Christmas Crib 2013

Things are looking Christmas-y around the condo! 

Around the House

Here's what things are looking like lately around the house...

{Grocery store blooms to brighten up a room}

 {Thift store frames got a fresh coat of paint and silhouettes of my kitties}

{Peach shades for spring}

{Four devices, two occupants. You do the math.}
(3 laptops not pictured.)

Toronto pictures coming soon!

Christmas Crib 2012

While decorating for Halloween and Thanksgiving might have been new for me this year, theme-ing up for Christmas is an old standard. I used the same pink glitter deer I made last year and added some sparkly poms to use in place of bows, to add some pop to my gallery wall, and string around in various spots. I'm quite pleased with the amount of glitter and shine in my condo this Christmas and the silver pouf and white deer were my two favorite new home additions in 2012.

P.S. Christmas Crib 2011.

Thanksgiving at Home

Last month, I got in the spirit of seasonal decorating and went all out for Halloween. This month, I switched it up just a bit for a Fall / Thanksgiving feel. (Which basically means I made some pom pom garland to string around in various spots.) Apparently my new favorite thing is to adorn the gallery wall. I think Charles (my deer) appreciates the effort.

Tomorrow's the big day, so I'll be putting on my apron this afternoon to get started in the kitchen. Happy Black Wednesday friends!

On another note, we made it back from our road trip. Thanks to everyone who followed along via Instagram! If you missed the fun you can find all the pics and stories at #LongestShortestRoadTripEver :)

Shut Up. Zara Home is here!

Stylish, subtle, sleek... everything we love about Zara apparel is now available for our homes! I mean, just look at those pillows, so much texture! I don't even smoke but how sexy is that ashtray??  Have you ever seen such perfect nesting tables, ah! And don't even get me started on my immediate need of an urn...

Husband, may I have permission to redecorate?

Deer and Pouf Decor: 2 Things I Adore!

It's been ages since I've put much thought into our home decor. After almost 2 years of thinking we're selling, moving or somethingfortheloveofcoconut I had put off any effort into updating our condo, even in the smallest way, waiting to see what might transpire.  Turns out, we're still here and I'm sooo ready for an update. Even though I'm still working on the master plan for the living room, I made two purchases over the weekend that I'm absolutely thrilled with (and eagerly awaiting their delivery!) that I just had to share. The pouf has been on my wishlist for months - after hemming and hawing and refusing to pay $200 for one my genius husband suggested ebay et voila!, pouf be mine. The deer, however, was an instantaneous decision that I fell upon while browsing rugs. My heart skipped a beat at the sight (you know I love me some deer!) and after Retail Me Not came through with a coupon code (never, ever, ever pay full price!) sweet Deer* also became mine. I'm giddy at the thought of both. My mom (avid reader of this blog and many others) shared this article with me about being happy at home and it all made perfect sense. Besides, I know I'll love these items no matter where we might live in the near or distant future.

*Names for Deer are in the works and I would love your input. Looking for something light and sweet but not to sugary. (Naming inanimate objects is one of my "things", my first car was called Francois if you must know. :)

P.S. I know it's been more of a blah, less of a blog around here lately but things should be calming down and getting back to normal with the Chicago Fashion Foundation event behind me (it went great!). Thanks for your patience dear readers! 

Domino Returns (with A Special Edition!)

My day has just been made.

That is all.

See it. Like it. Tweet it.

BHLDN Backdrops

It's been a long time since I've posted anything wedding related...I guess it's been a long time since I've been so captivated by something wedding related. Peep these backdrops from BHLDN, though they're beautiful as alter decor or photo backdrops I really just want one for oh, you know, the living room.

P.S. BHLDN just opened a 2nd store! It's on Walton Street in Chicago if you're dying to check it out. (Take a peek!) The original store is in Houston.

