Happy Holidays {and a sabbatical}

Merry Christmas sweet blog friends!

I am truly thankful for each of you.  Although I've been blogging since 2007, Wild & Precious really started just this past March and since then I have been so blessed by the blogging community.  I have made great friends and have learned so much by the sharing of others' lives through your beautiful blogs.  

I know I have been a bit absent from the blogosphere lately.  Some personal things have kept me away.  I have truly missed having the time to catch up on everyones blogs.  I apologize for my absence of comments and visits and look forward to being able to do that all again soon.

For now, I think what I really need is a sabbatical.  I'll be signing off today for three weeks, returning on January 12th.  I'm excited to have this time away to rest, celebrate the holidays, revel in my family, and get some much needed things done.  (I'll also be off facebook) 

I will be back though... and with a BANG!  I have lots planned for my "re-opening"... giveaways, reviews, and some way fun surprises!

Thank you all so much for understanding.  I look forward to catching up with everyone in a few weeks.  I hope you'll all come back and join with me again on the 12th.  I'll miss you!

I pray you all have a very joyful Christmas and happy New Year.

xo,

{click photo for source}

Kay English Photography

All Images Via Kay English Photography

I am so in love with the work of Kay English -- everything is so romantic and she really captures a couple's love.  Her website and blog are packed full of loveliness.  In addition to her talent, she seems like such a sweet and down to earth gal!  She has even started a non profit to teach inner city kids the art of photography!  Definitely go check out her website & blog.  You can also find her on facebook!

Double Feature

Christmas Party :: You're Invited!

{click for source}

Where:  Top floor of a fabulous NYC hotel

When:  Tonight @ 7pm

What to Wear:  Something Sparkly, Red, or a LBD

{j.crew}

{modcloth}

{banana republic}

Food: prepared and personally served by Bobby Flay

Entertainment: Josh Grobin (live of course)

SEE YOU THERE!! 

{p.s. this is a fictional party}

Studio Ditte

Not your grandmother's wallpaper...

I don't even know how I stumbled upon this awesome Dutch design site -- Studio Ditte. To put it simply... it pretty much rocks and I'm so thankful for google's translating services. How fun would it be to have a house full of this fun behang (that's dutch for wallpaper)!

Sloophout behang ::  Demolition Wood


Vogelhuisjes behang :: Birdhouses

Linten behang :: Ribbon

I'm not sure which one I'm in love with more!  Wood in the guest room, birdhouses in the kitchen, ribbon in the nursery?!  Way too much fun.

Everything about Studio Ditte is just stellar -- they have way more to offer than wallpaper.  Their design philosophy is one I can totally jive with: We do not believe in weighty philosophy, or design trends, but in people and their emotions, desires and dreams.

Definitely head over and check out the rest of the papers as well as a great collection of furniture and decor.  Just remember to pick your chin up off the floor to keep from drooling on your computer!

Wiggles {unique gift ideas}

For the Traveler:

"My Scratch Map" by IWOOT

For the Party Couple:

"Mr. & Mrs. Cocktail Glasses" by shopfurbish

For the Office Worker:

"Heel Desk Organizer" by Odosdesign

For the tree hugger:

"Footed Aerium" by Flora Grubb Gardens

How fun are all these gifts?  Sign me up for one of each!

----------------

Loving these blogs this week...

hudson's happenings

Project Simple Life

Teatime Thoughts

Pink Pears and Lace

Life. Passion. Hannah

Little Moments

Fill your Well
You've been Wiggled!

new music:
Chris Bathgate
{Listen HERE}

{If you've been wiggled today or in the past, head to the wiggle page, pick up your badge, and check out the other blogs and music on the list... and as always, keep sending me your blog and music suggestions!}

Food for Thought

{via}

What would this mean in your life today?  What would happen if you, right now, but aside the fear of being wrong?  Would you work differently?  Would you have a different job all together?  Would you make the bold move to start the DIY you've always wanted to try?  What are the things you aren't doing because you lack the confidence and assurance that it will turn out right in the end?  

To quote a great song: "Go do.  You'll know how to.  Just let yourself." -- Jonsi

p.s. here's some real life inspiration of a dear blog friend who put fear aside and totally rocked her dream!

Miscellany on Monday

7:45pm Sunday 12/12

{ONE} SNOW!  After church, David and I came home and spent the entire day on the couch as the flakes fell -- reading, napping, watching Harry & the Hendersons on netflix, eating, sleeping, tv... we were true couch potatoes.  And may I take a moment to say how thankful I am for shelter and heat and ask for prayers for those in our cities who are without one or both of these two things.

{My first Auburn game, Fall of 2007}

{TWO} I don't want to polarize myself from any University of Oregon (or U of Alabama) fans, but I think I should make the confession -- I'm an Auburn fan, and they are by far my favorite team.  No I didn't go there, and neither did David, but we are, in fact, fans!  We're excited for the newest Heisman winner & we are super excited about the chance for a national championship on January 10th.

{THREE}  You still have time to SHOP online with the Wild & Precious discount code.  Click HERE to check out all the stores offering free shipping, 20% off, and buy two get one free.  The last day do get these discounts is this Wednesday, December 15th.

