I Resolve To...

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this year I think I'm going to jot down a few things that are fun that I would like to do. Usually people focus on negatives - I need to lose weight; I need to do this; I need to do that... - and the year begins heavy with burden and (false) expectations. So I think I'm going to commit to all things fun and uplifting. Who's with me?!?!

Photos: Kate Spade

Fork It Over!

I came across JJ Evensen Art on Etsy and wanted to share this unique and stylish concept. By recycling something as common as utensils, you get to not only help the environment, but you also get a cool piece of jewelry. I like this fork bent into a funky, adjustable bracelet. I also think the hooks below could possibly hold some oven mitts or a dish towel in the kitchen. What a way to jazz up your walls :)

Top: Rock On Fork Bracelet
Bottom: Peace/Fork You/Rock On Silverware Coat Hooks

Feeling Jolly

I just wanted to take a few minutes from the family fun and laughs to share the joy of this season - I hope each and every one of you reading this takes a minute to reflect on your blessings and create an opportunity to be a blessing for someone else. Happy Holidays!

Photo: Design Sponge

I'm (Letter)Pressed

Where I live:

And where I'm from:

I was browsing the Web in search of letterpress capabilities in the Philadelphia area, and came across these posters by Louella Press. I'm loving them and think the blank walls in my apartment would appreciate them! I'm all over the Internet these days looking for art. One of my resolutions for 2011 (not like I really make them) is to have fun and decorate my apartment. These would fit right in. If you have a moment, take a peak at their Etsy shop - lots of cute pieces!

Not Your Ordinary Tree

Leave it to Martha Stewart to feature a tree that would make me want to have it up all year round! The tree is from treetopia.com, and they have a host of funky colors. Gotta love straying from the norm!

Fa-La-La-La-Lush!

I cannot believe Christmas is a week away! I know, I know - I'm not seven years old. And no, I'm not expecting a tree filled with gifts just for me. But it's definitely something about this holiday that gets me year after year. The giving, the smiles, the warmth, the love...

I'm spending this holiday at my parent's house, but these pics kinda have me looking forward to the day I'll host Christmas at my place. Look at these decorations! Absolutely stunning. A true indoor winter wonderland. The dress in the last pic - I HAVE to find that somewhere!

Photos: 100 Layer Cake

Simply Stunning

Ummm... can someone please sit me at this table? The artsy black and white tablecloth contrasted against the red and white dots AND the gold-plated dinnerware?? Come on - this is fabulous! This photo is featured in a spread in Lonny's new mini holiday mag. I say head on over to get your fix. There's plenty of ideas to carry well into the new year. I couldn't help but post a few pics featuring my new fixation - turquoise :)

Photos: Lonny Mag

Who Have You Met and Liked?

I came across these notebooks by Archie Grand and thought they would make cute stocking stuffers this holiday - or any day. With covers such as Artists I Met and Liked and Secret Agents I Met and Liked, there has to be a cover for someone you know... and like!

My (Turquoise) Blue Heaven

I'm a huge fan of pink used in decor - splashed on the walls or used in accents here and there. It goes a long way. You may even remember my pink posts here and here. But that's not to say I don't also love my blues. Turquoise in particular. It goes well with my other faves - gray, nutmeg (not orange - but nutmeg), mustard (yes - mustard), and of course, fushia.

Well, as soon as I came across the above photo on Chichi and Luxe, my heart almost stopped. Damn near every color I heart is in that pic. Who wouldn't want to dine at a table that looks like that?! Absolutely gorgeous! So I headed on over to the source of the image and fell in love multiple times over. The verdict is out: turquoise is very in.

All Photos: DecorPad

So Gifted

If you are looking for ideas for gifts this holiday season, I highly encourage taking a peek at the Gifted Holiday Magazine and Gift Guide. I just spent the last hour clicking through and visiting suggested sites - especially for handmade goodies. I'm always looking for unique gifts, and everyone is covered in this guide - him, her, baby, even your favorite pet :)

Get to Work

If you report to work and sit behind a desk like this, obviously you're the one calling all the shots. Could you imagine the lavishness? I can! This is the perfect balance of work and play for me. Loves it!

