nooks, crannies and dream rooms

Today has been a rather lazy yet relaxing day. Accompanied with soothing white pear tea, my room with lots of early afternoon light and a cozy sweater, my inspiration for today has come from these pretty photos of my dream rooms, workspaces and nooks.
One of my guilty pleasures is strolling through a pottery barn or surfing different design blogs and sites. I cannot wait until my mister and I can decorate a place of our own. All of these lovely places could certainly be an inspiration for future rooms, nooks and crannies. 

TTFN

Credits: 1) ELLE decor. 2) design sponge. 3) pottery barn. 4) ELLE decor. 5) housebeautiful.com. 6) home-designing.com.

Waking up in Flagstaff

Just realized I skipped right over Christmas. Darn. I had every intention of putting together a lovely collage of festivities for the holidays but did not remember to bring my camera (or use it) while the food, desserts and presents took reign over my grandmother's house. Oh well, New Years was much more picturesque.

My dear Edwin and I drove up north to ring in the new year. Downtown Flagstaff had a cute "Pine Cone Drop" inspired by Time Square's famous ball drop.

first kiss of 2011

The fireworks right after the pine cone dropped were the prettiest shades. It was so nice to be able to have gone to a new place for this holiday, and still feeling like we weren't alone, the people there are very nice. After the stroke of midnight, it was back to the hotel. A minus 7 degrees overnight was way too cold for us desert dwellers. The next day, we got up and headed out to find a yummy-sounding bakery/restaurant. We finally found it after searching around town, to find out it was closed for the day. By then we were so famished that we settled for some Starbucks at a nearby Safeway, and took some pictures in the snow across the street.

I just got these lovely vintage boots in the mail the day we were going to leave for Flagstaff!

My love in his new coat I got him for Christmas.


Later on, we went back to historic downtown which did not last long because it was still incredibly cold!
Just when we needed refuge from the chilling winter weather, we found a coffee place called Rendezvous. After my very large coffee from Starbucks earlier, I felt it was time for some tea. This place is quite unique and is considered a "coffee shop by day and martini bar by night." (Who also has the best green tea I've ever had).
I sure wish I had gotten more photos of the inside, it sits in the same building as an old hotel, and for sure has a 1940s vibe. Some time after talking, people watching, drinking my tea, we decided to head back for Phoenix.
It was such a lovely time, and we definitely want to take more trips together. Our next stop, maybe a dreamy beach town in California over the summer... For now though, I'm still dreaming of that snow.

christmas sneak peak

One of my favorite gifts I've gotten (for my loved ones) is this vintage Dooney&Burke wallet I just got in the mail for my lovely mother c/o Bumble E Buck on etsy.
I am so happy with this purchase, aside from a few tiny knicks, which is expected when you buy vintage, it feels like new and is going to go perfect with her many purses. I know she'll appreciate a good vintage find like I do.

Today I am going to take it easy, work on a holiday story for work, wrap some gifts, and enjoy the cloudy/rainy weather.
Our Christmas wreath on the front door and our lovely little tree inspired me today to get more in the spirit.
Only three more days til Christmas!
Happy Wednesday :)

Holiday Wish List

Left to right:
j.crew blazer, vintage penny loafers, vintage coffee press, "old is cool" necklace, moop letter bag, vintage camera bag.

Stripes for work

I love stripes, and wear them all the time, however on this day I wanted to keep the striped understated as I was dressing for work. My wool flats added a pop of color (that's hardly noticeable in the photos) and still managed to keep the striped top the main focus.

My mom's lady-bag was just so perfect and simple.

My necklace is quickly becoming my go-to jewelry selection for more and more outfits. It has just the right amount of sparkle without being too much bling.  Definitely going to drape this around cardigans and other tops for holiday parties.

Speaking of holidays (Christmas is around the corner!) I just got half of boyfriend's gift in the mail today, which I can't wait to wrap up, and I need to get the rest of my ingredients for a lemon olive-oil cake I'm making for Christmas Eve.

Recipe for the cake coming soon...

I am so pleased to see this space coming more together and looking like an actual blog! I've enjoyed writing these little posts and hope to get better each and every time. Also, I will have more interesting backdrops for my very new outfit posts, now that I have the time to venture out, as well as more interesting and creative outfits.

striped tunic: H&M

cropped slacks: Target

maroon flats: UO

vintage bag: c/o mom

chain necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Current Inspirations

Top to bottom:

The lovely, Calivintage

Chictopia outfit from Story of My Life

Vintage floral dress

The most adorable wooden ring

Urban Weeds, I wish there was a blog like this for my beloved Phoenix

Hiatus for finals...

Goodness gracious finals are just around the corner (ahem, a few days) and last minute presentations and reviews are swamping.
A study-overload is about to erupt, and I'm soooo eager for the semester to be over and get ready for the long-awaited holidays.
I'm also happy that I'll be able to keep interning at the Arizona Republic over winter break (interviews for spring internships are on Friday! Soy un poco nervioso).
I think this little cup of liquid strength will come in handy through next week.
Green tea has been my go-to refreshment as of late, and I've really grown to acquire it.
Ta ta!