Mason Jar Snow Scene {DIY}

I have mentioned before that Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores.  Even if I don't love their clothes in a certain season, I always get inspired by their home section and their decor.  They had a salt shaker snow scene that I had on my Anthropologie Wishlist seen here. After seeing them in the store, I decided to make my own for myself and as gifts for a fraction of the price.

Materials needed:

Mason jar or empty sauce jar

epoxy glue

figurines/Christmas decor

white sparkling sugar 

glitter

Nail polish OPI "Cuckoo for this Color"

Here is one I gifted to my sister in law with an
Anthro g/c on the bottom tied with yarn.
(Again, sorry about the lighting-iPhone)

It was so easy to make and I love the way they looked in person. Try one!

LAWind

If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you were affected in some way by the windstorms that hit last Wednesday night/Thursday morning.  We were personally affected in that at 4:10 in the morning, a 70 foot Eucalyptus tree fell on our house.  Luckily we (and our things) were not injured, but it was the scariest thing we have ever experienced.  So now we are back in Orange County for a bit living with my parents until we can find a new place to live.  It could have been so much worse and we are both thankful to the Lord we are okay.  Click here and here to see more images/read about the worst Santa Ana winds to hit Northeast LA.

This is my instagram of the side of our house
under the top of the tree. 

Buy Local{+Global}

This week is National Buy Local Week (Nov. 25-Dec. 4).  It falls right after Thanksgiving and while most people are doing their Christmas shopping, this is the perfect opportunity to support independent locally owned businesses within your community.  Here in Los Angeles, there are so many small communities and so many local buisnesses that this is not difficult for us Angelenos.  It can be as simple as shopping at a neighborhood boutique, dining at a small restaurant within your community, or even going to your local farmers market.

During this week, take time to reflect on your purchases and keep in mind that you can shop local while supporting the larger global economy as well.   Use this market bag by LA based company Apolis while shopping at your farmers market.  The bag was made in Bangladesh and supports giving opportunities to people to work.  Check out Apolis and their Local+Global campaign.

Bits + Chains: Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday!!! Today is the day you can avoid the craziness of Black Friday and sit at home and get great deals online.  I have featured Bits + Chains in a post before seen here, but today I am sharing that you get 30% off all orders...oh yea, and I helped out my friend and modeled some of her goodies, these are handmade and good quality!! Click here to shop Bit + Chains online.

Winter Displays: J.Crew

I love J.Crew, but I especially love them around the holidays when I can drive down Colorado Blvd. or walk around South Coast Plaza and see their winter displays.  Their clothes always get me to at least take a second (or third) look, but during the holidays, I cannot pass by.
What are some of your favorite winter displays?

photo c/o J.Crew tumblr

Celebrations and Thanksgivings

Tonight my husband and I are celebrating his new job.  It was an answer to many long prayers and we are both so thankful (just in the nick of time).  So cheers to him and our future together!!!

Here are a few other things I am thankful for this year...

My marriage to my best friend

Sebastian, "our son"

A new city I call home

And every year and most importantly, for my friends and my family (including my new family this year). Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter Nail Polish Must-Haves

I love nail polish, a lot.  Ask anyone who knows me and they will say it may even be a slightly unhealthy obsession.  I am a server and I can often tell what brand and the name of the color some of the guests have on.  Here are a couple of my favorites for the holiday season. What are some of yours?

                                                  Clockwise top left: 

                    Deborah Lippmann "Single Ladies", Essie "Cocktail Bling",

                           Zoya "Carey", OPI "Rainbow Connection"