Love at first sight

This is in honor of Cyber-Monday.

Here is some eye candy for those of us who are too busy to shop online today.

Happy Monday!

Bottega Veneta 'San Marco Karung' leather bag

Gucci 'Icon Bit' tote

Tod's 'Pashmy Media Bag'

Prada Nappa Antique Tote
Jimmy Choo 'Odette' leather bag
See by Chloe 'Day Tripper' leather tote


YSL 'Easy Zip Tote'

Modern Country holiday

A new year,

another holiday,

a changed family,

new traditions.

My favorite Scandinavian blog,
Modern Country, posted these images and they fully capture the essence of a holiday home for me this year.


Simple, white, natural, comfortable, clean:

Here's where it begins.

Happy holiday prep to all of you fabulous bloggers-

this journey with you has been so much fun for me....so far, SO good!

The way of the world

We've come together on this special day
To sing our message loud and clear
Looking back we've touched on sorrowful days
Future pass, they disappear

You will find peace of mind
If you look way down in your heart and soul
Don't hesitate ‘cause the world seems cold
Stay young at heart ‘cause you're never (never, never, ..) old at heart

That's the way of the world
Plant your flower and you grow a pearl
A child is born with a heart of gold
The way of the world makes his heart grow cold

Hearts of fire
creates love desire
Take you high and higher to the world you belong
Hearts of fire creates love desire
High and higher to your place on the throne

lyrics-Earth, Wind, and Fire

images- Morning T, flikr, Hermes

The calm before the storm

Since I'm not hosting turkey day this week, these next few days may hold the last bit of peace for me before the hectic holiday season officially begins.

{breathe more}

I've already been on my weekly voyage to Target and also stocked up on groceries. I don't plan on going to ANY stores at all this weekend.

Not me, nope, no chaotic parking lots or bustling stores are in my near future.

{whine less}

I'm going to hide out at home with my family and relish in the last few days of sanity while we decorate our home for Christmas.

{love more}

How about you?

Are you a die hard black Friday shopper?

image via Country Living

Furry family members

Do you spoil your four legged friend?

Does he/she occasionally eat steak?

Or spend time at a doggie day care?

Certainly you let him/her snuggle you under the covers at night just like a human, right?

Well if you don't spoil your pooch already then perhaps you should consider baking that special canine in your life their own doggie birthday cake:

Made with carob cake mix:

Using your own dog bone cake pan:

You could also make a paw print cupcake:

Covered in organic sprinkles:

Would you go this far?

You can find these fun products for your favorite pooch here.

I can't resist spoiling this little one:

Can't find me?

I'm hiding out right here:

I'll be drinking hot tea (ok, I'm not fooling anyone here), WINE, by the fire...

wearing my pj's and fuzzy slippers...

trying desperately to finish my 1,000 page book (why did I even start it?)...

and I'll have my ipod turned on so I just may not be able to hear anyone calling out my name.

Is this crazy Monday over yet?

BHG

Handmade nation

Handmade Nation is a feature film directed by Faythe Levine, documenting the new trend of DIY crafts, art and design that is sweeping the nation.

Apparently she traveled to 15 cities and covered more than 19,000 miles to interview artists, crafters, makers, curators and community members.

Sounds very interesting.

Has anyone seen this or heard anything about it?

Dressing your table

My mom is hosting our family turkey day gathering this year and although she is a pro at creatively dressing a table, she asked me for ideas.

I like the idea of more neutral colors and incorporating nature into the centerpiece, and plenty of white/cream candles.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for Thanksgiving tables:

Click on photo to see the full image

How are you dressing your table this year?

BHG

DO's and DON'Ts

OK I'm going there...it's a little early for me but I can't resist. This is likely one of many 'gift' themed posts.

Are you already trying to come up with gift ideas for co-workers, friends, or stocking stuffers for family?

Here are some DO's:

Tiny 'Henri Bendel' notebook:

Survival kit from Urban Outfitters:

Gourmet toffee from Holy City Chocolate:

Letterpress fortune teller from Sycamore Letterpress {remember making these in school?}:

Sustainability tip cards for household use from Chronicle books:

Tea variety pack. Recyclable foil tea strips with whole tea leaves. Originalstripteas.com:

Bird cage stamp and notepad. Urban Outfitters:

Ceramic to go coffee cup, Urban Outfitters:

And some DON'Ts:

Astronaut Ice Cream, Urban Outfitters:

Bacon soap, Urban Outfitters:

"F Your Blog" book, Urban Outfitters:

Mrs. Klaus cardigan sweater, Urban Outfitters:

Everybody needs...

...a lounge with a crystal chandie, wood beamed ceilings, and an overstuffed couch:

...a kitchen complete with chandie, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, and a window above the sink:

...a living room with vaulted ceiling, chandie, four windows, a zebra print ottoman, and a tan linen couch:

...a dining room with two chandies, skull, wood vaulted ceiling, and french doors :

...a master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, mesh draped bed, and french doors:

...a master bathroom with clean walls, claw footed tub, and two sinks:

...a guest bedroom with large window, beamed ceiling, and earthy tan walls:

...a media room with french doors, chic light fixture, and a cowhide atop sea grass carpeting:

... a wine cellar complete with two seating areas, candles, beamed ceilings and LOTS of wine:

... an outdoor kitchen with lantern, skulls, and all the necessities:

...a cozy covered porch which puts my living room to shame:

... a swimming pool {of course you'd tire of swimming in the ocean just a few steps away}:

WOW- this 5,700 sq ft farmhouse right near the beach in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa is on the market for around $856,000. Everybody needs a home like this {well, at least I do}!

The New York Times

Nutcracker Market recap

Anyone sick and tired of seeing pics/hearing about my ironstone dairy slab?

You asked for it so here you go.

This was my 9th consecutive year of visiting Houston's Nutcracker Market {I've only lived in Houston for 7 years so I guess that makes me a die hard}. We arrived at 8:30am on Friday and didn't leave until after 2:00pm AND I actually went back on Saturday afternoon {yes, I'm a glutton for punishment}. For those of you who are familiar with this event {CC, Alison}, you know how hard it is on your feet. Dummy me attempted to be cute versus comfortable {note to self, forgo the cowboy boots and skinny jeans next year and wear yoga pants and sneakers}, so my body felt like I was hit by a truck these past few days.

One other note before I share my findings {and some really embarrassing pics of myself taken by myself in front of the mirror}, I was thrilled to get to meet CC, one of my most loyal readers, and considering the size of Reliant Center and the crowds, it was fate that we actually found each other.

OK- here you have it.

Mercury glass vases ($9.99 each) and artificial moss balls ($4.99 each):

A large cloche for my ironstone dairy slab ($19.99):

Wire topiary frame ($14.99):

Printed kimono sleeve tunic tee ($45.00):

50" strand of freshwater pearls ($39.00) and elastic freshwater pearl bracelet ($14.99):

Vintage key pendant with hook ($4.99):

Monogrammed ipod speaker ($19.99):

Pictures from my favorite 'white inspiration vintage' booth:

I also found a few gifts for lil one, hubby, mom, and employees. I got some great ideas for DIY gifts too so I'll be sure to share those with you as I get to them.