Monday, December 22, 2014

Last minute gift ideas under $50


Need some last minute gift ideas under $50?
Here are some ideas that are both aesthetic and unique:

Dining and serving
Satellite bowl
Oval oak wine carafe

cheese & crackers serving board


Olive server
Gifts for tea lovers


Iced tea gift set

Green herbal tea set

Herb growing bottles

Herb grow bottles



Gifts for chocolate lovers on a diet...

Box of chocolate soaps
A gift for the sensual

Lost, then found

Bluetooth tracking tag

For your meditative mindful friend

yoga pose hanging sculptures
Happy holidays and low stress gift shopping!
Vered

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

9 beautiful menorahs for Hanukah

Tonight is the second night of Hanukah, so I wanted to share 9 beautiful Menorahs (or "hanukiot" in hebrew) that I found online.
I find it interesting that candles and lights are such a major part of all three major holidays we celebrate here in the US at this time of the year: Hanukah, Christmas and kwanza.
Other than their unique symbolism in each of these holidays, the proximity to the winter solstice must have had an effect on the evolving customs of these holidays. The warmth and festivity of candles lifts our spirits when the days are short and the weather is cold.
Here are some cool Menorah's I've found:

contemporary Menorahs

Hanukkah Menorah Modern geometric Judaica - White ceramic Contemporary $115


Hanukkah Menorah Gift Guide: Pea Menorah
Pea Menorah / Pea Chanukiah - Aluminum
Jonathan Adler Menorah - Utopia Reversible Man/Woman Menorah, $147.99

Nature inspired menorahs

Michael Aram Judaica Botanical Leaf Menorah, $199

Pomegranate Menorah 2 pieces made out of nickleplate and oxidized bronze
     Menorah round up


Happy Hanukah and happy holidays to you all!

Vered

Monday, December 8, 2014

My thoughts on PANTONE color of the year 2015


Every year, Pantone selects a single color that is supposed to reflect and influence the current trends in fashion and home decor. Is that so? it depends on the year.
Some years the chosen color became very popular and showed up everywhere in fashion and decor (like Tangerine in 2012). Other years, like last year's Radiant Orchid, it was almost ignored.
This year Pantone chose Marsala



Here's how Pantone explained their choice:
"Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in
to its embracing warmth.  

Here's my take on this color choice.
I can definitely see this color making it's way into fashion. It's a flattering color for both men and women. 
And for those of us who don't feel comfortable wearing bright colors, the last few years have been difficult to shop for clothing (colored). Other then the basic black, gray, white, most accent colors have been too bold for some of us to wear.  
So if you're like me, you stuck to the basics: Black, gray, white etc. 
Having a choice of a muted color like Marsala is refreshing. It may even bring in a whole new trend of softer, less bold colors in fashion.

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2015 - MARSALA 18-1438 - A TASTEFUL HUE



As for decor, it will be hard to mix this muted, earthy color with bright, fresh colors that we've seen all over in the decor world. So my prediction is that it might be too early for this color to be incorporated into the current trends (bright and fresh). 
Will this muted color is a sign that we will  moving slightly away from very bright to somewhat more subdued, muted hues? maybe.
what do you think?









houzz