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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Current Obsession: Golden Arrow Table

A few issues back I spied this lovely room in Country Living magazine.  What caught my attention you ask?  Well, besides the fabulous Federalist eagle mirror and Moroccan rug, that Hollywood Regency gold arrow table really got my pulse going.  Since then, I have been on the lookout because I think I have to own one!
French Brass Guilt 'arrow' Table
Hollywood Regency Modern Antique Gold Metal Iron Glass Arrow Accent Table 20”D
Pretty fantastic design right?
Also, it's New Year's Eve!  Since I have little ones, making it through until mid-night is a big assignment.  I did buy a mini bottle of pink bubbly (for myself) and might even indulge in a few macarons but it is going to be pretty low key for me; Hey, that rhymes!   
Are you doing something special to ring in the New Year?  Fill me in so I can live vicariously through you...please!
Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy New Year!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Minor Obsession: The Pola Bag

Ever since I saw this bag by Sézane over on Oh the Lovely Things, I can't get it out of my mind.  It's perfect and gorgeous- I love the shape and the color.  Beautiful.  My fingers are crossed that I win this giveaway- it's part of 24 Merry Days (some of the contests are still open). But you should really just ignore this one.  I mean, who needs another purse, right?!
Pola Bag
image via Oh the Lovely Things
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Friday, December 27, 2013

Post-Christmas Blues

If Lori thought her post was published late yesterday (and I didn't even notice) mine is even later today!  Ugh.  You would think that on vacation I could get my act together.  I have excuses:  My sweet puppy Mr. Chips is sick:(  Poor pup had a rough day yesterday and a bad night last night.  He seems to be a bit better today though.  Also, I am a freak about getting all the Christmas decor down the day after Christmas because it depresses me to look at it once the day has passed.  On to the next!
I have a question for all of you:  How do you decorate your homes post Christmas?  Do you stay with a wintery scheme or do you decorate for New Years somehow?  I'm really curious because once the Christmas stuff comes down, it's a little difficult to get inspired.  Spring is still pretty far away.
FrankMissotten-080509-444
One thing I am longing to do is to organize my pantry and dishes.  The above image would be a dream come true!
What is on your post-Christmas to-do lists?

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Here's Another Book for You

Ahhh, the day after Christmas.  I'm late in getting this post up today- very late (sorry, Rebecca!) because I stayed at my parents' house last night and watched the Doctor Who Christmas special (goodbye, bowtie) and then came home and slept.  And slept.  And slept.  So I didn't get this little post here published on time.  My apologies.
I hope you all had a fantastic day yesterday and got every little thing your heart desired.  We had a beautiful Christmas and my Cat was very thankful for all of her gifts, coming over to me numerous times to hug me and give me heartfelt thanks. It really is rewarding when your child reaches an age where she truly starts to understand what it is that we, as parents, do.
Anyway.  I've brought you another book that I want, and a fantastic illustrator whose style I love.  It's so punchy and fun, and I hope you enjoy it, too.

Hannah Warren


Now on to the book- it is illustrated by, you guessed it, Hannah Warren, and it is written by Tom Jones.  Tired of London, Tired of Life: One Thing a Day to Do in London started out as the blog of the same name (minus the One Thing a Day bit).  The author had felt that he was getting a little sick of the city, so he decided to challenge himself and find one thing a day to do in London that was maybe a little off the beaten path or that was pretty exclusive to London.  That evolved into his website, where he started sharing his daily adventures, and then led to the book.
available here and here
There's a second book, too- a follow up to this one.
buy it here
So I will leave you with those books to add to your list.  I know that I've added them to mine!
Oh, and I have a question for you- who is going shopping for some after Christmas deals today?  I have to admit that I went online and bought a Christmas tree for my formal dining room for next year.  And  I am tempted to order some pears from Harry & David and then maybe pop on over to Sephora.
Geez.  It just never ends, does it?!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

Guess the movie I'm watching...?
Photo: Mr Chips is in the Christmas spirit.
Mr. Chips is helping with the Christmas wrapping.

Merry Christmas my friends!  Many thanks to each and every one of you for following this little blog and supporting us with your kind comments.  May this Christmas day bring you beauty and warmth.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry-Almost Christmas

Whose ready for Christmas? I'm not. Not yet, anyway. I was good about getting (almost all of) my shopping done early this year, but I still haven't really wrapped anything. I haven't made Alli's nutcracker yet, like I do every year. Rebecca and Ty came over yesterday and helped me set up my new rug and they worked on the kitchen island- I can't wait to show you pictures, becuase it is looking pretty fantastic. For now, though, with it being Christmas eve and all, I thought I would leave you with a few pretty images. Merry Christmas!
image via Mandy Cave Watercolor
image via 


image via Rentokil
Is it just me, or does that look like
Gerald McBoing-boing peeking out the window?
Image via See What Jade Sees




I love me some Maurice Sendak.
This was one of my favorites to read to the
Cat when she was little.
image via See What Jane Sees

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Citrus Inspired Christmas

When I saw the above image I just had to do a post on decorating with citrus fruit. You can use fruit just like you would flowers and they will last just as long, if not longer.  Since I live in California, I have always toyed with the idea of using boxwood, olive branches and citrus as my main inspiration for Christmas one day.  I think it is striking and and would be really fun.  
Christmas is just around the corner and I am proud to say that I am done with everything!  I'm now just enjoying my family and planning for a little Christmas Eve celebration.
How are you spending these last few days before Christmas?

