My first shopping task every year is a new calendar, but it’s a tough call these days. So many artists put together renditions that are absolutely stunning, but then there’s the question of function, too. Decisions, decisions.

I could go purely for pretty…

Trellus 2012 calendar, by Michelle Armas

Paris 2012, Little Brown Pen

…or look for a little function. If you happen to be in Portland or Austin, these Big Weekend calendars are about the coolest thing ever. Every random festival, event or happening around town is included, so you’ll never miss the Tigard Balloon Festival again! (My hubs, as you’d imagine, is thrilled.)

I’m going to need a calendar to mark off the days if I indulge in a little pre-order of 3.1 Philip Lim’s pre-fall collection at Moda Operandi, as I am sorely tempted to do. Not only do you get to be first in line (almost as good as scoring it on sale), but you pay half up front and half when it delivers next summer (by which point, you’ve already forgotten about the first half you spent). Plus, look at the pretty!

Of course, darling Philip is a splurge, no matter how you slice it. So, I’ll temper the wallet pain with a little cheap thrill. I’ve had this Rugby Ralph Lauren fair isle cardi bookmarked for the longest time, and now it’s on sale for $139. The sun’s bound to come out eventually, but for now, I’d be happy to spend the rest of the winter snuggled up in this and a pair of skinny jeans.

Happy Friday, friends! Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week.

1. Keel’s Simple Diary Vol. 2, $12
2. MintFusion lip balm with SPF 30, Supergoop, $9
3. Ottoman Iznik tile notecards, Metropolitan Museum of Art, $15
4. Felt keyfob, Graf + Lantz, $8
5. Christmas scratchers and Hanukkah scratchers, Chronicle Books, $10 each
6. Liam’s Robot letterpress cards, Satsuma Press, $10 (all proceeds to go sweet Liam’s special needs trust)
7. Leather tape measure, Swing Designs, $10
8. Salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick, Ticket Chocolate, $15 for 4
9. Glitter in my Stocking and Orna-ment For Each Other, Nicole by OPI, $8 each

Perennially stumped about the best wine to bring to a party? Allow me to simplify: buy a case of this warm, fruit-forward Chianti and you’re set for the season.  Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio 2007, $20

If she’s a good host, I’m guessing she’s a crafter at heart. Any knitter, whether she’s a novice or a pro, will drool over the DIY options in this book. Vogue Knitting: Classic Patterns from the World’s Most Celebrated Knitting Magazine, $30

I can’t think of much I wouldn’t love to receive from DL & Company. But their Fleur de Bois candle smells exactly like the holidays, without being cloying, and the blown glass holder is gorgeous all on its own. And these mini candle-and-diffuser sets are infinitely more gorgeous than their price tag suggests. DL & Co Fleur de Bois candle, $100; Mini Diffuser & Candle set, $24

What could be better than brownies from the legendary Sugardaddys Bakery? A brownie bit trifle kit, complete with a crystal trifle bowl, that’s what. Just try to give this one away without sneaking a bite!  Trifle kit, Sugardaddys Bakery, $58

Getting gorgeous letterpress cards in the mail every month? Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, chances are good she’ll send you one to thank you for the perfect gift. Mailbox Monthly, by Satsuma Press, from $48

Doormats are a tricky business, if you’re picky about them (as I am). This one is guaranteed to stop traffic…at least long enough to remind guests to wipe their feet. Mountain doormat, Angela Adams, $45

The coolest French press I’ve ever seen – add a pound of your favorite coffee, and you’ll get invited back every year.  Freud French Press, Horne, $110

I hear bundt cakes are the new cupcakes, but the perfect host would know best. Show her you’re up on your culinary trends by treating her to a treatise on the hottest thing in baked goods. Even better paired with a classic bundt pan. Cake Simple, by Christie Matheson, $13; NordicWare “Heritage” bundt pan, (my personal favorite, but a variety of styles from $20)

Show her you love her OCD side with a bottle of citrus-scented hand wash. This has a light, refreshing scent that works for everyone, and the oldey-timey packaging is a serious bonus. Village Perfumer hand wash (comes in 6 scents), C.O. Bigelow, $12

Welcome back, friends! I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful – and now, of course, it’s time to really get into the holiday swing. (Have you taken advantage of our amazing Black Friday deal from Kara Ackerman yet? Last day…!)

We’re starting our annual Holiday Gift Guide Spectacular Spectacular tomorrow – I know how you all love a good gift guide! – and I’ll have zillions of great gifting ideas for you. But to officially kick off the season of giving, I teamed up with some dear friends, the lovely ladies at hi friend, to come up with a pitch-perfect present just for you. That’s right, it’s giveaway time!

I can’t think of a better, more stylish way to get started on the holidays, can you? As always, I love each and every one of hi friend’s holiday offerings – I have no idea how you’ll choose a favorite. Fortunately, you don’t have to! You’ll win a set of holiday cards PLUS a set of custom stationery PLUS one of those beautiful candles (to hold onto or save as an emergency hostess gift). Best of all, they’ll all get to you in plenty of time to send out those holiday cards on time for a change!

