Bubbly Finale

As the year comes to an end, it gives us time to reflect and renew. Despite all the glitz and glamour of the holiday, the expectations of the night tend to make it one of my least favorite events. I'm usually working, therefore the aspects I love most about the holiday, tend to be put on the back burner. So this year I have no expectations and will not limit myself when it comes to the amount of glitter acceptable to wear. 

 I had fun making up a little collage of dreamy New Years parties, that I'd love to one day create. The collage is made by me, but that fabulous images can be found here, here and here. I'm so excited for the year ahead. I know that 2012 brings so many exciting changes and new chapters in my life. I can't wait to share them all here.

 Happy New Year to all! May it be especially sparkly for you. 

 xo, 

 Sera  

Cozy Carmel Christmas

I hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas and enjoying all the sparkle and shine of the season! I spent the day with my family in Carmel-by-the-Sea being cozy at my parents home, enjoying the cute town and walking to the beach. I feel lucky to be in such a beautiful place in the world. It was so sunny and even warm after walking around town. I'm taking a quick break to share some photos of the day before dinner, and after, cuddling up to watch the movie I've been too busy to watch all season, Love Actually. Only the best holiday movie ever, can't wait! 

{christmas sparkle}

{christmas at carmel beach}

{appetizers and champagne in my mom's beautiful wedding glasses}

{my wrapping theme this year: glitter and twine}

xo,

Sera

City Slicker

Although I've always lived in a small town, I just love big, exciting cities. I've always been drawn to city life and am so happy every time I find myself exploring one. I love the shopping, the amazing assortment of delicious food and the never ending buzz. I also love the idea of a city that never sleeps, knowing that there's always something to do at every hour of the day. San Francisco is a place I frequent often, and hope to call home someday soon. New York is a fabulous city I had the pleasure of spending a classy weekend in a few years ago, with hopes to go back this spring. And Paris! I'll be there this June. 

I created an outfit that I thought would be appropriate for any city excursion. 

{the essentials, plus a few}

Cake Pops

I call these the not-so-red velvet cake pops, because initially I followed a red velvet recipe but when I discovered how much food coloring was actually required, I decided to skip out on the red dye. I've seen these cute things popping up all over the place lately and have been really excited to try my hand at them. My friend let me borrow her super awesome cake pop maker from Baby Cakes. It makes the process really easy, and the shape perfectly round. I found that the frosting and sprinkle part was where I met a challenge. I have yet to perfect the pops, and want to try different recipes, but these little things make great gifts and are just so cute.

 Here's my first attempt. 

{holiday cake pops}

{wrap in cellophane bags and add a glittery tie for a nice touch}

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Sera

A Succulent Christmas

This year I got inspiration from my mom when it came to present making. She did this for gifts before and I thought it was the cutest idea! I went to the antique fair and other thrift stores to collect as many unique tea cups as I could find. Then I went to the nursery and picked out a bunch of cute succulent plants. I also found many of the plants at Dig Gardens, which is a great place for creative gardening. It was really easy and so much fun! I love giving them to my friends because it's something they can keep for a long time and watch grow. 

{succulent tea time}

{my vintage finds}

{I love how all of the cups are unique and different} 

{I found the most perfectly sized boxes, all at the dollar store}

And finally, all the shopping is done. Just a few more gifts to wrap. My house is so glittery from all the holiday prep!

xo,

Sera 

Gold Rush

This year I opened a few gifts early at a white elephant holiday party, and scored. Luckily no one stole my gift, because I was so excited to have four fun new nail polish colors. I decided to go for the gold, given the time of year. I'm the first to admit, I'm really not the best at doing my own nails, but it does save so much money and is so much fun (if I can sit still long enough not to smear them!). 

{love OPI}

{going for the gold}

{gold rush}

{I'm so impatient when it comes to drying, I decided to flip through a new book to pass the time}

Inspiring Words

Sometimes it's the simplest quote that brings meaning to the day. It's important to have a little pick-me-up inspiration every now and then to remind ourselves what's important, especially in the busiest times. I came across this image I found via the Glitter Guide that I posted on my Tumblr page a few months ago. It just re-inspired me. Today is one of my first days off since...really I can't remember! I couldn't be happier, now off to cross off something on my to-do list.