See you Monday morning when we kick off the DIY Holiday week with a few of my favorite crafty ladies!
Happy {Snail Mail} Weekend
This weekend, I plan on wrapping up our holiday cards and popping them in the mail. Sending holiday cards is one of my favorite traditions, and I'm pretty sure after you browse all the gorgeous options out there you'll be hooked, too. So pick up a set or two and (snail) mail your loved ones some holiday cheer! (Trust me, the good ones go early.)
1. Hot Toddy Recipe, Kate Spade 2. A Partridge in a Pear Tree, Griffinbell Studio for Minted 3. Stylish Christmas Tree, Inslee 4. Give Thanks Be Joyful, Sugar Paper 5. Polka Dotted Notes, Paper Source 6. Merry Days & Bright Nights, Oh My Deer 7. Happy Hanukah, Smudge Ink 8. Merry & Bright, Sugar Paper 9. Here's to Gettin' Fizzy, Fig. 2 Design Studio 10. Ice Skating in NYC, Mr. Boddington 11. Clara & The Nutcracker (assorted), Rifle Paper Co. 12. Popout Ornament Card, Rifle Paper Co. 13. Happy Holidays To You, Sugar Paper 14. Season's Greetings, Rocket Ink 15. Hope You Were Good, Fat Bunny Press
Jenna Lyons is Pretty Cool.
Jenna Lyons – J.Crew President, Creative Director, fashion industry game changer, master of the feminine/masculine mix, and "a force to be reckoned with," according to Ms. Wintour, is pretty cool. Just in case you're not familiar with Ms. Lyons and her work, or need some convincing ... here are 6 reasons why she's one of my favorite ladies in the industry:
“For me it's about being able to relate to everyone through fashion. Recently we were in Arizona and I walked into a room filled with a sea of people dressed in J.Crew. It felt really good. Everyone was colorful, happy and bright. It felt good to be part of that many people’s lives in a meaningful way.”
The way she fearlessly plays with pattern, texture & color...
that killer shoe wall in her closet ...
and enviable office ...
the major role she played in transforming J.Crew, making style accessible to everyone ...
that interview with Garance Doré ...
And coolest of all, in my opinion, is that she really loves to dress everyone ...
The Striped Tee, Styled.
In honor of our little bit of snow, my favorite striped staple (and a top pick on my gift guide), all styled up for winter ... with a punch of leopard, of course!
Kate Spade Earrings | J.Crew Factory Scarf | Chance Co. Striped Tee | Clare Vivier Leopard Clutch | J.Crew Minnie Pants | Madewell Riding Boots
Hello, Holidays!
This past weekend (and last) we spent some time getting ready for the holidays. Confession: I'm a bit of a holiday freak. I love everything about the season: the music, the food, the movies, the celebrations, the shopping (and gifting). So naturally, I dragged my guy out to chop down our Christmas tree kind of early. It's our very first real tree, and even though it measures about four feet tall, I think it's the best tree ever.
To get into the holiday spirit, I've been blasting "A Very She & Him Christmas" on repeat, stopping by Anthropologie to look at their always gorgeous displays/pick up some decorations for our apartment, and polka dotting our holiday cards, which I can't wait to pop in the mail.
To get into the holiday spirit, I've been blasting "A Very She & Him Christmas" on repeat, stopping by Anthropologie to look at their always gorgeous displays/pick up some decorations for our apartment, and polka dotting our holiday cards, which I can't wait to pop in the mail.
Have you started to get in the holiday spirit or are you still recovering from Thanksgiving? As always, you can follow along on my daily/holiday adventures via instagram {@mnouc}!
Get Crafty: A DIY Holiday Week
Today I finally get to share the exciting news that I've just been bursting to tell you! During the first week of December, I'm hosting a DIY week right here on the blog, where quite a few amazingly talented ladies are contributing some crafty DIY holiday projects. From gifts to gift wrap to decor, let me tell you, these projects are so fabulous you're going to want to keep them for yourself.
