{Life Lately}

 {pretty ornaments}

 {cocktails}

{catching up with my wonderful sister and best friend}

 {a hearty breakfast}

 {Trevor's family Christmas tree}

 {cookie decorating}

 {Granny's Christmas decorations}

 {fabulous stocking stuffers from my amazing mother}

 {my new years dress} (I think)

 {perfect lazy day}

 {browsing Restoration Hardware with my madre}

{quick stop for a beer at Onion Creek in The Heights with madre}

Thanks for sticking with me through this last week of me being a bad blogger! The break has certainly gotten the best of me. Lots of food, wine, daydreaming, friends, and family. I'm sad that it's coming to an end, but also excited to start a new quarter and keep moving forward with a great new year. I have a few aspirations scoped out for 2012 (mostly in accordance with my 25 before 25 list) which I'll update all of you on very soon. For now, I'm going to finish my glass of wine and hit the hay. All this wining and dining has worn me out ;).

 I hope you all had a beautiful holiday. Thanks so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

{ Christmastime is here }

The craze of the holidays has officially commenced. I'm heading over to my aunt and cousin's house today to help prepare for Christmas Eve festivities and fit in some last minute christmas shopping. My trip to Baltimore was wonderful, and I'm already missing Trevor and the wonderful Charm City. I did snap some photos thanks to instagram, so I'll be posting those ASAP. In the meantime, I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season. Thanks for stopping in today :)

lovelovelove.

-C

{ happy weekend }

{why doesn't my hair look like this when it's in a messy bun? no fair.}

I'm off bright and early to catch a flight to Baltimore! I'll be in Charm City until next Wednesday, so pardon me if blog updates are a little scarce until then. I forgot my camera in Cincinnati (doh!) but will be recording my travels via instagram, so be sure to check back!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. It's a busy time of year, but if you find yourself stressing about the holidays or presents or anything of that nature, remind yourself what the holiday season is truly about, take a deep breath, grab a peppermint mocha, and breathe.

Thanks for stopping by, y'all. lovelovelove.

-C

photo source

{ Inspiration for your day }

It's Thursday! Here's what is inspiring me today:

{Imagine working from your desk with a view of the Eiffel Tower}

{Pursue any goal}

{light. textures. patterns.}

{simple is best}

photo 1, 2, 3, 4

Today I'll be doing some Christmas shopping and preparing for my early flight to Baltimore on Friday morning! Lots to do. Thank you all so much for stopping by. I hope your week is going wonderful, and that Thursday brings you smiles and joy <3

lovelovelove.

-C

{ Life Lately}

1. My new copper vase from The Guild Shop ($12.00) and faux fur throw from Target ($23.00)

2. Lunch at The Black Labrador. I love all the ivy.
3. Red Velvet Cupcake from Sprinkles bakery in Houston

I'm back in the great state of Texas until Friday, when I will make a quick trip to Baltimore to see Trevor and his family, long lost friends, my sister, and the charm city I grew up in. Tonight I'm off to a holiday party at Chelsea Wine Bar with my lovely mother and wonderful cousin, Whitney. I can't wait to get a little gussied up, drink some vino, and have some girl talk.

Hope you're all having a wonderful week so far <3. Thank you so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

{ Happy Weekend! }

(I want these jammies)

Happy weekend, everyone! I'm so thrilled to see Friday :). I'm off to work shortly, and then will be grabbing dinner and drinks with a new friend, packing, and getting ready to fly home to Houston in the wee hours of the morning. That doesn't put a damper on my excitement though. I can't wait to see my family. Most especially my mama. I anticipate lots of chocolate truffle making, coffee drinking, runs in the park, furniture browsing, wine, and relaxation. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday. Thank you so much for stopping by. lovelovelove.

-C

All photos from Coffee Stained Cashmere

{ Dreaming of a White Christmas }

My Aunt Patsy always has the most beautiful Christmas Tree. It's a faux tree (which usually goes against everything I believe in, y'all)  but it's flocked with beautiful, soft white snow. Flocked trees are definitely on my radar this year, and when I "grow up", I will definitely plan to have one in my own home. And heres a bonus: you can get REAL trees flocked, too! Perfection.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday. lovelovelove.

-C

source 1, 2, 3, 4

{ Holiday Truths }

The holidays make me awfully reflective. Here are some of my very own Holiday Truths, from my blog to yours:

1. Last year I started thinking about leaving UC and transferring to New York School of Interior Design to study their Basic Design Program. I ended up deciding to stay put because I didn't want to be irrational. But sometimes I wish I would have just done it. 

2. I used to be a lot more fearless. I don't know when that changed. I had no problem taking a year off before college, even when people thought it was strange. But suddenly I don't trust myself to make any decisions or hold up against people's judgements. Maybe that's something that happens when you grow up. Maybe that's something I need to work on. Life was a lot easier when I didn't care so much.

3. I think flower shops are magical.

4. I get tired by 9:30. I'm an old lady.

5. I still believe in Santa Claus.

6. I think I would eat just about anything if it was covered in dark chocolate (within reason, y'all)

7. The beautiful smell of Christmas trees is one of my ultimate simple pleasures.

8. The hot chocolate from Starbucks tickles my throat.

9. I am never ever ever caught up with my laundry. ever.

10. I believe that a hot shower, a good candle, and a glass of wine can make any situation a heck of a lot better.

Thanks for stopping by today, guys. As soon as I finish this 10 page paper due tomorrow, we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming. lovelovelove. 

-C

Photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6