Happy weekend, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I need to buckle down and holiday shop. December seems so short this year—there are really only three weekends until Christmas. Too quick! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

This website is my new go-to for gift ideas.

Prince William can sing.

Meet Josie, the selfie pro.

The cutest phone case!

Inspiration for a cookie swap.

Tea towels for two.

Pretty paper.

A user-friendly pie dish. (Plus, the ultimate holiday table.)

Non-creepy party etiquette.

Scenes from a NYC flower market. Gorgeous!

(Image via Pinterest)

 

Until I find a great big chunk of time to dig into the third season of Homeland, I’ve been binge watching Hello, Ladies, a new comedy on HBO about a Brit (played by Stephen Merchant, co-creator of the British version of The Office) and his ill-fated attempts to date in LA. The show is pretty hilarious, and even though Merchant’s lack of romantic game is cringe-worthy most of the time, I keep going back for more. Probably because, somehow, Merchant manages to make awkward feel sweet (note, there’s more evidence of this here).

Let me know if you decide to give the show a try. Would love to hear your thoughts! The season one finale just aired, so you only have to make a short-term investment…for now. 🙂

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A couple of weekends ago, Matt and I stopped by the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn on a whim. Three hours later, we emerged, carrying the three letterpress maps above, beautifully designed and handmade by Archie’s Press, out of Portland, Oregon. I’ve always loved the idea of hanging up maps that represent the cities I’ve lived in—and love. Boston, San Francisco, and Brooklyn are a blend of the locations Matt and I have lived and still consider home. 

Now, we were immediately sold on the look of these maps, but the deal was sealed when Archie himself explained: “My maps are made to fit Ikea frames.” Done and done. 🙂

Do you have any maps hanging in your home?

Visit Archie’s Etsy shop here.

PS—How cool is his Solar System print?

(Images via Archie’s Press)

I’ve been a Steve Martin fan from the beginning. The guy always makes me laugh. That’s why I was delighted to see him on the cover of “Comic Genius: Portraits of Funny People,” a new coffee table book by photographer Matt Hoyle that captures not only Steve, but so many of the kings and queens of comedy that make the year funny and bright. Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Nick Offerman—these are just a few of the names included in the book. Each portrait is accompanied by a first-person reflection on life and why there’s always a reason to laugh. 

Not a bad gift for anyone with a sense of humor in your life, right? 🙂

PS—A video clip from Steve Martin’s portrait shoot.

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Happy December, my darling readers! What do you love most about this month? For me, it’s the festive mood that hangs in the air. It’s so nice to spend a month focused entirely on family and friends. 

So, what are your favorite December things to do? I always have to find time to watch Home Alone with my sister (I laughed when I saw this Honest Trailer). And I can’t wait to pick a Christmas tree for my apartment this year with Matt. (Check out these cool garlands I bought!) Last—but not least—I’m super excited to go Christmas caroling around New York.

Tell me: What are you looking forward to most this month?

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