(From Top: Cinnamon French Toast c/o Smitten Kitchen, Maharaja Soap, $12.50, Flowers, Elaine Earrings, $44.00, Keep Calm and Crossword On, $9.99, Wood Hearts, $16.50)

See, that’s not so hard is it?  If you’re in need of more Mother’s Day inspiration, be sure to check out our Mother’s Day Gift Guides right here!

But what really makes these bags special is that each one is hand made in Madagascar out of sustainably sourced raffia, which is native to the area, by artisans who are paid a living wage.  This allows hem to gain economic independence and develop their communities through Mar y Sol’s “trade-not-aid” model.  Which means these stylish bags are as good for you conscience as their are for you closet!  What’s not to love?

Clockwise from top right: Margarita Earrings, $72; Horizon Gazing Sunglasses (Modcloth), 11.99; Essential Stripes Dress (Anthropologie), $158.00; El Paseo Bangles, $45; Mar y Sol Sierra Bag, $89; Mar y Sol Valencia Bag- Natural. $94; Mar y Sol Valencia Bag- Saffron, $94)

While trolling the internet for a little inspiration (sometimes that’s really all you can do on a dull Monday morning) I came across this gorgeous peek inside Carol of Basic French‘s Lyon, France home on Design*Sponge.  I felt immediately perked up by the soft yet rich colors, thoughtful details and overall prettiness of this space and of course decided to channel my moment of inspiration into a collection of items that reflect Carol’s modern and feminine sensibility.  Because looking a pretty pictures and window shopping are two of the best ways to spend a Monday.  Of course.

(Large Venetian Frame, $31.00; Chantal Necklace, $42.00; Stripe Scarf, $36.00;  Distressed Book Boxes, $45.00; A Ranunculus, on of the top three best flowers; Abby Earrings, $41.00)

Under $25:

(Clockwise from top: J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Salve, $9.99; Laura Earrings, $21.00; Peony Scarf, $24.00,  Oceana Cuff, $8.50;  Perch Frame, $22.00; Aviary Soap, $12.00; Olive Branch Towels, $19.00;  Rules to Live By Sampler, $24.00; Carved Angel $14.50)

Under $50:

(Clockwise from top: Crown Earrings, $36.00; Petit Oval Frame, $36.00; Caprice Candlesticks, $39.00; El Paseo Bangles, $45.00; Birds on Branch Pillow, $38.00; Catherina Crown, $34.00; Green Pouchee Purse Organizer, $28.00, Enameled Hearts Necklace, $46.00)

(Clockwise from top: Bryce Earrings, $68.00; Cora Frame, $69.00; Heart Locket, $52.00; Bohemia Necklace, $58.00, Ipanema Bag, $58.00; Black Luxe Bangle, $59.00; Mila Bracelet, $62.00)

(Clockwise from top: Valencia Tote- Saffron, $94.00; Madonna and Child Cuzco Painting, $98.00, Victoria Necklace, $86.00; Frida Candlesticks, $128.00; Bernice Frame, $119.00; Oaxaqueña Earrings, $146.00)

If you haven’t heard of the famed Scottish fold Maru, immediately run to the nearest computer, go to youtube, and type in his name. If the feisty feline has already leapt his way into your affection, then this is the book for you! Filled with funny tidbits about Maru, his Japanese owner, and his hilarious daily routines, you’ll never look at quirky kitties the same way again.

If heartwarming tenderness is the kind of smile you’re on the hunt for, then be sure to snag a copy of Unlikely Friendships. Featuring adorable tableaus of extremely unusual animal friendships, get ready to believe in the power of nature! After all, if a leopard and a calf can get along, anything is possible.

Straight from the mouth of famed Irish poet, writer, and playwright Oscar Wilde, this compilation of quotes covers everything from art to politics to society. Get ready to renew your belief in the power of wit from one of the nineteenth century’s most revered wordsmiths.

These delicate chicks are just like the real thing, puffy and adorable! Scatter them around your Easter table or tuck them in everyone’s basket. Either way, they’re sure to bring a smile!

A lively jack rabbit entertains a field full of dancing chicks in this classic paper mache egg! Fill it with chocolates, jelly beans, and tiny treasures to give to your special someone.

This Newberry award winning tale is a Spring time classic! As if the adorable illustrations weren’t enough, the heartwarming tale of friendship will leave you celebrating all the sweeter things in life!

(clockwise from top left: Lila Soap, $12.50, Corazon Milagro, $12.50, Wooden Hearts, $8-9.00, We’ll Always Have Paris Bookmark, $8.00, Peggy Earrings, $19.00, Lune Frame, $24.00, Valetta Valentine, $21.00, Sealed With A Kiss, $21.00, The Jane Austen Handbook, $16.95, Laura Earrings, $21.00, Heart Basket, $12.50)

Can I tell you a little trade secret?  Although we help tons of customers looking for some special jewelry or a show stopping gift for their valentine every year, at least half of the Valentine’s Day cards and gifts we sell go to people looking for something small and sweet to give their best friend or their sister or their favorite co-worker.  This eagerness to celebrate even the less romantic sources of love in our lives always brings a smile to my face.  If you’re on a budget this year or just looking for something small but sweet this is the group for you!

