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?

How are you guys? It's been a while since I've posted, and I wanted to catch everyone up on what we've been up to. We've been busy!

I hope you've had a chance to flip through the September issue. As you may have noticed, editor Lindsay Bierman mentioned in his editor's letter that we recently welcomed a new member into our Coastal Living family—Chippy the sea lion!

Chippy

"This 600-pound sea lion was rescued by The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA," Lindsey writes. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but when The Center's vets examined him, they found a bullet in his head. (Don't worry, they nursed him back to health!) This year, shocking numbers of sea lions and other creatures have been coming ashore starving and weak. Their food sources seem to be moving away from the coast or disappearing, and no one knows why."

But you too can welcome a marine mammal into your family. Visit marinemammalcenter.org or call (415) 289-7339 to learn more and join The Center's Adopt-a-Seal program. Here's a few more friends who need your help.

Astro


Calloway

Poppy


Garnett


Repo

In the latest issue of Coastal Living, editor Lindsay Bierman mentions a documentary he's recently seen called "Addicted to Plastic."

He writes, "Basically, [the film] says that chemical compounds from plastic bottles, containers, utensils, and anything else you can think of are poisoning our oceans and food chain. The filmmaker traveled to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to find out just how much toxic refuse has accumulated in the waters, and it's truly shocking. I'll take paper, please."

I thought of this when I came across this tongue-in-cheek tote on printbrigade.com.

We're committed to actions big and small that have an positive impact on the sea. You can do your part to help too.

Take part in the Ocean Conservancy's 24th annual International Coastal Cleanup this September. For more info, click here.

And stay tuned to "Daily Catch" for more ways we're working to help save our seas.

We love to see animals enjoy the coast as much as their owners. Check out these images from The First Annual Surfin Paw Dog Jam recently held at Huntington Beach's Dog Beach. The event raised money for the Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OCSPCA). If you missed this year's festivities you can continue your support by participating in the 12th Annual Walk for the Animals fundraiser in Huntington Beach Central Park (behind the library) on October 4th. For more information visit the OCSPA Web site.

Images courtesy of Luann Petrix

In this month's issue of Coastal Living, we bring you the coastal stylings of Robert McKinley, who designed the hip Surf Lodge hotel. We give you a sneak peek into the hotel's unique look and show you how you can shop the look (see below).