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Loving the design inspiration on French By Design

These Butterbeer Jelly Shots look perfect for New Years Eve!

The movie posters collected and displayed on Minimal Movie Posters are TDF!

If you’re hosting a big holiday dinner like me and are needing a little guidance in the timing department, take a look back at a post we did with food blogger extraordinaire, Tonya.  Going to set my table tonight!

This review of the Kardashian Khristmas Kard by Beauty Geeks gave me a little giggle.

This D.I.Y. Chalkboard Serving Platter from Wit and Whistle is such a cool idea!

Hope you’re enjoying your week and avoiding the madness!

xo,

coco

Since I’m usually the last person on earth to be done Christmas shopping, it’s only fitting that my gift guide comes in just in time for all of you late shoppers.

1.Something I’d love that won’t break the bank – AKA under $50.00:

KIVA!  As some of you may know, for my wedding instead of gifts I asked for Kiva donations.  In just over a year I have received all of my initial investments back, twice over!  Kiva is an amazing micro-loaning site that hooks up entrepreneurs who are looking for tiny loans to help fund and further their operations.  With as little as $25.00 you can help someone grow their business and create more opportunities for their communities.  Plus, it’s a loan, so you get the money back (with the option to reinvest in someone new) How cool?!

Here’s a little video that explains the process way better than I just did.

How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.

2. My Beauty Must Have:

Ruby Woo

You would think I work for Mac or was the actual creator of Ruby Woo, I talk about it so much!  I’m obsessed, and am yet to see it look horrid on anyone.

3. In My Dreams, This Would Be Under The Tree:

While I was at NYU in the summer I stayed in an area packed with galleries.  I loved popping in and out of them and learning about the artists.  It really brought me back to my painting days and had me lusting over something new and something old.  A piece by Ana Teresa Fernandez and  Jean Michel Basquiat’s  Academic Study of the Male Figure.

Now those are some big dreams…

4. My Go-Go Gadget Wish:

La Sardinia Camera in Quadrat  

I think it would be cool to get all retro and see what it’s like to get excited about developing pictures again.  With digital cameras, little is left as a surprise – you can see your image right away – so I think this camera from Lomography would be so fun.  Plus the case is insanely cool!  Meant to look like a suped up sardine can.

5. The Perfect Gift To Give:

A Teenie by Jane Hollinger

I’ve been an arm party reveller for awhile now, but something about the excess has gotten to me lately.  That, and the fact that my left arm needs a break!   I stumbled upon this stunningly simple bracelet (while I was supposed to be shopping for others) at Gaspard and couldn’t leave without it.  If I hadn’t already bought gifts for my besties, this would be it.  Simple, sweet and the perfect way to remind your friends how much you love them!

xo,

coco

via

New mixtape from Toronto’s own, The Weekend….

Download here

via http://twitter.com/theweekndxo

xoxo,

Venus