Fond Memories

I've been crushing on this print for some time now. Reminds me of the humble meals I enjoyed during my semester abroad in Oxford! I imagine that seeing it each morning in our breakfast nook would instantly bring a smile to my face!

image/via

Winter Blues

You may or may not know that winter is my least favorite season. Even though it's not technically winter yet, I think I may be suffering from a mild case of the winter blues. So I've been trying to find ways to cheer myself up by remembering why this season is so great. Here's what I came up with:

*making lots of yummy {and healthy} crock pot meals
*listening to happy Christmas music
*working on fun, cozy projects like sewing and decorating
*sipping hot cocoa in my pretty new mug
*watching holiday faves like Elf and It's a Wonderful Life
*lighting my favorite scented candles
*catching up on funny episodes of The Office

For the most part it's working, but I am still very much longing for the long and lovely days of Spring!

What about you-any suggestions to brighten this gloomy season?

image/via

Warm & Cozy

I've got to say, sipping my hot tea has been so much more pleasant this week, thanks to this lovely little gift from my mom! The limited edition tumbler features a Jonathan Adler design and is every bit as functional as it is beautiful! Plus, for every one sold, $1 goes toward Starbucks RED campaign.

image/via

Holiday Hues

Can I let you in on a little secret? Okay, here goes-my last pedicure was on September 18th! I guess with a hectic schedule as of late, my feet have gotten the major shaft. Poor little guys!

But with the holidays quickly approaching, the time has come to remedy the situation. And what better way to ring in the Christmas season than with OPI's new Burlesque collection? I am in love with these smoldering new hues, inspired by the new film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.

Psst-I think this little set would also make a lovely stocking stuffer!

image/via

Because I Owe It To You

This weekend consisted of projects around the house! Mostly little things that have been piling up, just waiting for a full weekend to accomplish them. It finally feels like everything is coming together-a great feeling I might add. And because I've been promising you pictures for some time now, I thought I would share a few of the house along with some of our Christmas decor!

And because this week is mapped out with several other projects, more sneak peeks shouldn't be far behind!

Our mantle all decked out in Christmas cheer!

Our 11 ft. tree!! Still missing its topper, but beautiful nontheless!

The dining room, which as of last night is close to complete!

Some Kitchen details:

Shelf for my most used cookbooks.

And apron holder!

More to come soon!

Nesting

Nesting: It's a Chic Thing

by Ame Mahler Beanland & Emily Miles Terry

Last night I decided to do some reading before bed and picked up this little read. I purchased it on a whim at Goodwill several months ago-it was one of those "I'm at the checkout stand but this looks cute" buys. And I am very glad I did, because even though it's taken me a while to finally skim its pages, it was well worth the $1 I paid!

It's pages are beaming with real, honest-to-goodness advice about nesting and making your home an inviting haven for loved ones. I already love it and I'm only on part 2!

Being a new homeowner and wanting desperately to make my home feel just as cozy and inviting as our little apartment was, I am struggling with enjoying the process of "putting together". But last night I had a moment of calm, reminding myself that the process is never really ending and the journey is the fun part! Below is a little tidbit from the book that I really loved:

"Interesting houses, like interesting people, evolve, so take your time and enjoy the process. Keep building your room off the special things you've chosen, the palette you've established, and the personal style you're developing. Never try to do a whole house at once. And remember that in decorating, as in life, the rules are meant to be broken."

So there it is, my new motto:) I have given up any anxiety I may have had over not knowing what I want to do with several rooms in my house and instead, will enjoy the process of feathering our new nest!

image/via

No More Excuses

Happy December! Can you believe we are already in the last month of 2010?!

In addition to the reappearance of Silk Nog, a fully decorated Christmas tree and Diana Krall's Christmas album, I am completely giddy about beginning to receive Christmas cards in the mail! I have always had great aspirations of sending one out, but the month just seems to slip by too quickly and I'm left with the lowly phrase, "Next year...".

But seeing as this will be the Hansen's 3rd Christmas married, and we have added yet another puppy into out little family, it just feels lame to go one more year without finally sending our own lovely Christmas greeting-especially since we now have fabulous new family photos:) And lucky for me, Shutterfly loves bloggers and is offering an opportunity for 50 free Christmas cards!! Thank you Shutterfly for giving me no excuse this year! Check out their promotion here and get in the holiday spirit! Don't forget to take a peek at their beautiful selection of holiday cards here-I for one am having a hard time deciding on just one!

In addition to saving my bank account, they have also given me a great idea for Christmas presents this year-can you say photo calender?! These make great, unique gifts for friends and family! And if I wasn't so busy with the whole moving process, I would love to have a Christmas party. Wouldn't something like this be perfect to send guests?!

In the words of Ross on Friends: "You'll be getting our card!!"

I am really loving the simplicity of this particular card~