I am thankful for:
Thanksgiving feast at the beach, with warm fresh air and toes in the sand.
Family
My husband
Good friends
Good wine
The perfect apartment
A good job
Health
Warm scarves
Hot apple cider
Memories
Future dreams...
One of my favorite blogs, Elements of Style, posted a story today on decorating with a "star" theme. I love the thought of using stars as a theme in decorating - I even added these tealights to my Christmas wish list. (on sale!)
Another favorite of mine are snowflakes, which are a more subtle, understated and gorgeous version of "holiday" decorating. No red and green for me, please. My china pattern, Vera Wang's "Grosgrain" pattern by Wedgewood, featured a holiday accent plate with a snowflake pattern - precious.
I'm trying to gather some "inspiration" photos to guide my holiday decorating - a few are listed below. The theme seems to center around silver and white...Any other ideas? Though I do not want to be too "matchy," it would be nice to have a streamlined look that brings some Christmas excitement to the apartment. Cheers!
Images courtesy of The White Co., Crate & Barrel and The Decorating Diva.
Most of you know that I am a little obsessed with JCrew. They have the uncanny abililty to tug at my heartstrings with every bauble and bud that accessorizes their perfectly-layered ensembles.
Having gotten married earlier this year, I keep going back to one specific page in the September 2008 catalog - the Nathalie berry-fringed bridesmaids dresses. Oh, how I wish I could get married all over again simply to have the option of using these for my 'maids. I would probably design my whole wedding around this concept, it is so beautiful. I can see it now...So for those of you who may fall in love with these dresses, I will let you in on a secret that is hard to let go of - they are on SALE. A BIG sale. Please, someone order them. Today. For me.
I would really like to create individualized place cards for my family's Thanksgiving meal, this year to be held at the beach. With a more casual setting than usual, place cards can add a little something special. I would like to have each person's first name in calligraphy, but beyond that have no great ideas. Here are a few ideas that I like:
Which one do you like?
This past Saturday, I took advantage of a few hours to myself and did a little cleaning, a little exercising and a little reading. After a quick run outside in perfect Atlanta weather, I decided that there were too many beautiful "surprises" to ignore, so I set out with the camera. Below are a few images that I captured.
One tree was just begging to be photographed in the late afternoon sun. A look down a creek revealed some graffiti with the words "history sees greatness." (Anyone know if that is an actual quote?). Sometimes it is so nice to actually stop and take a look around in the midst of our busy-ness - life can be beautiful.
Take time to stop this week and think about your life - those you love, your goals and dreams. To those in my own life who have recently lost loved ones, I dedicate this post.
Next week is mid-November. How does time slip away so quickly each autumn? I am hoping to take some time this weekend to breathe it all in - spending time with friends, working on some creative projects (photography, planning holiday cards) and pretty soon I must watch the one movie that will always get me in the spirit of the season...Love Actually. What are some of your November traditions?
I am proud, inspired, and hopeful for the future. Yesterday's election marked history. Despite our differences, America stands once again as a beacon of hope for many around the world - a global leader. Obama's acceptance speech was inspirational and humbling. Reflect today on the weight of this moment for yourselves, for we are all in this together.
This morning, I voted in person for the first time. In previous elections I have always filled out an absentee ballot, but voting in person is so much more fun!
I'm very humbled to have this right to vote for our next President. As someone reminded me earlier this week, there are many people around the world who would give their lives to have the right and priviledge to vote, which made getting out of bed early a little easier. With that in mind, I urge you all to exercise your right to vote today in what will inevitably be a historic moment in American history. 
The line at my polling place was not long. My husband and I got there around 6:30 a.m., and once it opened at 7 we were in and out in under 30 minutes. We even had time to go to breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee while rehashing our decisions.
I'm Proud...
to know that I researched the issues I care about most
to know that I made my decision based on my own beliefs and knowledge, and not because of expectations of others
to know that no matter the outcome, I made a contribution
