I'm always on the lookout for cool DIY projects and I've found one that tops em all. Check out these chandeliers. They're made of paperclips...PAPERCLIPS! Who woulda thunk it? Penelope Bridge of ReDesign Technologies Environmental Art and Design - THAT'S WHO! She sells them in her Etsy Store and describes her style as urban rustic. If you're really ambitious you can even purchase the instructions to make one yourself. However, she warns, "not a project for the impatient." I'm seriously tempted

I grew up in a cult-de-sac where every family was like the Cleavers. Neighbors planted flowers in the summer, hung Christmas lights in the winter, borrowed a cup of sugar when it was needed, etc. There was a long standing tradition that neighborly gifts were given during the holidays without fail. Things such as fine bottles of honey, freshly baked cookies, homemade truffles were a sampling of expected gifts. It was always cute to see my single dad try and come up with something "lovely" to

As many of you know, I'm enamored with the idea that good design doesn't have to cost a fortune. I just love when second-hand furniture and clever people come together to produce magic. I spied these chairs on Craigslist for $25.00 each. It took all my strength not to pick up the phone and buy them from the seller on the spot. Some new cushions and they'd be dynamite. Reminded me a lot of Joi's chairs from Nuestra Vida Dulce. Speaking of Joi, have you seen her blog? This girl speaks my

My sweet brother and sister in-law welcomed baby Oakland in to the world today. This was an especially triumphant occasion for them because a little over a year ago they lost their first baby. Two days before baby Mac was due, Cali went in for a routine check-up and doctors were unable to find Baby Mac's heartbeat. You can see his story here. Congratulations Josh and Cali. We can't wait to meet Oakland!

...on the right, that is.

This Thanksgiving was a holiday of every plan falling through you can imagine. Plan #1 of going to San Diego was canceled when all three of my men shared the same sinus infection. Plan #2: Cook turkey at home. Plan failed when I sliced half my thumb pad off on this weapon of a kitchen tool. Sounds minor, right? Suck it up and slap on a bandaid! Literally, there's no more thumb print...completely gone. (Hope my paroll officer doesn't need my prints anytime soon). Plan #3: Crash