Routing for a Hometown Girl

I'm sure many of you have been following the adventures of former Houston-turned Kuala Lumpur resident Courtney, of In(side) the Loop, as she's jumped headfirst into exploring life in a new country and on a new continent over the course of the last year.

Earlier this spring, Courtney posted stunning photos of her 3 week journey to India and Nepal. Each breathtaking, revealing and beautifully composed. Now Courtney has been recognized for one of those photos as she was named a Top 40 Individual Finalist in the KL Photo Awards 2010, out of over 1650 entries received from 38 different countries!

Courtney Barton

While the judges have made their decisions, the People's Choice award is now being counted. You can vote for your favorite entry once per computer (and once per smart phone!) until May 16th.

Regardless of the outcome, I am very happy for and proud of my sweet blogging friend, a woman who is every bit as warm and genuine in person as she seems online!

I'm the Wanderer

The Wheatfield

Today, you'll find I've wandered over to La Dolce Vita to share my 10 Things I Can't Live Without as part of an ongoing series; I was very flattered when the truly genuine and sweet Paloma asked me to participate, and if you don't already read her beautiful blog be sure to spend some time looking through it as her posts are always full of gorgeous interiors and inspiring words.

Bloggers Taking Action: Pencils of Promise

Today, in the middle of a season of giving, numerous bloggers are coming together in a collaborative effort spearheaded by Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita to bring awareness to a very deserving charity, Pencils of Promise.

Pencils of Promise, a 501(c)(3) organization established in December 2008 and based in New York, partners with local communities and organizations to build schools in developing nations for some of the world's most impoverished and undereducated children, a designation that fits some staggering 75 million children worldwide.

Last December, the Pencils of Promise team visited a small village in Laos where the annual family income averages $400; by July 2009, they had built a new school for the village children who began attending classes a short two months later on September 1. What started as a small project by founder Adam Bruan to build one school has turned into something much more; this month, Pencils of Promise will open its third school.

The foundational belief of the organization is: No ripple of effort is so small that it should be viewed as insignificant. The first school they constructed is an example of this as it was funded by 2,000 individual contributions of less than $100 each.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we are asking for your help in a special project to be funded by our actions today. We are raising money to build a new library and dormitories for a secondary school in Champet, Laos; as the only high school in a larger area, in order to attend school, students must leave their families and homes to live in dormitories.

These buildings are worlds away from what comes to mind when we think of Western boarding schools; for the girls, their dormitories are little more than makeshift bamboo huts, and some parents are unwilling to send their children to the school as they view the current living conditions to be unsafe. Our goal today is to raise funds to be able to build a dormitory to house 200 Laotian girls and to provide the school with a new library.

Think of the enormous impact we could have if each person who reads a blog post on Pencils of Promise today donates something; remember, "No ripple of effort is so small that it should be viewed as insignificant." If you are willing and able to give more ($35 buys wood for bookshelves, $50 buys pencils/pens for one year, $75 buys 40 books for the school library, and so on,) it would be greatly appreciated. We hope you will find it in your heart to make a donation to this worthy cause today. Together, we can make a difference.

Image Credits: Nick Onken-- a photographer who has donated his time to Pencils of Promise.

If you would like to stay informed about the difference Pencils of Promise is making be sure to become a fan on their Facebook page.

Guest Post on Ill Seen, Ill Said {Where We Blog From}

I can't say I am going to be fully back to blogging this week as my mom is coming in town, and I know we will be busy, but I wanted to pop in today to let you know that I'm sharing a glimpse at the space from where I blog over on Ill Seen, Ill Said today, as part of Jane's "Where We Blog From" series.

I was extremely flattered when Jane asked me to take part in her series, not only because I adore her blog, but because I loved the idea of the series. I always enjoy getting a glimpse at the "person behind the blog," and I thought it would be interesting to see the variety of places from where people chose to blog, as well as to read what they had to say about their spaces. The series certainly has not disappointed, and if you haven't been following it, you should take a look at the spaces the other bloggers have shared.

Also, if you don't read Ill Seen, Ill Said already, be sure to spend some time perusing the archives of this blog since it's one that stands out from the crowd. Whether Jane is sharing favorite poems, books, writers, photography, interiors or fashion, her taste and selections are always impeccable, and the openness and honesty with which she writes are what immediately endeared her to me.

