You are currently browsing the Your Heart Out weblog archives for December, 2007.
We’ll be ringing in 2008 on holiday. In the meantime, start drafting your resolutions. (Make your list, check it twice.) Figure out what you’ll be wearing. (We’ll be in snowball-like snowsuits.) And then get busy with any of these Martha crafts and deco ideas: here, here or here. We’re big fans of the countdown toast.
We’ll be back on the second day of 2008. See you then!
If you’re up for putting on some holidazzle, Monday night is your time to twinkle. Pull out that glamorous clutch, reach for your four-inch strappy heels, slide into those sparkly denim stovepipes … reunite with your rhinestones, say hello to sequins, and RING in the new year.
Mix and match any of these separates (or the lookalikes you have at home) for your mixing and mingling. Though the slinkiness is appealing, many of these will look cute with your favorite black streamlined turtleneck or leggings.
Apparently the whole city is still on holiday. Good for us/them! So here’s the shortlist for New Year’s activities. Know of something we missed? Chime in via comments, por favor. Then we can add to the list, if necessary.
Or pre-party, head out to any of those films we told you about last week.
Sales abound! Now that you’ve shopped for everyone else, take a moment for yourself, and snatch up a killer deal from any of these favorite online retailers. We all know 50% off that couch you’ve been eyeing all year means BIG savings, and maybe peace of mind, along with a high five between you and your bank account.
Amazon (up to 40% off): Get big price cuts on your favorite magazine subscriptions
Banana Republic (up to 40% off, in stores too): This adorable emerald number is now under $100
BCBG Maxazria (up to 70% off): We say “yes, please” to designer dresses on discount
Brocade Home (Semi-Annual Sale, up to 40% off): Cute-meets-cool sidetable for $150 less than usual
CB2 (up to 50% off): We dig hip home accessories with $10-$30 savings
Crate & Barrel (up to 50% off, in stores too): Save $500 on this stately chocolate velvet sofa
Gap (up to 40% off): Great color combo in this zip-up hoodie
J. Crew (additional 20% off): Save hundreds on bright cashmere everythings
Kate Spade (up to 50% off): Spend $33 on this shimmery license plate keyfob
Nordstrom (Men’s Half-Yearly Sale, 33% off): Get him some new duds
Pottery Barn (up to 75% off): $500 for this pinstriped daybed
Restoration Hardware (up to 50% off): Snatch up those alabaster lamps while you can.
Room & Board (10-40% off discontinued styles) We’ll take a couple hundred off the Burke Chairs
Steve Madden (up to 75% off): a fashion-forward heel at a fraction of the cost
Urban Outfitters (sales in-store, too): Cute Kimchi & Blue ruffley jacket for $60 feels more reasonable
West Elm (up to 60% off): Dine bistro-style for less
What other stores are you guys hitting up? Pray tell!
Merry Merry Christmas! Hoping you have a day of fun and gladness with you and yours.
In need of something to do? (As if!) Here are some reminders:
We’ll see you in a couple of days.
We’re big fans of Joanna’s cool stitched-on wrapping paper. “I got the idea from one of my mom’s sewing books,” she says. First, Joanna tried sewing a plaid pattern onto some brown paper stashed in her garage. Then, she got serious with some pinstripey paper from IKEA, and tried her hand with some Holoshimmer thread for extra sheen. “The bows are long strips of paper rolled together, fanned a bit, and wound with thread.” Joanna thinks the bows could use some perfecting, but we think they’re pretty cute as is.
Way to be inventive, Joanna! And thanks for the introduction to Holoshimmer thread, which looks like loads of fun.
p.s. Thanks to everyone who sent in their photos! Unfortunately, we can’t get ‘em all in before the holiday. We’ll get you next time.
Whether you pack a foursome inside a cellophane bag and tie with string for your neighbors, or sit around the stove and make ‘em with your own family on Christmas Eve, we found that homemade marshmallows are just the thing for spreading holiday sweetness … especially when propped atop a steaming cup of your favorite cocoa.
