Thursday, November 3, 2011

give thanks

I can hardly believe it, but Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Have you thought about what you're making, how you're decorating, and what you're wearing?  I am hosting Thanksgiving this year so in the next couple of weeks- I'll share some ideas on how to make this holiday smooth as pumpkin pie.


I am a rustic person at heart, so my tendencies always drift to rustic vintage with a hint of my great aunt annie's silver and china.  Here are some inspirations-

I love the mix of the patterned tablecloth with the feathers.  You can get flowers by the bag at Michael's- cheap, easy, and you can have the kids make Indian feather warbonnets for after dinner fun!

(photo via ladolfina.blogspot.com)

Another great inexpensive piece for the table- you just need some time.  Looks clean and rustic.

(photo via l.bp.blogspot.com)

Now this is what I'm talking about!  You could also set the napkin and silver to the side and write names on the wood.  You can buy the marker and wood slab at Michael's as well.

(photo via glo.msn.com)

Love this dessert table-
rustic- check.
vintage- check.
I happen to have the perfect antique pie chest that I will be assembling my desserts on! 

(photo via jennycookies.com)

 a great welcome to a great night.

(photo via craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com)

I love this idea!  It would be great for an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. 

(photo via shannoneileenblog.typepad.com)

If my front door looked like this I seriously couldn't take it down for my Christmas decorations the next day... yes, I said next.  If I wasn't hosting Thanksgiving, I would consider putting up Christmas decorations tomorrow.- okay, this weekend.

(photo via modvintage.blogspot.com)

A little more doable on my part.

(photo via bhg.com)

Another staple in my house- the chalkboard.  I am becoming slightly obsessed from painting walls to wine glasses.

(photo via hgtv.com)

no stress, no mess
I like.

(photo via marthastewart.com)

cutest plates ever.  You should see the large wishbone platter- even more adorable.

(photo via westelm.com)

Slate- set these at the table and write the guests name for seating placement

(photo via westelm.com)

how refreshing is this?  I love the bin in the middle- grab a cheap one from your local hardware store and use it in the spring to plant flowers in.  They have all sorts of galvanized items- way cheaper than pottery barn!!

(photo via design2share.com)

I would sit, eat, drink, and stare all day long.

(photo via ladycenter.com)


Another idea that I am obssesed with are individual salt and pepper cellars.  If you live in St. Louis- puulease head down to Cherokee Street; an amazing street of antique shops that has an array of furniture, china, clothes, knobs- pretty much everything.



While you're at it... stop by Mississippi Mud for a coffee break or a bite to eat- it is quite delicious!! 





Here are some of my favorite salt and pepper cellars:












Happy Friday!!  I am off to Texas... I'm going to spend some much needed time with my family, eat some tex mex, and put on my boots!!  Ya'll have a great weekend!


5 weekend necessities

foley and corinna city tote- I don't go anywhere without mine!!

pakros low boot- this is the closest you will see me in a cowboy boot

newsboy cap- I just fold mine in half and stick it in my bag-
This way, I don't have to worry about my hair the rest of the weekend!!

planes are always freezing and who wants to use those blankets?  not me.
This shawl is perfect for those late night evenings outside as well.

you can't go to texas without denim!!  I mean- if it's hot throw it on top of a floral dress, if it's cool throw it on top a striped long sleeve!! 





hot spot, mad for plaid

As luck would have it, I began to feel a little under the weather yesterday and with  my 6 hour drive to Nashville today, things didn't seem any better.  Unlike the promise of Nordstrom who has stated that they will not be putting up Christmas decorations until the actual holiday- I sang my butt off to the likes of Dean, Bing, Mariah, and Harry.  Needless to say- Linden was more than amused when I noticed she was watching me sing more than watching her movie in the back (as well were the passing drivers!!).                                                                                               








Mad for plaid
Since fall is my favorite time of the year (besides my obvious obsession with Christmas), I think there is nothing better to showcase it with than a little plaid in the closet.  Either it be a scarf, tights, or full blown dress- the plaid has made me mad!!

