We can hardly believe 2009 is almost over. The year just flew by! We hope you have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year and see you in 2010!

We can hardly believe 2009 is almost over. The year just flew by! We hope you have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year and see you in 2010!

If you received presents over the holidays, don’t forget about your thank you notes! Linda & Harriett has been included in DailyCandy Deals today, so stock up on your favorite paper goodies and save 30% with code CANDY30 at checkout.

Our office will be closed over the next week in celebration of the holidays, so blogging between now and the New Year will be light. We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!

Receiving a homemade or personalized gift is always lovely because you know that someone took the time to really think about you. This holiday, I wanted to make a few homemade gifts; because I haven’t really done this before (aside from baking), I decided to make a small batch, so only a couple friends received them this year.
I ended up creating a version of the Hot Cocoa Mix from Real Simple‘s December issue. Paired with chic mugs and handwritten instructions – all tied up in a basket, I was really pleased with how it turned out. I definitely think I’ll get craftier next year! Are you giving (or have you received) homemade gifts this year?

I spotted this beautiful image on the blog of talented photographer Bonnie Tsang and was immediately enchanted by it. The idea of hanging candles is hardly new, but the combination with the vintage birdcages is unexpected…this would also be so lovely when lit up at night. (This was part of wedding decor, but I think it could also work for a simple backyard party.)
P.S. Don’t you just love Bonnie’s photography?

I’ve been coveting this stunning crystal block table lamp from Restoration Hardware for months now. Sadly, it’s way out of my budget – but in my dreams, it would sit prettily on a complementary sleek oversized white table for my office.

I spotted these pretty and playful photos from Quail‘s bridal collection on Brooklyn Bride a couple weeks ago and thought they were just adorable. I wouldn’t mind being a bridesmaid in one of these dresses!

We’re obsessing over the spring collection at Bambako, which will formally debut in early 2010. Below is a sneak peek of a few styles and even better, the designer is holding an online sample sale for some of these styles through Saturday only. Head over to Bambako.com to order!

Social media should be a facet of every company’s marketing plan today, and we would venture to say that it’s even more essential for up-and-coming brands. As a crucial part of social media, bloggers are one of the best resources in helping spread the word about the newest, latest and greatest. We asked a few of our favorite bloggers for their best tips on how to work with them. Check them out below:
It was pouring rain late last week here in Los Angeles and I absolutely loved it since it happens so rarely. It’s already sunny again, but this photograph taken by Irene Suchoki captured my mood perfectly a few days ago.