Friday, December 20, 2013

I Want to Live There

image via Design Chic
How gorgeous is this closet?!  That's it.  I need to update mine!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Whose all ready for Christmas?
~Lori

Thursday, December 19, 2013

What I Want: Black Bow Flats

Let me tell you that this is the first time I have sat down all day!  The holidays seem to get busier every year.  I'm not complaining, though, I love it.  Baking, entertaining, being entertained, shopping, decorating...it's all so wonderful.  Tomorrow I get to entertain my closest girlfriends at breakfast, then I am going to bake some cookies to go with my kiddos teacher gifts, then I have my husbands work party to attend.  This brings me to a bit of a quandary--what do I wear?  This is a casual group, but it's a Christmas party!   
I'm leaning toward a simple long-sleeve dress with these lovely black flats (at the top of my Christmas list).  I am totally open to suggestions on this one though.  Do I go with jeans and heals?  Lori!!!  I need your help!
I'll bet life is crazy for all of you out there too.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

What I Want: Portable Garden

How about I share something ingenious with you, hmmm?
I found this portable garden cart on Elle Italia and immediately fell in love with it.  It reminds me of a bar cart, but with lettuce instead of liquor.  I want one, to plant herbs and such in, because then I could just (conceivably) wheel it right on up to my kitchen island (which is coming along nicely thanks to Rebecca and her husband, by the way!), pick some produce, and voila!  Fresh goodness right in my kitchen and at my finger tips.
Portable Garden Cart

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Merry & Bright: A Kate Spade Inspired Christmas Party

The other day I was bumping around the internet when I spied this fabulous Kate Spade inspired Christmas party over at stylemepretty.com/living.  I've got to say that I don't know one girl who wouldn't want to be on the guest list for this snazzy little affair.  I am inspired.  Wouldn't this also be the perfect bridal shower, new year party or birthday theme?
Are you throwing a holiday party?  What do you think: would you attempt something like this?  Cheers!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Still Obsessed: Emily Henderson's Christmas

Only 9 more days until Christmas; are you ready?  I am actually pretty on top of gifts this year, having ordered almost all of the Cat's online, but as for decorating, I am not even close.  I got the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, got a couple of boxwood wreaths up, and even hung up this fantastic winter themed painting that I scored at the Salvation Army a few months ago.
But my tree, oh, my poor, pathetic little tree.  It isn't decorated- not even close.  I decided to update the tree to match the updated living room- I've added navies and greys and done away with a lot of the browns.  I want to add some other ornaments, too, maybe something from recycled book pages.
And I still can't get over some of the decorations Emily Henderson did last year for a Christmas special.
Via Emily Henderson
I still adore this.
image via Emily Henderson
And I still adore these snowmen.  I need to get off my lazy a$$ and make one of these bad boys.
I hope your Monday is off to a fantastic start!

Friday, December 13, 2013

I Want to Make Beautiful Things...

The Designer Says-2-Design Crush
Yesterday was just one-of-those-days for me.   I honestly wish I was in a creative field full-time but I am grateful for this blog and for other ways I endeavour to live the above quote.  There is something born in creative people that commands obedience; there is no choice but to allow it to come out in anyway it can because it is the avenue to contentment for me.  
Thank you, dear readers, I know you understand and most of you probably feel the same way.  I love this blog!
Happy Friday and a lovely weekend to you sweet things out there!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Currently Craving: Tartan Scarf

It has been cold here in the desert lately.  I have been more interested in dressing warmly than *gasp* dressing fashionably.  I know that both can be done at the same time, but my problem is that I don't really have any good winter shoes that are also comfortable and that go with everything.
Anyway.  This cold weather has caused me to want to invest in a really good, warm scarf.  And I want it to be a beautiful green tartan.  I'm on the lookout for one- any suggestions?
Plaid Scarf

This set includes a couple of different price points, with the two scarves on the left coming in at $58 and the one on the right a steal at $325. It's almost the weekend! Any plans? Lori

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The New General Store

I have to be honest, I didn't know the name Tricia Foley (and I should have) but I knew her rooms.  I was a big Victoria mag. reader back in the day and she styled many spaces for that magazine along with many other projects of her own.  She has authored many design books that I admire and her taste has spanned the last 20 odd years beautifully.  The rooms she has designed and sets she has created always appear fresh.
Her latest venture is an online store called The New General Store and she has curated the most beautiful collection of gifts, housewares, pantry items, and gardening supplies you have ever seen.  The style is evident: good quality meets classic design.  Tricia also has an inspiring blog, The White List.

I am a huge fan and I love these Christmas and hostess gift ideas from her online store.  I know I would love to receive anything and everything on this list; most especially the gorgeous blankets.

The New General Store

The New General Store by desertgirls on Polyvore
Please do check her out!  In fact, I'll just bet most of you out there already have and good for you.

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