Take Me There- Beach Shack Getaways

I saw these top images of this beach shack in Uruguay on all the mountains the other day and fell in love. This  got me thinking about beach bungalos and little getaways so then I started googling beach shacks and found a treasure trove of amazing images. 


One thing that surprised me when I moved to South Africa is that many South African have "holiday homes." They aren't just for the wealthy. They are more modest than the vacation homes of Americans (which are usually reserved for the wealthy).  They are simple and modest and perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. The other part that I love about South African holiday homes is that often they are passed from one generation to the next, instead of being sold off to the highest bidder (which often happens in the States). It's such a nice piece of family history and tradition to keep going. 


Seen below the 338 sq. foot beach bungalow of studiomama in  Northeast Kent, UK.


Probably my favorite- below is Helen & Fraziers beach shack in the Isle of White, UK.

Christmas Past

We got home a week ago today and I've been soaking up all of the Christmas goodness with my family and it's only just getting started. Hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season! 




1, 2, 3, 4

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him

A few things for the boys... A pair of brightly colored pants to jazz up his wardrobe, a subscription to his favorite magazine, you can never lose with a pair of Toms, I love how these Shwood sunglasses look, every boy needs a swiss army knife, and a nice pair of gloves for winter. 

pants, magazine, shoes, glasses, gloves, knife, 

A Christmas Giveaway with Palomarie

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS MAGGIE!
I hope everyone has enjoyed the past few days of Christmas giveaways! This weeks final giveaway is from Palomarie. Check out their lovely new jewelry line here and leave a comment letting me know which piece you'd like to have. Winner will be selected at random tomorrow. Good Luck!

A Christmas Giveaway with The Horse

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS THERESA!
The Christmas giveaway continues with the amazing shoe collection from The Horse! I love that the shoe names kind of sound like they are named after people's grandmothers. To enter visit The Horse and take a look at the shoe styles- (men's and women's) and leave comment below letting me know which style you would like to have. The winner will receive the style of his/her choice! 

A Christmas Giveaway with Status Anxiety Wallets

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATULATIONS LAURA COGGINS!
Today I'm spreading some Christmas cheer with a giveaway from Status Anxiety wallets. I truly love every single style they have to offer. To enter, please visit Status Anxiety to view all of the styles- men's and women's and leave a comment letting me know which style you'd like to have.  The winner will receive a wallet of his/her choice! 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another giveaway and good luck!

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

A few gift ideas for the ladies in your life. Personalized stationary is always so fun to have but something you never really spend money on for yourself- which makes it a great gift to give and receive. Great leather clutches from poketo, think vintage and find a unique bag, new undies are always fun to get, would love to wear this enamel locket around my neck, bangles, bangles, bangles, a cute pair of striped slip ons, and the best looking iphone case I've ever seen.


I'll pick back up with gift ideas for the boys on Friday but make sure you don't miss Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday- I've got some amazing giveaways lined up! 

stationary, tote, clutch, bangles, iphone case, locket, shoes, undies

Happy Thanksgiving + A Baby on the Way!

My family is in the habit of making big announcements at the dinner table- like the time my sister and her husband announced she was pregnant (I immediately fell out of my chair, onto the floor and started crying while my mom, just kept saying "No you're not, No you're not." She thought she was being pranked).  Or the time I announced I was quitting my job and moving to Africa. So I can just imagine the scene that would ensue if I announced my water had broken at the Thanksgiving dinner table- because it looks like that's where this train is headed. There's a good chance I'm going to go into labor today and/or tomorrow! 

Although we can't be with our family in the States celebrating the coziest day of the year, we have our own reasons to celebrate over here. Here's what I'm thankful for this year.

I'm thankful for:
1. My family and friends who are rooting for me and this baby
2. A husband that loves me even when I'm not very nice
3. Christmas with a new born babe
4. Wearing normal clothes again! (so closeeeee)
5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
6. Meeting our new baby boy


thankful, feast, parade

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Andrew and I leave the day after Christmas on a little road trip up the Eastern Cape and will be back after the New Year. I've scheduled a few posts for while I'm gone- so check back and I'll see you all in the New Year!

Some of the Christmas cards I made this year. The beautiful handwriting is Andrews.