{FOUR} The giveaway for the Janie Lu Vintage Sweetheart Necklace is being extended through the end of the work week.  Head on over to the giveaway page for your chance to win.

pa rum pum pum pum

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum

A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum

To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum

I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,

On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum

The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum

Me and my drum. 

Christmas is not my Birthday.  Yet in the commercialism of the season, it becomes very easy to think that it is.  All the ads scream invitations for us to treat ourselves and to celebrate a "year well done."  Is Christmas really about us now?  We grow up writing lists of our Christmas wishes. (I remember in 5th grade I asked for a boom box, Mariah Carey cd, new pointe shoes, and an american girl doll).  And lists are innocent enough -- until they come with entitlement: "I want this because I deserve this."  Christmas gifts are not out of a tradition of rewards (contrary to want Santa Claus might say).  Christmas gifts come out of a tradition of gratitude, humbleness, generosity, and most of all worship!

Those who came to see the new born Jesus brought gifts to lay at His feet.  The wise man didn't bring gold to show that he was the best gift giver; he brought gold because it was precious to him and he wanted to show the depth of his love.  The little drummer boy brought forth his talent and played his best for him!  In the midst of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, full of heart and joy -- he played his best, glorifying God.  It's not about flashy electronics, new wardrobes, or jewelry!  This is what Christmas asks of us:  that we lay aside our ego, lay aside our sense of entitlement and pride and give freely in celebration that Christ the King is born, humbly giving with all our heart.

It's not wrong to give and receive presents.  It's all about the spirit behind it.  Jesus did not ask for shiny, expensive, or the most unique gifts on the planet, but was/is pleased when we come before him, giving  our best.

{The image above comes from Cool People Cares "Christmas is not my Birthday: 2010 Gifts with and Impact" project -- promoting gifts that mean something not just to the recipient, but to the whole world.}

Wiggles {beach candy}

I seriously cannot get over how incredible Adrienne Gunde is!  I mean, page after page of her photography blog -- I just find myself drooling!  I'm really loving this engagement shoot from this past summer in Los Angeles.  So creative and refreshing... plus, I'd like to snag up some of those candies while dipping my toes in the water!

---------------

You've been Wiggled:

Boardwalk to Eden

Sunny Sweet Pea

Campfire Chick

ldc designs

JanieHearts

Bright Wishes

in dc fashion

New Music:

Conor Oberst

{Listen HERE}

{If you've been wiggled today or in the past, head to the wiggle page, pick up your badge, and check out the other blogs and music on the list... and as always, keep sending me your blog and music suggestions!}

Happy Hump Day!

mantles

I love fire place mantles.  They don't even have to be a working fireplace -- or even a fireplace at all.  Wood, marble, vintage, new... there is something so classic about them & I think they totally rock.  I don't have a fire place.  HOwever, I have considered thrifting a mantle and just putting one up against a blank wall.  Something to aspire to...

{click photos for source}

Do you have a mantle? Real fire place or fake? What do you have displayed on it?

Sponsor Giveaway: Janie Liu Jewelry

This giveaway is now closed! Congrats to Mary, #159/317 chosen via random.org

I'm so excited about this giveaway from Wild & Precious sponsor, Janie Liu Jewelry.  Janie is such a creative heart.  I know you will love not only her jewelry, but also her letterpress goods, and her very own sweet blog.  Here are a couple questions to get to know her:

Q: What are your muses?

A: I'm mostly inspired by the people around me. My friends and family are great muses - each with distinct and individual style.

Q: What is your earliest memory of crafting?

A: I've been crafting since I could remember. I spent a lot of time drawing cards for my parents, making bracelets out of lanyard, pressing flowers for bookmarks, doodling on the wall (my parents were not so happy about that.) My creativity has always been a fantastic outlet for me.

Q: Is there a particular celebrity you would like to create for?

A: She's not a "real" celebrity but I would love to design some jewelry for Phoebe Buffet (Lisa Kudrow) from Friends. She's so quirky and has a great, very unique style.

Where to find Janie

Blog  |  Twitter  |  jewelry on etsy  |  letterpress goods


Up for Grabs:

Vintage Sweetheart Necklace

Here's how to win:

 Visit Janie Lu Jewelry let me know a holiday design that strikes your eye.

additional ways to enter

1. follow Wild & Precious

2. follow Janie Hearts Blog
3. favorite Janie Lu on Etsy

4. "like" Wild & Precious on Facebook

5. Tweet about the giveaway. {1 entry per day}

Feel free to copy/paste the below tweet:

Vintage sweetheart Necklace giveaway from @weheartpaper on @blairita's blog http://ow.ly/3kHWI

6. follow @weheartpaper on twitter

7. follow me on twitter @blairita

8. Blog about the giveaway or post a link on your side bar {2 entries}

9. Add my button to your blog

10. Add Wild and Precious to your blog scroll

11.  Add Janie Hearts to your blog scroll

the fine print:

{you must leave a separate comment for each entry. for example: this includes leaving 2 separate comments for blogging. Anonymous entries will not be excepted.  You must leave your email address.  Giveaway closes late Sunday night 12/19 & winner will be chosen via random.org}

Good Luck Dearies!!