Late Post! (Holiday Edition)

Since living abroad, I'm never "home" during the holidays. And by home, I mean my second home in Kuwait. I usually travel for about two weeks and have never felt the need to decorate my apartment for the holidays (after all, I could always use that money for shopping while I'm traveling!).

This year, I was feeling a bit homesick so I got into the holiday spirit by decorating. It reminded me of all the years spent getting the tree "just right" with my mom (which meant hours of placing the bows in just the right places and setting out her dozens of angels). I didn't go overboard with the decorations, but I wanted to host a small get together for a few of my girlfriends which meant I simply HAD to decorate.

I went with a pretty neutral theme...small hints of gold and natural elements like pine cones, wood, and of course, lots of candles. Maybe next year I'll go all out and actually buy a tree!

Today's lesson: If you can't be with family for the holidays, practice some of your family traditions (like decorating, or baking holiday cookies). Feels just like "home." 

Tabletop, with my favorite (inexpensive) candle.

Simple centerpiece for my dining room table.

Small touches of gold and pine cones in the living room.

Presents by the entryway. (Empty wrapped boxes are a great decorating idea, and they're inexpensive!)

Garland (2) from West Elm. I added a few ornaments at the top instead of a traditional bow. 

Wreath details. 

Kept it simple with just a few ornamental details on the wreath. 

Garland above the kitchen cabinets. 

Gifts for my girlfriends. Mugs from Williams Sonoma with their traditional peppermint bark inside. 

Mini cheesecakes and Sprinkles red velvet cupcakes.

Holiday cookies and fudge from Dean & DeLuca.

Into the Gray...

I've lived in my current apartment in Kuwait for a little over two years. Thankfully, my employer pays for my rent and the apartment came fully furnished, down to the kitchen utensils (and some pretty hideous paintings of cats on the wall). I've made small purchases here and there to make it feel more like "home" and less like a pit stop, since I'm unsure just how long I'll be here. The biggest change, and best decision by far, has been to change the wall color in my living room space. While at first I loved the white walls, they were too difficult to keep clean and I needed some color in my life. I went with a charcoal gray called "Matrix." I'm finishing one room at a time (and yes, the painters will be back to touch up their mess-ups). Who knows, maybe I'll be here long enough to show you every single one.

Today's lesson: Make your house your HOME, no matter the length of your stay. 

Living room, before. 

Prepping to paint!

Basket: On clearance from Pottery Barn, Laterns: Ikea, Blanket: West Elm.

Wooden Accessories and rug, West Elm (from several seasons ago).

Tabletop. Clean and neat. This tray helps me keep everything organized.

My new wall color! Basket weave lamp, Ikea.

Living room, after. 

Knickknacks on my bookshelf.

Lamp, West Elm (similar here).

Storage, Ikea (I clearly didn't measure the space and should've purchased a larger piece!)

Mirror, Ikea. Sculpture, West Elm.

Morning light.

I love the way the light creeps in every morning. Perfection.