Happy New Year! I’m hosting a party tonight and am taking a quick break to post this before putting the finishing touches on my decorations. I’ve had a nice little blog break, a relaxing holiday, and a very good end to the year. I’ll be back to kick off 2012 tomorrow with some very exciting news! Until then, CHEERS!

 

The presents are wrapped, the Christmas cards are in the mail, and I’m signing off to enjoy the holidays with friends and family for the next few days.  Merry Christmas! xo Kate

I think I’m finally finished with all of my Christmas shopping, but there’s always that one gift recipient that I’ll realize has slipped my mind just days before the holiday weekend. So, if you’re like me and need a few last-minute gift ideas, I’ve rounded up 20 festive finds that are on a budget — everything is under $25! The danger of putting these posts together? I’ve already done some shopping for myself: that polka-dot hat is mine!

From top left: pencils, whisk, shoe clips, initial watch, horse bottle opener, tart server, lobster earrings, twirl perfume, polka-dot hat, peace plate, magic wallet, pom-pom mittens, perpetual calendar, nail polish, volupsa candle, coasters, paddywax candle, heart sunglasses, notebooksred lipstick.

After playing with pom-poms last week, I tried my hand at using the same bakers twine to make little tassels for some other present wrapping this weekend. The weather is getting a little chillier, and I’m off to an annual holiday celebration with my friends tonight, so I’m really starting to feel the Christmas spirit. Here’s hoping you’re beginning your celebrations this weekend too, cheers!

I searched high and low for cute Christmas cards this year trying to top the adorable Rifle Paper Co postcards I sent last year. I found vintage looking letterpress cards in girly pink hues when I was visiting New York a few weeks ago that I had to have. And when I got home I researched the studio that makes them, Snow & Graham, only to find a collection of even cuter options.  Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like dropping a stack of envelopes stuffed with Christmas greetings  in the mailbox; are you sending cards this holiday season?

  Cards can be found at Snow & Graham

I’m miraculously half-way done with my Christmas shopping already, so now comes my favorite part: the wrapping! This year I plan to forgo my usual grosgrain ribbon and try something a little more three-dimensional. Leftover baker’s twine inspired me with the festive red and white colors, so I decided to whip up some fluffy pom-poms to top my presents. Making them is easy as pie; all you need is some baker’s twine, a fork, and a pair of scissors.

To start, wrap the twine the fork until it starts to look round and full. Then, thread the end of your twine through the center of the fork and tie it around the ball of  twine. Finally, trim the loops and slide the ball of twine off the fork. After a few fluffs and puffs you have a pom-pom for the top of your gift! 

My ever so stylish sister is taking over the blog today and sharing her ideas for getting dressed up on turkey day.

Let’s be honest – you want to make sure you look your best at family holidays; your crazy old aunt (you know you have one too) will be taking pictures every chance she gets. With Thanksgiving just days away, check out some inspiration I’ve pulled to help me put together a chic turkey day look. My goal: casual and cozy in neutrals (leggings are a must) with a touch of sparkle. Because after all, isn’t this holiday about eating?

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 56, 7, 8

Bracelets aren’t typically my accessory of choice — within two minutes of arriving at work I’ve discarded them to the side of my desk because of the clanking and clinking they make while I’m typing. But last week at J.Crew I snagged the hot pink link bracelet shown below, and I’m suddenly rethinking my bracelet opinions. That turquoise and crystal combo in the center is the next one with my name on it!

via J.Crew

I went to the Museum of Natural History in New York this weekend for the first time since I was a little kid. I still found the dinosaur fossils as amazing as I did back then. What stood out to me this time though were the displays of tiny specimens I zoomed by as a kid. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the shell displays and was enamoured by the gem exhibit — the colors were amazing. 

 
 
Verified by MonsterInsights