My friends and I recently got into a discussion about our photos being held hostage on our iPhones, to print or not to print and in general, just what to do with all of them. One friend keeps a family blog where she uploads favorite moments for posterity, others print and make photo books and some (me) just keep their photos forever locked away on their phones and in iPhoto. Here a couple of unique ideas.

Some of you may have seen A Beautiful Mess’ DIY Instax Wallpaper post last week. The image of the gorgeous wallpaper has been pinned like crazy and is seriously inspired. While I love it, I don’t know that I’ll get around to making it anytime soon- although it is filed away for a future project. I love the size of the Instax wide photos too and that the photos actually come from an instant camera. The idea is pretty awesome. Find the Fujifilm and camera here, it’s already on my Amazon wish list.

In the meantime, my friend Amy sent me a photo of her little Instawall in her home office. This is a very simple DIY idea for those of you wanting the look without the time to put into printing wallpaper. I’m stealing this idea pronto. So simple and cute. Amy just used double stick tape to attach to her wall in a neat grid. She lives in Hong Kong so the humidity has made the edges curl up a bit which I think makes it look even cooler. Print out your Instagrams on your home printer or via Prinstagram in either 2.5 x 2.5 mini squares or 4 x 4 squares. Such a cute and stylish way to personalize your space. Thanks Am!

Groovebook is another easy (and cheap) printing option. For $2.99 you can upload up to 100 photos per month and Groovebook will send you your photo book with perforated pages for easy tearing. There seems to be no catch except that you need to remember to utilize it every month as you will be charged the $2.99. Email reminders are sent out as your print date approaches. If you’re into the printed photo, there is now no excuse not to print and make books with something this easy. It may not be the most amazing quality but for convenience and posterity, it is a good option.

And for those, not looking to print but keep it digital, Amy found this great resource for creating a photo calendar/journal of your littles or family- Tinybeans. An easy way to keep a photo journal and record of your littles’ milestones or whatever you wish. Upload photos daily or however often you like. Very cool, as a longtime city dweller with no storage space for boxes of photos and photo books, this is totally my speed.

Flayvr looks to be an interesting organizational app for your photos and videos as well. It automatically organizes media by event and date. Fortune Magazine point to Flayvr as being one of seven apps to watch in 2013. Read the CNN money article here. It’s free as well, I just downloaded it and will try it out. It looks pretty cool. To quote one of my favorite heroines, Annie Warbucks, “I think I’m gonna like it here.”

{Image Credit: DIY Instax Wallpaper photo by A Beautiful Mess, Instawall photo by Amy Har-Even}

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My friend Teri posted this photo of the rosé aisle at her local wine shop in St. Barts. She and her hubby spend 4 months a year in paradise, lucky girl. On this bitter cold and snow-covered January morning, I’m taking a lovely little couch trip to this magical place where there lives an overabundance of rosé and a seemingly endless amount of joie de vivre. Nothing cheers up the winter blues like a splash of the pretty pink juice and visions of white sand, stylish people and a clear blue sky and sea. A girl can dream.

My pretend suitcase contains: (well- all except for the Tempier rosé, which I will later imbibe on my couch while visions of seashells dance in my head).

1. Kevyn’s Aucoin’s Forever Matte Lipstick- this stuff is brilliant, I love the bold and vibrant matte finish. 2. I’d pack Hemingway’s Islands in the Stream both because I’ve never read this posthumously printed novel set in the Caribbean and  because I love the title. Who doesn’t love Dolly and Kenny’s version, especially on a good karaoke night. 3. This little Tibi jacquard dress is a splurge but this is a couch trip so whatevs. 4. Movie star worthy Elizabeth and James shades. 5. It’s a good thing this is a couch trip because my post-bebes body is not ready for a bikini. But if it were, it’s got to be: pink fringe- because it’s St. Barts, not Vero Beach. Calypso St. Barth.  6. Kate Spade’s Harrison Street passport case- it’s just so snazzy. 7. Calypso’s chiffon tie bracelet. 8. The Bardot sandal by Rebecca Minkoff.  9. J.Crew’s Farmer’s Market Tote- affordable and classically cute. 10. Oh just the best damn rosé I have ever had. In my top 10 wines. Not cheap for a rosé but unbelievably complex with chocolate, spices and red fruit, a real beaut. Domaine Tempier Bandol rosé. 11. An ombre scarf that goes with everything. A little pricey but I’m quite sure I’ll wear this everyday on this pretend getaway, not to mention all spring and summer long. 12. Don’t you love this cover art redesign! Dr. No is Caribbean appropriate seeing that much of the action takes place in Jamaica. I loved Casino Royale and look forward to reading this one, everyone could use a dose of vintage Bond in their life- especially on pretend vacation. 13. La Sardinia Lomography camera- just because it’s pretty and old school. I used to carry around my Holga, but I like this one better. Bon Voyage!