12 Days of Christmas with: Where The Lovely Things Are

12 Days of Christmas ends today with Mallory of Where the Lovely Things Are. I love her blog and am always amazed at how many beautiful things she always seems to find. Thanks to everyone for participating!  And now for Mallory...

carolers, coat, books, doll house
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-My favorite super-traditional sort of Christmas carol is Here We Come A-wassaling; my favorite fun Christmas song is Suzy Snowflake by Rosemary Clooney and my favorite-favorite Christmas song is probably Otis Redding singing White Christmas.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-A new winter jacket, books (novels and baking books) and software so I can learn a new language.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
- I have many warm and fuzzy Christmas memories, but I'll share a funny one- I asked for a punching bag for Christmas (I thought it'd be fun!) when I was a sophomore in high school and as soon as I saw it standing by the tree I ran over and punched it with all my might. It swung back, hit me in the face, and I had a bloody lip for the rest of the present-opening experience. Thankfully it was only bloody and not painful...and my family laughed about it for about a week.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-My dad built me a beautiful dollhouse for Christmas when I was about 7 or so. It has scalloped shingles on the roof and pink shingles on the sides...it was (and is) one of my favorite things. Definitely t he toy I spent the most time playing with in childhood. You might say I spent a little too long playing with it, as I gave up my Barbies a little later on in life than most, ha.
What is your favorite gift to give?
-It always used to be books, books and more books, but lately I've been buying things off Etsy as gifts. Most of my friends/ family aren't as Etsy-inclined as I am, and I like to try to tempt them on over to the wonderful handmade world. Plus- it supports the awesome people behind the shops as well.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-Every year my mother, sister and I go to this enormous store called "the Christmas Loft" and pick out ornaments. This tradition has resulted in our family's Christmas tree being bedecked in an odd array of ornaments. I'm particularly fond of a lobster one I got a few years ago. Last year I chose a potato ornament. My sister got a taco...we where going with a food theme, I guess.

12 Days of Christmas with: Coquette and Dove

Kate from Coquette and Dove is sharing her Christmas favorites today! Her blog is full of all sorts fun girliness- everything from fashion to make up to inspiring interiors. She's also got a lovely stationary line- make sure you check both out! 

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

-I tend to find that Christmas memories all start to blur into one big Christmas jumble. I remember one Christmas when my mum used a pair of actual old stockings instead of the novelty Christmas kind. My sister and I were giggling for hours at the site of these 6 foot long beige tights, stretched beyond all recognition, stuffed with gifts. And when we were young enough, our mum would make us advent calendars, with each gift wrapped in brightly coloured tissue paper, tied with brown string to a long tree branch and numbered with a gold pen. They would hang across the window of our bedroom and we'd go to sleep each night staring at the next morning's gift, trying to guess what it was.

What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?

-This year my Christmas list is short and sweet, in fact the only thing on it is Amazon gift vouchers- I really need a new television! I think I may donate my current one to a museum when it's time is up, it's that old. Other than that, I've got my fingers crossed for some homemade goodies from my mum, and perhaps some Miller Harris or Diptyque candles. I'm pretty easy to please! Of course if I were writing a "Dream Christmas List" it would include a pastel blue Pashley bike, a new MacBook Pro, a basket of Yon Ka goodies maybe a little number from Marc by Marc Jacobs. And let's not forget pretty much anything for my home from Anthropologie!

What is your favorite gift to give?

-Christmas in our family has always been about time spent together over good food rather than gifts, and we've always erred on the side of modesty when it comes to gift giving. Not necessarily something you appreciate as a kid when your friends all get the latest Barbie Dream House and you don't, but as an adult it's one of the things I love about Christmas. My favourite gift to give is something that I know the recipient would love, but would never think to treat themselves to. This year I'll be treating my stepdad to some gourmet pork pies from Lardy Da, bringing home someJunipero Gin from California for the man in my life, and for my sister and her husband, the modern art enthusiasts, a limited edition print or one of my own collage pieces.   

What is your favorite gift you've ever received?

