What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

If these two were any cuter, it'd be illegal.

This fun little ditty was uploaded by Hello Giggles today, just in time for New Years Eve. So, the question of the hour: what are you doing new years eve?




(Song performed by Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt for Hello Giggles).

Late Christmas Wishes & New Years Dishes

Wow. There went Christmas. Ben, Bauer, and I have made it to and from Vancouver safely after celebrating Christmas with our families. It was a whirlwind but it was so great to spend time catching up (and eating) with family.

I have one more work day this week and then it's more celebrating. Car loads of our beautiful friends will be making their way to Kamloops to celebrate the second annual New Years Bash with us this weekend. This year's theme: Mad Men. It should be good.

Whatever your plans are for New Years Eve, I hope you're safe and surrounded by people you love.

Caio, 2011. It's been real. I'm excited to start wedding planning and goal setting in 2012!



[Our 2011 Christmas card was designed by Kal Barteski].

gift guide: stocking stuffers for him.

Well, as previously mentioned, I had great intentions of creating a gift guide palooza; however, this year we're going with stocking stuffers (mostly $20 and under) for her + for him.

For the gentleman in your life...

1. I saw this at Chapters and laughed out loud. If I hadn't already co-ordinated the perfect gift for my little brother he'd be getting this in his stocking. There's nothing like a silly-yet-tasty treat. [coal candy, $8 at Indigo].

2. Fact: I steal Ben's socks 4 out of 5 mornings during the winter months. I'm planning on picking up a few pairs of thick wool socks for him/me. I wish I saw these earlier to order them in time for Christmas. [Camp socks, $19.50 at J. Crew].

3. I think Ben would do less complaining about my tea addiction if he tried a mug of chocolate chili chai. [Chocolate Chili Chai, $13.25 for a 100g tin at David's Tea].

4. Everyone (and some people's dogs) seem to have iPhones these days. What's more fun than having a second case to change it up from time to time. I love David Bushell graphic illustrations; don't they make great cases? [iPhone cases with David Bushell's illustrations, $39.95/ various at Uncommon].

5. The album that should be on everyone's wish list: The Black Keys, El Camino. That's all. [Album, $14.99].

6. Another gag gift that was too awesome not to include. Bathroom humour at its finest. [Matchboxes, $7.00 by dippy lulu on etsy.com].

7. On our Oregon trip last summer we learned that there are many delicious bottled root beers that we just. don't. have. here in Canada. This one was our favourite and I plan to pick up a case next time we're south of the border. [Bulldog Root Beer, various].



In case you missed it...

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

Wintery Weekending + Holiday Link Love

It's Friday and the last weekend before Christmas! (Wait, what?!?!) This weekend B and I have some holiday fun planned including some last minute shopping, lots of gift wrapping, some christmas movie snuggling, and maybe even some holiday baking.

I've been trolling the internet flagging all things Christmas & awesome. Here is a list of my favourites:

• The ever-fashionable Dallas Shaw has compiled a hostess gift guide for the holiday parties ahead (Psst... remember the hostess gift guide I put together for the Anthology last year? Part 1; Part 2).


• Speaking of Gift Guides... Joanna is at it again. The 2011 instalment of A Cup of Joe Gift Guides are fun & original.


• In case you're on the ball and already wrapping gifts, check out this amazing DIY Gift Bow guide by 100 Layer Cake


• Feeling crafty? I really like these DIY Sequin Ornaments featured on Made By Girl


• I want to make these glittered deer and have them around my house all year through.


• I'm altogether loving ALL of the holiday tips, party ideas, and DIY projects on Valley & Co. Lifestyle blog.

What are you up to this weekend, friends?


Merry Christmas, love Bauer.

Snow Moose.

Even though he won't fit it in a stocking, this snow globe is sure to make anyone smile. We purchased one for our mantle as an early Christmas gift to ourselves and I love him.

Moose Snowglobe by Indigo.

gift guide: stocking stuffers for her.

I had great intentions of putting together a collection of gift guides this year a la Joanna; however, I've been too busy enjoying various holiday festivities and nursing a head cold. Subsequently, what I'm offering you, my faithful blog readers, is a collection of my favourite stocking stuffers for him and her.

Ladies, first...

1. Voluspa Candles are my favourite and the holiday sent Frost Pinecone is deliciously festive. [Mini Tin Candle, $7.50 at Indigo].

2. As previously mentioned, salted caramels rule my world. This stocking stuffer is self-explanitory. [Ooh la la Salted Caramels, $20 at Indigo].

3. These little books have been popping up all over blog land and I understand why: who wouldn't love a small notebook to stash in your purse for sporadic note taking (or blog loving, in this case)? [Archie Grand for J.Crew notebook, $12 at J. Crew]

4. The last time I was at Sephora I fell in love with the wall of purse-size roll on perfumes they now offer. Brilliant and practical, pick one in her favourite sent or a new, fun, one like Kate Spade's twirl. [Twirl By Kate Spade Roll-On, $18 at Sephora].

