the man in the moon

Last week, my dad shared this advert will me and it is one of the most lovely clips I have seen in awhile. I couldn't think of a more perfect way to begin the Advent season, a season of joy, wonder, preparation, selflessness, giving, companionship and love.
There is no reason why we shouldn't treat Christmas like the most wonderful time of the year - because it truly is - but we should instead challenge ourselves to focus on sharing the wonder with those around us, including and especially, the ones that might not be so easy to reach.
I often wear myself out with planning my Christmas "must dos." Which movies to watch, the cookies to bake, the stores to shop, the Christmas notes to stamp, the outfits to wear, the gifts to buy, the list goes on and on. In the midst of all of the "busyness," I never get out of my own world and primary objective to make the most of my holiday. Of course, leave it to the advertising world to find the perfect story to totally pull my heart strings and inspire me for this season.
In this past Sunday's Second Reading 1 Thes 3:12-4:2, the passage begins with the following statement: "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all."
What a tremendous consideration for the Advent season (that just so happens to go perfectly to this advertisement theme)... We are together in this world, for each other and for all. Wherever we may be, whether peering out a telescope or on the moon, how can we act together - for all - as we prepare for and welcome Christmas? Christmas is the arrival of life's joy, compassion, hope and really all that  is good in the world. Wouldn't you want to share that with everyone?
What can you do to celebrate the joy of Christmas this season?

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halloween vibes

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valentine balloons

Happy Happy Valentine's Day!! 

This is one of my favorite holidays - even though I have never had a February 14th "sweetheart." Instead, I celebrate my many wonderful friends and loved ones.

This also happens to be my birthday weekend, as if I needed more cause for celebration!

A special thank you for being my sweeties!

I hope you have festive plans for the weekend!

 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 

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Merry Christmas!

I will be traveling with my family to Arizona for the next week. While I am gone, I am taking a break from the blog...but will be back for the New Year! I hope you have a magical 12 days of Christmas and New Year. I look forward to welcoming 2014 with all of you. 

Toodles!

(via)

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christmas party

I threw a little Christmas party last night. It was a small gathering with friends, many who I haven't seen in a long time. Since graduating from college and entering the grown-up world, it has taken some adjustment to join the social world. To be blunt, sometimes I feel like it would be just wonderful to have a fraction of the social life I had in college! Although I am happy with this new phase of life, I miss the festive nature in gathering with friends, having parties, and attending other events that seemed effortless in school. I haven't been out too much in the Cincinnati scene, with working six days a week between the PR firm M-F and then the boutique on the weekend, sometimes all I want to do is relax at home. And, hangovers are 1000x worst when you're 22. Taylor Swift should have wrote about that in her song...

Anyways, I decided to start small with what I do best. Put on some tunes, pop the champagne, cue the lights, and let conversation, stories, and laughter flow. 

In true Christmas spirit, I was happy to let all of our holiday decorations steal the spotlight and be enjoyed by the company. As for food, I am not a culinary queen, by any stretch, so a quick stop at the grocery store to get crackers, cheese, summer sausage, humus, fruits, veggies, and cookies was sufficient. I offered white and red wine and made a signature cocktail which was a HIT for the evening. 

Here's the recipe for the most perfect holiday punch:

6 cups of cranberry juice

2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice

1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 bottles of champagne

Mix the juices together in a large punch bowl and add the champagne last. For a festive touch, cut up an orange to add the slices into the drink. The recipe serves 20. 

Of course, I had to give this outfit another go, and sported my most favorite holiday necklace EVER. Let me know if you have attended any fun holiday gatherings over the past few weeks. Do you have any favorite recipes, drinks, or outfits you'd like to share?

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, merry, merry & toodles!

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 

fyi - the illustrations are by inslee, one of my favorite illustrators. 

AND, there are still a couple of days before Christmas...plenty of time for a party! See the playlist below for your perfect party tunes, in case this list didn't suffice earlier this month :) 

(via)

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nutcracker decor

"The nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood stories. Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale..." - The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Sometimes it's nice to see more "homey" images on the blog. Not that these homes aren't attractive...but let's be real people, how many homes are really ready for Architectural Digest every day? It's good to take a break from the Pinterest perfection every now and then :)

Take a look at some of these images to help getting you in the holiday spirit! We have a couple of nutcrackers over our mantle. Do you have any decorating your home?

During this time of the year, The Nutcracker is a popular production. I used to go to the Nutcracker Luncheon as a young girl, but it has been years since I have seen the show. I often forget the actual story of the Nutcracker (originally called The Nutcracker and the King of Mice), so I think it can be helpful to getting a little recap. See the Nutcracker Ballet summary of the story. 

