It's here again...another new year. whether you celebrate with a big bash or a quiet gathering there is just something so special and nostalgic about a fresh start that comes with the ushering in of the New Year.
In the words of Irving Berlin, "let the old year die with a fond goodbye and our hopes as high as a kite how can our love go wrong if we start the new year right."
For Christmas I received Sophia Loren's autobiography, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. I finished the book this morning and I must say that I loved this book. I wasn't looking for a tell-all with crass details and was pleased by Loren's classy and beautifully told anecdotes and remembrances. A New York Times reviewer passes it off with a statement of "nothing to see here" but I disagree; I learned much more about the legendary woman and respect her now more than ever.
I love everything about this room: the bench, the white book shelves, the blue ceiling. I've been thinking about updating my den/office, and I think this space is the perfect inspiration. Now I just need to either buy new bookshelves or paint the cheap laminate ones I got for a steal at Target when I first bought my house.
I just love how light and bright it is.
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday week!
~Lori
For all of you super busy people out there who think they are out of time to decorate for Christmas, think again! I put together a few ideas that are no fuss but have maximum appeal. First on the list is fresh greens. This mantle above is stunning with just vases full of greens and white flowers. All it takes is a trip to the grocery store and you have to go there anyway.
You can purchase fresh garlands at many stores and all you need is a strand or two of lights. This will take you all of 15 minuets to complete and how beautiful are the results?
Let's be real, it takes time to go pick out a tree and set it up at home. Just do it and skip the ornaments. All a fresh tree really needs is lights so it looks lovely at night.
Over the weekend, I discovered that my daughter's taste in jewelry has grown to include delicately crafted rings, usually hand crafted and made from sterling silver or 14-24 karat gold.
Go figure. She was drawn to a ring similar to the one above, but with a triangle shape, by another designer, but I'm positive that she would like this one even better if she were to see it. I think it's a nice little nod to her nickname, since she has been my little Alli-Cat since the moment I knew I was pregnant with a girl.
The ring is sweet and simple, like a lot of the pieces from Irina Victoria Jewelry, and I'd better order it quickly if I expect it to be here in time to be opened on Christmas morning!
~Lori
Perhaps it's because I live in the desert but I am really attracted to (I won't use the ugly word "flocked") snowy Christmas trees. My poor, pre-lit tree is about expired because on many of the branches the lights have gone out and we haven't been able to fix them. I think after Christmas this year I will try to snag a new tree. I just can't make up my mind as to what I will want because it has to last at least 4 years. I do think these "snowy" trees are lovely.
Designers Tommy Smythe and Lindsay Mens Craig designed this gorgeous condo. There are a few things we can all learn from the good taste displayed in the Christmas decor of these images: simple is best; fresh greenery is all you need. I am in love with the grey and gold scheme of the above room!
This week is going by slowly. The days are dragging. Which isn't always a bad thing, but I am so looking forward to this weekend that it is torture!
This Saturday we have a packed schedule: Wreaths Across America at 9, then on to LA for a Geeky Craft Fair at Whimsic Alley, then on to the Renegade Craft Fair in downtown LA, and finally dinner with the boyfriend's family to celebrate a birthday.
I have been looking forward to going to the Renegade Craft Fair since the summer, when I got sick and we couldn't go then. And now I have that familiar scratchy tickle at the back of my throat that usually signals an oncoming cold. I'm trying to hold it off--too much to do, damn it! And there are artisan s'mores to be had at the craft fair!
From ridiculously cute wrapping paper by Clap Clap Design to amazing jewelry and pieces by a slew of different artists, I'm so excited that I'm over here doing the Jessie Spano dance.
Fingers crossed that I can fight off this cold!
Are any of you LA locals heading over to the Renegade Craft Fair? Or maybe some of you in Chicago, San Francisco, or London made it to yours?
~Lori
Last year I discovered a new favorite Christmas movie. I am a total classic film buff so imagine my surprise when I watched this delightful movie for the first time only last year! I just love Barbara Stanwyck and she makes the, possibly otherwise cheesy, theme of the movie sweet and believable. I need this movie in my collection and I think you will enjoy it too.
This weekend, the Cat and I may or may not have spent pretty much all of Saturday at home, watching the newly-added-to-Netflix season of American Horror Story, Coven. We are pro Netflix marathoners, and we finished the entire season in a day. I will admit there was lots of fast forwarding, leave the room, and go out of here moments for parts of each episode, but we managed to watch, and fall in love with, the entire run of 13 episodes.
I know, I know, I am behind the times on this, but I am hooked- especially on the set design. Tell me, for those of you who watched Coven, have you ever seen a more simple, beautifully designed set? I want to move in, even if it means rooming with the spirit of the Axe-Man.
Anyway, one of the things I loved the most was the kitchen, and, more specifically, the kitchen.
It's gorgeous, and I want the refrigerator, of all things.
Although, while trying to find that style refrigerator, I came across this custom made refrigerator that I think it ridiculously gorgeous.
I mean, come on. How gorgeous is that? The company, Restart, will apparently work with you to create all kinds of gorgeousness for your kitchen. IF you live in Italy. Or have enough money to persuade them to create something like that and then ship it on over. Which I don't. But maybe good old Santa can make it happen?!
Maybe we could turn this into a DIY. Christmas break is coming up, and if I ruin the fridge that I have, it will be a good excuse to get a new one, right?
~Lori
This year I've been seeing a lot of lovely Christmas decor staring soft, shiny pastels. They have a girly, retro vibe that I just love. I don't think the boys in my house would go for it but I can admire it anyway and perhaps talk someone else into giving this beautiful look a try.
Today, I'm off to help set up for a birthday party for an adorable three year old girl. This weekend we are taking the kids to see A Christmas Carol play at the local theatre company. It should be a wonderful weekend.
I'm so excited that I get to go over to my friend's house to help her prepare her home for Christmas. She has requested a traditional red, silver and gold scheme with lots of pine cones. I'm thinking this will have a glam, lake house vibe. Her home is perfectly suited to this look with its grey walls and neutral decor. We have a lot to do and it's going to be gorgeous. Here are a few of my inspirations for this project.
I really can't believe it is already Wednesday! I have tons of thing to do like mail Christmas cards and help a few other friends with their decorating projects as well as complete a lot of homework assignments. Classes are almost over! It has been a ton of work so I'm grateful it has been quick.
We are supposed to be seeing major rain here in the desert (well, major rain for the desert, that is), so boots are definitely in order for today. This outfit looks perfect for a cold rainy day schedule at school, doesn't it?
Hope your week is going well! I have to admit that I, along with my students, I'm sure, am counting down the days until Christmas vacation!
On this beautiful Monday I want to share a gorgeous home tour with you. Blogger Rach Parcell of Pink Peonies just revealed her newly designed living room. Gate House no. 1 designed this beautiful room and I just don't know if I can pick a favorite element except that I am coveting the rug but I also love the club chairs and coffee table.
See more stunning photos of this space over at pinkpeonies.com.
The space really reflects the owner with it's fashion forward, fun and feminine appeal, don't you think?
