REFLECTING ON THE YEAR 2014 AND WELCOMING 2015

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas.  Ours was pretty low key, as we both had to work Christmas Eve.  But, we enjoyed dinner with my father-in-law's family.  On Christmas day, we cooked and invited my mother-in-law.  I was able to see some of my family after Christmas, which is always plus! 

I'm enjoying a much needed break this week and it's nice to be home and not running into NYC everyday. 

And, with my little break, as promised, here are a few snapshots of our tree this year:

Some close up shots:

Reflections . . .

As we bring in the new year, it's a chance for me to reflect on 2014.  In doing so, I recalled moments that were good, moments that were great and not so happy moments.  This is life and not every moment is a picture perfect instagram shot.  But, in the blogging world (and the workplace), you leave some of those private moments tilted in the background . . . in that lovely blurred background.  I, for one, enjoy blogging (when I can).  I find it very therapeutic. 

Heading into the new year I hope to push myself to pursue my passions, take risks, face my fears and continue to inspire others.  I hope to update my blog page and dedicate more time (time management is more like it) to blogging.  I look forward to stumbling upon other blog pages to add to my reader list.

For those that follow along, I truly thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to check out my posts.  You motivate me to continue along.  With a full time job and long commute, my hours are limited to how much time I blog, without my husband divorcing me (lol).  And, with Monty still a puppy, my time is precious to my fur baby.  But, I manage to fit it all in.  As, with all things, we juggle and make it work!

What I'll be sharing in 2015:

Home Projects - Spare Bedroom design, Master Bedroom Redesign and Male Home Office design (although my husband doesn't know I'm trying to take over the design of his home office). 
- I will also capture my complete home office design, (once my chair comes in and finish accessorizing the space).

Tablescape Design - I am excited to help tablescape a friend's wedding in March.  She's getting married in a barn and the space is so beautiful . . . rustic and yet elegant.  While this gal is simple, I hope to create a space she will love and cherish.

New Weekly Blog Posts - With the arrival of our puppy Monty, I want to share some of my tips, products and new finds for those that have puppies/dogs.


Wishing you all a Happy and prosperous New Year! 

xo,

ROOMS THAT INSPIRE: Our Christmas Tablescape for 2014

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.  It was officially the last weekend to shop for Christmas.  The traffic was insane in New Jersey, with last minute shoppers (including myself).  Every year, for the past four years I have said I'm going to get my shopping done way early!  And, yet, here I am. . .  I also needed to decorate our tree and set up our dining room for our Christmas tablescape (ok, take a breath and sigh). 

I am so looking forward to the short work week.  I feel so burnt out; especially with a new puppy.  But, it's a good thing because our Montgomery ("Monty") is the love of our lives.  We look forward to our weekends with him because we get to spend more time with Monty. 

Today's Rooms that Inspire, I wanted to share with you our dining room tablescape.  If you had the chance to decorate early, this might be a little late for you this year.  But hopefully, this will inspire you to create a look for your table next year.  

My inspiration for this table was a pair of candlestick holders and a kitchen towel I purchased at Anthropologie. I love silver and gold and it was only fitting to create a tableware with that in mind.  I added a deep purple for that contrast in color.  And, that came last minute, during my flower run.  I spotted ranunculus in the deepest purple and thought it would look lovely with the soft white palette of my other flowers.

Just so you know, this look was literally created yesterday.  I whipped this table and decorated the tree in one day.  I NEVER create a tablescape in a day.  I did create an idea of it in my head for a few weeks (lol). But, like I've stated before, I just did not have the time to fit it in beforehand and the anxiety was building to get it done.  So, I'm happy to share my table with you!

These are the candlesticks and a glimpse of the kitchen towel
(that I used as a placemat) from Anthropologie.  Ornament from Pottery Barn

Dinner plate from Crate and Barrel (old); dotted dessert plate - HomeGoods;
Star napkins (H&M Home Store); flatware (One Kings Lane); gold bowl - CB2

 

 

Here are a couple of shots of me and Monty in front of the tree.  I'll try to take better shots of our tree in detail.  More to come.

 

Thanks for stopping by. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday!

xo,

 

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: 2014 Gift Guide for Him

With only a week left for Christmas shopping (YIKES!), here are some gift ideas for the man in your life; specifically, the male who appreciates fashion.  And, right now, some of the stores have great deals and discounts. 

1// Lambswool shawl-collar sweater (J Crew and 30% off with code JINGLE)

2//  Blue Jean (Bonobos)

3//  Born Trigger Chukka Boot.  My brother had a pair of these and I loved the way they looked.  He said they were super comfortable as well.  I purchased a pair for my husband in brown.  (DSW)

4// BR Monogram Mirco-Gingham Shirt (Banana Republic and 40% off with code BRMERRY40)

5// Bowling Bag with Zips (Zara USA)

6// Comete Silk Tie (Hermes)

7// Check Cashmere Scarf (Burberry USA)

8// Polo Ralph Lauren Argyle Socks (Nordstrom)

9// Pajamas (Nordstrom)

10// BVLGARI Man in Black Eau de Parfum (Bloomingdales)

11// Luxury Shave Collection / Cade (L'Occtaine)

12// Ray-Ban 3492 Green Classic G-15

Happy Shopping!

xo,

2014 GIFT IDEAS: For Kitchen Host/Hostess

With the holidays fast approaching, here are some great gift ideas for that special someone who enjoys entertaining in the kitchen. They even make great gifts when you've been invited to someone's house for the first time and not sure what to get them.

