Just so you know, there are three weeks and three days left to shop before Christmas. And this happens to be gift guide no. 3. Hmmmm, what does this mean?
'Tis absolutely the season for billowy, all-you-can-eat dresses that's for sure. I'm totally feeling these sophisto-mumu's from the Jil Sander Spring '11 collection right now. They're glamorous and if you add a little sparkle to the hair it's the perfect hostess dress. 
This isn't exactly what it looks like where I live, but it sure feels like it. It's been colder than usual here in southern California! It's nice to finally have the lyrics in Christmas songs match the weather for once. Did you have a good Thanksgiving weekend? Ours was filled with family, friends and football. Saturday night we got caught in the rain at the USC vs. Notre Dame (let's not talk about it–the lady sitting in front of me was even reading the new Keith Richards book) game and while it was cold and we got soaked, it was actually kinda fun. It made getting home and taking a hot shower, changing into PJ's, baking chocolate chip cookies and tea all the more enjoyable. Definitely feeling Christmasy these days. And now I'm in full-on decorating and shopping mode. First stop ... Cyber Monday!
Well, Thanksgiving might be over but to me the season of food, drink, sweets and candy canes has only just begun. And I love it! Know what else I love? The local Christmas tree lot starts selling trees today. I casually mentioned this to Eric and he gave me the "put the gun down" look. Maybe he's right, I should probably get to this sea of dishes, wine glasses and coffee cups around me first. All the sign of a great time yesterday. 
Actually I do know. It's a fun image from the sophomore issue of Rue that I finally got to flip through last night. It's a fun issue with lots of inspiration just in time for the hosting season. I love the black and white grittiness of this image. It accentuates the stone fireplace perfectly and the hint of the white Christmas tree at the bottom there. And her silly gesture is just a reminder–'tis the season to have fun:)
Is there a "how to look like Stella Tennant after four kids" handbook somewhere? Whatever you do, bottle it up girl! Loved seeing these ads with her and two of her daughters for the new H&M Christmas campaign. By the way, did you make it to the Lanvin for H&M release last weekend? I couldn't make it. Boo.
Images: Daily Mail
Ack! Did I tell you that we're hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year? I'm two parts excited to one part nervous. We bought our 13 lb. turkey yesterday along with ingredients for pumpkin pies and turkey-hand cookies (P & K's contribution) and I have to say it was fun! Definitely got me in the mood to hunker down and attack the rest of my lists. Today I will be squaring away other side dishes and designating serving ware to each. Will be a busy next few days, but nothing that a little holiday eggnog and Christmas music can't help:)
I did it. I started listening to Christmas music yesterday. I couldn't help it, going to West Elm this past weekend totally got me in the mood. These holiday decorations, their trees and the Christmas music they were playing totally sabotaged my emotions. How cute are these decorations? Really considering the red felt garland for the tree this year–adds a kind of warmth and coziness being felt. At first I thought the sequin animals were a bit disco but the sparkly bunny really grew on me. And how much fun would it be for a little kid to open up a box, pull back a bunch of fun tissue paper and discover a sparkly bunny in it?!
If you follow my tweets you know that I happily perused my new issue of W over the weekend. Never really been a huge fan of Katherine Heigl, but it's undeniable how great she looks in this issue. And that cover! I just love this family photo of Katherine with her mom, daughter, sister, niece and nephews so, so much.
Remember when Costanza's dad would yell "serenity now!" on Seinfeld? I don't know why I thought of that when I saw this photo. Maybe it has something to do with relating this photo of calm, and relaxation with Eric finally coming home from China today–yeah! He's been there all week and needless to say we're all excited for him to come home. I've been instructed to bring him a bean and cheese burrito when I get him from the airport. I guess the fried rice and noodle soup isn't cutting it anymore.
If you're like me, you've probably marked a ton of pages in the new Real Simple for gift giving ideas, right? Well, it gets better 'cause Real Simple just curated "50 Fabulous Gifts for the Holidays" for fab online discount retailer Gilt Groupe that goes live today at 12pm through November 17 at midnight. 
Is there a better way to brighten up a new week than a peak at J.Crew's spring 2011 line? In love with the blue, yellow and green tone on tone looks. I think I dog-eared almost every single page of the November catalog this past weekend. Oh and this orangey-red lipstick they're wearing is Nars Heat Wave – just bought one, I couldn't believe they weren't sold out yet:)
I know I've blogged about them before, but Wool and The Gang really make me want to have a knitting party.
It seems odd for a beauty image, but I really, really like this new ad for M/Mink Eau de Parfum. It's so interesting because it's the antithesis of your average perfume advertisement. The model has a hat on (gasp!), no flowing, long hair or fluffy post-production flair. It's supposed to look like spilled ink and it's obvious that the image is of a girl–perhaps me or you? And that's it.
I can't believe it's Monday and halloween has come and gone! We had so much fun last night. We met my brother and his fam at our parent's house for trick or treating and afterwards mom had halloween dinner ready for everyone. Complete with lemon bars, cookies and mexican hot chocolate–so good. P had the look of delight whenever someone would comment on "spidergirl." And K was just happy to run around with his cousins and utter "thank you" whenever he'd get candy in his bucket. So here we are now, the day after with tons of candy just staring at me. What to do? Hope everyone had a great weekend!
