Happy New Year

Happy New Year! 2012 was good but it felt really busy. Most of the year was spent getting settled after moving back from Paris, so this January feels like a true clean slate. I love setting goals and making lists and scheming up big plans (whether they actually happen or not) so this time of year is my absolute favorite. I love the idea that you can make a plan and work hard to become happier. I remember realizing this when I was a teenager. I don’t recall the exact details but I remember I was feeling unhappy and I went on a little hike and sat down at a lookout point with a blank sheet of paper and pen and made a list of how I wanted my life to be. As I hiked back to my car I was so happy. It’s funny because in actuality nothing had changed but I was excited about my plans and was going to make things happen. I’ve learned a lot more about setting goals since I was a teenager but the basic process still works for me. If I’m ever unhappy I usually just need to sit down with a pen and paper and make a plan.

I have lots of ideas for this year but one goal is to make deeper connections with friends and family. Make lunch meeting more often, have more dinner parties, go on weekly dates with Paul, take my children out on dates, give more gifts and surprises to people I love. I’m really excited about this. What are your goals this year?

ps: Muji makes the best pens and notebooks. We finally got one in San Francisco so I don’t have to trek all the way to NYC to get my favorite pens anymore.

Braid Bar Craft Night

I’m so excited to introduce our first craft night sponsored by Bing. For the very first craft night we aren’t actually gonna craft. We are going to learn to braid. Rubi Jones, the super talented hairdresser at She Let’s her Hair Down is going to teach us to braid hair. I’m so excited about this!! Find more details and register for this free workshop right here. (There is $20 deposit required that will be 100% refundable the night of the event.)

Oh Happy Day Braid Bar in San Francisco

Friday, December 28, 2012
SESSION A  6:00 – 7:30
SESSION B  7:30 – 9:00

photo by Rubi

DIY Giant Christmas Bells

by Jenny Batt

One of my favorite things to do is to peruse vintage books. I found some danish bell ornaments and thought we could punch it up a bit. Add some metallic hot pink and I think we have something. I don’t think they look much like bells but more of a fun holiday forest.

(more…)

Oh Happy Day Craft Nights

We are starting up Oh Happy Day Craft Nights again at our studio in San Francisco and the first one is going to take place Friday, December 28, 2012. We are changing up the format a little bit. Instead of having everyone bring a craft to work on we are going to have someone come and teach a class and all the the materials will be provided. It will still be free, but like last time, attendees will still need to pay $20 and register to hold their spot. The $20 will be completely refunded when you sign in the night of the event.

Registration will go up tomorrow at 9 am PST. Check www.ohhappyday.com tomorrow to find out all the details!

3 Wreaths to Make for the Holidays

I’ve been busy making lots of wreaths and garlands for my family and friends so I thought I would put up a little wreath 101 post. Here are three types of easy wreaths you can make at home. I am not a trained florist but simple wreaths are something anyone can do. The materials I bought from the flower market in San Francisco but if you don’t live near a flower market (or don’t grow your own) you can order greens like this through the internet or through a local florist. There are so many types of wreaths to make but these are some basic skills and supplies you need to make any type you want.

Click through for the full steps. (more…)