2.0.1.3.

Looking back at 2013 I am exceptionally grateful. In just twelve short months, my life managed to change rather drastically. After graduation, moving to New York City, spending time in Colorado, landing my dream internship, starting a new job, celebrating my golden birthday and endless travel in between, I cannot help but feel extremely blessed. While I often feel my life is pulling a million directions at once, days like this (in sunny Florida no less) allow me to take a minute and appreciate the wonderful and unexpected things that have come my way. I hope everyone has a happy New Year! I look forward to what 2014 has in store--if 2013 was any indication, I have high hopes! Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Little Christmas

  

A week ago I arrived in Maryland and the holiday spirit was overwhelming. My family was all in one place (a rarity considering we live on different coasts at this point in time) and I was ecstatic to be home with old friends. While the week flew by way too fast, we still managed to cram in all our favorite traditions. Highlights included our annual Christmas Eve celebration, gingerbread house decorating, a tacky sweater party, trips to the movies, naps by the Christmas tree, favorite restaurants and more! I left Maryland with a heavy heart, but with wonderful memories and a renewed urgency to get our next family trip marked in the books!

{Christmas brunch complete with mimosas while still in PJs}
  

HOLIDAY HINTS:

Each year I look forward to decorating my sugar cookies and intricately wrapping presents--I'll let you in on a few secrets and tips to make both stand out. The trick to beautiful cookies, without all the mess and frustration, is icing them with a squeeze bottle! I purchased mini ones from Michael's so that I could have a variety of color icings to decorate with. As far as wrapping goes, I always enjoy a present that is almost too pretty to unwrap. After all the outside is what you see first! This year I incorporated hand cut snowflakes, glittery wrapping paper, homemade gift tags (courtesy of Style Me Pretty) and large bows.



{William & Sonoma Sanding Sugar Sprinkles make your cookies glisten!}

 

 

Hopefully my Christmas touches inspire you for holidays to come. I wish everyone a merry merry Christmas!

Christmas Comes In All Sizes

Today, I'm sharing a link I recently stumbled upon and love. With Christmas around the corner I am sure most people have their trees up and decorations in place. However, it is my first year living in NYC--in a tiny apartment nonetheless--and I have noticed many people opt out of putting up trees due to their small spaces. For the girl who counts down the days until her family trip to a tree farm in rural Maryland to hand cut the perfect tree, I find this devastating. Therefore, I wanted to share with you a couple of nontraditional ideas, creative Christmas trees for tiny homes! Even if you don't want a real tree taking over your living space, it is never to late to add a little Christmas cheer to your cozy apartment!

{apartmenttherapy.com}

Holiday Hostess

Tis the season to celebrate! 

Around this time of year Christmas parties and impromptu holiday gatherings are abundant and while party planning is something I anxiously await, many shy away from this daunting task. Hosting the holidays does not need to be stressful! With festive decor and just a few unique touches (like sparkly tinsel drink stirrers, ornament filled apothecary jars and a chalkboard menu) your party will be the show stopper you strive for in no time.

  

 

Holiday Banner // Ornaments // Mercury Glass Votives // Garland // Tinsel Stirrers // Cocktail Napkins // Serving Tray // Chevron Straws // Georgetown Cupcakes (You are in luck because these heavenly treats can be shipped nationwide!) // Cake Stand // Chalkboard Sign

Stocking Stuffers.

Each year, I anxiously await Christmas morning: waking up to my family all under one roof, running to the window to see if it has snowed and spending a lazy day with Christmas movies, comfort food and loved ones.

As far as gifting is concerned, stockings have always been a personal favorite of mine. I have a love for all things tiny and stockings tend to hold the prefect combination of such things! My family always tackles stockings first as we leisurely enjoy a breakfast appetizer in our pajamas--typically consisting of warm monkey bead and coffee mounded with freshly whipped cream. Whatever your tradition, there is nothing quite as festive as the sight of a full stocking hung above the fireplace!

Therefore, to round out my holiday recommendations, I share with you my clever, cute (and affordable!) gift ideas to spice up your stockings--or simply gift on their own! 

1. Deborah Lippmann Polish Duo - pretty polish that comes in the cutest glittered pouch

2. Gold Confetti Paper Napkins - perfect for any festive gathering

3. Backup iPhone 5 Battery - because everyone could use this handy battery boost while on the go

4. "Made with Love" Cookie Stamp - to bake an adorable homemade treat for loved ones

5. Embellished Hair Ties - dress up your everyday ponytail with these chic ties 

6. Letterpress Recipe Cards - recipe cards may be a lost art in this electronic age, but why not scribble down one of your favorite recipes from grandma on these adorable cards

7. Golden Monogram Mug - for all those coffee lovers

8. Furry Gloves - because who doesn't love a hint of fur every now and then...especially when it keeps you extra warm in the winter

9. Mercury Glass Candle - one of my all-time favorite scents that makes for the perfect gift  

The best part is, all these fabulous stocking stuffers can be found in one spot! Anthropologie is always my go-to store for unique gifts and charming details to make an ordinary gift stand out.

Happy gifting!