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).