Happy Holidays

Wherever you are, whatever you're celebrating, I hope you are with loved ones and happy, safe, and warm!

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Okay, so you're in panic mode. It's the 24th and you are short a couple gifts. Plus, you're in (insert Midwestern city that does not offend anyone) and there's no cute little boutique to run to. Here are a few ideas:

1) Booze. I think you really can be classy about this if you know what kind of alcohol your intended recipient loves. Does your brother love a good scotch? Did your BFF study in Chile and always fondly remembers her trip to the winery? Seriously, hit up a good liquor/wine store and talk to the people who work there about your options.

2) Hit up your CVS/ Duane Reed! I am always seriously impressed with the variety of products that local drug stores carry. The one around the corner from us often has Bumble and Bumble and even Kerastese hair products. Who wouldn't love some shmancy shampoo or facial toner? 3) Gift Certificates. This one is so easy, everyone would love a free manicure, massage, facial, beard trim, pilates lesson. If you don't have time to actually go and get a certificate, I like printing out a pretty picture (like the one below), wrapping it up, and then let them know you'd love to take them for said indulgence.

4) Whole Foods. You might feel weird about this, but dude, the store has lots of great body products, delicious chocolate, and lots of scented candles. Once you wrap it up pretty, they'll never know the difference.

Picture 2 via Decor8 and 5 via Cherry Blossom Girl,

....a light convertible too, light blue!

When it comes to Christmas gifts, I usually ask for the little things that I've been wanting but for some reason just won't (or can't as the situation may be) buy for myself. I believe all the relevant parties have been notified of my desires for this year well in advance. But I thought I'd share my list here, maybe you know a nerd with a penchant for design and fashion who would want similar items....

1. A flower from Emmerson Made. I can't wait to wear this with my camel coat. 2. Some new nail polishes. I have been coveting these very "now" Chanel polishes for awhile.3. Some new perfume. I believe I narrowed it down to Stella and Burberry Pop. 4. A new pencil skirt. I really cannot imagine my work wardrobe without them.5. Cooking classes for Blair and me. I am especially in need of a good knife skills class.
6. Fuji Instax. Ever since all my Polaroid film expired I've been looking for a suitable replacement. PB and I love taking instant pictures while traveling.

7. An everyday bag. Last year I was lucky enough to get a nice designer bag, but it started wearing down super fast, this seems like it would be great for day in and out use.
What did you ask for?

Images via Emmerson Made, Stylist, {this is glamorous}, J. Crew, Sunday Suppers, Urban Outfitters

Wednesday = Halfway

Since I am definitely not working a full week next week, this week has seemed especially long. But I made it to Wednesday....just a bit more to go. Last weekend, we celebrated my friend's new job in Hong Kong at Domku with delicious Swedish meatballs and lamb burgers and very strong cocktails. And on Sunday I did a little Christmas shopping and finally finished my Christmas decorations while PB made me braised short ribs.

Yep, there's my felt ball garland. I am so happy with how it turned out. I seriously want to make these for every occasion now!

This weekend we're going to go on a date to the Gibson, meet our friends' new puppy, and pack up for our trip to visit our families for Christmas. And we're so excited that Grizzly is getting his final shots so he can start playing with other dogs. What do you have planned?

may your days be merry and bright...

I am so excited to finish my decorating this weekend. This is a picture of my parents' tree from last year. I hope I one day have high enough ceilings for a tree like this. I hope that no matter what you celebrate you have a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend!

Santa Baby, there's one thing I really do need, the deed to a platinum mine

Before I get around to posting my actual Christmas list, I thought I'd take a little trip to fantasy land. If this list wouldn't put my husband, friends, and family into the poor house, here's what I'd ask for:

1. Classic Quilted Channel foldover bag. Definitely in red.

2. Eames armchair and ottoman. 3. Kate Spade Palace of Mirror bib necklace. Actually pretty much any jewelry from Kate Spade, so huge, colorful and retro! 4. Chloe flat riding boots (dying over that nude color). 5. Anything from Thom Browne's Spring/Summer 2011 collection. I am completely taken by that 70's look totally deconstructed and revamped for Spring. 6. A private pilates lesson every morning, it is the best way to start your day.
8. A trip to Bora Bora. Normally I am more a fan of visiting urban locales with tons of bars, museums, and shopping but these pictures of Bora Bora have convinced me it's on my must go to list.

What's on your fantasy list?

Images via Cherry Blossom Girl, SFgirlbythebay, A Glamorous little side project, polyvore, Jak and Jil, Pilates Point, Cherry Blossom Girl

Bleh

Is anyone else having one of those days? Maybe it's the rainy weather or lack of sleep but I need a little something to cheer me up. I love these sculptures from Chiasso that I saw on Elements of Style today. And I'm so happy that Oh Happy Day had this how to for felt ball garlands as the anthropologie ones were a bit uh...pricey.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

I've already mentioned how much I love Christmas (here and here). I sometimes think it's silly to spend so much time discussing decorations for a day that I won't even be at home. But, something about sparkly lights and ornaments just makes those short days and windy nights easier to deal with. I've been so inspired by some great ideas out there, I thought I'd refer you to just a couple in case you are totally bored by your normal inspiration.

I am loving these more natural design ideas from Bo Bedre, via Emma's Design Blog. I mean if you've got that all white Scandinavian design thing going on, you might as well just add some green and red and you're already there. These natural looks use a lot of antlers (the perfect answer to indie decorators who love Christmas) big branches, rough linens, and leaves.

And I can't get over this more urban Christmas scheme on Ikea's Christmas Decoration blog. I love the assortment of unmatching chairs, Christmas cards, and bulbs. In the end, isn't that how our Christmas tables always end up looking when we have a nice full house? It's definitely an organized chaos look that suits those of us who have trouble saying no to a sparkly bulb.

And I have been flipping out for this technicolor Christmas spread from Rue Magazine since I first saw it. How much do you love those streamers coming down the wall? What inspiration have you been drawing from?

Craving the Cute

It might surprise people to know that despite posting about weddings and pink walls I really do try to play it cool. I live in black jeans and frye boots (well outside of work anyway) and I dig that all -white Swedish design and listen to the kinks. But sometimes, I just can't help it...I crave cuteness*...And my desire to be surrounded by brightly colored and/or sparkly intricately crafted objects is just that more intensified around the holidays. For some reason, Anthropologie knows this and yesterday sent me an email linking me to well...this:
Like, come on! Give me a chance to not shrill with girly delight. How many matrioshkas can one store have? And that vintage packaging?I don't stand a chance!

check them out at Anthropologie

*Have you ever tried to explain the word "cute" in a foreign language? Try it, it's hard.