[uhp-steyt fan-see] - adjective

1. not exorbitant or extravagent by city standards, however in a rural setting (like upstate new york) it is in fact, quite fancy.

2. a wonderful blog dedicated to art, design and other things that are indeed upstate fancy.

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Nov
29
Holiday Gift Guide
Peppersprouts Thanksgiving Weekend Sale

black_friday_peppersproutsHappy Holidays! This weekend you can save 15% off everything in stock at peppersprouts.com  Just enter code HOLLYJOLLY at checkout. Good through Monday, Dec 2, 2013

Nov
26
Holiday Gift Guide
Gifts for Bookworms

2013_gifts_for_readers_bookwormgifts

As someone who loves a good book, I would be thrilled to wake up Christmas morning with any of these under my tree! A little gift guide for the reader on your holiday list, who always seems to have their nose in a book, in the very best way possible!

1. Fox bookends by Design Atelier Article • 2. Bibliophile Perfume oil by Long Winter Soap Co. • 3. Animal Lovers Book Tote by Xenotees • 4. Kindle Cover by Service Partner on Etsy • 5. Vintage Sleeping Cat Book End from Guidoux Vintage • 6. Book Scarf by Storiarts • 7. Bookplate library stamp by the chatty press • 8. The believer literary journal from McSweeneys • 9. Book Brooch by House of Ismay

 

Nov
18
housewares
A new Twist on a Welsh Tradition

love_spoons

I love all things British. My favorite place to shop is the Boden catalog, my pup is a Welsh Corgi, and of course I was glued to the Tv for the royal wedding. When I discovered this adorable shop, Loglike, I nearly feel out of my desk chair. Filled with amazing handmade gifts and home goods ( my weak spot) I pretty much want one of everything! My favorite are the Love spoons. A modern take on a welsh tradition, love spoons were given as tokens to show undying love, and these modern handmade versions feature bright handles that have been hand carved into little hearts. Wouldn’t this be the perfect wedding present for the couple who loves to cook. I for one wouldn’t mind finding a set under my christmas tree!

Nov
05
holidays
My top 10 favorite holiday movies

top_10_holiday_movies

Hello November! A chill is finally in the air, my scarves are out and ready to wear and it may be time to switch from ice coffee to hot coffee (probably not though, I do love cold beverages). To be November 1st is the beginning of the Holiday season, which means it is totally acceptable to start watching Christmas movies! There is nothing quite like cuddling on the couch under a blanket with a mug of Hot chocolate (one hot beverage I wouldn’t have any other way) and enjoying a Holiday themed flick, classic or new. Here are my top 10 picks that I make sure to watch before New Year’s Eve.

mett_me_in_stlouis

1. Meet Me in St. Louis
I fell in love with this movie when I was about 8. My cousin Amy was really into classic movie musicals and made us watch it one evening, instant favorite. While It does cover a few holidays, the Halloween scene is adorable, the Christmas moments are just magical. The perfect dress, the perfect Beau, dance cards, decorations, and of course, the perfect Christmas Song, Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Of course everything works out in the end, in a perfect storybook, broadway ending. Make some mulled cider, turn on the christmas tree lights and please for the love of christmas, don’t be afraid to sing along!

elf_movie

2. Elf
I pretty much quote elf lines all year long, but it does become more apparent during the holidays. If you seen;t one to quote one liners, don;t worry, if your kids watch this one they will be sure to quote enough for the entire family. Good luck finding your dad buddy. This one goes great with Candy Canes, Candy Corn

love_actually

3. Love actually
Every story in this film is just enchanting. Okay maybe not Alan Rickman – but everyone else you just can’t help but crossing your fingers and holding your breath that everything works out. The musical numbers are super cute, and so is pretty much every second Colin Firth is on screen. A chilled bottle  of wine (or two) and a bunch of girlfriends is the best way to watch this one. If your a guy bonus points for suggesting to your girlfriend to watch this one!

harryPotter_christmas

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The magic of Christmas combined with actually magic! What I would give to go to a feast at hogworts with the floating candles and the enchanted ceiling that makes it look like it is snowing. Maybe it is because I now love knitting gifts for family, but I would love to get a Weasley Jumper for Christmas. Figgy pudding or a yule log may be just the thing to make this film jump of the screen.

muppste_christmas_carol

5. Muppets Christmas Carol
It’s the Muppets in all their ridiculousness interpreting the Dickens classic. Perfect for the kids and with enough under the radar adult jokes that you won’t get bored either. Milk and cookies are a must with this one.

white_christmas_film_still

6.White Christmas
I really don’t have to say much about this Christmas classic. Bing Crosby. Danny Kaye. Ver-Ellen. Rosemary Clooney. Technicolor. Over the top musical numbers. Snow. Pairs perfectly with a cup of Tea & Honey and maybe a throat lozenge nearby, your voice may be a bit worn out from all the singing along.

theshoparoundthecorner

7. The Shop Around the Corner
A classic romantic comedy (You’ve got mail was based on this black and white classic). Set in an adorable gift shop in Budapest in a time when love letters were penned carefully on sheets of crisp white paper. Make sure you have a handkerchief nearby for this one and perhaps a box of chocolates.

serendipity

8. Serendipity
Who meets their soul mate while buying gloves in a department store? John Cusack of course. A true romantic comedy filled with missed connections, some super sleuthing and the magic of the holiday season. Pair with a glass of wine and your BFF.

justfriends

9. Just Friends
Ryan Reynolds with the perfect mix of hilarity and sarcasm. You find yourself rooting for him, and yet thinking he really is just a jerk. Anna Farris is a hoot and you will be so happy to not actually have to spend the Holidays with her character. Pour yourself your a glass of your favorite christmas spirit and get ready to laugh.

a_christmas_story

10. A Christmas Story
The first time I saw this movie, I thought it was stupid. I thought it was an old-timey movie (even though it was made in 1983) and It just looked super boring. I admit I was wrong. I can no longer look at a fragile stamp without saying “Fra-g-lay it must be Italian” and I wish there was a santa to visit that had a giant slide as well. This movie has grown on me over the years with good reason. Unlike some comedy movies, I think this one can be shared with the whole family.