happy hearts

Happy Valentine's Day! Below is a little garland I made from scrapbook papers and ribbon for the holiday. I like the pop of color and fun it brings to my window so much, though, that I might not take it down right away. I hope everyone has a great day! XO!

sweet things

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. It's not on many people's list of favorite holidays, but I'll take any excuse to decorate and celebrate, especially when the decor involves cute hearts and celebrating means sweet treats. Here are some of my favorite festive finds for this year:

{aerie lacy romper in strawberry pink}

{threshold melamine floral dinnerware collection}

{trina turk kiran dress in sari pink- on sale!}

happy new year

For me, the beginning of a new year is a time for evaluating life and making a fresh start. I don't care much for resolutions (as I mentioned last year), but I love the idea of a clean slate and a year filled with possibilities for beauty and adventure. Happy 2013!

All images via Pinterest.

iced gingerbread cookies

This past weekend, in the mood for something sweet and seasonal, I made a batch of these iced gingerbread cookies. I didn't care for the icing the recipe called for, so I made my own simple variation by adding a little milk to powdered sugar. The cookies turned out wonderfully; they were spicy but still soft, and made the whole house smell like the holidays.

splurge gift guide

Here is part two of my gift guides featuring splurge-worthy ideas for a really special someone.



1. Coach Legacy Double Universal Sleeve, $228 + Apple iPad with Retina Display, $499
2. Hermes H Bracelet, $630
3. Tory Burch Eddie Leather Bow Flats, $250
4. J.Crew Collection Leather Pants, $850

sweet gift guide

Christmas is officially one month away, and I am officially slacking on my blog-posting duties. In order to address both of these issues, here is my first of two gift guides (for whichever holiday you celebrate) with ideas for giving under $50.

1. Kate Spade Set in Stone Earrings, $48.00

2. Domino The Book of Decorating, $32.00

3. Capri Blue Volcano Candle, $28.00

4. Target Woven Floor Pouf, $49.99

5. Aerie Lace-Trimmed Robe, $49.95

spooky scary

Happy Halloween! Since I already celebrated (in costume) this weekend, I'm planning on spending tonight watching the movie below and handing out candy to the neighbor kids. But in the holiday spirit, here are some cute ideas that I came across on Pinterest as a little treat.

DECOR

{image via martha stewart}

SNACK

{image via disney family}

WATCH

{image via imdb}

fireworks

Today is a day to celebrate all things American, and may I suggest we start with choice of outfit? Then pull out your sparklers and show off your patriotism! Happy Fourth!

{STARS: cut 25 star-print silk dress}

{STRIPES: j.crew dree dress in deck stripe}

{FULL-ON FLAG: topshop american flag shorts}

fiesta, por favor

{quite possibly the cutest cookies of all time, by sandra denneler} 

{aerie's embroidered drapey tank, to wear}

{colorful straw tote, to carry all your party supplies}

Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday and although my plans don't involve a party of any kind (I'll be spreading my time among a graduation, White Coat ceremony, and dance recital), that doesn't make me covet any of these festive picks or a big fat fiesta any less. I especially love south-of-the-border-inspired wardrobe pieces like the tank I featured here; the bright colors, bohemian patterns, and easy shapes are right up my alley.