Holidays now and then...

We are packing our bags and heading north to see my family to celebrate an Early Christmas. I am so anxious to see my parents and brother, and to also see Julian's delight in all that Christmas has to offer. He's already enamored with the tree and the lights outside. We get a daily dose of "ooohs" and "aaahhhhs" out of his sweet little mouth. It's priceless! Thank God for video cameras!

So, before I go, I am going to leave you with some of my memories from the past...there are some doozies, so be prepared. I only included one "awkward" photo. I couldn't bear to put any more on here...

My brother and I...probably 1980? I was 3 he was 8

I appreciate 2 things in this picture. 1. the front bangs and dress are pretty cute. And, I love that there is a glass of wine in front of me. Ha! I believe it is sparkling apple juice, geez...did you really think my parents would let me drink?

oh yes, the permed hair and Shane looks straight out of 16 candles in that jacket. For those of you who didn't grow up in Minnesota, the Dayton-Hudson Santa Bear was a BIG hit.

Shane and I Christmas day at Granny's in North Dakota. I always got into Granny's nail polish, as you can see.

Apparently I found it necessary to get decked out for Christmas. I am dying...I believe this is Granny's nightgown, fur stole and I am kind of loving that skinny metallic belt. See, I loved to Accessorize even then!

Fast forward a few years to 1995 (I was 18). My  mom does killer packages...so creative she is...

My family Christmas 2007

Christmas 2007-Shane and my husband Jonathan play bartender. This photo is hilarious...

It is SO HARD to believe that last year my little peanut looked like this! He was only 3 1/2 months old. Wow!

See you all in a week!!!

A diamond in the rough...

As I have talked about before, I am a frequent Target shopper. I am there probably once a week. Stocking up on baby stuff, paper towels, and other products that add up to $80 before you know it! I always do a run-through the ladies department, but as of late I have not found anything good. UNTIL last week. 


Tucked in the corner in the Juniors section was the most darling skirt. It is the palest pink you have ever seen...almost as light as a ballet slipper. It has a black elastic band and layers of small ruffles. Best part, this skirt is $16.99. To my dismay there were none left in my size...only XL's. Well, let me tell you I was DETERMINED to get this skirt. So, after multiple trips (in one week) just to see if one would show up, FINALLY my size was there! I promptly whisked it away and threw it in my cart! The skirt was mine!

I tried to find a link to it on Target's sight, but it is not available! You will have to check your local Target store. Sorry!

When I got it home and tried it on it made me even more happy! The fit is great and it hit right above the knee( a very flattering length) The color is great for spring with an open toe shoe, and for winter it will look fabulous with black opaque tights and my favorite bow shoes or slouchy boots. This is going to be my Holiday outfit, and I can't wait to wear it. Here is how I am going to accessorize it!

Suede platforms with grosgrain ribbon: Poetic License (2 years old...no longer available but there are some other great styles HERE)

Pale Pink Snakeskin Escada Bag (sorry...another old piece that is no longer available! It was the first gift from my husband 8 years ago)

Vintage Steuben Glass Strawberry Pendant

Forever 21 Laser Cut Earrings-something similar HERE

The top has not been decided yet, but, I will most likely be pairing it with this great Theory Short Sleeve Turtleneck top...

$75 at Neiman's

Green with Envy...

O.k. Ms Wearstler, you have sealed the deal. You are my #1 girl crush. Her recent spread in Town & Country's January 2010 issue is absolutely beautiful.

I became familiar with Kelly Wearstler after she was a host on Bravo's top Design show. I had never heard of her...despite her amazing design work and many accolades. When I saw her I was like who is this stunning woman, with beautiful cat-like eyes, a tiny bit of attitude and insane style? She always had on these crazy hats, even crazier hair and un-believable outfits (in a good way!). From there I started to see her pop up everywhere. She has been mentioned in almost every fashion magazine as well as interior design publications.

Kelly is known for " re-instating the Hollywood Regency style of decor, and is known for her bold use of color, texture and pattern", as mentioned in the Town & Country article. I personally love how she doesn't ever stay within the "box". She is never safe and she is setting the trends for the future. I myself would like to be more bold like she is...I guess that will be a good New Years resolution! She is a mother of 2 boys and is married to the owner of the Viceroy Hotel chain, Brad Korzen. Kelly also did the interiors for the Viceroy hotels...you can only imagine how chic they are...

Viceroy Miami

Kelly just came out with a fabulous new book called "HUE"...apropriately named, since she is so amazing with color in her design work! I wouldn't mind this in my stocking, Santa.

I heart Home Goods

My dear friend Amy of "The Huntress Lives" and my other friend Jennifer have both mentioned to me that I NEEDED to go to Home Goods. If you don't know what Home Goods is, it is Marshall's home store that is FULL of fabulous home stuff...anything from decorative, to kitchen stuff, rugs, bathroom accessories, you name it! Both of these girls have amazing taste, so I finally decided to head their advice and check it out.

My mom and I went and when I walked in it was just about as exciting as an H&M shopping trip. They had so many great things and the prices were unreal. They had these amazing Chinese Pedestal stools (that I have been dying to get) for $30 a piece! I decided to hold off on them until I know exactly where I would put them, but I did make a few other great purchases that I would love to share!

