{ happy valentine's day }

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Treat yourself to something special, even if it's just a handful of conversation hearts.

{ gift guide } last-minute luxe list

Christmas is less than a week away, but there's still time to rush gifts under the tree. Here are a few irresistible last-minute indulgences:

1. Sunglasses, Tiffany & Co., $290
2. 14k Pyramid Stud Earrings, Sophie Blake, $165
3. Fireplace Matches, Thomas Paul, $12.50
4. Leather Pouch, Rebecca Minkoff, $55
5. "I Love You" Ring, Tiffany & Co., $125 (ask your loved one for this - it'll be darling layered with other rings)
6. Gold Wishbone, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
7. Polka Dot Scarf, Topshop, $28
8. Tortoise Watch, Michael Kors, $195
9. Mint Pumps, Kate Spade, $298 (I have these and absolutely love them.)
   

Additional Gift Guides

• Luxe Gifts Under $50
• The Traveler
• The Beach Babe
• The Elegant Entertainer
• The Whimsical Woman
• The Outdoorsman
• The Geeky Guy
  

{ minted }

Last weekend, we gathered for our first Christmas celebration of the season. Admittedly, the day snuck up on me - as Christmas always does - but there was just enough time to whip up a holiday classic: peppermint bark. The candy was a hit, and the most audible raves were from my seven-year-old cousin who took more than half of it home with her. I altered this recipe, omitting the oil, adding more peppermints, and melting the chocolate in the microwave for about two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Not sure what to buy the outdoorsman in your life? Check out the gift guide here!

{ inspiration board } glitter

The moment I'm met with a frosty chill in the morning, I remember Trick-or-Treating in blizzards, recall Thanksgiving gatherings, and think of winter celebrations - and all of the wonderfully glittering things that go along with them. But it seems like such a shame to wait until December to appreciate champagne toasts. Please don't judge me when I start holiday yearnings a little early this year. Cocktail rings to work? Yes, please.

1. Semi Circle Studs, Topshop, $18
2. Necklace, Kate Spade, $78
3. Sequin Tee, Calypso, $395
4. Champagne Flute, Riedel, $44 set of two
5. Note Card, Jess LC, $3
   

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

A green-tinged ale didn't touch my lips this year. In fact, wearing a green sweater to work was the extent of my Saint Patrick's Day celebration. There wasn't even the annual Guinness meal replacement (let's face it, that stuff is dinner in a pint glass). Are you celebrating the holiday?

1. PS1 Pochette, Proenza Schouler, $895
2. "Abagail" Silk Dress, Tory Burch, $350
3. High-Heel Leather Pump, Sergio Rossi, $550 $199.95
4. Textured Gold Clover Earrings, Anya Jewels, $59
5. "Dance Like No One's Watching" Notebook, Smythson, $75

Two Thousand Eleven

{photo via limite magazine}

New Year's Eve Resolutions: sip a glass of bubbly and kiss a potential suitor at the stroke of midnight. Let's start 2011 on the right foot!

I hope you all have a fanciful evening and best wishes for the new year.

Merry Christmas

{image via Department of the Interior}

I hope you all have a very merry holiday season!

Over the interstate and through the woods to grandmother's house I go to overindulge in holiday cocktails and Christmas cookies. After the Christmas Eve festivities, I'm heading to my parents' house to see what Santa left under the tree. I wish you all the best this holiday. Safe travels, my friends!

Tuesday Treats ... Literally

Last weekend, I spent a staggering $70 on baking ingredients. And if you peeked into my grocery bags, you'd quickly realize that I dropped nearly $100 on candy: milk chocolate, white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, granulated sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar. All in the name of Christmas. I've since been slaving over a hot cookie sheet, cranking out dozens of holiday cookies. Just two more treats remain before I can hang up the apron for another year.

What's your favorite holiday treat? Share your recipe!

Deck the Mantel

Digging into a stocking on Christmas morning has been one of my favorite traditions for one reason: immediate gratification. Growing up, my brother and I had to patiently take turns unwrapping one gift at a time to allow for ample photo ops. It's great for family photo albums. It's torture on a child.

This year, I'm yearning for a stocking filled with luxe indulgences.

See what's in my dream stocking at La Vie ... J'aime.

{ gift guide } Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Vintage Book, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
Rhinestone Key Chain, Kate Spade, $50
Pyramid Stud Earrings, Juicy Couture, $48
Dress, ModCloth, $47.99
Brooch, Forever21, $5.80
Peanut Key Chain, Carl Auböck, $29.75 (on sale)
Hand Warmers, Juicy Couture, $36 (on sale)
Horn Serving Set, Jayson Home & Garden, $35*
Polka Dot Pillow, West Elm, $34 (free shipping today)
Black Truffle Almonds, The Squirrel Brand Co., $26
Lotus Candle Holder, CB2, $14.95
Bud Vase, CB2, $8.84/set of 3

*After I completed this list, I realized that the serving set is only $15 on Gilt today! Totally worth it. Sign up here if you need an invite.

Have you completed your holiday shopping?

{ gift guide } My Wish List

I was thisclose to be disowned by my mother last week. Despite weeks of inquiries, I still hadn't decided what to include on my own holiday wish list. Many coveted items I'd just buy for myself because I'd feel too guilty asking for an indulgent item. After all, what parent really wants to spend $200 on a cocktail ring that's made from base metal? Here are the more reasonable gifts I hope to find under the tree. (And I'm sure I'll regret not even asking for those Miu Miu's after the new year.)

• Square Plates: I've been using my parents' old dinnerware since college. Definitely time for an upgrade. (However, I won't opt for the square bowls - those feel too pompous.)
• Cozy Cardigan: The zipper on this one makes me especially happy; it can go as high or as low as you'd like.
• YSL Arty Flower Ring: This might be my tax return splurge.
  
• Culinary Torch: New Year's resolution: learn to make creme brulee.
• Flap Mittens: I finally caved and purchased an iPhone after my Razr met an untimely demise. I'm addicted. And tired of taking my gloves off each time I want to play with it.
• Luxe Bottle Opener: Making beer classier one bottle cap at a time.
• Glam Coin Purse: Truth be told, I already ordered this for myself.
• Christmas Ornament: A new bauble bedecks the tree each year.
• Quirky Dessert Plates: Let them eat cake!
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses: I asked my brother for these since he's the only one I know who splurges on eyewear.
• Rhinestone Bracelet: I'm transitioning from statement necklaces to statement bracelets ... even if they make typing obnoxious.
  
• Beijing Travel Guide: There's a 85% chance I'm visiting China in June. More on that later.
• Mad Men on DVD: I just finished watching Weeds on DVD and I'm in desperate need of another show to obsess over in the off season (even if I caught most of the shows when they aired).
  

But, most of all, I'm wishing for Christmas greetings from loved ones - and enough sweets to send me down a diabetic path.

What's on your holiday wish list?

{ gift guide } The Glam Gal

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Passport Cover, Graphic Image, $65
Black & White Cookie Ornament, Landmark Creations, $45
Peacock Ornament, Gump's, $16.99 (on sale)
Art Deco Ring, Elizabeth and James, $135
Cocktail Ring, Forever21, $5.80
Martini Glasses, BAR Collection, $54/set of two

Pencils with Rhinestone Detail, DiVoga, $14.99/set of 9
Candle, Annick Goutal, $65
Bird Skull Ring, Rachel Roy, $48
Feather Paperweight, Match, $37
Sequin Clutch, Kate Spade, $97 (on sale)
Makeup Brush Set, Bobbi Brown, $90
iPhone Cover, Kate Spade, $40*
Pineapple Bowl, Jayson Home & Garden, $32
Earrings, Janna Conner, $65

*Unfortunately, this cover is now sold out on the Kate Spade site. A few options come up via the Google shopping search.

{ gift guide } The Homebody

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Pillow Cover, John Robshaw Textiles, $75
Drawer Knob, Anthropologie, $8
Lambswool Blanket, Design Within Reach, $150
Vase, Kate Spade, $75
Match Holder, Eddie Bauer, $29.50
Desk Lamp, Ethan Allen, $299
Calendar, Jack and Lulu, $48
Agate Cheese Plates, Jayson Home & Garden, $60 - $75
Books, Penguin Classics, $13.60
Teacup and Saucer, welovekaru, $35
Antique French Key, Jayson Home & Garden, $8
Shea Orchard Daily Duo, L'Occitane, $25
Pie Plate, Emile Henry, $34.95
Sea Glass Earrings, Coldwater Creek, $9.99 (on sale)

