Merry Christmas from Baltimore

I just wanted to share some photos of our house, I didn't have a chance to finish decorating the tree until this week but I was determined to have it all finished by today.  Seamus enjoys photography in his free time and took these beautiful pictures of the house, I was so excited!  The only thing that I wish I had was something to put over the mantle, having the second mantle makes it a weird size so nothing I put up there looks quite right, but I will keep you posted!

My mom was so sweet and sent me my stocking from when I was a little girl.  I actually found those stocking holders at Target!

I usually do flowers on the table but this year I decided to do a more rustic table; I saw these clementines at Whole Foods and I had some leftover branches from the tree.  My mom had given us this antique Christening bowl, I'm sure its not meant to be a fruit bowl, but I think it looks great!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Last week I mentioned that Seamus and I were going to NYC to visit friends and we had an incredible time.  Thank you so much to Chris and Larissa for being such amazing hosts, we had so much fun and hopefully we can plan another trip soon!

Our 1st stop: Carnegie Deli- I thought the line was going to take forever but I was surprised how fast it moved

our hosts:

Anxiously awaiting the "Woody Allen" Sandwich

Don't worry- Seamus and I split it!

Bergdorf's had awesome window displays:

BRRRRR...so cold!

The tree

Trying to stalk Lily van der Woodsen

recharging at magnolia bakery

I'll take them all!

Seamus found a Beretta store in NYC - basically its like the Bergdorf's of hunting- he seriously asked if we could register there- how cute <3

We went back to the tree for a night shot

Skating in Central Park

Quick stop at FAO Schwartz:

Seamus was trying to take this kid out in foosball- can you believe this limited edition Barbie table costs $24,999!!!!

Lady Gaga's window display at Barneys

The next day we walked the High Line in Chelsea to get to Chelsea Market

Right before our bus left we decided to stop by Times Square to see all of the craziness- 5 minutes was enough for me!

The only thing that I didn't get pictures of was our food- Larissa and Chris took us to some amazing places:

Friday dinner at: Osteria Morini

Saturday Dinner at: abc kitchen 

(which is part of abc home and carpet store- the restaurant was delicious and the decor was amazing)

Brunch on sunday at: Cookshop

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and I will be back on Monday!

NYC bound

Seamus and I are headed to NYC to stay with Larissa and her boyfriend and I couldn't be more excited.  While it is not likely going to snow, I couldn't resist putting up a wintery picture of NYC.  I usually like to cram my trips with stuff to do the whole time but I am taking a much more relaxed approach for this trip.  The only thing I am dying to do/see is go skating in the park and to see the tree at Rockefeller Plaza.  Larissa has made some amazing reservations at a couple of restaurants so I am thrilled about that (more about that next week).  For the most part I just plan on walking around and spending time with Seamus, Larissa and Chris.  My idea of a perfect weekend :)

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Images: 1 2 3

House Envy...

I finally had a few moments last night to go through my ever-increasing stack of magazines, and I must say that I am absolutely enamored with the house on the front cover of House Beautiful.  While there were a few rooms I would have decorated differently, for the most part I thought it was perfection from the use of black lacquer paint to the huge slab of Carrara marble in the kitchen.  So here is a round-up of my favorite shots of this West Hollywood House designed by Mark D. Sikes and Michael Griffin. 

I love how the house immediately gives off this airy and light vibe.  And that black lacquered door makes such a statement.  I'm also loving the layered look on the mantle and the coffee table, my eyes find something new to look at every time I see this picture.

The mix of high and low and casual and glam is pure perfection.  I love how the gilded console is just thrown in this room that is otherwise filled with very organic and casual materials and fabrics.  It keeps the room interesting but it is playful at the same time.

I'm drooling over the Visual Comfort pendants in this kitchen.  I also can't resist Carrara marble- I don't care how impractical people say it is, one day I will have it in our kitchen!

I can imagine having tons of bar-b-ques in this outside courtyard; Seamus and I would sit and relax with our friends and family well into the night.

Another black lacquer moment- I can't help myself.  This bathroom is so dramatic but it also feels very effortless at the same time.  I love the juxtaposition of the hard metals with the wood table and wicker basket.  In addition to my love of all things lacquered, I'm also having a moment with sinks like this where the area under the sink is exposed.  File this one under a favorite bathroom!

All images via House Beautiful 

Christmas Tree Chopping

My apologies for being MIA lately, but this holiday season has been insane!  Last weekend was the first time that we had been home in three weeks.  We spent a great Thanksgiving in Louisiana visiting family and friends and then the following weekend I flew back for a Holiday Tea that my friends and bridesmaids threw in honor of my engagement.   This is the invite that they found on finestationary.com- how adorable!!

Since we were finally home this weekend we were able to get our tree!!! I have always loved the idea of cutting down our own tree but in years past we have always picked ours up at Home Depot or Whole Foods.  But since Maryland has amazing Christmas Tree Farms, we took advantage of the opportunity.  We actually went to a farm where Seamus used to to go as a child; it was so cute to start to see his memory being jogged about places that he hadn't been to in 15 years.

Bojanlges was very excited to go to the tree farm and he was also very popular- he loved it!

After searching for about an hour we finally found our perfect tree- a white pine (which apparently doesn't shed needles like Fraser Firs)

Seamus chopping it down- he taught me you have to make a v-cut where you want the tree to fall- so smart!

What a great fiance! 

 

Doing all of the heavy lifting :)

 The most important part- making sure it gets home in one piece!

He was so tired, finally, it only took an entire day of looking for trees at three different farms!

 If you are in the Baltimore area and you are interested in cutting your own tree we went to Davidson Christmas Tree Farm.