Cheers to you and the year ahead!


{image via this and this and made in Photoshop}

Happy New Year!


Wishing you all a wonderful end to 2011 and a bright beginning of 2012! Cheers!

ps: I'm over at Mimosas in the Morning sharing my favorites from 2011 and what I'm looking forward to in the new year.

{image via}

A Stylish Ride













J.Crew Plaid Shirt, J.Crew Necklace {similar style}, Pink Avenue Gold + Crystal Necklace {similar style}, American Apparel Velvet Bow, Essie Escapades Nail Color

A few photos from our horse back ride this morning!

Christmas Vacation



{Christmas in Charleston with lots of lights and a special puppy}










{drinks and hors d'oeuvres at Jonathan and Joe's perfectly styled home for the holidays}




{outfits for the 70 degree weather, paired with a sparkly new necklace}





{busy and beautiful days in the low country}






{our annual quail hunt}


{long walks amongst the oak trees}

I'm sure you're wondering if I fell off the face of the earth, I promise that come 2012 I will be back in full force! I decided to take advantage of my week away and was not aware of my lack of internet, which has made for an unexpected leave of absence. I hope you all enjoyed a lovely holiday and are slowly getting back to the swing of things. I am definitely ready to tackle the new year {and a new planner} but in the meantime will be enjoying my last few days of vacation!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!


Merry Christmas!

{image via}


Merry Christmas Eve


Whether it's time with your loved ones, a new cashmere throw, a warm vacation, a cup of coffee by the fire, or a Christmas miracle, I hope Santa brings you everything you need and more. It's your last day to be nice, better make it count.

xo

{image via}

Wishing You a Merry Holiday Weekend


Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend full of everything that makes you merry. xoxo

{image via, with words added in Photoshop}

Getting Ready

This last week has felt like a blur trying to wrap up last minute projects, posts, holiday shopping, gift wrapping, packing, and trying to take advantage of the holidays! I feel a little disconnected from reality and routine but have decided to take this time to really appreciate the magic of the season with family + friends. If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably seen what I've been up to lately but here is a little recap: 

1 + 2: Christmas decorations about town, like an enormous red bow and twinkling lights.
3 + 4: The perfect plaid scarf and some velvety bows.

5 + 6: Waking up last Saturday and watching the snow fall with Webster, followed by a walk.
7 + 8: Christmas shopping with my leopard mittens + TB crossbody bag {in cream from last year}, and wrapping up my gifts with this, this and this {inspired by Annemarie}.

 9 + 10: Danielle hosted a last minute holiday get together and we made baked brie with pretty little snowflakes, which inspired me to make some snowflake cookies of my own.
11 + 12: Dave and I ventured to Whole Foods to make dinner for out holiday gift exchange. We settled on a little charcuterie spread, with a few crab claws, too!

13 + 14: I have been cozying up in this fisherman sweater and wearing my identity necklace a lot.
15 + 16: I finally {somewhat} organized my jewelry tray and purchased a little Christmas gift for myself, which looks pretty next to my Cocoa + Hearts painting!

Tomorrow I am off to Charleston, so it's time to pack up and finish any last minute to-do's that need to be done. Are you finished with your shopping? When are you headed home for the holidays? Can you believe it is Christmas? I am still trying to wrap my head around it. 

Sleepwear Traditions


Comfy sweats: Top and Bottoms
Pretty Silks: Top and Bottoms
Cozy Flannel: Top and Bottoms

Although my family has never celebrated this tradition, I know it is common to open a new pair of Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve for huddling around the tree on Christmas morning. Since sleepwear is making a comeback {not only for sleepy nights}, I love the idea of purchasing or asking for a new set of pretty pajamas. But what would you choose? I love the pretty silk options for a typical night, but I think I would prefer some cozy flannels for Christmas morning.

What are your thoughts?

The Perfect Combo.


This outfit makes me happy.

{image via}

Twinkle

In these last few days before Christmas, I will be taking in the twinkling lights, and pairing those moments with sequins

ps: I'm sharing a few items on my wish list over at Cornflake Dreams, make sure to stop by!

Did you win?

Thank you SO much for those of you who entered The Evolution Store Giveaway, I was blown away by the 181 entries and will definitely have something fun like this again!

Random.org has selected #27, Julie of Julip Made! Merry Christmas, Julie! If you could email me your mailing address, I'll make sure these are shipped today!

xo

A Southern Style Christmas

On Friday I head to my family's home on a special little island outside of Charleston. The forecast is telling me to expect around 70 degree weather, a chance of showers, and some sunshine - quite different from the chilly temperatures here in Chicago. Half of me is sad to not experience a white Christmas, but at the same time I can't help but want to pull out my Spring and Fall wardrobe favorites to enjoy the warmer days! You better believe I'll be packing my Sperry's and a few other preppy, southern essentials.




How and where are you spending the holidays? Will you be soaking up a white Christmas or the sun?

 

Site Design by Fabulous K