Laurie Frankel Photography

Genevieve Wiseman via Desire to Inspire

Melanie Acevedo

Melanie Acevedo

Emma D'Inverno via Desire to Inspire

via Pink Wallpaper

Luis Albuquerque Photography

Lesley Dilcock via Desire to Inspire

Gary Spain Design

While the Cat is Away...*

I'm guest blogging today over at Grace's Birdcage on the subject of friendship while Ms. Birdcage is off on a girls' getaway with her best friends from school.

Chris Craymer

I must admit I'm envious of her trip, not only because they've headed to South Beach for the weekend, which sounds fantastic, but because it has been far too long since I've seen a number of my very dearest friends and even longer since we've had a girl's getaway. I hope it won't be too long before I can say I'm headed off for the very same thing!

If you don't read it already, you should definitely check out Grace's Birdcage; she has a great eye for fashion and a witty and sarcastic side that comes out in her writing, which I love it!

*Grace is actually Ms. Birdcage's cat, but I guess she probably had to stay home this weekend and did not jaunt off to South Beach as well.

A Late Contender

This just in. We have a late contender joining the field for the horse home goods race. I can't believe he was overlooked in the first place because I believe odds are he's going to be a favorite!


This fantastic guy can be found at Brown Button Trading, which as of this week is shipping across the globe! If you haven't already, you should take a look at Brown Button Trading, which, as many of you know, is the latest venture of the always sweet and funny blogger Kimberlee of Brown Button. The website is beautiful and stocked with wonderful wares, and I am hoping Kimberlee finds the greatest success in this endeavor.

So, Sew Pretty

I have documented my love for sewing notions, including buttons, thread, patterns and fabric, and the inspiration to be drawn from them. I always find myself saving photos that highlight these pieces, and when I discovered this photo by Shanon Gass, available as one of the new spring wallpapers available from Kindred, brainchild of EZ and Holly, I was beyond ecstatic!


The variety of colors and shapes illustrates what I love about buttons, and the image is sure to make for a happy new desktop wallpaper. I may, however, decide I also want the photo for my real-life walls as well...

And some more sewing notions eye-candy. Enjoy!

Karl Juengel Photography


Vogue Living via Brown Button

Trevor Dixon via Desire to Inspire

Anna Williams via The City Sage

From the beautiful home of Amy of ABCD Design

Chris Everard

Gemma Comas Photography

John Bessler Photography

Karl Juengel Photography

Ellen Silverman Photography

Johnny Miller Photography

Anna Maria Horner

Luphia Loves- Beauty Interview

I was interviewed by Tina, the sweet gal behind the blog Luphia Loves, as part of her Beauty Tuesdays; my interview is now up, and you can read about my beauty secrets, including my favorite products (and let's just say I am a bit obsessed with the ones that are meant for lips...)

James Christianson Photography

Thanks, Tina, for including me in this very fun series. And, if you don't read it already, be sure to check out Luphia Loves, which always features an incredible mix of design from fashion to interiors!

Little Boxes of Love

Everything Brooke Reynolds posts on Inchmark is sweet and inspiring, and these Valentine's she made with her kids (to hand out to their classes) are no exception. I am absolutely smitten and would adore receiving one of these myself! Love. Love. Love.

Holiday Traditions {In(side) the Loop}

Our last guest in the Holiday Traditions series this year is the incredibly genuine and oh-so-stylish Courtney, the gal behind the always fabulous blog In(side) the Loop.

Christmas 1982- 16 months

What were your family's holiday traditions when you were younger? What was a typical Christmas Eve/Christmas Day for your family?

Christmas Eve is a big deal in our house! We start with evening mass and afterwards my parents host a massive party. Lots of food, laughter, dancing, and incriminating secrets from younger years are spilled that most often my parents never knew of. This typically occurs after a few cocktails made with Dad's homemade pineapple-infused vodka! The party lasts until the wee hours, and I love that grade school friends still drop in to catch up on the past year.

My brother gave us those "smitten mittens," and we got the biggest kick out of them!

Christmas Day starts with Irish Cream coffees [served in specific vintage glassware] and Dad's hashbrowns, and then lots of unwrapping. We try to start with opening one gift at a time, but always end in sea of wrapping paper being torn to shreds as everyone shrieks and yells with giddiness.

