The end of '10

Oh 2010, you were a decent year for the most part.  I spent some quality time with friends and family, journeyed across the pond and within the states and learned a lot...about myself and life.  On the whole, I would give 2010 a grade of "needs improvement."  It started off well, it was the "summer of suck" (a phrase coined at the office) and ended on a high note.  I'm looking forward to 2011 and what it may bring - I think it will be good things.

I was more diligent about resolutions this year than I ever have been in the past, but still not perfect.  I'll recap, honestly, below.

1. Read one good book each month.  Eh, not so great...I think I averaged about a book every 2 months.  Part of next year's list.
2. Cook some new things.  Success!  Brussels sprouts, red velvet cake, legit fried chicken and some new cocktails (okay, I know that's not really cooking...)
3. Reinvent the blog.  Done!  New banner and new layout.
4. Swim....as in get back into swimming and not feel like I will be sick after 4 laps.  Fair - I swam pretty regularly for 4 months until I got lost in the office in the evenings and started running.
5. Find some patience.  Fair.  Part of next year's resolutions.
6. Send handwritten notes to friends and family a few times each month.  Fair, but room for improvement.

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Living Room do-over

One of the items on my to do list for the holiday break is working on our living room.  It's also an item on my thirty before thirty list, which works out well.  I've been itching for a change for a while and I've been working on my virtual "inspiration board"...some of my favorites below.

Living Room from M Design - love the red drapes

Pillow Covers from Pottery Barn

Pendant Light from Home Depot



Gallery Wall

Cozy living room from Brands for Home - I'm a big fan of the color combo

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Last minute holiday apps

There will be a crowd at my parent's home for the holidays.  And with that a lot of food and drink to go around.  Since the holidays are a time for fun and festive merriment and you likely don't want to spend a load of time in the kitchen cooking, here are a few ideas for some last minute snacks and appetizers.

Tomato basil skewers: All you need is grape tomatoes, basil leaves, small mozzarella balls and some olive oil for drizzling. 

Roll ups: Spread cream cheese or mustard or anything else on a flour tortilla.  Top with turkey, ham or roast beef and roll tightly.  Cut into slices.

Antipasto tray: Jarred red peppers, fancy olives and jarred tapenade with toasted bread are a snap and festively colored too!

Snazzy breadsticks: Grab a jar of refrigerated breadsticks and some pesto or a red pepper spread.  Brush the spread on the breadsticks, twist them and cook according to package directions.  Cut into smaller pieces for easy snacking.

See how easy that was?  Now if only navigating Auntie Edna (who's dying for a grand-niece or nephew) was that easy after she's had 3 mugs of eggnog...
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Tis the Season - Holiday Decor

This year, I was inspired to change up my normal decorating routine.  For the past few years, I've decorated our home very similarly.  For some reason I was just itching for a change this year.  And given that our home is very small without a lot of space for stuff (aka clutter), I have used many decorations we already had and did a bit of rearranging and reshuffling to create some themed areas around our living areas.

The console table in the living room houses one of my favorite, but hard-to-place decorations-a silver reindeer.  Placed with some crystal candlesticks, sparkly topiaries, votives and a crystal vase filled with "disco balls," he seems right at home.

Reindeer Console Table Decor: Reindeer (Pier 1), Crystal candlesticks (gift), silver candles (Pier 1), Votives (gift), Sparkly topiaries (Michael's - last year), Disco Balls (Michael's - last year), Crystal Vase (William Yeoward)

I grouped a few snowmen together on another small side piece of furniture underneath a blanket of "snow" to help create a cohesive group of decorations.

Winter Wonderland: Snowman votive holder (gift), Stuffed Snowman (gift), Green votive (gift), Snow buddy (Hallmark), Wooden Noel snowman (gift), Snow blanket (Dollar Tree)
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Tis the Season - Nativities

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is our nativity scene.  Like some of the best worldly possessions, it has exudes a patina rich in family history.  It belonged to my mother's great aunt before it made its way into our home.  My Mom received it when I was a child and let me put it in my room each year during the holiday season.  Now, it occupies a shelf in the bookcase around our fireplace.

I love the painted figures.  Most of them are very chipped and worn, but they still have the same appeal in my book.

I often think about the many families who have unwrapped the nativity each year and arranged it in their home.

There's something really special about this set to me - it's worn and shows its age.

Do you have any holiday decorations passed down in your family?  What are your favorites?

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Holiday wishlist

I'm calling this a wishlist because that's exactly what it is.  By no means do I expect even a small fraction of these to be under the tree, but a girl can dream, right?

Chanel Chance perfume.  I like to change it up every now and then and this caught my eye, er nose....

Mad Men seasons 1-3 on DVD. 

Frye riding boots...le sigh.

Cashmere blazer from JCrew.  This would be so cozy and lux on a chilly day!

Bow cuff bracelet from Kate Spade.

Amazon gift cards so I can get more books for my Kindle.  Love that thing!

There are many, many other things on my list like world peace and solving world hunger and a few others that I won't mention on this blog....but these were all my worldy desires...and those that come with pretty pictures for my readers!  What's on your wishlist this year?
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Tis the Season - Christmas Movies

I love Christmas movies.  There's just something so delightful about snuggling in front of the tree watching your favorite Christmas flick.  I'll share my favorite top 10 with you.  And if you haven't seen any of these, rent/netflix them!  They will certainly help get you in the holiday spirit.

