It’s less than two weeks from Christmas and I am in a holiday/winter mood this week. I plan to spend the weekend making gingerbread cookies and enjoying my book, The Christmas Tree Farm as well watching a few holiday baking specials on Netflix. I love cozying up at home when the weather is colder outside and just enjoying the beautiful twinkle lights not only strung up in my home, but outside as well as in our apartment lobby. Christmas is all around, and I am so enjoying its presence right now. Soon enough it will be Christmas day as well as the new year right around the corner too. And while I am enjoying all things Christmas and cozy and I am also starting to plan out my 2025 through journaling, Pinterest and setting dates. I hope you are enjoying this holiday month too and are ready for a new year of inspiration and experiences. So, cozy up on this beautiful Friday to a new curated weekly post full of inspiration to elevate the everyday.
SHOPPING, BOOKS, MEDIA, ETC.
If traveling is on your list for the upcoming new year, then now is a good time to buy a poncho for all of your traveling needs. I have shared on here a few that I loved from J. Crew (and own), but here is another great option for this cozy poncho for only $50.00 from Banana Republic Factory.
I mentioned in a previous blog post about cultivating simple sophistication into everyday life, about having matching pajamas. If you are looking to add to your pajama wardrobe, then here is a set of cotton pajamas at J. Crew on sale for only $56.50 and it comes if different colors too.
Whenever I go to a luxury hotel or spa, I always notice that they have their tissues in a tissue cover box. Not only does it elevate the space immensely, but it also gives you home a touch of glamour when you select a beautiful cover too. That’s why this hammered metal tissue box caught my eye recently at Target.
If you are one who uses a complexion brush for foundations/powders, then this beautiful Danessa Myricks Beauty Kabuki Brush is a beautiful option for any vanity or even as a luxurious gift for the beauty lover in your life.
If you are looking for something elevated to gift a corporate worker in your life (or yourself) then this Ralph Lauren Cody Desk Object is such a beautiful piece to display on a desk or on top of a small stack of books. It’s unique and of course has beautiful craftsmanship which Ralph Lauren is known for.
Elevated basics for everyday casual wear are a must-have for any wardrobe. I particularly love polo-like shirts, and this Ralph Lauren buttoned-placket polo shirt is such an elegant casual piece to have on hand.
December, January and February can be quite rainy here in Raleigh (it’s raining here today actually), so I wanted to get an umbrella that was good quality and had an elevated look to it. That’s why I recently purchased this J. Crew ShedRain Umbrella in navy this past weekend. Not only is the color a beautiful dark blue color, but the wood handle also lends itself to be a more elegant option than one that has a plastic handle.
A new cookbook that looks as delicious as it does beautiful, Pretty Delicious: Modern
Another book being released on February 25 is Embracing Beauty: Serene Spaces for Living by Beth Webb. Webb is an internationally recognized interior designer admired for her exquisite, light-filled residences. Her second book features homes from across the country, from Sea Island, Georgia, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Inspired by her previous experience as an art dealer, Webb designs beautifully composed spaces and is also motivated by the pursuit of joy and the power of beauty—she makes sure these are rooms for living, for gathering with family, for refuge.
If you’re looking for a good novel to cozy up to (and also happen to be a Francophile) then The Champagne Letters: A Novel is one worth looking into. This novel is perfect for fans of bubbly wine as this historical fiction novel follows Madame Clicquot as she builds her legacy, and the modern divorcée who looks to her letters for inspiration.
And for my cozy mystery lovers out there, a new book released this past Tuesday may pique your interest.
The only thing better than touring a beautiful house in the Cotswolds is touring a beautiful house decorated for Christmas in the Cotswolds full of beautiful ideas and inspiration.
And then of course we need to stop off in Paris too to enjoy a beautiful Noël à Paris.
And if you dream of escaping to Paris for Christmas but are not able to (I feel your disappointment!) Then put on this elegant YouTube Ambience during the day while you’re reading a good book, taking a hot bath or simply relaxing by the Christmas tree with a hot drink.
articles of interest
If you are looking for elegant holiday decor inspiration, then check out Crystal for Christmas: Decorating Tips for the Holidays from Victoria Magazine for all the beautiful details.
I am a girl who loves to cozy up to a good seasonal book, so if you too enjoy a good holiday book, then here are 27 holiday books to look into for a good festive read.
Speaking of books, it’s that time of the month to make a visit to Tea Time’s cozy corner for their recommended murder mystery and recipe of the month. This month there’s Murder, Mystery, and Scones in The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams as well as a recipe for Cinnamon-Glazed Spiced Scones which looks so very delicious.
Winter movies are a great way to cozy up at home, especially since it’s getting dark much earlier now this time of year. If you are looking for one to watch, then here is a list of 40 best movies to watch set in winter.
I am very much looking forward to watching Maria with Angelina Jolie this weekend on Netflix and here is a great article from Harper’s Bazaar about the fashion of the move – Maria Is a Cinematic Fashion Feast Fit for a Diva.
In the heart of Paris’s iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the talented French ceramicist and jewelry maker Alix D. Reynis has unveiled her latest collection which seamlessly blends classic French history and modern craftsmanship and after taking a look, I know this will be on my list to stop in while I am in Paris next year.
And because the first official day of winter is nearly upon us, here are 7 easy winter dinner to make this week.
Looking forward to your next post!
I love everything you write.
Gratefully yours,
Maria