Wishing you Christmas Eve dreams of sugar plum fairies...

Toodles!

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holiday orange + peacock

One of my clients is a real estate firm in Cincinnati. Each week I am responsible for managing the firm's Pinterest page; it just might be one of my favorite projects. In addition to uploading the new listings, I update the "interior decor" boards. Since it is the holiday season, I created a new board filled with some of my favorite Christmas decoration ideas for the home. 

Last week I came across this divine home from Veranda magazine. No longer does Christmas call for red and green, or even blue, silver, and gold...instead orange is the color of the holiday season! The color isn't the only change for holiday homes, it's time to revamp the animals as well. Even more exotic than the traditional reindeer, decorators are headed to the warmer climate and to welcome the peacock as the new animal of Christmas. Throw it all together with your favorite fruits and voila! 

What do you think of this beautiful home?

Have a fabulous week, toodles!

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Holiday Gala

Although I don't have any grand and glorious plans for the weekend, a girl can dream! I'd love to be playing dress up in this outfit....and I don't think I am the only who will be sharing the dream. How beautiful is this ensemble?! A glamorous party skirt, festive shoes, and plenty of pizazz. 

I have probably far more taffeta party skirts than the average person needs to have...pink, black, gold...but I think it's such a fabulous way to dress up. 

Create a classic silhouette in a black turtleneck (because baby it IS cold outside)

Add a color pop in the shoes (although Bean Boots are more than chic for getting you there)

Play around with your favorite jewels and accessories. 

What are your favorite pieces to wear during the holidays?

Tibi Simona Full Skirt

Splendid Polo Neck Top - Black

Ralph Lauren Pearl Studs

Miss Selfridge Pearl Collar

Sergio Feretti Clutch With Brooch (Lord & Taylor)

Black Onyx Cocktail Ring

Tory Burch Aria Pump

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Tips on Christmas Tree Decorating

Time to trim the tree!

(via I Heart Grace Kelly tumblr)

Here are tips on how to decorate your tree:

1. When decorating your tree, put on lights first, then garland, and then ornaments.

2. Don't hang all of your ornaments on the tips of the branches. Place other ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree to add depth and interest. 

3. Start by arranging the filler ornaments (like solid colored bulbs) evenly spaced around the tree. You'll need about 20 filler ornaments for every 2 feet of Christmas tree. 

4. Plan to use 10 special ornaments for every 2 feet, mixing them amongst the filler ornaments.

5. Choose a theme for your Christmas tree.

6. Too much is a good thing, you can never have too many decorations.

7. Use silk flowers or ribbons to add color, place them evenly around the tree, inside and outside of branches.

8. Make new ornaments to represent family heirlooms or add jewels to an ornament for a bit of sparkle. 

9. String your own garland with florals, satin or velvet ribbon, popcorn or cranberries.

See more ideas HERE.

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Favorite Holiday Films

Harper's Bazaar shared Andrew Saffir's list of the top 10 holiday films. 

My favorites on the list are: The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and It's a Wonderful Life.

Another one of my ABSOLUTE favorites is Eloise at Christmastime. 

Nothing seems more wonderful than curling up on the sofa with a mug of hot cocoa and a holiday flick, what a perfect way to kick-off the season!

(via)

Andrew Saffir's Top 10:

1. It's A Wonderful Life

2. The Polar Express

3. Bridget Jones's Diary

4. Miracle on 34th Street

5. A Christmas Story

6. Love Actually

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas

8. When Harry Met Sally

9. Elf

10. White Christmas

What are your favorite films to watch during the holiday?

 I'd love to know if you have any recommendations!

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Christmas sounds from Anthropologie

It's time for the Christmas music! Even though some radio stations have been playing holiday music since Halloween, I think the official start of jingle bells begins at the dawning of December. 

See the below playlist for the perfect mix of holiday carols, courtesy of Anthropologie's holiday playlist a couple of years ago. With the perfect blend of old favorites and new hits, this list will appeal to all audiences! 

AND...I think this might be the perfect excuse to throw a holiday cocktail party. In my book, all it takes is a good playlist and a plenty of drinks to go around. Spike the punch and have a champagne Kris Kringle. I am sure the festive spirits and holiday tunes will keep people mingling all night long. 

Time to start rockin' around the Christmas tree, toodles!