My embroidered towels that Mom did on her machine for us. And the old wire park trashcan they came in-- probably my favorite gift ever.

Did you/do you leave treats for Santa? If so, what were/are they?

Always traditional with cookies and milk, but we'd also leave food outside for the reindeer. On a side note: my parents were the ultimate masters at the entire act of Christmas. They would stamp boot prints in the fireplace ash, leave reindeer "pebbles" in the grass and shake jingle bells from the woods to make us think Santa was parking his sleight. All of this had me "believing" well over the accepted age limit...


Have your family traditions changed since you've gotten older?

Not at all really. They still involve family, doing for others, and reflecting on the real reason for Christmas.


Have you implemented your own traditions into your life since you've gotten older?

Absolutely. Christmas music is always on, we put lots of thought into our cards each year, and finding the PERFECT present for others is paramount. We start super early and can not wait to give people their gifts. We always do something homemade [this year we used my grandmother's Amaretto recipe] for neighbors and co-workers. And we also start preparing for the coming year and how we want to better ourselves. It's definitely a time for growth and reflection in our household.

This year's gifts

Have you ever gone caroling?

Oh goodness, no. I can't carry a note in a bucket! Although I do sing Christmas songs around the house and in my car as though I have the voice of Judy Garland.

What foods do you feel are must haves during the holiday season?

Anything homemade. My family loves to cook, so I just look forward to things people have put a lot of time and love into making... and it helps that it's ALWAYS delicious! That said, we aren't bakers. So we'll have a table full of amazing food and then one puny pie on a table way off to the side. My husband's family is the opposite, pies and sweets on the main table and then a handful of savory dishes for the "filler foods." It's a fun balance to visit the two homes!

What does a traditional Christmas meal include for you?

Dad's pepper roast and Mom's ham. And always something Lebanese.

What is your Christmas decorating style?

It changes every year! This year I'm really into the big C7 colored bulbs and vintage ornaments. I went overboard with fresh, hand-tied garland everywhere and toy soldier blowmold figures lurking in a few corners of the house. Last year, it was all about white twinkle lights and mercury glass. Who knows what I'll be itching for next year and, luckily for me, my husband's idol is Clark Griswold. I never worry about lighting the exterior; it's always done to perfection!

My mom on her bicycle in front of their house. My grandmother also hand-tied her garland, which you can see hanging over their door.

White lights or colored lights?

I'm one for variety, so I think both have their place during Christmas!

What is one holiday-related event that you must do during the holiday season?

Driving around looking at Christmas lights, generally with the dog in tow. Warm cups of homemade hot coco in hand and everyone telling the driver to "slow down because 15 mph is WAY too fast" to take in all the goodness!

Snow in Houston- December 2008

Do you have a favorite holiday memory?

It's a toss up between my siblings shocking the heck out of one another with silver tinsel and my grandmother's nativity scene. She would spend hours outside making sure everything was just so and spreading the hay around the wooden stable that housed the pieces. I inherited an amazing nativity set from my Uncle, a priest and antiques dealer, and it means the world to me. I definitely see this being a Christmas tradition in my own house from here on. But the tinsel wars are kinda hard to top [... and don't think you can do this with today's "faux tinsel" either. You need the good old stuff that's thin and electric!]

Complete this sentence- "It wouldn't be Christmas for me without..."

a real tree.

_______________________________________________

Courtney- thank you for sharing your holiday memories and traditions with us! Your Christmas Eve traditions sound like enviable ones! I love that your parents put so much effort into making you and your siblings "believe," even if their actions led you to believe longer than most. And, really, shouldn't we all wish to still believe wholeheartedly in the magic of the season?

Holiday Traditions {Delight By Design}

I am so glad that everyone has been enjoying the interviews with the lovely ladies who've shared their holiday memories and traditions with us thus far.

In today's Holiday Traditions interview, we are hoping over to Wyoming, to speak with Blair from the truly delightful blog, Delight By Design.

What were your family's holiday traditions when you were younger? What was a typical Christmas Eve/Christmas Day for your family?

The first thing that comes to mind is that my dad always reads "The Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve in front of the fire before we would skitter off to bed. We read the same copy of the book each year-- full with my scribblings over the pictures and only tape left for binding.

