EAB Designs

Preserved Boxwood Wreaths - New to the Shop

 

I'm happy to announce preserved boxwood wreaths are now available in my EAB Designs shop. Each wreath comes with a beautiful deep bronze, double faced satin ribbon.

The ribbon can be easily removed if you prefer to place your wreath on a mantel or among a favorite vignette in your home.

You can also nestle them in small urns or baskets.

I love to hang them on the backs of our chairs during the holidays.

As each one is handmade, there is a limited quantity available during this introductory period.  So, if you're interested hurry on over to the shop for further details.

Pre-Season Sale - Only Three More Days!

 

Thank you for all of your pre-season stocking orders!

Sale ends this Wednesday!  Details can be found here.

 

Here are a few items I hope to find in my stocking come December.

What about you?

Gifts from the Kitchen

If you're wondering why you see food featured on my blog quite a bit, the answer is simple.  I love to spend time in the kitchen, and baking and cooking is a big part of my life.  I often receive emails asking if we actually eat all of the sweets we bake.  Well, yes and no.  If we're entertaining, which is often, then I serve it as dessert.  However, there are many days when I bake up something (like these almond meringue cookies I made today) and we happen to be the only ones home.

 

That's when I like to treat neighbors and friends with a little surprise from the kitchen.  With a ready supply of cellophane bags and small boxes, I have everything I need to venture out for some spontaneous gift giving.  Our friends love us and so do our waistlines.

New to the Pemberley Collection

 

Brand new and available in the shop today.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  Mr. E is working from home today (love that!) so our weekend will be off to an early start. We're looking forward to relaxing a bit, but we do have a few projects to tackle - continuation of the bathroom renovation for Mr. E and for me, some serious one on one time with a few technical gadgets and their instruction manuals.  However, before we begin our weekend, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things from this week.

I discovered a new Etsy shop, Felting Dreams, which offers the most adorable felted creatures. I'm in love with these little mice.  Looks just like me and Mr. E on the right.

And this shop, Pretty Little Papers, which designs the most wonderful digital invitations at a very affordable price.

I've been on the lookout for some new personal notecards and came across Lobird.  There are so many illustrations to choose from.  I've narrowed it down to one of these - I may have to get both.

Any new favorites you've come across?  Please share!  Off to pop in a Downton Abbey dvd . . . We have a lot of shows to catch up on.  Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Copenhagen's Royal Palaces & Castles

As a royal city, Copenhagen is rich in history with palaces, monuments and castles.  We visited Christiansborg Palace which houses the Danish parliament, Supreme Court, the prime minister's offices, and Royal reception rooms.  It once served as the Royal residence, but after a devasting fire the Royal residence was moved to Amalienborg Palace.

 

 

The Royal stables and coaches are also located at Christianborg.  During our visit, we were able to see several of the palace's white horses being trained and exercised.

  

Rosenborg Castle is home to some of Denmark's greatest cultural treasures. The coronation throne and crown jewels are on display here, as well as the Rosenborg tapestries.

 

The coronation throne, guarded by three silver lions.

Before moving on to our visit to Norway, my next post will wrap up our stay in Copenhagen with a few photos from Copenhagen's beautiful waterfront and old canals - my favorite area of the city.

Stylish Design in Copenhagen

You can find beautiful, yet simplistic, design in most elements of Danish life from Royal Copenhagen porcelain to functional furniture, textiles, lamps and clothing.  For an overview of the history of Danish industrial design, decorative and applied arts we visited the Danish Museum of Art & Design.

 

(entrance to the museum)

(iconic chairs from Denmark's Golden Age of Design)

 

And we can't forget Lego, one of the oldest plastic toys in the world whose manufacturing began in Denmark.

 

Postcards from Copenhagen - The People

Copenhagen is a wonderful place to visit.  When arriving, the first thing you'll notice is everyone rides bikes.  Whether sunny, or pouring down rain, it's simply a way of life.  Over 50% of all citizens commute by bike each day, and many families don't own cars.  You'll see riders in suits, high heels, and often with small children in tow.  Streets and town centers are lined with parked bikes and you'll find miles of bike lanes filled with commuters.  I found it amazing.

 

Although, a busy city, Copenhangen has a small town flair and its residents enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather.  You'll see moms and dads pushing the most beautiful European style prams (strollers) completely outfitted for any type of weather.  With amazing ease they lift the prams (as well as their bikes) on and off public transportation.

We saw lots of adorable school children out and about.  I loved this particular bunch outfitted in an array of wellies and rain jackets as they walked down one of Copenhagen's many cobbled streets.

Outdoor cafes line the streets and are filled with Danes enjoying the long sun-filled days after a dark winter.  Many relax with a cappucino & Danish pastry as they soak up the sun and chat with friends.

I'm a people watcher and was struck by the natural beauty of the danes, both old and young. Tall and quite fashionable, most tend to dress in grey and black tones, often accented with a colorful scarf.  The Danish are courteous and helpful and, as 80% of Danes speak English, communicating was a breeze.  Next up...Copenhagen's fabulous art and design.

Christmas in July, Burlap Stocking Pre-Season Sale

I'm happy to announce our burlap Christmas stockings will be offered at a special pre-season price from today through the end of the month.  It's truly amazing to think of how many families have selected our stockings to be a part of their holiday celebration.  If you'd like to take advantage of the pre-season price, please order by July 31st.  

 

I'm also happy to announce we will be offering our "bone shaped" labels for the special loved ones in your lives.  You can request this option under "notes to seller" upon checkout.

 

 

Matching tree skirts are also available for your holiday decor.

 

 

As in past years, I will continue to accept stocking and skirt orders until my queue fills, which is usually by the first week in October, so please place your orders before then.  And many thanks again to all of you who have chosen EAB Designs for your holiday decor.  As one of the first shops on Etsy to offer personalized burlap stockings, I truly appreciate all the stocking love we continue to receive each year!

 

Note to Self: Measure First!

 

Just purchased twelve new dinner plates from Restoration Hardware.  Was super excited they offer a large 12 1/4" size.  Got them home only to discover they don't clear the dishwasher blade! Sadly, back to the store they must go.  While disappointed I will have to opt for the standard 11" size, the style and color are exactly what I was searching for. Off now to break the news to sweet Mr. E that he will have to haul them back through the mall to exchange them - they sure are heavy!  (By the way, RH's tableware is 20% off through July 13th - love that!)