Photo: Rue

Would You Wear: SJP's Lacy Blues?

I heart SJP - Sex and the City will forever have a special place in my heart (so will The Family Stone). But I have to say - I'm not a big fan of these icy blue lace shoes - particularly not with her black ensemble.

Verdict: Maybe if they were in another color with a different outfit :)

Photo: here

Just Be

I know it's been a few days. I've been relaxing. Downright lazy. Sleeping. Eating... real good food. Ahhhhh... taking deep breaths and letting them out slow.

Today is Monday, and although I had to work - with an annoying and painful kink in my neck - I'm still relaxing. Chilling. Big time. I can't explain it, but my mind is in a different space. It's colorful. It's expanding. I'm starting to get it (you know - IT).

I'll try to get back to (semi) regular posts this week :)

Until then - just chill!

Photo: Nesting Newbies

Cake for a Cause

Icing Smiles Inc.

Happy Monday to you all!

Yes, I understand it's the beginning of the week. And no, I'm not on drugs! I am genuinely happy it's Monday, and for no particular reason. Well, okay - it could be the yoga I did this morning. I admit - I was a little worn by 5 PM, but my spirit was still in-tact. And it is with such great energy that I write about a non-profit called Icing Smiles Inc.

I happened to be catching up on Amy Atlas' blog (love it!) where she mentioned the organization featured in the December issue of O Magazine. I really want you to visit the site, so I won't give away too much. But I firmly believe in putting as much energy (if not more) on feeling good on the inside as we do making ourselves look good on the outside.

Don't wait for the holidays to contribute. Make a sick child happy today!

Show a Little Lanvin Love

We all know that the holiday party invitations are well on their way - from your job, your family, your friends... And if you are anything like me, you may be tempted to recycle a dress from holidays past. Good news - if you dare to throw a glam piece into rotation, look no further than your local H&M. The mega store partners with high-end designers ever so often, and this holiday season it's the luxe line, Lanvin. So if you're not rolling in the major dollars yet, maybe one of these will fit within your holiday budget.

Photos: here

Overdue Nightstand Reveal

Someone reminded me the other day that I never posted the 'after' to my nightstand fixer-upper 'before' pics. Whoops, my bad! What can I say - sometimes a girl forgets :)

Well, if you missed it waaaaaay back in July (shame on me), here is another 'before' shot:

And herrrrrrrre's the 'after'!


Thanks to my boyfriend's "willingness" to take this project on (cause let's face it - he did all the grunt work), I think this came out pretty damn good for a first try. Below are some detail shots. You can google how to redo a wooden dresser (that's what we did), and give an old, dull piece some new life. The knobs are from Anthropologie.

Would You Wear: Eva's Skyscrapers?

Whoa, mama - Eva Mendes' heels are super sexy, but my feet hurt by just looking at them!
My vote: admire from afar (but definitely rock the Oscar de la Renta dress!)

Photos: Huffington Post

Alice in Anthro-land

The November catalog for Anthropologie is INSANE. I love the Alice in Wonderland theme. I truly wish there was a rabbit hole that I could fall into every once in awhile... Instead of talking creatures and weird mad hatters, mine would have piles and piles of silk and cashmere that I could dive into and take peaceful naps.

Okay - this little guy could join me too. He reminds me of my turtle, Cecile :)

Photos: Anthropologie

Oh So Sofia

The Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton collection is simply perfection. Thanks to Sassi Sam, I am absolutely loving the famed director's collaboration with Louis Vuitton for Fall 2010. These bags are timeless - I can see them in rotation for a very long time. I especially love the clutch. I'm a big bag girl, but a chic clutch is a must for everyone.

I love The Virgin Suicides, and now Sofia has given me another reason to keep my eye on her. I heart her style!

Photos: Sassi Sam Blog