Lighting Love

Last weekend, among our many other holiday errands and chores, Khaner sweetly installed a new dimmer for our dining room. What a difference it makes for ambiance! I am now of course, addicted and want them put in every room. (We are compromising and are only doing the front living room chandelier).

The ceiling fans in our bedrooms are absolutely dated and extremely noisy - I am replacing them all shortly (more to come).

But of course, if I am going to replace the bedroom fixtures, why not also do the hallway? The existing one is a plastic, fake nickel flush mounted fixture that looks like it belongs in a bachelor pad. This, of course, is a grown up, adult home.

I am coveting this beautiful, and might I say, inexpensive piece from Lowes - how lovely is the antique brass and crystal? High enough to not have my 6 '7" husband bump his head, but special and stylish enough for our home.

What types of lighting updates have you done recently?

Wish List

Though I have become more interested in giving than receiving during the holiday season, when my husband asks me for some gift ideas, I can only oblige, right?

Sadly, because of my picky taste, we have gone about 15 months without bedside tables in the master bedroom. Khaner and I actually agreed on these from Pottery Barn, and though they aren't "fun" purchases, I  enjoy things for my home sometimes more than things for myself. Hoping Santa delivers a couple of these this year :)

I have always wondered about this beautiful home and its author - home styling has become my favorite hobby since becoming a homeowner last year, and I am always looking for additional inspiration

Bobbi Brown Sequin Shimmer Brick Eye Palette

Khaner purchased me this about 2 years ago while on a business trip in San Francisco - I  have loved and worn it so much, I am almost out!

This book has become a hot topic among women around me in the workplace and socially with my girlfriends. I am fascinated and inspired by the women in our workforce who continue to pave the path for female professionals to have it all, and not have to always choose between a career and a family.

Bobbi Brown Party Essentials Kit - exclusively at Nordstrom :)

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Nude Glow Shimmer Brick 

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Lip Gloss Trio - ask any of my girlfriends, and they will tell you I hate bright lip colors and like to keep my lips toned down with nude shades.

Tory Burch's new fragrance, inspired by her parents and childhood - I  have a feeling her fragrance will be reflective of her iconic style - classic feminine with a twist.

What is on your wish list for Santa this year?

What I will be most grateful for is time away from the office, days with both our sides of the family, and celebrating a new year with our friends. We are excited to see what 2014 has in store!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you! 

Christmas at Duplin

Like the rest of our culture, I absolutely adore the Christmas holiday and enjoy getting into the spirit of the season. The house feels instantly more cheery with the tree and decorations.

Our tree - nothing makes it feel like Christmas like a fresh tree!

The mantle is still a work in progress - more to come!

One of our friends held a Christmas party last weekend, and had placed their Christmas cards along beautiful ribbon down the doorway - was so inspired I replicated it in our home

You wouldn't believe how long it took me to tie this wreath onto the mirror - arts and crafts are not my strong suit!

Sideboard

Christmastime

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family, one that I didn't document so well. I was lucky enough to see my best friend Kendall when we got home, as she was visiting from her life in St John, USVI.

Though we won't be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home this year, I still want to fill the house with Christmas cheer.

Kendall brought us the most beautiful gifts to get us started- I am so excited to use them this season!

Beautiful Mr. and Mrs. holiday old fashioned glasses with a bottle of gin - K has already put his Gin and glass to good use :)

Kendall took our wedding invitation and curled the words into strips and placed in a beautiful ornament with ribbon and hook - we will cherish this forever

Surprise 30th

For Natalie's 30th birthday, her sweet parents hosted a beautiful party at Caffe Luna. I was tasked with getting her to the restaurant without her finding out!

Happy Birthday, Natalie!

Birthday girl and K

Me, Natalie and Sarah

30, Flirty and Fabulous!

Europe 2013

I was lucky enough to tag along with K for a business trip last month in Spain. He was sweet enough to add on Paris as an extra long weekend, and we naturally adored every second of the trip!

The beginning of La Rambla - marked by Christopher Columbus pointing East

The harbor at the end of La Rambla - Ritz Carlton is tall building towards left

At my favorite Tapas restaurant

Barcelona at night

Europe is not complete without a gelato stop

Drinks at the W

Christopher Columbus

I loved all the beautiful architecture

Lunch stop

First day in Paris - lunch on a bench along Boulevard Raspail

Entrance to Luxembourg Gardens

Perfect fall day to visit Paris

My tour guide and human GPS :)

Chocolatier we found in St Germain

Notre Dame

Cocktail hour at Le Select before dinner

The BEST dinner we had in Paris - if you are ever in Paris, La Coupole is a must

The friendly wait staff 

We walked and walked and walked forever, and then we turned a corner, and found it!

Blurry but Paris at night

Breakfast at our hotel, Saint Gregorie

Day 2

Outside the Louvre

From boat taxi

My mom's favorite bridge in Paris - the Pont Alexander III

From the second tier of the Eiffel Tower

Beautiful view

Napoleon's Tomb

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, overlooking the Champs Elysses

Overlooking the Eiffel tower

Crazy display at Louis Vuitton

Dinner at Marco Polo - one of Barefoot Contessa's recommendations

Gate at the Palace of Versailles

Front view of palace

Gardens of Versailles

Beautiful architecture

It only reminded Khaner and I of how much our yard and landscaping was lacking

Loved all the beautiful fountains and statues

Outside the famous Moulin Rouge

The Basilica of the Sacré Cœur

From the top of Montmarte

Last dinner at La Marlotte- delicious restaurant in our hotel's neighborhood

I hope if you do make it to Europe, you pick and choose the "touristy" spots you'd like to see, but also make time for wandering the streets, taking in the people, the architecture and the culture, and appreciating something vastly different and beautiful from what you know.