To win all three goodies, just comment below and let us know what you’d pick if you win! You have until Thursday night to enter, and we’ll pick a winner at random on Friday, 12/2!

As always, you get a bonus entry for following both of us on Twitter (@shoppingscardio and @hifrienddesign) and mentioning the contest, or for being our friends on Facebook here and here (you know you want to), and sharing with your friends. Just be sure you come back and leave a second (or third) comment telling me you shared elsewhere.

Good luck!

So, I’m more than ready for a little Friday Finds distraction to take me away from all that 9-to-5. How about you?

My scarf obsession is nothing new, but I’ve had the image of this beautiful Suno scarf open on my desktop all week. Give me a tissue-thin expanse of wool or a cloud print, and I’m yours. Combine the two, and I’m speechless. This beauty has made it to the top of my holiday wish list…if I don’t cave and buy it for myself first.

I’ve been watching Pan Am this season, and have only recently warmed to it (does anyone else think it was a slow starter?). But now, I’m hooked…by the fashions, naturally. I spotted someone wearing a cocktail ring over gloves the other night, and was smitten with the look. Imagine my surprise when Kate Spade had the same idea.

I’m feeling the value of simple, classic totes these days…I can’t explain it, but there we are. And so, I offer you a splurge (from Il Bisonte, whose bags are unbelievably well crafted):

…and a (sort-of) steal (from IB&B, who I don’t know, but lambskin is always a good thing):

I just discovered a little shop called Curator, carrying a few well-selected lines and some gorgeous house-designed pieces as well. This dramatic wool a-line coat is my current favorite – it’s a great nod to the cape trend without being as bulky and shapeless as capes tend to be. It’s also on sale, which never hurts. I wish I were snuggling in this right this second.

And last, but definitely not least, this list needs some color, don’t you think? Designer Jonathan Saunders recently collaborated with stationery legend Smythson to create a group of gorgeous new diary planners. Doesn’t it make you wish you still kept a paper calendar?

Have a wonderful weekend, friends…and if you’re out shopping the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, be sure to stop by the café for the best Caramel Apple Cider on the planet.

See you back here next week!

but why stop there? so many of these travel-friendly finds would be genius picks for a friend who’s always on the go, even if her travel is mostly of the afternoon-commute variety.  or for the girl who doesn’t often travel far from home, but is forever daydreaming about her next exotic vacation.  in other words, whether it’s wanderlust or wander-must, there’s something here that’s perfect for any traveler on your list.

left to right, from top: baggu zip travel bags, $8-12 for sets; pacifica roll-on perfumes, $12; blow to go hair travel kit, $28; cz falconer barbarella cashmere zip tunic, $395; lily & lionel london cityscape scarf in sepia, $272; day-timer malibu leather refillable notebook, $59; lesportsac large zip travel wallet, $48; cityslips foldable flats, $25; ghd dazzle styler travel set with flat iron, hair dryer and heat-resistant storage bag, $240; gorjana thomspson jewelry case, $106.

{FTC disclaimer: some product samples were provided to help me compile this guide, but as usual, there’s no pay-for-play here.}

left to right, from top: angela adams address book and notepad sets (so, so beautiful in person), $14-15; postcarden “season’s greetings” pop-up card, $13; clinique “connect the gloss” interchangeable lip gloss set, $25; cast iron owlet (literally impossible not to love), $18; tocca crema mani viaggio hand cream trio, $18; vosges bacon chocolate chip pancake mix, $12; michelle armas signed antonia 2011 calendar, $30; allo-allo french tea towel, $15; origins “peace of mind” on-the-spot relief (great for men and women – i’m obsessed!), $10; international rescue committee blankets, school supplies or first aid kits, $20-28; happy socks (!), $10; modern madness moustache mug, $14.

{FTC disclaimer: some product samples were provided to help me compile this guide, but as usual, there’s no pay-for-play here.}

i have been so excited about this giveaway, it’s been nearly impossible to keep it under my hat.  and now, finally, the time has come to introduce you all to hi, friend design!  started by a pair of extremely talented ladies, this is hands-down my new favorite line of stationery. beautiful, chic, creative and unbelievably well-priced…what more could i ask?

hi, friend specializes in semi-custom (and incredibly affordable) wedding and shower invitations, and honestly, if you know someone getting married, i can’t say enough about how gorgeous they are.

but, well, i’ve already been down that road.  so for me, i’m in it for hi, friend‘s sometimes cheeky, always stylish cards that are absolutely perfect for any occasion at all.

