{inspired} Portland Bazaar

Almost weekly, I'm reminded why living in Portland is so amazing. But I felt down right lucky this weekend when got to visit not one, but TWO amazing artisan fair/markets. Both Crafty Wonderland and Design Sponge's Portland Bazaar were held this weekend. I know that Portland is a city full of amazing artists and artisans, but to see them all in one place really is a special, friends. There was so much creativity at each event, and Chris and I were just buzzing with excitement and inspiration when we left.

Since most of you have read about the Portland Bazaar over the last couple weeks, I thought I'd start with a recap, and my favorite finds.

I think what I liked best about the bazaar is it felt incredibly well curated. It wasn't huge, but the vendors were AMAZING. Truly. I found a few new favorite artists/stores.

First up, the handbags at xobruno are absolutely to die for. I'm still trying to justify the dauphine:

They had it in grey wool and brown leather at the show this weekend and it was gorgeous. I'm crossing my fingers for Christmas someone (ahem, Chris) will take the million hints I was dropping :).

I've seen photos of Caravan Pacific's lights online (and they AMAZING), but they don't even come close to comparing with how gorgeous they are in person.

There's also a photo below of them all lit up. 

I also discovered hjolisland's lovely illustrations.

You all know how much I love Portland represented in art, and this poster just stole my heart.

I also had my iphone on hand to capture a few photos of the event itself, just in case you all were curious. There were so many people, which I hope means the vendors had amazing sales, and there will be many more of these in the future :)

{inspired} gift guide and a giveaway!

What are you guys wishing for for Christmas? I feel like the older I get, and the more I appreciate what this time of year is TRULY about, the harder it is to make a *Christmas list*. And when it comes right down to it, I would way rather give gifts than receive. Do you guys know what I mean?

Of course, that doesn't actually stop my family from demanding to know what I want for Christmas. It's sweet because they want me to be happy with my gifts. So I did put a little thought into what I'd like. Want to see what I asked for? And, make sure you scroll down to win a little holiday treat for yourselves :).

Top row: Purse, Storage Bins; Middle row: Portland Print (to add to the gallery wall), Schoolroom clock, Graphic Clutch; Bottom row: Black rimmed dishes, Camera bag (I know, so many bags! But, I'm sure you all know, they're a necessity :)

And, that brings me to you guys! One of the things I'm most thankful for this season is YOU. My awesome readers. Thank you for hanging in there with me each week as Chris and I navigate the fun, but sometimes scary and slow, process of turning our house into a home.

I don't really do give-aways here. But I did a give away last December and loved it. So, in the spirit of the season, and to THANK YOU (!) all for the amazing year, I have a little gift to give away: a $50 gift card to Anthropologie*. That way, you can buy yourself a little something sweet this season :).

So, the rules:

What: A $50 Giftcard to Anthropologie

How to enter: Please leave a comment on this post and your email info, and let me know: What is your favorite holiday tradition? OR what is the #1 item on your wishlist.  To double your chances, blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave a second comment.

When: I will announce a winner next Friday, the 16th. 

Have a great weekend friends!

*Anthropologie has NO idea who I am and is not sponsoring this post. I'm just doing this because I like you all!

{holiday} mantle

Whereas my everyday decor is more on the restrained side, I tend to go a little crazy at Christmas. I can't help it. There are GREENS! And SPARKLES! And, how am I suppose to restrain myself. While I'm no where near done, I did pull together my mantle. 

As I said last week, I wanted to keep my decor more on the neutral side. So, I kept the mantle to doses of green neutrals, with pops of gold and red. The only color not in my original color scheme is blue, but I have an idea on how to incorporate that, and I'll update you all when I do :).

A sneak peek of our tree in the mirror!

Here are a few of the  book snowflakes I posted about on Monday.

And a few close-ups.

The garland on the fireplace is a mixture of the felt garland I made last year, and a simple twine rope.

And, just for fun, the whole thing lit up in the evening.

I'm linking up to the holiday home link party and Ten June's mantle party. Make sure and pop over to see everyone's gorgeous mantles! :)