For All You Oprah Lovers Out There!

Like the majority of America we love Oprah too! One of the highlights each Christmas season is to watch her 'Oprah's favorite things' episode, where hundreds of lucky ladies stock up on the latest and greatest gifts that they would otherwise never be able to afford. Some of which they may keep for themselves, regift, or even sell on ebay for a little extra cash... This year Oprah, being the savvy gal that she is, made the decision not to indulge, as we are in the midst of economic hardship. She instead shared with the world how to make the most of Christmas this year on a limited budget. Although this is her thriftiest Christmas yet, it has spawned a fresh new way to view the gift giving in our lives, creating the most thought provoking and sentimental holiday epidemic to date.

One of Oprah's great ideas has inspired more than a few of our customers to come in to Tuvalu shopping for that budget friendly sentimental something that will make grandma who specifically instructed, 'don't get me anything this year, dear'... weep. The gift that I am speaking of is a gratitude box.

Obviously Oprah has received gifts with price tags in the neighborhood of most of our homes - however she said that the gift that has meant the most to her was one that cost the least. Oprah explains, "A few years ago at my 50th Happy Birthday luncheon, my friends wrote me heartfelt notes that they then placed inside a beautiful box," Oprah says. "The words from your heart mean more to people than anything you can buy."

Our gift of the season at Tuvalu is this ABC's of Life box - a sweet A-Z life guide reminding us of the little things in life that matter most and that tiny acts of kindness can make a difference; leaving a significant impact in the lives of others.

Accept differences, Be kind, Count your blessings, Dream, Express thanks, Forgive, Give freely, Harm no one, Imagine more, Jettison anger, Keep confidences, Love truly, Master something, Nurture hope, Open your mind, Pack lightly, Quell rumors, Reciprocate, Seek wisdom, Touch hearts, Understand, Value truth, Win graciously, Xeriscape, Yearn for peace, Zealously support a worthy cause.

Use the cards below to print off and include in this box for mom or dad, grandma or grandpa, or that great friend who has everything. They are sure to cherish this box for a lifetime and it's sentimental moments included.

'what I love about you...'

'thank you for...'

'my holiday wish for you...'

Are you attending a holiday party and the hostess already has the mostess? You can bring this box and the cards with you and have everyone at the party write a message for the hostess, leaving it as a wonderful hostess gift!

ABC's of Life box can be purchased at Tuvaluhome.com - $45.

Countdown to my 5 Favorite Festive Front Entries

5. Celebrate the season in true Colonial Christmas style as this Williamsburg house welcomes family and friends home for the holidays. I'm not sure if it's that I have a thing for black entry doors, or the accent of black shutters against white siding - but the simple wreath in every window atop the glow of life lets passers by know that this family is enjoying the festive holiday spirit in all areas of their home.

Tip: Traditional decorating doesn't mean it has to be boring. These homeowners took a fun departure from the expected with colorful lights in the shrubbery.

4. Trees, squares, ovals, and stars offer unexpected takes on the traditional round wreath. Square wreaths are my personal fav. - and just imagine the unexpected detail of a starfish and treasures from the seashore interspersed amongst the greenery of this Christmas icon.

3. Don't shy away from some serious swag. The best-dressed home this season is wearing green -- in this case, the garland is doubled up at the bottom of each swag. Love the drama it creates when set against the simplicity of this all white Jeffersonian cottage - and there again my favorite black door.

2. It was could have the bag of pine cones that I found outside Tall Mouse in the sale bin for 50% off yesterday, that - coupled with the rustic nature of this old wood door that makes this one of my favorite front entry shots. I love the natural look of the cones mixed with a festive ribbon that says 'tis the season' in an unassuming way. Pair the pine cones with silver bells as shown, or starfish as we at Tuvalu would tend to lean towards, or fresh cranberries, or your personal favorite holiday garnish to make this door decor your individual understatement.