{Image Credit: Miles and Aisles of Rosé photo by Teresa Reyes}

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My talented friend Claudine Hellmuth is on HSN today with her beautiful designs. She makes darling card kits, scrapbooking kits, stickers- you name it. She is a terrific artist and craft queen extraordinaire. Check her out tonight around 7:35pm EST. Below, a screen shot from her earlier appearance on HSN this morning. Love the dress and baubles, Claudine!

Check out her blog and etsy shop too for some great finds. My family and I have commissioned many a family portrait from Claudine, she is brilliant.

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Meet Natalia Goldman, Volatizing’s very own Clever Girl. This is my new feature on cool crafty-wafty ideas from this creative mom of 4 and one of my besties since college. Go Blue! She’s got oodles of ideas.

What to do with all of those ridiculously adorable Christmas cards you’ve collected over the years. Shove them in a box never to be heard from again? Throw them out- Gasp- what would your Aunt Patty think?

My ingenious friend Natalia came up with another brilliant crafty idea. She insists that all of her ideas are recycled inspiration but isn’t that the best kind? And seriously- when is the last time someone had an original idea? No really, seriously… when? As I wax philosophic over here, please indulge me by chiming in below and telling me what you think the last original idea was. I mean, I know Al Gore believes he invented the internet, but come on. And while we’re at it, has there ever been a truly original idea? Will we ever really know? Where is that time travel machine when you need it? Oh, but then there’s that whole space time continuum thing- never mind. Sheesh, I feel like my head’s about to blow off my body- I could spend all day on this one.

But I digress- back to Natalia’s ingenious, recycled, modified, whatever crafty wafty idea: the Clever Christmas Card Flip-Through Ring. This one’s a keeper. She punches 2 holes in her cards using a 3-hole punch (so that the punching is easy and consistent with each card), trims down the oversized ones, and loops 2 oversized rings through to create a no-brainer nostalgic keepsake for your viewing pleasure.

Perfection.  Or as my friend Kristen put it, “Ridonk.”

P.S.: That’s Natalia’s Christmas Card this year, above. Brilliant, right!

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Michel Chapoutier and Anne-Sophie Pic’s Saint-Peray.
This is an awesome crisp, chalky white for under $20. My tasting notes below, a go-to for me- any night of the week.

Nudo Olive Oil
We adopted an olive tree from a grove and Abruzzo a couple of years ago through Nudo and received these beautiful little tins of olive oil throughout the year. A great idea and a delicious olive oil to boot. I really wanted to go visit our little tree- maybe next time.

My Dutch Bike imports bikes from the Dutch company, Workcycles. These babies are beautiful and the real deal. A bit pricey at around $1900, hey- a girl can dream…

Butter’s Royal Navy is a rich and beautiful navy, I just love a navy nail. Butter is always formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free.

Ok, so they are a bit hipster-ish, but I have to admit- I love these Warby Parkers. I just got mine and really dig them. These are the Zaggs in Tennessee Whiskey.

I am seriously jonesing over these Cobra Rock South Highland boots. Handmade in Marfa, TX. by the coolest couple, Logan Caldbeck and Colt Miller. Even their names are cool.

Jeff Koons designed the ’10 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild label. The most expensive artist on the planet is fitting for this Bordeaux 1st growth.

