Classic Dining Chairs

Entertain in style with these classic dining chairs. By Lysa Pelletier. Photograph by Sharon White.

1. French oak chair, $235, C’est La Vie. 2. William Sheppe leather woven chair, $325, Comina. 3. Chocolate linen chair, $395, Red Bird Trading Co. 4. Blue stained chair, $3,195 (set of eight), Cargo Unlimited. 5. French leather and burlap chair, $960, Savoir Faire. Read more

Hit the Slopes in Style

Head downhill with the best gear this winter. By Lysa Pelletier. Photographs by Sharon White.

(Left - Right Top Row:) 1. Burton Ruler snowboard boots, $140, REI. 2. Oakley Danny Kass googles, $144.99, Buchika’s. 3. Smith Heiress googles, $115, Thunder. 4. Smith helmet, $160, REI. 5. Scott ski poles, $45, Sports Stop Wenham. 6. Line Prophet 100 skis, $649.95, Putnam’s Ski & Snowboard Shop. (Left - Right Bottom Row) 7. Flow Scotty Lago Quantum Snowboard, $449.95, Putnam’s. 8. Ride Contraband snowboard bindings, $219, Putnam’s. 9. Marker Baron ski bindings, $399.95, Putnam’s. 10. Salomon Shogun 173 skis, $659, Buchika’s. 11. Technica  Dragon ski boots, $649, Buchika’s. Read more

Northshore Wedding Guide 2010

Thinking of tying the knot? Have you ever dreamed of hosting a destination wedding? Why travel half-way across the world, when the air is perfumed with romance on the North Shore? By Stacey Marcus Read more

Earth-Friendly Paper Decor

Be good to the earth with stylish paper decor. By Lysa Pelletier. Photographs by Sharon White.

1. Deborah Zemke Doodles tear-off placemats, $10.99, Strawberry Tree. 2. Tord Boontje laser-cut paper chandelier, $74, Helen Thomas. 3. Epicurean paper cutting boards, $12.99 to $39.99, Shubie’s Marketplace. 4. Fred “Pick Your Nose” cups, $10, Chameleon. 5. F.B. Fogg paper sheep head clock, $200, Andover Gift Shop. 6. Flexible Love Chair 8, $395, Debby Krim Designs. 7. Acacia Creations recycled paper bead necklace, $31, Comina. 8. R. Pulvermacher paper mâché waste basket, $238, Comina. 9. Museum  paper art cubes, $12, Chameleon. Read more

Statement Belts

Spice up your ensemble with these statement belts. By Lysa Pelletier

1. KIKI & Shea floral reversible belt,  $54, Helen Thomas. 2. S.E. grey leather wrap belt, $200, French + Italian. 3. Mali Sabatasso butterfly belt, $487, Gia Ventola. 4. D.L. Rhein leopard jeweled belt, $198, Native Sun. 5. Sandy Duffler metal circle belt, $170, J.Mode. 6. Linea Pelle black and gold skinny wrap belt, $102, Dresscode. 7. Morocan leather leaf belt, $52, Andover Gift Shop. 8. Rough Roses green leather belt, $74, Glee. Read more

Fabulous Finds

Perfect Gift!
Our best selling monograms make perfect gifts.  Treat yourself and your friends!  A perfectly personal touch. Vintage Modern Initial Bracelet with Pearl $80.00 Initial Necklace with Pearl    $60.00. Baubles Fine Jewelry, 1 Post Office Square, Lynnfield, MA, 01940, 781-592-6110,baublesfinejewelry.com

Whimsical Creations
Kirsten Bassion’s unexpected combinations of colors and patterns make her ceramics distinctive yet functional pieces of art. mimi is proud to represent local ceramic artists like Kirsten, along with jewelry, glass and fine artists. Open seven days.  Mimi, 26 Market Street, Ipswich, 978-356-0804, mimi-gifts.com

Live, Love & Laugh at LUNA TUNA
Come add a spark to your day and ignite your creativity. Discover art and artifacts that inspire the imagination, delight the senses and boost the spirits.  Relish gifts that you don’t need, but cannot resist, for those you love, including yourself. Embark on a treasure hunt for the perfect find, and enjoy a chat, both heartwarming and full of surprises, that can take you around the world.  LUNA TUNA GALLERY.  Furnishings & Adornments by Local & Global Artisans.  Bridal Registry.  ORNAMENTAL FLORA.  Flowers by Luna Tuna.  Creative Floral Design, Weddings & Events, Wreaths & Arrangements. Luna Tuna, 4 Elm Street, Ipswich, 978-356-8848, lunatunagallery.com

