[ezcol_1half]
“Guys, I’m really having a hard time with all of this Christmas stuff everywhere. Commercials, decorations, music…ugh. This is happening even in Tokyo, where they don’t actually celebrate Christmas! I can’t even THINK about it until after Thanksgiving but I feel like I’m the only person alive who feels this way. I’m still savoring fall with its crisp weather and changing leaves.
Do you think it makes a difference whether you HOST Thanksgiving or just ATTEND a Thanksgiving dinner? I feel like those of us who really put a lot of work into Thanksgiving have a hard time seeing past that holiday until it’s over. Am I crazy? Do I need to just get over it and start hanging my Christmas lights? Be honest.”
*I’m pretty obsessed with persimmons lately, and this persimmon, prosciutto and brie grilled cheese sandwich form Joy the Baker looks really interesting. I think I need to try it this weekend!
*I absolutely love this idea for birthday or Christmas presents! It’s perfect for us introverts, who prefer one-on-one time and loosen up a bit with a glass of something in our hands 😉
*Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? What a magical natural phenomenon. I hope I get to see them some day. This travel guide can help make that happen!
[/ezcol_1half]
[ezcol_1half_end]
“It’s here, it’s here! Tomorrow is Tamale Day! Now, I know this MAY not be a holiday in your house, but you might want to start it! This is the ultimate annual day where everyone in my family packs into a sister’s kitchen to make the tamales we eat on Christmas. We tease each other about our varying talents: some people are great spreaders, others can’t fold a corn husk to save their life. But at the end of the day we’ll have full bellies and a freezer full of Ziploc bags waiting for Christmas Day.
You’ll see some more holiday prep up there in the form of holiday garland I got to craft at West Elm this week (thank you for the photo, Annie!!) Definitely one of those “easy” crafts that is short on technique, but LONG on time commitment.”
*My new workplace has a fancy-dress holiday party (!!!) and now I’m obsessed with options. I’m thinking of trying Rent the Runway for the first time, but I’m also freaking out over this sequined outfit from H&M. Any way it could be as good in person? Help!
* I’ve always been the type to crave smaller homes with just enough space. I’m sure we all remember the fad of the untouchable living room! I guess it just never felt right to me? Threw that whole life value out the window when I saw this AMAZING oversized berry and holly garland this week.
* Aileen from At Home in Love shared some adorable illustrations by Gemma Correll recently and the post is too cute! Which is your fave? I’m a fan of Emotional Baggage and Support Bras, but love them all.
[/ezcol_1half_end]
Our wire star ornaments were really popular this week! Check them out in DIY ornament roundups on Moco Choco, It’s Always Autumn, and My Fabuless Life.
DoDo liked our monogrammed etched ornaments so much that they included it in their list of 50 Epic Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank. They also included our DIY hanging watch holder in the DIY section of their 100 Most Unique Christmas Gifts of 2014 for Men.
I love these love letters. A few things: I’m not ready for Christmas yet, and I’m not hosting Thanksgiving. I love dressy holiday parties too! Hope you both have a great weekend!
ooookay. I uuuused to be adamant about waiting until after Thanksgiving, but for some reason, I’ve given in to ‘as long as it’s not in October’ this year….I think it has something to do with not celebrating it properly the past two years, and not traveling to some amazing Euro-locale that I’m like – let’s do this. and let’s do this big, America! but I’m also not watching many holiday commercials because that whole side of it is overkill. // that whisky + conversation is fab! thanks for showing me her adorable blog! // I sooo want to see the Northern Lights tooooo. apparently 2015/16 is THE season for it. // tamale day!!! but know you were missed // you’re welcome 😉 you’re the loveliest hand model! // I’m freaking out over that outfit too. I’m sorry I ever doubted your dresscription (no?) because it’s amazing. I might need it too. // Roll Models, if I HAVE to choose.
Annie! I love the way you formatted this comment, lol!
I think (for me, at least) it takes some of the novelty out of holidays when you start to celebrate them too soon. By the time Christmas comes around I’m sick of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” mall Santas, and the flood of last-chance-for-the-perfect-gift-at-50%-off emails that are never actually the “last” anything from these annoying companies. I wonder if only hearing Mariah Carey for a month instead of 2 might mean I don’t get sick of that song…lol.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! But maybe that’s also why I want to keep it special? It also may annoy me that it’s such a big “holiday” here in Japan even though it has no real meaning. It’s a commercial holiday TO THE MAX, whereas in a lot of the world it still means family time, holiday parties with friends and Christmas mass (on top of the obvious commercialism!). Oh well, nothing I can do about it except shut up and continue to drink this peppermint latte from my red Starbucks cup while listening to Christmas carols. 😉
WOAH! Your description of that sequenced dress did not do it justice. This dress – you need it. I want to throw a fancy holiday party just so I have an excuse to wear a fancy-la dress like that.
I’m so sorry you ended up missing tamale day AND picture day. I echo Annie – you were absolutely missed.
Alyssa, I remember being shocked by all the SUPER elaborate Christmas decorations in Tokyo (Tokyo Hands, especially) last November. At least you know you can get a Santa figurine if you get homesick?? 😉
RIGHT? The dress! I feel vindicated. 🙂 I bet my story-telling was even worse than usual due to my irritating illness so I take the blame.