Christmas in our Dwelling

One of the ways I like to deck the halls is to play off the pieces that are already in your home.  And you know I couldn't resist adding a little *razzle dazzle* to my buddy in the bathroom...

We have a few new additions to our Christmas decor this year.  First, the stockings.  I spotted these last year in the Crate and Barrel catalog and loved them, but decided to wait until after Christmas for a sale. Then they ran out of stock (joke's on me).  So this year I emailed the hubs and told him how much it would mean if he would buy them for our Christmas.  They arrived at our door the next week.  :)  Sure, I could have pulled out the debit card myself. But it meant so much more that he gave them to me as a gift... even if I personally requested it. :)

George, aka "Sweet Sweet Scared Scared" may as well be resting by a fireplace. :)

We also have a new tree this year... even though last year we bought a brand new one! Seth's parents didn't have a spot for their lovely 9-foot-taller so we inherited it.  It wasn't pre-lit, so Seth strung the lights on himself, the old fashioned way.  The next morning we woke up and realized (if I may speak frankly) they looked really bad (I'm not being mean... Seth agreed after awhile).  He spent the next five straight hours doing it the right way, albeit huffing and puffing a bit. But what a pay off!  Really proud of him for putting in all that work.  It looks beautiful in person! I don't think he's worked this hard on a project since demo-ing bathroom tile. :)

You know I'm a jewel-tone girl with a turquoise and magenta love affair, and we keep the theme going with our Christmas ornaments.  Silver, gold, white, magenta and turquoise make it for me.  Seth likes it too. We don't have quite as many ornaments per inch/foot/surface area as we did last year on the smaller tree , but surprisingly they still work without needing any additions. :)

Love these little reindeer.  I'm pretty sure they came from the Dollar Store last year. Don't you think they're wonderful?

You may notice the paisley pillow that was in the living room has moved to the dining room.  We have two now... one for each chair.  George chewed the corners of the first one the day after I bought it (during a brief period trying to wean him off crate training), so I bought another one... cursing that doggie's name the whole way.  

But just like the last time he intervened, this time it somehow turned out for the best.  Eventually I decided even the chewed-on pillow could be salvaged by mending the corners if it wasn't on showcase in a front-and-center position like the sofa.  They bring a lot of interest in the dining room for now, and tie in the turquoise hues from the living room pillows. I mean, should George get a degree in interior design? It's kinda' weirding me out.  Like he's giving me hints or something... Anyhow... 

These lighted branches are another new addition. I mixed them in with the other branches we already had so when they aren't turned on they aren't an eye sore. On a whim, I placed a few feathers in there... wish so badly I had bought more of those!  I've found so many places for them this month. (Update: Seth just informed me he dislikes the feathers.  Ahhhhh, ya win some, you lose some....).

And those are the highlights... 

How are you decking out your place for Christmas and the holidays?  Any new additions for you this year?

Christmas Gift Picks - Part 2

Okay, ya'll...  First a personal life Christmas update: 98% of shopping is done. AND the wrapping.  It was quite the task. Because my gifts are beautifully wrapped, if I do say so... I even took a personal day from work on Monday. But it's DONE!  And now I can enjoy the season.  I'm planning on posting some more decorating pics later on, but for now I'd like to share some more gift ideas--all inspired by things that I for one would love to find in my stockin', . Some are stylish, some are practical, some.... let's get moving.

Gorgeous iPhone Cover.  It's my pleasure to introduce you to two gorgeous iPhone cases.  Can you believe these beauties?  At around $50 a pop, these prices are impressive considering the work it must take.  They are glamorous... so pretty. Enough said.

iPod Touch and iPhone4S 3GS Swan Case Cover from Gullei Trustmart

iPhone4 Pearl Flower Shell Cover, via Gullei Trustmart

Deadly-free scented candle.  I love to smell lovely fragrances around my home, but do you guys have any idea how many health hazards are involved with these unregulated scents? So here's an idea... Instead of poisoning your gift recipient (to be clear, this is not condescending. I poison people I love every other year or so), consider a lovely scented candle that uses essential oils instead of the junk in other scented candles that's known to cause health problems - including nerve issues. 

Now, I will admit, scents are a very personal thing.  Some people like fresh spice smells like vanilla or apple cinnamon like me, and other people can't stand them.  It's tricky.  But, if you know your recipient (and your recipient happens to be moi) then it's an easy choice.

Lavanila The Healthy Candle, Vanilla Coconut

Here's what the site says:
Offering a clean burn that does not release harmful pollutants, toxins, or soot, you can feel good about this beeswax blend.

• Infused with essential oils
• Does not release harmful pollutants, toxins, or soot
• Free of paraffin, dyes, and harsh chemicals

BeautyBar.com has the best price I've found at $16 + free shipping right now! I love Vanilla and Coconut, and smelled an amazing Vanilla Coconut candle at Anthropologie last year that was in-cred-i-ble.  Hopefully this one smells even close to that dreamy!

Letterpress Desk Calendar.  Last week I featured a gorgeous yearly calendar featuring positively gorgeous art.  This week I'd like to share a daily pleasure that I've enjoyed for the last two years. 

2012 Letterpress and Silkscreen calendar by Ilee- $22

A co-worker of mine gave one to me as a gift and I liked it so much much I bought one for myself last year.  It's not only lovely; it's also practical.  I reference it when making timelines and whatnot almost daily at work.  And it's so nice flipping those pages each month, enjoying the new look and all. 

And ooh-wee, here's another option for you I also adore! 

flora + fauna 2012 eco-luxe designer art desk calendar - $16

Isn't it wonderful? Now here's another idea....

Spice Organizer. Not the sexiest gift, but who cares? Check out the Swivel Store.  It's not sexy, but if you're low on space like we are, it's perfect for storage. Organization and storage is a gift beyond measure, friends. 

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Happy Christmas!  Leave a comment a let me know if you like these gifts, or if you have any recommendations for last-minute ideas! We need to have each other's backs!

Christmas Gift Picks

I'm makin' my list ya'll. Here are a few initial wishes (even those that are out-of-budget) that are worth sharing.

Hot. Sexy. Lamp. How many lamps can you say that about? Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Whittier. His sweet silhouette will have you squeeling.  And his price tag will do the same. But if you use it for years and love it for years it might be worth it.  Yah-know-what-I-mean, hubby?

Jonahan Adler's Whittier Lamp - sexaaay

Michelle's 2012 Trellus Calendar doesn't make sense for my work environment (I need a close-up month-to-month calender I'll share later) but I love her work so much I would buy this just to frame the print! Not kidding. I'm considering it. 

2012 Trellus Calendar by Michelle Armas

This stylish, retro-inspired floor fan is much less expensive alternative to RH's Allaire Fan. This sucker (or blower, I suppose *ba-doom-ching*) would look much nicer than the chunky floor fan we currently have in our bedroom.

Living Accents Retro Metal Fan

Have you started making your list? What are you hoping Santa will bring you this year? Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!