My Christmas in Ojai has been truly wonderful. Having my sister in town from New York is quite a treat and I think we've both been enjoying the slower pace that small town life offers. I've really needed this time to disconnect from the everyday stresses, spend time with my family and take in the gorgeous scenery at every chance.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.
Sweet. Francis Headband $69.50
Sweeter. Snowbank Cap $68
Sweetest. Gloria Hat $59.50
Sweeter. Snowbank Cap $68
Sweetest. Gloria Hat $59.50
Hello my dears. Happy monday to you! Life and work have been crazy busy, which to be honest I'm thrilled about, but I'm having a hard time keeping up. I'm heading home on friday for the holidays and I have about a zillion things I need to accomplish before then. I'm so looking forward to a peaceful week in Ojai where I can finally catching up on blogging and spend time with my family. What are you looking forward to most over the holidays?
SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.
Sweet. White Truffle Oil $32
Sweeter. Peppermint Bark $25
Sweetest. Bourbon Maple Syrup $38
Sweeter. Peppermint Bark $25
Sweetest. Bourbon Maple Syrup $38
Here a few gifts perfect for a hostess or foodie. Not only do they all sound delicious, but their packaging makes them extra special.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
one. steven alan sweater $268
two. shapedrop earrings $24.99
three. camden satchel $228
four. patent slippers $89.90
five. morceau pant $150
six. field notes $14.99
seven. ballpoint pen $10
eight. fdr glasses $95
two. shapedrop earrings $24.99
three. camden satchel $228
four. patent slippers $89.90
five. morceau pant $150
six. field notes $14.99
seven. ballpoint pen $10
eight. fdr glasses $95
How is your holiday shopping going my dears? I have a few more little gifts to buy. While I do love shopping online, around the holidays I prefer shopping in stores with all their pretty decorations. Spending hours wandering around stores mean flats or comfy boots for me. A note pad is also helpful for staying organized.
DECORATE
two. ceramic gift tags $8
three. snowflake set $20
four. silver tree $68
five. loomed stocking $48
six. knit garland $24
Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am finally feeling ready to get in the holiday spirit and maybe even decorate a little. I'm really loving this white and turquoise color scheme. Would you try it, or are you more of a traditional red and green kinda gal?
WINTER WHITE
DRAWINGS BY MIKE MILLS
One of my most cherished gifts over Christmas was this book given to me by my boyfriend. It is a book of drawings from one of my favorite films of last year, Beginners. There are so many things to love about this movie, like Christopher Plummer or getting to see the LA I know and love, but my favorite part had to be the drawings. The director, Mike Mills drew all of them himself (he happens to also be an artist and graphic designer) and they are interspersed through out the film. If you haven't seen it, you must rent it immediately. I am sure you will fall in love with it as much as I did.
Any fun plans this weekend? Tonight we are going to dinner and then to see the film Pina, which is a conceptual dance movie. It looks so incredibly beautiful, I can't wait.
Happy Weekend! xo
Any fun plans this weekend? Tonight we are going to dinner and then to see the film Pina, which is a conceptual dance movie. It looks so incredibly beautiful, I can't wait.
Happy Weekend! xo
SNAPSHOTS FROM MARIN
These shots were taken over Christmas in Marin. Believe it or not, half of them were taken with my iPhone (can you guess which ones?). Our first night at the Ranch the temperature was somewhere in the 20's which felt cozy and festive. We woke up to frost on all the grass and plants and in the sun it sparkled almost like snow. It has been magical to keep returning back here and capturing the seasons. This time felt noticeably wintry- the usually lush garden was in hibernation and the trees were bare and gray. As someone who grew up with Christmas in southern California, it was a welcomed change.
