La vie...J'aime: 11.12

11.30.2012

Friday Faves

Pomegranate and Cranberry Margaritas @ Val So Cal
I am so making these.

Guest room makeover @ The Color Issue

I am loving the bold paint & gallery wall!

Gift Guide 2012: For the Country Girl Honestly WTF
I'll take one each, please.

Christmas in Provence, France @ Vanessa Jackman
Le swoon, le sigh....

Have a nice December weekend! Tomorrow, I am hosting a small shower for Mrs. A who is expecting a little one in January. Sunday is our annual Girls Thanksgiving.... yum! Next week kicks off my annual My Stocking series. I am loving everyone's picks so far. Happy Friday!

11.29.2012

High | Low: Holiday Dressing & Accessories

'Tis the season for holiday parties and New Year's Eve...here are some festive outfit ideas & accessories for any budget.

Lace pencil skirt:

High: Tory Burch 'Everett" skirt $350 | Low: Target Xhilaration skirt $19.99

Glittery, statement-making clutch:

High: Laura Merkin 'Eve' glitter clutch $180 | Low: Style & Co. 'Gwen' glitter clutch $34.98

Cozy, chic faux fur:
High: Anna Sui faux fur jacket $590 | White House Black Market faux fur bolero $158

Festive cap toe pumps:
High: Yves Saint Laurent Metal Cap-Toe Pump $733 | Low: Dolce Vita 'Selina' Pump $141

What are you wearing to upcoming holiday parties?

11.28.2012

Holiday Decorating Around My Apartment

Bring on the holidays... I have started listening to my Christmas Spotify playlist and put up some decorations around my apartment. I had high hopes of getting a small Christmas tree, but that will wait til next year...

Small trees on a side table.

Ho, ho, ho on chalkboards...

and in the entryway.

A snowflake hand towel.

My DIY Anthropologie mason jar snow globes.

Reindeer tea lights.

On the coffee table: a seasonal scent and a classic paperback.

A Missoni-esque ornament on the other side table.

11.27.2012

Having a "Moment for Life"...

...with Nicki Minaj. Since she's hit the scene, I've enjoyed her fun music to get ready to and blast in my car on a sunny day with the windows down. But I've since become quite obsessed, especially once she joined the Biebs on his recent single. That sealed the deal. On current repeat:

(Thanks, Jen, for introducing me to this one.)

Any other Nicki fans out there?

11.26.2012

Holiday Garlands

Each month, I put together Ideabooks for Houzz.com based on likes and ideas for home decor. It's a great site for inspiration and design, whether you have a remodeling/decor project or not. My November Ideabook is focused on holiday garlands. There are just a few I am smitten over. Check out my Ideabook for the rest!

Cozy Collage Christmas Garland @ Anthropologie (hmmm...DIY idea!?)

Dove Christmas Garland @ Neiman Marcus

Jingle Bells & Snowballs Garland @ Terrain

Gold Glitter Deer Garland @ StephlovesBen Etsy shop

ConfettiSystem Garland @ West Elm

Which one would you buy? How do you decorate for the holidays?

11.23.2012

(Black) Friday Faves

Table setting with grandma's silver & great-great-great grandma's china

This recipe about to go into the oven. BTW, it was so good.

Strawberry rhubarb, apple caramel, chocolate pecan, and pumpkin pies.

Seasoning (I love this box).

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday! Happy Black Friday...Did you venture out for some deals this morning already, or are you skipping in favor for Cyber Monday? I don't dare go near the mall area near us. Instead, I am enjoying a turkey "hangover" and this long weekend. Here are some faves!

While Thanksgiving is over, these tables are beaitful inspiration to save for next year @ Honestly WTF
A fall bread salad/panzanella to try @ Love and Lemons
For the love of Movember @ Habitually Chic
A hanging vase DIY @ P.S. - I Made This
The most adorable advent calendar @ Oh Happy Day

11.22.2012

Thankful

With all the turkey, stuffing, and family ~~craziness~~ togetherness, it's easy to forget the reason we have Thanksgiving. Through sips of wine, catching up with cousins, and bites of my grandma's famous stuffing, I am thankful for... good health for the people I love (and myself), a job I enjoy, friends who I can laugh with & count on in any situation, my decent-sized closet in my own apartment, unconditional love from Barkley. :)

Happy Turkey Day! What are you thankful for today?

via Etsy

11.21.2012

What I'm Wearing Wednesday | Europe Recap: What I Wore

You've seen the panorama views, the food, and yesterday, my favorite shots, and now what I wore! It was all about layering and recycling key pieces.... comfortable shoes, cross-body bags, scarves, and hats - check! check! check! check! I also picked up a few accessories along the way.