The Christmas Decor Tag!

I started collecting Nutcrackers last year. I have two of these beauties which were my first and still are my favorite. 

Some of the ladies I follow on YouTube were doing this tag, so I thought I'd join in on the festivities. One of these days I will get around to going full-speed with my own YouTube channel but until then, I'll settle for right here on my blog.


1. When do you start decorating for Christmas?

After Thanksgiving. Black Friday weekend. But I keep an eye out for pieces all year long.

2. What style do you decorate your home for the holidays?

I'm very traditional when it comes to holiday decor. I will throw in a trend here or there but I prefer classic color schemes and themes. I enjoy vintage items mixed with newer finds that will still hold its charm for decades to come.

3. Favorite family Christmas tradition?

We always had a big party on Christmas Eve when I was growing up. Friends, family, and lots of laughter that always went very late.

4. Favorite place to buy Christmas decor?

Thrift shops/estate sales. I love the thrill of the hunt and finding high-quality pieces for pennies on the dollar. We have a lot of elderly people in Pittsburgh, so the secondary market is full of wonderful vintage and antique selections. As for traditional places, MacKenzie-Childs is my favorite brand to invest into collecting and I always have fun at Home Goods.

5. Favorite Christmas movie?

A Christmas Story and The Family Stone are my absolute favorites but every year I also have to watch Home Alone (love the soundtrack), Christmas Vacation and The Year Without a Santa Claus.

6. Egg Nog, Hot Coco or Apple Cider?

None of the above! I don't like warm beverages. If the cider was chilled, I might give it a try.

7. Do you leave chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies for Santa?

Whatever I have on hand.

8. Artificial tree or real tree?

Artificial for several reasons (mainly I like to leave it up for a couple months) but I'm starting to love the imperfection of a real tree.

9. Favorite holiday dessert to make?

Gingerbread!

10. Favorite type of Christmas cookie?

Gingerbread Men

11. Do you/family open any presents on Christmas Eve?

When we were growing up, we usually were given one from our parents and our extended family also exchanged gifts.

12. Do you decorate your tree yourself?

I have more than one. Yes.

13. Where do you spend Christmas Day?

For many years it was my Aunt Dolly's beautiful house but it varies.

14. Favorite Christmas smell?

A crackling fire.






Now Playing: "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday" by William Bell

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia: Top Selections from Chip and Joanna Gaines' New Collection for Target

I'm late to the Fixer Upper craze. I don't watch very much HGTV, so it wasn't until very recently that I started to binge the show. I kept hearing the name Joanna Gaines all over sites like Pinterest and among my friends who are into home decor. I finally figured out what all the buzz was about and now, I get it. My mind is a bit blown by the fact that it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon. I've always been thrifty and appreciated the art of turning something old and unwanted into something new to be cherished. A lifelong thrifter (I inherited the genes from my parents), over the years I have developed a keen eye for quality craftsmanship. You couldn't pay me to live in a McMansion. While my style isn't a mirror image to Chip and Joanna's preferred, modern farmhouse aesthetic (I'm much more of a traditional eclectic), I can definitely appreciate a ton of what this design power couple has to offer.

Enter their newest collection with retail giant, Target. Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is everything you'd expect from Chip and Joanna Gaines: simplistic pottery, preppy plaids and galvanization galore. It's the quintessential array of products that will easily add a dash of down-home charm to your place. Best of all? The products are all very well-made and affordable. For fans of Fixer Upper and the Magnolia brand made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines, this new collection for Target is sure to impress. Launch date is set for November 5th. While this is a permanent range, these items are sure to sell-out fast and you never know if or how quickly items will be restocked. Here are a few of the items from the collection that I thought stood out to me the most:



Galvanized Container 25 oz Candle 

While I absolutely adore the ambiance that only a candle can provide, when it comes to a jar of wax, I have a difficult time spending more than about $10. One way that I justify spending money on candles is knowing that I can repurpose the container. I have used the jars for holding everything from straws on a bar cart to pens on a desk or makeup brushes on a vanity. If the packaging is cute, the price of the candle is suddenly okay in my book. This galvanized container would be adorable for holiday crafting!



Galvanized Charger with Gold Welding

I love a good charger. I adore anything with a gold accent. These would be spectacular for Christmas dinner. I'm picturing a warm and cozy cabin in the mountains. The fireplace is crackling and the conversation around the table is engaging. I don't have a country house to display these beauties but it's fun to pretend, right?



Stoneware Pitcher

For some reason, black stoneware isn't easily found. This pitcher really sparked my fancy because not only is it black but it's the perfect shade and finish of black (yep, I'm crazy). I also like the contrasting trim on the bottom of the vessel.