I’m not a big tat girl, but this is really pretty kickass. Matthew Kaner, beverage director at Bar Covell in LA, sports a northern Rhone-shaped bottle on his arm. Specifically, a Thierry Allemand “Reynard” Cornas Syrah-shaped bottle. Here is a great post on Whitney Adams’ blog, Brunellos Have More Fun, for more info on Matt and his tat.

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1. Egly-Ouriet Brut 1er Cru NV Les Vignes de Vrigny, $59. You seriously cannot go wrong with a bottle of this. Anyone in their right mind will adore it. 100% Pinot Meunier, unusual for a champagne. All of Egly-Ouriet’s wines are special. I’ve been holding on to their 2008 Ambonnay Rouge for years now. I’m thinking I’ll give it 6 or 7 more years, if I can stand it.

2. Apato crescent bottle opener $50. Just cool.

3. A giant gold wishbone from Jayson Home, $48. Because it looks great-would be a cool addition to a centerpiece.

4. John Robshaw bone tray, $198. Beautiful and sparkly. Great for the holidays or anydays.

5. Dwell Studio petrified wood cheese plate, $105. Stinky cheese + petrified wood- ok, I buy it- something about those two together really kind of works.

6. Mini martini glasses, $2.50- for that mini negroni she’ll serve as an aperitif. Because really who needs a huge cocktail before dinner. Ok, maybe some do… but I love the idea of a mini before that first glass of wine.

7. I am jonesing for one of these vintage champagne buckets, $65. No one is alike. Jayson Home will email you photos of available buckets when you order.

8. I just love these little chalkboard napkin rings, $15. A great way to personalize your table without too much effort, and reusable to boot.

9. Marble salt + pepper bowls with gold spoons, $108. These are just pretty & cool. Great looking on a snazzy table.

10. I am loving the Verve flute from Crate & Barrel, $12.95. Champagne glasses are always so delicate, which I like, but it’s nice to switch it up and give some heft to those bubbles.

11. Tear-off gold-flecked confetti placemats for the no-fuss hostess, $25 for a set of 50.

12. Another badass bottle opener, $50.

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Strolling by Anthropologie this morning, ok- shopping at Anthropologie this morning- I snapped a few pics of their store window and interior visuals.

Woodland creatures seem to have taken over the design world- especially owls. I love owls, but it’s getting ridiculous. Still, they are cute visuals.

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1. A classic leather luggage tag for your bags. No more flimsy paper tags that tear off mid-flight.

2. The Analogue Guide Books for London and NYC. More are in the works. Disclaimer: 1/2 of the writing team is a good friend. These books truly guide you to an authentic experience. Sorted by neighborhood as opposed to category (food, drink, etc.), this guide allows you to wander and explore neighborhoods like a local. Find yourself patronizing quaint bookstores (yes, there are still a few), coffee houses, yoga studios, etc., not to mention the biggies (museums, historical sites and the like) but on a local’s level. As a New Yorker for 15 years, I dig everything in this book.

3. A die-cut globe made from chipboard. Fun for a physical mood board.

4. Gorgeous David Klein TWA Africa poster. Who wouldn’t love this? My brother gave me Klein’s TWA New York poster as a gift a few years ago. Wow, what a cool gift.

5. Vintage Air France tin. A fun little resting spot for mail or keys.

6. St. Christopher -patron saint of travel- medallion. I’m not Catholic but I have a thing for saints.

7. Scratch Map. What a fun idea. This would be great hanging above a kitchen table or in the kids’ playroom. Just as fun for adults as it is for kids.

8. Oversized Square Scarf . I’m always looking for the perfect sweater or hoodie to bring on the plane. With that, any iota of style ends up  out the window. Stay awesome and bring the style- this little number is perfect.

9. Crumpled City Maps. How cool- just crumple up this piece of fabric into a ball and cram it in your pocket. Super thin, rip-resistant and waterproof. Of course you could just use your smartphone, but this is so much more fun.

10. Metallic Passport Cover. Because how fun to whip this out at customs. Stamp me, please.

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What winos want.

Wine geeks love a map. Chances are they’ve had to study them extensively as part of their certification. This map takes the major French wine regions and lays them out like a subway map. Very pleasing to the eye and to the brain, I must say. DeLong, $24.95

This Capabunga reusable rubber wine cap is such a duh. I wish I had thought of it. They come in lots of different silly styles. $6.95/2-pack.

