Monday, December 31, 2012

Monogram Monday: Julia B. Monogram Plates


We can't get enough of these monogram dinner plates by Julia B.
 I'll have one of each, please! 
{1. Red 2. Gray 3. Kelly Green 4. Navy}

On another note, Happy New Year's Eve! See you in 2013! 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Friday Favorites

It's hard to believe 2013 is just days away! How are you planning to ring in the New Year? I hope it's filled with good friends, family, and plenty of celebrating! 

Here are a few favorite links and things to take you into the weekend:
  • Toast the season with these fun, festive flutes
  • In the spirit of celebrating, this Hibiscus Prosecco recipe would add just the right amount of color to your NYE party. 
  • This Christmas post on Slim Paley is so lovely and you know we are all about the purple, green, and gold tablescape.  
  • If you've seen or are planning on seeing Les Misérables in theatres, then you must check out this gorgeous photo-shoot of the cast in Vogue. Dreaming a Dream is right! 
  • I think we've all asked the question, what should we do with all these Christmas leftovers? Luckily for us, Top Chef finalist, Tiffany Derry, stopped by the Texas Living studio to tell us what we can do with them to make the most out of what's left. Watch it here
Cheers to a wonderful weekend! 
{Image

Thursday, December 27, 2012

A Fresh Take

Citrus wreaths and garland definitely made an appearance this year. And although Christmas is behind us,  I can't seem to get enough of this fresh take on traditional trimmings.

What do you think about adding a little citrus color scheme to your holiday decor?


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Recipe We Love: Cinnamon Roll Recipe

With guests coming in and out during the holidays, it's always nice to have a sweet treat that everyone enjoys. And this delicious Cinnamon Roll recipe from Annie Eats is too good not to share! 

 Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Ingredients:
6 ½ tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
5 ½ tbsp. unsalted butter or margarine
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. lemon extract or 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
3 ½ cups unbleached bread or all-purpose flour
2 tsp. instant (rapid rise) yeast
1 1/8 to 1 ¼ cups whole milk or buttermilk, at room temperature

For the filling:
6 ½ tbsp. granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
other spices to taste (ginger, cardamom, allspice, etc.)

For the white fondant glaze:
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. lemon or orange extract
6 tbsp. to ½ cup warm milk

For step-by-step directions, click here. Trust me, these cinnamon rolls are heaven.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Day Essentials

Good Morning! Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas?
To help get you prepared for the big day, here's a little "visual check-list" of some Christmas day essentials. 

1. I'll be spending the morning in cozy pajamas like these adorable ones
2. Celebratory drinks will be had. 
3. Sweet treats, of course! Check out this yummy recipe
4. It's a Christmas tradition to put a clementine in everyone's stocking. 
5. In between opening presents and a Christmas feast, a Christmas movie is a must. 
6. Ribbon, because you never know if you'll have a last-minute present to wrap. 
8. The tablescape. This Juliska Country Estate Holiday dinnerware set is too perfect. 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

It's Almost Time!


I can't wait to stuff my son's stocking this year!  It took me five years, but I finally completed the needlework on his stocking!  Yay!!!!!!  

I'd love to know what kind of stocking you stuff! 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday Favorites

Whew, what a week it has been! Between addressing Christmas cards, and some last-minute Christmas shopping, merry-making is in full swing at my house! 

Here are my just a few of my favorite things from this week. Enjoy! 
  • I don't know about you, but during the craziness of the holidays, I love to sneak away and enjoy a great book. I love this Gift Guide for books on Elements of Style.
  • It was such a treat to have my mom on Texas Living this week showing us how to make her famous turkey chili! You can watch the segment here.
  • If you're like me, you still have a few Christmas presents that need to be wrapped. Luckily for us, Southern Living has rounded up these 25 stylish gift wrapping ideas to give us some last-minute inspiration. Happy Wrapping!


Thursday, December 20, 2012




Fill your home with the scent of the season with these holiday candles! Our personal favorite is Lafco's "Berry."
{1} Diptique {2} LAFCO {3} NEST {4} Annick Goutal {5} NEST {6} Laura Mercier

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar

This holiday season, spruce up your traditional dessert buffet by adding a hot chocolate bar!  

As we all know, there are plenty of ways to enjoy hot chocolate, but I've picked some basic ingredients that will help you create your very own hot chocolate bar. 


Monday, December 17, 2012

Monogram Monday: Personalized Gifts

This year, make your gifts extra special by adding a personalized touch!
I've rounded up some of our very favorite personalized gifts, to make your Christmas shopping that much easier! 

