On My Radar: Ceramic & Glass

I love white in kitchens, it always looks fresh and inviting and it will never date.

(1) CB2 Twine Server  (2) CB2 Mini Tube Stacking Glass

(3) Design House Stockholm Jug (4) Magnus Lundstrom Mortar & Pestle

Kate Spade Scallop Ring

Love this scallop ring from Kate Spade.  The perfect mix of classic and whimsy.


Holiday Sweets

Do you make certain sweets for the holiday season?  I'm headed home this weekend for Christmas and I can't wait to make a few treats.

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, Sticky Buns

Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gorjana

I'm finding my jewelry collection for work to be a bit sparse.  Any recommendations for inexpensive, yet good quality pieces?

Gorjana has basic pieces that might just fit the bill.

1, 2, 3, 4

Interior of the Week

A nice, bright, and cheery room to start the week.  I think I might have to keep my eye out for some x-leg benches. . .

(via Emily Henderson)

On My Radar: Cabernet

Even though Pantone named Emerald the color of 2013, I am still a bit obsessed with cabernet/oxblood/burgundy.  The holiday season is perfect for combining the two trends.

Left to Right:
Vince Snow Pleated V Neck Silk Top, Madewell Chelsea Boot In Calf Hair
J.Crew Toothpick Cord in Cabenet, Butter London 'British Racing Green'
Karen Walker Helter Skelter Sunnies, J.Crew Biennial Hobo

Silver Linings Playbook

This movie, Silver Linings Playbook, with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, has been on my IMDb watchlist for months, with all the Oscar buzz and the SAG and Globe nominations, I can't wait to go check it out.

Do you have a list of movies you need to see before the Oscars?

(Image via USAToday)

Knitting Project: Baby Blanket

My newest niece, Sylvia, arrived today on 12/12/12!

It was my goal was to knit a blanket for each of my sister's babies.  I finished Julia's a few years late, so I was more prepared this time.  The pattern from Purl Bee is barely a pattern, since the entire blanket is just knit stitch, but the stripes break up the monotony.

Satomi Kawakita Stud Earrings

The sweetest studs from Satomi Kawakita.

Black Diamond // Brown Diamond

Pearl // Ruby

Interior of the Week

Pretty much my dream room: grasscloth, Lucite, lacquer, and a woven rug.  Perfection. . .

(Image)

On My Radar: Tennis Gear

Why is work out gear so fun to buy, yet so expensive?  I'm hoping to make a trip out to the Nike Factory store sometime soon.

(1) Nike 1/2 Zip Top  (2) Nike Pleated Skirt
(3) Nike 'Love Tennis' Shorts  (4) Nike Jersey Top

10 Experiences to Give

Instead of gift guides this year, I thought it would be fun to think of 10 experiences to give.  Material things are great and this blog is mostly filled with them, but experiences create lasting memories, perfect to share for the holiday season.

1. Tickets to a Ballet or Show
Sometimes tickets to a nice ballet or play can be pricey, but the quality of the show and the experience usually outweigh the cost.  Seeing Broadway shows in NYC with my mom was a highlight of the trip.

(Artists of Ballet West in George Balanchine's "Serenade" // Photo by Luke Isley)

2. Movie Date
I love seeing movies with my sister or my mom.  It's nice to spend some time together and you'll be able to discuss the movie while catching up.

3. Gift Certificate for a Class
A Tai Chi class, a jewelry making class, or a cooking class. Sign someone up for a class they have been meaning to take, or a skill they have been wanting to learn.  It's an easy way to show support; it's even better if you are able to take with them and share the experience.

(Tai Chi Class)

4. Skydiving
If you have a friend with an adventurous spirit, there is nothing more exciting than leaping out of a plane, maybe a tandem dive to start though. . .

5. Dinner at a Nice Restaurant
There may be a foodie hiding in your budget-conscious friend.  A lot of people don't splurge on food and what better way to make memories than over a nice dinner.

(The Salt Lake Tribune - Pago)

6. Tickets to an Art Gallery
When a favorite artist or an interesting show comes to a nearby gallery, don't miss it.  Grab a friend and get some inspiration together.

7. Drybar
It's a definite splurge to pay for a good blowout, but the results are amazing and they get to pick from a menu that includes: the Straight Up, the Manhattan, the Cosmo, or the Mai Tai.  It would be a great pick-me-up.

(Drybar)

8. Organize a Hike or Picnic
A lot of people like to get outdoors, but they don't like to do the planning.  A little research to find a good trail or taking the time to pack a picnic can make for a great day with friends or family.

9. Go to the Flea Market
Getting up early and making the trek to a flea market is not for the weak.  Gear up with a friend and find some treasures together.  My mom and I are definitely planning a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

(15 Flea Market Tips // Emily Henderson)

10. Weekend Trip
While long vacations can be luxurious, a short stay can be exhilarating  hop in the car, or snag cheap airfare and get away.  A quick trip allow for spontaneity and experiences are usually more fun when unplanned.

via Oh Happy Day

Holstee Manifesto

Have you read the Holstee Manifesto?  I know manifestos tend to be cheesy, but they can also give some needed inspiration and are a good reminder to re-prioritize occasionally.

Do you remember the Aardvark Manifesto?

Thinking About: PB Jute Rug

I need a round rug for my dining area.  I've been looking at knotted rugs, but I'm not finding much in my price range, size, and palette.

This jute rug might just work, as well as, bring texture and a natural element to the space.

(Pottery Barn Round Jute Rug)

Interior of the Week

I love the delicate iron canopy bed in this guest room.

(Lonny June/July 2012)