What Matters Most...

Last night my daughter and youngest sister were having a blast sliding on stockinged feet down the wooden-floored hallways at  my parents house.  The pizza had just come out of the oven (which was perfect because we were all famished) it look as though we were going to have a lovely relaxed New Years Eve celebration.  But then...

Suddenly  from around the corner there came a blood-curdling scream.  I raced over to find my daughter on the ground screaming and clutching her head.   It appeared that she had hit it on the corner of the telephone console, so when I moved her hand and found blood pouring out of her ear my heart stopped.  I was certain that she had hit her head so hard that the trauma of it had caused bleeding to come from her skull and out her ear.  Fortunately, upon closer inspection we discovered that it was actually a laceration inside her ear, (which is a huge relief when you compare it to head trauma) but because it wouldn't stop bleeding we had to take her to the emergency room (everything else was closed because of the holiday). 

What my little girl went through was just heartbreaking.  She is such a little trooper and endured receiving 3 stitches to the interior of her ear... a place (which were were only told after the fact) that is extremely difficult to numb.  She felt every single stab and poke of the needle, but didn't scream even once, even though it was clear that she was experiencing extreme pain.   I'm certain that I, in the same position, would have been wailing.

Of course I couldn't stop telling her how brave she was, and how proud of her I am... and as we were leaving she looked at me and said, "I tried my hardest not to scream Mom, because I didn't want to scare any of the little kids."  Awww... it brings tears to my eyes to think of her being so selfless even as she was experiencing the worst pain of her life.   It's moments like this that help me to see even more than ever, that amongst it all: the ups and downs... the highs and lows... she is what matters most to me.  I am so lucky!  And I am so grateful that she is going to be okay!!!

Thanks for listening to me today.  I hope your New Years Eve celebrations were eventful in all the right ways!  I promise to have a lovely post for you all tomorrow!  xo Ez

Today I Love:

...this gorgeous Brooch by Claude Schmitz at Klimt02 | Gallery (link found via Daily Poetics)
&
...these fabulous (and affordable) Colinne Pumps by RSVP at Zappos

A Good Question... "In a Bind"

I received an email from reader Diana regarding my last post.  She has asked if I know of a source for "affordable canvas/fabric covered binders in neat colors."  What a good question!
I've located a couple solutions and sources, but I'm sure some of you fabulous readers must know of others.  What are your go-to sources for attractive and affordable storage and organizational solutions?...  Your best organizational tips?    Please do tell!

Thanks for the question Diana!  xo

-The Patterned Oversized 3-Ring Binders at See Jane Work are a fun alternative to the standard binder.

-The Circa Organizational Series available at Levenger might not be all-out gorgeousness, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in ingenuity and ease of use.  Check out a short video of the system here.

-I really like the paper covered Soho Magazine Holders at Kate's Paperie.  They can be used for so much more than just magazines (available in 5 colors).

-I'm especially fond of the Clip-On Label Holders Sets at See Jane Work.  Transform any binder into easy to access storage (you could even clip it to the side of the magazine holders I mentioned above).

-Lastly, I highly recommend a trip to your local office supply store or Target.  I've noticed a growing trend with larger chains carrying chic and affordable office and storage collections.  Target in past years has carried collections by Isaac Mizrahi and others, so it's definitely with a look-see.  The Real Simple line is another collection housed by Target that might be a good match for your organizational needs.

-And I couldn't pass up sharing these lovely Thomas Paul Address Books also at See Jane Work.  Perfect, right?!

Resolution 001

With my family coming for Christmas I had some serious cleaning and organizing to do over the past couple of weeks!  It's not all in "perfect" order yet, so I've now made it my New Years resolution (which I usually avoid making) to finally organize my life in a functional and attractive way.  After all... if it looks good I know that am 90% more likely to keep it up!
Here are a few of my organizational finds.  Martha Stewart's website is crammed full of even more inspirational organization ideas, so check it out if you feel so inclined.

-Black Ornata Alphabet Letter Transfers (perfect for alphabetizing) and Collector Labels both from Martha Stewart Crafts, Art Project Storage (This is such a simple yet genius solution), Large Portfolio in Gray and Red and Black at Paper Source (another solution for artwork).

-Shoe Bins (perfect for so much more than just shoes) at West Elm and D.I.Y. Button Magnets (fun and functional).

-Pin Pocket 56 by Shim + Sons and Memorabilia Tins (so simple you can create a new set as often as your design tastes change).

Merry * Merry

Hello again everyone!  I hope your holiday was merry and filled with all sorts of wonderful surprises!  I'm still recuperating from all the festivities (namely hosting Christmas at my house this year), but I will be back to regular posting tomorrow (sorry for the wait).  In the meantime, here are a few pictures of Christmas at my home.  xox Ez