Holiday Break

The festivities begin today for me, so I'm signing off till the New Year. I'm celebrating Christmas here in London with my hubby and his family, but come the 28th we are flying to Virginia (my home state) to ring in the New Year with my side. And no, I didn't grow up at the below resort—just nearby!

Till then, cheers to a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!

London photograph from city-data.com. Goodstone Resort, Virginia, photograph from Garden & Gun.

Holiday: Last Minute Gift Idea

I'm headed to IKEA this a.m. for boxes galore as my bedroom and office are in desperate need of some organisational TLC. So I was thrilled to see a DIY to embellish plain boxes with upholstery inspired studs over at P.S. I made this...

For what you'll need and directions, head on over. You could even do a set of these for last minute Christmas pressies!

Faux Real: Amanda's diy Belt is a Cinch...For Pence!

I have to admit, I have been unwillingly dragged into an outdoor store many times in my life thanks to my uber-athletic brother. Had I been a little more coordinated, I might have had a need for the gear, too—but when your workout is limited to the treadmill and yoga mat, the call for snowboard goggles is slim. Needless to say, when I visited these outdoor sport meccas, my attention was drawn to the bright-as-jewels accessories. In particular: accessory cord. Ever since I first laid eyes on the rainbow selection, I have been trying to find a use. Now, thanks to J.Crew's always clever styling, it's finally in my cart! And at around 30 cents per foot (around £1 per meter for those of you in the UK), this project is wallet friendly. What more could you ask for?

All you need to recreate J.Crew's accessory cord belt (as seen in December 2009's Holiday in Chile catalog) is colorful accessory cord and a lighter.

You will need:
*Accessory cord (suggested thickness of 5-6 millimeters. When you use cord thicker than this, it's less pliable.
*Lighter

Steps:
1. Decide where you want your belt to sit and cut twice the desired length of cord.
2. Using a lighter, carefully single the ends of the cord so it doesn't unravel.
3. After letting the ends cool, fold the cord in half creating a loop.


4. Place the cord around your waist with the looped side on the left hip and singed ends on the right hip.
5. Pull the singed ends of the cord through the looped end and tighten.
6. Pull the ends downward, then circle them back around and under the singed end side of the belt on your right hip.
7. Thread the ends through the middle of the loop you have just created. Voila!

Alternatives: square knot, braid, and two-corded square knot

Want to take the project a step further? Experiment with different kinds of knots and braids. My pick? The easy and stylish square knot. See a how-to video at Boys' Life mag's site. Once you knot the cord, secure it to your waist with a pretty bow in the back.

Tip: Use two pieces of accessory cord for a bigger, more dramatic square knot.

Where to find the cord:
England: Cotswold Outdoor and Active.
USA: Rei.com offers BlueWater or PMI brand cord.

J.Crew Inspired diy on Monday!

If you liked what guest blogger Amanda had to offer last time, then you will adore what she's making for Monday! And just because I can't wait to show, here's a little preview.

Photograph from J.Crew.

See you Monday!

Faux Real: The Week's Best diy Projects

Since it's pretty obvious what I've been doing this week, I thought I would round up some fabulous crafts I've been pulling from all my fave people:

Photograph and directions at Once Wed.

Photograph and directions at Design*Sponge.

Photograph and directions at ReadyMade.

Photograph and directions from Design*Sponge.

Office Organisation @ Design*Sponge!

For my last guest post of the week on Design*Sponge I rounded up DIYs, tips, and tricks to organise your office. Check it out, then come back here! I'm back to posting on here this afternoon with a roundup of the week's best DIYs from around the web and a preview of guest blogger Amanda's Monday post.

Photograph from Ideal Home.

Studio Living @ Design*Sponge!

Photograph from MarthaStewart.com.

 Head over to the Design*Sponge guest blog today for Well Worn's take on shacking up in small quarters.

Kitchen Blowout @ Design*Sponge!

For how to get your kitchen in order, check out today's guest post over at the Design*Sponge guest blog!