Jamie Anne, our friend in the kitchen, had the cutest idea: crush red red and white candy-canes and pack on top. Genius! And as usual, four hands are way better than two, and you’ll need a stand mixer, too. Here’s Your Heart Out’s original and tried-and-tested recipe for homemade candy-cane marshmallows:
You can download the Your Heart Out recipe card here.
You’ll need:
1. Coat a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray for extra thick marshmallows. Or coat one 9 x 13- and one 8 x 8-inch pan with cooking spray for medium thickness. Cut parchment paper to fit and line bottoms of pan(s). Then coat parchment paper with spray.
2. Put sugar, corn syrup and ¾ cup water in a saucepan and bring to boil with lid on. Once boiling, remove lid and continue to boil without stirring until candy thermometer registers 240 F. (While you’re waiting, it’s a good time to work on steps 3 and 4.)
3. Place candy-canes inside a plastic bag and the place within another plastic bag and crush. We used the end of a rolling pin.
4. In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine ¾ cup water, peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Then sprinkle gelatin over the liquid. Let sit.
5. With mixer on low, pour sugar/corn syrup mixture into the gelatin mixture. Be really careful as mixture is very hot and pan could be heavy. You might want to employ a splashguard. When all is poured in, raise speed to high. Mix until very fluffy, usually 10 minutes.
6. Pour mixture into lined pan(s) and pat down with offset spatula smothered in cooking spray. Sprinkle 1-2 cups of crushed candy-cane over the top and carefully pat in. Let sit uncovered in a clean space for at least 10 hours.
7. Remove from try and cut with scissors or knife coated in cooking spray. Dip edges and bottoms generously in confectioners sugar to buffer sticking.
Enjoy!
Though the recipe is different, DesignSponge beat us to the punch yesterday and made this informative video to show you how it’s done!
p.s. Candy thermometers are available at stores like Spoons’n'Spice, Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table.
What to do? What to get? And at the very last minute? For the casual friend or office mate, here are a few of our picks:
From left to right, top to bottom:
1. Grab your CD jewel case and print out this calendar from Martha. Top with lots of ribbon.
2. Head to your favorite corner market and pick out some fancy cheese—maybe some Boursin or a bundle of Tilamook. Package it in something that you (and the recipient) can refrigerate, or just add a fancy satin bow.
3. Make more of these lil’ thumbtack guys. Certainly you have leftover supplies. We suggest thumbtacks for the boss lady, elastics for the cubicle mate. Remove thumbtacks from tray they came in, and insert newly-covered masterpieces. Top with a cheeky already-made stick-on bow.
4. Head to the local grocer and throw together a bundle of nail polishes. Maybe ruby red (classic) and navy (trendy) and pink (fun.) Slide inside celophane bag and seal with curling ribbon.
5. It’s not too late to try your hand at making this jingle bell wreath. Stop by Zims on the way home. It’ll make a lot of noise, all wrapped up—all the more fun to open.
6. Who doesn’t like these tasty lil’ oranges? Buy a case of clementines a divvy them up. Put four in a little box and top with baker’s twine. Perhaps add your favorite orange zest recipe.
7. Make this totally awesome paper snowflake we showed you last year. It’s still cool, and crafty. Boys might even like it.
8. Everyone needs last-minute gift tags. Make someone’s Christmas that much easier by printing out ours, cutting them out, and sliding into a clear celophane bag. Fold over the bag’s top, seal with tap, and wrap ribbon around like you would a box.
9. Fancy sodas and bevys are always fun. We recommend San Pellegrino in the bottle, or San Pellegrino’s Limonata and Aranciata. Or reach for something like Meier’s Pink Catawba. One of these has gotta be in Dan’s or Smith’s coolers.
10. These dowloadable mailing envelopes from Evie S. are cute enough to last all year. Print some out on your nicest cardstock, make ready, and wrap up as a set of six or twelve.
If you’re into movies, this week is a good one. (Seriously. Think “Le Ballon Rouge” and “Juno.” Skip to the bottom of the post if you like; it won’t hurt our feelings). Here are the rest of our picks, for you to enjoy with your Christmas.
Everybody’s Stalking: Follow “Santologist” Lloyd Darrow as he attempts to prove Santa’s reality in a mockumentary called “Stalking Santa.” The film plays tonight in the auditorium at the Main Library at 7 p.m. More details here.
