The Circus Comes to Town

While I was out Christmas shopping last month, The Circus, 1870- 1950 by TASCHEN Books kept capturing my attention. Something about the book called to me, beckoning me to explore the swirl of color and movement depicted on its pages.


Every time I saw The Circus, I would heed its siren call, flipping through the vintage illustrations and photographs, but never lingering for long.


I would still love a good long sit with this book and the chance to learn all the history and magic that's buried within its spine!

Yes, this is what led to my animal cracker craving! Tell me, do any of you have this book? Is it as incredible as it seems? Stay tuned for more circus things to come!

Animal Crackers in My Soup

When I was little, I don't believe there was another treat that felt quite as magical to me as Barnam's Animals Crackers.

I loved the short and thin cotton twill handle on the box, which I would slide around my wrist as proudly as if it were the fanciest of handbags. Looking back, it was probably my first love affair with packaging!

here

Lately, I've had a hankering for these animal crackers. I wonder if you can imagine what led me to this craving...

No, it's not this song, but watch this clip and try not to smile!

Isn't It Odd

Every time I look at this bag, I find myself laughing a little; it's a bit "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy." Laughter, especially on Monday mornings, is always a good thing.

Dallas Clayton

What's Black, White, and Red All Over? {Part 2}

Red is such a powerful color, and, although it is used in small doses in these bedrooms, it delivers quite a statement in each space.

I am especially smitten with the first two rooms; they seem like perfectly cheerful retreats in which to escape the winter blahs.

Delson or Sherman Architects via Desire to Inspire

Beach Studios via Desire to Inspire

Kate Mathis Photography

Studio Annetta

If you missed Part 1, you can check our more home interiors in black, white and red here.

Shoe Standards

I love that shots of the bride's and groom's shoes, as well as shots of groomsmen with matching socks, seem to have become standard in wedding photography, and I wish that E & I had thought to ask for some like these on our day.

I adore all of these black, white, and red shoe photos!

Clockwise from Top Left: Jesse & Thom- Our Labor of Love, Kathryn & Brandon- Whitebox Weddings, Katie & Grady- Whitebox weddings

What's Black, White and Red All Over?

The holidays may be over, but one thing that isn't is my current obsession with red! Over the past few months, I have continually found myself drawn to interiors and fashion that incorporate the shade, and what follows is a collection of home design predominately featuring red, white and black.

Tim Clinch via Desire to Inspire

Tim Clinch via Desire to Inspire

Francis Smith via Desire to Inspire

Melanie Acevedo

linsmika's flickr via Desire to Inspire

Stayed tuned for Part 2 with more black, white, and red interiors to come!

Table for 8 (or more...)

I am absolutely loving this dining room. I adore the pairing of rustic and modern elements in the space and the simple, clean lines of the table.

This table also looks like a possible DIY project, and, in times when we're all keeper tighter tabs on our pocketbooks, who doesn't love a more budget conscious option?

Melanie Acevedo

And since the bench provides the ability for people to "squeeze in," it is perfect for a large family and is also forgiving of any last minute additions to the guest list; with this set up, there is always room for one more!

A Long December

I am a little behind with this post, but with the dawn of a new year and the end of another, it always seems to be the best time to reflect on the year that was and to look to the year ahead.

Craig Fordham

2008 was a year of great highs and lows for me, and I believe it may have been the same for many of you.

It's funny how the path where life leads is often surprising and unknown. At the beginning of '08, I could never have imagined that one of the brightest spots in my year would be the support I've found in the blogging world. I certainly couldn't have imagined the friends and connections I have made over the past months or how important this community would become to me.

While I have said it before, I must say it again- I have all of you who come here to read my words, all of you who comment, and all of you who have reached out to me with words of encouragement to thank for that very bright spot.

Anna Wolf

Wherever life's path takes me in the coming months, I am ready to discover what lies ahead in 2009! My greatest hope is for a year filled with more peace of mind, and, in the words of the Counting Crows, "there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last."

Here's wishing all of us a new year filled with hope, joy, and lots of love.

For Auld Lang Syne

It may be because of my bias, but I think that a New Year's Eve wedding shared with your closest family and friends might be the most perfect way to ring in both the coming year and the new chapter in your life.

With a gold and white color scheme, this inspiration board feels perfectly suited for the holiday, and it could also easily translate into a regular New Year's Eve bash as well.

Row 1: Jose Villa, Andre Niesing via Style Me Pretty, Anna Williams
Row 2: Fuss Jewelry, J.Crew, Laura Negri Photography via Southern Weddings
Row 3: Brides, Chris Everard, J.Crew
Row 4: Julie & Jay- Jose Villa, Ashley Garmon Photography via Once Wed

Honey Put On That Party Dress...

Forever New via Wedding Style Guide

I love New Year's Eve, although I may be partial to the holiday as it is also my birthday. While I have heard time and again that New Year's Eve is always a let-down and simply doesn't live up to the hype, I can't help but love that my birthday falls on a day of celebration around the world.

I also love that it is always a wonderful excuse to don a lovely party dress, and all of these numbers are ones I'd love to throw on tonight!

For a little bow action...

Derek Lam

T-Bags

For a bit of sparkle...

Betsey Johnson

Aqua

Can't forget the ruffles...

Elizabeth and James

3.1 Phillip Lim

Throw some jewel-toned satin in the mix...

Temperley London

And, it's a tough call, but what I think just might be my favorite...

Stella McCartney

Of course, I would love to throw this black beauty over any of them to help keep me warm.

Do you have a favorite? What style party dress would you most love to throw on to ring in the new year?