Getting ready for Christmas! Part 1

This year, Brad and I have started our own Advent Calendar. Starting yesterday until December 24th, we are planning a Christmas related event every day.

Here is what we have planned so far:

December 1
Last night we made this yummy holiday drink. Brad changed the recipe a bit, it was so good! We've decided it will be our official Christmas drink.

December 2
Christmas light will go up outside - front porch & garage

December 3
Tonight we are watching Four Christmases

December 4
Baking Christmas cookies tonight

December 5
Heading to the local tree farm to get our tree!

December 6
Outside wreaths will go up

December 7
Sign & mail Christmas Cards

December 8
Visit our downtown Christmas tree

December 9
Making homemade cocoa & drinking it by our fireplace

December 10
Watch a A Christmas Carol

December 11
Buying white poinsettias
December 12
Decorating the mantle above the fireplace

December 13
Visit Lights of the South

Is anybody else planning anything to prepare for Christmas? Please share, we need ideas!

Available here

Here is the first gift guide of the season!

Expect gift guides every Tuesday & Friday! Enjoy!

1. Hands collection original photograph - $12
2. Pair of silver owl salt and pepper shakers on a twig -$38
3. Endless links scarf or necklace - $15
4. Sterling Silver Cast Feather Ring - $60
5. Let's go everywhere. vintage paint by number USA - $60
6. Sweet Citrus and Lavender 6 oz Soy Candle - $10
7. My hear is yours necklace - $25.50

Happy December!

This is by far my favorite time/month of the year. Not only because Christmas (my favorite holiday) is right around the corner but my birthday is less than two weeks away! Stay tuned for lots of Holiday related posts - gift guides, entertaining & decorating!

Happy December!

Starting today until December 25th, every "Etsy Find of the Day" will be Holiday related!
Think of it as a daily mini gift guide...

Available here

Available here

I'm back from NYC, still trying to catch up...
I will be back tomorrow with the LOM 2009 Gift Guides!

The Layers of Meaning 2009 Gift Guides are coming soon! {Starting Dec 1st} If you have a business and would like your product/services to be included, please email me at layersofmeaning @ gmail.com for consideration.

Check out last year's gift guides here

A year ago today, Brad and I bought our first home!

Happy 1st birthday house!

You were just a lot full of dirt that turned out to be the house of our dreams!
We are still amazed that you belong to us!

We love you and can' t wait for all the projects to come!

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, our lovely life, our family & friends and all the exciting things coming our way soon!

image via Dwell Studio

I'm heading to NYC this afternoon! I'll be visiting my brother in law until Sunday. It's been over 5 years since I've been to New York, as you can imagine my "to do" list is endless. Here are some of the places I hoping to visit.

Shopping - Home
John Derian
Jonathan Adler
Fishs Eddy
Calypso Home
CB2
Muji

Shopping - Fashion
Oak
Top Shop
Opening Ceremony
Uniqlo
Barney's

Touristy Things
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Central Park
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

I'm leaving the food & drinking up to my brother in law since he lives there. If I'm missing anything you think I should check out, please let me know!

See you Monday! Have a wonderful Thankgiving!

Print available here

Check out Bryan Boone's amazing downtown Los Angeles apartment.
This might just be my favorite home tour this year!

Situated at the heart of Los Angeles' bustling downtown fashion district, Bryan's impeccably decorated small space is a Jonathan Adler-ish oasis of calm and comfort. Despite luxurious appointments, the space was furnished with a keen eye for good design at reasonable prices, tapping into what Bryan described as an obsessive focus for Craigslist deals, decorating the majority of the 650 square feet with vintage and future design classics bought at a fraction of retail prices. From the clear chess pieces arranged within a lantern to the vintage suit cases just peeking out from underneath the bed, Bryan's home confidently showcases his affinity for design both new and old in memorable fashion. {more}

via Apartment Therapy

Available here

This Weekend

This weekend we went to Kristin & Jeremy's wedding reception. We had such a good time! Let's just say that I did a whole lot of NOTHING on Sunday!

The bride and the groom!