Seasonal Stroll: The holiday gallery stroll goes down on Friday! Make friends, munch on cheese and crackers, and bring home a masterpiece. More info here.
Down Santa Claus Lane: The Utah Symphony and Utah Opera put on their holiday show for all ages “Here Comes 
Santa Claus” on Saturday morning and afternoon. Santa will be making sightings in the lobby before the show(s). Tickets here.
Solstice with the Mostest: Red Butte Garden welcomes in winter with its annual Winter Solstice Celebration in the children’s garden. There will be visits from Mother Fern and Father Oak and their fairies and elves, as well as storytelling, evergreen crafts and hot drinks ’round a fire cauldron. The party is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch the word here.
In the Movies: French childhood classics “Le Ballon Rouge” and “Crin-Blanc” by Albert Lamorisse begin playing as double features at The Tower on Friday. Or you can see “The Gremlins” invade the Tower as the midnight movie on Friday and Saturday nights. Newcomers at the Broadway include “Margot at the Wedding” and “Atonement” (we’re not kidding this time.) Or you can opt for “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Details for all right here; be sure to check showtimes during the holiday. And, starting Tuesday, you can see “Juno” or “The Kite Runner” at Trolley. Hurrah! See here.
And you can always refer to our Holiday Edition as well. One more day ’til a long work’s break….
Update: “Le Ballon Rouge” and “Crin-Blanc” are playing The Tower Theater, not the Broadway, as was reported earlier.
Stop No. 3: ONEiTY
Our fixation with local children’s clothing company ONEiTY is still going strong. Not only does ONEiTY make cute and classic apparel designed to help kids do what they do best—be kids—the ONEiTY team is out to save the world, one onesie at a time. ONEiTY sees to it that with each purchase you make, some of your money is replanted in communities around the globe where the clothing is manufactured. ONEiTY has also helped its customers to fund projects like building water wells and outfitting kitchens for orphanages in India.
But back to the clothes (it’s hard not to point out how gift shopping at ONEiTY can also allow you to bring out your inner humanitarian—and ’tis the season). We seriously love that ONEiTY clothes are designed to help kids look like kids without any of that mini-Mom mumbo jumbo. And as of last week, you can also make purchases online at www.oneitygoods.com.
Here are the ONEiTY team’s picks for gift shopping with style:
1. ONEiTY Shoes: “These super cute shoes are ‘hot off the press’ from South America. Crafted by hand with real leather and just $22, they make a perfect gift for the mom-to-be in your family. Or try the Flower Mary Janes for your already-walking niece.” $22 and $26
2. Spot-On Layette: “These snap-enclosure cardigan layettes are uber soft. We make them with Peruvian pima cotton … which we’re told is the best for snuggling.” $30
3. Pocketed Wool Jumper: “This jumper is made with the finest Italian wool and will hold its style through spring. It’s cute with a turtleneck and patent boots, or you can partner it with our pima cotton Peter Pan Shirt, leggings and ballet flats. A great fit for under the tree.” $30 jumper, $16 shirt
{Hurry In!}
ONEiTY
4010 S. 2700 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 231-0867
www.oneitygoods.com
Christy wrote in looking for inspiration for classic and not-so-classic white elephant gifts. Having attended a couple holiday parties over the last few days, and dozens over the last several years, we rubbed our palms together and got down to business.
Here are a few of our favorites, to get those wheels a-turnin’:
Other things we’ve seen: a computer motherboard, monkey salt and pepper shakers, pantyhose, footed pajamas, made-for-tv movies on VHS, CDs with covers so tacky you love them, and anything that, when wrapped, holds the exact shape of what’s inside. Or anything that, when wrapped, looks a lot like something it’s not.
Our favorite place to pick up white elephant gifts are thrift stores like Deseret Industries, Savers and ThriftTown. Other options include Cabin Fever, Blue Cockatoo and Urban Outfitters for cheeky and weird/gross lil’ items.
What’s the best white elephant you ever got or gave? Share ideas, por favor. (Let’s just hope we’re not all going to the same shindig!)
