No matter how you celebrate the season, I wish you all kind holiday greetings.  I always make our holiday cards every year, they're often a reflection of how the year went, and of course, this was the Year of Indy. Our beloved pup is no longer with us, but remains forever in spirit, and her memory is a reminder to love and cherish every day we have. So take that blessing from our fuzzy pup as we say farewell to one year and hello to a new one! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Jaunty Fine Print: Illustration by Denise Sakaki

There's a movement to keep people from rushing away from the dinner table on Thanksgiving and rushing the stores for pre-Black Friday sales.  I'm not saying consumerism is evil, I totally get working on the holidays -- not everyone gets Thanksgiving or Christmas off, and working holidays means you're able to afford gifts and time off to spend with loved ones. But I am for the idea of not using the stores being open on holidays as an excuse to skip out on time with family and friends. Let's spend at least one day being thankful for the people around us -- this year has left me with the indelible feeling that life is short, too short.

A gentleman never asks, a lady never tells, so I'm not saying how old I'm turning or what day my birthday is, only that it's this week and the Birdy is going to try and take it easy! I emphasize the word try because I never fully take as much time off as I'd like. April is a busy month, regardless of when one is born, and there's always work/life-stuff needing to be done. That being said, this is the extent of my post this week -- I'm celebrating Myself, indulging in some extra time for Me, and sometimes that's the best gift one can receive! See you next week when I'm older, and very possibly wiser!
 
Jaunty Fine Print: Image by Denise Sakaki

Holiday greetings to everyone -- I'm sure you're doing last minute shopping or putting those final touches on that carefully crafted note to Santa. Instead of the typical Holiday/Non-denominational-type post, I'm taking a moment to ponder a bit of spirituality, as one is often inspired to do around Christmastime.

I love big holiday traditions as much as the next gal, but it's the little, personal ones I appreciate the most. Over the last several years, a good friend of mine always gets together to admire the holiday decorations -- it used to be around the Kirkland waterfront, where she used to live, and they had the crazy strings of lights in a mad tangle. We loved it. Over the last few years, we've moved our tree-spotting to downtown Seattle, for a yearly trek to the Fairmont Olympic, to gaze upon their holiday trees and window-gaze at the nearby Luly Yang boutique. 

A very Jaunty HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! With any luck, you've made merry, said farewell to 2012 in style, and ready to face 2013 energized... and only slightly hung over. Wooho!!! (more aspirin, please)

I wanted to share this year's holiday card design, which I hope you like. The idea came to me one day, towards the end of summer, funny enough. I thought of snow globes and how they're like the captured dreams of places and things we all wish for. And they're always full of snow, hence the name -- but what do snowmen gaze at when looking at a snow globe? Surely, they must dream of tropical beaches and sunny skies, something that seems like a lofty, but I daresay not impossible goal. 

Because nothing should be impossible, not during the beginning of a year when we are given the luxury of Dreaming Big! For generous souls who spread kindness to strangers. For the one time of year where children can believe in a little magic, and we're reminded of what that wonderful feeling was like. For wishes and dreams we can hope to fulfill in the new year. 

Don't let that holiday goodwill fade away when the chill of January arrives -- keep that generous spirit warming your heart. And continue to be inspired, energized and excited with the Jaunty world around you to power you into this bright, shiny new year ahead!

Jaunty Fine Print: Illustration by Denise Sakaki - Happy New Year!!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Holidays with this Jaunty sparkly post! This Bird is in full Christmas mode, listening to Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas, along with my whole playlist of seasonal music that as a rule, I only bust out as of December 1st. Take that, retailers who are decking the halls in October! 

This year, I made it a point to not go completely off the rails for the holidays, taking on too many projects and not getting a chance to really enjoy the season. I wasn't burning the midnight oil on workstuff, I took time to visit with friends and see people I hadn't seen in forever. You get to the point where the holidays aren't about stuff wrapped in boxes and tied with bows, you want the gift of time, to reconnect and let the people in your life know how much they mean to you, whether it's over coffee, dinner or a cocktail or three. Martinis are full of love, don't you know? 

