For My Valentine: Gift Guide

For My Valentine: Gift Guide by oykristen // 1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case // 2. John Mark Comer's Loveology // 3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace // 4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud // 5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card // 6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon // 7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe // 8. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank // 9. Aeri Silky Chiffon Boxer // 10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother //

Happy Valentines, Valentine.

Oh Valentines Day. Some years I think that this is such a silly holiday. But this year, I am thankful for a frivolous reason to celebrate, especially with the weather being so dreary. (I haven't complained enough about the weather, have I??) There's just something nice about all that fluffyness and flowers and the relentless red and pink. And I think it's especially fun to love on people around you - your grandmother, your nieces and nephews, your in-laws. It's a grand affection fest! So dip your toes in this ocean of loving potion and have some fun with it.

These are some fun gift ideas for that special someone. PS, that can be YOU! You're worth celebrating, my friend.

1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case

Adorable, who wouldn't want their phone decked out in such whimsy?

2. John Mark Comer's Loveology

Great read. This is one Seattle pastor's take on the theology of love, sex, and marriage. Woo hoo, getting crazy!

3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace

A bit pricey, but oh so unique. A worthy splurge, if I could :-)

4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud

Does Kate Spade ever get it wrong? These are the peppiest way to perk up the ears. A little sparkle thrown in for good measure.

5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card

All cards should be this awesome. And bright. And foiled.

6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon

This one makes me giggle. I would really like to whip this out on an unexpected day for a heaping of baking bliss.

7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe

Oh, I'm lusting. I want this with a fiery passion. The photo doesn't do it justice. I took at peek at it in-store and it is just sooooo decadent and soft. Such a pretty way to lounge, yes?

8. & 9. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank & Boxer

How adorable is this set? Again, I'm not one for a fancy night out on Valentines. Just a good movie and comfy, semi-frilly home clothes.

10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother

This is the big kahuna. If you've ever had a Nespresso espresso beverage, you've officially died and gone to Heaven. When we were in Paris this summer, the couple we stayed with (via airbnb) had one of these delicious contraptions. I made like, 2 espressos every day. And I've been craving it every since. If this were a Valentine gift, ooh baby... I don't know what I would do. Other than stay hopped up on lattes 24/7.

Ladies, just send your guy this link and (hopefully!) he will snag something good for your Valentine celebration this year.

Happy Gifting!

February Delights List

February Delights List by oykristen // 1. Anthropologie Celestial Coaster Kit // 2. Essie Resort Fling // 3. Anthropologie Capri Blue in Hibiscus Teakwood // 4. Mrs. Meyers Basil Room Freshener // 5. Anthropologie Eloise Chiara Hand Towel // 6. Pottery Barn Essential Egyptian Cotton 300-Thread Count Sheets // 7. Shop Terrain Hanging Glass Terrarium // 8. West Elm Gallery Frames // 9. Kate Spade New York Gardens of Paris Earrings // 10. Anthropologie Palmer Towels // 11. Shop Terrain White Robe Hydrangea // 12. Barnes and Noble The Message Remix New Testament // 13. Urban Outfitters Plum & Bow Chenille Diamond Pillow //   

February Delights.

February is all about refreshing. It's ever so cold outside, you're spending most of your time indoors, and as you look around... you notice things. The dingy cotton towels. The pilling bed sheets. The musky scent coming from your closet. In combination with a good spring clean, your home could also use a mini facelift. Nothing too drastic, but all those essential items that you use everyday... when was the last time you updated them? Linens, towels, candles; just a few refreshing upgrades can make you feel great about the space you live in. Because winter isn't over yet, but your home doesn't have to remind your of the winter blues.

I shopped around and found some awesome, affordable items to upgrade my apartment. Sheets and towels are a big one (these look great in my bathroom), since I think our building's community laundry machines tend to wear really hard on our linens. All of you who have your own washer & dryer, please look up and say a quick thanks to the God above. YOU ARE LUCKY. For the rest of us slummin' it in city paradise, we have to find other ways to dampen the odd odors that reek in from the neighbors "recreational hobbies".

This room freshener is a great, inexpensive find, and this candle (my sis gifted it to me for Christmas) makes a world of difference. I've even updated my bible reading with this modern-text version of the New Testament. Don't forget to refresh your soul, people. This is an inside/outside spring cleaning! A clean coat on the nails and a few well-placed plants (try to hang this terrarium indoors!) will certainly round out this "I'm ready for you, Spring!" attitude.

Here's to a minty-clean February!

Noel: For the Laughing Littles

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Laughing Littles by knhale on Polyvore // 1. Anthropologie The Secret Garden // 2. Anthropologie Paris Puzzle // 3. Anthropologie USA Wooden Blocks // 4. Land of Nod Animal Stack Growth Chart // 5. Anthropologie Louis the Lion // 6. The Highline Park in the Sky Onesie // 7. Minnetonka Moccasin Fringe Bootie // 8. Land of Nod Monaco Mach 2 Racer // 9. Abe's Market Zoe B Organic Sleepy Hat // 10. Anthropologie Maps Book // 11. Amazon "This is New York" Book  // 12. Anthropologie The Complete Peter Rabbit Collection // 13. Anthropologie All Aboard Train Puzzle //

For the Laughing Littles.

