Holiday Flasback: The Flocked Tree

Circa 1975 in Lake Oswego, Oregon (you might have guessed the year given my sister's Farah Fawcett haircut) my sister Meri (left)and I with our dalmation Spot and in the background our Flocked Tree! There are a million memories tied to this photo. This was the year of the Gerbils, a Snoopy watch, board games including Payday, Life and many more.

Our biggest decision during that time was if we wanted the tree "flocked" or not. Flocked was code for fake snow (who knows what chemicals it was make from!) but Meri and I took the decision very seriously. This year we choose to make the tree look like it was chopped down on a snowy winter day. I guess that's no surprise given it was the decision was made by 2 girls from NY evident from the fact that we are wearing turtle neck night gowns. Did you ever have a flocked tree? Do share the photos!

I've Discovered - Tee Time!

Who doesn't love a a great white T-shirt? I wear them all the time as they are part of my everyday "uniform". You know what I am talking about - those go to outfits in your closet that you can throw on with out thinking and know you will look, and more importantly feel, fabulous. As I have said before I buy in multiples when I find something I really like and Tootle lu T-shirts are my new obsession. They are adorable, fun, unique and the best part, machine washable! I met the designer, Terri Westerlund at the Washington Jr. League show in Nov. As you would expect she looked chic and stylish with a stripe shirt layered underneath her flowered t-shirt, skinny jeans and a Burberry belt.

And these shirts are not just for grown-ups. If you have little girls on your holiday shopping list they are sure to be thrilled with them. This will be my "go to gift" for girls birthday party presents this year. (love the navy blue and pink flower combo!)

If you are local to the DC Metro area, check out The Dandelion Patch to purchase. If you are not, send Terri a note to order and tell her I sent you!

The Dandelion Patch

11923 Market Street

Reston, VA

phone: 703.689.2240

Terri Westerlund

Tootle lu Resort Wear
terriwesterlund12@gmail.com

PS. Many more color options avail other that what is posted - including my fav, white on white.

PSS- They run VERY small - I purchased a large.....

Party Time!

I love a good Hampton Paper party and was thrilled to receive these photos from Hampton Paper fan Jennifer who used the party hats as the theme for her daughter Gigi's third birthday. The birthday girl's grandmother, Cindy Foley, called upon her favorite bakery, Incredible Edibles in Reston, VA to make the cake. (If you haven't tried Incredible Edibles, I highly recommend them - they are my new favorite cupcake place)

We would love to feature your Hampton Paper party on our blog. Send us photos!

Invitations starting at 10 for $40.00

Round Beaded Stickers starting at 24 for $18.00

Hampton Highlights - Ta-Da!

Another new product that will be available in January - Framed prints with a coordinating color mat. Total Size 12 by 12. Personalization is available.

Holiday Flashback!

It's no wonder I would love sendingChristmas cards with photos considering those that my great -grandparents William and Marie Bendel sent out so many years ago. The house in the photo you may recognize and its the inspiration for our image, House on Loop Road which is located in Monroe, LA. If you look closely, you can see my grandparents on the front stoop. This photo was taken circa 1950. What classic photo cards do you have in your family?

Meet My Best Friend!

My best friend during the holidays (actually all year long) is the Automated Postal Center aka the APC at the Post office. Are you laughing that my BFF is a machine? Seriously, it's a lifesaver. There is NO reason to wait in long lines at the post office. If you have never tried it before, its genius! You can pick up boxes for FREE at the post office or even better order them online and they are delivered to your door, again for FREE! All you have to do is package your items and you can --get this-- ship ANYTIME! It's always open even when the post office is closed.

My favorite time is at the crack of dawn on my way home from the gym - no lines, no issues parking. Its quick, convenient, easy and your packages will arrive in 2-3 days! I recommend having one of the post office employees give you a quick tutorial the first time. Maybe you will make the APC your BFF! Let me know....

More info can be found at

http://www.usps.com/

Hampton Highlights - Secret Revealed!

The samples arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait another minute to share with you the prototypes of the new products we are working on for 2011. Did you guess wrapping paper? If so you are right and if you know me, you know its a dream come true to be able to create wrapping paper using these amazing watercolor images hand painted by artist Lucy Borge. Stay tuned for photos from our Hampton Holiday!