Stop and smell the flowers

Happy New Year!
After this crazy holiday season whizzing by like a lightning bolt, I am left tired and a bit frazzled. All I can think about is all the things that I need to do and should do in the new year. A good friend of ours invited us to dinner last night. She said, you guys relax, and I will cook dinner. Even though we were both feeling tired and a bit stressed with it only being midweek, we said sure. Dinner was amazing! We talked and we played with her kids. It was nice to slow down, take an evening and spend it with good company and not worry about the laundry and dishes and all of the pending things floating around in my head. I can't say enough for taking the time to cook and sitting at the table to eat it. Next time, we will return the favor and cook for her and the kids! One of the things that I know will do in the new year is stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the moments more often! I hope you do too, cheers!

FREE graphic gift tags at West Elm!

I am always looking for cute nontraditional patterned gift paper and wrapping accessories. Right now, West Elm has FREE downloadable gift tags, recipe cards, menu cards, and place cards! The colorways are fresh and a nice change from the traditional red and green. Go straight to their website to print your favorite one off! I love the green and yellow collection!!

Tomato basil soup weather!

When the weather starts to get cooler, I get the urge to start cooking again. Soups and chili are a couple of my favorite things to eat during the fall. My friend shared this amazing tomato basil soup recipe and I have to spread the love. I have made it numerous times because it's easy and delicious!

Check it,
Ingredients:
2 cans Italian style stewed tomatoes
1 big jar (24-36 oz.) tomatoe juice
Fresh basil, at 15 leaves, use all you have
1/2 pint of whipping cream
1/2 stick of butter (real butter is the best, use less if you prefer)

How to cook:
1. Combine stewed tomatoes and tomato juice in a large sauce pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes. Let cool.


2. Transfer contents to a blender or food processor and blend in basil leaves.

3. Transfer back to the pan
4. Add whipping cream and butter and heat through.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.

It is tasty with Parmesan and french bread, but I love to have it with a good ole fashioned grilled cheese! I hope that you enjoy!

“Vackrare Vardagsvara”

This post's title is Swedish for "beautiful things for everyday life". I love this online shop and blog. It is called From Sthlm (Sthlm is short for Stockholm). Every month they feature a different independent Swedish designer and one of their newest collections that is available for that month only. I love well designed pieces that are functional and practical at the same time! Check out this month's designer, Maria L Dahlberg and her collection of candleholders.

Just do it!

I love it when I find good DIY projects. Right now, the chevron motif is super popular for its modern pattern and slightly ethnic feel. I want to share 3 amazing step by step projects that feature the chevron!

Take a look at these amazing finished products! Click on the image to see the full projects.

Who doesn't love a sale?!

Today I want to share three of my favorite designer discount websites with you!


1. Gilt Groupe offers luxury brands at sample sale prices! Check out their style guide to peruse all the products and designers they have to offer. Each day there is a new sale and runs the gamit including women's, men's, home, children, gifts, and jetsetter which is discounted vacations!








2. Swirl by DailyCandy are daily sample sales with up to 80% off including their favorite up and coming designers as well as established brands. Membership is free.

3. One Kings Lane gives deep discounts on some of the world's best designer's home essentials, gifts, and travel. New to the daily sales are 'Tastemaker Tag Sales' where designers themselves put together sale item collections. Save up to 70% on your favorite brands.

Now, go out there and save in style!

Furniture giant, IKEA to sell second-hand

IKEA is serious about its environmental stewardship, and to prove that, IKEA Sweden has begun a free online sevice for the people of Sweden to sell and buy second-hand IKEA products. This may be available in other countries soon. I like where their head is! Read more at Treehugger.com.

Also check out the new 2011 catalog here.