Chelsea’s vintage-inspired garland is the kind it’s hard to image ever getting rid of. A self-proclaimed lover of glitter (who can blame her?), Chelsea opted to lace hers with vintage bird postcards this year … topped with glitter for sparkle, of course. “The cute snowflake was only $8 from Hip & Humble and is just the perfect size for my mirror,” she says. “It’s a very glittery display, indeed!”
At the right you see her idea for this year’s holiday card. Her baby girl Tate already had the candy-striped leggings “and cute personality to match,” and when paired with a bundle of lights, the idea was clear. “I’ll be using the greeting ‘May Your Days Be Merry and Bright’ with it,” says Chelsea.
We dare say that those who enter her home or receive her Christmas card will be delighted. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Thanks for sharing, Chelsea! We love a girl that loves glitter.
Stop No. 2: Apt. 202
We’re still new to Apt. 202, but the crush that resulted from our first run-in was both instantaneous and long-lasting. Upscale and metropolitan chic, Apt. 202 carries the prettiest of the pretties from lines like Cynthia Vincent, BCBG, Woo and Rebecca Taylor. And pretty is the best word to describe the lovely table displays and flow of the the space, too. But there’s more to Apt. 202 than stunning high-end apparel. You’ll also find candles, lotions, soaps, paper products and more for just about every girl on your list, and in every price range.
Here are some picks and perks from owner and resident fashionista Ashley Rothwell:
1. Gifts Under $50: “Need last-minute gifts for loved ones? We have a great selection of amazingly unique gifts including KoBo candles; jewelry from San Francisco, New York and Brazil; organic soaps and lotions, platters from France, handmade stuffed animals from Kenya and lots of holiday decorations.” All $50 and under
2. Holiday Dress By BCBG: “We take care in stocking only the most lovely holiday collections, like dresses and sweaters from Rebecca Taylor, blouses from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, slacks from BCBG and coats by Zuhhah. This black dress by BCBG is the perfect thing to reach for on any holiday occasion.” $371
3. Rebecca Taylor Poncho: “Each week we feature a new ‘Item of the Week’ at 10 percent off. Right now it’s this amazing Rebecca Taylor Poncho. Its untraditional shape is simply stunning!” $320
{Hurry In!} Ashley wants to treat each and every YHO reader to 10 percent off their holiday purchase! Just print out this post and take it with you to take advantage of this fun little perk.
Apt. 202
850 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 355-0228
apt202boutique.com
What started out a few years ago as an outlet for one gal’s nifty thrifting habit is now one of our favorite online boutiques. No longer relegated exclusively to fab vintage finds, ModCloth remains quirky and distinct in a sea of Internet retailers. That’s because ModCloth selects pieces that are sometimes vintage-inspired and other times utterly modern for your hipster self or your romantic self or your casual self.
Cases in point: Take ModCloth’s ’70s-inspired Bungalow Top and compare it to the frilly-but-fun Poppy Plissage Top. Then, take that and compare it wit the basic-and-structured Red Lipstick Pullover. And at this point, you can’t help but notice how fun the product names are.
But there’s more than cool garb at ModCloth, though it stocks both one-of-a-kind (vintage) and new products from cool lines like Tulle, Soundgirl, Blue Platypus and Stop Staring!. Check out the ever-rotating list of one-of a kind shoes, or go brand-spankin’ new. We’re especially fond of the collection of knicknacks and silly stuffs—perfect for stuffing stockings or gifting cubicle mates. Via ModCloth’s Gift Guide, you can check ‘em out here.
{Doorprize!} Prepare yourselves, lassies. This is a good one. ModCloth is up to treating one of you to a gift bundle weighing in at over $140. Items up for grabs include The Grocery Bag ($7.99), Life Aquatic Wallet ($19.99), Button Print Laptop Case ($29.99), Amsterdam Knit Cap ($17.99), Synth Pop Earrings ($6.99), Tassel Scarf ($19.99), Chained Up Heart Necklace (originally $18.99), Measure Your Love Tape ($7.99 … yes, we’re still going), Tartan Plaid Bangles ($6.99), Robot Keychain ($5.99), AND Baby Fawn Necklace ($5.99). All you have to do to win is leave one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24—Christmas Eve. And maybe tell ModCloth how awesome they are for putting this together. :)
Good luck!
