wrap it up! [2012]

With only one day left to Christmas shop, I figured a little wrapping inspiration might help get you through the heaps of goodies to wrap up and get under the tree. Wrapping presents up is always one of my favorite parts of the season.

[amazing porcelain initial tags that will become ornaments from Anthrologie's collection this year]

[ornaments made for miniature trees make a great addition to little presents] 

[vintage ornament attachments for those you know are bound to appreciate them]

[I love these kraft paper boxes with wood print and polka dots that I scored from Target's dollar section this year!]

[tie it all together with holiday yarn, candy canes, a kraft paper tag and a jingle bell]

all it takes is:

scissors and tape...of course

some solid wrapping paper, some craft paper, & some classic (usually for the kiddos)

boxes if better suited

bakers' twine and/or holiday inspired yarn

a variety of tags & a pen

candy canes, vintage ornaments, bells, etc. etc. to personalize things a bit

a peak into my gift wrap from last year

five: holiday makers

This time of year there are so many things that make the season what it is; an amazing celebration of life and love, joy and hope. Here are five things that made me happy just to be experiencing the season for another year. (The last year before I experience it with a little one in tow mind you...yay!) 

[my favorite stop of the day: Two Guns for a flat white // a Christmas manicure a la Revlon "Posh" and Deborah Lippmann "Happy Birthday"]

[homemade brownie with peppermint ice cream]

[a wooden Santa from Olvera Street and our first Christmas together and a glass orb find from our holiday road trip last year]

[beautiful Christmas cards...I'm like a little kid running to the mailbox everyday to see what's arrived]

best [christmas] movies

I'm very excited to go see It's a Wonderful Life tonight for an ArcLight Presentation with my mom, sister, aunt, and two cousins. Not only is the ArcLight super enjoyable (assigned seating in cozy seats, better concessions, a cocktail and coffee bar, etc. etc.) but to see a classic holiday movie on the big screen...yay!

With Christmas 6 days away you must have lots of wrapping left to do so here is a list of movies that you can put on, grab a glass of hot cider, and sit amongst the glow of your tree while you relish in this amazing season.

When I was younger I loved watching...

Home Alone

The Santa Clause

A Christmas Story

Frosty the Snowman

It's A Wonderful Life

Miracle on 34th Street

A Charlie Brown Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Since they came out, I've loved watching...

Elf

the Holiday
(watched it last night with a brownie straight from the oven with seasonal peppermint ice cream on top!) 

Love Actually

the Family Stone

Enjoy!

Check out the gift guides below if you've missed them. 

merry, merry, merry

I can't believe it is Friday December 23rd already! Christmas is so close and so is a little break I'll be taking from the blog world & the real life job. I am happy happy happy to be heading out of town for a few days after Christmas on a mini road trip up the coast of California. We'll be doing a lot of driving, a little wine tasting, some relaxing, people watching and exploring and we'll end up at the Bacara Resort (one of my favorite places) in Santa Barbara for NYE. I can't help but be forever grateful to the gifts that have been given since I started this blog in June. So much love and so much support have come from all of you reaching out during the last few months of hard times for me. I honestly LOVE you all for it!

If you need a bit more holiday: 

my wish list and gift guides

wrapping ideas

our home tour

awesome outfits all planned out

a holiday clip to make you laugh

and one that might make you cry

something yummy to eat

and, lastly, something amazing to listen to

I hope that your Christmas is all that you want it to be and that your New Year's celebration is just a mere reflection of the blessed year to come. Cheers to 2012, fresh starts, and a fresh new season of life.

xo,
Chanel

christmas about our house

Wowza! Only 3 days until Christmas!

 I am super happy to be guest posting over at Across the Pond today. My dear friend Megan is doing a series about "firsts" so if you want in on the hilarity of it all check it out. But first...our holiday home! And, if you are joining me from Across the Pond, WELCOME! I'm so glad that you're here. Make yourself comfy and stay awhile. 

I always think it is so fun to see houses around the holidays. Some people can't seem to help themselves and buy everything that lights up, glows, sparkles or says "Tis the Season" to put all around their lawns and their homes. Other decorate hardly at all. Some people have a new theme every year. Always challenging themselves to come up with something new, something different, something that could rival the windows down 5th Avenue. Others stick to the same year after year. This year I was so excited to decorate our new place. Actually having a mantle...yippee! I brought in the standard favorites and added some new things too. 

Welcome to Christmas around our house! Come on in...

Every year I play with the idea of having an all white and glittering Christmas but the truth of the matter is that I can never get away from the ornaments I've had since I was a kid, some passed down through the family. The vintage garlands, felted tree skirts, and nativities as old as me all mean too much to me. I love the look and feel of the nostalgic Christmas we have at our house. 

Trimmed tree...

[from our first Christmas together and a trip to Olvera Street]

[an ornament I gave to KC for our second Christmas]

[ornaments from when I was a baby]

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...

[my DIY "JOY" sign]

My white and glittering table top...

[a mix of live trees, vintage trees, mercury glass and glittered ornaments]

[a classic wooden nutcracker, a German glittered star and a vintage bulb ornament]

[mercury glass, silver bulbs, and winter berry branches]

[peppermint treats abound]

Our halls are fully decked and we are loving it!

If you want to check out some gift ideas (for you last minute shoppers):
my wish list
(which will also link you up to all my other gift guides)

Happy shopping, happy gifting, happy holiday!

things to look forward to...

[artwork and layout for by way of ney]