1. Ok so obviously the secret is so out - I've got more than just a thing for black doors... I think I just realized I'm obsessed! I don't know what it is... whether its the distinguished sense of an old world fancy hotel, or the day dreams of luxury depicted in Cameron Diaz's home in 'The Holiday', (and don't think I couldn't tell you what is hanging on that black door, black cranberry wreath) - but to me everything looks more unique and extraordinary when hung on a simple black door. Thus, bringing me to this touch of momogramal magic shown here. An especially great idea if your doors are too narrow for wreaths, hang your family's initials on each door displaying honor for your namesake. Grandpa will feel the tribute when he comes to visit, reflecting on the legacy that has become his children, grand children, and great grand children; the job of a lifetime done well. 'Tis the season for thoughtful sentiments.

Tip: When you're finishing the look with holiday ribbon, the taller the door, the wider the ribbon should be.

7 Ways to Ruin Christmas

Merry Meltdown

Ba Humbug:I’m just going to have to call my guests and cancel dinner at our house. There’s too much to do and not enough time -- I haven’t bought the groceries, the house is a wreck, and the silver isn’t polished. They’ll understand.

Happy Holidays: At any other time of year, they might give you a pass. But this is Christmas! So before you visit your family therapist take a deep breath, plan ahead, and ask your guests to chip in. For starters, think of three tasks that they could help with the day of the dinner, such as setting the table, bringing a side dish, and picking up last-minute items that would take you away from the house. And for goodness sake, scale back a little. If the silver isn’t polished, leave it in its case this year. Christmas is a time to celebrate, not for a panic attack over forks and knives.

Budget Blues

Ba Humbug: There's just not any money in the budget to decorate our house this year. We'll just have to do without this Christmas.

Happy Holidays: You’re not alone, but don’t let dwindling funds get you down. After all, Christmas is a special time to spend with those you love, and you’ll regret having a home that looks like the Grinch swept through and stole your cheer.There are easy, affordable ways to decorate the tree (and around the house) for next to nothing. Start by using what you already have to decorate (think silver collections, leftover ribbon, and even small children’s toys). Or, hit the backyard. You can jazz up a mantel with berry sprigs, pinecones, sweet gum balls, or any other gift from Mother Nature that catches your eye.

No Room at the Inn
Ba Humbug: My apartment is so small. There’s no room for a sofa, much less a Christmas tree. It makes my head hurt just thinking about decorating this place.

Happy Holidays: Oh, ye of little faith! There may not be room for a tree, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring on the Christmas decorations. Start with a charming wreath on the door, and then work your way in. Greenery -- either in the form of swags or small potted herbs -- also instantly brings a hint of the holidays to your pad.

Empty-Handed
Ba Humbug: I’m not sure if my friends and I are exchanging gifts this year. But if someone shows up with a present, I’ll just tell them, “Yours is on the way,” and drop off something when I have the time.

Happy Holidays: This is one of the easiest ways to create an awkward situation during the holidays. Because you never know who’s going to ring your doorbell bearing gifts, be prepared! Keep a few small presents, such as scented candles, hand towels, and stationary, at the ready so that no one is left empty-handed.

Curious Guests
Ba Humbug: I’m having a house full of guests this year, but they are family. They’ve been to my home before and know where everything is. If they need something, they’ll find it.

Happy Holidays: Unless you want your mother-in-law peeking through every closet and drawer in the house, a little preparation will go a long way toward a sane season of guests coming and going. Before friends and family arrive in town, take cues from luxury hotels and stock the guest room (or wherever they may stay) with extra bedding accessories (pillows, blankets). Fill a basket with towels and toiletries.

Don’t Believe the Hype
Ba Humbug: My wife (or girlfriend, mother, friend) said she didn’t want anything for Christmas, so I didn’t get her anything (not even a card). That’s OK, right?

Happy Holidays: Um, wrong! Year after year, men (and women, in some cases) are deceived by this humble -- and untrue -- statement. Everyone wants to feel special during the holidays. So whether it’s a sentimental card, a framed picture of a fond memory, or a small token she’s had her eye on, you don’t have to spend January’s mortgage payment on an expensive gift. Just give something from the heart that you know she’ll appreciate.

Family Matters
Ba Humbug: You might as well set up the mats and ring the bell, because my kids are home for the holidays and they’re at each other’s throats. Not to mention, what am I going to do with the grandparents when they get here?

Happy Holidays: Before you buy a first-class ticket to Anywhere But Here, there are easy, inexpensive ways to cure cabin fever and keep the folks busy. While you’re occupied with your holiday to-do list, let in-town relatives help the kids with fun activities that will keep them all busy, such as creating art, putting on a talent show, or going on a treasure hunt.