And a new tradition of breaking tradition continued into this year -- last year I was so busy, I didn't have time to put up a tree. It broke my heart a little, as I always felt like it wasn't Christmas without a tree, but I was exhausted. The holidays were still plenty special and it was yet another reminder that the holidays are a state of mind.  I didn't decorate a tree again this year. I knew if I didn't have that thing up by the first week of December, it wasn't going to happen. But I was going to be okay with that because I didn't need one tree, I had all the trees of Seattle and her surrounding cities. I made it a point to visit and admire as many decorated trees around the area as possible. The multiple trees of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, downtown Bellevue's many trees in all their main squares, Kirkland's brightly-lit (and carol-singing) tree along the waterfront, Seattle's many trees in Westlake Center and Pike Place Market, even a beautifully chic Tiffany and Co tree decorated in just what Eartha Kitt purred about in Santa Baby. 

And along the way of admiring trees, I didn't skimp on the extras -- the madness of the nightly marching band of Snowflake Lane, gingerbread villages in Seattle and Bellevue, holiday shopping through Pike Market's specialty shops, even a peppermint mocha with whipped cream and sprinkles. I'm redefining what Christmas means to me as an adult, which is less things, more experiences and immersing oneself in the sights, smells and yummy flavors of this festive time of year. We'll regret all those Chia Pets, Snuggies and Pajama Jeans six months from now, but enjoying a decorated town square on a chilly winter night will never lose its luster, at least not in my eyes. 

And so this is my Christmas post -- it's what the holiday means to me, along with taking time when I have it. So in honor of that promise to myself, I'll leave this up from now until the new year. Because even a blogger needs a winter holiday, right? But fear not, the Magpie is all ready to return bright-eyed for 2013. Until then, please take the time to spend with your loved ones. The holidays are the one time of year where it feels a little easier to tell someone they're important to you, that you love them, and how thankful you are to have them in your life. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos by Denise Sakaki

Well? Did you survive the opening bell of the holiday season and strongarm some random stranger for that Tickle Me Elmo doll on Black Friday? Or did you avoid the shopping rush altogether and are starting to get a case of the cold sweats while looking at your gift list? Fear not! The Magpie is here to not only help you, but help you help the whole country, just by the simple look at a label. I'm talking about the label-consciousness that doesn't say whether or not something says Gucci or Louis Vuitton, it's the best possible name brand you can find: Made in the USA. 

Don't roll your eyes thinking everyone's going to be stuck with Pyrex measuring cups (yes, it's an American company!).  There are A LOT of domestic-made/manufactured products out there, and it's as easy as checking the labels. Granted, you can't get everything made in the US, but you can at least make it a point to be selective based on where an item is made, and make the choice to buy local. Even if it's a little shop that sells imported perfumes, that shopowner will be glad you made the purchase there, versus a big-box department store. With every dollar you spend for a local/American-made item, it's a way of investing in our own economy, our people, and a future aimed at growth.  

It's so easy to find thoughtful and meaningful gifts that follow the Made in the USA/Shop Local ideal -- here are some tips and ideas: 

Avoid the malls, stick to small neighborhood boutiques; there are always one-of-a-kind finds and sometimes if there's something you really want, the shop owner may be willing to work a deal. 
 
You can type in "Made in the USA" or "Made in America" on large shopping websites like Amazon, and they have a wide selection of everything from home/kitchen goods to beauty products. 
 
Buy gift cards from local restaurants or shops to give as gifts -- recipients can enjoy a favorite dish or be introduced to a new shop. 
 Look for craft shows, which are popular leading up to the holidays. It's not all lace doilies and creepy knitted dolls, you can find crowd-pleasing gifts like artisan foods, handmade soaps and candles and jewelry. 

Shop online for handmade crafts at Etsy.com - you can narrow your search by local artists and find a ton of unique, beautiful gifts for others (or yourself). Make sure to shop and order early, since a lot of the items are on short supply or might need to be made.  

Jaunty Fine Print: Graphic by Denise Sakaki, statistic from ABC News series Made in America

Happy Independence Day! I know, it's a little early to be lighting fireworks and making things go "boom!" but this Birdy thought of this year's July Fourth to be a real celebration of independence. We should remember all those who fought for this country's hard-won freedoms, we should take a moment to think of those who have sacrificed so much to make this nation what it is, a mad and wonderful chaos of opinion in all its faults and glory.

