Friday Crush

My favorite Christmas present so far - maybe ever - is this. My monogram, hand-lettered and designed by my insanely talented friend and fellow designer Melissa Brody. There were tears when she gave it to me (die-cut on gold paper and framed) - I think it's beautiful and I can't wait to use it all over the place. The timing is perfect too - don't we all want a fresh start in the new year? Seeing my name boiled down to a simple mark like this gives me a personal boost to rev things up a bit in 2016.

Alright, the countdown is on. This weekend is about wrapping presents, watching Christmas movies and general merriment and revelry. Hope it's a fab one for you...see you next week!

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Nutcracker Birthday Party

The bright spot of last week's madness was Ana Claire turning three.

I have yet to figure out when our little lady grew so much. But denial aside, three has arrived ("Mommy, I'm not two I'm THREEEE!") and after our Nutcracker-inspired Halloween costume, we (I) decided to continue the theme for her birthday party.

My dear friend and photographer Crystal was in attendance so I am BLESSED with some beautiful pictures of the event to share with you:

All photography by Crystal Downs

SO. MUCH. SUGAR.

Ana Claire had two pieces of cake, a cupcake, and a marshmallow pop. And I said not a word because it's impossible to indulge too much on your big day.

The party menu included ham and cheese sliders, broccoli casserole, a potato chip bar, honeydew melon, strawberry cupcakes, pink lemonade, and peppermint fudge favors to take home. These homemade birthdays are a lot of work, people. I always regret it when I'm in the thick of favor-making/cake-baking/lantern-hanging, but then when I look back on darling photos like these my heart surges with pride that my little girl had a pretty, sweet birthday party at her house.

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Buffalo Check for (Christmas) Breakfast

Home of Betty Peachey, Design by Randy Luken, Photo by Daniel Feldcamp for housetrends.com

Oh, to have a breakfast nook surrounded by windows where you can cozy up with a cup of coffee in your pajamas on a cold winter morning. And when I pine for this type of space, the image in my head usually looks something like this one above. 

I am 100% on board with the color blue at Christmas and its role on these chairs is stunning. And hung wreaths are so timeless and beautiful, especially when hung with a pretty ribbon. I love simple spaces that pack a delightful punch.

Y'all, last week was c-r-a-z-y-town. I'm shocked I survived, to be honest. But I did...though I peaced out on the blog last week (sorry if you noticed and/or missed me). I'm committed to fully enjoying the next two weeks of Christmas because I know I'm going to blink and my favorite holiday will be over!

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Applique Christmas Tree Skirts

If you like your Christmas to be a kaleidoscope of color, may I recommend these whimsical, fun, detailed and beautiful appliqué tree skirts?

The skirts are handmade by Peruvian artisans and the best part of purchasing them is that part of your spend goes to aid UNICEF. Win, win.

These are truly beautiful, heirloom items but their colors and friendly motif keep them casual and fun...your kids will love them. I could see a tree decorated with those trendy colored ball ornaments in shades of blue, pink, red and green with a big yellow star at the top.

Check out the stockings too!

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The Chinoiserie Collective

Over Thanksgiving (p.s. how was yours??), I discovered a new-to-me Instagram account that is now my absolute most favoritest ever. So. Much. Inspiration.

If you love punchy Chinoiserie, you must follow The Chinoiserie Collective. Now.

This is just a tiny dash of what this stylish lady has to offer her followers. I love finding these creative accounts that get my own artistic juices flowing.

Any accounts that you've come across lately that I should be following? Let me know in the comments!

Hope your turkey day was fab.

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