To The Tens Holiday GIft Guide: Let's Hear it for the Boys!

I never realized how hard guys could be to shop for until I started this gift guide! Hopefully, it will help any of you out there who are having trouble finding just the right thing for the guys in your life....

*Click to enlarge!

1. Customizable plaid and striped ties. Oh-so-cute!

2. A great stocking stuffer that promotes cleanliness!

3. For avid surfers or photography buffs...

4. A definite splurge item, but Heather Moore cuff links are something “he” will have forever...

5. A spiffy barbecue set for the guy who likes to grill with flair.

6. The absolute B-E-S-T seasoning. Mix in, coat it one, eat it up!

7. This modern reproduction by Taschen of a comprehensive world atlas is a beautiful book for the explorer...and will look great on display!

8. He will never get bored with this 7-in-1 game set. Bonus: fun games with the family will ensue after opening...

9. Pajama pants - a no brainer in a plethora of design options.  

10. Keep him warm this winter with a pair of UGG house slippers. (I hear Tom Brady is wearing them now so no guy can complain!)

11. A yummy winter hat in a throw back design to his childhood.

12. What guy doesn’t love a flask. This one is wrapped in leather and embossed with “Bottoms Up”. Tré perfect!

**Don't forget to check out To The Tens Holiday Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts here!

Just Because: TTT Hearts Monkeys and Elephants

While doing a little holiday shopping I spotted these two delectable desk accessories for sale on Iomoi. The price tags are a tad naughty though so unfortunately they will be bookmarked for a future purchase (lottery tickets anyone?!).

Match Made in Heaven: MatchbookMag!

Last night I was so thrilled to meet Fallon from A Lovely Being and the team of the soon-to-launch: MatchbookMag! Three of my favorite bloggers (Fallon, Katie from The Neo-traditionalist and Jane from Lox Papers) have teamed up to create a monthly, digital lifestyle magazine that was described as drawing on inspirations from their favorite women of the past to influence those of the present. I can't wait to see what they have pulled together for the first issue! Until then be sure to check out their tumblr - it is like an ever-changing inspiration board!

p.s. MatchbookMag is named after their mutual love of vintage matchbooks - trés chic...

To The Tens Holiday Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts

Holiday parties are in full swing and I always like to bring something extra special for the host around the Holidays (in addition to a delicious libation)!

Ornaments are a wonderful gift, and a great memory piece from the night for the host. 

Great zig zag ornaments ($18). 

How fun would it be to have a tree trimming party with these - every friend could write down a holiday word, wish or memory on their own chalkboard ornament! ($4-$8)

I may need to join Owls-Anonymous, the obsession continues to grow - but really who wouldn't love to add this guy to their tree! ($22)

Personalize an ornament for the host! ($30)

For the ultimate host - a few items that will add to her party planning prowess...

Every host needs a plethora of coasters - these paper ones are decorative and disposable! Plus, they come in a lovely lucite box. ($30)

My mom loves her cocktail napkins, especially ones with a touch of humor. Mary Phillips Designs offers an amazing array of cocktail napkins that are sure to be a conversation starter!

A great coffee table book will always be treasured and Flair by Joe Nye is perfect for those who love 

parties. ($19)

A gift that keeps on giving! I have gifted these jute wine totes ($19) before and they are always a huge hit.

Spice up everyone's post-party morning with a gift basket from Stonewall Kitchen (de-lish!)

Just Because: Elle Decor Dec/Jan 2010

The "Wild at Heart" story in the Dec/Jan 2010 issue of Elle Decor made my heart skip a beat. The West Village apartment of Brazilian designer Sig Bergamin has everything I could ever want in my future dream home: ikat, new and treasured pieces, an eclectic mix of patterns and fabrics, and wallpaper, wallpaper, wallpaper! 

Those curtains are insane - I could stare them at all day! Plus, the photo of Gisele draped in jewels is the perfect focal point. 

 Even the accordion doors are covered in wallpaper, no surface is left untouched!

Quirky patterned shades on a tourmaline and amethyst lamp...

There is not one thing I would change about this bedroom....

The colors are bold, yet it still feels calming... now if only I can find out where in the West Village this apartment is, maybe I can get a closer look!

p.s. Unfortunately, Elle Decor does not have these images up on their site yet so hopefully my scanned images did the story some justice!