Merry 24 Days

Have you heard of Merry 24 Days, a real chance at winning 24 giveaways posted by 24 awesome bloggers until Dec. 25th?  Well I just won Day 14 and I couldn't be happier!  You should know that these prizes are so unbelievably exciting and versatile.  You could win too! I won my prize through This Little street, a blog about style and inspiration that I just started following.  The prize was a beautiful fox coat for children, which I can't wait to see my daughter wear.  Spread the cheer, my friends, and don't forget to click on everyday for a change to win.

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 )

Inspiration: Small Christmas trees

Ahh the Christmas tree!  Who doesn't love a beautifully decorated tree.  I love putting up the Christmas tree, and for the sake of joy and inspiration we are putting them earlier every year.  But for many, small is not always the right choice, however, when it comes to the holidays, small Christmas trees can be as good as the old traditional ones. Although we are spending our holidays away from home, I made a small Christmas tree that we got to enjoyed for a few days and the inspiration came from the West Elm catalog.  This is our small tree at home:

 

My mother is crazy about Christmas trees as well, these are a few from her home in Miami:

How about you? Do you have one or several small ones throughout the house? It's really beginning to look a lot like Christmas, isn't?

Free printable holiday tags

Well, what do you know!  I started fidgeting with a design software that comes with the Windows 7, nothing fancy, and  created a very modern and simple design for my holiday gifts.  I like the simple bold typeface and I hope you do too.  You need a printer and some card stock paper.  You could also print on sticky paper.  Now let's get wrapping!  Download here

I designed this for personal use only. If anyone has a problem viewing or printing the file, please let me know, and I will try to fix right away. Enjoy responsibly.

Have a great weekend start to the holiday season!

This recipe for Winter cookies found  here

Hello friends!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Have you had leftovers yet?  We just had our first batch.  Yum!  I just wanted to drop by and leave you some links.  I hope you stay cozy and make some hot chocolate this weekend.  It sure is going to drop to freezing levels.  See you back on Monday!

the real joys of the holidays


vintage Macy's Parade  


the easy Thanksgiving table! 


cute foxy sweater for toddlers!


DIY: cutest advent calendar


Thanksgiving and saying grace! 


a cute bootie!


very simple DIY Christmas tree (love it)

Another happy Fall weeked!

Image via 

Hi friends, sorry about the sudden tardiness of this post.  We have been running last minute errands before Thanksgiving.  BTW what are your thoughts on Thanksgiving door busters starting early this year on exactly Thanksgiving day.  We personally refuse to shop on this day.  It's just crazy that this consumerism is creeping up on our most celebrated holiday.   I have been working on some crafts which I will show up next week.  Hope you have a great end to your weekend.

The mayonnaise jar and two pints of beer


London's diversity in bus stops


Emergency compliment


a cool holiday gift guide for him  and for her


change and renewal


 theseAutumnal tablescapes! 


See you back on Monday!

Keep calm and enjoy the weekend!

(via)

Hello, friends, I hope your week was productive and sane.  I'm so glad this week is finally over.   We have decided to plan a baptism for our daughter in Miami, and there's so much to plan and do.  So, I will be busy with that.  We are shooting for Dec. 23.  Sometimes things get overwhelming in your life.  Work, duties, friendships, family, etc.  This quote is perfect to help me find balance.  I also loved the links below, I hope you like them too.  So keep calm and have a cozy weekend!


Welcome November!


more California dreamin' 


soul-searching the night skies! 


6 awesome things Americans voted for in this election


home accessories I can cheer about!


have you ever felt like this? 


these awesome backpacks, but I've settled on this one!


i'm making this dessert this weekend

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

Election day

Sorry for the quiet posts these last two days.  I've been busy with election volunteering.  Finally it all ends today. So get out there and make your voice heard and your vote count.

Source

Happy elections weekend!

 Hi everybody, I'm so glad this week is finally over.  The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is devastating. The images are really haunting.  There are images of a darkened skyline of NYC, sand dunes in NJ's coastal cities and local airports completely devastated.  I hope these cities get back on their feet as soon as possible.  This weekend I'm venturing out to do election canvassing in Virginia.  I have never really done this, so I'm a bit nervous.  I just feel like I have to do this.  As a fellow citizen, I urge you to go out and vote, and take someone who's not planning on voting with you.  I see it as a duty more than a privilege. Happy weekend everyone, hope you stay warm and cozy, and here are some links I have found inspiring. 


Sandy hits Hoboken!


An open letter to Ann Coulter


Top knot


a beautiful and clever DIY wall art


completely smitten with this shop!