(clockwise from top left: Enameled Hearts Necklace, $46.00,  Falling Flowers Scarf, $42.50, Marilyn Earrings, $46.00, Megan Bangles in White, $32.00, Petit Oval Frame, $36.00, Pretty in Pink Earrings, $31.00, Elizabeth Crown, $33.00, Macaron Earrings, $48.00, With Affection, $31.00, Triple Love Necklace, $38.00)

One of my favorite things about Valentine’s Day is the opportunity to indulge my love of sparkly things.  Though Christmas and New Years are I suppose the true season of glitter, it’s too hard to stop cold Turkey right after the 1^st so I think it’s best to just let it bleed into Valentine’s Day a little bit.

(clockwise from top left: Indian Sapphire Earrings, $56.00, Heart Locket, $52.00, Bohemia Necklace, $58.00, Belle Earrings, $66.00, Carnelian Orb Necklace, $62.00, Santa Ana Earrings, $68.00, Bobbi Earrings, $54.00, Heart Bracelet, $62.00, Rance Soap, $57.00, Wall Milagro, $79.00)

(clockwise from top left: Victoria Necklace, $86.00, Lovebird Earrings, $81.00, Frida Candlesticks, $128.00, Bijoux Earrings in Opal, $46.00, Bijoux Bracelet in Opal, $86.00, August Necklace, $79.00, Bernice Frame, $119.00, Grace Earrings, $84.00, Valise Limoges Box, $115.00)

If you’re looking for a gift with a little extra distinction we have loads of lovely and impressive options.  While of course you can NEVER go wrong with jewelry, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial there are some very stylish and romantic pieces in both of these last two guides.

And there you have it!  All of our best gift ideas for this most romantic of holidays, and don’t forget to have your presents gift wrapped for FREE, right here.

Of course any card can be special if it’s given by the right person but there is something particularly lovely about Valentines from times past. Something about the combination of vintage graphics and old fashioned handwriting gets me every time!

I love imagining their original givers and recipients, the classmates, friends, and sweethearts who picked them out and who saved them all these years so we can enjoy them now!

Every year we pick out a few of our favorites that we’ve collected over the years and share them with our customers in the store and this year we are doing the same for our online customers. Our handpicked selection includes cards from the Victorian era through the 1930s each of which has its own unique style and character. They make sweet gifts or use them to bring a little Valentine’s Day festiveness to your home! Just click here to check out those above and more.

1. Be Organized:

I know, I know, this is everyone’s resolution.  I have literally never had someone tell me their desk was clean.  At least not someone who actually works there.  Personally most of what a laughingly refer to as my home office looks like has been taken over by a strange civilization who use dried up pens and old receipts as currency.

Because I think that having a nice clean space in which to work helps one have a clearer mind and because a table covered in trash is not a good design element for any type of living space which is not a squat I am resolved to finally tackle the monumental task of getting my desk, and my work life generally, in order.

If I am going to go through all the trouble to get things tidy I might as well make them cute in the process which is where these kind of adorable and yet very functional office supplies come in.

2.Send Thank You Notes:

I know the Emily Post rule is that you should send out a thank you note within a week of having received whatever it is you are thanking the person for, but what with New Years coming right after Christmas and everything I assume that my friends and family will know my gratitude is no less heartfelt for being a little late.

Sending a few post-holiday thank-you’s doesn’t seem like such a big deal but I think expressing gratitude shouldn’t just be for after your birthday or Christmas.  We all get busy and the niceties of polite society tend to slip through the cracks but I am hoping that keeping a stash of adorable notes handy will serve as a reminder to take a few minutes to tell the awesome people around me, from the friends who help you move to the cousin who’s house you stayed at on vacation, how much a care about and appreciate them.

3. Eat Better

Like most people, I have spent the time between Thanksgiving and New Years constantly gorging myself on Christmas cookies, candy, bread, and ham and thoroughly enjoying myself. After all that even an avowed carb and sugar lover like me is ready to explore the lighter side of the gastronomic spectrum.

However, my real resolution for this year isn’t just to eat healthfully, but to eat better. To put in a little extra effort and take real pleasure in my food. To make more time to cook actual meals, to set the table, to seek out delicious local and seasonal ingredients, to try new things, and to sit down more often with my friends and family and share a home made meal together. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy but why save the really good food for special occasions? I’m hungry now!

That’s pretty much it for me 2012 goal-wise! Happy New Year everyone and don’t forget…

I don’t know if it’s just my bizarrely intense love of soup or if there is just some strange magical lure about it but I make things from this cookbook ALL THE TIME.  By far more than any other I own.  At the store I am constantly talking about how amazing it is and telling people which recipes are my favorite, and generally showing my creepy obsession.  One recipe I hadn’t tried until the other night was the tortilla soup (featured on the cover) and it did not disappoint.

Now this version of tortilla soup is different from any other I have made in that you puree the base of onions, garlic, spices, tomatoes, chipotles and broth before adding the peppers and chicken which yields a smoother, thicker soup that was pretty delicious.

We used a store-bought rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies and loads of cilantro, chips, and lime to garnish and it was excellent!  Although I will say some sour cream would have been a nice addition as well.  So if you’re ever looking for a tasty, healthy, one-pot meal I would strenuously recommend you give this, or really pretty much any of the recipes in this books a try.  Trust me, I know a lot about eating.

You can check out this and all of our other awesome cookbooks and kitchen accessories right here !