Joyeux Noël

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! I am finally able to slow down and ponder on the meaning of the season, not to mention spend some quality time with family. Here are some fantastic images to transport us to the City of Lights, if only in our dreams. :)

via here

via here

Lanvin for Printemps, via here

via here

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Merry and Bright

We have been having some rain in southern California, which I don't mind at all! I just don't like all the automobile accidents and traffic that occur as a result. *sigh*

Here are some pretty images that are brightening this rainy day; I hope they will brighten yours too, wherever you are!

the cherry blossom girl

via Wallpaper

via Gathering Spriggs

via Kim Vallee

via Little Blue Deer

via coco + kelley

Lonny

House to Home UK

via This is Glamorous

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Brown Paper Packages

I am a bit obsessed with patterned gift wrap (and other paper products, for that matter). But I also love the appeal of using kraft paper to package gifts; it is versatile and one can easily customize the solid paper.

via Flickr

Udessi

real.e.random

via Birch + Bird

via Pinterest

oh hello friend

via etsy

via Pinterest

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Cher Père Noël...

You have probably seen all the amazing gift guides curated by other bloggers. This guide is a bit different, because these are gifts I want! ;)


Something blingy...

pine cone necklace
Kate Szabone

mercury glass candle holders
Luna Bazaar

orchid earrings
japonicas

Something warm...

Hold Me Close cardigan
Modcloth

Faux fur throw
Cost Plus World Market

Something home-y...

cabinet
IKEA "PS" Collection

wool rug
Overstock

Something bookish...

Penguin Classics postcards

A Perfectly Kept House is a Sign of a Misspent Life
Rizzoli

What are you wishing Santa will bring you under the tree?

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Catching Up...

Mon Dieu! My sincerest apologies for my blogging absence this past week. I hate to say it, but despite all my holiday planning in November, all self-imposed deadlines went bust. That's what happens when I get sick... I fall behind!

Since then I've been frantically playing catch-up. I finished a bulk of my Christmas shopping today; hope to mail all cards before the end of the week; get a tree, and finally finish decorating for the season. Other December things I've done, or have been doing:

{ photo by me }
Went to the warehouse sale of local letterpress stationers (e.g. Elum and
Delphine), and got all this loot for under $12! I also met Delphine designer Erika Firm,
a fellow francophile, who is as humble and sweet as she is talented.
San Diego is very fortunate to have her!

Working on a December Daily scrapbook, inspired by Ali Edwards. I haven't taken any photos of mine, but here are some by Ali and other fellow scrapbookers (Simply Autumn, Melissa, Kelly, Amy). I think that in order to succeed at maintaining this project, you should not overthink the process. It's supposed to be stress-free and fun, a way to capture memories and focus on the meaning of the season amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays (even though today it felt like I was running around like a decapitated chicken!).

Love this December Daily cover by Latisha!

So how how are you all capturing memories this season, while staying on track? :)

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A Tale of Two Cities...

I found out about this brilliant blog (via Lanalou Style) that draws visual comparisons between Paris and New York City. I actually love both places, so for me it's not about one city being superior to the other. I think most, if not all, would agree with me that we are drawn to these cities for their unique personalities and characteristics.


By the way, you can now purchase these art prints at Society 6.

{ Images from Paris vs New York }

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Decorations de Noël

Happy December mes amies! Have you decked out your home with holiday decorations yet? I usually like to decorate immediately after Thanksgiving Day, but it has been a slow going this time around. Nevertheless I have a clear vision of the look I'm going far this season...

Holiday with Matthew Mead, via desire to inspire

via pinterest

I love this wreath! I still have the one I made from 10 years ago as a
new college graduate with very little money. Time for an update, non?
Flora Service

CB2- 2009

Marimekko, via Apartment Therapy

Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas
via Chez Larsson

Noticing a theme? So for Christmas my home will be decorated in burnt orange, pomegranate red, and touches of plum. Are you drawn to a certain group of colors and/ or mood for the holiday season as well?

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