my CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

I know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but so is Christmas! It really is my most favorite time of the year. I enjoy thinking about gifts for other people and seeing their reaction when they open a present they love. Here is what is on my wish list this year and maybe it will inspire some ideas for you as well. 

ONE: Your Child and Your Baby in pictures - These seem like great resources for photography and I'm always looking for pointers and tips - especially now that I'm shooting my own baby boy!

TWO: Personalized brass bracelet - This would be so special with our wedding date engraved on it, 02.26.11

THREE: Marc Jacobs "Henry Dinky" watch - I love the black face on this watch and it will be a nice contrast to my everyday, gold chronograph watch. 

FOUR: Tory Burch "Miller" sandal in vanilla - My beloved white flats broke this past summer and I've been on the search for a replacement pair ever since. This yummy vanilla cream color seems perfect to pair with any outfit. (size 8)

FIVE: Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy and Modern Calligraphy books 

SIX: Wooden SmartBox - I've been looking for something to store and organize my calligraphy tools in and this looks perfect - small nooks for nibs, a handle for carrying, 2 layers for depth, areas for my pens ... sold!

SEVEN: Winsor and Newton gouache - This primary or set of 10 would be ideal for introducing watercolor into my calligraphy. I need to break away from the standard black and walnut ink! 

EIGHT: Tory Burch "Thea-Mini" Crossbody - I have a similar one that I got in New York (hm hm chinatown) that I have loved using so upgrading to the real deal would be sweet. It is great for a day on the go when you just need a few items and you don't want to fool with keeping something on your shoulder or arm. 

NINE: Professional Guillotine - Now that I'm doing more and more freelance work, my old paper cutter just isn't cutting it (literally!). This would be awesome for cutting multiple invitations, stationary, etc. and not to mention, save me time! 

TEN: Green studs - Emerald green is a very trendy color right now and these would be perfect for everyday wear or a fun, holiday party.

And if you still need ideas, check out my wish list or gift ideas boards! 

BIKER CHIC

I've been quite taken lately by the biker chic trend. Simply throw on some boots, a simple white tee, skinny jeans, add in a statement print or accessory and top it off with a leather jacket and you have yourself an effortlessly chic outfit. If you're not convinced, check out these gorgeous examples. 

Sold yet? A nice, leather jacket is a perfect staple item that never goes out of style. I know, I said that same line about Barbour jackets, and these couldn't be more opposite, but both are considered classic and timeless. I posted about one motorcycle jacket in my Christmas wish list, but now I have found a lot more that I would love to own. I am really lusting for #7 by Fossil. Hopefully Santa will see this before the 25th! Which is your favorite? 

ONE : TWO : THREE : FOUR : FIVE : SIX : SEVEN : EIGHT : NINE : TEN : ELEVEN

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

I know most of you all ready have your shopping complete, but I have just begun! Hence the late post of my Christmas wish list! Better late then never. I love looking at all the gift and wish lists on blogs right now - I get some of my best gift (and wish list) ideas from them! It's like finding little hidden gems amongst the world wide web.

ONE: black spotty fingerless gloves: how cute are these? 
TWO: biker jacket: I am really digging the cropped leather jackets this fall and this one isn't too pricy to get my taste. My dream would be a real leather camel colored one ... (maybe like this one?)
THREE: kate spade rose gold watch
FOUR: kate spade locket
FIVE: capri blue giant mercury jar: I LOVE this candle and a giant one would be fabulous ... please join me on my coffee table this holiday season!
SIX: brass plant mister: not only would this be perfect for sprinkling my indoor boxwoods and succulents, but also adorable to keep on display
SEVEN: slipper with leopard tassel: you can't have enough black flats 
EIGHT: floating lily candelabra: I haven't fully decided on a good table piece, but I think this one would be fun regardless (and it's on sale, whoop whoop!)

BDAY WISH LIST

With all the excitement of the backyard project, I really haven't put much thought into my birthday next week (July 2nd in case you forgot). I realize a lot of people are over their birthdays and dread turning another year older, but I love them - I love a reason to celebrate and throw a party regardless whose bday it is! I have completely come to terms with the fact that the bakyard renovation is my birthday, Christmas, New Years, St. Pattys Day, Anniversary, etc. for years to come, but I always look forward to getting a little something special from my family. Brandon usually begs me to just tell him what to buy, but I like knowing he picked it out something himself! So, just for fun (and in case Brandon happens to check my blog) here are some goodies I currently have on my wish list. Some items will help beautify the backyard and some will help us enjoy it, while a few have just been on my radar. What is on your wish list!?