-Hmmmmmmm, that's a tricky question! I think any gift that shows the person has really thought about you, and what you're all about, is always a joy to receive. One of my past favourites is a pastel blue Roberts Radio that my dad gave me a few years ago. I listen to it every morning while I'm having my breakfast, and since my dad has about 5 or 6 Robert's radios (all 50s originals) that he listens to on his boat or in his garden, it's like a little reminder of him each morning.

What is your favorite Christmas carol?

-I LOVE singing in church or at carol concerts. I'll be the mum embarrassing her kids in years to come as I sing at the top of my voice without a care in the world! As a child my favourite was O' Little Town of Bethlehem and you can't beat a rousing rendition of Good King Wenceslas. As far as Christmas songs go, it has to be Bing Crosby, and Christmas in Killearny is my all time favourite.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

-When our family was a little less complicated than it is now, my sisters and I would go to midnight mass at our local church on Christmas eve, excited that we got to see in Christmas day in the middle of the night, all wrapped up in sweaters and coats. The next morning, we'd all pile onto our parents bed to open our stockings, before my sister Alice and I would head down stairs to whip up Eggs Benedict for everyone for breakfast. Now that marriages, and continents have come between us all, Christmas is very different, but I still try and squeeze some Hollandaise sauce into my Christmas morning!! And I always think of my sisters while I'm enjoying it.

12 Days of Christmas with: Miss Moss

You probably know her as Miss Moss, but the talented lady behind Miss Moss is Diana. She's got a love for vintage photography, art, music and some serious style to back it all up. Take a look at her Christmas favorites below.

paint, book, shoes
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-I don't know if this counts as a carol, but "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, sung by Dean Martin is my favourite Christmas song- I have been known to put this on repeat when decorating the tree (and I do realise that is ironic considering I've never experienced a cold Christmas.) I also really love "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas sung by Judy Garland, even though it's a bit of a tearjerker.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-This is a tough one, but a consistent favourite throughout all my Christmases as long as I can remember is receiving art supplies from basically all my family members. You can never have enough canvas, paper, paint, brushes, pencils, moleskin journals...Gifts I can actually use and don't gather dust in a cupboard somewhere are always the best.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-If we're talking dream gift (the kind you want but you know you're not going to get) it would have to be an espresso machine...but I'll just have to keep imagining how this Kitchenaid espresso maker might look in my kitchen. On a far more reasonable note, I would love to own a copy of The Selby Is In Your Place and a pair of Missibaba Seraphine Sandals would be amazing for the summer.
What is your favorite gift to give?
-I love introducing people to new music. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings has a great balance of old and new vibes, I think my dad will really enjoy their latest album "I Learned The Hard Way."
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
-The one year my dad and older brothers all got fly fishing gear as gifts (my mom is big on 'themed' presents.) Christmas in South Africa is almost always hot and sunny and I'll never forget all four of them standing in the garden wearing just their shorts and practicing their fly fishing moves on the lawn. It's times like that when I realise that I'd never trade our summer Christmases for anything.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-Christmas lunch- no competition. My mom makes a mean glazed gammon, which she cooks for hours and then serves cold with a home made mustard which is indescribable (it has condensed milk in it, the secret ingredient.) The gammon is served along with about ten different salads and buckets of ice cold wine...Yum, yum, yum. 

12 Days of Christmas with: {Wit + Delight}

Today, Kate from the stunning blog, {Wit + Delight} is sharing her Christmas favorites. It sounds like her seven year old self had the best Christmas ever. Read more below.

cd, first generation ipod, mulled wine, bag
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-My favorite is "Still, Still, Still," sung in German by the Vienna Boys' Choir. A close second: Greensleves played on the piano by Vince Guaraldi on "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
-My favorite Christmas memory was when I was 7, the very last Christmas I truly believed in Santa Claus. My parents went all out; huge stockings, candy everywhere, 1/2 eaten carrot (we left it for the reindeer), a note from Santa, toy train going around the tree- the works. I thought it was the most magical thing I had ever seen. They knew it was going to be the last year I had that innocent child-like wonder when it came to Christmas, I was already asking why Santa had suspiciously similar handwriting to that of my father.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-The first generation iPod.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-I really want a Claire Vivire Messenger Bag in Poppy. I think a red bag would be a fun versatile way to add a pop of color to my very neutral wardrobe. That, or an iPad.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-Christmas Eve we have a huge feast at our house with our long-time family friends. We always make mulled wine and the smell will forever remind me of Christmas Eve.
What is your favorite gift to give?
-I love to give books. My friends and family are all avid readers and books get passed around through out the year. Giving a few new books at Christmas is a gift that keeps giving through out the year.