Snuggle up Pup!
Warm and cuddly, a Trundle bed is a cozy place for a tired dog or cat to nap.  Fold the 3-way Trundle into a nest or place it on its side like a tunnel or stretch it flat like a matt, this furry bed is sure to be a favorite sleeping spot!  The Trundle is available in many colors and styles of soft fun fur. Gone to the Dogs, 55 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA,  01880, 781-245-6787, gonetothedogsgifts.com

Decadent Treats
A distinctive gift box from Ovedia Artisan Chocolates will delight your chocolate lover.  Hand-crafting and incomparably fresh ingredients make these smooth rich truffles, buttery caramels and unique barks simply sensational, 36 Main St. Rear, Amesbury, 978-388-7700, ovedia.com

The Beauty Cafe… Kai Fragrance Collection
The fresh, clean, sexy scent of Kai is sure to be on the top of many holiday wishlists, including Oprah’s famous “O-list.” Other celeb devotees of this delicious gardenia fragrance include Jennifer Garner, Lauren Conrad, and Charlize Theron to name a few. The beauty cafe carries Kai’s entire line of lush bath and fragrance products, all infused with the intoxicating tropical scent. Discover Kai and other gorgeous gifts for the special people on your holiday shopping list. The Beauty Cafe, 2A Wayside Commoms, Burlington, 781-273-1700, thebeautycafe.nu

Spiritual Elegance
Inspired by Eastern cultures, Me&Ro creates jewelry that is spirited and modern.  This sterling silver pendant is engraved with a lotus flower holding 7 chakras in its petals. The lotus flower, found through out Me&Ro’s collection, is the Hindu symbol of creation.  The necklace’s subtle elegance explores the beauty of nature and the balance of form.  Jambu has a wide selection of Me&Ro and is one of only 6 stores in Massachusetts privileged to carry this exclusive line. JAMBU Inspired Jewelry, 38 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, 781-639-9600, jambujewelry.com

Glass Ice Bottle Stoppers
These funky glass ice cube bottle stoppers will fancy up that bottle of wine you bring to the neighborhood holiday open house.  Brightly colored glass, colorful beads, and twisty wire accents adorn these festive stoppers. $14 each, assorted colors.  Available at Sense of Wonder - A unique destination for gifts, jewelry,furnishings, and fabulous home accessories. Sense of Wonder, 99 Turnpike Street (Eaglewood Shops), North Andover, 978.686.6500, senseofwondergifts.com

Green Fairy of Hope
“Money raised will go directly toward finding gentler healthier ways to treat cancer.” Shipshape is a destination store for Patience Brewster ornaments, pillows and hand towels. Shipshape, 128 Washington Street, Marblehead, 781-631-7477, shipshapemarblehead.com

OHMMM for the Holidays!
This time of year can be rather stressful, so how do you keep it a completely joyous occasion? At Sankofa Massage & Bodywork, Tye Burrell’s gifted expertise works pure holiday magic. Individually tailored Thai Foot Massages, Deep Tissue, Reiki, or Relaxation Massages await your presence. Tye, a registered nurse who mastered her craft in Thailand will restore your energy and deftly heal your aches and pains from head to toe. Receive what you truly deserve for the holidays. Inner peace. Sankofa Massage & Bodywork, 44 Ocean Street, Lynn, MA, 781-588-2107, sankofamassage.com

Ready for the Party?
With gdesign’s new Party Popper necklace, you won’t need much else! Fused silver on art glass, hand-hammered silver, a luxurious silver snake chain, and Swarovski crystals combine to create a one-of-a-kind necklace that will set you apart from the crowd! Matching earrings make this a perfect duo for your holiday parties. Gail Zona creates unique ‘wearable art’ in glass, metal, and stone for the discriminating jewelry fanatic at gdesign. See gdesign’s unique jewelry at the Newburyport Art Association’s Holiday Show at the Newburyport Art Association’s Galleries from November 13 - December 24. gdesign, Newburyport, MA, gdesignontheweb.com

A Natural Manicure that Lasts Two Weeks!
The latest breakthrough in manicuring is at spa ni’joli & salon!  Gel polish is applied to your natural nails for a beautiful look & feel with no chipping. Polish lasts for up to two weeks & requires no drying time!
spa ni’joli,116 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, 978-682-9772, nijoli.com

Monk Approved
Prepare to be enlightened by our hand carved and hand painted cabinet imported from Tibet. This multi-functional masterpiece now resides at our address, and is patiently waiting to grace your domain. Inner harmony abounds at Urban Elements where you’ll discover a universe of holiday gifts from around the world ranging from aromatherapy candles, to inspiring jewelry, to intoxicating home decor. Journey well. Urban Elements Home Accents and Gift Boutique, 230 Essex Street, Salem, 978-666-4408, urbanelementshome.com

Good Enough to Eat!
You’ll love the attention you’ll get wearing this triple strand cranberry pearl necklace to all your holiday events. The necklace features two strands of large cranberry colored pearls intertwined with one strand of smaller pearls and an attractive sterling silver contemporary closure. Gemologist Sivan Sergott creates necklaces using the finest in natural gemstone beads and pearls. Stop by to see her latest collection or have her create something uniquely yours. Visit them this holiday season to see what other “treasures” Treasures Over Time has in store for you. Treasures Over Time, 139 Washington Street, Salem, 978-745-2330, treasuresovertime.com

Surroundings… a lifestyle
This little French chair is one of the many unique,affordable and timeless pieces of furniture that you will find at Surroundings. The staff is dedicated to assisting you to chose just the right piece for your home and today’s lifestyle or the perfect gift for someone special. Surroundings is recognized for it’s beautiful fabrics and understated detail that make all of their furnishings just what you have been looking for. Surroundings, 96 Washington Street, Marblehead, 781-639-0676

Uniquely Elegant
Bruce Rogers specializes in unique handmade jewelry designs. Complete on-site jewelry design, repair and fabrication services utilizing state-of-the-art laser technology. Bruce Rogers Jewelry, 51 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, 781-631-8399, brucerogersjewelry.com

Yankee Fireplace
Give your entire family the gift of a warm and toasty home this winter. Jotul’s Oslo woodstove will make the hearth the heart of your home this holiday season and for years to come.  The Oslo’s beautiful enamel over cast iron body combines non-catalytic clean burn technology and open door fire viewing… and Jotul Oslo is a high-efficiency wood stove that qualifies for the up to $1500.00 tax credit, so your gift to your family will be both energy efficient and cost efficient. The entire Jotul woodstove line is available for your viewing pleasure at our vast showrooms.  Come in today and be warm by the holidays! Yankee Fireplace, 140 South Main Street, Middleton, 01949, 978-774-1621, or 1200 Portland Road, Arundel, Maine, 207-467-8130, Yankeefireplace.com

Dress Up!
Beverly native and jewelry designer Kay Frazer started “Ear Candy by Kay” as a result of never being able to find the perfect jewelry to match an outfit. She specializes in custom jewelry, jewelry repair and transforming vintage jewelry into something modern.  She uses only the finest quality crystals, pearls and semi-precious stones.  Visit Mason & Madison on Thursday, December 3rd from 5-8pm for a fabulous Trunk Show featuring her designs… just in time for your holiday party or that special gift!  Featured: Turquoise Porcelain, Czech Crystal, Wooden Beads with Pewter Clasp Necklace $45, Bracelet $18, Earrings $16, more colors available. Mason & Madison… Gifts with Style, 2 Central Street, Middleton, 978-777-8883, masonandmadison.com

Holiday Gift Guide

The season of giving brings out the best in us. But finding the right item can sometimes make it the season of getting (frustrated, that is). Fear not; we’ve searched high and low for the best gifts this holiday season, so you can sit back and wait for the thank you cards to roll in.

• Holiday Gift Guide: Men
• Holiday Gift Guide: Women
• Holiday Gift Guide: Kids
• Holiday Gift Guide: Teens
• Holiday Gift Guide: Office

The Hive Cape Ann

Mention the words “art” and “North Shore” in the same sentence and most people conjure up images of majestic boats sailing under pink skies on wind-tossed seas or sand dollars sprawled across the beach. Read more

Fabulous Finds

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Healingbaskets.co offers the most unique and thoughtful baskets for all types of cancer. Shown here is A Basketful of Courage. Other unique baskets include Cancer Warrior, Hope in a Tote, To Let You Know I Care, Circle Of Friends and Healing In Progress. Healing Baskets, Manchester-By-The-Sea, MA 01944, 978-526-1229, healingbaskets.com

 

In Need of a Little Relaxation?