So make sure to save the date, share the news, and pop by December 3-7, ready to get crafty! Here's the official breakdown:
P.S. You can purchase that gold glitter over at the Sarah Kate Studios shop!
P.P.S. Some amazing Black Friday/ Small Business Saturday sales:
J.Crew: 25% off entire purchase with the code COLOR25
Madewell: 25% off entire purchase + free shipping with the code TREAT
Design Darling Boutique: 15% off orders of $100+ with code EARLYBIRD
Inslee: 20% off available inventory with the code SALE
Shopbop: 20% off with the code BIGEVENT12
So make sure to save the date, share the news, and pop by December 3-7, ready to get crafty! Here's the official breakdown:
Have a lovely weekend!
xx,
M
P.S. You can purchase that gold glitter over at the Sarah Kate Studios shop!
P.P.S. Some amazing Black Friday/ Small Business Saturday sales:
J.Crew: 25% off entire purchase with the code COLOR25
Madewell: 25% off entire purchase + free shipping with the code TREAT
Design Darling Boutique: 15% off orders of $100+ with code EARLYBIRD
Inslee: 20% off available inventory with the code SALE
Shopbop: 20% off with the code BIGEVENT12
Thankful
Happy Thanksgiving! Tack on my amazing boyfriend, friends and family, and I think this Oscar Wilde saying says it all. Feeling so happy and grateful for so many things big and small today. Hope your day is filled with friends, family, and too much food!
P.S. Tune in tomorrow for a little announcement that I'm very thankful I can finally share!
A "Folksy" Playlist for November
Lately I've noticed a pattern in the songs that I've been replaying on my playlists. They all have a kind of folksy feel to them, and are best listened to cozied up in a blanket. Perfect for November (remember my early fall blues-y playlist?).
I really can't get enough of the Lumineers. What are some of your favorite songs and artists of the season?
His & Hers Holiday Gift Picks
Can you believe Thanksgiving is this week? Me neither. With the biggest shopping day of the year almost upon us, I've put together a little list of my favorite brands to give & receive this holiday season.
When it comes to gifting, I fully believe that the best gifts are usually under $50, and either: 1. practical or 2. completely whimsical; something you know they would get a lot of use out of, or something they wouldn't normally purchase for themselves.
Click through for a mix of presents (with an emphasis on gifts under $50) in the "his & hers" holiday gift picks! >>
Click through for a mix of presents (with an emphasis on gifts under $50) in the "his & hers" holiday gift picks! >>
How to Add "Green" to a Small Space
When you live in an apartment in a concrete jungle (or any small apartment for that matter), one of the best things you can do for your space is add a little "green" to it. It's one of those space updates that can seem insignificant, but no matter how much of a city mouse you are, having your own window garden paradise will instantly brighten your day.
Not sure your thumb is green enough? Don't know where to start? Follow these 5 tips to easily add some "green" to your space (and keep it alive).
1. Find potted plants and trees that work with the amount of sunlight you get in your place. Do pay attention to the amount of sunlight each variety requires. Don't try to bring an outdoor plant indoors ... it doesn't work.
2. Start small. Not sure if you'll actually keep up with watering? Instead of splurging on a big, expensive plant, pick up a few small inexpensive plants that you can place around your apartment or arrange on a window sill. It's less of an investment, but makes just as much of an impact.
3. Decide if you'll be able to keep up with a high maintenance plant, or if you're a low maintenance kind of girl ... and be honest with yourself, or you'll end up with a lot of brown plants. Some great low maintenance plants: succulents (hello, terrarium), herbs, mini topiaries, and the fiddleleaf fig (on my wish list!).
4. Plant an herb garden on your window sill. Pick up a few seed packets, a pot, and some soil and plant your own variety for less than $20. The added bonus: you'll have fresh herbs to use in your cooking.
5. Don't over water!!! I am totally guilty of this one. The #1 killer of house plants is probably over watering. Look up or ask a specialist how often each plant needs watering. You'll be surprised – some plants only need to be spritzed with water or watered every few weeks.
