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. 

Wish List

Here are a few things I've had my eye on this season. 

1. Kate Spade iPhone Case - I've been loving this designer lately, and what a cute cell phone case she makes. It's just so important to make sure your iPhone is safe, why not make it fashionable at the same time?

2. Marc Jacobs Laptop Cover - Love the style and the color. 

3. TopShop Clutch - Gold has been one of my biggest obsessions lately. This is perfect for a night out.

4. LensBaby Lenses - This is just the coolest new addition to photography. I love the playful shapes the lenses make with light. 

5. Infinity Scarf - TopShop and Urban Outfitters make a cute versions, but I'm loving this winter's scarf trend no mater the brand.  

6. Epiphanie Camera Bags - A practical option for the stylish photographer.

Christmas Lights

Okay so maybe I've been going a little overboard on the Christmas posts lately, but I've just found so many things that inspire me! Last night I spent a lovely evening in San Francisco with my boyfriend and felt truly in the holiday spirit. The lights and glamour of Union Square, make it the best place to feel that classic Christmas ambiance. There was even ice skating, but my boyfriend didn't quite share my excitement in that activity. 

{giant tree in the square}

{so many lights!}

{classic christmas}

{staying warm with drinks and shopping} 

{around the corner}

{my backyard}

After a day in the city, I get to come back to this beautiful backdrop. One night this week I was forced to take a detour on my way home. Frustrated, I took a different route and this is what I found. My bad mood instantly changed, and I became so grateful for this beauty! Sometimes the coldest days at the beach are the most magical. 

The next adventure will be gift making. I hope to avoid the stores, especially the mall, as much as possible. I do absolutely love to support my favorite local business. I'm lucky to have so many of the best  locally owned shops right at my fingertips. I love supporting local artists, designers and entrepreneurs. 

xo,

Sera 

Hints of the Holidays

As each day gets colder, I get more excited for this time of year. I really like to avoid the consumer chaos that erupts around the holidays, but love the magic and warmth it brings at the same time. There's nothing I love more than light and sparkle. I've been really excited about making my gifts at home this year (for the most part) and being as creative as I can. This time of year is just about showing a little bit of extra love and kindness. 

{our mini tree that I found for $10, it's only about a foot and a half tall}

{cozy by the fire}

{glittery manicure}

Twinkle

As I came to a pause in my finals week paper writing, I decided to research something a bit more exciting...Glitter! Nothing says December like sparkle. Every year I just gravitate to all the shiny, festive fun that I see around the stores. I love any opportunity to add glitter to my getting ready routine. Here are a few sparkly items that caught my eye.

{twinkle}

{steve madden gold glitter pumps}

{sparkle dress}

{holiday nails}

{gold clutch, topshop}

TopShop and I must have had the same inspiration. Later today I came across this "All That Glitters" collection online. So many great holiday finds. Get more glittery inspirations here.

xo,

Sera