I Dream of Paris

I think about traveling to Europe almost every single day, even if only for a few brief moments of daydream. Of course Paris is one of the must visit locales for such an excursion and watching this google.com commercial only increases the desire ... Oh Paris!

Advent

The beginning of December brings with it the celebration of Advent, a tradition I have always wanted to celebrate ... with the help of an Advent Calendar.

I am in love with this one from Mibo that you can download, print out and create for FREE here.
However, unlike most Advent calendars where one opens a small present or treat with the opening of each little door, I will have an "Act of Christmas" to perform (ex. bake cookies, watch a holiday movie etc.) each day that will help me get in the spirit of celebration.

It must be said ...

she is so extreme, crazy, kooky and freakin' out there. Yet, her originality is undeniable and a little bit bad a** too. I have become a fan of Lady Gaga and must admit I really want her latest The Fame Monster; a newer version of her debut The Fame featuring 8 new tracks.






















This is her latest song/music video release, Bad Romance, and it's so uniquely Lady Gaga that I'm diggin' it.

If On A Winter's Night

I know there are a few days of November remaining but now that Thanksgiving has come and gone it doesn't feel to early have Christmas related posts.



I always purchase a new Christmas cd around this time and this year's selection is If On A Winter's Night by Sting. It is technically a Winter album rather than just a Christmas album, with sounds that are lovely and haunting at the same time. The music perfectly represents the season with the warmth of the holidays mixed among the loneliness of winter. You can check out the video to hear a sampling and get Sting's own take on the music.

A Must Read ...

I'm a bit of a magazine addict (with a tendency to devour them cover to cover) and this Dec/Jan 2010 issue of Country Living was no exception.






















In fact, I found myself pouring over every word and lingering on each photo ... the issue was so full of great holiday inspiration I keep coming back to reference ideas. I HIGHLY recommend for anyone who is a fan of Christmas to purchase a copy today!

It's a Boy!

So, I am going to be an Auntie and found out this week the baby is going to be a little boy; I'm really excited about this new role and finally getting to meet my nephew this coming April!!

Man Shops Globe

I love, love, love this show!!


Man Shops Globe comes on The Sundance Channel every Wednesday at 10pm

The show follows Keith Johnson, antiques buyer for Anthropologie, around the globe in his search for unique items to sell or re-create for Anthro stores. He travels about 6 months out of the year to far flung locals such as India, Paris, Turkey etc. while shopping for a living! So, not only do I really want his job, but I love watching the show to get inspired by how he edits through the masses to choose an item and occasionally tweaking something to make it completely new.

PS: How cool is the design for the show's logo!?!

Promises

Dove and Martha Stewart have combined forces this holiday season to create these new Dove Peppermint Bark Promises.












They are delicious candies, with peppermint bark on top and dark chocolate on the bottom, with Martha Stewart holiday tips printed inside the wrapper.
I have found them to be a lovely display candy, simply set them out in a nice dish for guests or even yourself, with useful ideas. However, be forewarned they are also VERY addictive!!

Chasing Pirates

If this song is any indication then the new album is going to be good, really good. I love everything about this video ... the concept, the sound, the style etc.