Oh how I love thee, breakfast nook!  Trying to find a carpenter that can build me such a sweet seating arrangement.  Aside from the cozy factor, the #1 reason I love the nook, is that I can also use the box benches for abundant storage that my galley kitchen so desperately lacks.

pulled from my personal archive, courtesy of Domino Magazine

what a great idea! For rainy or snowy days like today, this boot tray could come in mighty handy to save you the time of toiling over your floors. Thanks Real Simple.

is my new name. Sorry I have been away with no warning, I did not realize getting internet in my new place would take so long!  I promise to put up treats this weekend.

In the meantime check out ‘Bazooka an album’ created by Livy of  ‘A Field Journal’, how sweetly she remembers a best friend lost.  Spotted on The Blah, Blah, Blahg. Oh how this touched my heart…thinking of you Fluffy.

I haven’t purchased much needed furniture yet, because I don’t move for another week, however below is the attention to detail I aspire to achieve upon settling in. An over-sized mirror, soft ottoman, rug, petite table and pretty artwork make the corner of a room extremely comfy. Flowers, a mirror, makeup brush holder and scented drawer inserts make the vanity a happy way to start the day. Symmetry in the bedroom with flanked tables, lamps and artwork, and the best accent - a bench at the foot of the bed. Hanging art in unexpected places and frames that require no hanging at all by resting on the floor. Lastly, I am toying with the idea of a electric fireplace to give my living area a focal point and some added warmth.

1. Transform a Corner of your Home, realsimple.com, 2. 20 ways to Update Your Bathroom, realsimple.com 3.- 5. Reviving a Victorian Home, elledecor.com

I saw this on Grey likes Weddings yesterday and had to share it. What a fabulous idea to use an old sweater as a DIY wine wrap. Cut a sleeve and sew the bottom, place with a gift tag and you have two gifts in one! See full set of instructions here. Thanks to Summer and friends for the clever concept I will be sure to replicate.

Grey likes Weddings: along with Jenny Liu Photography, MaeMae Paperie and Calligraphos Ink.

So I am moving at the end of this month into my very own apartment. Daunting yet truly exciting!  I am finding myself looking for inspiration on how to decorate this new space that I can call my very own. I love both vintage and modern so I am looking for an eclectic mix of the two. The below images showcase rooms and items with a more vintage feel, however I may just plop a modern piece in here and there.

The kitchen is a galley kitchen, I am attracted to the look of butcher blocks with white and silver accents. I definitely would like a hutch (see past white pantry post here) and I am toying with the idea of these oak open shelves. Dust and greece are my main concerns, if anyone has advice on this please share. The bathroom I would like to be serene, feminine, and comfortable. I am working with 1/4 the space of the lofted bathroom below but the colors and wood beams are wonderful!  Aged wood, wicker and accents of apothecary bottles, and silver specialities are a must. For dining, I like white seat covers with dark wood and love the large mirror as a backdrop. A few other homey items like a bench seat and ruffled bed dress just might be the touches I am looking for. Oh and let’s not forget about a little bit of lux, a chandelier would be absolute heaven! DIY network is about to become my new best friend.

1. Elle Decoration SA blog, 3. The Inspired Room, & 4. Home Interiors, spotted on Decorology, 5. RMSer LewisDesigns, HGTV.com, 6. Country Living spotted on the inspired room, 2, 7, 8, & 9. spotted on This is Glamorous

on what to do with your hair at a wedding?  Take this clever idea from my friend Shannon and let the straps of your dress serve double duty as a headband. Perfect for a bridesmaid that wants to keep her hair in place all day. Shannon’s up-do was created by Cristen Tucci of Nicolo Inc, Melrose Ma.

Winter whites, heather gray, oak, pewter and taupe. So inviting! On one side  - cool, calm and comfortable, and on the other - decadent with a hint of glitz and grace.

1. layers and layer of tulle, this is glamorous, 2. photo by Ditte Isager, edgereps.com, 3. White Flower-Girl Dresses, marthastewartweddings.com, 4. 242, amy mortimer*’s flickr, 5. Cozy Knit Slipper Booties, $69, vivaterra.com, 6. Ceramic Melon Knob, Zinc, $8, anthropologie.com, 7. Susan + Tom letterpress invitation, simplesongdesign.com

For those straggling gifts, or last minute get-togethers here are some adorable gift tags, designed by Julia Rothman, that may be put to good use now or be saved for next year. Download here via Design Sponge. Make wrapping even easier by printing on full sheet labels, available at Staples.

Miss at the la Playa has done a fantastic job of recapping the past year with fashion’s most memorable moments, trends, models, designers and inspiration you must check it out here.  Cheers to a new year of show stopping design, challenging one’s inner style maven. Go forth - be fierce!