Galvanized House Lanterns

Lanterns are definitely in my wheelhouse. I have been a fan for years. These adorable galvanized "houses" would be stunning indoors or on a patio. I envision these filled with candles, Christmas garland, twinkle lights, ornaments...the options are endless.



X-Patterned Glassware Goblet

I get my love of glassware from my Mom who has collected Depression glass since I was a little girl. I have amassed my own collection of beautiful drinkware. This particular design isn't exquisitely crafted like true antiques but the shade of green is dynamite for Christmas or even a St. Patrick's Day tablescape.



Moravian Star Tree Topper

I will forever be grateful to this collection for reminding me of the name of this design! I have been a fan of the MORAVIAN Star (use it in a sentence today!) for many years. Anytime I see an episode of Friends, I find myself lusting after the light fixture in the hallway of Monica's apartment. I have seen similar styles but never remember what to call the actual design. This galvanized Christmas tree topper would pair wonderfully with so many other items in the Hearth & Hand holiday collection. So rustic. So chic.



Stoneware Serving Platter and Plates

This is hands down, my favorite piece in the entire collection! I will absolutely be adding these plates to my shopping cart. Rae Dunn vibes for sure (not exactly cool to blatantly rip off another designer) but these beauties are everything.



Lidded Jar Container 8 oz Candle

Here we have another product that feels familiar. The poor man's Le Labo candle? Don't mind if I do.



Women's Pajama Union Suit Green Plaid

I love green and blue plaids. It takes me back to my optimistic childhood when as a young Irish girl, I thought that someday I'd go to Notre Dame (for the record, I never applied). My Mom always dressed me in these colors to complement my red hair and green eyes. Not only is this pajama absolutely adorable and festive, but it also comes in sizes for everyone in the family.



Round Acacia Wood Cutting Board

There's nothing particularly unique about this design but everyone needs a good wood cutting board. They make excellent hostess gifts (put a bow on it and pair it with some wine and cheese). I also like to use mine for serving appetizers, as a cheese board, or for layering home decor vignettes.



Round Wood and Wire Tray

I have a mild-severe obsession with trays (and boxes while we're on the subject). I adore using them for any and all purposes: displaying perfume, booze, seasonal accents, makeup, bath and body products, candles...the list goes on and on. I am not a minimalist. I have a lot of stuff that I've hoarded collected over the years. Trays are a stylish way to wrangle all of my found objects into a "safe space" in my home. Anything that can diminish being overwhelmed and help you stay organized is always good to have around.


Happy Shopping!










Now Playing: "Won't You Be My Neighbor" by Rachel Lynne
(Yinzplosion! That's a Pittsburgh artist covering the late, great Mister Rogers)

Hocus Pocus Figural Key Chain Blind Bag Opening

Anyone who knows me understands my obsession with the movie Hocus Pocus. I also enjoy a little bit of a surprising thrill every now and then, so this blind bag had my name written all over it. For some reason, the video didn't convert properly to HD and the audio isn't fantastic but it gets the point across. Enjoy and please subscribe to my YouTube channel for future videos. 
Where to buy your own Hocus Pocus key chain:  http://go.magik.ly/ml/7ggj/












Now Playing: "Havana Vieja" by Susto

Fall Feels: 10 Easy DIYs to Try This Halloween

1. Fright Cubes

It doesn't get much easier than this chilling concoction. Add a few creepy crawlers into your ice cube trays to give your drinks a spooky touch. You could opt to add food coloring but I think the black & white contrast packs a solid punch to your punch.

2. The Pampered Skeleton

I love the idea of putting a skeleton in an unexpected place like a bathtub or vanity chair. A few glamorous accessories like costume jewelry and a leopard sleeping mask, and this skeletal lady is looking to die for.

3. Decoupaged Pumpkins

This year I was most eager to decoupage some pumpkins. I had never done it before and I'm officially hooked. I used napkins in a print from one of my favorite brands (MacKenzie-Childs) to create my own affordable version of their iconic pumpkins. Next up, I plan to use some old thrift store copies of horror books to recreate the look pictured above.

4. & Fabric Pumpkins, too!

Pumpkin everything! I love how cozy & cute these pumpkin are! Velvet, cable knit and flannels are some of my favorite fabrics to work with. You could use old shirts, thrift some or buy the material at the craft store. These beautiful decorations are suitable for use from September through Thanksgiving, so they're definitely worth the DIY.

5. Rustic Wreaths

Understated elegance abounds in this easy DIY. A few bats or crows attached to a simple wicker wreath and you've got yourself a spooktacular looking decoration. Tip: Add a few extra black feathers to the wings to give an enhanced look to your project.

6. Skull & Booze

Inspired by the pricey Pottery Barn glasses pictured above, this DIY might take a bit of hunting for its contents but it's well worth the effort. You will need:

• Wine Glasses with a Stem
• Miniature Skeleton Figurines
• Metallic Paint
• Hot Glue Gun

You could also attempt to build the glassware without a stem like the original but I think it would be more challenging to create a base that has stability. 

