a david stark christmas

There was a lot of internet/blog buzz about the new West Elm holiday collection when it debuted last month. I personally prefer a much more "collected and curated" look for my holidays, but there are quite a few things over there right now that have caught my eye - and some pieces that have enough power to stay up long after the New Year has rung its bells.

Some things I'm loving over there right now

of course I'm a sucker for hearts. Ok, a really, really big sucker. But I'm actually very smitten with this marble diamond. Free shipping and the proceeds go to St. Jude. 

These origami ornaments would look at home on a tree, a mantel or your window. And I'm thinking they would spruce up a wreath or garland and look sweet year-round

So, I'm also kind of a sucker for mushroom decor, which is why these babies caught my eye. Cute as they are, I'm thinking DIY is the route to go. 

These sweet little birds can perch at my place any day. 

I'd love to pop one of these banks in the kids' room. 

And while we're looking at that fantastic clock...I suppose I should mention how much I love it!

It feels a little silly to be thinking about holiday decorations in the midst of our 90 degree heat wave, but that's what the holidays in California are all about! Our weather has an identity crisis. 

What's your holiday decorating style? 

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - Earth

Happy Thursday and Happy Earth Day to everyone!

Today's HEART roundup theme was a pretty obvious choice. Our Earth is pretty awesome and it wasn't hard to find some great images out there that not only showcase how beautiful Earth is, but also how many talented people are in this world we live in. Is it any wonder that HEART and EARTH have the same letters??

Without getting too soapbox-y, I just want to say that I am amazed and horrified by all the anti climate change propaganda out there floating around. Trying to deny that climate change is happening just seems crazy to me. Working in Renewable Energy I read tons of articles day in and day out about the people that are behind all these scare campaigns and its heartbreaking to think that they are denying the scientific evidence just to continue making billions. I'm far from perfect when it comes to saving the Earth but I know that if I make small adjustments, it does make a difference.

There. That's my rant. Now go enjoy some pretty pictures.

What are you doing to show the Earth some love today?

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - all made up

Yippee! Its Thursday again!!
I was super productive over last weekend and I really think that has led me to have such an easy week.
I'm looking forward to watching the sunset at the beach tonight with my sweetie and wrapping up the work week tomorrow. Sort of. I'm actually working at the awesome Consilience Tasting Room on Saturday. But its super hard to call that work. Its more like throwing a party and getting paid for it!!

On to today's heart post.
Well, I still have yet to see Alice in Wonderland, which just breaks my heart.
The movie has certainly inspired a lot of Queen of Hearts looks all over the place, and I'm loving the personalized takes floating around out there. I love makeup. So much that I even got my Esthetician license so I could play with makeup all day. I don't practice anymore, but I still love to ogle over the makeup counters and I could seriously spend all day in a Sephora. Sadly, its mainly just window shopping since I don't really wear much makeup in my day-to-day life. Maybe I was a drag queen in a past life?

Here's a little smattering of all the "made-up" hearts kissing their way across people's faces these days

 

(sources: weheartit and flickr)

What movie were you dying to see, but missed in the theater?

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - I love balloons

Oh joy. Its already Thursday again! My honey is on the train home. I've got a sweet little boy to gather, meet Carl at the train station and the three of us are off for a date night adventure of dinner and How to Train Your Dragon in 3D. Not sure how I'll survive dinner out while on day 4 of my detox - but I'm determined. Super excited to see Dragon - especially with my Nordic sweetie.

Today's <3 post is a random mashup of pretty balloon hearts. Just because :) 

What's your favorite day of the week??

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - nature love

Camping is one of my all time favorite things to do. I love waking up with the smell of campfire in my hair, the pared down simplicity of everything, and of course any excuse to eat smores. So imagine my excitement at the notion of an impromptu plan for an overnight trip to Big Sur this weekend with our visiting Norwegian venner!! Its their last weekend in town and we knew no trip to Cali would be complete without witnessing this beautifully breathtaking spot.

In honor of our little respite, I'm hearting nature today. If you look around, its found naturally all around you!!

I'd love to go here

my heart on a string...

not sure what's cuter?! A puppy with this heart patch or the sweet little girl and her chipped red polish.

I miss seeing this every day

bleeding hearts. one of my fave plants ever.

not exactly natural, but formed by nature!

(image sources: flickr and me)

Do you love camping? What's your favorite part?

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - this one's for you

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to say...

Happy Birthday to the greatest guy I know! Thanks for making our life a constant adventure.

We started the party out yesterday with a little beach time with the kiddos, a HUGE meal at Palace Grill complete with chocolate birthday souffle, and some quiet snuggle time in the evening. We'll be keeping the party going with a little birthday/housewarming bbq this weekend. Can't wait to decorate, bake lots of fun desserts and share our home with good friends!!


Lets face it Birthdays are awesome! Cake, prezzies and lots of fun party decorations. I've always loved birthdays and will continue to celebrate my birthday - even if I don't necessarily want to celebrate my age!

So in honor of Carl - here's a sweet little heart-image heavy birthday roundup

homemade birthday cakes are the best. This one is sweet and fun!

can't wait to dig in...

(images via weheartit.com and flickr.com)

What do you love most about birthdays?

XO,

Chelsea