Best of 2009

Happy New Year, friends!!!

I'm so excited to be starting off a new year. 2010.

Amazing, huh?

I hope y'all had a wonderful time last night, and wish you the best in 2010.

I'm starting this new year by doing a tiny little recap on last year, for those new to Casa Haus or those who would like to walk with me down Memory Lane.

2009 was an excellent year for us. We had just gotten married in August 2008, so 2009 meant settling down and arranging our little house to make it feel like home. As I started looking through the internet for inspiration, I bumped into the bloggosphere, and man, did that change me (for good, I hope). I suddenly realized I wasn't the only crazy woman thinking about her home and her decoration 24/7. That felt amazing!!!! I actually got to know more people like me, and so I let my obsession loose. House-aholic. Design-aholic. Yay!

However, that wasn't enough, so in early November I decided to start my own blog, the good ol' little Casa Haus. A place meant for you to find good design, inspiration, home decor, and a journal for my adventures making our house our home while doing everything else (you know, work, exercise, housekeeping, kid, you name it). I couln't have started off in a busier time of year, so blogging, my friends, has become one truly wonderful journey.

So, best of 2009.

Since I started blogging in November, my projects so far have revolved around the holidays. I begun by introducing you to our Halloween home.

Those decorations were so fun and easy to make. We loved them!

I showed you the beautiful twirly scarves I had made for the chilly weather. And of course, I posted on the lovely heart too.

Then Christmas time came fast.

I made a pine cone wreath, and got really excited when Centsational Girl featured it.

I made easy snowflake ornaments for our tree.

And a bunch of other last minute decorations.

In the end, our Christmas House looked cute!

And of course, there was time for easy and yummy recipes, too.

The tasty hot punch (in a cappuccino cup).

And the refreshing red wine punch.

And of course, there was time to feature some great interior design inspirations and eye candy.

What an excellent year!

What were your best experiences 2009 left you? What are your expectations for 2010?

Do share!

sharing with Melissa for Best of 2009
and Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

Amazing Bookshelves

Our house is tiny and it's got zero storage areas. On the other hand, I've got tons of books. It's tough. Most of my belongings are still at my parent's place.

So, most days I'm daydreaming about installing bookshelves around our place. I would love to have them everywhere: the living room, the tv room, our master bedroom. I find them a lovely way to accesorize and add interest to any space.

So today's Eye Candy is on bookshelves. Look at these unusual ones!

What a beautiful way to showcase books in the living room!

Notice the cute little wooden branch? Isn't it a beautiful bookshelf?

Sooooo practical! Love it!

Now that's cool!

Again with the tree theme. I'm in love with trees and them decorating spaces!!!

A subtle change in the branch style.

These are flexi tubes... I love the simple aesthetics on this one.

Now that's what I'm talking about! Huge storage space!

Which one's your favorite?

All images via toxel

Alex Meitlis Design

Hey there! Welcome to day 2 of Eye Candy Week.

Today's eye candy is DE.LI.CIOUS!!!! The following images are all from the M. Residence Neve Zedek, by Alex Meitlis Architecture and Design.

As always, enjoy!

Aren't they delightful? What do you think? Do tell me!

Eye Candy Week!

Being out for the holidays, enjoying a sunny, warm winter at the beach is truly inspirational. Views, sounds, smells, flavors, you name it!

So I wanted to share all the inspiration I'm getting out here to you guys and gals! After all, who doesn't love great pics to get ideas from?

Ready?

Well, here's today's eye candy. These amazing outdoor design is all by Honeymoon.

Enjoy!

International Gift Exchange

A while ago, back in November, I read about an amazing idea: an International Gift Exchange at Craftaholics Anonymous. I couldn't believe it. Wouldn't it be fun to receive a gift in the mail? A handmade gift? Things couldn't get any better.

In spite of the crazyness that December brought to my life (due to an awful amount of work at the office and Christmas celebrations), the effort was worth it. I sent my gift all the way to Switzerland on time.

Well, a few days ago, I received my gifts (yay!). I couldn't blog about it at the time, but I'm ready to share with you my wonderful surprise. Look what the mail got me!!!!

A beautiful set of holiday handprinted cards and envelopes. Lovely ribbon, huh?

Look at these cuties!

And there's more, jewelry! Gorgeous necklace and earrings in my favorite color!

Let me remind you, everything is handmade.

The talented young lady behind this lovely Christmas gift is Elizabeth Bodin (thank you, girl!).

You can check her blog love me for me here for more of her amazing creations.

So tell me, did you participate in any gift exchange? Were you nice enough to get presents for Christmas? Do share!

P.S. By the way, I'm linking this to Craftaholics Anonymous International Gift Exchange Linky Party, in case you're curious enough to check out more gifts.