A Doe, A Deer

Last night leaving work I passed a deer, as I sometimes do, and was inspired to share my affinity for the dear little creatures. I don't know what it is about them but I'm always captivated and slow down to watch (for safety too, of course.) I love how the white underside of their tails stands out and how delicate and graceful, yet powerfully strong they seem. And to be honest, it breaks my heart a little every time I pass one that met the end in an unfortunate car accident. Last year, I found this image online and thought it was the most fabulous ring ever but was never able to locate the source. Apparently, the store has disappeared. One of those internet mysteries... what a shame. *Update 3/2/2012 - found it!

I credit a lot of my deer enthusiasm to my Grandfather, who was a bit of a nature lover and who, to me, represented grace and sweetness in the most strong and powerful way. Seriously, I wish you all could have known him. Ok, ok you say, what does this have to do with regular programming? Well, I'm honored to own one of his black onyx deer cufflinks (they were a gift from my Grandmother). My mom turned hers into a pendant and I'm dying to transform mine into an awesome statement ring. Can't you just imagine? When it happens, I'll be sure to share it here. In the meantime, I've been wearing this necklace quite a bit.

In other relation, I acquired this little guy over the holidays and he's currently housing my assemblage of rose gold which I absolutely cannot get enough of these days.

deer / watch (similar) / bracelet / earrings (similar) / ring / band

Recognize that bowl?

I mean, I just can not get enough. Anything sweet or special you can't get enough of these days? I'd love to know!

P.S. My glitter Christmas deer and the sweeeeetest cake topper!

I Married Adventure

Starting my new year goals off on the right track, specifically to read more, I dove into "I Married Adventure" on New Year's Day. Though the book has been in my possession for a couple of years, I'm just now getting around to reading it and kicking myself for taking so long. (You may remember my obsession with the now shuttered Martin & Osa stores, which lead to more research and the discovery of a museum about the real life couple and their adventures.) I'm completely enamored by this book. I re-read pages over and over, sometimes out loud to my husband, in sheer awe of their experiences in the undiscovered world, pausing just to try and imagine what it was like. I could ramble on and on about it but really, you should just read it. And when you're finished reading it, use it in your home decor. It's uber popular in interiors due to it's zebra print cover design and has even been incorporated into the theme of wedding/engagement shoots. Peep the proof below!

Clockwise from top left: via Lonny, Country Living, unknown, Green Wedding Shoes



Once I finish the book, a road trip to the museum is on my absolute must do winter weekend list. So excited!
Have you read it? What did you think?? Have you or are you currently displaying it in your home?  Do share!

My Christmas Crib

Here's what things are looking like in my house lately...

I don't know about you, but I just love returning home to a festive house.

Especially one filled with glitter & sparkles! (I was vibing on pink & shimmer this year.)

It's safe to say I'm completely smitten with my little pink deer .

The guys are definitley sticking around a little longer after the tree is gone. Too cute to pack away!

What's your decor theme this holiday? Do you change it up each year or stick to traditions?

Girl Goes Glamping

We've been discussing the possibility of camping for a portion of the holiday weekend. We do it the old fashioned way, with a pop-up tent and air mattress, and while I enjoy connecting with nature in a simple way, it sure would be lovely to experience fresh air and night noises from the comfort of a queen size bed :)


Photos via the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. Canadian Readers, it's in British Colombia, ever heard of it? It looks gorgeous!

The Gifts That Keep On Giving

It's been a little over a month since Christmas and I thought I'd share some gifts I'm still enjoying and thought you might, too.

I adore wearing this Tennessee necklace...

Home is literally where the heart is. Find yours at Truche.  

While I haven't actually cracked these open yet, I'm excited all the same. 

{War & Peace - The Happiness Project - One Last Dance}

  A wicked awesome spider bracelet from Mom is the perfect

mix of glam & goth.

An everyday tote, it means my little cabbage, a term of endearment in France.

 Story People stories warm my heart. So sweet and true.

A CTA pillow makes our Chicago home complete. 

North and South DVD Set - because I could always use more Patrick Swayze in my life. (1212 minutes more to be exact.)

Sweet Petula soaps - the most divine scents in the most 

adorable packaging.

Any gifts you'd like to share?? I would love to know your loves!

Have a lovely weekend, I'm hoping to jump into North & South!