Friday, December 14, 2012

My Friday Favorites for your weekend enjoyment!
  • 'Tis the season for holiday parties. Decorator Phoebe Howard shares her top 10 tips for gracious holiday style.
  • Krystal recently posted some wonderful photos from her "Winter Wonderland" party to celebrate her Idlewild debut. Take a look here.
  • I was recently gifted GRACE: A Memoir, and I can't put it down (even though it looks perfect as a coffee table book). It is definitely a must-read of the season.
  • I am thrilled to share this week's Texas Living segment featuring the amazing, Stella Ehrich, who has just finished working on a portrait of JR. Watch it here
  • Lastly, a big thank you to Portland Book Review for the lovely comments about my new book, Wedding Inspirations!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

I ♥ Blue and White: Blue and White Holiday Decor

When it comes to a blue-and-white patten, you really can't go wrong mixing and matching it with your seasonal decor, and in this case, with seasonal florals.  This Christmas, I'll be filling my blue-and-white Chinese porcelain with some of my favorite red flowers like amaryllis, red peonies, protea and branches of red berries.

Get the look with C. Wonders' blue-and-white ceramic jars and vases. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Brrrrr!



In Dallas, you really never know what the weather is going to do, but I think it's safe to say these colder temperatures are here to stay. To help keep you warm and cozy during the chilly holiday weather, I've rounded up some of our very favorite scarfs for this holiday season. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monogram Monday: Introducing Mark and Graham

Mark and Graham is quickly becoming my favorite place to find personalized gifts and accessories. If you haven't heard of this wonderful line, it was launched by William-Sonoma and specializes in monogramming and offers everything from personalized coffee mugs to personalized leather wallets. Whatever you are looking for, I can assure you, Mark and Graham has you covered. 

Check out our favorite holiday gifts from Mark and Graham: 

Friday, December 7, 2012

GIFT GUIDE

For our last day of Gift Guides, Highland Park Village has picked a few of our favorite hostess gift items for this year! 
No. 1: From Avant Garden

Bring your hostess a bit of color to add to her home for the holidays. These gorgeous Coral Charm Peonies should be on your list! 
No. 2: From Stephanie Anne 

We love this gorgeous Wooden Bowl and serving set both by vagabond. There is a matching pewter song bird on top of both the bowl and serving set that makes these the perfect pair! Inside the bowl is a set of boxwood orbs that are real and freeze dried to make it easy for those who lack a "green thumb". In the bowl you will also find a set of pod orbs to add a pop of color. 

No. 3: From LAFCO New York 

Voted as one of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2012, LAFCO's House and Home Soaps are the perfect hostess gift. The custom blended, 100% vegetable base (almond, coconut and 15% olive oil) is LAFCO's own and creates an ultra hydrating lather. Definitely a gift that any hostess will appreciate! 

No. 4: From Number One/Le Jus 

The Le Jus Le Cleanse will be on everyone's New Year's resolution list. A sumptuous blend cleanse to heal and detoxify you. Transforming the naughty to very nice.


A special thank you to our gift guide sponsor, Highland Park Village

Thursday, December 6, 2012

GIFT GUIDE

For today's gift guide, Highland Park Village has picked a few of our favorite gift items for women! 

NO. 1: From Chanel



A statement of true elegance no matter which item you choose. Buy her the Boy Chanel Rock Handbag, Boy Chanel Chateau Handbag or Enameled glass stone cabochons medallion with gold metal resin cuff. The items are sure to be on everyone’s holiday wish-list this year!

NO 2: From Judith Ripka

Every girl needs some sparkle in her life especially around the holidays! Show her how much you care with Judith Ripka Lattice Dome Ring. 18K White Gold and Diamonds. Available at Judith Ripka.

NO. 3: From Hadleigh’s

These gorgeous hats will keep her warm and cozy during the chilly holiday weather! The handmade Cashmere bow snow caps with collar mufflers are made in Lucca, just north of Florence. Definitely a must-have.
No. 4: From Number One/Le Jus

The Le Jus Le Cleanse will be on everyone’s New Year’s resolution list. A sumptuous blend cleanse to heal and detoxify you. Transforming the naughty to very nice.

No. 5: From Stella McCartney

Every woman loves to smell divine with a signature scent as she enters a party. L.I.L.Y from Stella McCartney is sure to turn heads and hearts at holiday parties.

A special thank you to our gift guide sponsor, Highland Park Village.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Featured: All Things Farmer

 I am so thrilled to be featured on my friend James' blog All Things Farmer. If you haven't had a chance to see the interview here it is!
1. How do you think growing up with your family in Dallas has influenced your style?
I love this question!  My mom is very fancy.  She loves to get dressed up and always preferred to be over dressed than underdressed.  I also have two sisters so we have such a great time playing with hair and makeup and fashion.  Dallas is full of so many chic women with great style as well and the home of great shopping: Neiman Marcus, Highland Park Village and Stanley Korshak!