(via: Channeling Contessa)

Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
Berlin Symphony Orchestra – Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (Red Baron Remix)

Berlin Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite (Baz Kuts Breaks Mix)
Billy May – Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo (Malibu Remix)

Bing Crosby – Happy Holidays (Beef Wellington Remix)

Bing Crosby – White Christmas (Kaskade Remix)

Cascada – Last Christmas

Cathedral Brass – Joy To The World (Mocean Worker Remix)

Crystal Theory – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 

Crystal Theory – Silent Night

Crystal Theory – Sleigh Ride 

CSSR State Philharmonic Orchestra – Good King Wenceslas (Patrick Krouchian Remix)

Danni Minogue – I’ll Be Home For Christmas 

Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Dean Martin – Baby It’s Cold Outside (tidbit: some people believe it’s a duet with Doris Day but it’s actually his female chorus)

Dean Martin – Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Arp Remix)

Duke Ellington – Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix)

Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby (Alexkid & DJ Sleep Remix)

Ella Fitzgerald – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Ella Fitzgerald – Sleigh Ride (The Latin Project Remix)

Ella Fitzgerald – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

Eurythmics – Winter Wonderland

Fiona Apple – Frosty The Snowman

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 

Johnny Mercer – Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (Q-Burns Abstract Message Remix)

Joe Williams – Jingle Bells (Bombay Dub Oirchestra Remix)

Joe Williams – Kissing by the Mistletoe

Johnny Mercer – Winter Wonderland (Rise Ashen’s Brazilian Beach Mix)

June Christy – The Merriest (Thunderball Mix)

Kay Starr – (Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With The Bag (Thunderball Mix)

Kay Starr – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (STUHR Remix)

Kurt Elling – Cool Yule

Kylie Minogue – Santa Baby

Lenka – All My Bells Are Ringing

Les Brown and His Orchestra – I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Psapp’s Lady Remix)

Louis Armstrong-Velma Middleton – Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Mulato Beat Remix)

Macy Gray – This Christmas (Hang All the Mistletoe)

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You

Meaghan Smith – Silver Bells

Mel Tormé – The Christmas Song (Michael Kessler Open Fire Mix)

Meryn Cadell – The Cat Carol

Mindy Smith – Santa Will Find You

Nancy Wilson – What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve 

Nicole Atkins – Blue Christmas 

Nicole Atkins – The Little Drummer Boy 

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas, Baby

Patti Page – Frosty The Snowman (Rondo Brothers Remix)

Paul McCartney & Wings – Wonderful Christmas Time

Randy Travis – Jingle Bell Rock 

Rekindle – Ice Skating Girl

Rosemary Clooney – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (MNO Remix) 

Nancy Wilson – The Christmas Waltz (AwayTeam Remix)

Powder – Christmas Don’t Be Late (Chipmunk Song)

She & Him – Baby, It’s Cold Outside

She & Him – Christmas Wish

She & Him – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 

She & Him – Sleigh Ride

Tegan and Sara – The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)

The Andrews Sisters – Winter Wonderland

The Drifters – White Christmas

The Puppini Sisters – Mele Kalikimaka

The Puppini Sisters – Santa Baby

The Puppini Sisters – Step Into Christmas

The Roches – Deck The Halls

The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) 

Twisted Sister – Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Vince Guaraldi Trio – Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)

Vince Guaraldi Trio – Christmas Time Is Here (Markus Enoshson Remix) 

Vic Damone – Winter Wonderland (Future Loop Foundation Remix)

Wham! – Last Christmas

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A Thanksgiving Playlist

Well, isn't this just wonderful?! I adore this playlist that I came across on the lovely Pinterest...my little pinned it! I am not a culinary queen, but I can be the queen of a playlist every once in awhile. And this is just the bee's knees...or should I say turkey's feathers!

We won't be cooking this year, instead we'll be spending Thanksgiving in DC with my dad's family. Everyone will get a break from the kitchen, as we are planning to celebrate at the University Club. Perhaps a hostess might be reading this and gain some inspiration for the perfect background music!

This week marks my third year blogging, my how time flies!

I am so grateful today for my family, friends, and readers ...

From my thankful and appreciative heart, to all of yours. 

Happy Thanksgiving holiday!!

(via)

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oscar de la renta for kids

Would anyone like to donate to the fund for Clare Whitaker's future family? As beautiful as Oscar de la Renta's red carpet gowns might be...I think I am far more obsessed with his child wear. Below are an assortment of pieces from his Fall/Winter 2013 collections. Aren't they just ADORABLE? These images remind me of the children I saw running around Seville, Spain during Semana Santa. Everyone, no matter if you were two or sixty, was dressed to impress. I guess I understand a bit more why they are facing such economic peril, they spend their money on their wardrobes. From a closet-expander herself, I think there could be far worse ways to spend your money :) 

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Accepting donations for Twirling Clare's offspring now, toodles!

(via Neiman Marcus lookbook)

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