[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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Dec
02
holidays
Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree!

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Matt and I went to Crane Neck Christmas Tree Farm this weekend to pick and saw our tree for this year! Crane Neck is right down the road from our house, so It is pretty cool to be able to support other local small businesses. I can’t wait to show you some of my favorite ornaments ( and the makers who made them!)


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tree-shopping1

Dec
18
holidays
What was your most memorable christmas gift?

Christmas is a time for family and togetherness. Of course it is also a time for gift giving and celebrating with the ones you love. Matt and i were talking about our favorite gifts from being kids. So I want to know what you most memorable gift was from your childhood! Download this printable PDF, print it out and share your christmas gift memory.  Leave a link in the comments or tag it #GiftMemory on twitter or instagram!

jen_most_memorable_giftHands down, mine was the year I got my “big kid” sleeping bag. I had one that I didn’t quite fit in anymore ( and I am pretty sure it had care bears on it). But this new awesome, black with red plaid sleeping bag  was amazing, and got so much use, some nights I would just sleep in it on top of my own bed.

I can’t wait to see yours!! Download your own printable sheet and share it with family and friends!

Nov
26
holidays
Gifts for Bookworms

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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
05
holidays
My top 10 favorite holiday movies

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Oct
18
holidays
The Holiday Collection from The Chatty Press

I am so excited to finally show the world the Holiday Collection I have been working on for The Chatty Press! Featuring letterpress holiday greeting cards, matching address stamps and a few fun surprises, like DIY gift tag stamps!
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I hand lettered the entire collection and so enjoyed making little illustrations to compliment the typography! I just had an absolute blast listening to christmas music, picking out the perfect ink colors and discovering new ways to celebrate the season. I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed designing it!

From now until October 31st you can SAVE 20% on the entire holiday collection with the code CHEERS at checkout.

Dec
25
holidays
COUNTING DOWN MY HOLIDAY FAVORITES: #1


Merry Christmas to you all! I Hope your day is filled with love and happiness. This song makes me so happy and of course it just plain rocks! Without further ado – Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses.

Dec
19
holidays
Counting down my holiday favorites #6

What Christmas would be complete without a little Rockabilly? I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Brian Setzers’ Holiday Spectacular a few years ago and it was the most rocking holiday experience ever. Love, love, love all his holiday songs. Coming in at #6 is Brian Setzer performing the Nutcracker Suite.

Dec
19
holidays
COUNTING DOWN MY HOLIDAY FAVORITES: #7

The holidays sure have been busy! Tonight I’m going to find some time to get a little wrapping done before Matt and I jump in the car to head on our East Coast Holiday tour (visiting the family).Coming in at #7 is Come on Lets Boogey to the Elf Dance by Sufjan Stevens

Nov
23
holidays
COUNTING DOWN MY HOLIDAY FAVORITES: #8

This year I am counting down my favorite holiday songs. Maybe it’s because the first concert ticket i ever bought was to see this band or maybe it’s because the song is just that good. No matter the reason really, coming in at number 8 is the Ramones, Merry Christmas (I don’t want to fight tonight). This video is classic 80’s!

Nov
13
holidays
Christmas gift tags that wow!

I’m always looking for new gift wrapping ideas during the holidays, something that makes the outside look as thoughtful as what’s inside. So this year I decided to design some gift tags that are bow available at the peppersprouts shop. These bamboo gift tags, are brand new for 2012 and come in 4 different shapes and sizes to fit gifts large, small and everything in between. Perfect for that extra special package or just a fun and unique way to add a finishing touch to a hostess gift. Heck they can event be hung from your tree or wreath as a decoration. Because the bamboo is smooth, you can write on the back with a ball point pen or let the tag speak for itself. Don’t worry if your not martha stewart when it comes to wrapping presents. These modern lasercut gift tags will make any gift stand out under the tree.

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