Mixed Tapes: The Next Generation

One of my favorite things to give and receive has got to be the CD mix. The CD can be themed with titles like "X-mas", "Winter" or "Let it Snow"; or they can be themed to a particular type of music or upcoming event. Zeichen press gets this, and has come up with an array of awesome CD sleeves that would be the perfect compliment to any CD mix. Some favorites are below...pick them up, along with their other fabulous stationary, at the shops listed here. (Found via Indie Fixx.)

New Orleans Baby!

In case anyone was wondering, the gift giver went to New Orleans on a three-day excursion. If you've never been, or if you haven't been post-Katrina, I highly recommend it. The city is really getting back on it's feet and the people there are all about having a great time. If you're in the area and looking for possible souvenirs/gifts here are some hot spots I found.

The New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store in the French Quarter offers daily cooking classes, plus a store where you can get traditional New Orleans seasonings. I picked up some Joe's seasoning for stocking stuffers (also available in their online shop). The staff there is very friendly and willing to help with whatever you are looking for.

I'm not necessarily a sweet person, but it's had to go to New Orleans without passing a praline shop. Many claim to be the "original," and while that is an argument I wouldn't want to touch, I had a chance to sample Aunt Sally's at the French Market, and they are delish! Pick up a box for grandma.

If you head over to Magazine Street, you must hit up Pied Nu. It is a cute little boutique with all sorts of gifts, I especially love their jewelry (warning...they aren't cheap)! You may also want to check out Hazelnut, which has the "exclusive" New Orleans Toile. When I first moved to CT, I turned into a toile freak, and although I have since calmed down, my heart went pitter-patter at the thought of a New Orleans toile accordion file.

So, there you have it! Anyone else have good gift recommendations for the NOLA area?

Matthew Mead: Style Genius?

Black.White.Bliss reminded me of one of my favorite party inspiration sites - Matthew Mead Style. His ideas are genius and I know for a fact he could out dress any table in the New England area (sorry Martha). His fall site is up, and some of his amazing downloads include jack-o-lantern inspired wine glasses, with an orange cocktail recipe; Halloween treat boxes and Halloween giftwrap; and thanksgiving place holders and favor boxes. Perfection!

Periodic Table Cards

I might sound like a nerd, but of all the sciences I was forced to take in High School, Chemistry was by far my favorite. Sure, I didn't pull straight A's in the subject, but when it came time for balancing equations I rocked it out! That's why these Periodic Table Cards from Pink Loves Brown caught my eye. They come in several occasions, perfect for the Mr Wizard's in us all! (Found via Indie Shopping)

Card, artwork, or both?

Etsy's artists never cease to amaze me. Check out these pop-up art cards from Crankbunny. They are truly beautiful---enough to keep displayed on your mantle or refrigerator long after the holiday/birthday has passed. (Found thanks to Modish.)

Vintage Book Journals

I just saw these vintage book cover journals from Tyler Bender over at decor8. Not only are these journals incognito (this is a far better disguise than my pink polka-dotted journal with heart-shaped lock from childhood), but they're one of a kind! I love these journals so much, I think I might have to pick one up for myself as well.

Welcome Home

Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be buying and/or selling houses lately (myself included)? When I saw this over at How about orange (one of my favorite blogs) I instantly thought, "Housewarming gift!" This Welcome Sign comes from Spell with Flickr, an online tool where you can type in a word and receive a regeneration of the letters spelled out using photos from Flickr. Pretty cool, huh?

Just print out your word of choice (maybe even trying out different languages, like Benvenuto, Italian for "Welcome") on photo-quality paper, frame it, wrap it with a snazzy ribbom or bow, and voila! I think I might try it out this weekend. If I do, I'll be sure to post the results.



This would also work as a gift to someone using their name (as suggested via nested). I can think of a few new, hip mommies and teens who would really enjoy their own Photo-Letter Name Sign.