Apple photograph from Country Homes & Interiors, canister photograph from zeehomebug’s Flickr photostream, utensil photograph from Living Etc, wall organizer and pantry photographs from Real Simple,
and pegboard photograph from Martha Stewart Living.

Organised Loos & Halls @ Design*Sponge!

Guest blog day number two! Check out Design*Sponge's guest blog for my best tips on how to clean up your WCs and hallways.

Hall photographs from Living Etc. Bathroom photograph from Country Homes & Interiors.

Bedroom Organisation @ Design*Sponge!

I'm attempting my hand at bedroom organisation over at Design*Sponge today! This week I'm going room by room to deliver useful (I hope) tips for the New Year. See you there!

Photographs from Real Simple.

Obsession Files: Miss Capricho

Spanish artist Marie-Klara Gonzalez's works have inspired me to find a bulletin board (I've been putting it off...don't ask!) and pin her illustrations all over it! I'm especially loving this party gal...

Image from Miss Capricho via Ruby Press & Oh Joy!

Weekend Fun

Photographs by Brooke Johnson via Welcome Home

Foodie Weekend

My hubby and I are holed up at home this weekend; I have previously mentioned guest blogs to pen and he has business school homework to do (whose to-do sounds more fun? I know, I know!).

When I was at uni in Charleston, South Carolina, Amanda (of guest blogging fame) and I used to order Kickin' Chicken's huge jerk chicken subs smothered in cheese and perfected with ranch dressing dipping sauce and huge sides of fries/chips before every major exam. We called it "brain food." And while part of that came from wanting an excuse to eat such a thing, it really did help. Physical or mental effect? Who knows.

But I think this weekend is worthy of guilty-pleasure food overload. Here's what's making my mouth water (recipe over at Homesick Texan):

Photograph from Homesick Texan

Weekly Recap

First up, a very exciting announcement: I'll be guest blogging next week over at Design*Sponge! My topic? Organisation. So whether you need to spruce up before the in-laws arrive or get a head start on New Year's resolutions, I hope you'll pop over and check it out.


Second, many of my fave blogs including D*S do a weekly roundup of their posts, which is tops in case I miss a day. With that in mind, here's Well Worn's first recap:

*Can't wait till Monday for some tidy inspiration? Then check out this easy DIY earring organiser by guest blogger Amanda.
*There's something for colour lovers of all types—from "green" minded folks to Holly Golightly wannabes—in this week's mix of real-life and photo shoot Christmas trees.
*Continuing the holiday spirit, we also blogged three simple DIY decorations.
*To wrap things up were a few posts rounding up our faves from the new online issue of Lonny magazine. Striped loo, anyone?
*If haven't finished your present buying yet, look no further than the same web mag's stunning gift guide.

And just to leave you with some warm fuzzies for the weekend...

Photograph from the-berkeley.com via Vogue.co.uk

Obsession Files: Lonny Love Part 2

I feel like the gift guide is a blogger's rite of passage, so you might remember that I tried my own under 10 (£ & $ to cover both of my homes!) collection. But I don't think I'll be crafting any more after seeing Lonny mag's amazing roundup. Just don't want to embarrass myself! So congratulations my dear friend, bridesmaid, and Lonny ed assistant, Lady Gray...And don't let the distance stop you from shipping over some goods! xx

Photographs from Lonnymag.com

Like what you see? Go to pages 15 through 20 on Lonnymag.com for descriptions. If only they had a gift of the month club...

Obsession Files: J.Crew NYC's Striped Loo

The first beauty courtesy of Lonny mag's new issue! This just has to be my future bathroom. I love how sophisticated the stripes are without being OTT. And I mean, if it works for Jenna Lyons it most definitely works for me!

Photograph by Patrick Cline for Lonny mag

Lonny Issue 2 Launches Today!

Keep your eyes peeled for the best of the new issue! I'm rounding up my faves from its cyber pages soon after the big launch.