{ gift guide } The Snow Bunny

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Icicle Ornaments, Jayson Home & Garden, $36/set of 15
Tuxedo Pearls Graduated Necklace, Kate Spade, $245
Cool Jewels Ice Tray, Perpetual Kid, $6.99
Snowflake Brooch, Dillard's, $25
Cake Pan, Wilton, $30.95
Snow in a Can, Bibelot, $4.50
Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream, L'Occitane, $18
King Penguin Chicks, Schleich, $3.99
Apatite Green Drops, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $69
Metallic Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $70
Snowflake Ring, Betsey Johnson, $55
Faux Fur Wrap, Dillard's, $34
Boots, Sorel, $130
Mittens, Kate Spade, $65
Bracelets, Alexis Bittar, $295 each

{ gift guide } The Gardener

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Floral Cami, Ella Moss, $87.99 (on sale)
Watering Can, Gardman, $16.39 (on sale)
Birdcage Necklace, Kate Spade, $125
Trowel Ornament, Sears, $6.99
Bird Feeder, Eva Solo, $50.99
Bird Stud Earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $48
Lotus Serving Set, Michael Aram, $59
Twig Pencils, Amazon, $1.99 each
Garden Stool, Gump's, $295
Gardenia Soap, Fresh, $12
Floral Earrings, Tinley Road, $24
Lattice Cuff, Lilly Pulitzer, $68
Leaf Tray, Michael Aram, $32-85

{ gift guide } The Seafarer

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Crab Necklace, Alex Woo, $158
Hand Towels, Thomas Paul, $48
Bikini Top and Bottom, Diane von Furstenberg, $135 and $125
Shorebird, Brass Binnacle, $18.95
Knot Doorstop, Jayson Home & Garden, $35
Swimwear Care, The Laundress, $8
Piper Bobby Pins, Kate Spade, $45
Piper Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $60
Beach Fragrance, Bobbi Brown, $55
Straw Tote, J.Crew, $42.50
Anchor Key Chain, Pelican Bay Nautical Gifts, $17.95
Shell Dish, Jayson Home & Garden, $44
Shell Ornaments (set of 4), Wisteria, $49
Starfish Pendant, Target, $24.99

{ gift guide } The Label Lover

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Umbrella, Diane von Furstenberg, $45
Eye Shadow Duo, MAC, $19.50
Alexander McQueen by Kristin Knox, $29
Buckle Gem Bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $88
Twirl Rollerball Fragrance, Kate Spade, $18
Cami and Short Set, Juicy Couture, $52.50 (on sale)
Coin Purse, Rebecca Minkoff, $48
Jingle Bell Earrings, Kate Spade, $45
Mini Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, $125
Picture Frame, Kate Spade, $35
Cocktail Ring, Rachel Leigh, $80
Silk Twilly, Hermes, $130

{ gift guide } The Chic Chef

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Chocolate Mousse Mix, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
French Grey Sea Salt, Williams-Sonoma, $7.95
Fortune Cookie Necklace, Jessica Elliot, $75
Moroccan Olive Oil, Crate & Barrel, $10.95
Toile Cupcake Liners, Fancy Flours, $4.50
Chopping Board, Crate & Barrel, $44.95
Leather Bottle Opener, Jayson Home & Garden, $16
Cake Stand, Julia Knight, $90
Bakers Twine, Crate & Barrel, $7.95
Jingle Bell Picks, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
Pear Salt Cellar, Jayson Home & Garden, $45
Wine Bottle Coaster and Stopper, Michael Aram, $89.99

{ gift guide } The Wanderlust

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
World Traveler Mug, Kate Spade, $20
World Map Pillow, Ferm Living, $110
World Traveler Calendar, Anthropologie, $21.95
Jewelry Case, Lauren Merkin, $85
Patent Luggage Tag, Coach, $42
Paris Magnets, ModCloth, $11.99
Giselle Suitcase, Diane von Furstenberg, $121.99
Cartographer's Cultured Knob, Anthropologie, $10
Matryoshkas Measuring Cups, ModCloth, $14.99
Newbury Passport Cover, Lauren By Ralph Lauren, $48
Travel Tin Candle, Votivo, $11

Happy Thanksgiving!

{photo via DigsDigs}

Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!

And don't get trampled on Black Friday.