(clearly, i should have asked the talented ladies of hi, friend to help with the graphic for this giveaway. polyvore is just not my friend.)

there literally isn’t a single card in their line that i’m not dying to send to someone i know.  i mean, a flamingo silhouette with a “don’t be tacky” tagline?  or a barbecue proclaiming your friend “a rare one”?  it’s pun-ny perfection for my ultra-corny sense of humor.  and their personalized notecards are so chic, i’m literally looking for excuses to send cards to people, just so i can show them off.

with that, on to the giveaway! one of you lucky, lucky readers (oh, how i envy you) will be taking home a huge gift package that hi, friend is customizing just for us:  a year’s worth of stationery! the winner of this fabulous giveaway will get:  two of each silhouette card at hi, friend (22 in all), a set of 24 custom personalized note cards, a pack of their picture-perfect wine gift bags, and topped off with a completely darling to-do notepad!  in other words, you’ll be spared an entire year of emergency trips to hallmark, and you’ll be forever more known as that friend who always sends the perfect card.  not bad at all, i think.

to win, all you have to do is go take a peek at hi, friend‘s website, and leave a comment here telling us whether you think your style fits their “modern girl”, “vintage girl”, or “classic girl” (personally, i think i’m a little bit of each).  and, as always, nab a bonus entry if you post about the giveaway on twitter (@shoppingscardio and @hifrienddesign), on facebook, on your blog, or whatever else you can think of (town crier, perhaps?). just be sure to let me know how you shared: leave a second comment here to get your bonus entry.

you have until monday (7/19) at noon PDT to enter, and we’ll announce a winner then.  so get those entries in soon!  and a huge, huge thanks to hi, friend for coming up with this fantastic package just for us!

as i said, i’ve been a little bit more sentimental than usual about moms this year, so i loved the idea behind this book before i even saw it.  photographer jeannette montgomery barron decided to share her memories about her mom by photographing some of her most memorable outfits and using them to tell the story of her mom’s life, and the result is my mother’s clothes.  it’s incredibly touching, and the photos are beautiful.  i imagine giving this to my mom with a photo of her stylish self pasted into the front.

if your mom leans more heavily toward the martha stewart side of things, jo malone’s candle collaboration with farrow & ball is absolutely sure to be a hit.  they’ve paired their five most popular fragrances with limited edition containers from the famed paint company, and the result is a candle that looks utterly perfect and smells divine.  my favorite is the lime basil & mandarin, but pomegranate noir is also pretty wonderful.

alexis bittar is offering to personally sign a piece of jewelry for your mom this year, if you buy from their website by may 4 (include code ‘LOVEMOM’ and her name in the comments when you check out).  their signature lucite bangles are so perfectly timeless and chic, they’ll be the perfect update to her wardrobe, no matter what her style. and prices start at $55, so you should be able to grab something on most any budget.  the styles i’ve pictured above are my personal favorites for mom…clockwise from left, buy them here, here and here.

while i was out shopping with my dear friend jocelyn when she was in town last weekend, i came across this moleskine recipe journal ($20), and my heart skipped a beat.  it would be perfect for anyone that loves to cook and experiment, but what a perfect gift for your culinarily-inclined mom!  now she can write down all of her “top secret” recipes for you, and tape all of those recipes she’s torn from magazines and newspapers to the pages.

if you’re set on sending flowers (and really, what mom doesn’t love flowers?), i happened on these stunning sugar cookies from miette, one of my favorite pastry shops in san francisco.  they’ll ship anywhere, and i think they might be even prettier than actual flowers.

i’m sure it’s the type A in me, but few things make me happier than pretty desk accessories. i fell for the entire oh joy! desk collection from chronicle books the moment i saw it, and have been using each and every piece since it arrived (seriously, the file folders are so pretty, i actually want to get organized!).  but i especially love the note block, which is the newest addition to the set.  i love the color palette and all of those pretty flowers, but i especially love that the holder has an itty bitty drawer in the bottom.  i find it inexplicably adorable, and i smile every time i use it.  isn’t that worth at least $14.95?

i’ve been hunting for an iphone cover for, well, since i first got my iphone, which was at least 18 months ago.  yes, i’m inordinately picky.  i didn’t want it to be overly bulky, but i wanted it to be protective and durable.  i didn’t want it to be too girly.  and i wanted it to have just the right texture, since i tend to fiddle with things like this quite a bit.  when i spotted the chilewich basketweave cover, it was love at first sight.  best iphone case ever, if you ask me.  i grimaced a little at the $40 pricetag, but quickly realized that if you factor it over the hours i’ve spent hunting for one, it’s a bargain.

i’ve gotten so tired of worrying about whether my water bottle is killing me.  first plastic was bad, then metal, then another type of plastic, next who knows what?  so when i saw these (extreeeeemely cute) glass bottles from lifefactory, they just seemed like the obvious solution.  the silicone sleeve, in addition to making them look highly chic, protects from breakage (which i inadvertently tested when it fell out of my car onto the street…utterly uneventful, thankfully), and really isn’t any heavier than a lot of reusable plastic bottles.  plus, it has a nice wide opening to fit the water & ice dispensers in my fridge.  ah, the little things. my favorite is the white, but they’re all pretty awesome.

have a great weekend, everyone!  spring is definitely worth waiting for here in portland…i hope the weather’s as sunny and lovely where you are as it has been here.