7. Rocky Horror

This is a fun one for the kids! When I was little, I loved to go on nature walks and hunt for rocks. This adorable "pet rock" ghost family is too cute for words. If you have paint, sharpies or even nail polish on hand, this charming little project is practically free. Very cute to display on your desk or bookshelf.

8. Pillow Talk

If you weren't cursed with terrible cursive, show off your penchant for penmanship with this precious pillow! On a linen pillow, take fabric marker and use your favorite Halloween movie quote, lyric or saying. If freehand isn't your idea of a good time, you could also use a stencil or take your project to a screen printer.

9. 'Wick'-edly Wonderful Candles

A few cheapy dollar store candles, paint and/or sharpie is all you need for these festive votives. I particularly love the Oct. 31st dated variation. If you want to take things up a notch, add washi tape or other decorative touches. The options are endless.

10. Bewitching Baked Goods

I'll be putting together these very easy-to-create goodies for a costume party this weekend. Witchy hats & brooms?! Perfect for Halloween! A few simple ingredients combined and your basic cookies and chocolates are easily transformed into a magical treat!














Now Playing: "My Body's a Zombie For You" by Dead Man's Bones

Bar Cart Styling Essentials

One of my favorite aspects of a stylish home is the bar cart! Maybe it's my Irish roots or the fact that I graduated from WVU, but I love a good drink. Who doesn't? A bar cart can be the perfect way to incorporate more of your own personal style into a space. Here are some of my styling essentials to make your portable party on wheels both glamorous and functional:

• The Bar Cart, Finding the right piece that suits your own taste is crucial. If the classic, vintage brass look isn't to your liking, there are endless possibilities. Using stationary furniture like steamer trunks, end tables or a hutch are wonderful options. Keep in mind that if you find a cart at a thrift store that needs a bit of TLC, a coat of metallic paint can easily bring it back to life.
• Art, A large piece hanging above the bar cart can make a big statement. A gallery wall with smaller prints with fun sayings (Press for Champagne!) and designs is also very stylish. I plan to frame my vintage Hermes Zodiac Scarf and place it above my cart. 
• Alcohol, What would a bar cart be without the booze? Stocking your station with standard liquors and mixers is the proper thing to do but focus on what you and your regular guests truly enjoy. I prefer to always have my favorites on hand: Disaronno Amaretto, Bottles of both Red & White Wine, Champs, Crystal Head Vodka, Rum (Light & Dark), Gin, Whisky, Absinthe, Limoncello, etc... It's worthwhile to keep stronger spirits on hand for shots at the ready. For mixers and garnishes, with the exception of a few prettier items, I prefer to use basics that I tend to keep in the kitchen or stocked out of sight in nearby cabinets. 
• Coasters, I have a thing for coasters. I love "collecting" them from bars and pubs while I travel and also enjoy having them custom made. Ask my sister. I have given her literally thousands of coasters since she moved into her house over 6 years ago. Geode coasters (my fav!) are a fantastic way to add an interesting pop of color and texture to your home. 
• Straws, Paper straws add such a fun decorative touch. I am currently loving my new MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check straws. When my Rewined Champagne Candle was finished burning, I repurposed it as a holder for my straws. I love that it is a recycled wine bottle-turned candle-turned container.
• Accessories, One of my favorite DIY projects that I ever discovered on Pinterest was transforming old trophies into bottle stoppers. Finally a use for those nostalgic pieces we have collecting dust in the attic. A tray is also terrific for sectioning off the cart and keeping objects from looking cluttered. I also love displaying decorative matches for nearby candles. I prefer not to light candles near my alcohol (obviously not a wise move) but I do have them all over the house. I find matchbooks to be synonymous with old world drinking establishments. Very Casablanca. 
• Tools, Must-haves include a stainless steel shaker, ice bucket, tongs, stirrers, flask, cocktail napkins and bottle openers.
• Glassware, I love collecting vintage pieces and having the proper glass for every drink imaginable. I like to only display a few tumbler glasses or champagne flutes on the bar cart at a time with the bulk of my collection being kept elsewhere. This is a nice way to seasonally rotate. If you're a fan of this sort of thing, it's a lot of fun to gradually collect a full set of drinking glasses. Just a few glasses to consider having: Red Wine, White Wine, Champagne, Margarita, Martini, Shot, Highball, Hurricane, Tumbler, Goblet, Snifter, Moscow Mule, Pint (there's so many beer glass varieties), and Absinthe. It's also nice to have a beautiful crystal decanter, if only for the style factor. 
• Books, Of course I have to include a few books. Coffee Table books with the topic of drinks or fashion are optimal for adding height and a bit of variety to the bar cart. Recipe books also come in handy when looking to concoct something new. 
• Lighting, I'm a big fan of the ambiance that lighting creates. Don't underestimate the impact of a small Edison bulb lamp or marquee letter sign (neither option generates enough heat to tamper with alcohol provided that it is not in direct contact). 
• Finishing Touches, I have a thing for blue & white porcelain. A rounded vase filled with your favorite flowers (hydrangea!) creates a feminine vibe. Other found objects or ornamental accents are also wonderful for filling out the bar cart!