Thanks Kate! Tomorrow, Diana from Miss Moss will be sharing.

Stocking Stuffers

Some last minute stocking stuffer ideas for you! My stocking is always one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning. My mom is the best at stockings. Growing up our stockings would be full of DVD's, jewelry, books, pajamas...and the list goes on. I've been told this is excessive for stocking stuffers. So below I've tried to do a little bit of everything. Hope you find something you like!


soap, perfume, toothbrush, scarf, bra, sweatshirt, sachet, mittens, chocolate.

12 Days of Christmas with: Simple Things

Day 7 and we're hanging out with Belinda of Simple Things. Her blog is clean and simple and I dig her style. She's a favorite.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-My favourite Christmas tradition is cooking Christmas dinner with my family. My grandparents are Danish and celebrate on Christmas Eve. We spend the day before in the kitchen cooking traditional Danish food like roast port with crackling rodkal (roast cabbage) and ris a l'amande, laughing and sharing stories. There is so much love in the house and it's a beautiful place to be. I also love the opening of the advent calendar! The advent calendar is another Danish tradition that my family follows. It is so much fun to get a little surprise ever day.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-The best gift I have received is a copy of Charley Harper- An Illustrated Life by Todd Oldham. I often spend hours looking through the beautiful images in this book. I even have a tattoo that was inspired by one of the images in this book. 
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-This year I am hoping to receive a set of mp3 mixtapes from my partner to put on my iPod. He is a DJ and has a HUGE record collection that he is in the process of recording digitally. He has a real ear for music and is great putting together mixes that set a particular mood. I already have some of his live sets, but it would be nice to have something that he has made especially for me. 
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
-My favourite Christmas memory is spending Christmas Day at my other grandparent's house. It is very different to the Danish-style Christmas celebration but I loved it just as much. It is summer here in Australia at Christmas time so it is always a hot, sunny day and we eat cold chicken and prawn salad for lunch (well I don't personally because I am vegetarian!) As children we would sit on the itchy carpet next to the plastic tree and open our (always fun and totally impractical) presents squealing with delight on discovering what we had received. It is a very vivid memory, full of joy and colour. Here I am with my brother and sister on the itchy carpet. That's me on the left with the whistle in my mouth. I have always enjoyed being well accessorised!
What is your favorite gift to give?
-My favourite gift to give is something that I have made myself. Over the past few years I have been making aromatherapy potions for friends and family. I customise them according to their ailments. It's very personal and people love to receive it. I have received such positive feedback on them that I will be making a few available to buy soon. Watch this space!
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-My favourite Christmas carol is "All I want for Christmas (is my two front teeth)" by Nat King Cole. We have never really been into carol-singing in my family, but my mum always sang this to me. It makes me laugh.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Has anybody else ever read this book? I read it when I was a kid  and loved it. Then I re-read it when I was 17 and loved it. Then just a few weeks ago it popped into my head and now I've ordered it from Amazon. I've been eagerly awaiting it's arrival- I'm hoping in time for me to read before Christmas. It's hilarious and a book that both kids and grownups will equally enjoy. So if you've read it please leave a comment and let me know so we can gush about it together!

12 Days of Christmas with: Greedy Girl

Day 6 and half way through the series- I can't believe Christmas is so soon! Today we're joined by Caroline from Greedy Girl. Her blog makes me smile- a lot.


