Kitchen Display: Mirror, Mirror

It's been ages since my last kitchen display post.  After seeing this kitchen today I knew I had to start this up again.  I think I like the idea of an oversized mirror in the kitchen.  It definitely makes this space seem larger and reflects the lovely open shelfs.

Source: thekitchn.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Merry and New

Christmas and New Years were so lovely this year!  My school system did not get out until the 23rd so only having one day to prepare for all the Christmas festivities was not grand but it was the best break despite that.  In 11 days I managed to visit with everyone dear to me and have a few days  to just be lazy.  Here is a short version of my holiday.

Christmas Eve Eve-Secret Santa Party with my best friends!  Not Christmas without this event.  Miss Emma Louise attended this year too :)

My cousin, Amy, breaking in her new watercolor pencils at MawMaw's Christmas Eve afternoon.

Cats love Christmas too!

What makes Christmas dinner at Betty Mom and DaDa's even better?!?! A puppy! Mom and Tyler were smitten.

No family get together is complete without going through some photos.  How stylish is my grandmother?  And DaDa's skinny tie! My mom is the youngest in the middle.

 My dad cooking Christmas breakfast on his new "Man Patio".

Cooking in the new kitchen at my dad's.  MawMaw is always in charge of grits.

Good Christmas Breakfast

 We always get a gigantic tree at my dad's but he was late on the tree game this year. This little tree is so  perfectly cute in the newly renovated study.

After Christmas I went down to South Carolina to spend a few days with Jon and his family.  

Wilda Kate has grown so much since August!

"Again!"

I'm not sure if Isabelle was happier to see me when I got home or my new quilt made by Jon's mom.

 New Year's shoes!  Update to my old suede heels with my grandmother's shoe clips. Fancy!

 I made him wear the hat for a photo and he made me hold out my pinky while holding my drink.  Compromise.

On New Year's Day we went and saw The Artist (so good!) and then cooked our first official New Year's dinner the next day.  And Jon couldn't spell apocalypse but I still love him.

So that's it!  A great end to a wonderful year and a great beginning to an even better year.  Happy 2012.

To: You From: Etsy

My favorite online thing of the holiday season? Gift Guides!
Almost every shopping site has them now.  The more specific you can get the better.  Need to know what to get your preppy yet outdoorsy mother?  Search no more! Anthropologie's is pretty good (that really isn't a description of my mother I was just being silly).  But this morning I found this: The Etsy Gift Guide.
Go on, link up to your Facebook account and it gives you ideas for every friend!  As if I need to know what to get the girl from my

Here are some perfect examples of why you should use this great, great invention.

For my brother Tyler, based on that he has Jackass listed as a favorite TV show (ugh, I know).

He'll love this adorable vintage nativity donkey!  An instant family heirloom.

For a best friend's ex-boyfriend who for some reason is still on my friend list?
Well based on his love of video games, he'll love this Legends of Zelda necklace.  A little bittersweet don't you think?

Why am I still Facebook friends with an ex's roommate that I spoke maybe 3 sentences to?
To get him this sweet Charleston sweatshirt of course!

My mom loves reading.  This Powerful Tarot Love Spell will be perfect!  Also, how can you buy a love spell over Etsy?!? 

And, last but not least, my boyfriend.  Here is what Etsy has recommended:

No Recommendations Available. 

Seriously! This is one that actually could have worked. Thanks for nothing (except lots of good laughs) Etsy!

Tis the Season

Now that Halloween is over, I'm happy to announce I can now start saving up for my holiday party dress of the season.  It may be a slim Christmas for some of you out there.

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Fall Wish List Pt. 1

Something happened to my closet over the spring/summer.  All my fall/winter clothes have vanished.  Not, completely but I have purged my closet and drawers of some worn out looks and now feel like I have nothing to wear.  I've bought a few new things but not nearly enough to last me throughout the winter months.  Here are a few things I'm loving today.
Lady Blouses:

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Touches of Emerald:

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: satomikawakita.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.com via Taylor on Pinterest

100 Years of Style

Hello!  I've not been on here in ages it seems.  That is what moving to a new classroom and school starting can do to a girl.  But the first full week is over and a lovely three day weekend is ahead.  This is my new favorite youtube video:


My favorites are the 20's and 40's looks.  I'm not sure they really showed the best (and by best I mean worst) of the 90's though.

Last Day of Summer, Portlandia, etc.

Today is my last day of summer break, how did that happen? I feel there are a hundred things I didn't get around to doing this summer that I meant to but it was a lovely summer all the same.

Since we got back from Portland I've been stressing over moving into my new classroom. It's finally starting to come together but I still have lots to do. I decided to take a little break this afternoon though to enjoy my last afternoon of freedom. I'll probably still work on school stuff but catch up on Project Runway while doing it.

Our Portland trip was lovely. Here are some highlights: