Make it new!!!

The New Year is almost here!! and of course we are all OH SO excited about the parties, the resolutions, the new life or however we want to look at it. But certainly it represents new beginnings....

I always do something different at the house, and make sure I clean every room and try and start the year in the best possible way.

Ok, when it comes to renovating a piece of furniture... I am a big fan. Re-using and Re-cycling is totally IN (and as a fellow blogger says: IT's RIGHT!).... so naturally, I found these pictures and died!... PERFECTION! Look at the before picture... and how OLD and tired everything looks! in the after, its all so modern and chic!

Are you going to change anything in your house to start the year fresh???

Images: Southern Living

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas..

For you, lovely friends.... I wish a ton of love and happiness, today and always... and also, let us remember the true purpose of Christmas and open our hearts to the infitite love of God.

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
~ Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English author. From 'A Christmas Carol'.

Image via: My Vintage Vogue

Last minute xmas decor: Photo Wreath

So, you're hosting Xmas dinner? want a quick idea for a last minute holiday décor accent that will surely touch the hearts of your loved ones? and that is also budget friendly?

Done! and Done!

This gorgeous photo-wreath I found at Country Living is the answer.

No chances of it going unnoticed!!!

BackBackBack!....

Oh guys, it really was not my intention to not be around for ya over the weekend but you see.... I had my son's birthday party and I was just oh so busy with everything!!!

Anyway, trying to gather some inspiration from a blogger friend of mine at Blah to ta-Da!, I created the candy-boxes and lived to tell the tale!!!! Here they are...

Girls....

And boys = )

The kids loved them, specially the girls who exitedly hung them over their shoulder like a little purse. (It was paper so they surely didnt last long... but u know kids!)

The party was a success and my son was happy, what else can I ask for? OHH; he got the coolest gifts too!!!

Kisses and hugs!!! (have a lovely monday)

Nuit

Holiday Chic

I really love the Holidays, but one thing I love the most about them is all the parties, reunions and cocktails that offer the opportunity to dress up and be glamourous... I have chosen the pieces and elements that, to me, define the style of this holiday season... Have fun ya'll!

1.-Dresses with Bows...

Purple shades...


Layers, tights and rich, deep color.


Girly Gray...

More gray + tights...


Hair accesories, cherry cheeks!


Images: 1.- MarieClaire 2.- Hot Beauty Health 3.- KaraLace 4.- My Fashion Life 5.- Glam 6.- CosmoGirl

Advent Calendars, totally cute!

These are the best I have ever seen. What's not to love about a daily treat!

Images: Better Homes and Gardens

TWO clever christmas solutions ;)

WOWza, I saw this and I was instantly in-love. Can you believe this picture below and how simple yet perfect this christmas décor solution is? If you have modern, white (or cream) chairs like these... go for it!

The second clever solution here is the cards hanging from the cute coat rack... I admit it, sometimes I can't find anything to do with all the cards I get and this to me is just too good. They sure can add instant cheer to any corner ;)

Images via: Ideal Home

A real treat...

You can't possibly miss this, hurry up and click on the Errant Aesthete for a real nice treat: Mulled cider recipe!

There is something about the aromatic waft of apple, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that evokes a warming Dickensian Christmas scene.

Mellow and fruity and, despite the rum sploshed in, mild to the taste and all too drinkable on these frost laden nights.

FULL Recipe at: The Errant Aesthete

Swedish Christmas by Edie Van Breems...

Here's a gorgeous Scandinavian take on Christmas décor by talented Edie Van Breems, via Country Living that I am sure you will love.... Feels like HOME... (sigh)

Enjoy!

DIY Christmas Presents!!

I know that a lot of you sweets are crafty and creative.... my friend Claire over at Blah to Ta-Da would make any of these gifts in an instant, and with her own fabulous personal touch...

I, however, cannot, I m terrible at DIY stuff (although I never give up!)... anyway, I thought this would make for a great post since a lot of you do have the grand gift of crafts, and I am sure your loved ones will be delighted because these christmas gifts are heavenly!

Lovely Cinnamon stick candles (easy)

Silver utensils envelope (everything BUT easy but sure worth the effort)

Lovely multi-purpose boxes decorated with fabric (hum...seems simple enough)

Sweater Totes! (All I am going to say is I can't sew)

Card wallet... how cute is this?
(I am sure there is a special technique for working with leather)

Ok, I don't mean to torture anyone, so go to the source and you will find some instructions and also some more ideas. Here it is:

Country Living

Warm and Traditional...

HI sweeties! hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday with your loved ones.... we normally don't celebrate this holiday here in Mexico but a lot of peope do in my city as a big part of its population is American. Continuing with the Christmas Decor ideas I started earlier this week by showing you some chic christmas decorations, I have a picture here that I love because the décor in it is so traditional and warm, it really feels like my grandma's home (just throw in a ceramic Nativity Scene and it could very well be her lovely house).

What do you think? is this your style at all? or do you prefer to go modern??

Image via: Country Living

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chic Christmas Décor....

Alrighty :) its almost time... you're all probably thinking about your Christmas décor already. And what an exciting moment when you get to decorate whith the whole family together.... I LOVE it. I like traditional spaces this time of the year... but also enjoy a little twist on trandition from time to time... Here are some gorgeous ideas on how to bring Chic into your space this Christmas...

Golden warmth....

Colorful and Playful Christmas (so unique and fun!)

Icy white Christmas.. oh so chic!

More White Christmas décor (see how the wallpaper plays an important part)

Chic and cheerful Entryway!
(moving all of your pictures to red, silver and gold frames for the holidays really is a good idea!)

Warm, neutral... but full of Nature!

Masterful Center-Piece! (and chic for cheap!)

Ahhhh.... my favorite ever.... Ta-da!!!
A - S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G dining room in red and white
Hanging giant snowflakes and stars from the ceiling might just be the most clever idea I've seen lately. Loves!

Images via: Ideal Home Magazine

Just the facts Ma'am!: Table Setting

Ok Sweets! in case any of you need to know... now that the Holidays are here.... Here is how a formal table setting should be done (I did'nt have a very clear picture myself, beyond the forks position!).

You always begin eating using your silver from the outside, that's why the soup spoon and salad fork are first, then dinner fork, then dessert fork and on the other side, tea spoon and knife. Napkin to the left or on the Service plate and butter plate and spreader to the left.

Water goblet is larger than the others and goes first, then the red wine (medium) glass and next the white wine (small) glass.

Now, the good part: Enjoy your delicious meal!!

ThanksGiving table setting.... yum!

Darlings!!!

Here's some lovely thanksgivng ideas courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

More backsplash you guys!!

Okay, here they are, a few VERY clever and unique ideas for backsplash...... so lovely!

Brick tiles.....

Subway tiles in a looooovely shade of blue..... this kitchen is delish!

Old, savaged mirrors for opening up the space and giving it personality!


Mirrored backsplash.... oh so chic!

Brick wall indeed! isn't this a dream? so artsy!

HA! bet you didnt see this one coming, yes, it's chalkboard paint!!! isn't this clever? you can't write the daily menu on it!

Image source: 1.- Kitchenbacksplashphotos.com, 2.-Becoming Home, 3.- Tracery Interiors, 4.- Apartment Therapy, 5.- Channel 4, 6.- Ann Porter