Come Celebrate the Holidays with Us!

Come down to our Tuvalu Laguna location and our Ladera location this Friday night December 5th for some holiday cheer!

Storewide Savings up 30% off!

Tuvalu Laguna

295 Forest Ave.

Laguna Beach

5pm - bell choir and community sing-a-long

5:15 - laguna beach community band

5:30 - thruston middle school band preformance

6:00 - santa arrives at city hall for tree lighting

6:00 - 9:00 - singers and preformers take main stage

9:00 - "it's a wonderful life" movie playing at the laguna beach theater

(get your complimentry tickets at chamber of commerce)

Tuvalu Ladera

25642 Crown Valley Parkway

Join the Ladera holiday tradition as we light our new 60 foot tree in Town Green. Enjoy refreshments, live music and fun activities while you await Santa’s arrival atop Engine 58, our local Fire Engine.

Shop and Dine from 6 pm to 9 pm at our local shops or restaurants
and receive 20% off your purchase.

Enjoy free refreshments while you shop!

FREE RAFFLE
Over 25 Chances to Win!
Raffle Tickets will be available at the
Ladera Ranch Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5th
Between 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
(Look for the Mercantile West Booth to get your raffle ticket!)
Raffle will be held at the gazebo located between Hobie and Maggie Moo’s at 9 pm.

Mixing Old with the New

Modern and traditional. Vintage and contemporary. These words may sound conflicted, but when it comes to decorating with style, the only rule is there are no rules.

photo: cottage living

Rough-hewn beams add structural support and architectural interest to a vaulted ceiling. Left unpainted, the natural beauty of the wood lends authenticity to any room. Beams are increasingly easy to find, thanks to online sources that offer reclaimed lumber for new construction or renovation projects. photo: cottage living
Display bright colors and fresh patterns against an airy background. Upholstered sofas and chairs look casual and comfortable in white cotton and combine effortlessly with traditional and modern shapes. In this living room, accessories are key: A contemporary, ebony-stained coffee table and bold rug blend well with a tufted ottoman and metal Campaign-style side table.
photo: cottage living
Mix different styles of antiques and vintage furniture to avoid a style cliche. A well-edited room should look as if it's been collected over time, not shipped straight from the showroom floor. In this living room, a Swedish-style sofa and French rounded-back armchair combine with a low coffee table, graphic pillows, and funky ceramic garden stool for a layered and sophisticated look.

photo: cottage living
Make an unexpected furniture choice that defies tradition. In this breakfast room, a blue and white painted floor and a window seat filled with florals, checks, and stripes characterize cottage style. But the addition of a stainless steel table and pair of acrylic chairs creates an element of surprise that's both practical and stylish. Casters give an industrial feel to the breakfast table and allow for a casual setup that can be moved on a whim. A collection of pottery, with varying shapes, sizes, and shades of blue and green, catches the eye.

photo: cottage living

Transform furniture with fabric that adds style and personality. In this dining room, simple white slipcovers bring a modern look to basic wooden chairs, while a wide silk stripe gives new life to armchairs found at a flea market. A black dining table with turned legs bridges the room's traditional and contemporary features. Host chairs, placed at each end of a table, break the ordinary rhythm of standard dining rooms. Get a fresher, more collected-over-time look by mixing styles and ages -- pair antique with sleek.

photo: cottage living

Oversized furniture and art make a room seem bigger than it is. Here, small prints floating inside large frames draw the eye up, making the ceilings appear taller. The large dining table visually widens the room.

photo: cottage living

Combine contemporary furniture and accessories with old-world architectural elements, like antique heart-pine floors and beaded-board wainscoting. In this living room, a low modern sofa emphasizes the high ceiling and complements the home's character. Three-inch-deep moulding running horizontally around the room offers extra display space for art framed like photos. The ledge allows collections to be switched out often, providing a gallery-like feel.

photo: cottage living

In this living room, an eclectic mix of old pieces really stand out against sleek surfaces: The flea market jug on a lacquered table, an old washbasin that was turned into a mirror, and an antique wagon wheel against a semigloss wall.