Thursday, December 31, 2009

Let's Get This New Years Party Started With The Magic of Tim Walker

Let's Get This New Years Party Started In Tim Walker Style

We Are Going To Party Like It's 1999 (Gotta Love Prince)


But First, Make Sure You Take A Nice Nap Today Because
We Have A Big Night In Store For Us


After That, Let's Pick Out The Perfect Party Outfit



Don't Forget Your Top Hat




And, Grab Your Dancing Shoes




Because It's Going To Be A Party Like No Other



As We Dance Like No One Is Watching



Until We Feel On Top Of The World



As We Bring In 2010 With A Huge BANG &
With Many Unexpected Surprises!



Happy New Year my dear friend!!!

Thank you for your support this past year as a follower, whether you are a kind steady commenter, constant silent observer, or just stop by occasionally to check in. And, welcome to the new faces that just started following along on this journey. You make it all worthwhile and it is a pleasure getting to know you. Here's to an even better new year for us!
Cheers my friend!
xo,
Christina


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Whim Interior Design from San Juan Capistrano Packs a Huge Punch While being Featured in Romantic Homes Magazine's February Issue







Nestled in old town San Juan Capistrano, California, a block away from the mission, Whim Interior Design packs a big punch for any interior design, garden or jewelry enthusiast. The main store is housed in one of oldest structures in the mission town, the Avila Adobe built in 1833. They opened up a second store, Studio Pink, that is steps away. The store owners Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado have created the most unmistakeably unique and memorable shopping experience while showcasing their talents for exquisite jewelry and home design.


The entrance to the store has all things garden, including statuary's, ferns, urns, iron and waterfalls. You at once feel like you are entering a villa in Spain or somewhere far from the beaches of Southern California. Although, if you need a classy beach souvenir, this is the place. Who wouldn't love to take home anything on this console?


As you enter, you realize this is going to be an experience because you feel as if you are walking into a grand home. You first enter the living room, with it's grand pillars, art, sofas, chairs, books and accessories. Then you enter the next room that is decorated in a bold green style with accessories that look like a world traveler had collected them on their travels.


You will find the most unique treasures of all the land in each nook and cranny of this huge shop. Give yourself time to roam freely, as you won't want to miss any of the treats. They have a massive decor and travel book selection to browse through at your leisure.

Eric and Daviell acquire magnificent items that are handcrafted locally and custom made for their store and clients. The massive aqua mirror behind the console is just one of the spectacular custom mirrors that can be found to fit your castle.



And, there are the linens and pillows. Oh my... (Ha ha! We watched Wizard of Oz last night). This beauty is a favorite of mine. It has the most beautiful intricate detailing in this amazing crisp white linen. It is simply divine.


Here is the perfect place to grab a fabulous book and review it in leisure before you make your final purchase. Each of the many small to medium size rooms (approx. 8) that house their spectacular collections has a different color, feeling and tone. There is something here for everyone. It is the perfect destination to buy "the gift" for the most difficult people on your gift lists.


Oh yes, speaking of gifts. Daviell is a master jewelry designer and studied many years as a journeyman and has captured all the beauty life has to offer in his magnificent collection of quality items. There truly is something here for any one at any age and any gender.


And, there is the staff. What can I say but they are top notch. They are attentive, knowledgeable and personable. Most of the staff have worked in the store for years and their dedication and passion for what they do surely shows through to their clients.


If you are ever in the Southern California area, this is a shop to see. And, if you can't make it in you can call Eric Guenther for a personal interior design consultation. He travels the world spreading his magical transformational decorating talents.


You will find quality pieces from Baker, Milling Road, EJ Victor, Hancock and Moore, Karges, IPF, Century, Anichini, Whim Estate Collection, Asmara Rugs, Martha Steward by Bernhardt, and Whim Custom Upholstery.

Whim is featured in shopkeeping on page 73 in this February issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. Cheers to them!



If you make it by, tell them who sent you.