Given that July Fourth has unfortunately planted itself smack-dab in the middle of the work week, it's even more reason to truly celebrate one's independence -- of what in particular, you should feel free to decide. I came up with a few ideas that I will myself be celebrating independence of, so feel free to take those liberties as you see fit. Happy Fourth, y'all.

Jaunty Fine Print: typography piece by Denise Sakaki

She goes by so many names and has an impressive resume of skills bordering on magic powers, but the most common title she's known as, is simply: Mom.

She could make bad days go away with cookies and milk. She always knew to cut off the sandwich crusts without us having to ask. She could heal a skinned knee with as much kindness as mending a broken heart. There are a million and one ways she managed to make the day a little better, and she asked for nothing in return.

Even in our selfish times, when we would get angry and say things we didn't mean but would forever regret -- she always held her ground, and never held those regrettable things against us. Because she knew. She was there at one point of her life, and she understood. She taught us what it meant to take the high ground and pick one's battles. She knew the most important lessons we would have to learn for ourselves, and she would always be waiting with a tissue and a hug when the hard lessons were learned. 

Whether we were mighty kings and queens or feeling the weight of the world pressing down on us, she always looked at us the same, always proud. The love of a mother is a profound thing, and we are incredibly blessed to have experienced it in our own unique ways. With any luck, we will pass along this nurturing love to someone else. So this weekend, make sure to celebrate Mom for all the things she's done and the sacrifices she's made. And don't wait for just one part of the year, tell her as many times as you can how amazing she is, and how much you love her. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.   

Jaunty Fine Print: Illustration by Denise Sakaki

It's Kismet that a Jaunty Post Day falls on Valentine's Day, so this Birdy is making the most of it! Sending you all warm n' fuzzy thoughts of hearts, flowers and plenty of smooches and air-kisses. Valentine wishes to all you sweet darlings who visited the Jaunty Magpie today, amid the holiday rush of making sure your dinner reservations are set or a last-minute rush to find a gift for your sweetheart. Even if you're not with a Special Someone on this day, don't ignore the opportunity to reach out to a loved one -- all holidays should be a great excuse to celebrate an open heart. Yes, even Arbor Day, if the mood strikes you.

To inspire you on this J'adore-worthy Valentine's Day, here are some quotes you can jot down to impress your date tonight:

Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!
- Thomas Hood

Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee.
- English saying engraved on poesy rings

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.
- William Shakespeare

Who, being loved, is poor?
- Oscar Wilde

As a special treat for all you Anti-Valentine's Day folks or for those who are as much in love with the site, Handmade Ryan Gosling, as I am, here's a peek at a special Handmade Valen-RyanGosling-tine I made for a friend. We often peruse the craft supplies and say with our best Ryan Gosling voice, "Hey, Girl..." whenever we see baker's twine, glitter or a super-pack of gluesticks. Don't take the note too seriously, I still think Bradley Cooper is cute, it just sounded really funny. 

Jaunty Fine Print: graphic design by Denise Sakaki, quote by John Lennon

So, this is Christmas... and what have you done...? Well, John and Yoko, I think this Birdie's been an awfully good girl this year and plenty dang busy! Every year, right before Christmas, it's a mad dash for everyone to get their work done so they can take off for family visits and some well-deserved time off, and I think that's probably why it's always notably hectic. And it's been no different this year -- there was a lull, an odd moment of quiet, like being in the eye of the holiday storm right before Thanksgiving when I felt like I had a moment to enjoy the early decorations and festivities (you can see everything in the photo above - most of those were taken in November!), thanks to an over-eager retail industry. And maybe that was a blessing, having that early peek at Christmas, despite all our eyebrow-raising that it wasn't even December yet, and we were seeing decorated trees and boughs of holly decked upon all the halls by, say... October.

