Home for the Holidays

the new painting is finally up on the wall the cherished nutcracker stocking has been hung. It was knitted by a friend in North Carolina for my son Tristan
The Living Room in my home
The entry table with a white theme for Christmas this year includes a shell tree and coral-esque tree.

This old steamer trunk from Italy is almost one hundred years old. It passed through Ellis Island enroute to Long Island and contained the personal effects of a teenage girl who was about to mark her new life in America. Growing up she was a neighbor of mine and the "grandma" to all who knew her. I cherish this piece that was given to me by her granddaughter and it now houses all of my precious photos and keepsakes. It has traveled many oceans.

My beloved seafan collection in an IKEA basket

My son likes to change out his nautical flag hanging pocket holder with seasonal books. One of his top picks this season of course "The Polar Express"

One of many of my shell collections. Each handpicked at a favorite beach on my travels.

The Shell bowl. Reminds me of snowballs. The pinecone comes from a recent trail ride in Long Island.

The coral-like wreaths at the front door.

a lone purple blossom along the bike trail. Nature's gifts abound.

I fell in love with these wild berry bushes. These were like red flames dotting the woods.

me along the trail at Bethpage State Park on Long Island

My trip to Long Island for Thanksgiving was full of nature, food, and family and for the most part mild temperatures. The pinecones and acorns my son and I collected are now proudly displayed in our home admist seashells and ornaments. His island classmates were amazed to see the little acorns in person this morning when I dropped him off at preschool. I have been decking the halls with little touches and wanted to share some pics of my home with you. I hope you all delight in the wonder and magic of the holidays with all the little things that make it so special. I am keeping it simple and as fuss-free as possible.

Hello Harbor

Seas the Day notecard. Cute enough to frame!

blue crab set of 8 folded notecards

photos courtesy of designer - Hello Harbor

Katherine Clark is the designer behind the luxe stationery brand Hello Harbor. She grew up in the midwest dreaming of living by the sea. Back then she got by browsing through magazines like Coastal Living. Her dream was soon realized when her husband attended college in the Chesapeake Bay town of Annapolis, Maryland. There she became "submerged" as she puts it into the nautical lifestyle. "I became inspired by the light airy feel of living by the coast, but also the vibrant colors of everything from beach bungalows to lush plants and flowers." I fell in love with her stationery sets and I know you will love them too! They make the perfect personalized gift for the holidays. Order your set today!

Island Style for Kids

photos courtesy of Hot Lava Clothing:
Butterfly Garden Peasant Top

light purple Hawaiian print skirt

If you are looking for casual boho inspired fashion for your kids search no more. Tammy is the designer behind Hot Lava Clothing which hails from Hawaii. She began her clothing line a few years ago and draws daily inspiration for her designs from her fab 5 children. Tammy loves creating original tailored fashion pieces as opposed to buying something mass manufactured in a factory. She often creates a few sizes in various designs to keep it unique and special. The tropical breezes, beautiful colors and laid back lifestyle of Hawaii inspires her creations. Be sure to visit her shop for fabulous ready-to-wear pieces for your little one's. She will be launching her boys line very soon. Hot Lava Clothing is also giving you a chance to win a gift certificate. To enter visit their blog for more info. ~Mahalo!

pod posey peasant dress

red hibiscus skirt

Cute as a Button

seahorse pocket mirror by Flirt Buttons

The holidays are right around the corner and soon after the turkey is stuffed it will be time to ponder the Christmas gift list once again. Sharon Britt is the designer behind this adorable collection called Flirt Buttons. Her fascination with creating them began back in her elementary school years. I came across her work the other day and knew I had to feature her sweet designs. They would make the perfect stocking stuffers for Christmas. She offers every subject under the sun and her line consists of buttons, bracelets, bottle openers, paper clips, pendants, hairpins and much more. Great for friends, grandma, mom, and the little one's alike. Check out her shop on Etsy. She also has an inspiration blog to keep her fans up to date with her latest concepts.

Cocktails Bottle Opener

key ring on back makes it perfect for hanging on your beach tote.

Wednesday Island Sightings

Red Ginger Flower Northside

old school shutters in town

Banana Tree on the East End

sugar cane sold at a farmstand in town

Waterfront Fruit Stand

cow in tutu

So I never leave my house without a camera in my hand. I make several stops along the many routes I take here on St. Thomas to snap away. Talk about sensory overload. These are some of the island subjects that caught my eye today. Everyday is a new encounter and discovery. On to the next painting...

Tuesday Inspiration

Top: "Beach Day Races" acrylic on canvas -36" x 48" by: Gina Feddersen

Bottom: detail of girl

I just completed a new painting inspired my 5 year old son at play on Magens Beach here on St. Thomas. Hoping it will inspire you to take time out today to have fun and be playful!

Little Coral Luxuries

For me this time of the year is all about fantasy and shopping fun! I am always on the hunt for fabulous finds featuring one of my favorite seaside subjects, CORAL! I can't get enough of it! Walking through my home and also out in the garden coral is a definite theme. I love to fill bowls and vases with coral I have collected that have washed up along beaches here in St. Thomas. I also love to see how others interpret this natural ocean wonder into fashion and home decor. Here are a few little luxuries I came across today that might just be on your Christmas wish list this year. I wouldn't mind one of these in my Christmas stocking.

Bagborroworsteal.com bag
Alexis Bittar bracelet
Alex Woo bracelet
Vivre.com brush
Lolita Lempicka fragrance

Isola Bella now at the Mermaid Hut

The Mermaid Hut is now carrying Isola Bella Linens. Check out this amazing shop today for all of your seaside decor!

Isola Bella Interview & Giveaway

Thanks to SeaLaura a seaside loving blog out of Southern California for featuring me today. I have a fun stationery and totebag giveaway on it this week.

Block-Printed Notecards now available on our Shopping Site

Coastal Living magazine will be featuring the Isola Bella "Palm Leaves" block-printed notecard in their February 2010 issue. I will make sure to post the feature as soon as I get it.

Due to popular demand I have added the entire notecard collection to the online store. Fill one of our medium gift totes with these little lovelies and you will have the perfect gift to give to the holiday hostess. Shop online now!