Color Inspiration

With Christmas quickly approaching, I have been busying finishing last minute shopping (what would I do without online shopping?) and baking cookies. My days have been filled with everything red and green and I have (dare I say it?) begun to tire of the combination.

I have been obsessed with the colors in this Anthropologie dress ever sense I first laid eyes on it:

I find it very fresh and not overly feminine, which can also be said about the images below. While reading Lonny online magazine (Check it out!), I fell in love with these photos from designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd's home:

Can you see the similarities? Apparently I'm obsessed with all things blue, cream, and magenta. I love how she used similar colors not only in her overall design, but and also in her holiday decor. The room appears very soft and whimsical, but at the same time very festive. To me, it's the ideal balance.

Gift Guide

Now that the Christmas season has kicked into full gear, my mind is racing with all the possible gifts to give and possiblely receive this season! I'm a firm believer in the idea that the best gifts come from the heart and are either personal or functional. Based on that concept, here is a little list of what I think of as great gift options:

As a hostess gift or for the party girl:

I think some vintage mid-century champagne glasses like these I found on Etsy would be the perfect addition to anyone's bar and would be lovely to use to ring in the new year.

For the person who hibernates through the winter and loves a good book or movie:

There is nothing better than a soft throw to cuddle up with through the cold months. You can pick a color or pattern that matches their style and even get it monogrammed to make it a bit more personal.

For the entertainment junky:

Experience gifts are often times better than physical items, so getting them tickets to an upcoming concert or play is a great idea. If you plan on going together, you can make a full night out of it and take them out to dinner beforehand.

For the girly - girl:

There is nothing better than a good accessory, personally I think it is best to go with something a little unique but not too sparkly so she will have a chance to wear it often. I love this ring from Free People and these earrings from Anthropologie.

For the person who has everything:

I love the idea of making donation to a charity or cause that the the receiver cares for or has a personal connection too. It is the giving season, so why not give a gift that keeps on giving?

Holiday Spirit

Now that Thanksgiving is over and I successfully ate my weight in turkey, it's time to get into the Christmas spirit! I am one of those people that gets way into every holiday, so I never seem to have any trouble with this. I'm currently counting down the days till finals are over so I can head home for the holidays. Until then, here are a few things that are keeping my spirits up:

1. Dreaming of snow (and a white Christmas in Memphis)

2. Christmas Music (specifically Elvis' Christmas Album)

3. My small fake Christmas tree

4. Christmas shopping for friends and family

5. Creating my own list for Santa

6. Looking up holiday cocktail recipes to enjoy once I'm home

7. Deciding what christmas cookies I plan on making this year

What's keeping you in the holiday spirit?