Joyeaux Noel a Paris

So sorry for my absenteeism lately. It's been quite hectic in the ad world on top of the holidays and a quick jaunt to Paris for Christmas! I'm now back and ready to write again. Sometimes all you need is a 5 day break filled with cheese and shopping :) 

I was reminded last week what a fabulous city Paris is. From the stunning architecture to the heavenly gooey stinky cheese and macarons to the incredible shopping, what more could a girl ask for?! I was lucky enough to spend Christmas there with my family- we had a wonderful trip that will have me day dreaming of chocolates, cheese and foie gras for a long time...Below are a few highlights.

 My favorite cheese shop ever

 Picking out a hen for Christmas dinner

 Christmas Eve sunset over the Champs Elysee

The most heavenly Christmas cheese in the world (eaten with a spoon)

XO

Stella and Dot

I had my first Stella and Dot trunk show on Friday and it was SUCH a blast! For those of you who haven't experienced Stella and Dot I highly recommend doing some online browsing. Fabulous fun pieces for a very affordable price. Below are a few of my favorites from the latest collection. Everything can be found and purchased here!

XO

Kate Spade Holiday

I love holiday shopping, mostly for the fabulous gift guides retailers put out. Always on the top of the list is Jcrew but this year I found Kate Spade's gift guide to be tops. Does it not make you want everything on their site?!

 Before rolling over the images

After rolling over the images

SO well done! Especially the fun surprise ball gift (top middle) which can be found here.

XO

Blanket love

If you can't tell by the trend of my posts being about warmth, it's gotten cold here in Minnesota! That being said I've always loved blankets. Especially the soft cashmere kind :) I came across these beauties today and nearly died. Cashmere, bright colors and  the word "LOVE" woven in morse code?! Somebody please find me $500 to spend!

via http://hollyberryprojects.com/ 

XO

Fabulous Fireplaces

The December issue of Elle Decor had an article titled "Fire Power" which detailed a variety of beautiful fireplaces. The fireplace is one of my favorite parts of any home (especially on a snowy day like today) so I decided to do a little fireplace hunting of my own. Below are my picks:

XO

Chair design

Ever since buying my first house I've fallen in love with furniture. I'm counting the days (or should I say years) until I can design a new house from start to finish. Being someone who plans ahead I've already chosen my builder and have a large file of images to make a mood board when the time comes! 

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in my current house is a set of antique candy striped chairs that I came across at a local antique store. It was my first antique purchase ever (and definitely won't be my last). Just looking at them inspires me to have a groovy centerpiece chair in every room of my house! Below are some of my favs I've come across over the past few months...

 Elegant and Punchy, how great would a set of these be?

 Sometimes I love the use of random symbols around the house. Don't love the brown on black but the concept is great.

 A funky take on a more traditional love seat. 

 Being a massive pillow fan, I love the mixing of patterns shown here. Try mismatching textiles around your house to add some pizzaz.

 A more classic look. The nailhead detail makes the chair for me.

 Nothing makes a chair look good like a cute puppy and some beautiful flowers.

Do you have a favorite chair or piece of furniture?

XO

Post Long Weekend Motivation

Sometimes there's nothing worse than the work week after a long weekend. I find the transition from lounging with my boy and my pup in my sweats by the christmas tree to sitting at my desk trying to be intelligent and productive quite challenging! To help motivate me I'm making this my new mantra this week...

What motivates you each week?

XO

Tutu love

I didn't think Lululemon could do any better but now they've come out with a special dance line that includes amazing leotards and wait for it....tutus! You can shop their awesome new items here

Now if only i was a dancer...

XO

Holiday Cheer

Thanksgiving is officially over which means it's time to prepare for Christmas! I always love the transition from fall leaves to twinkly Christmas lights, beautiful wreaths and cheery music. I'm also always amazed how quickly people put up their lights after thanksgiving (aka the night of or day after). This year we fell into that category so I'm now in full on Christmas decorating mode! Below are a few things inspiring me this holiday season...

I don't have a flocked tree but if I did this is what it would look like. So fabulous!

Always wise to start planning those holiday party outfits in advance. What girl doesn't love a little holiday sparkle to start off the season? (note: this photo is clearly not applicable to holiday parties in MN)

Happy early holidays!

XO

Holiday Treats

First off, I apologize for my absenteeism lately. It's been a hectic Fall to say the least! While the retail stores are in full blown Christmas mode here in Minnesota, I'm still saving my excitement for Thanksgiving (how is that already next week?!). I love Thanksgiving because it is the one time of year I get to make my great grandmothers delicious stuffing. Last year I cooked my first full thanksgiving dinner (turkey and all)- we had a LARGE turkey and let's just say although it tasted ok, cooking it was not my most fond experience. This year I'll be skipping my own personal Thanksgiving for a larger family affair so I've been researching yummy desserts to bring (thank god I'm not in charge of turkey). Below are two fabulous finds that I'm dying to try (and eat). 

Pumpkin Lust Cake (easy and unhealthy)

 Candy Apple Pie

ENJOY!

XO

Crazy for Candles

A delicious smelling candle was given to me as part of a Halloween gift basket last week and has since renewed my interest in candles. Sometimes there's nothing better than a warm scent on a cold winter day and a flick of light to resemble a roaring fire. I'm now on the search for a few amazing candles to round out my collection for winter. Below are a few of my favorites:

Candles from Anthropologie

Lisa Hoffman (wife of Dustin Hoffman) Candles found here

ENJOY!

XO

Dreamy Winter Accessories

When your winters are spent in-30 degree temperatures you spend a lot of time dreaming of the coziest, warmest most comfy accessories possible. Although it's currently only in the 40's my dreaming has already begun....

I don't know where to find this but am dying for one!

Hot Water Bottles- Luxe Faux Fur Collection- Restoration Hardware

XO

Happy Halloween!

XO