Wow, ladies. This one was rough. It’s never been so difficult to keep things honest and stick to our plan of selecting winners via Random.org. Some of you built amazing cases for yourselves and should consider taking up careers in the courtroom … if you haven’t already.
But the winner, chosen entirely—even painfully—at random, is (drumroll, please) Heather F. Congratulations, lady! Remember: The rest of you can get $20 off when you book a cut and color with Sarah Cowan … just tell her YHO sent you.
Heather, we hope you’re up for before-and-after photos, cause we’re going to want to see them! We’ll be contacting you via e-mail soon.
Thanks again, Sarah!
How great are Caroline’s stockings recycled from old sweaters? We especially love the hand-stitched hollyberry flourishes. She says they’re fun and easy to make. And when she adds to the family, she can whip up another sweater stocking with ease. “If I want a different color, I can just make a new one next year,” she says. And even better when paired with that pom pom garland.
We smell the makings of a holiday tradition….
Running out of time for online orders? Shop local! It’s much more fun, anyway. We asked some of our favorite shops to choose three items they have in-store that would make your gift recipients swoon. Stop 1: Frosty Darling.
Owner and artist Gentry Blackburn thinks of Frosty Darling as “a selling place for local crafties.” We think this definition holds true—especially when you consider that almost everything in-store is fresh, hip and original … and undeniably cute. Aside from staples like sofa pillows, aprons, plates and gift cards and an eye-catching selection of old-timey candies, Frosty Darling is at once modern and retro-yielding, with the most cleverly decorated interior space.
Here are Gentry’s picks for your gift shopping:
1. Handknit Stockings: “One hundred percent hand-knit, 100 percent wool, 100 percent beautiful, these colorful stockings are treasures that beg to be brought out year after year. They are designed and handknit by Lili Tanner and her Scandinavian grandmothers.” $60
2. Winter Collection by Sonja Blackham & Lisa DeFrance: “Locally-designed and one-of-a-kind, this collection is breathtaking and available only at Frosty Darling. Blackham and DeFrance work with vintage elements, as well as impeccable style and skill to create a look that is classic and modern.” $30-40 for accessories, $80-$120 for apparel
3. Felt Finger Puppets: “A great handmade stocking stuffer, these little guys are so silly and full of personality they will delight kids and grownups alike.” $6
Frosty Darling also has gift certificates available “for the sophisticated lady on your list.”
{Hurry In!}
Frosty Darling
177 E. Broadway (300 South)
Salt Lake City
(801) 532-4790
www.frostydarling.com
Turn on the seat heaters and stop by the Sev for a cheap hot chocolate, and then do some light-seeing this week. Here are some places for getting your trek started. Hint: If it’s outside, don’t forget your long johns, and a thermos for your warm bevy.
We stopped by the Avenues to check in on our favorite holiday flamingos, but things aren’t looking so bright this year for our pink friends. Only one sole flamingo was holding its ground. A sad turn of events, indeed.
We heard about it months ago and thought it was high time we tell you about a new-ish clothing company called Christa Taylor. The site is the handiwork of the 20-year-old designer (maybe she’s taken it up to 21 now) the company is named after. Young as she may be, Christa has hand-selected a library of tops, dresses and skirts designed to keep lovely ladies looking cute as well as covered up.
There’s little by way of suggestiveness at Christa Taylor, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun. After spending only a little time on the site, we came across some pieces we wouldn’t mind finding under the tree:
Some of our favorite tops: Red Wimbledon Hoodie, Lily Boucle Tunic (cute with a turtleneck) and French Jersey Tunic
Some of our favorite skirts/dresses: Lead Kenziegirl Dress and Dutch Jersey Dress
Some of our favorite coats/jackets: Red Paris Trench and Newark Avenue Coat
We’re also fans of Christa’s giving-back philosophy, which provides that 30 percent of the net proceeds from each purchase help support orphaned children in Cambodia. And don’t miss the 30 percent off sale, going on now.