{merry christmas}

Photo by Anna Delores Photography

{a lemon orchard shoot}

I don't know that I've said it before, but I'm so incredibly lucky to have some of the people that I do in my life. I always struggled making friends before college, but now my heart is overwhelmed with how many people I have in my life. A few of these people I met because of my blog or because of weddings, but I like to think that even if we didn't have these things in common, we would still be friends. 

One of those friends, whom I met last year because of my blog, just so happens to be an amazing photographer. But beyond that, I've found an incredibly close friend in Emily. We just get each other, you know? Not to mention, she is seriously one of the kindest, most generous women I've ever gotten to know. I'm so freaking thankful that she found my little blog and we connected, and now here we are. 

Emily is good friends with my husband as well, and just adores little Olive Duff. It only felt natural that I ask her to take our Christmas card photos for us! I am so excited to send out our cards this year, and I'll definitely share them with you all when I get them. In the meantime, here are a few of the other pictures we took while at the lemon orchards last week. 

Thank you for the beautiful photos Emily! And thank you for being one of my sweetest friends!

{merry christmas}

I don't know when I'll be posting next, but it won't be for a few days. That being said...

photo by Anna Delores Photography

I love you all.

xoxo,

Joelle

{my christmas list}

1 // I've been swooning over these Madewell loafers for a while. I've probably already put them on the blog, but I don't care! I think loafers make my feet look weird, but I would love these ones. They're leopard! I have a feeling they would make my feet look just perfect. 

2 // I never in a million years would have thought that I wanted gold flatware, but ohmygoodness please? I've been looking everywhere, but I just can't find any (other than this set from West Elm) that I adore. It's a tough one I suppose, and maybe I just need to hit more antique stores and estate sales. 

3 // I got a set of pearls for my high school graduation, and for the most part, everything is still intact! All but the earrings, and it's time for a new pair. Maybe if I don't get them for Christmas, I can convince Robert that I need them for my birthday in February...

4 // With my new computer, I obviously need a new computer case. And, of course, I need to keep the Kate Spade theme going (I have a KS purse, wallet, and iPad case). I've been eyeing this bag for a while now. 

5 // Why yes, I would like someone else to get me the thank you cards that I would use for Christmas gifts. That's not weird, is it?

6 // I have a pretty silver watch from Fossil, but seeing as I'm leaning further toward gold these days (I mean, if you haven't noticed...doubtful), I'd love a pretty new watch. This one by Michael Kors seems about right. 

What's on your Christmas list this year?

Oh, and confession time: I haven't actually gotten any gifts yet for people. That's a lie, I've gotten two. I really need to get on that...

Also, I should probably rename this post "You Know You're A Blogger When..."

{christmas at home: a sneak peek}

I almost always have all of my Christmas decor up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Any other year, you would already see my Christmas tree and lots and lots of garland hanging around our little space. This year, however, I was stuck in bed with something gross all weekend and I just couldn't bring myself to bring everything up from storage. Robert is also taking his comprehensive exams this week, so our apartment is just a little bit stressed right now. 

Regardless, I was so excited when I was asked to do a little shopping at Pier 1 for my Christmas must haves this year! I did find it in me to take a quick (read: hour long trip) to the store to buy a few things to put up. I also convinced Robert to bring up one small box (of many) so I could at least hang our stockings. It's a work in progress, but I'm already loving the little touch of something new from Pier 1. 

Guys, I'm just not so sure about what to do about my mantle that's hung a little too high...I love the empty picture frame, but it's almost a little too empty. I saw the star at Pier 1, however, and I knew it would be perfect to hang there, at least for the holidays. Also, apparently gold is my color this season, if you haven't noticed. I saw those cute little Christmas trees, and thought they brought the perfect touch. Add a few candles, and maybe it isn't so bad after all!

Speaking of gold, I kind of had to have that pretty gold tray as soon as I saw it. I usually have a dark wood tray on my coffee table, but this adds a little something fun to the table, especially when it's wine time. For an easy and delicious appetizer to go with it, try baking some brie and adding a little cranberry sauce on top. Not only does taste delicious, but it obviously looks the part.

Also, I really didn't have any candle sticks or napkins for my holiday dining table, but I'm loving my new gold napkins (I may or may not have used them on Thanksgiving already...). They're simple, but can be used for a few different settings!

Lastly, I've never actually had anything to put on my front door. I have something for fall, but our door is usually bare the rest of the year (including Christmas time). I didn't really want anything too fancy or big, but I thought this star was really cute. I love it against our green door!

If it's interesting, if it's impressive, if it's colorful and cute and one-of-a-kind—then odds are it's probably from Pier 1 Imports®. After all, Pier 1 has been the place for unique finds for over 40 years. Our buyers travel the world's major capitals and small villages hunting for the kinds of treasures you can't find just anywhere—fresh and fragrant candles, exotic wicker, hand-painted dinnerware, gorgeous textiles and thoughtful hand crafted gifts. Find what speaks to you at Pier 1 Imports®.

Compensation was provided by Pier 1 Imports® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pier 1 Imports®.