Somehow it's the weekend again! This week seemed to fly by. Do you have anything planned? We are thinking about checking out Pacific Standard Time, before it's too late. Happy Weekend! xo
SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR HOLIDAY
Since the year is coming to a close, I thought I would leave you with one last post. These past few weeks have been exactly what I needed. I have barely turned on my computer and I kind of love it. Although I must admit, I haven't been completely disconnected. I've been busy taking and sharing photos of our holiday on Instagram. All of these photos above were taken with my iPhone 4s. Isn't it amazing what an iPhone can do? It has really made photography accessible to so many. These were all taken in San Francisco and Marin, where we spent Christmas. I have yet to look through the photographs from my camera, but I am sure there will be a few worth sharing.
Any fun plans for New Years Eve? We are still trying to decide. Neither one of us are feeling like getting fancy this year. The more I think about it, staying in with some delicious food and champagne sounds just perfect. I will be back to regular posting after the new year. I adore all of my sweet readers! Thank your for making this past year so incredible! Happy New Year! xo
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Happy holidays to all of my sweet readers! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones. It's my first Christmas with the boy's family and I am looking forward to new traditions, relaxation time and of course cuddles with James' three adorable nieces.
SWEET SOUND // VOLUME 5 {A CHRISTMAS MIX}
1. Darlene Love // Winter Wonderland
2. Otis Redding // White Christmas
3. The Raveonettes // The Christmas Song
4. My Morning Jacket // Please Come Home for Christmas
5. Happy Xmas (war is over) // John Lennon
6. The Ronettes // Sleigh Ride
7. Mariah Carey // All I Want For Christmas
8. Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone // Baby it's Cold Outside
9. Fiona Apple // Frosty the Snowman
10. Lex Land // Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas
{listen here}
2. Otis Redding // White Christmas
3. The Raveonettes // The Christmas Song
4. My Morning Jacket // Please Come Home for Christmas
5. Happy Xmas (war is over) // John Lennon
6. The Ronettes // Sleigh Ride
7. Mariah Carey // All I Want For Christmas
8. Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone // Baby it's Cold Outside
9. Fiona Apple // Frosty the Snowman
10. Lex Land // Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas
{listen here}
Oh yeah, that's right- it's time for a Christmas mix to get you in the holiday spirit. This one's a mix of old favorites and newer indie covers. Please enjoy.
COCKTAIL TIME
Since it's that time of year when cocktails are flowing, I thought I would share two of my current favorites.
I first discovered the 19th Century at Raines Law in New York City two years ago. Ever since then it has become my absolute favorite cocktail. I only know of one bar in LA that serves this drink and it's a wonderful little speak easy called Varnish. Since this drink can be hard to find, I make it at home for my friends. I promise it's sure to impress!
The Aperol Spritz is a new discovery and something I find myself craving a lot. Aperol is a slightly bitter orange liquor and combined with the sweetness of the sparkling wine It ends up being such a refreshing cocktail and so easy to make. It is an aperitif, so it would be lovely to serve before a meal.
WINTER DREAMING
1/2/3/4/5/6
It's hard to believe that winter doesn't technically begin until December 22nd because it feels quite wintry here in LA. It has been in the 40's at night and all I want to do is curl up with a Pendleton blanket and some hot cocoa {like that lavender hot cocoa above, yum!}. Any fun plans for the weekend? I am looking forward to finishing my Christmas shopping and watching one of my favorite holiday movies- Love Actually.
Happy Weekend! xo
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST // PART 2
Mom. Complete Nells Compass Candle Collection $140 for a set of 4. These are my favorite candles. Each one smells incredible, your mom is sure to love them.
Niece. Pink Suede Moccasins $60 Just too cute!
Dad. Bob Dylan Photograph by Guy Webster $250 Give the gift of photography from my dad to yours- His website is filled with iconic photos your dad is sure love. They are all printed on archival paper and signed by him of course!
Work Friend. Leather Mouse Pad $25 If you have to be at a computer all day, you might as well look at a stylish mousepad like this.
Grandma. Glitter Picture Ornament $6 Insert a photo of the family and she is sure to treasure this sweet ornament.
In Laws. Arrowhead Personalized Stationary $50 for 25 This stationary is so simple and pretty. Get it personalized with their name or initials.
