3 merry christmas!

I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with your family and friends! I'm having a ball in Raleigh with mine. I'll be traveling to NYC tomorrow to see more of my family there, and I'll be back on the blog after the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

1 last minute gifts for the nest

Originally posted on Nesting Newbies blog.

If you're anything like me, finding time to shop for the perfect gift is always a challenge. My strategy is to have a few things on hand that are great gifts for almost anyone, so I'm always prepared. Since you're reading Nesting Newbies blog I know that you love nesting as much as I do, so above you'll find last minute gift ideas "For the Nest"!


1. Add a luxurious aroma to someone's home with a Jo Malone candle. 2. For the Twitter fanatic who keeps a neat desk, this magnetic paper clip holder is absolutely adorable.3. Your favorite interior designer will love these miniatures of classic chairs! 4. Store things in style with a chic & modern shelf system from CB2. 5. Foodies can never have enough dinnerware, and these bright bowls from Anthropologie are perfect for their homemade soups. 6. Your eco-friendly friend will adore this gorgeous pillow made with green materials. 7. Keep your loved one's flowers looking great all year long with this svelte vase. Tip: Fill it with candy cans and tie a bow on it! 8. And for the vintage glamazon in your life, grab this art deco metallic pillow!

4 give & receive this holiday season at Pier 1

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Here's a company that gets the spirit of the season. Right now at Pier 1, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy or making a cash donation. In addition, Pier 1 is donating $1 for every new Facebook fan they get in November & December. With such a great selection of eclectic and affordable housewares, who doesn't love this store? I know I stop in every time I pass by and find at least one thing that I love. Here are a few of my current favorites to add some sparkle to your holiday parties!

When I decorate for the holidays, I like to keep my decor centered around 2 or 3 colors create a cohesive look. In this case, I chose the tradition Christmas red with metallic accents! I absolutely love that wreath; wish I had it on my door right now! I love to choose things that can last beyond the holiday season too, like those fab vases & beautiful gold serving tray; so luxe!

Don't forget to bring your donation for Toys for Tots when you visit a local Pier 1 for holiday gifts! And like their Facebook page to instantly donate $1 too.

3 artist spotlight: stella im hultberg

Artist Stella Im Hultberg lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. With the temperatures in Atlanta less than 20 degrees today, I'm totally feeling the first of these pieces; I wish I looked that regal when I'm wrapped up from head to toe! I'm not made for the cold, but Stella was surely made to be a painter. Enjoy the paintings below and then check out her website for more goodness.





Photos via my modern met

One of my goals for 2011: Push myself farther than ever as an artist! I'm determined to finish the series of paintings I started and have them shown somewhere. Stay tuned!

5 illustrator nuno dacosta

Nuno DaCosta is a self-taught illustrator whose fashion imagery has been featured in Vogue, Loreal Paris ads and more. I love her painterly style and the way she exaggerates the form to make the clothing stand out!

images via greedmontpark

See more of Nuno Dacosta's work here.

4 manish arora

I spotted this perfectly styled Kerry Washington photoshoot over the weekend and was immediately drawn in to the futuristic pieces she's wearing. Turns out, the designer behind these gorgeous looks is Manish Arora, an Indian designer who creates extraordinary bright looks with silhouettes that remind me of the late great Alexander McQueen.




photos via just jared

Check out some of the Autumn/Winder 2011 collection below:










I love how they look like they're made of candy! Click here to see more of Manish Arora.

Happy Monday folks!

4 parisian interiors

My sister is visiting me this weekend and I'm so excited about it! She has to visit the French Consulate here in Atlanta to get her student visa because she'll be studying in Paris next spring. I'm so happy for her and know that she's going to have a ball! Hopefully I'll be able to visit her while she's there, and just thinking about the trip has me swooning over gorgeous Paris interiors.







images via habitually chic, from the right bank & google
Can't get enough Parisian style? Lucky for you Taschen has a great resource book available everywhere, including Amazon.com.



Have a great weekend!!

1 artist spotlight: peggy wolf

Lately I've been really inspired by saturated watercolor paintings. When I spotted these on Mimi + Meg I had to share! Artist Peggy Wolf creates these spectacular portraits with a hint of vintage & a LOT of style.







And guess what? They're all for sale in her Etsy shop! Very reasonable prices, go check it out now!