Having a Moment: Hot Air Balloons

I have this ridiculous phobia of balloons...but thankfully my fear-o-meter doesn't seem to be triggered by hot air balloons. Phew! I don't want to go up in one (thank you very much) but they sure are pretty to look at. Maybe they aren't exactly holiday-season appropriate, but even still I've been noticing more and more of them popping up around online, and I'm guessing that we'll be seeing a full-on hot air balloon trend soon. What do you think? Are hot air balloons the new mustaches? xo Ez

P.S. I just got back from my sister's beautiful wedding and am too exhausted to coax my brain into dreaming up any additional posts today. I promise to make-up for it next week with at least one recipe and a great DIY. Have a wonderful weekend.

P.P.S The Martha Stewart Crafts Dept. kindly invited me to contribute a DIY project for their Holiday Gift Wrap Challenge next week. I'll be in great company with amazing contributions from Something's Hiding In Here, Shimtokk, and Hello Sandwich. Keep a lookout on Monday for my project...and then on Friday I hope you'll pop by The Crafts Dept. and vote for your favorite (even if it's not mine).

P.P.P.S. Chris from Curbly sweetly asked me to share a mini Christmas wishlist and a holiday thought or two with their site, and I happily obliged. If you're interested, you can check it out here.

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1. Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons by Marichelle Hills of Lifeflix | 2. Curious Deciduous Cup - Anthropologie | 3. Hot Air Balloon and Clouds Hanging Mobile - Gosh & Golly | 4. Baby Shower Decor Details - Simply Bloom Photography Blog, seen on Green Wedding Shoes (via Pinterest) | 5. Printable Hot Air Balloon Project - Sparkle Power Blog | 6. Fabric Hot Air Balloon Trio - Made by Mosey | 7. DIY Hot Air Balloon Mobile - Brown Accents Blog (via Pinterest) 8. Lace Hot Air Balloon Ornaments - Quilt Sew Cover | 9. Ceramic Hot Air Balloon Pendants - Elk Accessories | 10. Baby Shower Invitation - Brightside Prints

Inspiration Daily: 12. 09. 11

Digital Collage by Matt Wisniewski. There are so many amazing pieces in his portfolio. You really have to go and check it out. (found via Emily on Pinterest)

Favorite Finds Under $30: Gifts to Give (or Keep)

Just in case you're still in the need of a few more affordable gift giving ideas (or maybe just some sweet goodies to make yourself feel spoiled), I thought I'd put together a little collection of favorites under $30. I hope the holiday season is treating your merrily so far.

• For the chic entertainer | Striped Candles (more colors available) $24 per pair - Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
• For the girlfriend / sister / teen | Cassis Noir Hand & Body Wash $26 - MOR Cosmetics
• For the co-worker / mother-in-law / bird lover | Black Swan Ornament $16.95 - Paper Source
• For the host | Suki Candleholders $5.95 each - Crate & Barrel
• For the Boss / Neat-nick | Fog Linen Small Grey Striped Tray $18 - Haus Interior
• For the new home owner | Black and White Number Signs $10 each - Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
• For the teacher / couple / anyone | Hot Chocolate on a Stick Gift Pack $24 - Ticket Chocolate

Find more of my Faves Under $30 here. And if you haven't checked it out yet, Gifted Magazine has over 125 gift ideas under $30 in it. I don't know about yours, but my wallet is sure going to be happy this year. xo Ez

Gift Idea: Stripe & Field Boxed Sets

I've blogged about the beautiful letterpress paper goods from Stripe & Field before, but I just recently came across their boxed stationery sets ($48 each) and couldn't help but think that they would make the perfect gift for a special someone on your holiday shopping list. Just imagine how spoiled a friend would feel to receive something so lovely!

And for a beloved coworker, special teacher, or deserving boss...Stripe & Fields Paperweights ($40 - they also come in a wooden gift box) would be just the thing. Hop on over to check out the full Stripe & Field line now. xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 12. 08. 11

Mui Mui illustration by Lucille Michieli (found via Lucille on Pinterest).