Photo by Patrick Cline for Lonny magazine

Sweet & Simple Christmas Decs

No progress on the decorating front? Don't worry! Decking the halls doesn't have to mean dressing your credit card statement in red. Here are a few ideas from the web that are easy, stylish, and cheap. What more could you ask for?

While I was shopping for my wedding this summer I found loads of tableware similar to these hobnail pieces at flea markets and garage sales for just $1 each! I bet you could find an indoor flea market this time of year if you're lacking in the red and green dish department. And instead of jars you could fill glass pitchers with the ribbons and treats.

Want to tackle the tree (probably the hardest out of a simple group)? Head to Martha's domain for the complete DIY.

Dish & Ribbon photos from Country Living. Tree photo from Martha Stewart.

Web Roundup: Creative Christmas Trees

While colour has always been a highlight of winter magazine issues, I don't think I've seen so much as in this year's offerings. I have always been into a classic big green tree with heirloom ornaments mixed with whites and clear glass bulbs, but I'm intrigued by the fun factor of these trees. I mean, who wouldn't love to walk into a room filled with joyous hues? So with that in mind, I've compiled six of my faves—both from real homes as well as photo shoots.

From the MarthaStewart.com forums: painted plastic bottles, Tiffany's theme, & pinwheels.

Photographs from Country Living & Living Etc.

Faux Real: Decorative Earring Oraganiser by Amanda

When heading to this season’s slew of soirees, who wants to waste time searching through tangled trinkets for a pair of posts? Think outside the jewelry box and you can stop digging and head straight to the shindigs. Ribbon, paper clips, wall hooks and your collection of earrings are all you need to assemble this decorative earring organizer. Now the only kind of late you’ll be is fashionably.

You will need:

*Ribbon

I used about 6 feet for 20 pairs of earrings.

*Paper clips, one for each pair of earrings

*Scissors

*Two wall hooks, for hanging

*Earrings, in original packaging

*Optional: sewing needle (if making your own packaging)

Trashed your packaging? Don’t fret. Heavy-duty paper, like cardstock, works just as well (I used price tags adorned with interesting graphics). Use a sewing needle to poke holes for the earrings to go through.

Steps:

1. On a smooth surface, lay out all of your earrings in a straight line.

2. Using the earrings as a guide, measure out the length of ribbon that you will require. Remember to leave room on each end for hanging, about 4 inches.

3. Cut the ribbon.

4. Affix the first set of earrings to the ribbon with paper clips. If the packaging has a cutout for hanging on a store display, attach the paper clip to the ribbon inside the cutout. This ensures a secure hold.

5. Leave about 1 inch of space and start the next pair. Continue adding earrings to the ribbon until complete.

6. Attach wall hooks to desired location.

7. Using one hand, carefully pick up both ends of the ribbon.

8. Secure the ribbon to the first hook by tying a double knot. Repeat for opposite end.

Photographs by Amanda

Guest Blogger Debuts Monday!

Starting Monday, Amanda will be joining us to weigh in on her brilliant design tips and tricks. First up is a DIY I know many of you need to read. Her credentials? Besides being an amazing friend and unfailingly fabulous fashionista, she has also written for a Southern shelter mag and is beginning another guest blogging journey over at my girl Lady Gray's site. I know I'm excited and once you see what's in store for Monday, I guarantee you'll be begging for more Amanda posts! Till then, here's her beautiful face (and not the creeping one in the background) to keep you going.

 
Amanda & Nicole

Web Roundup: Stocking Solutions

Stockings might just be the most fun thing to dive into on Christmas morning. So don't ditch them if you're sans fireplace. Instead, make one of these easy and stylish alternatives a weekend craft to-do.

 Photographs courtesy of magazines' websites

Clockwise from top left:

*Use pretty ribbon scraps to hang mugs to your staircase. Worried they'll fall? Just use floral wire to secure. Photograph from Living Etc.

*Suspend a found branch by the tree. Bonus? This one is perfect for small spaces. Photograph from Living Etc.