2. If you were a color, what would you be and why?  
I adore blue and white!  Can I be two colors?  I do a weekly blog post about all things blue and white   
  because I am a little bit obsessed!  I have some of my grandmother's blue and white china that means
 so much to me and I think that probably influenced me a bit.

3. What are some of your favorite heirlooms? What do you love about them? How have you incorporated them into your decor?
My mother in law has given Justin and I some wonderful treasures including the monogrammed silver 
she received when she was married to Justin's father.  It was her wedding gift to us and we really 
treasure it.  The W monogram is very pretty and unique so we use it on everything now, from linens to
 stationery.

4. What's your favorite room in your home?
This is a hard one.....I think it is the dining room but  the library comes in a close second.  The dining 
room is special because we have had some wonderful times around the table with family and friends.  
We ended up making our dining room smaller when we did some renovations to our home because we 
really wanted a round dining table.  The library is great because it is filled with so many treasured 
books and mementos. 
 

5. Favorite scent?
My husband wears Kheil's Musk Oil and I love it!

6. I have loved being an Editor-At-Large at Southern Living with you! Tell us about one of your favorite Southern Living moments.
Getting to know you is one of them!  Truly, the places we have gone and people we have met are the 
most wonderful rewards and ones that I didn't anticipate from this job.  The Southern Living Team is 
amazing.  Lindsay Beirman is a wonderful teacher without realizing it.  I learn something new from him 
every time we are together.

7. What's your favorite garden flavor? How do you incorporate it into one of your favorite dishes?
I am a rosemary fanatic so this is my time of year!  I love it with meat or a vegetable risotto or an Italian
 Dish!  I also love it as a garnish for a drink at a holiday party.

8. I know your mother has been a major influence on your style. How do you translate the style of our mothers' generation into our own?
You have great questions! I love my mother's style and she has been a huge influence on me.  She 
taught me that a smile is the best way to add style to any outfit.  She also taught me that keeping my 
home in order and keeping the family together are two of the greatest gifts we can give the people we 
love.

9. What's your favorite pattern?
Hands down - Tobacco Leaf!

 
10. You are a fierce fashionista! If there was a fire and you could only save one haute piece of couture, what would it be and why?
My wedding dress!
 
11. Weddings are such a major part of your life--your latest book Wedding Inspirations is so beautiful. Tell us: Do you still get teary-eyed at "I do"?
Absolutely!  I love weddings!  We went to a beautiful wedding a few weeks ago that took place at the
 Bride's family ranch and I got so emotional.  I always keep tissues in my handbag at a wedding.

12. What's the last meal you made at home? Who did you share it with?
I made Dean Fearings Tortilla Soup Cornbread Dressing for my in-laws over Thanksgiving.  It was a 
hit with lots of Southwestern Flavor!

13. I am always telling my clients that coffee tables are like mini representations of our lives. So what's on your coffee table?
A bowl full of duplicate photographs (for people to flip through and take home if they want!), a big 
blue pottery bowl filled with four orchids and some moss and lots and lots of beautiful books!

GIFT GUIDE

As we celebrate the holiday season, Highland Park Village has picked a few of our favorite children's gift items for this year! Plan a day of shopping here in Highland Park Village and pick up something for everyone on your list.
NO. 1: FROM FIVE & TEN

Let your princess play the ultimate dress up in this fabulous leopard trench paired with this Silk Tafferta bow neck dress by Lanvin Petites. She will be the toast of any holiday party! Or, enjoy a Sunday brunch with your darling fashionista, while she shows off this Marni Kids trench paired with the must have Lanvin Petites tweed shift dress.

NO. 2: FROM STELLA McCARTNEY 

Stella McCartney Kids line has the perfect gift item this year! The Days of the Week Cotton Clementina T-Shirt and Undie Set are a must-have.

NO. 3: FROM HADLEIGH'S

Have your angel dressed in the perfect Hadleigh's attire! The Kissel Plaid Holiday Dress is absolutely gorgeous. Hand smocked and handmade in Florence, Italy.

 NO. 4: FROM MADISON

Search no further for the perfect children's gift! You are sure to be the hit at any party with the Hansa Giraffe or Hansa Polar Bear from Madison's plush toy line. The Hansa Giraffe is in a large, standing position with measurements (Length: 63", Width: 13", Height: 33.2"). Perfect for any animal lover! Available in Madison stores. 

A special thank you to our gift guide sponsor, Highland Park Village
 

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