twas the night before christmas...

don't forget to leave out the milk and cookies...


{image by cindy farr-weinfeld}

cargo coat

i'm currently obsessing over this cargo coat.
it's made of cotton and costs only $58!

i'm thinking it would be the perfect way to
dress up my current uniform of jeans and boots...

divine dining

erin martin can do no wrong.
this dining room is proof.
i love the casual chairs under the funky organic light fixture.
comfortable, fresh and super stylish.

{she also has the coolest designer website. ever.}

red frames

i love red frames.
{as i've mentioned here and as evidenced here.}

so my jaw dropped when flipping through the latest issue of elle decor to see this:

an entire hallway filled with
black-and-white photographs
in red frames.

i'm not disciplined enough to carry this out,
but i think it makes quite a statement.

{i also thought the editor's letter was handled nicely.}

ballet

this time of year i begin to miss ballet.

maybe it's all the nutcracker music...

i've spent a fair amount of time inside dance studios,
and there is nothing quite like the feeling of dancing.

i miss the strength it requires to pull off the delicate positions
and the ability to climb inside of a piece
of music and ride it like a wave.

{image}

merry friday!

the weekend is here at last.
and the countdown is on...
am hoping to get the last of the presents bought
and wrapped this weekend.
so next week can be spent baking {or eating}
and watching old christmas movies!

what's your favorite christmas movie?


{don't you love the scandinavian-style holiday pom-poms?}

candle lights

i love this romantic centerpiece idea.
just place simple white candles into clear wine glasses.

wouldn't it be especially beautiful
for an outdoor table setting?

{image}

the secret garden

how sweet is this picture?
i love her blue coat and little girl posture.

reminds me of one of my favorite children's books,
which i can't wait to read to my daughter.

what was your favorite book as a child?

blazer love?

i haven't worn a blazer in years.
they just seem a little ...well...corporate.

but i'm kind of liking the idea of pairing a blazer with an oversize sweater.
looks very chic and modern, no?

child's play

after reading this post
i can't seem to get this shop out of my mind.

doesn't it look magical?

i wouldn't mind stopping by this place either.

have a lovely weekend.

happy weekend!
i'll be spending time with the visiting in-laws,
exchanging hannukah gifts
and watching as my baby outgrows her clothes right before my eyes!

see you on monday!

{love}

headboard idea

isn't this a sweet alternative to a headboard?
love the little red table, too.

{d*s}

too few cooks in the kitchen...

as christmas approaches,
i find myself jumping ahead to new years.
i'm beginning to think of resolutions i'd like to make,
and hopefully stick to.
{we'll see}
but one of them that has been floating around my head
for quite a while is that i'd really like to learn to cook.
like, for reals.
cooking for me usually involves making a bowl of cereal or pasta if i'm feeling ambitious.
but now with a new little girl and a husband who's growing a thriving garden,
it seems like i should step up and learn a few recipes.
or at least feel comfortable enough that the idea of pulling together a dinner for guests
{or even just my husband}
doesn't throw me into a mild panic.
yes, am thinking there will need to be a food-related resolution this year.

do you have any favorite foodie-type websites/blogs that might help out a novice like me?

{delicious images by roland bello}

it's better to give.

i love giving presents.

i love thinking about and finding the perfect gift for people.

something they wouldn't buy for themselves,

but that they'll be excited to have.

something a little indulgent that will make them smile.

below are some of my favorite things to give

{or receive!}

and are checkbook-friendly {for the most part}

to make shopping "in this economy" a little easier.

who wouldn't want a little chanel?

i like to pick out a glamorous color like vendetta for drama.

too pretty to be kept in the fridge,

it should be left out on the bathroom counter to be admired.

$23 for chanel, not bad.

more of a splurge, but worth every penny.

i love absolutely everything jo malone makes,

but the french lime blossom scent is divine.

so light and delicate, the florally citrus smell lingers all day.

$55 for 30ml

moleskine's classic notebook in a new red jacket.

perfect for taking notes, journaling, grocery lists and memorable quotes.

$10

stella mccartney's delicious-smelling perfume in a

cool disco-style roller ball.

it can be tucked easily into a purse or christmas stocking.

$17 at sephora

there is no better gift than a good book.

turn a friend on to one of your favorites this season.

interesting women by andrea lee, $22.95.

gifts should be fun!

imagine pulling this glittery wallet, $16.50, out of your purse,

and seeing these 80s-inspired neon socks, $24.50 {for three pairs},

peeking out from a favorite pair of flats.

pair any of these items with a homemade card,

chocolate chip cookies or a bottle of wine and you're set!

merry giving!

xoxo

5 things i love about christmastime

5. watching elf {"smiling's my favorite"}
&
listening to my elvis christmas cd
&
re-reading the santaland diaries

{but not all at the same time}

4. baking cookies
{or eating cookies someone else has baked!}

3. peppermint mochas

2. twinkly lights everywhere
{especially the ones on our tree}

1. watching someone open a gift you know they'll love

what do you love about christmastime?

{tree}