{ comfort & joy }

I'll take several of each please...

Have you ever stumbled upon a shop and wanted absolutely everything in it? Such is the case with Chewing the Cud. The Cuddle with Cider sachets, Letterpress Holiday telegrams, and Sweet & Spicy holiday cards are but a few of my favorites. If you happen to fancy letterpress goods like I do, there's so much more for you to discover about this delightful San Francisco based shop here and here. Enjoy!

{ it's beginning to look a lot like... }

Hi everyone...welcome back to a new and exciting week. Thank you all for sending your birthday wishes to Bella. It was a whirlwind of a weekend and I look forward to sharing details of Little One's birthday shindig with you later this week. 

via Benita

With the party behind us, I can now focus on our holiday decorating..yay! Don't you just love pulling out your holiday storage boxes and rediscovering all of your favorite holiday goodies again? I like to keep it simple... white twinkle lights, candles, and touches of silver and gold. I've also sprinkled in subtle blues and greens the last couple of years. 

Check out these inspired takes on holiday decorating...

Benita {aka Chez Larson} always makes white look so good!

San Francisco holiday glow a la victoria

{You must scroll down in her comments and read her secret to creating the perfect holiday glow-brilliant!

flickr friend manda captures the holidays in Australia

Lupin's amazing  snowflake curtain

potted white blooms are another holiday favorite

via Minna

via Benita

via Minna, who's wreath was recently featured in Country Living

Royal Buffet always gets it right!

oh, and I suppose a dab of red can be quite lovely as well...

d. sharp's simple, yet stunning. advent garland. {via design sponge}

and her lovely letterpress gift adornments found here 

Now...time for me to get to work!

{ my girl... }

Have you ever met an angel? I have. 

Eight years ago today, at 8:34 pm, this perfect December angel fluttered into my life and would forever change it {in the best kind of way}. She's had my heart since the second I discovered she was on the way {though I didn't know she was a she} and when my sweet Bella finally arrived on that 5th day in December, I was totally and completely, head over heels, in love at first sight with her. 

Her daddy's long, thick eyelashes and those sugar plum fairy lips were the first thing I noticed, and I soon discovered that this tiny new person in my life was already perfect to me in every little way. 

That she's turned out to be smart, charming, funny, adventurous, independent, curious, kind, my one and only--and my friend--makes the joys of motherhood all the sweeter.

I am off for a weekend of celebrating with oodles of sparkle, gingerbread houses and other sweet delights.  I'll be back to catch up with you all next week--I have many, many holiday surprises that I can't wait to share with you in the coming weeks. Until then,  I wish you all your own happy, happy weekend!    xo ~Suzanne

{ these are a few... }

of my favorite things...

let it snow 

knowledge wreath

sugar plums wreath

Each of these fabulous paper wreaths by haru is handmade using a mix of vintage sheet music, found papers and pages from vintage books. Even better...they'll last year after year! You can read more about the work and passion that goes into each gorgeous wreath by hopping over to Marichelle's always inspiring,  Heart Handmade. 

Quick link:

haru shop

{ and warm woolen mittens... }

Stay cozy and stylish with these wool scarves and "armies",  which are handmade in Melborne, Australia* using upcycled felted sweaters. Vintage adornments such as bakelite buckles and buttons add to their simple perfection. {Oh, and the best part...two more gifts checked off the list!}

Quick link:

Gaye Abandon shop

*shipping to the U.S. is only $2!