I had gone there with a plan to find some accessories for my coffee table. I found this adorable ceramic Fu Dog for $13

This great little sparkly Christmas tree for my Demilune...$7

and lastly I was looking for a tray for my bathroom and some pretty little things to put cotton balls and q-tips in. I found this tray in the Kitchen section for $10, the pretty cup was $5 and the little jewelry box that I now use for cotton balls was $4!!! The pretty white bud vase was from Crate and Barrell for $7

I can't wait to go back and see what I can find on my next trip!

Rock & Republic & Chanel...isn't that an oxymoron?

Ok, I am usually not one to VENT on my blog...but I guess there is a first for everything, right?  My husband gets the Wall Street Journal. It's a fabulous publication that I rarely take the time to read, but today he handed it to me and said..." you may want to read this article about the president of Rock and Republic and how she is, I quote "Coco Chanel's Biggest Fan".  I thought, ok, interesting...don't quite see the connection but I will check it out.

Andrea Bernholtz picture courtesy of WSJ

It goes on to talk about how Andrea Bernholtz (president of Rock & Republic) is Chanel's BIGGEST FAN.  Andrea has entire guest suite decorated in Chanel, which includes a home gym with Chanel bags hung next to her gym equipment and enormous framed posters of Chanel images. She collects different Chanel paraphernalia all over the world, and even dressed as Coco for Halloween. To top that off she chose the interior of her Bentley because it reminded her of the Chanel quilted bags (do you feel like you want to Barf yet?)

The thing that bothered me most about this article is how Andrea seems to find a connection between her ultra trendy and blinged out denim line and the ever classic Chanel.  She goes on to say "She (Coco) was versatile and traditional and timeless all at once. "I want our brand to be like that-one that a grand-mother, a mother and a daughter can all walk in and find something that they like." For real Andrea? I don't quite see my mother or grandmother wearing low-rise, acid washed jeans named "skinny bitch" like this one pictured below...

Since I was very young I have always loved the simplicity and classic chic that Chanel has to offer. It really angers me that a line like this, that is so completely opposite of what Coco did, tries to claim to be on the same level. Bottom line, would you ever see Chanel at T.J. Maxx? I don't think so.

So Wall Street Journal, the next time you want to bring Fashion into your great publication, you may want to consider the content. This article made me disgusted and embarrassed. Just because someone can afford all that Chanel has to offer, does not mean they they are the next Coco.

I have been very good this year...my wish list 09

I want to start off by saying that I don't NEED anything for Christmas. But, what girl doesn't have some wants?! My husband keeps asking me what it is that I WANT for Christmas...well...a fabulous new camera (Nikon D80 maybe?) and the classic Louis Speedy are on the top of the list. But those are major splurges. I have plenty of other "little" things that I certainly wouldn't mind if they were in my stocking this year.

First things first...now that it is cold, I am desperate for a good at home workout. My dear friend SWEARS by Tracy Anderson's videos. Tracy is the one that keeps Madonna and Gwyneth's bodies in tip-top shape. I mean, come on, Madonna is ridiculous and as you can see, Tracy isn't so shabby either. So, I am asking for the cardio and the mat DVD's. She also makes a post-prego video that's supposed to be awesome!

$26.95 on Amazon

My husband has purchased me pieces by Miguel Ases before, and I adore each and every one of them. These earrings would not disappoint!

Cat's Eye Earrings $275

I have some big silver aviators, but I have always been in love with the Ray Ban gold framed aviator with green tinted lenses...

Ray Ban Caravan $119

I despise Ugg boots, but when you are running around in the winter you don't want to ruin your good leather boots. I think the original Hunter Wellington Boots would be a great option for Kansas City. We don't get the cold, but we get the snow and slush!

$115 Shopbop.com

I am a bit of a fragrance whore. My husband introduced me to Creed fragrances and it was all downhill from there. Bond No.9 Fragrances are right up there for me with Creed. They have 39 amazing scents that are unique and lack that "alcohol" smell that you find in most perfume. All of their scents are named after a NYC street or neighborhood. My current favorite is Fashion Avenue...with notes of Mimosa, Ylang Ylang and Black Currant. It is light and fresh, with just a touch of floral

50 ML-$140 100ML $205

I really love fabulous candles. Tocca makes 2 intoxicating scents that I have always loved. Cleopatra is a mix of grapefruit and cucumber and Stella is scented with Blood Orange.

$36 on Beauty.com

I don't really wear too many things out...but these pajamas by Pinecone Hill are so fabulous that I wore them until they were so thin that they tore!!!! I finally had to toss them in the garbage after 4 years, it was like parting with a baby blanket. They don't look so glamourous, but let me tell you they are like wearing 800 thread count sheets. no lie!  I wouldn't mind a replacement set...

Kaftan Pajamas $64

A big blog crush...Bloesem Kids

I have many daily blog reads, but I have to say Bloesem Kids is one that always blows me away. The author, Irene, was born in Amsterdam, but currently lives in Kuala Lumpur with her husband and 2 sons. She has an impeccable eye for beautiful things, she has the most fabulous craft ideas for kids, and her posts are always innovative and fun to read. Being that she is overseas, she also has a whole new realm of resources that we don't have here! There is no doubt in  my mind that once you start following Bloesem Kids, you will fall in love too...

Love this Craft project...Okra used as stampers to make handmade ornaments

Gorgeous Mom & Baby gift...pacifier clip and necklace for mom

Beautiful items from Binth...because of this post I was able to find my friend a fabulous piece of artwork for her modern nursery!