Which leads me to the most significant thing about this year's Christmas. A few weeks before, in the flurry of a frantic work week, I made what I consider to be a Jaunty Executive Decision. I said this year, there would be no decorating of a tree. (pause for dramatic gasp) Granted, our traditional tree is a fake one, I have it stored in our closet and a giant plastic bin full of ornaments. There's no digging around, searching for where stuff could be. It easily could have been dragged out like previous years, fussed-over, and once decorated and lit, I'd be full of holiday sentimental feelings, glad for the effort. They will remain dormant for the first time in many years, at least since we moved to our house and the ornaments full of childhood memories remain in darkness for this year. This sounds so sad! Are you feeling holiday depression? Is everything okay with family and home? That's what you're thinking. Heck, that's what I'm thinking. But in the busiest period of the pre-holiday chaos, I considered what really and truly matters during the holidays, and for all the beloved rituals we have, there is but one that I felt like I was missing this year -- the thorough enjoyment of the season. And as Mr. Magpie always says, as he sees me in my frantic, crazed moments of trying to jam a 30 hour day into a 24 hour time period, I need to let go. And so I decided this would be my gift to myself -- learning that it's not giving something up, but finding meaning beyond ritual.

I was cancelling social engagements left and right in lieu of work, missing out on things for the sake of deadlines and paying bills (still important, but it still sucked). I wasn't exactly Ebenezer Scrooge, but I was Scrooge-ing myself out of time with friends. A viewing of both Bill Murray's Scrooged and an 80s version of A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott made the old ghostly words of Jacob Marley ring in my head, about how every link of heavy chain one carries in the Afterlife was forged in this life, link by link, one regret at a time. This year in particular was dotted with notes of sadness; there were several losses in the Jaunty Circle of friends and family. While sad, they were reminders to take the time before it's stolen away. I saw friends combat illness and health issues -- more reminders that the decor of a home is empty without loved ones to fill it with joy. And so these Spirits of Christmas Past/Present/Future came to me in their own way, reminding me to not put the importance of holidays in object or self-imposed ritual, but in those around me. If it means giving up a Christmas tree in lieu of having a mind present and available to be with my loved ones, then so be it. And there are other Christmas holidays to come, my planning skills will be better, and even if they're not, this year will be proof that Christmas still comes to the Jaunty home, even without a tree. So this Birdy wishes you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Jaunty Fine Print:  design and photos by Denise Sakaki

I know what you're thinking: It's not Halloween, Birdy -- get over it! The kitty Trick-or-Treat pendant so cleverly made on a Scrabble letter piece was a gift from a friend around All Hallow's Eve this year. It wasn't because we celebrate Halloween in any big fashion, it was one of those just-because gifts from a friend that just happened around the holidays. I feel very fortunate to have sweet friends who bestow such thoughtful things like that, no holiday required, like the gold leather-bound notebook from a friend's trip to London, and a copy of Bubbly On Your Budget, from another friend's trip to the new local bookshop in Ballard, Book Larder. I can't express enough how grateful I am for such things, not because they are so lovely and enriching, but because you know there was a lot of heart put into their selection. It could have been a shiny rock someone picked up on the ground and given to me, because, "ooh shiny!" That's me! But I'd place it on the mantle like it was a king's crown.

We're getting into the fever pitch of the holiday season, where advertising and media inundate us with the pressure to get bigger, better, over-the-top gifts for our loved ones. Take a moment, take two moments -- deep breath. Your loved ones appreciate your presence more than presents, as the saying goes. And if you feel the desire to give them a token of your love during the holidays, there's no need to "wow" them, they love you for exactly who you are. You'll see something passing by a store, a small and thoughtful bauble you know they would appreciate, and no matter how humble it may seem to others, it will likely mean the world to its recipient. Consider a journal with a heartfelt note on the first page. Or bake a batch of their favorite cookies. It's the un-holiday gifts from sweet friends that are a reminder that it is indeed the thought that counts.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki, lovely gifts from lovely friends - merci!

Feeling the happiness of a full Thanksgiving Day tummy? I sure hope so. As you sit in the food coma haze, take a moment to reflect on the notion of gratitude. Don't think about what you don't have, what you feel a yearning for, just look at what is around you and most importantly, the people who surround you with support, love and that extra slice of pumpkin pie.