Whether your fellow wino has a good nose for wine or not, they’re sure to love this Le Nez du Vin master set. The mack daddy of all smelling kits, this one has 54 aromas- everything from the elusive bilberry to blackcurrant bud to butter. (Hmm- what DOES butter smell like?) I know a couple of Master of Wine candidates that never leave home without these things. They also come in smaller sets. $429.

Give the gift of education. Wine classes are always a great gift for a true oenophile. Even those at the top of their game always have something to learn. If you live in NYC or nearby, Corkbuzz Wine Studio is a fantastic place to take wine classes. Run by one of the world’s few female Masters Sommeliers, these guys know their stuff. The studio serves up great classes as well as being a wine bar and a restaurant. I’d like to find this in my stocking!
*Corkbuzz is offering a free $50 gift card with purchase of a $225 gift card until 12/15. Inquire when purchasing your gift card. They also have a great wine club.

Speaking of wine clubs, who wouldn’t love 6 bottles of great wine delivered every 3 months. And you could do it for $90/shipment with Food & Wine’s Wine Club. That works out to about $15/bottle. Not only a good deal, but you’re in good hands with F&W and Ray Isle’s selections. I’ve always been a fan of Ray Isle’s nose and his unpretentious approach to wine. These bottles are not your run of the mill grocery store wines. You can expect tasty, lively wines and a few indie selections like the boys from Banshee’s Rickshaw Cabernet- an unexpected and punchy little Cab kicked up with a bit of Petite Sirah. Your wino will be in good hands.

I am in love with these simple little shatterproof champagne flutes. They are perfect for a picnic, a party or just a night in by the fire (sans toss). The thumb indention is a nifty little design bonus. $12.95/4-pack tote.

I love the shape of the Tour wine glass by Crate and Barrel. Reminiscent of the more expensive littala glasses, they’re a nice change from the standard shape, and feel sophisticated. $11.95/each

Yeah, it would be nice to own your own vineyard but perhaps for now at least, you can settle for just making your own wine. You don’t have to live in wine country to do so. City Winery makes it possible to do so on their premises in both their NYC and Chicago locations. A fun little vanity project, these guys really do it right harvesting their grapes from top notch vineyards. You can choose your grape varietal and be part of a barrel share or customize your own project. Prices vary.

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Don’t judge, I didn’t drag my 6 month old kids across the country so that I could play craps and whoop it up Hangover-style. My mom got married last weekend in Vegas. Wow- that looks pretty wild in print. She did, she got married just outside of Vegas in the Valley of Fire State Park. It. Was. Awesome. One of the best parts about the weekend was bringing the babies to Vegas despite the face that: Las Vegas- not exactly baby friendly. I can’t tell you how many dirty looks I got while wheeling my double stroller through the casino just trying to get from the lobby to the elevators. I was kicked out of the coffee bar in the hotel immediately upon arrival. Overtired and under caffeinated from the cross country flight, the barista took one look at us and said, “Babies- no no no no no no, you gotta get them outta here. No babies allowed here.” It was kind of hilarious. I was totally confused, after all I was ordering a latte not a martini. “I just want a coffee.” To which he replied, “No, you can’t have babies here, this is part of the casino- you gotta go… NOW.”  Coffee-less and a little more weary for the wear, I took my brood on up to our room on the 27th floor where we stayed for the most part, with the exception of the wedding excursion and a few meals-our room service bill was quite impressive.

Turns out, you really can’t do much in Vegas with babies. I wouldn’t have known. I lived there as a 22 year old, performing in a show at the MGM Grand, my 1st real gig. I spent plenty of time playing blackjack downtown at the Binion’s Horseshoe and hanging fireside at the Peppermill, but I wasn’t exactly paying attention to new moms with babies. Oh well, it was quite the adventure and I kind of love that our kids went to Vegas before they were a year old.

Well, it’s not the real one, but it’s a pretty hilarious alternative. Oui, oui Paris.

Aww yeah- limo rides, bubbly and bottles. Keepin’ it real.

Sleep tight my little Vegas baby.

Fedoras- check. Where’s Deano?

The Wedding Party.

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