5. Everyone should have at least one of these little pots of salve in their purse to combat chapped winter lips, add a little glow to cheeks, and moisturize dry cuticles. Best bang for your buck. [Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora].

6. My love for ban.do pieces grows with each addition they make to their online boutique; however, their signature sequin hearts are the simplest way of adding a little glamour to a tee or a tote. [ban.do heart, $15 at shop ban.do].

7. The Bay has played its cards right and has introduced a Top Shop in its Pacific Centre store. Lucky for everyone, they also offer pieces online. I love this crochet headband and the brilliant orangey-red colour it comes in. [TOPSHOP Carmine Crochet Cinch Headband, $18 at the Bay].

8. Mimosas and Christmas morning go together like Chocolate and Valentine's day. Why not gift her a mini bottle of your favourite champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco to toast the season? [Freixent - Carta Nevada Brut, $4.72 at BC Liquor Stores].



What is your favourite stocking stuffer to give or receive?

Fleur de Sel Caramels

Apparently I'll be spending my weekend in the kitchen preparing deliciously sweet treats with the perfect hint of salt!

As a huge fan of salted caramels (I have been known to eat an entire bag) this recipe for homemade caramels rocks my world. I am thrilled that Emily shared her interpretation; the perfect way to share them!



(Photo courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere; recipe courtesy by via the New York Times).

Dark Chocolate with Pistachios + Sea Salt

My Christmas baking mojo was a bit bruised after I made too much last year and had no one to eat the finished product. Maybe this year I'll stick to something that is sweet and bake free!

Lisa of with style & grace has adapted a delicious sounding recipe from Whole Living Magazine into this amazing treat. I'm no chocolate lover (gasp!) but the photos alone made my mouth water. Perhaps I will prepare a batch for our New Years fête.

'Tis the season for sweet treats.



(Photos and recipe courtesy of with style and grace).

DIY Christmas Carol Garland

Isn't this garland just perfect? This DIY project is creeping its way up my ever-growing Christmas-craft-to-do list; I would like to hang one in our hallway.

Visit the sweetest occasion for the DIY tutorial and template.


{update} here is one of my completed garlands:





(top photo by lovely indeed for the sweetest occasion; bottom photo taken on my iPhone and processed via Instagram).

Green Christmas

Nothing says "Christmas" quite like fresh boughs of pine and the smell they fill the house with. Although many of us have opted for a faux pine Christmas tree this year, there is no reason why we can't enjoy traditional holiday greenery on a smaller scale. In fact, last night I realized I had subconsciously been researching ways of doing just that (evidence can be found on my holiday pinterest board).

If you're looking for ways of adding a little green to your home this holiday, here are a few simple & cost effective options. Bonus: they're low maintenance, allowing you to enjoy green without necessarily having a green thumb.

[1.] tree seedlings in champagne flutes are a unique, sustainable, and practical favour option for a holiday party or winter wedding.

[2.] simple arrangements of white roses + pine look beautiful in small cups, jars, or vases placed throughout the house.

[3.] rescue a fallen (or pruned) bough and put it in a large jar or vase to be enjoyed for weeks.

[4.] why not give out cards that double as decor? these mini wreath holiday cards are beyond sweet.

Do you decorate with greenery?



(Images courtesy of: Plant a Memory via Little Winter Bride; Better Homes and Gardens; photo by Patrik Hagborg for Hus & Hem via emmas design blog; photo by Lisa Warninger, concept & crafting by Tokketok, floral and styling by Chelsea Fuss for Frolic!).

Holiday Soundtrack: Contemporary Christmas

I am one of those people who has Christmas music playing awkwardly relatively early in what is considered the appropriate "Christmas season" and I am often asked what my favourite Christmas albums are.

With so many Christmas albums out there, it's easy to become overwhelmed; I'll also be the first to admit that there are many-a-version of the classics that you should avoid [cue shopping mall PA music]. With that being said, I wanted to share a few of the albums on my holiday soundtrack. I play these contemporary gems on repeat between late November and New Years Eve. If you're looking to beef up your playlist I suggest you start here.

In no particular order...


