celebration time, c'mon

image source: Erin Ever After
 

image source: flickr

image source: Bicyclette
 

image source: Style Me Pretty
 

image source: Dancin' in the Moonlight

Though I won't be out celebrating New Year's, I still appreciate a festive celebration and any occasion to put some fancy heels on. My hope is that if any of you are out and about tomorrow night that you have fun, but celebrate responsibly.

And if you wake up feeling not so fresh on New Year's day, look to Gwyneth Paltrow's recent goop newsletter for a few hangover cures.

Cheers to 2012!

fantasy fashion for NYE

image source: ZsaZsa Bellagio
 

image source: Fashionologie

image source: unknown, please share it if you know it.

image source: Greige Design
 

image source: Mochatini

Wouldn't it be nice to attend a super fancy New Year's Eve party and show up wearing one of these beyond amazing dresses? Talk about a fantasy! As for me, I have absolutely no plans for NYE, mostly because I have no sitter, but I will be sure to wear my fanciest sweatshirt as the ball drops. What are your plans for counting down to the new year?

organized & orderly

image source: Just Tea For Me, Thanks
 

image source: My Revelment
 

image source: Rue Mag

image source: House of Smiths

image source: unknown, please share if you know it

image source: Habitually Chic
 

image source: House Beautiful
 

image source: This is Glamorous

There's something about taking down the tree that makes me want to organize and put every thing in order. Or maybe it's the fact that I must find a place in my space for the new stuff I received at Christmas. Then again, it could be the onset of a new year and me wanting to set things in proper order. Whatever causes this sudden urge for organization and order, I'm definitely inspired by these spaces.

pink + gold

image source: Brown Eyed Belle

image source: Aesthetic Oiseau
 

image source: Little Blue Deer
 

image source: Freshly Picked
 

image source: A Gift Wrapped Life

image source: One Kings Lane
 

image source: Reasons to Breathe

image source: Oh My Sweet Thing

I needed my brother's help on a recent project/gift. He pinstripes, which means he has a steady hand for painting, but when I told him the project required paint colors of pink, red and gold, he argued that pink and gold do not go. I insisted that they did and he reluctantly obliged. While the project turned out well, I should've had these images ready to prove my stance. How do yall feel about a pink and gold combination?

I hope everyone had a safe and joy-filled weekend! Glad to see you back!

signs of life ~ Christmas edition

Please forgive me for the lack of regular posts, but it's Christmas time and is anyone thinking about anything else really? So here's my Christmas edition of signs of life, illustrating our holiday happenings!

Clockwise from top left: my daughter with the mall Santa / my parents' Christmas tree / another photo opp with a different Santa / a cupcake from the school Christmas party

Clockwise from top left: the little one helps grandma with the baking / gifts waiting to be opened / baked apple bread / a gift from Santa, which is currently in hiding


Just want to say thank you to all those who have visited my little ol' blog in the short time it's been up (less than three months!). I so appreciate all the visitors and am grateful to all my readers whether you comment or not. I really feel connected to you all!

Merry Christmas to you! Be safe and be happy!

signs of life

Since I'm a bit behind on my personal snapshots, here's a few more I'm posting to catch up.

Clockwise from top left: My daughter was the flower girl in a dear friend's wedding / snapped a shot of this Gap ad for inspiration / mine and my daughter's artwork / the yummy apple-filled empanadas my mom made

Stay tuned for a Christmas edition of signs of life tomorrow.

last minute holiday decor

image source: Tory Burch blog

I just spotted this garland tutorial at the Tory Burch blog. It seemed simple, yet festive. Great idea if you need a group project to add that extra splash of holiday to the decor!

 image source: Hostess with the Mostess

Or perhaps if you're preparing for a New Year's Eve party, look to My Little Jedi online magazine for a plethora of great party decor ideas, including my personal favorite of how to make a tassel garland. There's also a few Christmas decor articles included, if you're still lacking in the festive food/decorations department.

Now go forth and decorate!

arrive in style

Whether it be by plane, train or automobile, many of us will be traveling soon to visit folks for the holidays. One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing sloppy travelers, especially at airports. While I can forgive you a bit more if you travel in your own vehicle, there's still some outfit options for feeling comfy but looking presentable for when you reach your destination. Take a cue from a few of the ladies above and wear a simple tee and blazer (or cardigan) with jeans/leggings and a cozy scarf. For footwear, I'd choose my boots to save room in my luggage, but if you can afford the space, go for another pair that's easy on the feet and easy at the airport security checks. And guys, I didn't forget about yall. Look to the stylish gentlemen below for your own inspiration. To all, don't forget your sunnies!

image sources: People Style Watch, Who What Wear and Google

take note

Kate's Paperie - Paperthinks Recycled Leather Notebooks $17.59-17.95

Archie Grand Legendary Notebook €33.95 or in the US about $11

Set Editions Tally Notebooks $12


In the last year I've noticed my daughter really take a liking to having little notebooks to scribble in. Even one day at the store she was carrying around a planner/calendar notebook and a toy. When I told her I wasn't going to buy her both and asked which one she wanted more, she put the toy away and opted with the notebook. It just amazed me how she's so young [three] and is already notebook obsessed.

After reviewing a couple of bloggers' gift guides, I noticed that many included a notebook of some sort, despite us living in a very tech savvy world. Is this more a girl thing, a guy thing, a creative's thing? Where does that urge to write anything and everything down come from?

signs of life

I've been a bit behind on these, but wanted to share a few recent snapshots!

Clockwise from top left: My daughter at the playground / Me enjoying a nice hot tea / The little one enjoying a tasty treat on a particularly warm November afternoon / Me modeling a very wide-brim cowboy hat

Happy Weekend!

tangerine tango

image source: the Novogratz

image source: I Love Pretty Things

image source: 6th Street Design School

image source: People Style Watch
 

image source: The Decorista
 

image source: Missed Shift
 

image source: InStyle.com

image source: Meg's Pin for High Point Market
 

image source: unknown, please share it with me if you know it.

Tis the season for red and green, but the Pantone Color Institute just declared Tangerine Tango the color for 2012. Hmmm, this might explain my recent craving for some orange in my life. Expect to see this color popping up even more so next year in branding and fashion!

holiday treat

From this....

to this...

to this!

image source: my Instagram pics

If you're looking to spread some holiday cheer amongst your neighbors, coworkers, friends and/or family, consider this easy recipe for pretzel hugs. (Seriously, super easy! I think the hardest part about it is unwrapping the Hershey's hugs.) When ready, adorn in your own festive packaging and deliver!

travel smart (and cute)

A few of us will be traveling in the coming days and weeks, whether it be by car or plane, and here's just a few bags and items that might help lighten the moods of those around you, or at least yourself.

Emergency Mascara Pouch $15 - This one in particular cracks me up, because in the middle of the night while experiencing contractions en route to the hospital to deliver my child, I was applying mascara. Yeah, mascara is critical for a successful labor and delivery.

Man Bag Pouch $28 - Can't leave the guys out.

My Face Cosmetics Bag $18 - In a nutshell, this pretty much sums it up.

Baggu Gift Set $10 - Multiple bags makes it easier for sorting the little things. The cuteness factor also helps.

Java Small Zip Case $34 - Or if you just want something pretty and chic, there's this.

Duty Free Eye Mask $22 - For those who want to wear sunglasses while sleeping.

Pain Killers Tin Box $8 - We all know traveling can be a pain, so why not pack this with your trusty methods for medicating what ails you.



Shop Flight 001 for the above items or other travel necessities that are equally funny and cute.