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST // PART 1
Mom to Be. Baby Animal Prints $25 each. These prints are so adorable. I love the idea of grouping a few together for a nursery wall.
Brother. Beer Making Kit $39.95 It's beer, it's interactive.
Best Friend. Gold Flatware 36 Piece Set $59.99 I have this flatware and I love it. You can't beat the price either.
Hostess. Set of Vintage 1950's Ornaments $12 Showing up to a holiday party with a set of these vintage ornaments would be so sweet and thoughtful.
Sister. Drawing with Vintage Photo by Spencer Studio $350 This beautiful drawing with photo was made by my amazing friend Lauren. It would be such a treasured gift for someone close.
Newlyweds. Custom Silhouette Mugs $65 Give your newlywed friends mugs with their mugs on them.
SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.
Sweet. Old Navy Fairisle Sweater Booties $14
Sweeter. Forever 21 Fairisle Scarf $8
Sweetest. J. Crew Fairisle Sweater $89.99
Sweeter. Forever 21 Fairisle Scarf $8
Sweetest. J. Crew Fairisle Sweater $89.99
HOLIDAY WISH LIST
Somehow it is December already, which means the holidays will be here before you know it. Here are a few sweet things I have my eye on this year.
1. Long Arm Chandelier $299 I think this would look just perfect in my office/dressing room.
1. Long Arm Chandelier $299 I think this would look just perfect in my office/dressing room.
2. Personalized Camera Neck Strap $80 I'd love to pretty my camera up with a leather camera strap like this.
3. Huyana Cuff $48 So simple and lovely.
4. Rodin Olio Russo $140 I've heard incredible things about this face oil and I am dying to give it a try.
5. Pierre Faceted Terrarium $55 I am obsessed with octagons and terrariums. This combines the two.
6. Restoration Hardware Flatiron Dining Table $695 Dreamy table and the price is quite reasonable.
7. Little Birch Jewelry Stand $32 I desperately need something to hold my growing jewelry collection.
8. Crosley Ranchero Radio and Ipod Dock $169 My Bose stereo died earlier this year and I would love a sleek and slightly retro replacement like this.
9. Tribal Jute Rug $99 for 4x6. So amazing. Saw this in the store and have not stopped thinking about it since.
10. Gold Athena Tray $45 It's gold and a feather. Love.
GIFT GUIDE. FOR THE FELLOW
Somehow it is December already, which means the holidays will be here before you know it. Here are a few sweet things I have my eye on this year.
1. Long Arm Chandelier $299 I think this would look just perfect in my office/dressing room.
1. Long Arm Chandelier $299 I think this would look just perfect in my office/dressing room.
2. Personalized Camera Neck Strap $80 I'd love to pretty my camera up with a leather camera strap like this.
3. Huyana Cuff $48 So simple and lovely.
4. Rodin Olio Russo $140 I've heard incredible things about this face oil and I am dying to give it a try.
5. Pierre Faceted Terrarium $55 I am obsessed with octagons and terrariums. This combines the two.
6. Restoration Hardware Flatiron Dining Table $695 Dreamy table and the price is quite reasonable.
7. Little Birch Jewelry Stand $32 I desperately need something to hold my growing jewelry collection.
8. Crosley Ranchero Radio and Ipod Dock $169 My Bose stereo died earlier this year and I would love a sleek and slightly retro replacement like this.
9. Tribal Jute Rug $99 for 4x6. So amazing. Saw this in the store and have not stopped thinking about it since.
10. Gold Athena Tray $45 It's gold and a feather. Love.
SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.
Sweet. Santa Lucia Snowflake Set $20
Sweeter. Double Glass Ornaments $12 each
Sweetest. Porcelain Feather Ornament Set $38
{photo via jacquelyn clark's pinterest, via oh, pioneer}
Sweeter. Double Glass Ornaments $12 each
Sweetest. Porcelain Feather Ornament Set $38
{photo via jacquelyn clark's pinterest, via oh, pioneer}