Baby It's Cold Outside

The Sartorialist

Okay friends it is cold outside, no joke...so much for living in the South. The perks to this would be getting to wear my chic extreme winter weather clothing which only comes out a handful of times. Downside, chapped face and cabin fever with 3 little ones who haven't played outside all day long...it is a toss up. 

I love these images of designer Mary McDonald's home dressed for the holiday in the current issue of Veranda. How glamorous, magical, and vibrant is Mrs. McDonald's peacock decor. Absolutely beautiful!  

White Christmas

The idea of a "White Christmas" sounds lovely. How picturesque, waking Christmas morning to a blanket of snow while opening presents by a cozy fire. It would be memorable and I hope to experience it at least once in my lifetime. I would say this year things are looking up for the chance of that happening seeing it is the first time I ever recall decorating the Christmas tree while beautiful snowflakes were falling outside.

Images courtesy of Canadian House and Home, Country Living, Pink Wallpaper, Domino, Living etc., Vogue and Martha Stewart

Fa la la la la

Pinterest

Joy, Joy the weekend is here and only 15 days until Christmas! 

There are so many fun festivities happening in town this weekend and I can't wait to partake in a few of them.

 As always I have some of my favorites for Friday and I do love to share.

Goldbug Studio

For a limited time this holiday season Goldbug Studio is opening the door to their Folly Store for those of you who are looking for a special handmade gift. Ashley Carter's whimsical, fairy tale, glitter inspired "follies" have drawn national attention from celebrities, publications, and stores. Bergdorf Goodman and Anthropologie both have her lovelies as the gifts for the season. I will definitely stuffing some stockings with goodies from Goldbug.

Goldbug Studio

My home is pretty well decorated for the season but there is so much inspiration out there for holiday decor with beautiful images. I enjoy buying the greenery and always purchase Boxwood wreaths and garlands but when I see all the options from The Magnolia Company I second guess my decision and think maybe next year I should mix it up. Whether you prefer magnolia, evergreen, or boxwood they have an array of wreaths to satisfy any style.

One of my personal favorites is the stunning Holiday Red Lacquer Wreath shown below. 

The Magnolia Company

Lonny Magazine is live today and is packed full of chic interiors, holiday gift ideas, and inspiration for you. The Long Island home of designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd is a colorful breath of fresh air in this season where the color all around us tends to be a little bit more muted. A definite must read for the weekend. 

Lonny

I know that I sing the praises of the New Orleans confections shop Sucre but I really must say their holiday collection is by far one of my favorites. I always look to them for special goodies when I am marking off my Christmas list. Their peppermint bark, macaroons, drinking chocolate, and candies pecans are at the top of my list. Yes, I will take one of each.

Sucre

For the last 3 or 4 years I have been working with Marie Cox of Phreckles Photography to photograph my family images and to create my holiday card. I typically tell her what I am feeling and she comes up with a fun photo for my children. I just wanted to share one of the images from this year's photo shoot as a sneak peek because she always does such a wonderful job and truly captures the twinkle in their eyes and the magic of the moment.

Phreckles Photography

Happy Friday!

Bits and Baubles

Hello Wednesday, Happy Day to you. I am getting back into the swing of things, feeling refreshed and somewhat rejuvenated from a 3 day trip to NYC. I must say I was feeling a bit ho hum before I left but there is nothing like the bright lights, busy streets, and endless energy of the city to awaken the senses. Holiday windows when visiting New York this time of year are a must see and department store Bergdorf Goodman did not disappoint.

 Another favorite on my trip was a quick trip up Park Avenue to the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute which is currently showcasing more than 70 items of clothing and accessories from Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga. The collection is breathtaking, each piece a work of art from the man known as the "Spanish Master." Tis the season for eating your way through a city and we did just that...the madness must stop!

 

Back home I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jessica Thomas Capps the Raleigh, NC designer and creator of Jessica Thomas Jewelry. Jessica invited me to her gorgeous home (French Furniture, Turquoise, Coronata Star...mi amore) on the eve of a Holiday Open she is hosting where she will be showcasing her new jewelry as well as an antique collection. Chatting with Jessica and seeing what inspires her, was a treat and an inspiration to me, thank you!

Jessica Thomas Jewelry is sold throughout the United States for a list of stores or to purchase online clink on link below.

Jessica Thomas Jewelry

Favorites For You

Source

Happy Friday all my friends I am so thankful for this weekend and for a wonderful week. Bittersweet for me it was, my grandfather at the ripe age of 91 left this world for eternal sunshine above.  Although his mind had left us some time ago we celebrated his life and the legacy he left behind. 

I was able to spend some much needed time with my grandmother his wife of 66 years and marvel at her strengths, talents, and beauty. When I was growing up and would visit my grandparents the trouble I would get into to was worth the sacrifice for plundering through the house. They were and to date are avid collectors, antique, estate, goodwill, you name it...heaven! I could spend, hours, days, for certain weeks.  My grandmother attends regularly an upholstering class to which she informed me that she was working on an antique sofa! Impressive and so inspiring.

I do love Friday and this Friday I have some new favorites on my list.

Hope you enjoy!

For the best new online read with great recipes, holiday decor and 140 pages of Southern goodness look no further than Southern Flourish.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch is mixing and matching this season. I adore the mix of all the texture, pattern, and color.

Perch New Orleans

All I want for Christmas is this vintage Zebra, who doesn't like taxidermy in small doses?

Martha Stewart

The most beautiful and wonderful smelling flower this time of year...

Paper whites

In the next couple of days you can add some bulbs to a terra cotta pot like this and the paper whites will bloom by Christmas.

Amazon

A chic book "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." Slim Aarons the world renowned photographer offers a glimpse into an era where time seems to stand still.  

Source

Happy Friday

What Makes My Heart Sing

Sometimes the little things... like a fresh coat of red paint, Benjamin Moore Moroccan Red to be exact, are just what the Dr. ordered to perk up your day. 

Deck My Halls

I am checking my list to find out who has been naughty or nice, looking forward to trimming the tree and preparing for a weekend trip to New York. Exciting time of year, one of my favorites! Also happens to be one of the most stressful and frenzied so I am going to try, key word, to keep it in all in perspective and remember the reason for the season. 

I have taken inventory on a few driving trips after dark recently and it seems that a significant number of people have their Christmas decorations up already. How many of you have your tree trimmed?

Images courtesy Domino, Full House, Traditional Home, Cote de Texas and House and Garden