The Tree

Sucked it up this afternoon and drove to my favorite tree-seller (I checked out 4 operations last year, before deciding Kellner's on Humboldt had the best prices and selection). 'Pretty' is resting on the porch in a bucket of water as tiny flurries come down and waits only for Una to arrive home and dress it in lights. And though it is certainly not green-friendly, having a Christmas tree is one of the few things I am resolved to do every year. It makes me feel like a kid again.  

As for the artificial kind? Love 'em, and on the hunt for a good one. You can never have enough trees. Woo hoo! Break out the bubbly and let the holiday season begin!

Shiloh

I try to stay away from the Brangelina gossip - they're weird, I feel bad for their poor kids (dragged all over the world and stalked by photographers), and while Angelina is one of the most beautiful and charitable women on the planet, something about her just irritates me (perhaps it's the world's worst British accent, Tomb Raider). 


Anywho, then I saw Shiloh's shoes. Girlfriend does not mess around - zebra suede boots. Love it!

Via Popsugar.com

Supposed to Snow Today

It's been near 50 degrees the past few days. I was keeping my fingers crossed it would continue right on to April. 


Hah. 


Last day of November, Christmas decor has covered Milwaukee ground (yet to see anything Hanukkah related) and I still don't have a tree. Ahem. But my holiday gift lists are almost done! Favorite time of year, when I'm supposed to shop. Back to my homework - have to present on my final paper's thesis tomorrow. Nope, have no idea what it is. Super.


P.S. Gossip Girl rocked last night. 

Luggage Snob

Oh man, do I hate rolling suitcases. They are so ugly. Practical, yes (beyond belief), but pretty? Hideous. Even those Louis Vuitton rollers - not doing it for me. Instead, I long for the days when people traveled with trunks. A Goyard set with my monogram - why yes, I'd love that! And a butler to tote it all, thank you very much.


Well, Jon finally broke me down this past weekend and bought a small black rolling suitcase as a carry-on. This, of course, is his bag (as I will not claim ownership . . . though I am considering tracking down the chicest luggage tag I can find to dial down the hein factor). 


Reading the airline mags on our way home, I found Steamline Luggage. (What? SkyMall is hilarious and also genius at the same time.) These roller bags call to mind the steamer luggage bags of old, with a few modern conveniences. 

The Ambassador

The Aviator

The Editor

Photos via SteamlineLuggage.com

Those makeup/vanity cases are adorable. And certain styles are on sale for up to 40% off. Know anyone that needs a suitcase makeover? Head on over to steamlineluggage.com. 

Gobble, Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. Did I need to eat crescent rolls after a full dinner, appetizers, several desserts and a few deviled eggs (what? I love them)? No. But I did. Thank the good Lord for stretch pants. Now that's what I'm thankful for.

HP7

This is what my friend Sunny calls Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. She rereads the full succession of books before each movie opening and has already seen HP7 twice since it's opening on Thursday (including the midnight showing). She is a true fan and made me so excited to see it, Jon and I sucked it up and bought general admission tickets to a Friday showing at 9:30 PM. We were anticipating the worst: screaming tweens, costumes and at least one lightning scar.

Nada. College kids and older folks, in fact. After waiting for 35 minutes to get good seats (we were 3rd in line), we settled in for the two and half hour movie. Which was awesome. So well done. Even Una said he couldn't wait to see Part 2 in July. 


Plans to see it? Read the books? I haven't read any of them since they each first came out and as such couldn't remember 95% of the plot. Which only added to the suspense, in my opinion. 

Black & Spiro Christmas Tree

Anna Spiro, owner of the interior decor inspiration blog absolutely beautiful things and an Australian interior designer, posted photos of her store's holiday display. This Christmas tree is adorable, fun and whimsical! 

Photo via absolutely beautiful things

And easy to replicate (though I'd go for a much smaller version, perhaps that could sit on a table) - perfect for a kid's room, a workspace or an apartment, especially in a blend of chic holiday colors (black, silver and gold maybe?). 

My guess for the materials - wrapping paper or paper towel cardboard 'dowels,' fabric, wrapping paper, ribbon and construction paper animals.