A Breath of Fresh Air

I just love this ad from Horchow.com.  It is a refreshing sight after a season of bright colors.  I hate that the holidays go so fast but this photo gets me excited for new things.  I like the mix of metals and mirrored accents - feminine and boutique-like.  The look has a quiet elegance that I am all about these days!

*image via horchow.com

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  

Holiday Hustle & Bustle

Hello all!! Its been a while.  I have been in quite the busy rush for past few weeks as you all can imagine.  The holidays are definitely winning the race and I am trying to keep up!  I have been tying up loose ends on some design projects and that means that everyone wants things done before the holidays so they don't get too behind over the break.  So, I have been living in my SUV.  

Oh, and there is that little holiday that is rapidly approaching.  I started my shopping this week and finished today...why do I do this to myself?  Next year my plan is to buy everything on-line in September.  That should make my life easier.  But, I am done and happy with my selections.  

Now we are packing for our two week trip to Florida.  We are driving this time so we can take the pup. It will be a long two day drive to get there but I think I am prepared......I think.  We will get to see a lot of Bryan's family so that will great.  We had a family celebration with my family last weekend and it was wonderful.  Mom cooked a fabulous dinner, we shopped, drove around for Christmas lights and attended Mass together, it was great.  My sister and I laughed hysterically at the drop of a hat.  Never a dull moment and always a good time.  And now, we're off...

I took a small break from packing to catch up in the blog world.  I will be back very soon.  I have lots of design ideas and inspiration to share.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Gift Guide...For Him

Next on our holiday gift list is the men in our lives.  We all know how hard it is to shop for these guys.  I hope these ideas can simplify things for you.  I always stick to simple and basic dude stuff, items he can play with or wear.  You can't go wrong with some fun electronics like the iPad {if your budget allows} and interesting things like the Holga camera.  I think guys don't spend a ton of money on clothes, so I like to get cold weather items like puffer vests and sweaters.  The Darth Vadar alarm clock is just funny. Most guys tend to be simple and practical so you can't go wrong with a gift that is so.

1. Tom's Ash Canvas Men's Classic, $44; Tom's

2. Brooks Sweater, $78; Fossil

3. iPad, $499+; Apple

4. Leather Messenger Bag, $298; J. Crew

5. Darth Vadar Alarm Clock, $42; Urban Outfitters

6. Holga 35mm Camera - Mint, $48; Urban Outfitters 

7. Crosley AV Room Portable USB Turntable, $160; Urban Outfitters

8. Men's Regular Down Vest, $24.50; Lands End

9. Timex Vintage Field Army Watch, $150; J. Crew

10. Kraft Speakers, $20; West Elm

Keep this in my mind, guys are hard to shop for but easy to please.  They will be happy no matter what.  Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide for HER

If you're like me, you probably start a wish list for presents a bit earlier than December....in your head, of course.  Well, I've had my eye on a few things already and they are sure to please any gal on your gift list.  I always try to buy the girls on my list gifts I would love to unwrap myself and anything monogrammed is always thoughtful.  Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas for HER this year. 

1. The Aventura Ring from James Avery, @ $79

2. Silk Cargo Shirt from Madewell, $110

3. Idesia Necklace from Anthropologie, $48

4. Open Top Canvas Tote Bag from Lands End, $17.50-$30.50

5. Polka-Dot Small Natalie Make-Up Bag from Kate Spade, $85

6. Letter O' Mine Coin Purse from Anthropologie, $24

7. Royal Jelly Body Butter from Savannah Bee Company, $28

8. Original Tall Boot from Hunter, $125

9. Sutton Place Marielly from Kate Spade, $295

10. Calling Cards from Pixelimpress, $25

I just picked up the Lands End tote for all the gals in my family - monogrammed with each of their initials.  I have 3 totes and use them everyday for work, trips, groceries, etc.  Such a great gift alone or to fill with "stocking" stuffers.  I am also in love with the engraved ring, so classy and feminine.  And for those new moms on your list, how about some totally rad calling cards for play dates. 

Remember to think about her personality and you can't lose. 

Home Again

Hello all!  We are home today from our very wonderful Thanksgiving holiday...and I am beat.  I just wish I had one more day.  Isn't it funny how that works?  I am excited to now get prepared for Christmas fun and festivities but right now I am going to unpack and unwind. 

Stay tuned this week for some very fabulous and practical holiday gift guides.

*image via the days of glamour

I'm Thankful...

Thanksgiving came and went here in South Texas and it was great.  We settled in nicely for a a cozy gathering.  After cooking and baking our traditional and new recipes we sat down to enjoy good food and great company.   

I'm thankful for my wonderful Bryan, my loving family {mom, dad, sister and bro}, my sweet pug, my huge extended family who are always there for a laugh, my friends, my work and all of you readers.  I'm still kind of new to this but I love blogging and the blogs I follow.

I hope all of you are having a warm and relaxing holiday with the ones you love!

See you very soon!

*image via Dwell Studio

Its Beginning to Look a lot like....

...Christmas!  I did it.  I put the Christmas stuff out early this week.  I know what you're thinking, its not even Thanksgiving yet!  Well, I figured since we will be spending both holidays out of town with our families, I better enjoy them now.  That, and I just love all the holiday decorations out right now.  The last couple of years I had really colorful decorations, pink, green, turquoise and orange.  This year I decided to go for a more natural, winter white color scheme of silver, white, bronze and gold with a few touches of red.

