Rush and Rest

Pausing.

As if it hasn’t been apparent over the last three months, I’ve taken a break from blogging. It wasn’t a conscious effort implemented on purpose; it was more an outcome of LIFE happening and my priorities shifting. I’m not sure what the future holds for this space so for now, I’m going to continue to pause and will pick back up when the time feels right. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a picture of my favorite peony I took last spring and if you want to continue to see what I’m up to or loving at the moment, you can find me on Instagram and Pinterest. <3

Holiday Style

In partnership with Zappos I styled my new Paige denim and Freebird boots with a red wool coat, white knit infinity scarf, and red hat for our very first Seattle snow! Brr! Everything was FROZEN for over a week so the snow stuck around and we all stayed inside under tons of blankets with hot chocolate {except for the day we ventured out to cut down a Christmas tree and I felt like I was going to die of frostbite}. I actually tried to take these photos at the tree farm but it was toooooooo bitter cold and my kiddos were not having it.

I’m back this month to gush over Zappos, one of my favorite online shopping spots that boasts a huge selection of shoes, apparel, accessories, luggage and more, and two of my most recent finds – Paige denim and Freebird boots. I continue to love Zappos for their amazing customer service, free shipping, and 365 day return policy – YES! If you’d like to browse, their Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to start for ideas! Which reminds me, I still have Christmas shopping to do! AHH!

I’m still totally in love with my Paige denim. I LOVE that they go with everything and that they are made in the U.S.A. I just want to live in them. I think I need to order a few back up pairs so I will always have them at the ready in case one pair is being washed. In case you are wondering, Paige also makes denim in petite, men’s, and maternity!

As for footwear, boots are a must have and Freebird has tons of fun choices. I think I wear boots almost every day from November - February {at least} around here because it's so chilly and I am addicted to warm socks. Freebird has so many options, from booties to knee-high, each pair is made with high quality materials and extreme attention to detail for a unique look that captures their signature vintage Americana style. I love my brown "bolo" booties! Black next?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Friday Favorites

1. I want to eat this entire plate of goat cheese with red wine figs – courtesy of vegetarian ventures.

2. What do you think of the Pantone color of the year for 2015? Not a fan…it reminds me of the 80’s!

3. Next time I go to NYC, I’ll be sure to make a stop here. Oh, and here and here.

4. A really cute 2015 calendar.

5. I’m in love with these earrings and this clutch. P.S. – did you know Hunter makes handbags?

6. Paul Dolan researches happiness for a living. Here’s what makes him happy.

7. I think I need an angora bunny rabbit.

8. All of a sudden, I’m obsessed with watching beauty vloggers on YouTube. Who am I? I love the super informative and experienced Lisa Eldridge and the hilarious and quirky Essiebutton…do you have a favorite?

HAPPY FRIDAYYYYYYYYYYY!

Holiday Gift Inspiration: Copper

Besides Agate, another trend I’m really loving this season is copper! I don’t decorate/wear a lot of traditional yellow gold, so copper seems like a good in-between and a nice change when you want something “warmer” than silver. Plus, it’s festive for the holidays!

Just a few things to get you in the mood:

Homestead Candles / A DIY sconce – this looks so easy! / Ruffoni copper gratin pan / Hammered Copper Planter /  Moscow Mule mugs – an essential / Tiny stargazer strand lights / A pretty french press / Wooden tea light holders

If you love the look, it also helps to search for “bronze” and “rose gold” in your searches for even more ideas or inspiration! Both bronze and rose gold have a high percentage of copper in them so the coloring is very similar.

P.S. – check out this bright bronze wedding cake!

Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift Inspiration: Agate

Over the next few weeks, I thought it would be fun to share some holiday gift ideas featuring themes or materials I’m really into at the moment. Perhaps it will spur your own gift giving creativity!

Today, it’s all about agate. Agate is a type of rock texture known as cryptocrystalline. Agates can be found in all types of rock, but most commonly occur in volcanic rock due to the high amounts of silica involved in formation. Isn’t mother nature lovely?

I am completely obsessed with the phone case featured above, but because it’s not available for my phone, I think coasters would settle my agate fix instead {these are also beautiful}. Agate jewelry is everywhere right now {necklaces pictured above: 1 and 2 and also a pretty ring}, and if you want a different type of neck adornment, this scarf is to die for. Aside from wearables, there are lots of home décor items: drawer pulls {more here and here!}, bookends {and these too!}, and artwork {more, more, more}. Last but not least, you can use agate to spice up your holiday party {table numbers and dangling chimes}.

So tell me, what is your favorite?