ONE: lush peach square pillow - I am imagining two of these outside in the "pool" lounge chairs.
TWO: horseshoe set
THREE: croquet set
FOUR: white planter - one of these on either side of the fireplace with rosemary topiaries.
FIVE: black and white stripe pillow - I really want these in the chair cushions but I need to make sure they will fit, otherwise the pillows will work!
SIX: leopard sandals
SEVEN: bangles - I love all of her jewelry!
EIGHT: robinia pot - wouldn't this be perfect onthe dining table with a few succulents? the whole robinia set of planters is super cute.
NINE: pizza peel - I am dying to make some home made pizzas in our new fireplace. this grill stone with built in thermometer would be amazing as well.  

WEST ELM'S GONE MOROCCAN!

NEWS FLASH - I, along with the rest of the blog world (and pinterest!), have jumped on the moroccan bandwagon. I am obsessed with the beautiful, bold colors and vintage wear each item possesses. I love how a moroccan rug can really add so much interest and color to a room. I have searched ebay, etsy, and the random oriental rug websites to find a genuine moroccan kilim rug, but all are super expensive for a statement piece. If you are like me, then get excited because West Elm has just released their new moroccan collection and it is amazing! I want it all.


I just told LD the other day that I want a moroccan wedding blanket -- and what does West Elm have for sale? A fabulous moroccan wedding blanket adorned with sequins and all, for $399! I know the perfect spot for displaying this beauty - just need to measure and make sure it would work.

We have been making lots of fires lately and I have been brainstorming about something comfy and cozy to prop up against while enjoying the fire on the floor. So when I saw these battani poufs I knew they were the answer to my question. Two of these would be perfect stacked together. Maybe one day! At $299 a pop, I may have to settle for one, or wait until they have a sale!

striped and patterned battani poufs

Now for my real wish list item, these beautiful moroccan rugs! West Elm really hit the spot by offering these great options. I would be much happier if they were more affordable, but these prices are better than most I have seen! I am obsessed with these two berber rugs:

large morocaan berber rug

medium morrocan berber rug

And if you want color, they have some fabulous brighter color palette options. Here are my favorites:

pink pastel moroccan rug

pink patterned moroccan rug

purple patterned morrocan rug

platinum turkish rug

striped battani rug

What do you think? Are you sold on West Elm's morrocan collection? Which is your favorite?

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

Happy friday everyone! I can't believe it is all ready February and groundhog's day has come and gone once again. I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring -- even though Phil did say we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Boo! I believe he could be wrong though considering we are having 60 degree days in mid January. 


Guess what is right around the corner?!? That's right, Valentine's Day. I don't have high expectations of Valentine's Day - I just like to think of it as a pleasant day to have my main man all to myself. He isn't a sappy, lovey-dovey type guy so I don't expect big pieces of jewelry, giant teddy bears holding balloons, or boxes of chocolate ... just a simple meal adorned with some flowers. [He also thinks that buying the flowers and delivering them himself is a much better deal than having them delivered by a stranger, ha!] 


Since our wedding anniversary is so close to V-Day we opted to cook in rather than competing against the rest of Bham to make dinner reservations (apparently you have to make reservations a year in advance!?!) and then we will enjoy a nice dinner out on the town for our one year. I have been thumbing through my pinterest recipes and favorite food sites and I believe I have decided to make a meal adapted from my friend Margot's anniversary dinner that she posted -- roasted rack of lamb, mushroom risotto, and asparagus with basalmic tomatoes! My co-worker made this same lamb recipe and said it was easy and delicious so I am going to try it out. 


And, if we aren't full off all that then I will make us these precious "cupcakes for two" for dessert. This way we can satisfy our sweet tooth and maintain our waistline by not having a dozen leftover! 

Like I said, I don't have high expectations of V-Day gifts, but if my hubby did want to surprise with me with something special and amazing ... I sent him this link to Lulie Wallace's commissioned wedding flower paintings. I found her shop several months ago and have been obsessed with her, but now I have noticed she is appearing everywhere! So, before her prices sky rocket I hope to own one of her fabulous quirky paintings. Here are a few of her recent commissioned paintings based on bride's bouquets:

What do you think? Do you have any V-Day gift or dinner suggestions?

