Holiday Mantel

Is it really only November 9th? Anyhow, here in Toronto this weekend the weather should be nice and warm in the teens so we plan to put up our Christmas lights outside without worrying about nose and ears falling off from our heads.

I've also started to get the inside of the house ready for holidays. Even I now it's a bit insane to take out the Christmas tree now, so I took a baby step and started with the mantel first.

AM Dolce Vita's Holiday Mantel 2012: it's a work in progress. I am still adding more ornaments and colors to it.

A more close-up picture.

I was determined to DIY again to avoid getting sparkle dust all over my house.

I used Ikea SMYCKA artificial garland which looks like real fir, Strala snowflake light chain which operates on batteries (perfect for me because I hate seeing wires leading to outlet exposed), JULMYS ornament balls and garland.

Next up would be Christmas tree, coffee table and dining table.

So have you done holiday decor at home so far?

Color Me Happy: Teal

I am on Banana Republic's distribution list and yesterday I received a newsletter about the latest color trend Teal. I couldn't take my eyes off the prettiness and richness of the color. Teal is a bluish-green that comes in many shades and hues. It is like a much warmer and more passionate cousin of Blue. I think I might just find another color for the "pop" effect. :)

From centre clock-wise:

1. Natalie Chan Bridesmaid Collection: Natalie is the wife of one of my cousins, and a super talented Kiwi milliner and fashion designer. Check out her design portfolio and online shop at http://www.nataliechan.co.nz/products-page/.

2. OPI "Teal Ski We Drop" nail enamel. Picture by Le Journal de Mademoiselle.

3. Banana Republic's Teal stone layered necklace, a perfect stocking stuffer.

4. Natalie Chan's teal silk rosette.

5. Young House Love's painted built-in in Dragonfly. I think I am going to the dark side for my basement Ikea built-in as well.

6. Banana Republic's BR Sparkle chandelier earring in teal. I am drooling.

7. French teal linen wingback chair from Istdibs.

Have you found a new color that you love lately?

Holiday Porch

I know I know, it's only November 5th, but I am one of those holiday enthusiasts that plunge into the festive decor early on. Following the Indigo stockings I've already put out on our mantle, I started to decorate our front porch. The first up is wreath. When it comes to holiday ornaments, the choices are unlimited these days. Retailers would even organize them by color and theme for ease of shopping. I am all in for the shiny ornaments but the one single major turnoff has been the sparkle dust. It'd appear that 99% of the holiday ornaments these days are dipped in it...argh...imagine it gets on my hands, rugs and everything else in the house.

So I picked up these plain-jane long needle pine wreaths from President's Choice on Sunday and got right to work to glam them up.

This is the after, the wreaths now on my front door. I silver-leafed the pine cones, twigs and added a cluster of small silver ornament balls as a focal point.

This is a more close-up picture. I might add more ornaments to it but for now I am kind of liking the simple and clean look.  

This is a super easy and quick craft project anyone can do at home. Have you done any fun DIY craft projects lately?

Holiday Party Outfit

Despite the winter-like weather, I had a very sweet and heart-warming birthday weekend showered by tons of presents from parents and hubs.

I've been lusting this Yves Saint Laurent ChYc Clutch for a while, but unfortunately they were sold out at most retailers. I didn't buy them early enough largely because I couldn't decide whether I wasn't going to fork out $700 for a clutch that I would only use occasionally. Somehow my mom was able to track down one and she probably went through hoops to get her friends in the US to help, so this landed in my hand on Friday. I love the timeless look!

The YSL ChYc Leather Clutch in Black

And there must be some conspiracy going on between my parents and Anthony, or it was a mere coincidence. Hubs also gave me something formal for party use -- The Swarovski Swain Necklace...I could barely keep my eyes open from the sparkles. :)

With the holiday party season fast approaching, I thought I'd quickly put together a party outfit starting with my Theory Kelon LBD. The blue pumps are Christian Louboutin Pigalle.
Hope you all enjoyed the weekend and have a great working week ahead.

 

 



In the Mail Today

TGIF! It seems like an extra long week with the chaos and damages Hurricane Sandy has caused along the east coast. I hope you and your loved ones have been staying safe.

I am one of those enthusiasts that as soon as we take down the Halloween decorations on November 1st, I am off to put up the Christmas tree and jump right into the holiday spirit. This year is no exception.

I am yet to decorate the Christmas mantle but for now I will share with you what I got in the mail yesterday -- Winter White Snowflake Stockings by Indigo. Aren't they pretty? I like them so much that I "forward-buy" a third one for you-know-who down the road. :)

The stocking hangers are from Martha Stewart's holiday collection via Home Depot.

Today I am also one year old (and hopefully wiser). And because this is my year, this weekend is packed with celebrations starting with a lunch/afternoon tea at the Royal York's Library Bar.

Image via

 

Then off to one of my favourite places Art Gallery of Ontario to see the Frida & Diego Joint Exhibition. 

 Finish the day at one of my favourite Italian restaurants Terroni. I like their wine menu.

Hope you all have a great weekend too, and enjoy the extra hour of beauty sleep.