Wednesday, December 12, 2012

bits of my week

Bits of my week will  now be posted in this format. However, to see more you can follow along on my instagram if you like! See you there!





-images by jen ramos



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Jen's Holiday Wishlist

Hey guys! I've seen so many holiday gift guides, but have yet to post my own on my blog. So, here is mine. I know, I know...my taste can be a bit EXPENSIVE. 

But I'd be fine with just one of these items this Holiday! Hmmm which will it be?? Items are all listed in spanish - hope you can understand them!


Which of my wishlist items would you love to see under your tree?






UNO - claire vivierhair calf clutch
DOS - barney's croc journal
TRES - scalamandre zebra umbrella
CUATRO - isabel marant trouser
CINCO - live like you zebra
SEIS - manolo blahnik
SIETE - x-bench barney's
OCHO - madeline weinrib lingerie bags
NUEVE - wild pastry tray zara
DIEZ - helmet lang fur jacket
ONCE - skull salt & pepper shaker phantomvox
DOCE - anndra neen metal cage ipad case
TRECE - YSL handbag
CATORCE - scalamandre tiger pillow
QUINCE - skull print coin purse zara
DIECISEIS - monogram jewelry box cwonder
DIECISIETE - ampersand lighting formage la rue







Monday, December 10, 2012

Cocoa & Hearts News

Wondering what happened to Cocoa & Hearts? I've been getting several emails asking when new pieces will be added. Well, now that I'm finally settled into the new apartment, I can paint. 

10 new paintings will be added to the gallery - so stay tuned! If you want to be the first to know, either follow me on my Twitter or sign up for the email list here. They go fast, so once they're up, get yours!




-image by jen ramos



DIY: Herb Wreath

Hi MBG readers! Jana here today to share a DIY gift for the gourmand in your life - Jen, maybe perfect for your chef hubby?

I stumbled upon the inspiration for this herb wreath when passing through the Tribeca Greenmarket one beautiful fall weekend. I love fresh herbs & have quite a few foodies as friends. They have cooking gadgets galore but, as far as I know, herbs at the ready are a gift any chef would greatly appreciate. The genius of this gift is that when the wreath dries out the herbs are still recipe ready.

Materials:

Herbs (I used Dill, Rosemary, Oregano, & Lavender) (my friend I am gifting this to makes wicked Lavender ice cream!)
Twine
Cardboard



Cut the cardboard into a circle. I traced a 12" dinner plate then cut out the inside for a rough 1/2" edge width. 




Using the twine, tie your herbs into small bundles. The bundle should be not too small, and not too bulky. About 5" long with a 1 1/2" width at center of bundle is a safe starting place.




Tie first bundle onto the cardboard ring.




Now, add bundles by tying successive herb bunches 2" under its preceding bunch (to reduce the amount of visible twine). Alternate herbs. I tied on two bunches of an herb type before I switched onto a new herb.




Once all bundles are tied on, wrap twine over the sections where two bundles overlapped and tie off. This thicker section of twine is a decorative way to secure the herbs in place. 




I finished my wreath off with braiding the twine into a loop and securing to the wreath for ease of hanging in the kitchen. 





Voila, an herb wreath at the ready for the chef who has everything. (Or the hostess that may have forgot that final sprig of rosemary!)


Do you have someone that might relish in this wreath? We would love to know!



-post by Jana Bek
-images by Erik Melvin



 

Design: Christmas at Target

Drew back, sharing with you a little Christmas time decor. I know all of you have been surrounded by advertisements of the Target and Neiman Marcus collection! I even bet some of you got up super early to dash into the store to grab some of your favorite items from some of the most well known fashion and design experts! 

These are just a few of my favorites from the collection, as well as some other Target pieces that will go quite nice with your other items. 

No Target in your city? Head online and get them before they're gone!


1) Frame


-post by drew humphries




Saturday, December 8, 2012

Your Weekend



-image by jen ramos

Friday, December 7, 2012

Gift Ideas with Gold Accents

Friday is here. So relieved. I think my back REALLY needs a break from my computer. Know that feeling?

On another note, it's STILL all about gold lately. It's freaking everywhere! When gold became a big hit a couple years ago, it seems I left silver & never looked back. Did you do the same??? 

It seems everything now comes in gold. So, with that said, here are a few suggestions for holiday gifts that are perfect for gold lovers in your life!




 



 You ready to add some gold to your holiday list or someone else's?