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

Since today is the first day of December I thought I would share my holiday wish list! Maybe these suggestions will help spur ideas for you as well! The hubs and I are celebrating our first newlywed Christmas together with my family in Virginia. It should be a fun, snow filled holiday and I can't wait. 

ONE: I love these new ring and bracelet cloches from Pottery Barn. I could definitely see these sitting on my dresser. (the web says they are unavailable, but hopefully that is temporary or they are still in store!?)
TWO: Flash reflector to help prevent the flash lighting being too harsh 
THREE: I can totally see myself sportin' these long button gloves this winter! I hate cold hands and feet!
FOUR: These "tiny tots" canvases by Lucie Wallace have been making their rounds on the blog world lately and I am obsessed with her style! I would take any of her paintings, but these cute little ones are more wallet friendly!
FIVE: This Timex watch face paired with the leopard strap is so classic. 
SIX: These mini ikat bowls from Anthropologie are perfect for storing jewelry. I want my drawer to be filled with these and look like this! 
SEVEN: This is a little unrealistic at the moment, but I would love a 35 mm lens for my Canon Rebel. I currently use a 50 mm and it is fantastic for close ups, but this 35 mm can capture so much more!
EIGHT: I can visualize this faux fur throw on my bed right now! So warm, cozy, and stylish!
NINE: And this would be perfect on Brandon's dresser to house his watch, change, wallet, etc. - need something for his jewelry too, right!?
TEN: I also think this would be adorable for holding jewelry on my dresser - check out this image!


What is on your wish list? Please share!

FALL FAVORITES

Now that it is finally cooler around Birmingham, I wanted to share some of my new favorite fall items that get me in the festive mood. Let me say, I do like cool, fall breeze weather - not freezing, takes you 15 minutes to get bundled up for outside weather! But, I am excited about sitting around a fire at Melrose! [as soon as we get a chimney sweeper over there!]

sources also available through my pinterest

ONE : chunky cowl scarf
TWO : great lakes trapper hat - I think I need this for our Christmas trip to DC!
THREE : jcrew quilted vest (but in navy blue)
FOUR : report 'belzer' boot - I am currently sporting these and I love them, the height is fantastic!
FIVE : steven 'pembrook' bootie - doesn't everyone need one tall boot and one short???
SIX: nestle sugar cookie creamer - loving this in my morning cup of joe right now!
SEVEN : madewell silk blouse
EIGHT : h&m fur vest


Do you have any new fall favorites? Please share!

FABULOUS FINDS

Through this amazing new website called Pinterest (not sure if you have heard about it yet), I have discovered some awesome products that have instantly been added to my 'wish list' or other boards. By repinning the new item you are lusting over, it almost feels as though you did actually purchase it! It is amazing. 


But, what is even better is actually purchasing it ... getting to personally bond with the new item ... to have and hold, from this day forward. And that I did with this new, beautiful gold camera strap! I first saw this one on Pinterest through a friend:

I love the colors, fringe, and style this bohemian strap can add to your camera. But after browsing through the seller's Etsy shop I then discovered a metallic gold one! And then, I just couldn't resist. Here she is attached to my dslr:

please excuse the iphone photos

I never would have found these beauties without Pinterest! [FACT: Pinterest can be dangerous to the check book AMEX] Here are some of my other fabulous finds I am currently obsessing over:

gold plated silverware

rugby striped bins

asos pave the way suede & raffia wedge shoe

kaleidoscope mini locket

williams-sonoma calzone mold

marc jacobs rose gold studs

kate spade rainspot laptop sleeve

striped fleece backpack

Do you have any fabulous finds you would like to share? 

WISH LIST :: 26th birthday

There are a lot of summer birthdays floating around and mine just so happens to be next Saturday! Yay! It really snuck up on me this year, but I am excited to celebrate it at the beach -- along with our nation's independence.

Just for fun, I have put together my "wish list" for my birthday. I have been trying to focus on Melrose lately, so I have only requested a nice meal out ... but anything is much appreciated! A girl can dream, right?!

1 zgallerie orange pillow :: 2 anthropologie necklace :: 3 cuisinart ice cream maker :: 4 pink and tortoise shell belt :: 5 watercolor painting :: 6 watercolor print :: 7 deer wearing gym socks :: 8 upgrade to 4g white iphone :: 9 overstock chandelier :: 10 pottery barn registry