Sparkle

From top: Party hats on etsy/confetti system/martha/sweater dress j. crew/flat kate spade

I resolve

to eat more cupcakes in 2011. Toppers on etsy.

Snowy in warsaw

More snowball love. From reader Chris on a chilly visit to Poland.

Ipad Christmas

I really like this video ... its just so nerdy and sweet.

*via black eiffel

miss/need/love you

by Seesaw designs.

Sugarplums

Love this beautiful glowy image from January's vogue with Natalie Portman. Can't wait to see Black Swan.

Weekend roundup

Wrapped some packages. Am loving the Marimekko for Crate & Barrel patterned paper. Am obviously also loving the wooly felt penguin ornaments as well!

Cupcake break. Sprinkles. I think they really are the best cupcake out there.

Wagamama style ramen for a cold night.

Used the left over greens from making winter flower boxes as the base for a couple of arrangements.

Hit the Holly Ball to benefit Chicago Children's Charities. Blast!

Ordered xmas cards, a little late, yikes!!

Still snowy!

Snowy fun weekend and the flakes are still coming down!

photo via unruly things

Adorable gift tags

Downloadable hand lettered gift tags. so cute on kraft paper. eat drink chic.

Tiny gingerbread

Not martha via Simple song

Paper christmas creatures

How funny are these guys?! Found here via parcel post.

Snowing!

Looked out the window this morning and its white!

Mason jars

These are so cool! Love mason jars, love chandeliers in a tent, outdoors, anywhere they are unexpected. Not sure if these can be lit though? 100 layer cake.

Happy monday

Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

*image via design*sponge

Yes, please!

Fries in a cone. please.

image via forty-sixth at grace.

DeCesare design

I took a closer look the design group that did the studio I posted yesterday and thought I would post some of my favorite rooms from their portfolio. The copper bathtub got me, as did the pendants in that kitchen and the chandelier over the built in bed. All three photos from different homes. DeCesare design group.

Studio space

Loving this room, especially the giant sliding doors on the right. via black*eiffel.

12 days

From rifle paper co, via unruly things.

Happy weekend things

My good friend Maxine baked her daughter a kitty birthday cake. Happy 1st birthday to Delphine!!

New furry boots for me! They are the only thing getting me excited for the coming chilly weather.

Butternut squash soup. Its my new fave cuddle-up-with-a-bowl-of-soup meal. I used the following receipe from food network and added a shallot to the onion sauteeing, 3 or 4 leaves of chopped sage and 1/4 tsp cumin at the end for a little bit more spice. stir.

Ingredients

1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cups chicken stock

Nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion (and shallot) and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with sage, cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serves 6.

Wee people

Little girls clothes by free people. the level of cuteness is insanity.

Next project- whitewashed brick

We have an exposed brick fireplace that is screaming for whitewash like the walls in this photo. Such a nice muted look, really toning down the color of the bricks. Am going to try the instructions on frugal farmhouse via apartment therapy.

Friday!

Am celebrating the coming weekend with some flower arranging and quiche baking this morning!

Horse farm wedding shoot

Love this wedding shoot on 100 layer cake. Rustic, romantic, and understated. I especially like the maple wood paper goods and table made with hay bales!

tiny dancer

She is the little ballerina who twirled around in my pink musical jewelry box, only with fabulous eyelashes and slightly scary makeup. Photographer David Eustace via the anthropologist.

Retro outfit for today's ipad

Another way to keep your Ipad safe, 80's style. Felt cover on etsy.

Trick or treat

Trick or treat in style and give back. The new FEED bag is super cute and UNICEF gets $3.50 from the sale of every bag to send nutritional supplements to children in developing countries.

Winnie the pooh stamps

How happy would your envelopes be with Pooh on them! From the Royal Mail (that's right, sorry, not available here).

via Simplesong.

Hello beautiful

Monique Lhuillier showed this print for spring 2011 in various shapes and fabrics, which were all lovely, but this chiffon number blows me away. gorgeous.

Wood pallets and rustic rope

I popped by West Elm on North Ave last week to visit this mirror (again) and am loving their creative visual merchandising with wood shipping pallets and rustic looking ropes. A little bit trapeze-esque!

Yes!

I need a trapeze swing in my living room! How did I not think of this?! Ever since my creative friends took me to trapeze school for a bachelorette treat, I have not been able to practice. Could be slightly dangerous, but totally awesome!

*via Cup of Jo