Here are some words of wisdom that I hope fill your whole holiday weekend with that wonderful realization of how truly lucky we all are, in our own unique ways:

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.
- Jean Baptiste Massieu 

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
- John F. Kennedy

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
- G.K. Chesterton

The Magpie wishes you all a very happy, safe and delicious Thanksgiving holiday, with whipped cream on top!


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo by Denise Sakaki

Tick-tock, tick-tock, almost time for Christmas! Are you suffering from the annual nervous breakdown yet? This Bird is on her last feathered nerve, to be sure, but somehow enjoying every harried moment of it. When the moment of crisis arrives, this Magpie resorts to her food instinct and heads into the kitchen to bake. 

The smell of baking cookies is immediately soothing. And the contact sugar high isn't so bad either. Sometimes the greatest gift is one that is homemade and edible. Cookies, cakes, even a pie. No one is unhappy to recieve something like these. And it doesn't have to be decorated in the fuss of sugar and icing. This Bird is more than happy to get a plate full of chocolate chip cookies -- my absolute favorite! So, if you have some time to bake for a loved one, please do. And remember to leave a couple of cookies out on Christmas Eve. I'm sure Santa could use the sugar high on his busiest night of the year.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo by Denise Sakaki

 

Just call this Magpie a Wrap Super-Star. Well, okay, not really. It's only a few weeks till Christmas and I've been feverishly wrapping gifts for friends and family. It got this Bird to thinking about the J'adore-worthy art of gift-giving. It isn't always what's inside, but the presentation of the item. Despite what Mom always said, sometimes what's on the outside that counts. Sorry, Mom.

Some of the little things I like to throw into gifts include handmade stationery, which can be simply wrapped in a little bit of cotton twine. The Hawaii food-themed cards I designed were a good fit for the string, as it makes it look a little like a bento box. But I also rewrapped some pretty store-bought stationery in gauzy, sparkly ribbon. It feels a little more personalized when you can take off the shrink wrap and present the item with a little more care. Maybe even stick in a little sprig of pine or bay leaves for a natural flourish. The same with soaps. I found some nicely-scented organic soaps, but liked the look of paper-wrapped soaps. So I removed the plastic wrapper, rewrapped the soap in an absorbent sheet of handmade paper, and sealed the top with a custom designed label made up of old vintage imagery. The same cotton twine wrapped it up, and the soaps feel like a gift all their own.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo by Denise Sakaki

 

The holiday season might have come to a close, but this Bird had one more item to share -- along with being humbled by the incredibly Jaunty gift of a new Canon EOS 50D, she was further swoon-ified by the camera's new luxury Barbie Dream Home, a bag from the stylish folks at Jill-E. Mr. Magpie truly outdid himself this year -- the hell with an engagement ring, this Birdie will take a DSLR any day.

Due to the popular nature of their all-leather camera bags, the one I wanted -- the small camera bag in bone -- was backordered, but when it finally came, it felt like Christmas all over again! The Jill-E bags are all designed for camera equipment, so they're compartmentalized with movable padded barriers. I was actually able to get two bags from Mr. Magpie's gift certificate, as Jill-E had some great holiday sales. Along with the leather bag, I also got one of their sailcloth messenger bags in blue, a more rugged choice, as well as a guy-friendly, in case Mr. Magpie is taking the camera out for a spin. Both bags hold the two extra lenses we have, plus accessories like cords and batteries. Their heavy-duty straps can handle the weight of the gear, and the extra padding, while making the bags more on the bulky side, provide reassurance that the precious cargo is safe.

I love that Jill-E's designs are so fashion-friendly, making stylish pieces that feel more like accessories than typical gear bags, while still providing protection for the equipment. Mr. Magpie said that having such a feminine gear bag would keep the gift of the camera from being like Marge's gift of a liquid-center bowling ball named "Homer," if anyone's familiar with Simpsons arcana. This was just another reminder to this Birdie how incredibly fortunate she is to have such a Jaunty-hearted fella.