My favorite place to find plants is Terrain, but Ikea, Jayson Home, Home Depot, Lowe's (or other home improvement stores) usually have a decent selection. If you're looking for seeds, you can grab them at places like Home Depot, but sometimes even Target stocks them!
What are some of your favorite indoor plants?
Not sure your thumb is green enough? Don't know where to start? Follow these 5 tips to easily add some "green" to your space (and keep it alive).
1. Find potted plants and trees that work with the amount of sunlight you get in your place. Do pay attention to the amount of sunlight each variety requires. Don't try to bring an outdoor plant indoors ... it doesn't work.
2. Start small. Not sure if you'll actually keep up with watering? Instead of splurging on a big, expensive plant, pick up a few small inexpensive plants that you can place around your apartment or arrange on a window sill. It's less of an investment, but makes just as much of an impact.
3. Decide if you'll be able to keep up with a high maintenance plant, or if you're a low maintenance kind of girl ... and be honest with yourself, or you'll end up with a lot of brown plants. Some great low maintenance plants: succulents (hello, terrarium), herbs, mini topiaries, and the fiddleleaf fig (on my wish list!).
4. Plant an herb garden on your window sill. Pick up a few seed packets, a pot, and some soil and plant your own variety for less than $20. The added bonus: you'll have fresh herbs to use in your cooking.
5. Don't over water!!! I am totally guilty of this one. The #1 killer of house plants is probably over watering. Look up or ask a specialist how often each plant needs watering. You'll be surprised – some plants only need to be spritzed with water or watered every few weeks.
My favorite place to find plants is Terrain, but Ikea, Jayson Home, Home Depot, Lowe's (or other home improvement stores) usually have a decent selection. If you're looking for seeds, you can grab them at places like Home Depot, but sometimes even Target stocks them!
What are some of your favorite indoor plants?
8 Chic Accessories from Gap
Have you guys been to Gap lately? I popped in the store last night and was pleasantly surprised by their accessory department. They have lots of stylish seasonal pieces at great prices (can you believe that wide brim hat is only $30?) and to sweeten the deal, they're currently offering 30% off of your entire purchase. A few of my favorites:
1. Tartan Make Up Bag 2. Suede Moto Boots 3. Leather Tote (a great classic!) 4. Pom Pom Hat 5. Wide Brim Hat 6. Striped Gloves 7. Suede Booties 8. Fair Isle Socks
What do you think about Gap's current selection? Any favorites?
What do you think about Gap's current selection? Any favorites?
Happy {Warm & Cozy} Weekend
Happy Friday! I can't believe we've had our first snow already, but in my book it's all the more reason to break out the faux fur, whip up some hot drinks, light a delicious candle and get some decorating done.
1. Halycon by Ellie Goulding (on repeat) 2. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub 3. West Elm Boxwood Wreath 4. Illume Twilight Vanilla Candle (currently burning) 5. J.Crew Factory Faux Fur Scarf 6. Madewell Booties 7. Furbish Fox Decanter Set 8. West Elm Pillow 9. Jonathan Adler Mug Set
Hope you have a warm & cozy weekend!
The Feel Goods
Lately, I've come across a few products that I just can't get enough of. Some I discovered through my first birchbox, some were gifted to me for my birthday & some I sort of stumbled upon by happy accident. Right now, my top 5 "feel goods" ...
James Perse Tees | There is nothing like a super soft tee shirt that fits and drapes perfectly. James Perse has become my go-to ever since I discovered them a few months ago. They're comfy, have great necklines, wash well, and you can usually find them on sale at Last Call.
Lululemon's "The Mat" | This one was given to me as a birthday present by my boyfriend, and let's just say it has been a total game changer. I debated splurging on it before (and ultimately went with the less expensive Giaim version), but it is completely worth every penny if you are serious about your yoga practice. The mat is super thick and sticky without being too sticky – I don't even need a towel. Goodbye days of sliding around in downward dog!
Kiehl's Orange Flower & Lychee Body Wash | A birchbox discovery; the scent is amazing and stays on even after you're out of the shower.