As for the day of Christmas-- we always had a preset time that we were "allowed" to wake up my parents and once we did, we had to eat breakfast (typically a candy cane shaped coffee cake) before even thinking about looking into the living room where all the presents were. After eating breakfast (which always seemed to take forever!) we emptied our stockings first and then each of us (me and my two younger brothers) had to take turns on opening presents. The rest of the day was usually spent playing with all our new toys until dinner time.

here

Did you/do you leave treats for Santa? If so, what were/are they?

Yes! We always left homemade Christmas sugar cookies and milk by the fireplace. And we would always get a note from "Santa" in the morning letting us know that he enjoyed them. The notes stopped once my dad realized I was catching on to it being his hand writing.

Have your family traditions changed since you've gotten older?

Surprisingly, no! Last year was the first time I wasn't home for Christmas and my dad sent me my own version of "The Night Before Christmas" to read and we made almost the exact same Christmas dinner I grew up having. I think one of the only things that has changed is that I now drink the alcoholic version of egg nog- yum!

Chris Everard

Have you implemented your own traditions into your life since you've gotten older?

Hmmm. Good question. Now, that I live in Wyoming, I have added going skiing to my Christams day- it is always very quiet on the mountain and the perfect way to enjoy a white Christmas.

We did try to start the tradition of cutting down our tree, but I was a little too scared after a grueling uphill snowshoe to find the perfect tree that ended in disaster. A disaster, that being totally blonde, I caused- I broke the chainsaw by not knowing that I couldn't put it in the snow (oops!) and we came out empty-handed. I guess it was good exercise, but it hasn't been suggested again.

Christmas skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Have you ever gone caroling?

Yes, in College when our sorority raised money by selling Christmas "Carol-grams" to students. I now know "All I want for Christmas' by Mariah Carey more than I ever wanted to. However, my personal favorite when singing around the house is definitely "Little Drummer Boy."

What foods do you feel are must haves during the holiday season?

Oh, I could go on and on. But I think my favorite to eat would be homemade spiced nuts and in terms of a drink it would definitely be a Chai latte (it just smells and tastes like the holidays.)

via White & Wander

What does a traditional Christmas meal include for you?

I fear it is not very exciting, but it is oh so good! We always have herb-crusted Beef Tenderloin, double baked potatoes, green beans with dill, and chocolate mint mousse. We tried Cornish hens one year, but I think that is the only year we strayed.

What is your Christmas decorating style?

Very simple and traditional. I love filling crystal vases and bowls full of ornaments. I think I have a container of some sort full of ornaments in each room of our home. My one staple decoration is a mouse shaped stocking that I have had since I was a little tyke-- always makes me smile. For the first time, this year I decorated a willow branch tree arrangement instead of getting a real tree, and I really love it!

The mouse stocking I've had since I was a little tyke

White lights or colored lights?

Oh, definitely white!

Cottage Living

What is one holiday-related event that you must do during the holiday season?

It doesn't seem like Christmas without driving around all the neighborhoods and admiring their Christmas lights.

Do you have a favorite holiday memory?

Hmmm. There are so many! I think it would be the year I hosted my family out in Wyoming (they live outside Chicago.) It was just so fun to be "in charge" of everything and really do everything myself for the first time- made me truly feel like an adult. It was painful on my pocket book though- I had to buy (and put up) two trees by myself. The first one I bought dried out too quickly, and I didn't want my family to be disappointed! I also bought all of the most beautiful decorations I could find- that was when I learned about the danger of credit cards. Despite the cost, it felt wonderful to be able to make the holiday as nice as possible for my family.

My willow twig tree

Complete this sentence- "It wouldn't be Christmas for me without..."

Family.

_________________________________________________

Blair, I absolutely love that your dad still reads A Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve and that he sent you your own copy when you spent your first Christmas away from home. We too used to get a note from Santa, and I am amazed that I didn't catch on sooner that it was my mom's handwriting! And skiing on Christmas day sounds like an absolutely wonderful new tradition. Thank you so much for sharing these traditions and memories with us.

Stay tuned tomorrow because we have one more guest stopping by during this series, and be sure to catch up on any of the interviews you may have missed (here, here, here and here.)