Happy New Year!

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt say it best — what are you doing New Year's Eve? :) Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead and a happy and healthy 2012. Thanks for reading my blog!

(Via YouTube)  

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday dear readers and happy holidays too! I'm off to Massachusetts to celebrate Christmas with my family. I'm looking forward to some time off to relax, and read! Wishing you a wonderful few days off. To get your holiday weekend started on the right note, here are a few happy posts from around the web:

A holiday mix tape! 

Vacations rule. 

67 years good.

Holiday tradition.

The Mobile Moose. 

Holly jolly bookworm.

A gingerbread townhouse.

Wear sequins.

Merry Christmas (cards). 

Make a wish.

Do they know it's Christmas? 

(Image via HipHip GinGin)

Paris (and New York) in color

After stumbling across this blog earlier in the week, I was mesmerized by the sometimes subtle, sometimes vibrant pops of color in each scene. The top two photos are of Paris — just two from a collection that is about to become a book called "Paris in Color". I can't wait to read it! The bottom picture is by the same photographer, but this time she was on holiday at Rockefeller Center in New York. No matter where it is taken, each image captures the magic of Christmas and the holiday season!

(Image 1, 2 and 3 via Little Brown Pen)

Gold baubles

If you're dressing up for New Year's, the Aurous Tune Necklace from Anthropologie is the perfect way to add a touch of sparkle and shine. I love the size of each bauble, not to mention the soft, black suede tie. What are you wearing for New Year's Eve? Are you going fancy or casual this year?

More Anthropologie accessories I love: try this or this to brighten up any look.  

(Images via Anthropologie)

Grand entrance

What an entrance Kate Middleton made this weekend at the Sun Military Awards at the Imperial War Museum in London! Her Alexander McQueen dress is stunning, and with both William and Harry by her side, she looks happy and in love. What do you think of Kate's black tie look?

More Kate here, here, here and here. 

(Image via Zimbio) 

Seems like old times

I was so excited this weekend to unwrap an early Christmas gift from Matt! He got me an autographed copy of "Then Again" by Diane Keaton, a book I can't wait to read. Most intriguing? This memoir is as much about Diane as it is about her mom. It's also filled with lots of interesting tidbits, including details about her love affairs with leading men such as Woody Allen, Al Pacino, and more. But through it all — the acting, the style, the romance — Diane's biggest strength was never losing sight of her dreams:

''Could I have made a lasting commitment to them? Hard to say. Subconsciously I must have known it could never work, and because of this they'd never get in the way of my achieving my dreams.''

What do you think? Is this a book you'll read? 

(Image via Tomboy Style)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday my dear readers! December is turning into a bit of a blur — very similar to the twinkling lights pictured above. :) What do you have planned for the weekend? I have a date with my roommate to finally see New Year's Eve. Judge us if you must, but we saw Valentine's Day in the theaters together when we first met and we're continuing the tradition, holiday merriment and all. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

More clever cards.

Starry string lights. 

Inspired by Twiggy.

Cook wearing this.

What state do you call home? 

Mad Men-approved. 

Triple berry galettes.

Still searching for red.

Little pans!

Love Snuffleupagus.

(Image via Hip Hip Gin Gin)

Winter daydream

Winter officially arrives next week, and I must admit — I'm dreaming of summer warmth and the sand. It's not that I hate snow, but when it gets dark in New York at 4:45 p.m., I can't stop thinking about those long summer days. What do you do to get through the winter months? Are you a snow bunny or do you love the hot, summer heat?

(Image 1 via B for Bonnie; Image 2 via Bleubird)

Photo wall

Who needs to paint when you can decorate your walls with an enlarged photograph that fits the size of your room? I love the soft, black and white image above, and how it almost blends into the background of this cozy-looking home. That said, I do think it would be tough to choose just one image that would work, especially given the permanence of it's display.

What do you think — would you try this design idea at home? 

(Image via Craftzine)

Santa Hat Brownies

The cleverness of this Christmas treat made me smile. :) Don't these Santa Hat Brownies look too good to eat? Take a peek at the recipe here. In addition to being festive, they're easy to make!

(Image via Daisy's World)

Young Adult

Last week, I caught an early screening of Young Adult, starring Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, and Patrick Wilson. Have you seen it? Most of the reviews have been raves, but I'm not sure I would give it a glowing review. Don't get me wrong — the cast is great, and Charlize's performance as Mavis Gary is entertaining to watch, but something about the plot seems to fall flat at the end. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a happy ending or at least a way to redeem the film's lead.

Did anyone else see Young Adult this weekend? I'd love to know what you thought! 

(Images via Young Adult)

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday my dear readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm planning to dive deep into my holiday shopping — I still have so much to do! Assuming I'm productive, there's a reward at the end. Matt and I are going to see the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir on Sunday. So festive and fun! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A walk in the Park.

Remember Elaine?

A Madewell Christmas.

More Ryan Gosling. Sigh.

Lego! No.

The perfect sweet treat.

Kisses guaranteed.

Joy to the world!

Love this red dress.

Stockings with bling.

My kind of escape.

(Images via A House in the Hills)

Sarah Jessica Parker's blue tights

Remember this dress? Ever since the chilly fall weather arrived, I've struggled to find a way to style it so that I can stay warm and still look chic at the very same time. Enter my favorite fashionista, SJP. This week, she was spotted on the streets of New York rocking the gorgeous, blue opaque tights picture above. It made me think — so what if black tights won't work with my orange dress! I think it's time to try a different hue, like gray or brown, maybe even the right shade of blue.

What do you think of Sarah Jessica's look? Do you prefer bright or neutral tones when it comes to your tights? 

