Black and White

* Photos via and via

New Additions

With Christmas right around the corner, the hubby and I decided it was time to get our formal living room decorated so that we could actually use it with friends and family this holiday season.  We had already picked out the sofas and purchased the pillows last January (yes, these pillows have been sitting in a closet for almost a year) and just placed the order for the sofas last week.  I have shared them a number of times but just in cased you missed it, they are Murphy Sofas from Room & Board.  

With the larger pieces ordered, it was time to move to some accent pieces.  I had seen the Dot Inlay Side Tables by West Elm  on Joanna's blog, A Cup of Jo, and wanted to check them out so we made the trip this past Saturday.  In person, they were even better and both the hubby and I agreed they were a must.

While chatting with the sales associate at West Elm, he mentioned that the Marble Oval Coffee Table might look great with the couches and side tables so we went to take a look.  It looks so good next to the side tables that we didn't second guess it and added it to our order.

Last but not least to the trip was stopping by IKEA where our interior designer said we would be able to find a cowhide rug for much less than what we were seeing online.  I was shocked and how nice the rugs were and the price.  Crazy.  So, we picked up the one we liked best and headed home feeling that we at least got a small portion of the room done.

Sunday was spent picking out purple paint because, well, I really want a cozy purple room and with all the jewel tones we have picked out, I think it is going to be a great compliment.  Of all the spaces in the home, this room is where my truly eclectic side is coming out and I am having such a great time designing it.  

The rest of the details of the room will come together when I bring our interior designer back in after the holidays (art, bar cart, record player stand, wallpaper, bookshelves and a larger rug to go under the cowhide are all on the list) but for now, the room is beginning to feel more like a part of the home and less like the empty space we have been avoiding.  I will be sure to keep you posted on other items we pick up and of course will share photos as it all comes together.

Happy Monday.

Weekend

I really loved this week.

I learned some lessons in patience.
I took a yoga class for the first time in what feels like FOREVER.
I spent some amazing time with friends.
I finally got my car back.
I saw both my boys come home with huge smiles for big accomplishments at school.
I smiled as my daughter attempted her ballet.
I found time to get our house in order.
I spent Thursday afternoon watching a movie with the kids while it rained outside.
I FINALLY called people back that I owed calls to.

It was a week of frustration, anxiety, perfect calm and a sense of appreciation.  A perfect week.

  And now I am going into the weekend celebrating the fact that the kids are out of school next week for Thanksgiving, we have a 40th birthday party tonight, a benefit tomorrow night, my Best Friend is coming into town and the Holidays officially begin next week.  

Let my favorite time of the year begin!

If you missed it this week...

I saw myself on the OC Style Report...

These boots were added to my Christmas list...

I began thinking about Holiday entertaining...

Happy Weekend.

Holiday Entertaining with Anthropologie

Last year I took over hosting Christmas dinner with my family, which was exciting and overwhelming all at once.  I love having everyone over to our home and transitioning that tradition from my mom to me, but I was not prepared for the amount of work that would go into it.  Along with the decorating!  It just did not meet my expectations.  This year I am planning ahead and beginning to preview different decor ideas so that when 20 people show up at my doorstep, I am ready.  

Anthropologie has been one of the best places I have seen so far for holiday decor.  I love all the gold accents, the simplicity in their designs and the slight rustic feel of different pieces.   They also have a number of items that would make the perfect hostess gift for upcoming holiday parties.  

I am REALLY trying to wait until after Thanksgiving to start actually purchasing Christmas items but retailers like Anthropologie are making it EXTREMELY hard.   

Glimmer Wrapped Glassware / Gilded Snowfall Coaster / Etched Fern Stemware 

Gold-Embroidered Table Runner / Elk Horn Serveware / Cheers Cocktail Napkins

 Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mugs / Crystalline Decanter / Elysees Cocktail Shaker

The 5050 Boot

You know those days you log into Gilt, see a great price for a pair of the classic Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots, choose not to get them and then kick yourself for weeks after?  

Now they are at the top of my Christmas list.

Not only are they completely practical being a flat boot but they are a classic over the knee boot that will be a staple in your closet forever.  

An ideal investment purchase if you ask me.

I have the potential of living in them this winter.

Stuart Weitzman '5050' Over the Knee Boot

OC Style Report x Z Collection

When OC Style Report and Z Collection asked me to join them in a photo shoot to showcase some of the fabulous pieces Z Collection carries, I of course said yes.  I had such a great time working with these incredible women.  To see the entire layout, learn more about Z Collection and for all the outfit details, visit the article on OC Style Report here.

Weekend

The weekend is here and I am thrilled!

Last weekend was a bit hectic with the Fundraiser finally arriving Saturday night.  We had such a wonderful time and my committee was amazing, allowing everything to come together perfectly.  It was such a great experience but boy was I tired Sunday morning!  I think I am still recovering from Event Hangover.

Monday did not offer any rest as I jumped right into an amazing photo shoot with OC Style Report and Z Collection, which you will see more of on Monday.  I absolutely loved stepping outside of my normal day and covering myself with beautiful clothes while people took care of my hair and makeup.  I could really get used to this photo shoot thing.  Not going to lie, it is pretty fabulous.

Then of course the week has been filled with half days, conferences, practices and a Thursday night dinner.  The last leg of this crazy week is dinner tonight with college friends (YIPPEE!) and then on Saturday night, you will find me wrapped up in a blanket and sweats on the couch doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  It sounds magical.  

This week also gifted us with the birth of my Best Friend's Baby Girl who I am blessed to be the Godmother of and CANNOT wait to meet in January.  Congrats J and C!  

Cheers to the weekend (and perhaps some sleep!)!