*You won't even have to leave bed on Christmas morning! Photograph from Country Living.

*Monogram socks using puffy paint and finish off with fun pom-poms and ribbon for a kid-friendly craft. Photograph from Martha Stewart Living.

*Take advantage of your piano's "mantle." Photograph from Country Living.

Web Roundup: What's Black & White &... Metallic?

Today's gift guide! We think these chic finds are perfect for your best gals.

Photographs courtesy of sellers' websites

White & Silver

Wear this: Marc Jacobs sequin top, £500, www.mytheresa.com

Gift these:

*Anya Hindmarch silver loose pocket, £67, www.anyahindmarch.com

*Vintage Corsage Hook, £18, www.bombayduck.co.uk

*Ultimate Winter Candle, £85, www.thewhitecompany.com

Black & Gold

Wear this: Sequin Sleeve Shantoon top, £22, www.newlook.com

Gift these:

*Disay gold-plated "Milky Way" earrings, £67, www.asos.com

*Small flower studs, £5, www.asos.com

*Monogram mugs, £4 each, www.anthropologie.com

Faux Real: Handmade Hanukkah Garland

DIY blog Prudent Baby kicked off their Handmade Hanukkah series with this garland that's just so sweet. Can't wait to try it myself! Click here for the complete how to.

Mazel Tov!

Photograph courtesy of www.prudentbaby.blogspot.com

Web Roundup: Gifts for 10 & Under

Photographs courtesy of sellers' websites

1. Ice Invaders ice cube tray, $8, www.thinkgeek.com
2. Wooden bottle opener, $10, www.spartan-shop.com
3. Small oval chalkboard sticker frame, $7, www.paper-source.com
4. The Littlest Coin Purse, £10, www.anthropologie.com
5. Keel's Simple Diary, £10, www.amazon.co.uk
6. Pam's Recipe Book, £6, www.toast.co.uk
7. Tulip Nebula Votive, £5, www.anthropologie.com
8. Noir Blossoming Flower Letterpress Coasters, set of 8, $9, www.etsy.com/shop/rubypress
9. Clifford Richards cat & fairy notebooks, £2 each, www.vandashop.com
10. Kimono Girl Mirror, £7 each, www.vandashop.com
11. Reindeer ornament, £2.50, www.toast.co.uk

Home Decor: London Calling

Can't wait to head to Chelsea Gardener and scoop up bunches of these city-chic ornaments! Going to tie one onto each of the packages for my American family and friends.

Photographs courtesy of Chelsea Gardener

Web Roundup: Well Worn's Christmas List

Let's kick off this season of gift guides with a slightly more personal inventory highlighting the two fave spots in my abode.

Photographs courtesy of sellers' websites

Clockwise from top left:

*Letizia Cardigan, £74, www.anthropologie.com

*Tuxedo Jacket in black, $228, www.jcrew.com

*V&A Pattern Box Set, £27, www.vandashop.com

*Wolfgang Letterpress stationery (with my new, married name!), price varies, www.mrboddington.com

*Painted Ceramic Piggy Money Box, £9, www.bombayduck.co.uk

*Black leather CIAK 2010 Daily Organiser, £14-£16, www.thejournalshop.com

*Bronx Linus Boot in Brown Brush, £170 (If you can still find these, you're magic! Luckily I think Santa was able to grab a pair on Piperlime.)

*Toothpick Ankle Cord in dark charcoal and black (not shown), now $60 each, www.jcrew.com

Faux Real: Luxe Snow Globes

How amazing is this styling by Anthropologie?! Although I don't think I would be OK with submerging expensive jewellery, antique stores or flea markets often yield inexpensive yet interesting pieces that would be perfect for a DIY like this. You could even use Christmas ornaments, but be sure to use a sealant if your dec is prone to rust.

Photographs & jewellery courtesy of www.anthropologie.com

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewellery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy 

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per  instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the "snow" falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don't like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!