Spa ni’joli & salon, the recent recipient of BONS 2009 “Best Day Spa,” is a place you won’t want to miss this fall. It has two newly renovated floors with top notch salon & spa services connected by a private elevator. Spa ni’joli offers everything from trendy haircuts & creative color to eyelash extensions, massages, & facials. Get Newbury Street treatment for half the price! spa ni’joli,116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, 978-682-9772, nijoli.com

 

“Wearable Art”

Quick! Catch those leaves before they blow away! The Swirling Leaves necklace features cute little art glass acorns, a gdesign original, peeping through beautiful Swarovski crystal leaves, fastened by a hand-hammered leaf clasp. Matching acorn earrings make this a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe. Gail Zona creates unique ‘wearable art’ in glass, metal, and stone for the discriminating jewelry fanatic at gdesign. See the 2009 Fall/Holiday Collection at the Newburyport Fall Harvest Festival Oct 11-12. gdesign, Newburyport, MA, gdesignontheweb.com

 

The Reflective Designer

The Reflective Designer’s decorating team handles all your home and office furnishing needs including furniture, flooring, window treatments, upholstery, accessories and lighting with white glove professional help. The Reflective Designer specializes in color and reaches new levels of influencing the mood of each room that they decorate. From in stock decorative fabrics starting at $10.00 yd to the comfort of that perfect upholstered piece of furniture there is no better place to develop your decorating plans than The Reflective Designer. The Reflective Designer, 19 North Main Street, Middleton, 01949, 978-750-0005, reflectivedesigner.com

 

Rethink Healthy Cooking

Cook with less oil and save energy with the best-selling Crispy Steelux frying pans, which feature the patented bumpy Novogrill surface that’s perfect for healthy grilling and frying. Made in Germany with a lifetime warranty. Eurostoves, Inc - The Culinary Centre, 45 Enon Street (Rt 1A), Commodore Plaza, Beverly, 01915 , 866-558-0007, eurostoves.com

 

Yankee Fireplace

The cold New England air will soon be blowing and we’ll want nothing more than to be warm and cozy in our homes. Now is the time to warm your home cost-effectively and take advantage of the up to $1500.00 tax credit for purchasing a high efficiency Jotul wood stove from Yankee Fireplace. Jotul’s classic designs with signature Gothic arch design and large fire viewing area is sure to make this hearth the heart of your home. Yankee Fireplace, 140 South Main Street, Middleton, 01949, 978-774-1621, or 1200 Portland Road, Arundel, Maine, 207-467-8130, Yankeefireplace.com

 

 

Prepare to be Charmed

Select a necklace, mix & match hand stamped discs with charms and dangles and you’ve created a personalized bauble. Choose from our selection of sterling silver charms and stone dangles or customize your own. Baubles Fine Jewelry, 1 Post Office Square, Currier Plaza, Lynnfield, 781-592-6110, baublesfinejewelry.com

 

Dress Up!

Teresa Capela believes every doll deserves a great wardrobe, so she offers her own exclusive handmade doll clothing forAmerican Girl Dolls®. Teresa’s Creations; her budget friendly line of doll clothing, shoes, accessories and furniture are the perfect fit for your favorite American Girl Doll®. Girls can also express themselves with matching clothing for themselves and their doll. She accepts custom orders, so if you have something special in mind, she’ll create that unique doll outfit you’re looking for. Rich fabrics, pretty details and creative designs add a magical touch to her stylish collection of dresses, pajamas, coats, pant/skirt sets, and holiday outfits…a must have for your little girl! 2-piece set $35. Mason & Madison… Gifts with Style, 2 Central St., Middleton, 978-777-8883, masonandmadison.com

 

The Beauty Cafe

With the colder months upon us, our current obsessions are without a doubt Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate exfoliating treatment and Quench hydrating face serum. You can find Kate Somerville and other cult faves like Stila, Smashbox, Bare Escentuals, Mario Badescu, Red Flower, Apothia, Alora, Kai, and many more. One thing’s for sure, this boutique always has something new to get excited about, from the fabulous jewelry and the “must have” handbags to the delicious cupcakes in the cafe. It’s more than just shopping….it’s an experience. The Beauty Cafe, 2A Wayside Commoms, Burlington, 01803, 781-273- 1700, thebeautycafe.nu

 

Meet Judy…

This chair and ottoman is only part of the wonderful washable slipcovered furniture collection at Timeless Interiors. Come see the rest of the family and discover how you and your family can truly enjoy your furniture without worry. Visit our shop for other unique treasures both large and small. Affordable luxury inspired by: Timless Interiors, 586 Hale Street, Prides Crossing at Beverly Farms, 978-922-2444

Chic Consignment Closet

Andover’s Chic Consignment Closet: Not your grandma’s thrift store. By Alyssa Giacobbe. Photographs by Brianna Moore. Read more

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