Big cheer in a small dose

Hi friends. First, I apologize for not being consistent on my blogging lately.  I'm away from home, from my computer and the days have been hectic around here.  Tomorrow, we fly back to Florida, where I have a baptism to plan right before Christmas Eve, and the details involved in the process are countless.  I will show you pictures of the day, since I also left my camera back in Florida.  I have been bad at checking my favorite blogs lately, since I haven't had much time to sit around in the computer.  But Christmas is just around the corner, and so many lovely things have been passed around the web lately, I couldn't resist posting a few of my favorites. Have a wonderful day and enjoy these sweet holiday trees.

(Source:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 )

Three crafts

These are three crafts I'm currently working on. They are simple, easy and budget friendly. 

burlap table runner

a magazine prism

a jewelry branch

Cozy warm in the home

Now that temperatures are consistently low and a chill is beginning to sip through our windows, it's time to think of keeping warm around the house. So,  I'm looking for a new blanket or throw for the living room sofa.  When the holidays are over, and all the color of the festivities come to a calming halt, I will be choosing more muted tones for the living room such as soft greys, white, and black.  Like a Winter wonderland.  I want a throw that will compliment this palette.  I'm looking at these:

                                     Source: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

DIY ombre paper mobile

I have been thinking on a craft using the ombre technique, so trendy right now, and finally came up with a cute one to share.  It's so easy, and fun, and if you don't have a scallop punch, you can use any other one.  In fact, it would look as fancy in any other shape. For the tutorial, keep reading.

KidsZone: Zara Home for kiddos!

It's true!  Zara Home has arrived!  And the objects of my affection are stunningly beautiful.

 I'm personally loving this rug for Emilu's space, and this tiny woven wooden chair. Visit Zara Home for kids!

KidsZone: Washi tape mural and more

Photo via 

Photo via 

I'm loving the look of these washi tape murals and play zones. What a clever idea and I love that they are incorporated into the room's decor. If I were a child playing here, I wouldn't leave my room for anything!

Home companion: Bookshelves

Photo via 

Hola friends!  Sorry I haven't been around here, but I'm taking things slow down in Florida with my parents and Emilu.   I've been making the rounds around my favorite shops, and catching up with family.  In the meantime, I love the orderly style of this bookshelf, simple, but not shabby.  Just plain awesome, isn't?  Happy Wednesday and see you guys tomorrow, I have a wedding to show you!

Home companion: Bookscases

Sometimes a bookshelf is just a bookshelf. But, other times, it's a statement.  And this one says ...my adventure side dictates how my classic side behaves. And I agree.  We all have very opposite tastes sometimes, and by marrying them together we can satisfy our desires.  For example, I love that I can pull my favorite poems anthology from this bookshelf and marvel at the small pair of elephants carved from onyx I recently acquired from Madagascar.  Wait there are no elephants in Madagascar, are they?  Oh well, you get the drift. 

Image via

DIY: Just do it

You know that procrastinator vein we all have? Well, as of lately mine was getting thicker until I decided it was enough.  Enough of having all these projects in my mind, and not doing something about it.  Until I stopped thinking, and got to doing.  I mean, what's the point of all those pins on Pinterest if you don't put them to work?  I tend to collect things, so it wasn't my intention to start collecting pins as well.  One project a day for a whole week. And guess what?  I did it!


Day 1:  Open shelving in the dining room nook
Day 2:  Washi tape decorating 
Day 3:  Scalloped pendant light for the dining room nook
Day 4:  Ombre beaded necklace
Day 5:  Martha Stewart vanilla cake with chocolate frosting
How about you friends, any projects lately?

Home companion: Bookshelves

Photo via

This wrap-around library is the ideal place to get lost from the nagging demands of the everyday.  I would sit here all day long, doing what I like best: reading. The masculine undertone decor is surprisingly calming, with a hint of sophistication.  And I bet this room looks twice as good under the dimming lights of desk lamps at night.  Le sigh!

Also, this smart and innovative bookshop is right up my alley.  And this poignant article about the grave state of the novel confirms my passion for fiction over non-fiction.

If you had space in your house, would you have a dedicated room for books?  Or do you prefer having them all around the house?  I think I would go for the library in a flash.

DIY: Confetti rug

I first saw this DIY on a tablecloth on Oh Happy Day. But I decided to make a rug for my newly painted kitchen.  I chose the same blue color of the wall in another shade for the rug.  Here's what I did and how it turned out. 

Originally my intention was not to photograph this DIY, hence the lack of step by step photos, but since it turned out so great I decided to post the final result.

Kitchen wishlist

Completely lusting over these kitchen and pantry items from Terrain.

Modern Mug, $24
Botany of Pattern Dish in Sale SHOP House+Home at Terrain, $7.95
Teak Measuring Spoons in House+Home KITCHEN+TABLE Kitchen+Cooking..., $32
Striped Washcloths in Sale SHOP House+Home at Terrain, $14
Meyer Lemon & Lavender Jam in House+Home KITCHEN+TABLE Pantry+Food at..., $10
Mason Jar Pendant, $398
Emerald Swing-Top Canister in House+Home KITCHEN+TABLE Kitchen+Cooking..., $10
Organic Lavender Flowers, $12

Spotted: Umbra shop

This amazing Canadian based homegoods shop offers casual, contemporary and affordable design.  I have my eyes on these items, which I love to own.  That cute cord wrapped stool would look awesome in a nursery.  And the raspberry wine rack would be a cook gift for anyone who loves design and wine. My favorite is the round side table with its mid-century flair.  And that Big Ben clock would look good anywhere, really!