Keep it Stupid Simple!

Happy Friday Kichaas!  I am dedicating the weekend to adding a little holiday sparkle to my house.  I've been crazy busy lately (who isn't, right?) so I'm trying to keep things low-key, low cost, and low fuss.  Not thinking too hard about it.  Take a look at these ideas.   Big impact but oh, so simple -- except maybe for the idea below which looks to require that you have a hammer, nails and some old wood remnants hanging around.  But hey, how cool is that?!  Not to mention adorable and unique.  Bottle brushes in canning jars?  Brilliant!

Simple but dramatic.

And I here's what I'm going to try with all the holiday cards I'm getting.

How are you decorating for the holidays this year?  I'd love to know.

Have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO

Images here and here.

Squam

Last Fall I tried to get in touch with my more creative side, or at least find out if I even had one.  Sitting in an office all day typing away at my computer had seriously made me start to wonder.  I read about a weekend art workshop in New Hampshire on Squam Lake.  Not really me, but I checked out the website anyway.   Four days of yoga, painting, photography, journaling, knitting, and singing, just to name a few of the activities.  And all set by a beautiful lake in turn-of-the-century cabins.  Sounded doable . . . in theory.  Problem was that I  wasn't good at any of those things.   And I don't really go in for that group retreat kind of thing where strangers are crying and hugging and pouring out all the things in their souls that you never really wanted to hear.  At least that's how I pictured it.  I didn't have any support from friends and family who wanted to join me . . . even when I begged.   "Not into that artsy, hippie stuff," said my mom.   "Singing?  I've heard you sing." said a friend.   

Still, something inside kept nagging at me to just try.  So I did.  All by myself.  And it was one of the best experiences I have ever had, which is why I'm sharing it with all of you.  I confirmed that I'm not very good at yoga, painting, photography, journaling, knitting or singing.  But I also found out that I really loved the yoga and the photography, despite not being proficient, and decided to pursue those further (which is a huge step for me, since I don't usually like things I'm not automatically good at).  The setting was beautiful and I met some really beautiful people.  Great teachers, healers and listeners.  Hugging and crying were kept at acceptable limits.  It was a wonderfully supportive atmosphere and I felt I could try my hand at anything.  

I'm looking forward to going back next year.  They have several sessions throughout the year; next year one session will be held in Italy -- yes Italy!!  So let's be brave and try something new Kichaas!  

XOXO

 

images here and here and by me

Trippen Down the Cydwoq

I love the new Fall/Winter styles from Trippen, particularly the adorable pair above.  During business hours, you normally can find my 5' 2" frame stomping around in 4 inch heels (height = power).  But on weekends and off days I prefer to stay closer to the ground (lack of height = comfort).  I love the one-of-kind look of Trippen.  

I'm also a big fan of Cydwoq (everything is handmade!).  Talk about comfort!  The pair below are new for the season.  I think they will look perfect hitting the sidewalk on my feet as I dash around doing the rest of my holiday shopping.  

What do you think?  I buy them all at Ped Shoes.  While you are there, check out the sweet treat for your feet!  

XOXO

Rent the Runway

Happy Monday Kichaas!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was lots of fun, despite the fact that it was cold and rainy.  I tend to go into "nesting" mode on cold, rainy weekends.  I like to curl up by the fire, hang out in comfy clothes, enjoy a bubble bath, a book and a nice glass of wine.  I really have to push myself to go out.   I made an exception to my solitary weekend routine Saturday night when my friends invited me to attend an event for Metropolitan Family Services, a great Chicago charity that supports families in times of need.  Here's the fun part-- it was a black tie dinner and auction held at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.  How could I say no?! 

Well, my closet is a little low on formal attire these days.  So I tried something new.  I rented everything.  Dress, handbag and jewelry.  All from Rent the Runway.  I have to admit it, I had some concerns.  But it turned out great!  I received everything on Friday and stuck it all back in the U.S. mail this morning.  I received two dresses in two different styles, just in case.  Both came in my size and a back-up size, also just in case (no additional charge for that, by the way).  So, what do you think?

I chose a sparkly David Meister dress (left) and a frilly Robert Rodriguez strapless number.  I ended up wearing the David Meister dress.  It was clingy, sparkly, and had a fabulous drape to it that provided the right amount of hip and belly cover-up .

These dangling art nouveau earrings were all the bling I needed.

The handbag was frilly but understated and just perfect.

And these strappy heels are mine.

So here's the finished product.  I think it turned out okay.  What do you think?  I received quite a few compliments on the dress.  Would you rent the runway?  I highly recommend it.  In fact, I'm going to do it again for New Year's. 

Enjoy the week ahead!

XOXO

Let's Get Cozy!

 Found via Curly Girl Design


(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9)


It's a cold, rainy Saturday and it looks like it might turn into a cold, snowy evening.  So I'm torn.  I want nothing more than to sit home by the fire tonight and get cozy!  But I have plans.  And they're good plans so I can't complain.  I've got an exciting evening ahead and I'll tell you all about it later.  In the meantime, here are few things to keep you warm and comfy.  Have a great weekend Kichaas!


XOXO

Another Obsession

I love books (preferably vintage and preferably Jane Austen).   But I'm not a purist -- I'm all for using and re-purposing those books to modern advantage.  Luckily, I'm not alone.  Meet Rich and Brenna of Rich Neeley Designs.  This husband and wife team have found a way to channel their love and adoration of books (she's a Comparative Lit. major) while embracing modern technology.   Their iPhone, iPod and iPad charger docks give much-loved books a new life.  All of their charger docks are customized and made to order.   I MUST have one (Santa already knows this and I hope is working on it) and I think mine needs two docks on it (I always need more than one).    What a great idea!  I absolutely love it (and actually wish I'd thought of it)!  In fact, I may have to pick up one or two for my book-loving-but-technology-obsessed friends.  Don't you want one too?

XOXO Kichaas!

It's December!

“How did it get so late so soon? 

Its night before its afternoon. 

December is here before its June. 

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon?”

-Dr. Seuss

All images Elle Moss.  Used with permission.