31831 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949) 388-9600
whim-sjc.com


xo,
Christina

Photo credits: 1 and 2 from Whim's website, other interior photos taken by me.
Last two exterior photos found at yelp.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Cast Your Vote for Your Favorite Home Blogs via the "Homies" Blog Contest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~VOTING IS CLOSED~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whew...we are a little late for the party, but we made it JUST in time. Apartment Therapy is having a top "Homie" blog contest and the voting ends tomorrow.
"There are awards for all sorts of blogs, but no one ever pays enough attention to the shelter blogs, so we started The Homies. It's our way of surveying the blogosphere each year for the best new home design blogs and sharing what we find. It's not so much a competition as a celebration of the richness and awesomeness of shelter bloggers around the world. Join us, share your favorites and check out the ones you don't know." from Apartment Therapy.

Fabulous Finds was nominated to be included in the Home Design category (How the heck did that happen?). So, if your little heart desires and you enjoy dropping by, please vote for Fabulous Finds Gal. And, enjoy the list of contenders comprising of five home categories: Home Design, Home Tech, Kids at Home, Green Home and Home Cooking. You can vote for one blog in each of the five categories. I nominated Torie Jayne for Home Cooking and Mommy Wonderland/Lindsey Nicks for Kids at Home. The voting ends sometime tomorrow.
~~

Leaving a comment here won't get your vote counted.
~~
Thank you for stopping by,
a HUGE thank you if you vote for my little blog
and enjoy the list!

xo,
Christina

ps. Welcome to the new followers! You make my day!


Image by GrammyBiz1 from photobucket.

Vintage Rockin' It On "Seasoned Street"


Vintage Carrera Sunglasses from Rock It Retro, Cardigan by Milli, Jumper by Shelly Steffee, Vintage Belt worn as a Necklace.


Vintage Carrera Sunglasses from Rock It Retro, Vintage Leather Motorcycle Jacket from Village Style, Dress by Shelly Steffee.




Vintage T-Shirt from Rock It Retro, Jacket by Rodebjer, Belt by De/Couture, Vintage Mary McFadden Harem Pants from Marmalade Vintage.



Vintage Dolce & Gabbana Moto Jacket from Marmalade Vintage.




Vintage Carrera Sunglasses from Rock It Retro, Cardigan by Milli, Jumper by Shelly Steffee, Vintage Belt worn as a Necklace.



Vintage T-Shirt from Rock It Retro, Jacket by Rodebjer, Belt by De/Couture, Vintage Mary McFadden Harem Pants from Marmalade Vintage.



Vintage Carrera Sunglasses from Rock It Retro, Vintage Leather Motorcycle Jacket from Village Style, Vintage Earrings from Marmalade Vintage, Dress by Shelly Steffee, Vintage Gloves from The Goods!, "Knot Clutch" Purse by Felix Rey, Shoes by Ash from Shopbop.com, Bracelet by De/Couture, Socks stylists own.
~~
Are you feeling a little more "street smart" now?
I am LOVING that vintage belt worn as a necklace
that reminds me of my mom's Chanel necklace.
Go ahead and try it with a belt, you just might like it!
Shhh... it will be our little secret.
xo,
Christina


Editorial found at Coutorture. Photographer is Shannon Sinclair and Stylist is Liz Baca.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Happy Holiday Edition of Links a' La Mode Top Weekly Fashion Posts

links a la mode

The Happy Holidays Edition


Edited by Retrochick

M.I.S.S and JeweleryWhore have D.IY ideas to keep your mind and body occupied, ID Style and Little Miss Make Up show you how to ramp up the glamour in your make up bag, whilst Daily Diva Dish and The Working Wardrobe will help you plan what to wear for New Years Eve and that dreaded day you return to work.

If you run out of entertainment here then you should always check out the full Links à la Mode thread for more yummy fashion goodness.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and a Happy New Year!

Links à la Mode : December 24th



  • Alice in Stilettos – Don’t Be Victimized By Fashion
  • a
  • DailyDivaDish – New Year’s Eve Fashion: Make an entrance without breaking the bank. Includes 2 looks + DIY ideas.

  • Fashion X K8 – Bringing attention to an essay of literary criticism that provides the proper vocabulary with which we can converse about a new fashion paradigm.

