dreaming of a white christmas

Here are a few Christmas scenes from Better Homes & Gardens that I find particularly lovely.

seeing red

I'm loving all things RED this season and wanted to post a few of my favorites today.

1. Striped Nesting Bowls (The Curiosity Shoppe)

2. Madly Deeply Card (MadeByGirl)

3. Fleur-De-Lys Glasses (Anthropologie)

4. Red Ticking Apron (Basic French)

5. Ice Skate Stocking (Anthropologie)

6. La Marelle Hat (Anthropologie)

7. Tool Caddy (The MacBeth Collection)

8. aarikka Happy Tonttu Ornament (Finnstyle)

9. Marimekko Focus Latte Mug (Finnstyle)

movie time

I watched The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet for the first time last night, and it was every bit as cute and charming a romantic comedy as I hoped it would be. What I wasn't expecting, however, was how completely enamored I would be with both of their movie homes - Cameron's posh L.A. mansion and Kate's idyllic English cottage. I couldn't take my eyes off the sets during the entire movie, and I just love it when that happens!

Which gets me to thinking about the beautiful, memorable sets from some other favorite movies of mine. The thing they all have in common is that I can absolutely picture myself living in them - even if they are just pretend and sometimes so different from what I usually gravitate towards. I guess that's what makes great design - that I can love it and appreciate it even if it isn't exactly my style.

A few other movie homes that I would love to call my own:
The stylish Hamptons beach home in Something's Gotta Give
Kathleen Kelly's vintage apartment in You've Got Mail
The holiday-decked house in Home Alone
George Banks' traditionally-inspired home in Father of the Bride

(I've been online looking for set photos from "The Holiday" but I can't seem to find any, so instead I've got some lovely pics from Something's Gotta Give via SDSA.)

hot potato

I love mixing old with new and am always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind treasures, so it's no wonder that Three Potato Four is one of my favorite online boutiques. The shop is the brainchild of the fun-loving husband/wife duo Stu Eli and Janet Morales, both self-professed collectors who decided to share their love of collecting (and their great taste!) with the rest of us. They have a wonderful, ever-changing stock of vintage finds, quirky housewares and modern-day trinkets that definitely fit in my "little joys" category! Today I am swooning over the hand-blown glass Chickadee vases, the Cafemug and the Tiny Basket by Perch. So sweet (and perfect for gift giving)!

from me to you

Sadly, I don't think I'm going to have time to send out any Christmas cards this year (so disappointing!), but if I was I'd certainly send these lovely "Let it Snow" greeting cards by Paper Relics. The whimsical design has a charming, old-world feel, and I love the light green and pink color palette - what a great slant on the traditional holiday colors.

chicago fave: POSH

I've been a busy bee chipping away at my Christmas gift list, and my latest shopping trip included a stop at P.O.S.H. in River North. P.O.S.H. is one of my most favorite stores in the city - and one of the prettiest with its tables and shelves full of spectacular vintage and vintage-inspired finds. Most of the goods come from European hotels and flea markets, and every carefully-selected piece feels special - like it has a story. P.O.S.H. is approachable and friendly, and you never know what unusual treasures await you. I can spend hours scouring the dazzling assortment of silver, tableware, glassware, stationary, and ornaments, and I rarely leave the store empty-handed (this trip included!). I can't wait to give my gifts and hope they love them just as much as I do!

practice makes perfect

I've never been much of a writer. For some reason I've always struggled with getting my thoughts out on paper. My brain freezes. I stare at the intimidating blank page searching for the right words to say, and it just stares back. And then I give up and move on to something I can do - like napping. I think that might be why I admire all the writers out there who can do it - from the novelists who fuel my imagination with their thick plots to the bloggers who entertain me with their daily musings.

Lately, though, I have really wanted to go beyond just appreciating other people's writing to actually really trying it. I guess that's one of the reasons I started this blog - so I could talk about all the things I love and also practice this art form (so much practice!). I have to admit, that it's not so scary anymore. I'm actually growing to like it. And I'm finding myself scribbling down notes here and there on whatever "paper" I have handy - gum wrappers, kleenex, the back of my hand.

Which brings me to the point of this post: I need a journal. A beautiful bound journal (full of those not-so-scary blank pages) to collect my random thoughts. And what a beauty this journal is! I sure hope I find it (or something like it) under my tree this year!

happy shopping!

Sometimes I'm a little amazed at the amount of time I can spend "window shopping" on Etsy. I really should get paid for this! One of my very favorite shops is Blue Bell Bazaar. I make a point to stop here regularly to check out her covetable collection of vintage and modern accessories. Today I am swooning over the vintage glove molds, the set of four gold mugs, and the vintage letters.

full of beans

When I think of beanbags, I picture those old, faux-leather "blobs" from my childhood that made funny noises when we sat down. You can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon these sweet bean bag covers from Cocoon Couture. Each design features a "quirky critter in vintage fabric applique on 100% cotton pinwale cord." The covers are machine washable - kids can actually use them! - and they are lined to make sure the beans stay put. The little critters are just darling, and these covers will no doubt be a great addition to any child's room.

chocolate peppermint

I am totally coveting this super-cute apron by Jillie Willie, and I know I'd use it again and again for baking. How great that it's reversible! The thing is... I think I'd want to wear it all the time if it was mine. And not just when I'm in the kitchen. Gotta wrap presents? I should wear my apron! Watching the juicy drama unfold on "The Hills"? You bet I'll wear my apron! I think it even looks cute enough to leave the house in it. The pink and brown is so chic, and I love the combination of stripes, polka dots and florals. Just lovely!

text tiles

I try to come up with special ways to adorn my Christmas gifts each year... to add little finishing touches to the ribbons and wrap. This year I have to have a set of these handmade porcelain tiles from Paloma's Nest Etsy shop. Each tiny tile carries a festive message that is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face, and it can be a keepsake for years to come. How lovely!