 

One of the things this Bird always remembers about the holidays was in the days between Christmas and New Year's, her Jaunty Mother always pressed upon her the need to write out thank-you notes to all the kind and generous souls who gave gifts. What felt like a chore as a wee chicklet, now feels like a vital rite of etiquette, especially with all the rapid-fire communication avenues available to woefully send a fast, but lackluster, "THANK U. Catch U L8R!" Call this Bird ye olde-fashioned, but there's something pleasantly civilized about sending a note in the mail, showing thanks and appreciation for a genuine sentiment of generosity. Plus, one can't deny the joy of getting a letter. It's something an email or text message can never replace, the tactile sensation of opening an envelope, unfolding a note, and seeing something written by hand and sent with affection.

Continuing this sentiment of thanks, and to honor my Jaunty Mother's sage wisdom, I wish to write out an open letter of gratitude to everyone who has visited The Jaunty Magpie in its first year as a fashion, art, and personal style blog:

Dearest Readers and Visitors,

I wish to extend my most sincere thanks to you all for taking the time to visit this Bird online to peer through the posts, to leave such thoughtful comments, and chatting over Twitter. It has been an extra special treat to be able to meet fellow bloggers in the area, and make new friends -- truly the greatest gift of all! This Birdie feels truly blessed and humbled by the kindness shown.

It has been barely a year since the Jaunty Magpie perched itself online to share her thoughts, musings and periodic peeks into her rumpled wardrobe. Your kindness is most appreciated and something that has thoroughly imbued this blog with the inspiration to continue searching for lovely and thoughtful discoveries. Really and truly, this blog would not be anything without the support of you -- readers and friends -- who have been so generous with encouragement and praise.  

In the new year, this Bird resolves to continue exploring the world of fanciful things. I will carry on the browsing of whimsical finds for Fancy posts, keep creating collages of inspired Moods, as well as singular treasures and thoughts full of J'adore. The Jaunty Magpie has always been about being a resourceful Bird, and the Inspired posts showing items photographed from her own wardrobe will march onward, remaining a Polyvore-free site (not that I don't like it; I'm just weird and stubborn).

So please accept my utmost Jaunty Thanks for your supportive kindness, and I wish you all the very best in the new year!

With love and affection,
denise the magpie

 

This Bird is now a Lady of Leisure and has been taking advantage of her spare time to really enjoy the holidays and keep a festive spirit. Sure, sure, I could be spending the days curled up on the couch watching The View, eating all the holiday treats that friends have been so kind to give (mmm... homemade chocolate-frosted biscotti!), but no, that is not the Jaunty Way! The icy-cold weather has been frightful, but the lack of rain has been delightful, so off the Magpie flew one evening, to get a glimpse of Seattle's Pike Place Market, bedecked in its holiday finery.

By the dying light of the sunset's glow, the neon flickers on and all the extra little holiday decorations light up the Market. On weeknights, it's mostly neighborhood foot traffic, so there's no tourist-catcalling with thrown fish, just people wanting to do their after-work shopping. The seafood is still fresh, the produce even more crisp in the dry freezing air, and the smell of a warm supper from nearby restaurants is a tempting thing.

People bought fresh Christmas trees right at the main entrance of the Market. They're set up on the cobblestones and I saw people walking them back to nearby apartments, like a scene from a movie. Walking further north, away from the Market, I get to the Belltown neighborhood. I caught sight of a shop that had a window display to charm any sweet tooth -- clothing made of candy! Pure, sugary heaven! It was a wonderful dessert for the eyes, finishing off a holiday feast for the senses. If you live in the area, I recommend a brisk winter walk up and down First, to feel Seattle's holiday spirit. Even if you live in another city, find a favorite main street downtown and find some seasonal cheer.

This Bird has a childhood love of all things felt -- it's simple, soft, and comforting. When I first stumbled across My Perennial several years ago, I was twitterpainted by the felt flowers used to decorate scarves -- it inspired my own handmade holiday gifts the following year! Since then, their fuzzy products have moved on to home decor and other accessories. Still doubting the power of felt? The Almighty Martha Stewart found their items to be as endlessly charming as I hope you do. {1} Holiday Stockings {2} "Martha" tote {3} Silk Screened Scarf