WHEW. We're back! We hope your holidays were festive and fun. Are you back in the swing of things yet? (We're getting there...slowly.)
To get organized, we've updated this year's calendars (we have several), and thought we'd share some of our favorites with you. Today it's wall calendars--look for desk versions later this week.
We love everything from Rifle Paper Co., and their Cities calendar is no exception. It doesn't hurt that London is featured on my birthday month.

A go-to for exquisite letterpress is Mr Boddington. Each month features a hand-illustrated design, and you'll want to frame each when the year is up.

We've seen moon phase calendars before, but this one from Rendij Studio is striking.

And finally, a moody take on botanicals from Snow & Graham. We love the high contrast illustrations.

While kids generally dread heading back to school, most adults admit to loving school supply shopping. Tom Hanks' character summed up my feelings for school supplies when he told Meg Ryan he would send her "a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils."
So what the heck--treat yourself to a little back-to-fall fun.

We love the simplicity of this glass water bottle. Environmentally friendly, but perfectly portable in your work bag.

Did you spend study hall daydreaming about whether Brenda and Dylan would get together on 90210? These power couple pencils are fantastic.

You may be brown-bagging it to lunch today, but have you seen Marie Turnor's accessories? Leather gives the look a whole new meaning.

What are your favorite grown-up school supplies?

As we gear up for Father's Day, we thought we'd highlight a few types of dads. 
Our dads are a little challenging to buy for. Mine would rather watch a science documentary than football, and Allison's dad is most likely to be found spending his weekends at an estate auction. They're not average--and that's why we love them.
So here we go--Gifts For Nerdy Dads.

You really can't go wrong with food. I've never known a dad to turn away imported beers, and interesting nut mixes. (Seriously.)

For dried fruit, you won't believe the selection that Meduri has.

Not only do they taste amazing, but the are gorgeous; everything from stone fruits to berries--even dried mandarin oranges. My dad usually says he'll take one of each.

If you're dad's a little nutty, try an assortment from Krema Nut Company.

Around Christmas time, Krema usually has lines out the door. This time of year, it's a bit more manageable. They've been roasting nuts for over a hundred years, and each small batch has been created under the watchful eye of the same roaster for 25 years. 

Have a dad who's a real carnivore? You won't believe the jerky available at J+J Meats in Cleveland. Once featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate, you'll understand why with just one bit. Their jerky? Well...it's like eating a fine steak. 

Finally, go for an assortment of imported lagers. World Market always has a great selection. Our dads are partial to Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

You'll forgive us for one last Jubilee post. (After all, today IS the big concert.)

In celebration, we are sharing our version of a favorite cocktail from the UK:
a Pimm's No. 1 Cup.  This drink is a great refreshing summer cocktail and is great made in a large pitcher. For the Pimlico version we have swapped the traditional lemonade for San Pellegrino Limonata to give it a bit more sparkle, and we left out the mint to keep it purely fruity. Hope you find a fun way to celebrate today!

The Pimlico Pimm's No. 1 Cup
One part Pimm's No. 1
Three Parts San Pellegrino Limonata
Sliced Cucumber, Orange and Strawberry.
Serve over ice and allow the fruits to steep before serving.

A year ago, Allison and I were staking out a spot outside the Goring Hotel in London. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of Kate in her wedding dress, and our patience paid off with this shot:

According to tradition, the first anniversary gift should be paper. So in honor of the happy couple, we’ve selected a few royally suitable gifts.

From England, this framed paper heart is simple and sentimental.

Joe Bagley's Etsy shop has sweet paper cutouts what would look great above a night stand.

And this Society 6 print sums it up nicely.

Happy Anniversary Kate + Wills!

Since Earth Day is this weekend, here are a few ideas if you're looking to "give green".

I have three Baggu totes, and I use them all the time. They're colorful, durable, and fold into tiny pockets easily.

For picking and serving summer berries from the garden, these market baskets from Jayson Home are perfection. As a gift, include a book with pie and jam recipes.

When it comes to gift wrap, opt for a panel of organic fabric, tied around a box. The design's in Chewing the Cud's Etsy shop are priceless, and could be used as art after the gift is unwrapped.

Finally, you can never go wrong with flowers. The best kind are fresh-picked from a local farmers market. Take inspiration from the arrangements from Olive & Cocoa. The flowers are bold, and usually paired with rustic, reusable containers.

Happy Earth Day!