The Happiness Project | Given to me as a birthday gift by my BFF, it goes perfectly with the 'being mindful' lesson I've learned from my yoga practice.
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder | I came across this while browsing Sephora's website. It came highly rated, and I absolutely love it. The color is spot on and buildable, it doesn't cake and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Bonus: SPF 15.
Chocolate & Raspberry Luna Fiber Bars | Another birchbox discovery; I seriously can't get enough of these things (I'm eating one while I write this post). They're delicious, chocolate-y, 70% organic and packed with lots of goodies (including calcium, iron, vitamin d and lots of fiber to keep you full) – good and good for you.
What are some of your favorite "feel good" products right now?
Lululemon's "The Mat" | This one was given to me as a birthday present by my boyfriend, and let's just say it has been a total game changer. I debated splurging on it before (and ultimately went with the less expensive Giaim version), but it is completely worth every penny if you are serious about your yoga practice. The mat is super thick and sticky without being too sticky – I don't even need a towel. Goodbye days of sliding around in downward dog!
Kiehl's Orange Flower & Lychee Body Wash | A birchbox discovery; the scent is amazing and stays on even after you're out of the shower.
The Happiness Project | Given to me as a birthday gift by my BFF, it goes perfectly with the 'being mindful' lesson I've learned from my yoga practice.
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder | I came across this while browsing Sephora's website. It came highly rated, and I absolutely love it. The color is spot on and buildable, it doesn't cake and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Bonus: SPF 15.
Chocolate & Raspberry Luna Fiber Bars | Another birchbox discovery; I seriously can't get enough of these things (I'm eating one while I write this post). They're delicious, chocolate-y, 70% organic and packed with lots of goodies (including calcium, iron, vitamin d and lots of fiber to keep you full) – good and good for you.
What are some of your favorite "feel good" products right now?
Sunday at Terrain
This Sunday, the guy and I headed out of the city to Terrain in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania to spend the day. If you've never been, Terrain is basically a mix of lovely packaging, home goods & decor, seasonal plants, and one delicious cafe all rolled up in to one shop ... and merchandised to perfection.
They were all set up for the holidays (which was a-okay with me – I adore the holiday season), and it took a lot of will power not to leave with one of everything. We ended up with a new rosemary plant and some paper white bulbs which I can't wait to plant, but I couldn't resist snapping a few photos. Can you blame me? The place is pure eye candy ...
Terrain has two locations: on in Glen Mills, PA and one in Westport, CT. Have you ever been?
How Can You Help?
I grew up in New Jersey, and know so many people who live in Manhattan, so seeing and hearing about the damage firsthand hits especially close to home. My heart breaks for the people who lost everything. But my heart also swells with happiness seeing how amazing people can be. Communities coming together, people donating food, clothes, money (hotel rooms!) and volunteering their time ... it's truly inspiring.
This weekend, I encourage you to be one of those amazing people. There are so many ways you can help, even if you're far removed from the center of it. One of the easiest ways to contribute is to donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. To see more ways you can help, check out this article over here.
Your contributions, although seemingly small, can make a huge difference in someone else's life. Go ahead and "lighten the burden of another"and have a really great weekend!
Interior Inspiration: November Edition
Lately I've been finding lots of great interior inspiration over on Pinterest. A few details I'm loving right now:
1 | Can we talk about that brass hand chair in Kelly Wearstler's home {via the Coveteur}? It is to die for. 2 | That brass pendant lamp is from a gorgeous modern nursery (also featuring a coral dresser and navy chevron walls!) found over on {Laure Joliet's blog}. 3 | A lived-in living room with the perfect bookshelves via {1stdibs}. 4 | Lovely shelf styling via Nate Berkus' book, Things That Matter spotted on {Elements of Style} blog. 5 | A London flat with the the best mixture of black + white featured on {Apartment Therapy}. 6 | A b+w photo gallery wall with off-center mats via {Samantha Pynn}.
What are some of your favorite websites or Pinterest boards for interior inspiration? I would love to know!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)