Something to ponder...

The philosophy of a good life is this...Love, Laugh, Live and Give. Watch your thoughts because your thoughts become your words. Choose your words because your words become your actions. Understand your actions because they become your habits. Study your habits because they become your character. Develop your character because it becomes your destiny. " Quincy Jones

{amen,couldn't have said it better myself }

December - Book of the Month

This month's recommended read is a no-brainer. {i'm sure you've seen it on Blogland already}  It's Style by Lili Diallo. Lili was one of the fabulous stylists behind the beautiful pages of Domino. What better to help you with your home then secrets from the best. If I hadn't become a designer I think I would have opted to be a Shelter or Fashion magazine stylist. They create amazing moments with their creative eye and ingenious ideas. Love it! This one is on my holiday "wish list" for sure. Books are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive!

Isn't Lili's logo great?? so original!

A glimpse of Lili's work: 

{damn there's that Chesterfield again!}

Evergreen

I never tire of this fresh, fabulous shade! Hoping your holiday season is shiny and bright so far! I spent the weekend in Vermont, it was beautiful there this weekend. I snapped a quick snowy photo of my little ones. {not easy with a three year and ten month old}. I'll share it once my cards go out. How precious is this simple little tree?

Elva Fields, Any of this designer's necklaces are at the TOP of my wish list!

The benches, rug and credenza are all so gorgeous! Very my taste right now!

I just used a yummy velvet chesterfield sofa on a project! I will own one myself someday. This sofa literally envelopes you but is so chic at the same time!

Images: via City Sage, Elva Fields,  Celerie Kemble - Lonny, via Desire to Inspire, Tods - Image Vogue,       J.Crew

dear santa,

Seriously, all I really desire for christmas is one of these pieces by jeweler Marcia Moran, {the stackable rings may be number one, but who asked?}.  Don't you love how the blogging world works? It's so inspiring isn't it? I popped over to one of my daily's today StarFish and Sundresses {she often posts about some of my favorites..} and was reading about her amazing "for the jewel box gift guide". I came across Marcia's work, and was hooked. So when people ask, do you ever get tired of blogging? I then think of all the incredibly talented, supportive, kind, creative people I am exposed to on a daily basis, my answer: NEVER. Have a good day! 

Holiday Hit List

Besides finishing up my decorating there are a number of other duties I need to attend to! Here's a glimpse into my holiday "hit" list! 

1. Love this sequin mini from J.Crew. I love the idea of mixing something sequin in with my every day clothing....


2. Who can go wrong with Mr. Boddingtons? I need to send out my cards very soon.


3. A simply elegant up-do, the perfect look for any holiday party!


4. I'm going with a striped wrapping theme this year!


5. Veuve Clicquot Rose - need i say more?


6. I have a thing for baubles { i mean who doesn't?}...it's been a very rough Fall, good enough excuse for me to buy this ring from Kate Spade! { not sure if i will go with the black or not !}


7. I am having a small family fete on Christmas eve, these gold specked plates from Crate and Barrel are perfect!



images: hair style - glimpse of glamour blog

"beau" or no?

I won't be hosting Christmas this year, but I still can't resist a bit of holiday table inspiration! Here I'm honing in on the napkin. Do you like the idea of the bow shape or not? Just curious? More then anything I like the added punch of color these napkins add.
images: Coco and Kelley, My sweetrandomness

of note: at the MFA

I'm a bit of an art enthusiast, I'm sure that doesn't come as a surprise, I write a design blog right? I was thrilled when invited to attend two separate private showings at the newly opened Art of the Americas wing at the Boston MFA. First off the newly designed wing was a much needed and anticipated addition. Simply put, it's a breath of fresh air. I love the fusion of old and new. The dialogue between the original building built in 1909 {a number of additions were added in the early 1900's.} and the new building designed by Foster and Partners of London is spectacular. Last night I attended the opening of Fresh Ink, an exhibit displaying ten artist's modern interpretation of a traditional piece of Chinese art. It was an engaging show that runs through mid-February.

images: Dexigner.com, MFA website, Skinner

The White Tree

We're actually purchasing quite the opposite of a white tree this year, I'm off with my little ones early today to the Christmas tree farm. We are going to cut down our own little tree this year! Thought I'd mix things up.
But.....I could definitely see me doing a second chic tree in all white some year {it's not going to happen this year - love the idea of a second tree in the foyer - above image}. If you're in the market for a white tree, Target is carrying one!!

Who could forget Lee Kleinhelter's amazing white tree?

 A small white tree is also an option!

images: Coastal Living, Cottage Living, Google.

Gift Guide - a little something for everyone!

Hello, hope you're having a great week. Thank god it's Thursday right? now I don't have to feel guilty about having a glass of wine at five on the nose. I'm not going bananas with gifts this year, so I kept my gift guide short and sweet. I also assumed you aren't a millionaire so everything on my list is affordable!

1. Necklace by Fragments available through Neiman Marcus 

2. Letter-pressed {my favorite} personalized stationery through Color Box Design. 

3. Enchanted Buck measuring cups - Anthropologie

4. Graphic Tie - Barney's New York

5. A creatively colorful collection of short stories - Kate Spade

6. Yummy - Splurge for the shipping on Laduree's macaroons

7. Adorable horse friend for the kiddies - Anthropologie

8. Handmade Soft and comfy cotton scarf {the only kind} thorough Etsy shop, Knit Frekkles

9. I love the re-imaged vintage photographs available through JKL design.

Loving..

I have a thing for pom-poms and matte gold. The two together? adorable..How cute are these party shoes from Boden? {and they're not off the charts expensive}.