I always read through Real Simple’s website for fun and innovative ideas for the home. I love some of their new holiday decorating tips they came up with for inexpensive and fun ways to decorate for the holidays! It’s definitely a must read article for those of you wondering what you can do for that ‘wow’ factor with your holiday decor. My favorite idea is grouping vintage ornaments on beautiful ribbon that hang from your ceiling. I also love the retro christmas lights wrapped around a wire wreath form! We’re decorating our home this week and I can’t wait to try some of their tricks of the trade!

xoxo Kristen

Instead of exchanging gifts, every year my friends and I have a desert party before the holidays. It’s not exactly great for our waistlines, but it is so much fun! Today, I was looking up festive treats to bake and I came across a fabulous blog with the most creative recipes called My Baking Addiction. There are so many amazing deserts, I can not choose just one! Take a look at the choices below… what’s a girl to do? Maybe I’ll just have to make all of them… I better start doing some crunches!
Want the recipes? Click on the recipe names below each image!

Mini Pumpkin Tiramisu , Peppermint Brownies

Smores Whoopie Pie , Symphony Brownies

Pecan-Bars , Butter Blondies

xoxo Kristen

I’m always looking for special pieces to give to friends and family, products that are different and something I’m hoping they haven’t received before. Well, I stumbled upon this seriously amazing shop called Herriot Grace and I have fallen in LOVE with everything about them! From their beautiful products, to their images, to the fact they are a father and daughter duo, I really wanted to share this amazing company with the rest of you.

Their products range from beautiful handmade linens for the kitchen, to wood pedestals, to little cake flags; everything is so special and unique in its own way. Thanks Herriot Grace for providing beautiful handmade products, I’m so excited to make my first purchase!

xoxo Jennifer

We had to share a few images Kristen shot for a client here in Santa Barbara. I love her kitchen and knew this would be perfect for some colour inspiration. This clients’ style is impeccable, and I think she has the perfect combination of colours and textures for this California kitchen. There is a great mix of traditional and quirky style in this home, and that is why I LOVE it! Her vintage chromed bar stools with yellow cushions, and the amazing colour details throughout, make this kitchen my colour inspiration!

Here is a close up of a small area in the kitchen that I think leaves a big presence. She has this open area to display her dishes, and instead of choosing one colour palette, she has picked a number of bright dishes. Why not add some fun to your space by livening up your simple set of white dishes or white cabinets? By adding vivid pinks and bright green dishes, this kitchen was transformed into an enlightened room where entertaining and style meet some serious ‘colour luxury.’

Kristen Beinke Photography

xoxo Jennifer

Today I’m dreaming of holiday style! I love this time of the year, and although I love the traditional reds and greens, I also love the soft and calming hues of whites, golds, and silvers. I think it’s important to find your own holiday style, without going overboard on clashing colours with your everyday decor. As preparing for the holidays can be a bit stressful at times, why not create your own holiday oasis with beautiful soft tones in pieces you can enjoy year after year? Find some bliss in simplicity and calm with these pieces.

Z Gallerie

Michael Aram

Z Gallerie

Areaware

Areaware

xoxo Jennifer