Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Holiday Round-Up: 2010 Calendars

Dabney Lee at Home Monogrammed Desk Calendar ($25)

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, I'm beginning to look forward to the start of 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism. Like many of you, 2009 was a year of great anxiety for Dave and me. In many ways, I know that we are very blessed to have made it through the year with our jobs, bank accounts and sanity (relatively) in tact. Indeed, things could have been (and could still be) far, far worse. But -- and this may just be blind optimism -- I'd like to believe that things are not just looking up, but are actually on the mend. And so, as we find ourselves at yet another transition from one year to the next, looking back on the past and hopefully to the future, I am reminded of that Counting Crows song from the '90s:

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe

Maybe this year will be better than last
I can't remember all the times I've tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass.

On a lighter note, I'd argue that a necessary precursor to embracing the present is to keep track of it. Sure, you could rely on your Outlook calendar (and boy, do I), but sometimes it's nice to have something pretty to look at as well -- and I am not talking about those horribly cheesy "rah team!" calendars handed out by your company. Every year I indulge in one or two (or three) desk and/or wall calendars to decorate my offices at home and work.

Of course, if you're still doing some last-minute shopping for the holidays, calendars also happen to make the perfect, inexpensive gift. If they're monogrammed (like the Dabney Lee version above) or contain personal pictures, then all the better. I typically buy an extra one or two every year for emergency gifts for co-workers and acquaintances.

Source list (clockwise from top left): 1. Snow & Graham Wall Calendar ($29). 2. Tara Hogan Letterpress Calendar ($42). 3. Paris is for Lovers Calendar (Irene Suchoki; $20). 4. Illustrated Desk Calendar (Up Up Creative; $18). 5. Letterpress Calendar with Walnut Base (The Paper Thieves; $26). 6. Desktop Calendar (Michelle Brusegaard; $20).

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Custom Photo Calendar (Story by Mia; $50). 2. Lily Pulitzer Wall Calendar ($24.99). 3. Perpetual Calendar - Blue (Orange Beautiful; $28). 4. Kate Spade Desktop Calendar ($20). 5. Keep Calm and Carry On Printable Spoof Calendar (Women) (Little Brown Pen; $5). 6. Avie Designs Desktop Calendar ($20).

17 comments:

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

I actually bought 2 Dabney Lee calendars a few days ago for friends that will soon have new monograms - can't wait to see them, I hope they're just as cute in person!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Love the Lilly and Dabney Lee calendars best.

I am looking forward to 2010 too.

xo,
cristin

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

I just wrote on my to-do list this morning, "buy 2010 calendar"! Great timing, love your options.
The Kate Spade calendar looks about right.

Yes, we had some rough spots this year, longer than usual time between contracts (husband) and clients moving slowly on green lighting projects, but all in all I know we are fortunate and try to remember that each and every day! I have a feeling 2010 is going to be a very good one...

Janell

Iva Messy said...

such great calenders!

Christy said...

Ooh a fellow calendar lover! I love it! I have two in my home office, and one in my kitchen. I've only bought two so far this year...and might just get one of the ones you've spotlighted. I love them all -- so hard to choose! What a fun post!

Sanity Fair said...

Averill, I'm so glad to hear things are looking up for you! All good news is good news for all - I hope many people will find next year better than this.
I love the first calendar - I think I'll need to get that! I also always use a kate spade planner. This is a reminder that I need new pages...

Southern Aspirations said...

I LOVE that you pulled a Counting Crows song into your post (perhaps we are of roughly the same age!?) And great selection of calendars. I personally have my eye on the Paper Source one but these are quite lovely too. Certainly more stylish than Outlook, no matter how many color categories one may have.

PS- thank you for your kind post on my blog today. Was a bit apprehensive to hit "Publish" but it was from the heart.

Anonymous said...

I'm loving those Dabney Lee calendars! So bright and fun. Looking forward to 2010 too.

On your question on the walls: Yes - very similar idea to what I suggested for your walls (except I had originally suggested wide stripes on the bottom, then molding, then the lighter color). I think it's an excellent technique for rooms with high ceilings - keeps your eye down in the living space.

Beth Connolly said...

Some great choices. Hope 2010 is a great year for everyone.

Laura@JourneyChic said...

All are so pretty, but I find the "Keep Calm" spoof calendar hysterical! I always have a travel-related calendar in my office, not only because it's relevant to my work, but it's inspirational for future vacations (or reminiscent of old ones, like my Greek Islands calendar that's nearly finished).
I was at Paper Source earlier this week and they do indeed have a lovely selection that's even prettier in person.

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous options, darling!
Especially loving the first one and the second to last one!

xoxox,
CC

Shannon said...

I didn't realize how many cute calendars are out there. I will definitely need to get one!!
Thanks for your kind comments on our build. You have a very merry Christmas!!

Kara said...

I bought a new calendar back in October and it's been killing me that I had to wait sooo long.

annechovie said...

I LOVE the Dabney Lee calendar, Averill! Gorgeous. I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful Christmas.

Sarah Klassen said...

I love the Tera Hogan and Kate Spade examples, Averill...as well as your optimism! There's something to be said for calendars, I totally agree. The fresh months ahead, the possibilities and of course, the pretty images that await...

That's actually a great idea for a gift! I hadn't thought of it, but I have someone in mind who would appreciate it for her brand new office. Thanks Averill. Another inspiring post as always.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend*

alison giese Interiors said...

I usually have my next-year's calender bought by this time, but I'm glad I don't, because I'll definitely be selecting one from your found assortment. I didn't win the dabney lee from any giveaway (damn!), so the printable "Be Calm" spoofs may have to be it for me!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Love the Keep Calm calendar! I like calendars, which I tend to think is due to my liking to be organized. I do like a pretty calendar though!

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