  • Fasshonaburu – An interview with Liu Wen, the first Asian model to strut her stuff on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk.

  • Idiosyncratic Style – Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am – Indulge in a little glamour for the holidays.

  • Jewelry Whore – HUGE Roundup of DIY Christmas Present Ideas! It’s not too late to make some fabulous jewelry for Christmas presents!

  • kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – You’re only a couple clicks and a few stitches away from owning your own one-of-a-kind designer piece with free patterns from SHOWstudio

  • La Société de Mode – A scream of an interview with stylist Brett Bailey

  • Little Miss Makeup – Bold lips: This season’s hottest makeup trend.

  • M.I.S.S. – Another simple yet attractive necklace by Pandora from Acessory Source in this week’s She’s Crafty.

  • Previously Owned – To celebrate the [almost there] opening of the ONLINE store Previously Owned BLOG is giving away a Royal Blue hobo!

  • Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Styling with Flamingo Amy

  • Style on a String – Harem Pants: Yay or Nay? And some quick tips on how to buy and wear them.

  • Sugar and spice and all things nice – 10 things I like…. no, LOVE… about FANTASY SHOPPING!!

  • sweetarchivia – Review of the much anticipated launch of the Rodarte for Target line by the Mulleavy sisters.

  • THE COVETED – Versace Pre-Fall returns to color

  • The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Your First Time…at the Tailor

  • The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is excited to announce the publication of The Fashion Planner’s Guide!

  • The Style PA – I review the comfy, Cable Cosy by Isabella Oliver

  • The Working Wardrobe – Learning the art of layering that is both fashion-forward and office-appropriate

Saturday, December 26, 2009

A Fabulous Find~ Anthropologie

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed our family holiday and everyone seems to be quite pleased with their gifts. I was pleasantly surprised by having half my gifts this year from Anthropologie. Which is strange, because I didn't even know about this store until a few months ago. Lynn of The Paris Hotel Boutique did a fab blog post showing their magical winter wonderland store displays. That's how I found this shop.
I have decided not to join in on the shopping frenzy in the stores today and instead took a gander online at what else Anthropologie has to offer. And, boy was I surprised... Here are just a few items I could seriously be happy with if they landed in my stocking next year.
The Allamanda Necklace at $45 is the perfect
balance of being romantic, but with an edge.



The Malted Barley Boots at $379 are my favorite for an everyday boot for stomping around in jeans.



The Band of Baubles Bracelet by Nicole Miller at $58
has a little glam rock n' roll feel to it.


The In-The-Clouds Scarf in silk and cotton at $168
looks so dreamy, classy and comfy.

would make any gal look like a Queen even on a bad hair day.





The Rosy Cheeks Jacket on sale for $89.95
looks comfy without being frumpy.



The Prized Rose Ring that comes in cream and pink on sale for $89.95. I could see the cream on a special friend that loves feminine touches with nature themed treasures.




The Weathered Ferris Wheel on sale for $99.95 brings a smile to my face with it's whimsical and architectural aspects. I think my son and Mr. Fabulous, who is an engineer, would both love this piece. Now, that's hard to do. (Well, unless it's a Wii!)
Anthropologie does have some of the best home wares around. So good, it will have to be a separate post, my friends.
~~



I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with quality time with family and Santa was good to you. He sure was to my family.

I have two favorite moments:
1. My son, Christian, squealing with delight and jumping all over the dang place while playing his first Wii game. It is a HUGE hit.

2. When my Dad gave me a big hug last night before Christmas dinner and told me I really outdid myself. Moments like that make all the preparations worth it.


What was your favorite part of the holiday
or your favorite gift?



xo,
Christina


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the Night Before Christimas... Poem and Decorating Inspiration



'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;


The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,


When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.




The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,



With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;



"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"



As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.



And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.



He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.



His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;



The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.



He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;



He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;



He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
to my dear blogger friends.
You make everyday feel like Christmas to me.
xo,
Christina




Photos taken by me at my parents home and the last image was found at photobucket.