Now Playing: "In The Beginning" by Fahrenhaidt 

Pinterest Lately (Fall 2014)

I've always had a soft spot for tufted furniture. When I get my own house, a blue sofa is a must. But lately, I've really been feeling the moss green hues for a library, den or sitting area.

Clogs. Ah. Memories. At my Catholic high school, because of our strict uniform policy, we weren't allowed to wear heels. Clogs were always the go-to loophole. Interesting to see them back in style again.

Not that this mystery plant is exclusive to the South or anything, but I snapped this shot in South Carolina. I believe my neighbors here in Pittsburgh even have some in their yard. I would love to have them as well someday. Anyone out there who can identify this fuzzy bit of fabulous?

Loving tennis style sweaters with a deep v-neck. This particular blogger had the sweater linked, so I was able to find all the details on it. The beauty of the internet.

Thanks to Harper's Bazaar via Pinterest, I discovered the recently launched nail polish brand Smith & Cult. I have my eye on a few of their bottles. Starting after the new year, I'm on a very tight allowance for introducing polishes into my collection but these little beauties might earn their way in.

With a face like that, what wouldn't work? But loving this soft look that adds an unexpected splash of yellow warmth.

I came across this brand on Urban Outfitter's web site. LOVE the name of the line along with their products! Aquarian Soul. Must have! I'm really into body oils but they're not very easy or affordable to come by. Will hopefully report back on this.

A simple touch. Rituals Candle via Barneys online. Again, I'm a sucker for branding, packaging, a good name. Yes, please.

This shot feels... familiar. Very much my type of vibe encompassed in a photograph.

This 1953 Alfa Romeo Bat. Incredible to think that after six decades, such a classic car still retains a feel for the future.

These quotation mark bookends. Could probably DIY for a cheaper alternative. If you know me at all, read my blog or follow me on Pinterest, then it should come as no surprise that I want this in my life. Love quotes. Love books. A marriage made in lit lovers' Heaven.

Enjoying this style of smooth, sparkly pant. I don't wear a lot of traditional heels, so I am having a hard time with the shoe pairings.

Such a classic look. Love my Levi jeans. This outfit reminds me of so many things I've worn over the years- all at various times of my life.

These vintage Balenciaga booties are phenomenal. Would love to own a pair like this!

Made me laugh! Reminds me of someone but I just can't think of who ;)

Need a couch like this in my home someday! How perfect would this be for a media room or other loungy type of space?!

This shot of Lily Aldridge channeling Jane Birkin is otherworldly. She's so naturally beautiful but with a bit of glam it makes her all the more fun to admire.

Fornasetti. Inspired by this Italian company's touch of style.

I've had my eye on this Anthropologie piece (Codify Pencil Holder). I finally allowed myself to go ahead and get it on Black Friday because it was of course on sale. Back-ordered through the end of March! The struggle is real! I plan to use it for my makeup brushes.

I created this little bit of truth last month. Whenever I liked a song I heard but didn't know its origins, I used to have to listen intently to the lyrics, then Google, only to hope that it was found. I Shazam all day long at work. Pointing my phone up in the air towards speakers is something I've grown accustomed to. People not in the know stare but I don't care! It's worth it! I've discovered so many new artists this way! I don't exactly know how Shazam works and I have no interest in learning. I don't want to ruin the illusion. It's magic and that's all there is to it.

In my free time, I like to watch makeup collections and home tours on YouTube and through blogs like Apartment Therapy and The Selby. Shots like this do way too much for me. I've been consumed by the thought of organizing my own stash!

I put the Roman in romance. Love poetry.















Now Playing: "I Spy" by Mikhael Paskalev
*Thanks to this Hanes commercial, I can't get this song out of my head!

Luxe Living: 2014 Thanksgiving Decor & Style

 A few things I'm thankful for...

-A supportive family. Parents who continue to help me in any way they can. A sister who I love. 

-My pets who bring so much joy into my life.

-A job where I have freedom, fun and friends.

-Transportation. Travel. 

-Memories. 

-My home. The city I live.

-The internet which inspires and guides me every day.

-Health. My own and those around me.

-Optimism...

Last year's Thanksgiving post can be found here.

Now Playing: "To Build A Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra

*I feel like this is a good one for Thanksgiving. I've always lived in a stone house. Really like the sound, lyrics, vocals...