New Year's Eve Ready

 dress: Forever 21 (old), shell clutch: Vintage, jacket: Blush Shop

It's New Year's Eve! Time to don your sparkliest of dresses, pour yourself a drink and get ready to toast the end of 2013 and the new possibilities of the year to come.
For me, 2013 was a year of big changes and big decisions, and I am so grateful to be entering 2014 happy, healthy and full of love.

Have the best night, and more importantly, the best year.  You deserve it.
xox
(bar cart details coming to the blog next week!)

A Look Back at 2013

Can you believe another year has almost come to and end? I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of my favourite moments of 2013. It was quite a year - new job, saying goodbye to old relationships and hello to new ones, new love, and some very exciting moments both academically and professionally.

 ^ My apartment really started to come together with some great scores, including these bamboo chairs off craigslist and this rug from an estate sale. I've been here a year and a half now, and it's really beginning to feel like home! Stay tuned for some more updates in the New Year...I just did a mini-makeover around here and can't wait to show you all!

^ My blog's name went up in lights when my logo was featured on this giant billboard in Times Square in New York City!

^ I never announced this on the blog, but I was very excited when Tia and Tamera pinned a picture of my apartment to Pinterest directly off my blog. I grew up watching these two! It's quite an honor. See the pin here!

I worked on some school projects that I am extremely proud of. I've learned so much as a design student! Learning to render has been especially fun!:

Term 2:

Term 3:

Term 4:

Term 5 (full project coming to the blog next week!):

 And last but certainly not least, I met and began dating a man who makes my heart so happy! He has been my biggest support system the past couple of months and I probably wouldn't have made it through my term five final projects without his encouragement.

 I can't wait to make more memories with him come 2014.

 What is your biggest moment from 2013!?

Merry Christmas from Me to You

 I made it home to Waterloo where I will be spending Christmas and some much needed R&R with my family. I will be back in the New Year, but I wanted to take this time to wish the happiest of Holidays to you and your family. Thank you so much for following along my journey and for making this year such a success. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!  May God Bless you and shine in your hearts this joyous season.
(And yes, I know I overdid it with the tinsel on my little tree, but I kind of love it!).

Merry Christmas, my loves.
xo

The Things That Matter: Guest Posting at York Avenue

You've all read Nate Berkus's book 'The Things the Matter', right? It's about how possessions become important to us for sentimental reasons, it's a great read. Today I'm guest posting over at York Avenue in her series 'The Story Behind my Favourite Piece' inspired by Nate's point that things do, in fact, matter. I'm sharing the story behind one of my most beloved belongings. Head on over and check it out! You will love Jackie, her studio apartment was recently featured on the Everygirl. As a fellow studio apartment dweller, trust me when I say it's amazing! What items do you own that have a special meaning?

Oh (Flocked) Christmas Tree

I will be the first to admit I have never seen one of these in person, but I'm really smitten with the look of the snow on the branches. It seems a white Christmas isn't the norm anymore (dreaming of one this year of course! It's looking promising after the snowstorm we got this weekend), but this could be a fun way to ensure a snowy Christmas morning opening gifts. Would you do a flocked tree?

via Style at Home

via the Doctor's Closet

My Bachelorette Pad: Christmas Decor via Instagram

Last year, I didn't decorate my apartment at all for the holidays, but this year, I've been creating pretty little Christmas vignettes all over my bachelorette pad. The more glitter the better!

^Ornaments in a bell jar. So simple, but so pretty!

^ I've always been a fan of tinsel Christmas trees. Some people call them tacky, but my love of vintage and sparkle just can't be contained. I've seen a few in antique shops displaying vintage ornaments, but finally found a mini one of my own at the local dollar store! 

Big thanks to M. for making me decorate this year (and delivering my tree, which I hope to post about soon!). It's finally feeling like home here thanks to you!

To see even more of the holiday festivities going on around here (and to keep up with me while I'm busy with finals...sorry I've been MIA lately!), be sure to check out my instagram!
I hope your holidays have been merry and bright so far!