1. Home Alone - One of my all time favorite movies (all genres included).  Kevin McAllister is my hero!

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas - A true classic.  My Mom is a big Peanuts fan and I remember watching this religiously each year.  I love the scene where Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas.  Magical. 

3. Prancer - Not a terribly popular Christmas movie, but I have fond memories of my Dad and I taking my Mom to see this as a "surprise" for her birthday.  

4. Jingle All the Way - A goofy and fun story about a father trying to find the "it" toy for his son.

5. Miracle on 34th Street - I prefer the black and white original and love this classic. 

6. Elf - Oh Will Ferrell, you are so funny.  And now Buddy the Elf even has a following on facebook.

7. Christmas Vacation - A family favorite around my house.  My Dad made a trivia for our giant family Christmas one year...good times.

8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - How can you resist claymation?  I hope modern children appreciate this movie!

9. Love Actually - Probably not technically a Christmas movie, but it takes place at the holidays.  A great feel good rom-com.

10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas - How can you not love Cindy Lou Who?  Another feel good Christmas story.

Merry Viewing!

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Stocking Stuffers for Dudes

Girls are always a little easier to shop for, in my opinion, hence why I posted some stocking stuffers for gals first.  But now, I'm sure you've been waiting with baited breath for the complimentary post for men.  Ok, maybe not...but regardless, some ideas for men's stocking stuffers unveiled below!

Clockwise from top left: Sweet hot mustard from Hickory Farms at $4.49, Fleece gloves from Old Navy at $4.50, Red Sox Koozie from Amazon at $7.43, Hand Warmers from REI at $1.35, Classic Survival tool from Amazon at $3.58, Bumper sticker from Amazon at $1.25, Starbucks Via 3-pack from REI at $2.95, Starbucks Mug from Starbucks at $6.95
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Tis the Season - Finding the perfect tree

As a kid, my parents and I often trudged out to a tree farm for what seemed like hours to find the perfect tree.  It was something of a ritual and there's quite a bit of film footage to support my memories.  I would be bundled up in a snow suit, since we lived in the Northeast, and my Dad would be equipped with a saw and other tools.  We would fasten the tree to the top of my Mom's station wagon and bring the beauty home for a proper trimming.  I definitely have fond memories of those days.

I'm definitely partial to real trees, but definitely appreciate the ease and efficiency of an artificial tree.  This year, I hope to recreate the ritual from my childhood and find my own tree from a local tree farm.  You can find a tree farm near you here.

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Stocking Stuffers for Gals

My Christmas stocking is arguably my most favorite part of Christmas.  Santa never went the socks, underwear, fruit route.  Instead, he's often left more fun things like nail polish, ornaments, lip gloss, candy and the like.  And while I love a stocking, now that I sometimes contribute to those of my family, I'm aware that these guys can become costly and sometimes challenging!  So, I've come up with a few of my favorites that may end up in a few stockings under our hearth this year.  And everything is under $7!!



Clockwise from top left: Hiphugger underwear from Victoria's Secret at $5, Reusable tote from Bath and Body Works at $2.50, Fluffy socks from Bath and Body Works at $5, Passport cover from baffinbags on etsy at $7, Vegetable brush from Amazon at $5.99, Nail polish set from e.l.f at $3, Wilton cupcake cups from Amazon at $3.76, Pocket Bac from Bath and Body Works at $1.50, Eye Shadow palette from e.l.f at $5.

And if these aren't enough, check out the dollar aisle at stores like Target and Michael's - sometimes you can find some cute notecards or desk accessories.  Many stores also put movies at deep discounts for sometimes as low as $3-8.
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Tis the Season - Family Activities

The holiday season can bring with it some hustle and bustle that can make family time rushed and poorly planned.  I try to set aside some time during the holiday season to plan fun family activities.  If you plan ahead, you can also better plan for your holiday budget to make sure you fit in some holiday activities.

* Try a holiday puzzle.  It's a great way to get the family around the kitchen table and many come with graduated pieces that are perfect for all ages.  It's a perfect activity for a quiet evening after work or for a lazy weekend afternoon after you've hit the mall.

* Find an ice skating rink.  Many malls and parks are now putting up temporary ice rinks for the holiday season.  We've had one in our area for a few years.  It may not be Rockefeller center, but it's still and fun and festive activity.  And you'll also burn some serious calories so you can enjoy that extra cookie!

* Find a Christmas movie at the theater.  Many theaters play Christmas matinees of old classics.  Bring your own snacks to avoid the punch to your wallet and waistline!

* Grab some family or friends and find a trail in your area for an afternoon walk/hike.  You'll have the opportunity to burn some of those holiday calories and laugh with your nearest and dearest.

What are your favorite holiday activities?

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Happy December!

I love the holiday season.  The smell of pine and balsam, the sounds of carolers and the constant hustle bustle everywhere - they're an overload for my holiday senses, but I love everything about it.

I'm looking forward to setting aside time for friends, family and myself this holiday season.  I've already penciled in some great activities on my calendar and I'm really looking forward to holiday merriment this year!  Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday season!

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