Happy December

I will be making these cookies a few days before Christmas. Don't you just love how they are displayed and decorated?Such a simple but adorable concept! Happy December!

go to Food and Wine Magazine for the recipes!

Winter Wonderland

Welcome Home! Seriously? can you imagine? I am sure this place is going to be ALL over blog land but just feast your eyes on this haven. It's a vacation home none the less of the mother - daughter design trio M Elle Design.  Everything about this "rustic - chic" enclave is perfection, right down to the plaid on those benches {above}.  This home beautifully combines rustic elements with the right amount of "not too cutesy"warm + cozy. It's so inviting without being too back woods of Idaho overdone! I love it, and would be happy living in 1/4 of the space ALL THE TIME! Nice job ladies... 

Images: Elle Decor, Photos: Miguel Flores-Vianna. Other images: MElledesign

Giving Thanks

I wanted to pause from the craziness of life for a minute, to give thanks. First off, thank you to all of my amazing readers for visiting when you have a chance. You fuel my "desire to inspire". I appreciate each and every one of your comments, tips and kind words!

I also need to send a huge hug and thank you to my wonderful friends and family. Your unwavering support over the past six weeks means the world to me! I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. I will come out of this on top!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Image: Mark Lund photography

At the table

Often times you can create beautiful table settings by mixing what you already own! With a few simple additions like ribbons, gourds, pears, place cards, flowers, natural found objects your table will look smashing! Are you entertaining this year?? if so, good luck and happy cooking. 

xx, Julie

Image credits: board one: Eddie Ross blog - Country Living, Martha Stewart, Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Eddie Ross via Lonny, board two: Country Living, Pink Wallpaper, Martha Stewart top row, Hostess blog, ?, Martha Stewart

shining bright

I'll take one of everything shown above, thanks..Blake Lively's unexpected look is adorable...and can I have a miniature version of the Swarovski star that tops the Rockefeller Tree this year! Gorgeous!!!!!

Deck the Halls..Room of the week!

I can't believe the holiday madness is right around the corner! I actually enjoy the holiday madness! I'm opting to keep my decorations simple, natural and clean this year. I love the feel of Canadian House and Home editor Suzanne Dimma's home. It's a beautiful blend of warm traditional and clean, masculine modernism.

 I love the idea of hanging an oversized wreath on the inside of the door. I also love the natural looking table top tree and all the pretty gifts surrounding it. I may go with another table top this year. I was very pregnant last year so I had a table top tree. It looked adorable. This year I may do the same. I am trying to make my home environment feel a bit different then what I've done in the past! I'll go all out next year, when my life is a bit more sane. Have a great weekend!!!

Images: Nov. 2010 Canadian House and Home. Photo: Michael Graydon

Ready, set, shop: H + H Home

Maybe you're not a designer, although many of my readers tend to be but my guess is that if you are reading my blog you are either design savvy, slightly designed obsessed or both. I fall into the "all of the above" category here. I am always so excited to discover a new venue to shop for clients {or myself}, so I was delighted to hear about the newly launched online shop  H and H home. Their site is full of beautiful furniture, accessories and lighting and here's the best part: The prices are amazing. Too often then not I stumble upon a great piece but it's out of my client's {or my own} "snack bracket".  H and H home combines the best of both worlds,  a refined collection of goodies at accessible pricing. I'm sure I'll be one of their clients soon! {love the logo and simple graphics too btw.}

Think Vertically

My life has been a whirlwind this month..for reasons I can't even begin to get into I may be moving within the next year. I actually want to move in next year, to a smaller, cozier home. I will need to refine my belongings, {my kids toys}, and get creative with storage. Thinking vertically is key to using space efficiently. I love how tall bookshelves can house most of your books, magazines, beautiful art and objects. I prefer to mix all of these. Built in books shelves are even better then free standing shelves but if you're living in a temporary space or renting you can still mount free standing tall bookshelves to the wall for the same effect/storage.

Images: I Suwanee, ?, ?, Elle Decor, I Suwanee, Domino, 

Dear West Elm,

Many of you might remember back in August I posted asking your opinion on my new living room rug. See earlier post here. I ended up going with the Kilim, Kite rug shown above...The issue is it's been on backorder since August! Ugh, I am getting very sick of my bare floor. So W.E. if you could get it together and send my rug along, I would really appreciate it! The design sort of reminds me of the graphic image below, doesn't it?? I love how this small kitchen makes room for a work space! A reality for most.

Tis' the season part deux!

I posted one of Karen Appleton's amazing pieces a few weeks ago. I am utterly blown away by these packages..I love, love, love them. If I were in a position to purchase my self a gift right now, {i have way too much going on in my life right now to think about buying anything} it would certainly be one of these! They are absolutely on my wish list and would make a wonderful gift.