A Very She & Him Christmas: How excited I was when I heard one of my favourite duos was coming out with a Christmas album; how happy I am to say I wasn't disappointed. This album is smokey, vintage, and altogether dreamy. Best served with a cocktail or tree trimming party.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Songs For Christmas - Sufjan Stevens: This beauty was recommended to me last year by a blogger friend (thanks, Diana)! The album is 42 songs deep and perfect for playing as background music while you clean the house or drive between Kamloops & Vancouver. At least I enjoy it for those things...
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs: I love this compilation of amazing female voices, especially the title track by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson and the closing medley of "Auld Lang Syne." Per-fec-tion.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



It Snowed - Meaghan Smith: Another new addition to my playlist, Meaghan Smith's album is very sweet. She's Canadian & adorable; you can't help but smile and bob your head to "It Snowed" and "Silver Bells."
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



The O.C. Mix 3 Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah: This has to be my favourite contemporary album because there are so many awesome songs and if I started listing them I would list the whole soundtrack. Bonus: it's a great album to dance around to & the kiddos love it.
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



Christmas - Michael Bublé: I'm including this album for two reasons: (1) my bridesmaid Angela would probably refuse to stand up for me at my wedding if I didn't and (2) it's a great traditional Christmas album. All jokes aside, I love the fact that his version of "Jingle Bells" (featuring the Puppini Sisters) sounds like something straight out of the past & that he and Shania Twain make a sweet Canadian duet on "White Christmas."
(Available on iTunes & Amazon).



There we have it: my favourite contemporary Christmas albums. Stay tuned for my favourite classics which will pop up on the blog next week.

What are your favourite Christmas albums, contemporary or classic?



(All images are courtesy of the artists' homepages and have been linked to within the post).

Christmas-Palooza

In the event you were wondering what I have been up to... I've been a tree trimming, card writing, santa spotting Christmas elf. I've sorted a few things out which should enable me to post more regularly. Thanks for checking in & stay tuned for some Christmas and wedding fun.

What have you been up to?

xo,

C.

Deck the Halls

Happy Monday! While our neighbours to the South prepare for Thanksgiving (and the disturbing phenomenon "Black Friday") Canadians are in full-Christmas-holiday-mode. Today, B and I are both off (woot!) so we're tacking a lengthy to do list. Hopefully we'll get to lugging out our Christmas decor and start decking the halls.

Have you decorated yet? When do you 'allow' yourself to embrace Christmas/ decorate/ start Christmas shopping?

As always, I am inspired by West Elm's Holiday line. These three are my favourites.




(Images courtesy of West Elm: feather wreath, felt garland, + papier-mâché reindeer).

(pause)

Life feels like it is coming at me full-throttle right now. I have a new job, my fiancé and I appear to have opposing schedules (which will have kept us in different cities for the better part of a month), I’ve been sweating, stretching, and attempting to become a runner again (left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot…), and I am eagerly trying to organize this house in preparation of the busy holiday season ahead.

Although it can be overwhelming at times, it all seems insignificant. I’ve recently been reminded of how precious this gift we call life is. A close and beautiful friend of mine recently lost her amazing husband in an accident. There are no words to describe something like this. Instead, there is support and love and hugs and tears and laughs and wine and encouragement to share with each other and reminders to incorporate this behaviour into your “every day.”

Tomorrow we celebrate Remembrance Day, a day of memorial to remember those who have died in the line of duty. We observe this holiday on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour and, this year, in the eleventh year. 11.11.11.

Today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter, make it a daily practice to tell the important people in your life that you love them.

Where there is love, there is life.

Sassy Door Mats.

I just love these door mats. I needed a good laugh this afternoon and rediscovering them on Pinterest did the trick. What a perfect housewarming gift.



(Front door mats by Uncommon Goods: nice underwear + not you again).

Holiday-Inspired Nails.

I'm excited to see that dark, short, nails - which just happen to be my specialty - are being coveted this winter and there is a plethora of gorgeous shades to choose from. Much to my delight, Maegan has shared her glitter-infused take on the trend, pairing my very favourite OPI shade (Lincoln Park After Dark) with a hint of pixie dust. Voila!


(Image and tutorial courtesy of ...love Maegan).

ban.do Holiday

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching which means holiday collections are beginning to roll out in full force. The always fabulous ban.do recently presented their holiday line which is full of metallics, sparkles, and a whole lotta glam.

These are my favourite pieces: crystal bowtie shoe clips ($55), metallic lace headwrap ($50), pop flower ($75), + jumbo party bobbi ($15).



(Photos courtesy of ban.do).

A Reception Treat.

If you're like me and you are "over" choreographed reception routines, this video might change your mind. This song is far too addicting (this little guy agrees with me) and this groom and his entourage have stolen my heart. Oh! and their wedding, featured on Style Me Pretty, is nothing short of amazing.

Enjoy.



(Video: aaron+judith surprise performance from studio205films on Vimeo via Style Me Pretty).

embrace your inner fool.

I must learn to love the fool in me - the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool.

Theodore I. Rubin, MD


When I read this quote (shared by Joanna) it really resonated with me. Today and every day, I hope you are reminded to embrace your inner fool.


What is your favourite quote?



(Quote via A Cup of Joe. Photo of my un-pedicured feet in the Pacific Ocean, moments before B & I got engaged).

DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards

How perfect are these DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards in season-appropriate autumnal hues? I feel like pulling out my paints and creating place cards for my next event, right this minute. (I'm filing this one under "wish I came up with this concept").

Visit Frolic for the full tutorial.




(photos, concept, and styling by Annemarie Buckley via Frolic!)

no-carve pumpkins.

Even though carved pumpkins go with Halloween like pine trees go with Christmas, let's face it: they typically have an expiry date of 24 hours. In the days leading up to Halloween, why not have fun with the pumpkins on your door steps and tables without carving them...

I love the look of painted pumpkins. Having experimented last weekend, I can confirm that spray paint works well for even coverage and these Martha Stewart paints from Michaels (my new favourite product) come in beautiful colours and sparkly shades. (Suggestion: if you don't want the orange of the pumpkin to come through, use the Martha glitter paint as a top coat over spray paint or a satin paint).

Another option: thumb tacks. Simply put, I wish I came up with this idea. How brilliantly quick & simple.

Do you have a pumpkin yet? Have you done anything to it? Where is it in your house?



(Photos courtesy of Real Simple [1 and 2] + Style at Home).

Shorter Days + Game Nights.

One of my favourite things about autumn is that everything. slows. down.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the constant hum of the summer months and the comings + goings of celebrations and road trips. I’m simply a homebody at heart who is over the moon for a cozy night in with great company, a board game (or a well-stocked PVR), and a glass of wine or two.

I’m hoping this board inspires many evenings in. Add a few delicious appetizers and the right soundtrack and you have yourself the perfect girls’ night in or date night.


Appetizers: Pears and Camembert, Spicy Pecans, and Pesto-Bocconcini Crostini.

Soundtrack: The Civil Wars, Ellie Goulding, and Dan Mangen.


What is your favourite thing to do on autumn nights in?



(Images courtesy of Amazon, Bloomingdales, Anthropologie, and Indigo).

A Handy Tip for the Easily Distracted

Simply put: I need to do more of this.



(Video by courtesy of nowness discovered via bleubird vintage).

Autumn Street Style

cozy layers + leather tights + a messy bun + timeless neutrals + a chunky heal = perfectly fitted fall-wear




(photos courtesy of could I have that).

Happy Thanksgiving.

This weekend, Canadians give thanks. My list of gratitude seems to be growing by the minute; however, today I am extra thankful for family. I'm thankful for our friends who have become a part of our family. I'm thankful for the time we are able to spend together.

I'm also thankful for you: the readership who follow this little blog, share your thoughts, and allow me to indulge in my (often) crazy ideas.

I hope you enjoy a peaceful fall weekend full of loved ones, a good meal, and a festive beverage (or two).



(image courtesy of Rifle Paper Co. check out their holiday cards, here).

autumn is upon us.

The seasons have changed around these parts and autumn is very much upon us. The furnace has been ignited and I've pulled my sweaters, knee socks, and fleece pajamas out of hiding. In an effort to fall-ify our home, I even purchased a few pumpkins. (I know, I'm pretty festive).

I love, love, love this season.

A few thoughts on fall...

- Currently sipping on David's Tea Fall Collection (yum).
- I can't wait to bake cupcake 15 for a thanksgiving treat.
- I'm secretly loving the fact that the holidays are a'coming...
- I'm finding a groove and the perfect balance between cozy couch time and sweat it off bridal bootcamp. I'll get there (thanks J Web for being such an awesome work out/ veg out buddy).

Work Hard & Be Nice to People.

This is my new mantra.

I love it because it's straightforward + true. I especially love it because it puts the onus on me. Although I am not in control of what the world throws at me, I am in control of what I put out into this world.

It's a simple sentiment but it has put a lot into perspective for me. I hope you join me in the power of positive thought.

Wouldn't this pretty print be the perfect addition to a dressing table or entry way? It's a great way to start the day and a good reminder before leaving the house.



(letterpress print courtesy of sugar paper).

new shades of gold.

I love stumbling across new styles of jewelry, especially when they are as pretty as these variations of classic gold.

Both unique and hard to find, I've heard this style being referred to as "chocolate gold." I really like the look of it and I think either of these bronzed wrist adornments would look lovely paired with classic gold.



Rose gold is beautiful. Although it has been thought to look nicer on some skin tones than others, I find altogether pretty.




Do you wear gold and, if so, what shade? Do you mix different shades or stick to one style?




(photos courtesy of Michael Kors and Stella & Dot; Stella & Dot and bella flor).

Irene Suchocki Photography

No words are needed to accompany these gorgeous images. I would love to have any one of these blown up over my fireplace. Her work is just breathtaking.

To view more of Irene Suchocki's work, visit her shop.



(Photos courtesy of Irene Suchocki: Far Away, So Close, Breathless, and The Power of 10).