A toast to the host!

In preparation for New Years I've been looking for some cute champagne flutes and I found the perfect pair, which will someday end up on my wedding registry given their price tag ; ) Of course, I've also found some other items that you can't go without, such as these cute wine bottle holders that make a perfect gift for the host of the party!

From top to bottom:

Swarovski Champagne Flutes: $390

Swarovski Crystaline Bottle Stopper: $130

Wine bottle holder: $14

Champagne Bucket: $299

Desktop Decoration

For Christmas I received an amazing vanity for my bedroom and so I've been in decorating mode ever since. As soon as I get back I'm going to be re-organizing my desk area and vanity. I've found some absolutely wonderful additions and can't wait to get started!

From top to bottom:

Penguin Clothbound Classics

Urban Outfitters Feather Dish $18

Crystal Pencils $7

Brocade Magazine File $24

Sex And The City II

The Sex And The City II Trailer is officially out. I have mixed feelings on the first movie but I'll always love the girls! My friends and I still fight over who we're most like and nothing beats a glass of wine, some popcorn, and watching old episodes! We'll just have to wait and see how the second movie is. Cheers!

There's no place like home for the holidays!

{It snowed again this morning}

{Penny looking at the snowflakes}

I took the polar express {acela haha} train home last night and today was filled with wrapping and baking with the family in preparation for Christmas! I made these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies from Martha Stewart earlier and the house has smelled delicious all morning. See below for the recipe and have a wonderful Christmas. I'll be back on monday! Happy Holidays!

• 
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 ounces (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 8 large candy canes or 30 peppermint candies, crushed
• 2 pounds white chocolate, coarsely chopped

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium-low, and add egg, then yolk, beating well after each addition. Beat in peppermint extract. Slowly add flour mixture, and beat until just incorporated. Shape dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
2. Roll out 1 disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out circles, and place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Roll and cut scraps once. Freeze cookies until firm, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining disk.
3. Bake until cookies are dry to the touch, about 12 minutes. Transfer parchment, with cookies, to wire racks, and let cool. (Undecorated cookies will keep, covered, for up to 3 days.)
4. Sift crushed candy, and separate larger pieces from dust, reserving both. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Remove from heat. Dunk cookies into melted chocolate. Using a fork, turn to coat, let excess drip off, and gently scrape bottom against edge of bowl. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of either candy pieces or dust on top. Repeat, sprinkling half the cookies with pieces and the rest with dust. Refrigerate until set, up to 3 hours. Decorated cookies are best served the same day.

White Out

The snow and cold weather have got me thinking white, warm, and cozy!

From top to bottom:

West Elm Organic Cotton Knit Throw $39

J. Crew Wool Ballet Slippers $54

J. Crew Wool Knit Mittens $32

Ugg Australia Knit Boots $162

American Eagle Sweater Jacket $50

City Lights and Outdoor Markets

I stopped by the Holiday Market at Union Square on my way home from work and found some great last minute gifts! Such a beautiful sight with all the lights and snow. It put me in a very festive mood. If you are in the city be sure to stop by and grab some fresh cider and donuts. Mmmm, well worth the trip!

Cly Creation

My roommate booked her wedding photographer today and I'm so happy for her! She asked for my help a little while back and I've been giving her my recommendations but secretly hoping she would choose Cly Creation and she did! I love their eye for candid moments and their soft focus is just beautiful. One more check on her list and up next I need to design her wedding invitations! Work work work.

Natalie

I almost didn't even recognize her at first but Natalie Portman looks divine! Check out her interview with Marie Claire. Definitely a fan.

Snowed In

The weekend started out with plans for a holiday party but despite our valiant effort to overcome the snow we only made it three blocks before we surrendered and head back home. We did however, make a tasty Bourbon Punch which we enjoyed in the comfort of the living room! Though we weren't able to share it with everyone at the party, the recipe is below. It's quick and easy and will surely warm you up!

Bourbon Punch Recipe:

4 cups ginger-ale

3 cups orange juice

2 1/2 cups bourbon

1 cup limeade

Add ice, mix and enjoy!

Water Taxi

I pasted together my view when taking the water taxi from work in Brooklyn back home to 34th street. The NYC skyline is spectacular and the view never gets old!

Baby its cold outside

It is officially winter! I've been in denial since November but when I checked my Feather Report this morning it was clear that I'd be wearing my giant puffy coat today and looking like the Michelin tire man. I am always envious of girls who manage to look remarkable in 18-degree weather and decided to post some winter wardrobe pieces that may help to deflate those puffy coat blues.

p.s. can you tell I like stripes!

From top to bottom:

Betsey Johnson Ski Bunny Socks $30

Urban Outfitters Ice Skater Coat $138

Banana Republic Cashmere Gloves $60

Steve Madden Tubey Scarf $34

Steve Madden Beret $22

Denim Therapy

If you've ever had a pair of jeans that you absolutely love and have worn so many times that they are getting holes in bad places, then you'll be just as thrilled as I was to find this! Denim Therapy repairs rips, tears, holes, hems, zippers—you name it. Excellent!

I can't get enough of...sequins!

There is no better time to put on a sparkly dress than around the holidays. I’m loving all the fashions adorned with sequins. A sparkly top paired with a flirty skirt, tights and heeled booties—you can’t go wrong. Bring on the sparkle!

From top to bottom:

Santi Sequin Disco Bag $155

Juicy Couture Heart Headband $55

Rebecca Taylor Jeweled Booties $395

BCBG Silk Chiffon Dress with Sequin $498

Rock & Redemption Crystal Crown Ring $80

Home Improvement

I’ve been slowly tackling projects around the house in an attempt to spruce things up. My latest project was inspired by an image that I found a while back and have had stored in my inspiration folder. I recently came upon it while looking for some clip art and decided to re-paint my extremely boring desk. I’ve just started but its already coming out just as I’d hoped. See my how-to below. Finished pics will be posted as soon as I’m done!

My inspiration was this beautifully painted wood floor shown above. What a fabulous idea!

And here is my desk mid-paint job. I think its coming out quite lovely so far.

How to: Stencil Relief

1. Print out a design of your choice on thick card stock
2. Using an x-acto knife, cut out the design to create a stencil
3. Place the cut-outs in desired location and tape down (I used paint tape to keep mine in place)
4. Dab paint over stencil with a brush or sponge
5. Let dry, then peel up stencil to reveal the stencil relief

Inspiration: Peacock

My latest obsession is Peacocks. They seem to be popping up everywhere and I can’t get enough! I love their graphic nature and lush colors. They add a simple yet vibrant touch to both fashion and home décor. Here are some peacock inspired items that I love.

I swiped up this peacock snow globe from West Elm the minute I laid eyes on it!

From top to bottom:

Anthropologie Peacock Dinnerware $14

Feather Headband on Etsy $26

Feather Necklace $12

Penelope Silk Dress $385

Peacock Print $20