Chocolate Hardwood Flooring

What do these spaces have in common... besides being gorgeous?

Dark chocolate, wide-plank hardwood floors! This past weekend the bf, some of his handy friends and my brother made one of my long-time wishes come true: they laid a beautiful chocolate brown hardwood floor in our back room/office/where I go to watch Gossip Girl and read a book. It's not entirely finished - floor boards still need to be nailed, some touch up paint - but it's so close! {photos to come}

Our walls are dolphin fin gray by Behr and it couldn't be more perfect.

Photos via www.decorpad.com

It's 2011, why not?

So, the reason I've been MIA in blog world as of late, is that I'm not really into the whole New Years resolution thing. But I'm back and I've been inspired by some of my fellow bloggers, so here it goes:

TCG's Goals for 2011:
* Do something different - personally and professionally
* Join, and actually go to the gym that is opening up three blocks from my home
* Spend more time with friends - pick up the phone instead of emailing/texting
*Don't sweat the small stuff
* More blogging

To ring in the new year, Bob and I went to Perennial with Cara (an urban cottage) and her fiance Nate. Great food, great atmosphere, even better friends. We ate ahi tuna fish tacos, oysters, butternut squash risotto, seared scallops with an array of yummy sauces, chocolate gouache with lime sorbet and, of course, champagne!

Merci!

As the gifts roll in this holiday season, don't forget to write your thank you's {on cute stationary!}

Sources: Missive Haute off the Press - Invited Ink - Paper Source - Sugar Paper

Last Minute Holiday Shopping

So.... I'm a little behind on my holiday shopping this year. I swear it came out of nowhere! I came across this lovely and inspiring gift montage at the Mrs. Holiday Shoppe. Click over to the website for purchasing details.

Kitchen Wishin'

I'm craving a back splash in our kitchen. When we moved in, the kitchen had been redone the previous year. It was love at first sight. After living with it for a bit, I realized something was missing... a back splash. Now, I don't know if a back splash is completely necessary, but I do think it makes the space look finished and well done. At first, I was all about the glass subway tiles (we have these in our bathroom and love them). After further consideration, I think a classic large white porcelain subway tile is the way to go. Here is my inspiration.

Birthday Thanks

Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for bringing home Sprinkles cupcakes for my birthday last night. He also scored big with this watch. Thanks, mister.

What a guy!

My Christmas Decor

This weekend we finally got around to getting a tree and getting our home ready for the holidays. This year I went with a natural theme in creams, greens and whites with a bit of silver glam here and there.

Hollywood wanted to help

Our fireplace got a little love!

Love these white ceramic acorns from Crate and Barrel

This one is from Pottery Barn and I have to say, it's one of my favorites.

This reindeer has a wood grain pattern

No presents under the tree yet, but soon, hopefully (if I can get my act together!)