Santa, Oh Santa... Just In Case You Need A Little Hint or Two...

Dear Santa,

I have been nice this year, so thought you might like a few subtle, or not so subtle hints...

First of all, classy lingerie from Frou Frou Fashionista.

Ho... Ho... Ho... Santa...

Absolutely anything from Betsey Johnson, please...

Bliss Linens... You just can't go wrong here.

Luxury never goes out of style...

A fabulous Italian bench from Paris Boutique Hotel... This would be amazing as a piano bench for the three of us. Right? It might actually make me want to play the piano everyday!

Every bloggers dream, a decent camera. Any type will do.

LADURE'E. If you haven't tried it, I must tell you it will be a memorable moment. I've only tried the almonds, so a macaroon might just do the trick. But, I think I 'm becoming addicted! Don't tell my trainer! She can't take this away. No way.

I just finished Vicki Archer's first book, "My French Life" and was delighted with the magnificent photography by Carla Coulson and the brilliant descriptive writing. So, I definitely would love to see "French Essence" in my stocking to take me away to Provence (while the boys play our new Wii for hours).

What's a list without a little CC? This fabulous Chanel ring can be Found here. But, really Santa, any old (code word for vintage) Chanel will do!

~~

Well, that would just about do it! I know, no wish for ending world hunger or world peace. I am so self involved. Tee hee...

~~

What are you putting on your Christmas wish list? Do we have anything vaguely in common?

xo,

Christina

P.S. I am content with my Anthropologie sweater and our Wii Christmas this year.

This is all for good fun.

A Fabulous Find~ FrenchBlue & Co.

It's snowing over at FrenchBlue &. Co...

A place to find this stunning old painted portrait on wood...

Snowing with the most unique treasures found anywhere...

This old alabaster box with medallion lady really gets my heart pounding. What a home for a special treasure or gift...

French correspondence "Old French pink book" from a posh French lady to an English politician in 1791 for a person that adores history or just the beauty of books...


Old French collections of books from 1829 of
the Histore De France that could be that perfect gift for someone that has everything...



A gorgeous hotel Marie Antoinette coffee pot for the
hostess with the mostess...


The most unique and intricate beauty to be found anywhere...
Like this framed French Bisque floral Motif...

The perfect "A Christmas Token" scalloped gift holder that would stand out from the rest and make a special present fabulously memorable...

And more custom made packing for the tree...

French writing seaweed box...

~~

It is snowing over at FrenchBlue & Co.

~~

Good luck with those Christmas lists, darlings.

Let me know if you find anything you just can't live without at FrenchBlue. I know there are a few special items I just can't stop thinking about!

xo,

Christina

~~

If you have a shop that you would like to be featured, just leave me a comment with a link to it. I will see what I can do.

All photos found at FrenchBlue & Co.

Choices...Choices! Weekend Read Top 20 Fashion Blogs Via Links a' la Mode

Choices, Choices!

Edited by Dream Sequins

At this time of year, even the smallest decision can feel like the biggest burden. As holiday shopping season swings into full and relentless motion this month, the choices we make as consumers can often feel overwhelming. This week’s compelling roundup of reading explores these choices from every possible angle and makes it clear that as bloggers, we should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Whether it’s writing about a specialty gift guide for a geek chic girl, choosing the perfect red lip color or even exploring the nuanced difference in quality between designer and mid-priced items, these choices are what make us unique and connect us as an independent fashion blogging community.

Links à la Mode : December 10th

• A Typical Atypical – Get into vintage 50’s housewife mode for the Christmas season!


• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: L’Officiel de la Mode Archives


• Brunette and Pink – Holiday Makeup Inspired by the Sephora 2009 Holiday Sephora Catalog using Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II


• dramatis personae – High Fashion & High Art… Two Worlds Apart? Thoughts, Arguments, & Solutions for the Knock-off Debate


• Dream Sequins – A bling-tastic evening at jewelers, Doyle and Doyle.


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily finally finds a handbag that meets her very particular requirements.


• Fashion X K8 – Spotlighting the stylishly subtantial Desirée Rogers and challenging the press’s idea that those who fill jobs seeped in tradition should not only maintain the “tradition” but refrain from being eye-catching.


• Fasshonaburu – Shopping for the Geek Chic Girl: Holiday shopping advice for the girl who loves fashion as much as video games, gadgets and Buffy the Vampire Slayer!


• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Ruffled Suspenders


• Oranges and Apples – The Sapeurs: vibrant and elegant street style from the Congo.


• Rags to Reverie – A Fab Four Fanatic’s review of the Comme des Garçons x The Beatles collaboration.


• Retro Chick – Fashion Economics – Are low cost retailers forcing us to be wasteful?


• Sophisticated Insanity – Take a look at the lady behind Rare bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel


• Style on a String – Leggings vs. Tights: The difference, how to buy them and what to wear (and not wear) with them.


• Style Symmetry – Christmas Gift Ideas for Him, For Her and Secret Santa…


• The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – Two days ago, it was 36 degrees out…today, I didn’t even have to a jacket- that’s New England!


• THE COVETED – Love bold red lips? Check out the Ultimate Red holiday collection.


• TheWorkingWardrobe – Here are some tips on how men can work jewelry at the office without any raised eyebrows.