 

 

1// Chevron Grey Marble Server

2// Couture 2-Piece Cheese Knife Set

3// Iona Cheese Board (Anthropologie)

4// Frasier Fir Sink Set (Thymes)

5// Assorted Kitchen Towels - Set of 4 (Williams Sonoma)

6// Rosewater Driftwood Candle (Caldrea)

7// House Olive Oil & 25 Year Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar (Williams Sonoma)

8// Dauville Handmade Gold Glazed Bowl (Canvas Home Store)

9// Dauville Bowls in Platinum (Canvas Home Store)

xo,

ROOMS THAT INSPIRE

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.  I managed to get a little Christmas shopping done; despite the fact that I pulled my back and suffered through the weekend.  I am so annoyed with my back that I kept pushing through most of my tasks; even though I was walking crooked and in pain.  And, fur baby, Monty didn't understand I couldn't play and run around the house with him.  But, still, I needed to get my house chores done and try to fit in a little Christmas decorating.  Hopefully, I can get an appointment with the chiropractor this evening.  I need to find some relief ASAP.

Moving on to a brighter and positive topic . . . interior design.  On this week's post, I'm sharing room designs by Elizabeth Metcalfe, of Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design.  Elizabeth's designs brings simplicity and comfort to the home.  Every room feels warm and comfortable and at the same time luxurious.  Elizabeth says, "A finished room may look simple, but it isn't simple to do." 

For those of us who love to decorate our homes; if your like me, you think about the space, feel the space, how does it speak to you?  I say, by having key pieces of furniture, creating a color palette, layering a room with different textures and accessories is what makes a room. 

Take a look at some of my favorite designs by Elizabeth Metcalfe.  From beautiful living rooms to luxurious bedrooms.  Oh, and the last picture has the most amazing fabric design on the back of a chair!

To see more designs, click here.

xo,

2014 GIFT IDEAS: ACCESSORIES FOR THE HOME

Need to shop for someone who enjoys accessories for the home?  Well, you're in luck!  Here are some great gift ideas to give to that special someone to add a special item to their home décor.

1  Brass Love Object (West Elm)

2  Faux Shagreen Box - Natural (West Elm)

3  Acropolis Bookends (Z Gallerie)

4  Glass Cube Bud Vases (Wisteria)

5  Brass Handles/Marble Tray (JWS Interiors)

6  Brass Heart Julep Cup (The Zoe Report)

7  Gleaming Isla Candle (Anthropologie)

8  Illume Luxe Mercury Candle (Bloomingdales)

9  Bel Air Mini Scoop Vase (Jonathan Adler)

10  Marais Glazed Bowl (Dwell Studio)

11  Shagreen-Effect Large Box (Barneys)

12  Ellis Street Rosebowl and Vase (Kate Spade)


Happy shopping!

xo,

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: 2014 Holiday Gift List for Her

On today's Wardrobe Wednesday, tis the season for giving. I put together some gift ideas for those who need to shop for a female family member, your bestie or loved one. 

1.  I'm a big fan of scarves and this one has a bit of faux fur.  Miru Faux-Fur Scarf - Anthropologie

2.  I like this! Fur Wraparound Stole - Zara USA

3.  Plaid is such a trend right now.  This would make a nice gift.  Checked Scarf - Zara USA

4.  A nice mix of leather and material.  Echo Touch Ruched Leather Mixed Gloves - Nordstrom

5. Who doesn't like a new pair of comfy and stylish pj's.  The Dreamer Henley Pajama - Victoria's Secret

6.  I have been eyeing this and is pretty nice in person.  Faux Fur Vest - Zara USA

7.  Gold and Crystal link bracelet - J Crew Factory

8.  Crystal Domes necklace - J Crew Factory

9.  360 Pearl Studs (looks like the Dior ones but cheaper) - Baublebar

10. These have been on my wish list (looks like Chloe but much less) Jigsaw in Coffee Patent - French Soles Shoes

11.   Clutches are so fashionable.  This one is nice from Clare V. Supreme Spotted Folded Clutch - Neiman Marcus

12.  For the make-up lover, how about one of the Naked eye shadow palettes from Urban Decay - Sephora

 Happy Shopping!

xo,

DECORATING IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I'm sad to say, I haven't jumped on board with decorating for the holidays.  It's not that I don't want to, I've just been a little occupied and busy.  Between busy at work, commuting long hours, and spending every minute with my new puppy, I haven't been focused on decorating.  I need to dedicate some time next week to get into the holiday spirit.  I just can't believe Christmas is around the corner! 

In the meantime, I'm enjoying some holiday decorating from others.  I hope to be inspired, to create a look for our home.

Image via Thistlewood Farms
 

Via Martha Stewart

Via Real Simple

Such a pretty, decorated mantle (via Sweet Something Design)

Clean and modern design via Decoist  (looks like from Z Gallerie)

Via Martha Stewart

 

Via homedit

Via Regina Gust

Via decoist

Via Beauty and Bedlam

xo,