I am ridiculously blessed with nieces and nephews aplenty. They're so much fun to shop for at Christmas time! I love seeing their reactions as they awkwardly tear open the wrapping paper and discover the colorful new addition to their toy family. Their faces cannot tell a lie - they either love a gift or are immediately bored with it. Makes my heart laugh. I do my best to gift books and puzzles, because for some reason I want to be that aunt. This year I came across so many sweet gifts that I couldn't not share some of them. I hope this helps as you hunt for some last-minute kiddo presents. Kids have the magical power of containing MUCH of the Christmas spirit without even realizing it - we should all honor that joy on Christmas morning!

For the Littles (and their sparkling Christmas morning faces),

November Delights List

November List by knhale // 1. Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven // 2. Anthropologie Tea and Toast Butter Dish // 3. Williams Sonoma Holiday Toile Apron // 4. Scoutmob Walnut Bread Cutting Board // 5.  Anthropologie Avian Canopy Dinnerware // 6. Anthropologie Twinkle Lights Potholders // 7. Anthropologie Laguiole Cheese Knife Set // 8. Williams Sonoma Apple Spices Turkey Brine // 9. Williams Sonoma Le Creuset Silicone Cooking Tools Set // 10. Sorel Tremblant Moc // 11. Anthropologie Colorblock Cardi // 12. Anthropologie A Beautiful Mess Dishtowel // 13. Apothic Red Wine // 14. Anthropologie Made With Love Cookie Stamp // 15. Anthropologie Sorrento Platter //

Northern November.

This weather makes brings out all sorts of maternal instincts that I didn't really know I had. All I want to do is cozy up in my softest clothes and get to work in my kitchen, cooking savory stews and baking succulent treats. My oven has been working over time on all sorts of recipes, both experimental and age-old favorites. This list is a bit of what I have and a bit of what I WANT, to keep doing what I do! All of the above would make that Thanksgiving Day prep a lot more vibrant and memorable :)

When I get busy in the kitchen, I tend to hang out in my home clothes (my husband's hilarious term for comfy clothes), which includes something like the Sorel Tremblant Moc and an oversized sweater like this dreamy Anthropologie Colorblock Cardi, or anything that can be easily shed when the temperatures begin rising! And if I'm in dinner-time mode, there's always a good reason for popping open a bottle of your favorite table wine to smooth out the baking anxieties. I got a particular kick out of this dishtowel; I wonder if the gals over at A Beautiful Mess know that Anthro has a crush on them. Pretty legit. That's when you know your blog has ARRIVED. If I could be whipping up some of my Georgian recipes in anything Le Creuset, I would simply die and go to Heaven. We'll see if Santa is feeling particularly French this year.

3/50 NYC Adventures: Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market.

The Chelsea Market is a much-loved little tourist trap. The trendy logo always grabs the attention of the wandering passerby. Even the most jaded of all New Yorkers can't help but find their way into the heart of this scrumptious, bustling and exquisitely warm haven of shopping and treats. This indoor market houses chic shops, trendy eateries, handmade crafts and specialty grocers. In other words, yeah, it's a version of Heaven. A VERSION. Let's dive in, shall we?

What To Do.

You want to spend an afternoon here, and make sure NOT to eat before hand. Because samples will abound. Begin with lunch at Friedmans (they have yummy tomato soup), then wander through the gigantic Anthropologie (I know, I know, it's a chain store but it's also the mother ship. Give it a free pass), then perhaps steal a moment away for a cookie at Sarabeth's (the dove shortbread cookies are my FAVE.) Make sure to browse through the artisan section of the market. This is where tons of start-up designers can showcase and sell their carefully-crafted jewelry and clothes. I especially love Brooklyn Charm, where you can select all the fixin's for a custom-made pendant necklace. My little sis may or may not have one of these around her graceful neck at this very moment :-) And there is always room for gelato, right? Stop by L'Arte de Gelato and try out the stracciatella. Or pistachio. Both are just so delish. Browse the New York cookbook section at Posman Books and learn about all the foodie geniuses that were borne in kitchens throughout this grand city, like Momofuku, Sorella, Sarabeth's, The Gramercy Tavern and more. And Chelsea Market Baskets has, well you've got it, amazing woven baskets in every shape, size, color, texture, etc. Last but not least, stop by Buon Italia, a fabulously authentic Italian grocery store, and pick up some thinly-sliced procuitto and bufala mozzarella before you leave the market for good. Now you have some delicacies to share when you get home. And then maybe your husband will forgive that you spent hours holed up at the market shopping...

// Anyone spot the most beautiful mother in all the land...? //

This market is a worthwhile (and tasty) experience. I've been bringing almost all our guests here and I tend to pop downtown and walk around this fun spot every few weeks. Like I said, the mother ship is here, so I can't stray too far... I hope you enjoy your Chelsea Market exploration!