I only put out our 4' white tree and decided not to put out the numerous others, including our large green one.  I wanted this year to be a bit more cozy and intimate.  I love the new ornaments and decorations I have this year.  Now its time to figure out holiday cards - my second favorite thing.

Bryan lost his Grandmother this year.  She was such a lovely woman and quite the spitfire.  She gave us this Santa below.  She hand painted it in '95 and it was extra meaningful this year as I unwrapped it.  It is such a treasure.

I also put out a Nativity Scene that was my Grandmother's.  Ever since I can remember she had this Nativity and put it out on her entry table - so that is where it will sit in my home every year.  My favorite piece as a little girl was that little lamb.  I am so thankful to have it.  It is beautiful and I cherish it so very much.  I think of her every time I walk in and out the door.

And it wouldn't be a Sunday {or any day for that matter} without a lazy shot of Sir Wesley.

I'm off to meet up with a very dear friend visiting from Denver.  Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

*images by K.E.

Weathered and Wonderful

Hello all!  I hope you are all having a happy day.  The sun is shining here and it is glorious.  This weather puts me in such a great mood.  I have been making selections all morning for a project that I am working on.  One thing we did today was talk about the wood floors. I have to say I was really impressed with Hardwood Designs here in Austin, well Lakeway.  They truly have a gift for literally hand-scraped and finished custom wood floors.  I am excited to specify them.  

While I was there I fell in love with one of their sample boards.  It was a gorgeous white washed pecan wood, lightly stained.  Of course all I had was my phone and the lighting wasn't great but it is forever forged in my brain.  

I am in love with this look.  You would think it is just a trend but it is fast becoming a classic.  The light greige tone is so beautiful and its so fresh and natural looking.  Here are a few of my favorite photos using this look.  Enjoy!

*images courtesy of Mabley Handler Interior Design, decorpad, Restoration Hardware

Its like Buttah

Who says leather furniture pieces have to be manly?  Good quality leather pieces are always classy and sophisticated and the best part is the smell.  Yeah, I said it.  Its that feeling of comfort and cozy, like your wrapped in a soft leather hug.  Now you can find great leather pieces in so many frame styles and colors.  Robin Bruce is one of my favorite upholstery lines and I love the new styles they have available in leather.  They are feminine and elegant and the colors available are so rich and vibrant.  I'm dying over this teal sofa with nickel nailheads.  L.O.V.E.

Here are a few of my favorite new styles...

Robin Bruce is available through retailers and to the trade so if you see something you like shoot me an e-mail.

Happy Blogging!

*images courtesy of robinbruce.com

Sweater Swoon

Hello, all!!  I hope the weather is sunny and cool where you are.  Fall has certainly hit us here and while its still a bit on the warm side during the day, it is wonderfully chilly when night falls.  I'm still adjusting to Falling back but love the breeze it brought.  And speaking of keeping cozy in the cool, I picked up a sweater that is sure to be my favorite go to piece for Fall and Winter.  Right before we headed to Tampa this past weekend, I stopped in at Anthropologie to grab something special and left with this Filamentous Cardigan {among other things}...can you blame me?  

I just love the chevron pattern and contrasting tie.  It is perfect over dresses or with jeans for a more casual look.  It really looks great with everything.  If you're looking for something that will take you through the seasons, this is it!!

Enjoy your day!

*images courtesy of anthropologie.com

Home Sweet Home

Well, we are home from our quick visit to Tampa.  We picked up the pug from my brother's place and are settling back in nicely.  It was nice to see Bryan's family and catch up with them.  Our traveling is done for now and I am looking forward to being home for a while.  I'm looking forward to sharing a few current projects this week.  See you soon!  

*image courtesy of simple tess via flickr

Purple Passion

Hello and Happy Weekend!  I am taking some time out from our Tampa visit to share one of my new favorite color trends.  I am loving these pops of vibrant plum purple.  This color is everywhere in fashion, interiors and accessories.  It is an absolutely fabulous punch when used as an accent chair or pillows or even a chic lamp shade.  It is sure to stay a classic.

Back to Austin tomorrow and back to the grind on Monday.  Until then have a good one!!

*images courtesy of decorpad.com

Four Years Ago.....

Four years ago, today, I officially became an Ellis.  Bryan and I got married on a beautiful and slightly chilly day in November.....it was a perfect day.  All of our families came to Austin for the celebration.  The New Yorkers met the Texans and the entire family bonded over BBQ the day before the wedding....that's how we roll in Texas.  It was great.  Here are a few of our favorite photos from the wedding....

The past four years have been so amazing.  Here's to a many more years of happiness!!!

*images courtesy of KE and Robert Studio Photography

Baby, its cold outside....

Its cold in Austin!!!  We have finally gotten a note worthy cold front.  It blew in last night and it has been just what the doctor ordered.  Today was a chilly mid 60's day and a slightly rainy evening.  Not loving the rain but adoring the chill.  We also had our backyard re-sodded {my new word} today and it looks great.  We put out our firepit and can't wait to use it.  The weather gets me looking forward to curling up next to a roaring fire, outside or in.  Here are a few of my favorite fireplace pics...

*images courtesy of elle decor, amy lau design, domino, decorpad