(Image via Hollywood Life)

Christmas time is here

As soon as I was old enough to count down the days until Christmas, my parents (and grandmother) introduced me to an advent calendar as a way to make the waiting game all the more fun. I could spend hours staring at the glitter-covered Christmas scenes, summoning up all the patience I had as I waited each night to open the next day's door. Based on this, I can't imagine being a kid with this hand-made advent calendar hanging up in my home. The creator — Bleubird — explains on her blog that all but five of the packages contain a candy treat. The ones that don't come filled with the first clue to a special scavenger hunt for the whole family to enjoy. So creative and fun!

Another good idea? Gift someone an online advent calendar, like these designs by Jacquie Lawson. The London-themed one is my favorite. (Thanks Mom!)

(Images via Bleubird)

Brunch Page: David Burke Kitchen

With the holiday craziness over the last couple of weeks, my regular brunch date with Matt and Laiza took a brief hiatus. This past weekend, the tradition resumed with a feast — no joke — at David Burke Kitchen in Soho. Bring a huge appetite with you when you dine at this cozy and adorable spot inside the James Hotel. After giving it my all on the Grilled Chicken BLT, I still could only finish half. Matt and Laiza were much more successful, each polishing off different versions of the Eggs Benedict, a signature dish on this New York-inspired menu.

Have you tried any new spots for brunch lately? Would love to hear your picks!

More brunch here, here and here.

(Image 1, 2, and 3)

Shop C Wonder

Are you still in need of holiday gift ideas? Look no further that C Wonder, the new collection from Tory Burch's ex-husband Chris. After a lovely Soho brunch, I couldn't wait to make my way over to Spring Street to browse the store's fashion, home goods, jewelry and more. From the bright color scheme to the dancing DJ eager to welcome you inside the front door, I spent well over an hour making my way through each room. A couple of gift ideas? This cheese board, this suitcase, these votives. I also know a girl who's in love with this bike!

How is your holiday shopping going? Any great gift ideas you can share? 

(Image 1, 2 and 3)

The weekend is here!

December has officially arrived — and so has the weekend! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? My goal: Christmas shopping. I always have high hopes to get an early start, but I'm afraid this year has turned out exactly like the last. It's time to get moving on this! For fun, I'm checking out Lysistrata Jones on Broadway. Have you seen it? The story looks really good. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web: 

J'adore Dior (and Marilyn and Grace)! 

Window shopping in Paris. 

Be cool. 

Scented bling. 

DIY holiday cards. 

Dinner with friends.

Stay warm!

Seasonal glamour. 

Flatware that sparkles.

Wait a minute, Mr. Postman. 

(Images via The Glamourai)

Modern mix tapes

Maybe it's because I'm in need of some new tunes for my subway ride to work, but I love the creativity behind these digital mix tapes from Wit + Delight. Get up and Get Dressed delivers exactly what it promises: a selection of songs that provide the motivation you need to start your day! I'm also really into the songs featured on At the Movies with Woody Allen. The entire mix conjures up my favorite memories from the best Woody Allen films. As Kate recommends, play this mix with good company and a glass of wine and you're in for a relaxing night!

More Woody Allen here, here and here.

My own mix tape, tied together by the lovely and talented Narrylikes! 

(Image 1, 2 via Wit + Delight)

Rumour has it

Despite all the delightful and innovative a cappella content on TV these days, I haven't posted much about one of my favorite subjects as of late. After seeing last week's episode of Glee and this impressive mash-up of Adele's Rumour Has It with Someone Like You, I knew that all had to change. Even though the show has gotten a bit preachy for my taste, they still know how to bring it with ballads like these! What did you think of this performance? Are you still keeping up with the show now that it's in it's third season?

Note: Expect more a cappella interviews in the new year! 

(Video via YouTube)

My Christmas wish list

It's may feel balmy in New York, but it took an MTA bus ride past the Holiday Market at Columbus Circle to remind me — the Christmas season has arrived! It got me thinking about my wish list for this year (and early next!). Right now, there are three things I want:

1) A red dress. Who knew it would be so hard to find the perfect one? 

2) More Mad Men. This past weekend, AMC started re-playing episodes from Seasons 1 through 4, just the reminder I needed that the premiere of Season 5 is coming soon!

3) A vacation in Paris. This trip is tentatively scheduled for early in the new year. Oh la la! 

What's on your holiday wish list this year? 

(Image 1, 2, and 3)

Don't rain on my parade

I love this photo taken years ago at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Did you have a nice holiday? What did you do to celebrate? :)

(Image via Torypedia)

How to Make Apple Pie

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Matt and I decided to take a class and learn how to make a delicious apple pie at One Girl Cookies in Cobble Hill. What a fun night! Francina — our teacher — was incredible (and patient). She really took the time to answer all of our questions, from how to slice the apples to how to apply an egg wash. We made our pies (including the crust) from scratch and even had time to take a wine and cupcake break! The pies pictured above are the end result. Trust me — they taste even better than they look. For an old-fashioned apple pie, try this recipe or this one.

Wishing each of you a happy Thanksgiving. I'll be back next week!

Filming 'Gatsby'

Are you a fan of The Great Gatsby? It has to be one of my favorite books. The fact that Baz Luhrmann is currently shooting a remake of the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire? It's a dream come true! I love the 'sneak peek' photos above. Leo looks incredible — Carey too! I can't believe we have to wait until 2012 for the film to come out. What do you think — will you see the new version of this classic film?

More Gatsby here and here. 

(Image 1, 3, and 4 via PopSugar and Image 2 via The Daily Mail)

An English wedding

There's something about this English wedding — it looks absolutely magical! The enthusiasm of the groom is fantastic, and ever since seeing Tangled last year, there's nothing I find more romantic than sending candle-lit lanterns off into the night sky. It seems very similar to wishing on a star, don't you think? Such stunning pics! 

(Photos via Once Wed)