NYC can be vulnerable too


this adorable moon pinata is perfect!


i want this letter stamp set!


An open letter to President Obama!

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

Happy Halloween weekend

Although Halloween is not until next Wednesday, all kinds of witchy Halloween costumes will make their presence this weekend.  My favorite costume this year is Rosie the Riveter.  If you watched Parks and Rec last night you may have seen it on Amy Poehler's character.   We are planning to dress Emilu as a tiny hoot, she's into birds right now.  I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween weekend.  Some links I have found inspiring.  


mulling spices sachets are a perfect gift of the season!


this modern flat is full of texture and color!


incompetence hides behind authority


taking a step back in time in rural and Gothic England


this vintage decorated nursery is adorable!


these headboards are beyond colorful!


Halloween in the village!


I love starry nights! 


my favorite animal shows up in home decor

Have a lovely Fall weekend

I've been thinking about New York lately, even though we were just there a month or so ago.  It's just that Fall is the most gorgeous time in that city. And the smells and the colors have stayed with me ever since I went for the first time 18 years ago during the Fall.  During this time, we start rolling out the rituals we so much love to do.  I take out my favorite DVD, which I insist on watching only in the Fall.  I cook and bake certain dishes, like cheesecake, creme brulee, casseroles, and tomato basil soup.  I unearth a few blankets and switch up the throw pillows, and basically redecorate with more color and put more scent around the house.  It's part of the transformation and the search for beauty one craves during this time.  I've have also been thinking about the things I want more during this time, hence the snapshot above with affirmations to help me get there.  How about you friends, what are you searching for this Fall? Above, all, enjoy this time of year.


have you got the blues?


 I have a thing for woven baskets (i wish I could get them all!)


beautiful illustrations:  feathers and gills  

snapshots from our last time in New York:

two lovely things I like


a remarkable encounter


sometimes I dream hard about California, because of links this like this one and this one! and of course, this entire blog!


wow, i love the look of these giant washi tape wall decor!


the art of simple breakfasts! 


this home is absolutely gorgeous, my kind of home!


Paris! it's everywhere lately.

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.

Quoting Nora Ephron

I love Nora Ephron.  She was wit and wisdom personified.  She was famous for her films.  A humorous chronicler of contemporary culture.  Only recently I started reading her books. The last one a few weeks ago.  I Feel Bad About my Neck.  It's so good. Really.  Like her other books, I couldn't put it down.  Here are a few lines that really stuck with me:

Have a cozy Fall weeked!

Photo via

Happy Friday everyone!  The week flew by for me.  Do you have any special plans?  I'm planning on relaxing and catching up on my reading and blogging.  I have been away from the blogging scene these last few days.  I feel bloggers out there are really energized and the content being published is so good, I can't keep up with everyone I love. But, it does make me think about the direction I want to take my blog.  I feel that sometimes it doesn't translate my deepest intentions.  I have some soul-searching to do, I guess.  I did find some really good links, which have made my week.  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!


vintage board games 


delicious food styling! 


how cool are these printed city maps!


if baking, try these scrumptious pumpkin recipes! 


when you give the wrong gift


i'm still thinking about this article! 


a life unplugged 


this kitchen makes me want to samba!


stunning and easy Fall candles!

Home companion: Bookshelves

Via From Scandinavia with love

I know this is not your traditional bookcase-filled with books. But I love the vibe of this room, and the shelves is what makes this room pop with visual interest!  A whimsical modern touch that makes me giggly and ready to tackle any craft, reading or fun activity!  A family room with an equally substantial family bookcase!

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!

Have a spectacular Fall weekend

 Has the weather turned in your neck of the woods?  I'm in Florida still, but I can't wait to go back home and start enjoying the crisp, coldish Fall air.  We are quite enjoying our time here.   Doing lots of shopping and crafting.   Making newborn baby gifts and updating a few things around the house.  My mother made it a point to have me home so that we could both enjoy the process of changing up the seasonal the decor.  Although it never gets cold or crispy down here for the Fall, nevertheless, the shops are bursting with beautiful Fall colors, and inspiration isn't tied down to weather changes.  I hope you are enjoying your weekend.  And here are my favorite links for this weekend, some DIY fun as well as amazing little truths.  Enjoy!

DIY:  I'm doing these funky ombre pumpkins! 


Dying to try these nutella chocolate cupcakes!


mothers and daughters


that's some cartoonish transformation!


Spooky:  Hallowenish children art work


NYC's hidden (roof) terraces!


Amazing:  What lies beneath a children's gumline


the cutest stamp shop ever!


Wow, these insects covered in morning dew!


Fall treats (so creative and fun)

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!