pretty pieces for the home

This past weekend, I did a little inspiration shopping for our home. After checking out H.D. Buttercup in San Francisco, I've been dying to pick up a few unique things that will really shine in the house.

Here are a few things I'm loving from Restoration Hardware and West Elm.

I also picked up this welcome mat. West Elm had quite a few adorable versions - including this one featuring frenchies - but chevrons have my heart.

~via~

c. wonder-ful

Sometimes, I dream of living in New York City, especially around the holidays. There is so much to see, to do and to enjoy. I'm talking about admiring the holiday window displays at famed stores, checking out the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza or Central Park, enjoying a hot chocolate at Serendipity...I could go on.

But of course, what would living in NYC be without access to all the amazing stores? One I've been dying to check out has now opened their e-commerce store and I couldn't be more excited. C. Wonder is a veritable wonderland of things I covet {all moderately priced}, and I can tell you that my checking account is going to become best friends very familiar with the shop.

I'd be happy to find any of these under the tree on Christmas morning.

1. big ideas notebook    2.  ring box

3.  city bike    4. monogram cheeseboard

5. alphabet mug

best friends

After a busy day at work, I attended the Nordstrom private holiday shopping event. I got to pick up a few things {including this gift for one of my besties}, shop with my one of my best friends, help her select her Christmas outfit and enjoyed some sweet treats {tray-passed hors d'oeuvres, wine and martinis!}.

While we were browsing, I stumbled upon these cute iPhone cases from Rebecca Minkoff. I absolutely love the new twist on the old best friend necklaces.

~it even comes in pink!~

And now I'm more obsessed than ever to upgrade to an iPhone...c'mon iPhone 5!

A side note: I have never seen so many Louis Vuitton handbags in one place before - except for an actual Louis Vuitton store. It was crazy!

happy birthday

Hello, lovelies! So yesterday was my birthday {the first as a wife and a homeowner - eek!} and I quietly celebrated the day with coworkers during the day and my mom in the evening {Mark is traveling so we'll be celebrating later}. And at Banana Republic, who feted my day of birth by offering 50% off up to five full-priced items {ok, I'm sure it wasn't exclusively for my birthday, but I took it as an excuse to add some pretty pieces to my collection!}. They promoted the special one-day sale via coupon on Facebook. You really should like them; they have the best deals.

Care to see what I picked up?

~how sweet are the elbow patches? i can't get enough!~

~an easy lbd that fits like a glove~

~i love a good v-neck t - it's the best for my shape~

~a little glitz - and it's on sale~

There were a couple of other things - like this black dress and a bright pink taffeta skirt {that I can't seem to find online...curious} - that I would have loved to have made mine, but even a birthday girl must use restraint. However, they are on my wait-til-they-go-on-sale watch-list!

A little something extra : Markdowns at the store usually happen on Wednesdays!

long distance shopping

My friends and family are spread out across the country, so I can't always swing by someone's house and ask them to grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping with me. So my dear friend, Mari, and I have a way to go shopping despite living in two different cities.

Phone shopping. Meaning we take photos of our finds and get the other's opinion.

PS: Each of these was a yes. And please note, the similar nail color. Yes, we're super connected.

How do you keep close with your loved ones when they're far away?

some of my favorite things

Isn't Etsy wonderful? There are so many wonderful things that people are creating, selling and sharing. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Loving this queen bee tote from this Etsy seller.

Sure, I've been married for 46 days {Mark has an app that keeps track of the days}, but that doesn't mean I can't think of great ideas for our first anniversary - the traditional gift is paper, and wouldn't a hand-sketched rendering of my wedding gown be a great gift {hint}?

Dress forms are all the rage, and this papier-mache sheet music dress form takes it up a notch.

What a gorgeous distressed cabinet.

Sweet letterpress thank you notes.

Another great wedding-related gift! First-dance lyrics, a romantic sonnet by Shakespeare or your favorite E. E. Cummings poem on the black hearts and personalized with your initials and wedding date. Perfect for a wedding gift or a {ahem} a first anniversary gift.

a deal on date {or any} night

Have I ever mentioned that I'm obsessed with getting a great deal? If I haven't disclosed this bit of information outright, I'll say it now. I love finding something I want/need/never knew I needed until this very moment for a steal.

Suffice it to say, I'm also obsessed with websites like Groupon, Haute Look and Gilt Groupe. You can buy great stuff, experiences, getaways {I recently picked up rooms at a boutique hotel for a song} at insansely discounted prices.

Today, another website that is growing in popularity - Living Social - is offering a $10 worth of food and beverages at one of Mark's and my favorites : Fuego Taco {remember our recent date night?}.

a little something extra : both Groupon and Living Social have apps for your smart phone. They make it dangerously easy to purchase mindlessly. Just a little word of caution.

new shoes

I know. Big surprise, right? I bought another pair of shoes. But they are totally justified because they're trainers. And everyone knows the best gym motivator is new workout attire.

I got them from Zappos.com, which offers a VIP service! That means you get free overnight shipping...for life.  Learn more here.  Mark told me about the VIP service about a year ago, but this is the first time I've used it. I have to say, I'm really impressed. I ordered these babies on Saturday and got them Monday.

wedding wish list

On Sunday, Mark and I went to Crate & Barrel for one of their new wedding registry parties. Couples who RSVP for these parties have the store to themselves, shopping around before the store opens. There are demonstrations and lots of employees there to answer questions and help you navigate the store to find everything you want to include on your registry.

And like any good party, there is food and refreshments {mimosas, yum!} and even a party favor - our first wedding gift! - when you leave.

{cake plate, natch}

{the spirit connoisseur}

{it's official}

{our sweet surprise}

a little something extra : make sure to RSVP early so you can get your choice of date at the location you prefer.

fabulous finds

One of my favorite places to find great amazing fabulous stuff for a great, sometimes unbelievable, price is at Last Chance. A division of Nordstrom - and the only one in the country - it can be really hit-or-miss {much of the stuff is used, well-worn and can be a little gross}, but every once in a while you can get a Really. Great. Hit.

I've picked up a North Face jacket, a Tahari coat and more shoes than I really care to count. But what I've really been most excited about have been the last two purchases - designer shoes.

I'd been lusting over these shoes for months and months.

And these retro pretty blush-colored satin treasures...what can I say? Love.

If you don't live in the Valley, make sure you stop by Last Chance the next time you're in town. Just be sure to bring some patience, a keen eye, quick reflexes and hand sanitizer.

bhldn

Since it was announced last spring, brides-to-be and blissful yet-to-be brides-to-be have been eagerly anticipating the reveal of Anthropologie's bridal offerings.

Well, ladies - the wait is almost over. BHLDN is being unveiled - most appropriately - on Valentine's Day.

{image via here}