gifts for him [holiday gift guide]

i don't know about you but i always buy my husband's gift last. unless he's already specifically told me what he wants, i always draw a blank getting ideas on what to get him. here's my little list that will hopefully guide you on that last-minute trip to the mall in getting that man the perfect gift!

top L - R : monogrammed croc embossed wallet; resin and diamond cuff links

bottom L - R : kiehls men's refueling gift set; folding electric bike

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i apologize for failing to add links to my previous "my holiday wishlist" post. that day we were heading out to Disneyworld and i was blogging and rushing and i was getting mixed signals from blogger and i thought i linked up all my pics but apparently didn't, so here it is again :

earrings : miguel ases beaded earrings

ipad case : graphic image croc embossed nubuck case (out of stock)

flats : tory burch patent prescot flats

cashmere blanket : hermes

HAPPY SHOPPING!

friday faves [my holiday wishlist]

we are a few weeks away from christmas day and the hustle and bustle of the yuletide season is definitely in the air. traffic is getting worse, malls are crowded, holiday greeting cards are arriving in the mail ~ santa is almost here!

today's friday faves are some of the things i've been dreaming about. it's a short list and i know i've been a good girl, so i may end up receiving one of these. yay!

top L-R : miguel ases earrings; graphic ipad cover

botton L-R : tory burch flats; hermes cashmere blanket

home for the holidays

the last of the turkey leftover is gone and with countless trips to the garage for more of the stored christmas decor, our tree is finally up. despite the presence of the little rascal (who still managed to break two ornaments with a flick of a finger), we succesfully decorated the house from top to bottom!

kudos to the efforts and help of my mother and sister (who was in town), now the other posing problem is taking it down - ha! in the meantime, we are enjoying the festive mood in our home and I'm loving the apple-pine-cinnamon scent of christmas in the air!

i am excited to use square fresh pine wreaths this year. it gave our front door a more rustic feel that matches it's medieval look!

the past years we've had our traditional red and gold tree and i've always wanted to try silver and gold. i've bought 4 boxes of silver ornaments from costco last year which i've never put up and i'm able to hang it out this time!

the leftover red ornaments that didnt make it to our tree, i added to the staircase banister, mantle and buffet table garlands. i guess our house is not completely gilded but adding the red touches made it more festive and "christmas-y"!

of course there's some technical issues involve (and im not talking about installing the christmas lights), ms. londen of sixty-fifth avenue posted about how difficult it is to take perfect photographs of the christmas tree and i echo her sentiments. i dislike taking pictures during the day because i believe the complete beauty of the tree shows with the speckled lights on at night. and oh boy, it is HARD to get the perfect shot (plus adding the fact that i'm using an archaic camera). oh well, i did try my best. this last shot captured a portion of the staircase banister and our formal dining room with its christmas lights glory!