All That Glitters

It's inevitable, every year come the end of November I want to be surrounded by things that glitter and sparkle. Twinkle lights. Tinsel. Glitter. Sequins. Snowfalls. Prosecco. I want it all.

And now it's the end of December, the climax of these glittery cravings. In other words, I want to wear everything remotely shimmery or sequiny and pull out all my sparkliest jewelry (preferably all worn at once) and then I want it all to go away and for Spring to be here. There's nothing sparkly about January (or February or March...). 

                                               1. Valentino A/W 2011 via Into the Wordless

                                               2. Sequin harem pants on The Man Repeller

                                               3. DIY brooch necklace via P.S. I Made This
                                               4. DIY glitter eyes from This is Glamorous on Vimeo.
                                               5. Bedazzled ladies via Vogue

                                               6. Glitter tassels on etsy

                                               7. Sequin photobooth wall via Oh Happy Day

Vintage Christmas

Looking at these old photos is making me really nostalgic for my grandparent's tree growing up. Big bulbed strands of coloured lights, red beads, lots of red and yellow ornaments. Tinsel. So much shiny silver tinsel. And Bing Crosby playing on their eight-track. Love it. 

spray-painted christmas tree, 1954  

On Santa's lap, 1947

Christmas at the Wright Brothers, 1900  

crooked christmas tree, circa 1920  

Christmas time, 1923  

Christmas Shoppers, between 1910 and 1915

all images from Shorpy Historical Photo Archives

Lit Lust - Holiday Gifts

Everyone on my list this year is receiving a cookbook for Christmas. Easy, done.  

Some good reads (for both in and out of the kitchen) for giving and receiving:

Sources:

1. Vintage cookbooks in a custom stand from anthropologie
2. Tartine, Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson

3. The Art of French Baking, Phaidon

4. Fresh: New Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes from the Award-winning Restaurant, Ruth Tal, Jennifer Houston

5. Super Natural Everyday, Heidi Swanson

6. Then Again, Diane Keaton
7. The Hare with the Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss, Edmund de Waal
8. Charles Dickens: A Life, Claire Tomalin

Day 4: Decorating with Pinecones

pinecone garland via pinterest

tree ornaments via style at home

strewn pinecones via poppytalk

paint-dipped pinecones via pinterest

Day 3: Outfitted

Something cozy  

something blue 

something sequined  

something new...

[At last count I'm done shopping for two people on my list. I confess to having picked up a few small things (this was one) for myself along the way, but it was in the spirit of shopping local AND taking advantage of tax-free events. I wonder if I'm in the minority here or if treating oneself at Christmas is a common thing?] 

navy blue ski pullover, apc. trapper hat, calypso. ski teal we drop, opi. sequined georgette mini skirt, vince. high heeled moccasins, apc. wooden snowshoes, kaufmann mercantile.

image via polyvore

Day 2: Another Holiday DIY

Day two of being chained to the bed with ice packs on my shoulder and neck.

I was in so much pain this morning and so uncomfortable and had only slept for 4 hours. Then I discovered the power of tylenol. And now I'm back to scouring the internet for entertainment and trying not to watch the entire first season of Downton Abbey in one go. This is difficult for me.

So I found this diy that I want to do when I have my shoulder and neck working again:

Tree Stamp Gift Tag Tutorial D.I.Y. from elSage Designs on Vimeo

Sweet Tooth - The Holiday Edition

For gifting:  

Cascabel Chili Chocolate Fudge via Anthology

...

For hosting:  

Hazelnut Chocolate Pudding via Sweet Paul

...

For toting to avoid arriving empty-handed:  

Gingersnap Cherry Cheesecake via RealSimple

...

For snacking on while watching Xmas movies:  

Dark Chocolate Caramels with Fleur de Sel

recipe via David Lebovitz

image via What Katie Ate

Advent Calendar Envy

Creative and reusable ways to count down the Advent: 

scrapwood and mini boxes make for a beautiful advent tree via Summersville

a muted palette using muslin spice bags for 24 tiny treasures via the marion house book

i would keep this wooden shelf up year-round via anthology

iron-on transfers via oh happy day

Easy Holiday DIY

Inspiration (via pinterest):

Needed:

chandelier
ornaments
ribbon
scissors
(and a sturdy chair or step ladder)

Favourite Things - Holiday Gifts

"Home Made" Cookie Stamp

Sweet Indulgence tea collection from David's Tea

Copco Enamel Sauce Pan with Wooden Handle

Aphrodite USB hub

Glitter iPhone case from J.Crew

baggu leather bag

Glen Clyde Fairisle Socks

Hand-knit skinny scarf from anthropologie

Pendleton Lumberman Blanket with Harness

My Father's Daughter, by Gwyneth Paltrow

image sources: 

1. Fred Flare 

2. David's Tea

3. Etsy

4. Fred Flare

5. J. Crew

6. Baggu

7. End Clothing

8. Anthropologie

9. Madewell

10. Amazon