There can be disagreement about global warming and its causes, but there is no denying the Green Movement. Our bookkeeper, Helen Pilgrim, sends us a note about Slatescape, EcoCem and Paper Stone (for) Counter tops. She says she first heard about it in the Oregonian Home & Gardens section. "I don't know how this compares to granite, but it looks great."

The material is waterproof so it does very well outside. Over time, it acquires a natural patina, but the integrity of the material is never compromised. Variations of this material have actually been used for decades in the marine industry and in the manufacturing of skate ramps -- that's how durable it is.

1. We need to give away things more often! Our Thomas Paul Sea Plate giveaway has gotten an amazing response! At the time of this writing, over 180 of you left a comment hoping to win. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time! Contest closes Weds 5 pm PST at which time we will choose two winners using a random number generator. Click here to enter and — good luck!

2. Even though the economy is in the pits, you’re still shopping — at craft fairs. We did a round up of some that we knew about, and many more of you mentioned ones near you. Take a look, and if we’ve left any out, please let us know here!

3. Having a live Christmas tree you can plant after the holidays is a nice idea, but make sure you keep it watered! Says Steph: “I got a small live one with replanting in mind two years ago, but it died before the ground thawed. Make sure if you get one it’s in rich soil and you really take care of it. They’re not really meant to be indoors, with heat drying them out and all.” Click here for more on this green idea.

4. We’re not the only ones who have beeeeee-come nuts about honey. Beth wrote: “When I was a teenager I was hosted by a Swedish family that had a farm as well as bees - bees that had the run of the forest for collecting pollen. I never knew that honey could taste like a *place* but it really does. Such a treat!” Click here to read about Angela M.’s beekeeping adventures.

5. Get 10% these adorable gift tags by mentioning Shelterrific! MaryLou who makes these adorable Alice in Wonderland tags wrote to say: “I really love the Sir John Tenniel illustrations, and I’m always making things from them — I have a whole collection of tags and cards, and I’ve done loads of custom items for people. Since this was such a nice surprise, I’ll give a 10% discount on any of the stationery items in my Etsy shop if you mention you saw my tags here.” Click here to go the her shop.

I was in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago for a book signing event ( more on the next week!) which was being held at the beautiful Gump's store near Union Square. These are some of the photos I took. Above is one of the many spectacular table displays on the second floor where the China and crystal are kept. I thought it was very festive for a Fall dinner or Thanksgiving.

Furniture is also on display in these wonderful vignettes. I love the color combination here with the burnt orange walls and dark grey silk on the Bergere chair and ottoman. The Moroccan tables definitely are on my wish list.

I love the large Foo dogs in this picture arranged with the sofa and live edged coffee table.

I think this "room" was my favorite with the black lacquered display etagere with the blue interior. I like the idea of two matching chairs with different fabrics. And the area rug, luscious silk!

Isn't this an amazing display of over scaled lanterns? If you are in San Francisco at all during the Holiday Season, do stop in at Gumps. The assortment of Christmas ornaments is to die for, and there is bound to be more than just one thing you won't be able to live without!

And if you are in the TV watching mood on your Turkey Day, stop on by:

Red wine makes filling up 150 water bombs much easier!!

Yesterday afternoon we celebrated Harry's 6th Birthday at home with a couple of his closest friends and cousins and family. We had a pool party with water pistols and water bombs and a swimming pool birthday cake which my lovely friend, Sharnel from The Cupcake Company made. Melanie {my lovely and creative decorator at Black & Spiro} came and decorated our front tree with red, white and blue bunting, red & white polka dot lanterns and candles.

The night before over a few glasses of red wine my husband managed to fill up approximately 150 water bombs which probably lasted all of about 15 minutes once the children got a hold of them!! My gorgeous friend Jody helped me with the food which was such a huge help!! A fun time was had by all and my little 6 year old thanked me this morning with a humongous hug and a kiss for "the best birthday ever"!!

Oh, and I nearly forgot to show you these gorgeous cupcakes which Sharnel also made for Harry which we sent to school last week for his birthday! So simply gorgeous!!

As we go into the weekend, I wanted to leave you with the dreamy images of The Royal Collection, Fabrics and Wallpaper, the newest from Designers Guild.

Inspired by the interiors of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and by the art in the Royal Collection, this collection is a creation of luxurious fantasy.

Designers Guild was given access to the archive of historic fabrics and wallcoverings and has come up with their own interpretation of sumptuous embroidered silks, velvet jacquard velvets and flocked wallpapers.

The Arabella Autumn Winter Collection also makes it's appearance with a fairytail-like collection:

Dream a little dream this weekend!

Additional Note: I received an email from Sophie Trinder with a reminder that the whole collection can be viewed here. And in answer to Aesthete's Lament comment, the collection was indeed photographed at Buckingham Palace. A link to the Royal Collection with more information about the Palace can be reached here.

HAPPY WEEKEND!