More books I want

I really have to stop looking at the craft books in Borders. I find more I want all the time. I did, however, get one of the books from my previous list - Denyse Schmidt's Quilts. I couldn't wait until my birthday and just went ahead and bought it. I'm excited to get started on my first quilt. I'd also like to learn how to make my own books. Does anyone have any suggestions on good books about making books?

Favorite thing: Green & Black Chocolate

I love chocolate and Green & Black chocolate is some of my favorite. I'm telling you this now so you can start dropping hints in time for Valentine's Day. You can buy it at some Kroger stores, Whole Foods, or Earth Fare. And while we are on the topic of chocolate ... for those of you who live in the Knoxville area, Magpies is having their monthly cupcake tasting this Friday night from 4 - 7. The flavors this month are Chocolate Covered Cherry, White Chocolate Strawberry, and Red Hot Chocolate. Hopefully, I'll see you there! (Did you know that in the new issue of the Rachel Ray magazine she names Magpies as one of the best places to get cupcakes in the entire nation?!)

Favorite thing: Virgil's Root Beer

I've never been a big root beer fan, but I cannot get enough of Virgil's! It has been a great find since I'm trying to eliminate high fructose corn syrup from my life (no more Dr. Pepper :( !). It is filled with wonderful natural herbs and spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen, and anise and no caffeine. I highly recommend it. (By the way, it is really hard to do a blog entry while holding a 15 month old.)

Jill Bliss

I discovered Jill Bliss a few years ago and really enjoy her whimsical designs. She sells paper goods, posters, and fabric goods along with some magnets and pins. If you're looking for unique gifts for people on your Christmas list, check out her website.

Lotta Jansdotter

I had to put up at least one post on my blog about my favorite designer - Lotta Jansdotter. I was fortunate enough in June to go to a launch party at her Brooklyn studio for her new book, and I got to talk to her and her family and the members of her very small staff. They are all very kind (and very creative) people. I absolutely love her stuff and would buy everything she put out if I could afford it. However, she has published two fabulous books, Simple Sewing and Lotta Prints, that teach you how to make beautiful things all on your own. If you are looking for a gift for someone or yourself, checkout her website. Happy browsing!