loafer, skirt, and coat:  all modcloth.com
dress: anthropologie

















hot spot

Dress me head to toe in polka dots!!  I love them!  There is something so innocent yet insanely flirty about a polka dot.  Spotted (get it?!?) everywhere from runways to chic street wear- this is a classic that can't be messed with.  If, I mean when, I have that holiday party to go to- you'll be sure to see me in dots- gloves and all :)


sweater: madewell     (photo via madewell)
blouse: forever 21   (photo via forever21.com)
gloves: marc jacobs  (photo via marcjacobs)










As I mentioned, Linden and I made a 6 hour road trip.  Any trip with a 16 month, is never fun BUT here are my basics to make a well rounded trip.





  1. Baby doll with bottle- any doll will do but let me suggest to get a soft body, hard extremities- this way, they cuddle and chew on it.
We have a corolle doll- perfect size, perfect doll.

    2.  wooden teether- these are organic and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on
         which tooth is breaking ground.




    3. elmo video- I was desperate and alone and yes... I picked up an Elmo video.  We only have it in
         the car for long trips and let me tell you, she loves it!  I have heard that Elmo is a rock star in a baby's world and I have now witnessed it.





    4. ella's organic baby food-  Like I tell our babysitters- when it doubt, feed.  Now I certainly don't suggest just handing these puppies over mid drive because more than likely the majority of it is gonna land in your car, on their head, in their eye, and yes... all over that dang buckle on the carseat.  So- you may have to pull over but it's quite convenient.  For a 6 hour trip, we only stopped once--- not too shabby, huh?




So there you have it- I'm leaving you with a "must-see" site, it's all about packaged products.  Pretty clever these little suckers...


Here's a sneak peek:


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

tuesday teaser

Head West Young Man!  (Woman!)

Tribal wear is here- feathers, faux fur, and ponchos have all taken flight- now it's the pattern's turn to shine!  I could easily wear an entire outfit covered in tribal pattern but trust me, my husband wouldn't walk out the door with me.   My daughter on the other hand, would think I was insanely hysterical.  Searching high and low here are some of my fav's.

remain sweater $88.00
nordstrom
(photo via nordstrom)

joie dress $378.00
shopbop.com
(photo via joie)

forever 21 $19.80
forever21.com
(photo via forever21)

forever 21 $24.80
forever21.com
(photo via froever21)

zara $89.90
zara
(photo via zara)

l.a.m.b. $330.00
zapposcouture.com
(photo via zappos)

left on houston $198.00
revolveclothing.com
(photo via left on houston)

madewell bag $98.00
madewell.com
(photo via madewell)

proenza schouler $1925.00
saks fifth avenue
(photo via proenza schouler)
ll  bean signature boot $250.00
llbeansignature.com
(photo via ll bean)
Now that you're set and ready to go out the door in your awesome attire: Here are some things I never leave home without:



 
(L to R):
  • yves saint laurent lipgloss in golden nude:  there is something nostalgic about the smell of this lipgloss- anyone that has used it before can identify it right away--- oh man, I love me some lipgloss!!  I have even been known to put it on before a nap... true story!!  (sad part was I had no idea I was doing it!!)
  • rayban wayfarer: yes, I am on my third pair of the EXACT same sunglasses BUT I still love them!  I think after kids would be a good idea to reward myself with a new pair... one day.
  • crochet wrist warmers:  I actually got my all time favorite pair while we were in Peru for a family wedding but these are just as cuddly and go with EVERYTHING.  (photo via etsy)
  • coffee cup cozy sleeve:  My sister got this for me a long time ago and I just keep it in my car, it's always there when we stop for a pick me up!  (photo via etsy)
  • neutrogena 30 ultra sheer sunblock:  I have very sensitive/combination skin, so this is actually a miracle worker for me.  Doesn't matter the season, I don't get oily, dry, flaky, or patchy from this stuff- only from hormones. 


enjoy your Tuesday!!

(photo via ffffound.com)