. The one pictured above is a vintage inspired hair clip made with light sapphire blue and clear Swarovski crystals and cream pearls. Lulu Splendor also takes custom orders in case you are looking for a unique color combination.

Price: $25.00 ($2.50 shipping)

Photos courtesy of Steve Madden and Lulu Splendor

Fall is right around the corner...

Need a new trench coat for the fall? I found this one at Target for only $39.99 (Merona Military Trench Jacket in White). It also comes in black, dark and light blue.

Photo courtsey of Target