The Plan has been Set in Motion

I know I have been mysteriously missing from the blog on and off for the past few weeks, but I promise it's for a good reason. My master plan has finally been set in motion and the wheels are turning. Hopefully, I'll see the fruits of my labor soon! I don't mean to sound too secretive, but some information can just not be made public at this time =)

Soon my friends—I promise!

It's been (and still is) such a busy time at work and with the holidays coming up, I feel really strapped for time. And I still haven't even bought one single gift yet. Ugh, typical. Why does this happen every year?!

Well, next up on our list in holiday decorating this weekend. I can't wait. Christmas is my favorite time of year and decorating the tree is absolutely magical. To make everything even better, I have one saved bottle of Swedish Glögg that I have stashed in the pantry. I think we just have to crack it open this weekend.

I leave you with a picture of a gorgeous emerald green satin dress from J Crew. Wouldn't this look beautiful on Christmas Eve?

Gobble, Gobble!

Helping mom prep the string beans

Fall flowers

Bouncy, bouncy

Mommy and me

Kissey, kissey

Snuggling with dad

Rich and Alice

Fashion faux pas—showing up at a party with identical dresses.

Have had a few blog free days with the family, but I thought I would just jump on to post a few pictures from Thanksgiving. Turkey dinner at Alicia and Ken's and then dessert at Maureen and Jim's. It actually ended up being a perfect arrangement. The past few years have been to hectic since the family is getting bigger and bigger.

Spending today at home, relaxing on the sofa and watching The September Issue. Maybe we will get around to repainting the bedroom, but only if the little peanut next to me here in the sofa decides that a nap is in order! (I'm crossing my fingers). Until then, hot chocolate wrapped up in our duvet is as close to heaven as you can get.

I Want My MTV

Finally. This has been a long time coming. A new TV has been purchased and our 10 years out-of-date fat TV is being retired. I'm not usually the type that gets excited over new TVs, but the Sony Bravia XN series that we got is pretty much the sexiest thing I have ever seen. This thing is amazing! The front is one continuous piece of glass. It's almost like a piece of art.

I think this will require a little furniture rearrangement—maybe now we can actually start using the matching two-seater couch from the basement!

Sony Bravia XN Series, LED back-lit LCD HDTV, sony.com

Dear Santa

I think we have finally gotten one step closer to completing our Christmas Card. This past weekend we managed to wrap up our little photo shoot of Campbell and I think we have a winner. Pretty cute, right? It's impossible to resist her when she is all giggly—and that little tush is to die for.

Of course, we still need to pick the design for it, but hey, we are half-way there! I just checked Tiny Prints and there are 785 designs available to choose from—when am I going to have time to browse through all of them? In this instance I actually wish that I just had a handful to chose from.

Anyway, it getting close to midnight and I have one more day to work before Thanksgiving break. Hasta Mañana.

Good Stuff from All Saints

Totally amazing stuff from All Saints—especially that beanie. I just have to have it, even if it is $80! You got to keep warm, right? I guess I have to thank god for Christmas bonuses =)

Yossi Beanie $80

Rambler Cropped Wellie $100

Leyla Dress $305

Winter Bomber $225

Devo Mini Dress $490

Foldable Flats: Yosi Samra at Swirl

I just scored two pairs of these really cute foldable flats from Yosi Samra to run around town in. Perfect to throw into my bag to rescue sore "end-of-day" feet. A pair in natural leather to wear with my dark skinny jeans and a pair in black suede with my pretty dresses.

On sale today at Swirl for 50% off. $26.00 per pair (org. $55.00)

Sparkle

Alice + Olivia "Vanda" Bandage Shift Dress, $596.00, bloomingdales.com

Dreaming

Flashback

Was going through some of my old photos this past weekend and stumbled upon these pictures of me from the last 70s early 80s. These three just made me smile. I can remember it like yesterday—upstairs at our house in Sweden, fighting with my brother over the ice cream; birthday mornings in my parent's bed; and dressing up in my Austrian Dirndl dress (with apron and all!). That dress always made me feel like such a little lady.

I have always liked old pictures, but ever since we had Campbell, I love to look at childhood photos to see if I can see similarities between Rich & I and her.

Hot Pink Belt

Managed to score this amazing belt on sale at Tommy Hilfiger in Soho last Friday. Just got a chance to wear it this week—all black and just the hot pink belt as the cherry on the top.

Hot Pink Pony Skin Belt, tommy.com, $38.00

Story by Mia Calendars

Every year I look for one really good go-to Christmas gift. Something that would be great for a guy or girl; for someone that has everything and needs nothing. Well, I think I have found it.

This girl in NYC has a little custom print business in her home and she has the most amazing calendars ever! Printed on beautiful (some with rounded corners) cards they are like little pieces of art.

(She has really cute greeting cards too!)

Go to Story by Mia's Etsy boutique (I promise you won't regret it)

Lanvin for H&M Available Tomorrow!

Lanvin is coming to town tomorrow!

I one of the more successful design collaborations this year. Beautiful party dresses, funky jewelry and gorgeous fabrics. Who wouldn't love a little yellow mini dress! I heard that some people are planning on camping out tonight (that's a little over the top much for me). But the collection is amazing. I really want that yellow dress and that yummy little purse. Maybe I'll find them one ebay tomorrow afternoon!

Artistic Director Alber Elbaz has also created a few haute couture looks for this collection that you can bid on on the lanvinforhm.com website. Original dresses and sketches.

Bam Bam

She is a carnivore just like her parents.

Swedish Christmas Fair Starts Today

If you are in Manhattan today or over the weekend, stop by the Swedish Church on East 48th Street for the Annual Swedish Christmas Fair. Tons of crafts and swedish candy for sale. Plus, they will be serving Glögg and Lussekatter (Saffron buns).

Visit the event on Facebook or check out the Swedish Church's website for more info.

Tickets for the December 11 Lucia concert also goes on sale today. $30.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids (4-12 years old). Free for younger kids.

Hot Sneaks

It's no real surprise that I'm not a huge sneaker fan, but after I received my brother's shipment of sneakers to my house, I'm a convert. Some of them are just super cute.

He actually gave me the tip to look for competition sneakers to get really cool looking ones. (Runningwarehouse.com has a great selection). Apparently sponsors, like Adidas, Nike etc. makes super flashy (in a totally good way) sneakers for the runners so the TV cameras can pick up on the sponsor brand better.

We just ordered three pairs for him to be shipped back to Sweden. And yes, these are hot!

Runningwarehouse.com

Pretty Pedals

I think this is the coolest bike I have ever seen. Those colors are just yummy!

Maybe I can get someone to custom build a similar one for me?