tag, soap, scarf, shoes, shirt, otis

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-Being with family on Christmas Eve. Cocktails and sweets and gifts by the fireplace. And fighting over what movie to watch before we all agree on "Christmas Vacation."
What is your favorite gift to give?
-I always put a ton of pressure on myself when it comes to choosing gifts. I always have such big ideas! But I wait too long and default to the same things: nice soap, soft scarves, classic books. Something that I know will be useful and appreciated.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-Sparkles and shoes are always a surefire way to my holiday heart. 
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-Johnny Cash's "Silent Night" or Otis Redding's "White Christmas." Beautiful songs and beautiful voices.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
-I don't know if it's a favorite, but we had an epic snowstorm last year on Christmas Eve. It screwed up all of our travel plans and made everyone pretty grumpy but in hindsight it was actually quite amazing and I wish I had enjoyed it rather than cursed it.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-I've been blessed to have always received what I've needed or wanted but the one gift that stands out most in my memory is my piano. I must've been about 8 when my family surprised me with a huge 100 year old piano. I embarrass myself to play it now, but it remains a prized possession. 

12 Days of Christmas with: Wolf Eyebrows

On Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas we're visiting with Cath, the lady behind one of my all time favorite blogs, Wolf Eyebrows. Turns out we have some friends in common- small world. Take a look at her Christmas favorites below.


music mix, eggnog, packaging, Will,- image credit: Douglas Bower, tart

What is your favorite gift to give?

-Music compilations. I really enjoy searching for songs and sorting them into a great playlist. I like to theme them for the person I'm giving it to. If I'm making it extra special I'll package it nicely. Music compilations are thoughtful, personal and a great way to share music. If you are in need of some musical inspiration check out Miss Moss's music mixes. They are awesome.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

-Probably when I went to visit my family in Canada when I was 9 years old. I had a traditional North American Christmas, which I'd never experienced before. I got to make a snowman, go tobogganing, eat roasted chestnuts and drink eggnog. It was magical.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

-My family has a lot of Christmas traditions but I think my favourite tradition is wrapping gifts. I like to put a lot of effort into making each present appealing and special. I also enjoying contributing a dish to the Christmas meal. I thinking of making these tomato and goat cheese tarts for Christmas this year. 

What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?

-This is a hard question to answer. I think it would probably be to have my best friend Will living in the same city as me. He moved down to Cape Town this year and I miss him a lot. If you live in Cape Town go and taste his delicious sandwiches and coffee at Field Office.

What is your favorite Christmas carol?

-I love Christmas but I hate Christmas carols. Its probably because I associate them with busy shopping malls and aching feet.

What is your favorite gift you've ever received?

-An antique ship brooch from my fellow. I love nautical things and it remains one of my most precious treasures.  I received it while we were on holiday in the Eastern Cape. Whenever I wear it I am reminded of those windswept seascapes and the lovely person who gave it to me.

Pennyweight Guest Post: 12 Merry Making Days

Elise from Pennyweight is also doing a really fun 12 Days of Christmas series (that you should definitely check out) and she asked me to create some holiday party looks for Day 2 of the series.  Here they are below. Outfit no. two is what I have in mind for Christmas Eve dinner this year. Check out Elise and her 12 Merry Making Days here!

Look One: dress, shoes, bracelet | Look Two: shirt, shorts, shoes, necklace | Look Three: dress, shoes, ring

12 Days of Christmas with: Oh, Hello There

Danica from Oh, Hello There is a girl after my own heart- full of Christmas spirit and cheer. Find out more below.

christmas tree, nat king cole, dvd, candle, picnic hamper, pear earrings

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
-I tend to get swept away with the whole Christmas process, however decorating the tree on the first of December is probably my favourite tradition. It sets the tone for the holiday season.
What is your favorite Christmas carol?
-I'm not a huge fan of Christmas carols, but I do love Nat King Cole's rendition of "The Christmas Song." His Christmas album is always on repeat on Christmas Day in my house.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas this year?
-I would love to receive a beautiful picnic basket. Failing that a Diptyque candle or some Criterion Collection DVD's would also go down a treat.
What is your favorite gift you've ever received?
-A pair of pearl stud earrings that my mother gave me a few years back. I wear them almost everyday.
What is your favorite gift to give?
-I am rather partial to giving books. I like that they can be made personal by writing a small note and that they can be kept and treasured by the recipient. 
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
-My fondest memories are of Christmas time speint in Hong Kong. Unlike Australia, where it is usually extremely hot, Hong Kong is pleasantly cold and the whole city really falls under the Christmas spell. I miss it terribly.