It's almost February 14th, which means I'll soon be sending friends and family little notes of love and appreciation. Here are a few cute cards that are just the thing for the beach lovers in my life. Snag a few for yourself!  

Otter Love, $4.80 each; nightowlpapergoods.com

View for Two Note Card, $4.00; etsy.com 

Love Spelled Out in Shells and Coral Postcard, $2.25; esty.com

Photos (from top to bottom) courtesy of nightowlpapergoods.com, etsy.com/Daydreamers, esty.com/eternalimages

Look what's on my desk today: Mad Hectic Oatmeal. Describes my mornings, too. Kids sometimes wearing matching clothes, fed so their brain cells can absorb the lesson de jour. Does the dog have food and water or more importantly, did we let her out? Trouble is I can't dive into breakfast that early in the morning so I often land at my desk in the morning with nothing but a few vitamins in my belly. Hunger strikes and there's nothing easier and quicker than oatmeal. The national brands we all know are fine, but this Mad Hectic Oatmeal stands out. Loaded with protein, fiber, Omega-3's and most importantly really fine flavor. Almond Pecan is a traditional tasting instant oatmeal with nuts for crunch, flavor, and nutrition. The French Chocolate is a novelty--the bits of chocolate pieces melt so the whole mixture is brown and chocolatey. I like it late in the afternoon when I need something sweet. http://www.madhecticfoods.com/

Look What's On My Desk Today: Callies Shortcakes. Yum, yum, yum. They are tall, light biscuits with the flavor of shortbread cookies. They taste wonderful straight out of the oven, but when fresh berry juices soak into the tender shortcake...wow. Buy them at calliesbiscuits.com.

Check out photographer David Tsay's blog for his take on the December holiday poolside shot!

See content from our holiday issue!

We want to see your island vacation photos for possible inclusion in the February 2010 island issue. Click here for more information on how to submit. The deadline is November 17, 2009.

Photo: Laura Breault

Ever year around mid-October I start complaining about the cold. This year I'm looking to beat the chill (and follow runway trends) with chunky knit and fur accents for my home.

Here's what I've been looking at this afternoon.

I found both of these images (above and below) on The Style Files. I love the crocheted look—reminds me of my favorite knit scarf I'd like to have around my neck right about now. You can find more info about the pouffe here, and more info about the wood raffia stool here.

Something about this faux sheepskin pouf from West Elm really appeals to me. It's large enough to accommodate cast-offs when you're too tired to hang up your clothes (not that this ever
happens to anyone), but small enough to not take up too much space in a small room. Better yet? It's portable, which is essential for those of us who have difficulty committing to pieces of furniture.

If it's flooring you seek, there's also this faux sheepskin rug.




If you really crave comfort, then this blanket is essential for you. Everyone in my family
has a Kashwère throw. We—pets included—frequently fight over them. They're super warm yet breathable and withstand frequent washings. In short, they're worth every penny.



This year, Pottery Barn turned your warmest sweater into a comfy throw pillow.



They also created an incredibly soft fisherman blanket and sham for those
in need of added layers for your bed.

Do you guys have any other suggestions?