• Thrift Eye – Dreaming of Shearling: Save up for the nice stuff and be warm or go with the cheap and be cold?


• ventures of jenn. – A spotlight on Berlin label Reality Studio.


• Wicked Whimsy – Practical Quality: Looking into what the difference, if any, is between a mid-range item & a designer item.

A Fathers Love Is A Love That Never Ends

A father and daughter bond is a very special thing...

And, a father's love never ends...

A daddy's little girl is just begun...

My Dad taught me to be honest, hardworking and to do it with class. There were many years he left for work at 4 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m. This man showed us what hard work was all about. He started out pulling weeds at a beer distributorship when he got out of the Navy and worked his way up to General Manager in his 20 years of service.


A father's love never changes, even through all
the challenges and chapters of life...

My Dad is one special Dad. On his birthday today, I thought it was a perfect time to share with the world how much I love him. He is quick, sassy and clever. It's never a dull moment with Poppi around.

I'll always be Daddy's little angel.

At least, that's how he makes me feel, no matter my age.

He made me feel so special and able to take anything on in life and succeed. He made me feel like I could soar...

My favorite photo of our two "boys", my Dad and Mr. Fabulous. Yes, cigars and cocktails to properly celebrate during our wedding at my parents home in 2000. The day my Dad gave away this girl.

Now, most of our memories involve the next generation with Chase and Christian. Poppi and Christian horsing around, as usual.

Or, should I say Poppi and Spiderman?
No matter how sick my Dad feels,

he always takes care of the whole family.

Especially our son, Christian. He is the most spectacular, loving, present and expressive Dad and Grandfather any child could ask for. We are so incredibly blessed to have him head our family.

Poppi and a Power Ranger at odds...Even if Poppi has an injured and recovering foot...The battle continues...
Poppi never stops loving and playing with all of us...
He never complains. He is a true man.

Song lyrics from "A Father's Love" by George Strait:

"And they said, Let me tell you a secret, about a fathers love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
You see daddies don't just love their children every now and then It's a love without end, amen, its a love without end, amen."


Happy 65th Birthday, Dad.

We have created so many magnificent

memories over our lifetime.

I remember when I was a little girl and you saying "We are creating a memory". I really didn't understand then, but I sure do now.

Here's to many more memories to come, Dad.

Love Always,

Daddy's Little Angel

It's A Family Affair... A Little Christmas Tree Inspiration

Ho...Ho...Ho...

From my little family to yours...

From Christian and my Dad, Poppi...

With my collection of glass red ornaments

that I have collected for years...

And, Santa that was my first Christmas decoration from my parents 15 years ago.

Santa almost didn't make it through many a garage cleaning.

So, I am relieved to see Santa again this year. And, Christian loves him...

The Christmas tree is up in all it's red glory...

Crazy and Over-the-top with the huge poinsettias...

My Mom, Granna, and Christian

getting into the spirit of Christmas

while setting up the tree...

Good times with family...
Creating traditions and memories for all...
And, the official start of the holiday season for our family...

It's a family affair.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Happy Holidays!

xo,

Christina

All photos taken by yours truly, Christina Gough

Bring On The Holiday Magic With Photographer Tim Walker

Today is the day when Holiday Magic will fill our House...

While carrying all the Treasures

from the Attic...

Even our 5 foot tin toy soldier and 3 foot Santa

for Christian to Enjoy with Immense Pleasure...

The Day when Random Decorations
make their yearly sighting
and judged if they are still Worthy as this years holiday Decor and just too frightening...


The house will surely be Turned Upside Down
And Christmas tree balls and decorations thrown Round and Round...

And, if we are lucky Daddy will put up the Outside Lights

for our little one and I
to enjoy with Delight...

And, if you haven't been too Naughty, but Nice...
Add "Tim Walker's Pictures" Book
to your Christmas List.


Happy Holidays to You and May your Day be Magical!

xo,
Christina

All photos taken by the talented Tim Walker and found at photobucket.com.

Don't you wish life was more "black and white"?

I love the crisp simplicity of black and white. I wish all things in life could be so clean, simple and clear. But, in decor taking white and adding a splash of black can be mesmerizing. Maybe it's our inter most conscious trying to make life more simple and clean.

What do you think about using black and white in your decor?

I personally have white marble with small black squares in my entry and kitchen. I love the "Southern traditional" style it brings and the versatility. But, if I had a house to start all over again from scratch, I might just start with all white, especially since I live in a beach town. Sanded light wood floors sounds so practical for all the sand and such. Well, I say that now. But, knowing me I would tire of the lack of color. So, I would have to add a splash of pepper.

Do you decorate with all white, or a splash of salt and pepper, or lean towards more color?

If you are living in a all white space now, does it actually bring peace and clarity to you?

Or, do you just wish life was more black and white?

xo,

Christina

P.S. If you have added me to your blogroll and I haven't done the same in return, please let me know. Merci!

1. Chandelier~ Jose Villa

2. Striped chairs~ Ada and Darcy

3. French room~ White and Wander

4. Striped rug~ Brabourne Farm

5. Bed~ Delight by Design

6. Bath with mirror~ Delight by Design

7. Console with mirror~Brabourne Farm

8. B & W pictures~ White and Wander

9. Bold stripes~ Delight by Design