Tips File: Holiday Gift Guide: Home

Caitlin Wilson Textiles Pillows here and here : I'm in love with her collection and appreciate the affordability.
Oji Masanori Brass Tool Holder: This is just stunning!
High Street Market Modern Brass bowls: Can be used for so many different things, think snacks, jewelry, or just as decor items!
Mustache Ornament: How cute is this?
High Street Market Brass Binoculars: Perfect accessory for any bookshelf.
Brita of Sweden Wool Blanket :A soft wool blanket big enough to warm up more than one person.
Restoration Hardware Hand-blown wine bottle Pinot Noir and Merlot (Syrah also available): I'm in love!
High Street Market Westinghouse Electric Brass Fan: How cool is this fan? absolutely love it!
West Elm Perforated Metallic Tealight Holders: Inexpensive way to decorate your table for the Holidays!
Ferm Living Harlequin Tea Towel: I love the soft color palette.
Leif Blackwood Skinny Salad Serving Set: Modern yet rustic.
Jonathan Adler Brass Muse Bottle Opener: Just fun!
Leif Snow Gardenia Hand Soap: Life simple pleasures--> a good liquid hand soap! 

*Top gift boxes image via Lonny

Guest Posting

Via Style me Pretty

Today I'm guest posting at Amanda's blog Eclectic Snapshots for a birthday celebration week she is hosting in honor of her birthday, so come on over to her blog to see my essentials for a girly birthday party! Thank you!

My Life File: Ile des pins

We spent last weekend at the most beautiful place I've been so far. I have so many pictures to share with you, so I hope you don't mind looking at some gorgeous crystal blues waters and white powder sands for the next couple of days!

We drove to the capital (3 hours) and then we took a 30 min flight to this spectacular island called Ile des Pins, or Isle of Pines in English. There are only a few hotels in this island and we chose to stay at Le Meridien and we couldn't be happier with our decision, it was just mind blowing! Look around and you will see ;)

*All pictures by us

Blog Series: In my Makeup Bag

This week I have Kirby from The Short and the Sweet of it sharing her favorite makeup products! I've been following her blog for some time now and I admire how she and Alexa run their blog so seamlessly. Go check it out!

What's your current makeup bag? Are you craving any in particular?
My current makeup bag is Kate Spade but it's a few years old - I currently have my eyes on this Leopard Large Flat Pouch, which matches my work tote. Kate Spade makes the best makeup bags in my book - chic and easy to clean.

Do you have a makeup tip or secret you would like to share?
My makeup tip is red lipstick! I work long hours, and bright lips gives the impression that I tried that day even if I had four hours of sleep.

Any particular makeup trend that you're looking forward for winter?
I don't follow many makeup trends - classic is best in my book - but I do love seasonal nail colors. Essie's School of Hard Rocks, Bobbing for Baubles and Damsel in a Dress are three of my picks for fall/winter.

How does your day makeup routine differs from your night time one?
During the week, I never have enough time to re-do my makeup in time for after-work drinks or dinner, so I swipe on some lipstick and bronzer and am ready for anything!

Get Kirby's favorite products:
> Clinque Superbalanced Foundation
> Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer
> Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Nectar
> Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer
> Chanel Levres Scintillantes Lipgloss in Myriade
> NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
> Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
> Kate Spade Leopard Large Flat Pouch 

* Thank you so much Kirby, it was so lovely to work with you!

Tips File: Holiday Gift Guide: For her

I'm starting off the week with the first installment of my gift guides: a gift guide for her. Throughout the week I'll be posting my favorite picks for gift giving this Holiday season. For this list I tried to keep everything under $100, though you'll notice there are 3 items a little bit over, I just like them very much! Hope you find something you like or an idea for a good gift ;)

Kate Spade  Le pavillion iPhone Case
Madewell Sheer Shapes Tee
Madewell Jolie metallic shoe clip
Anya Hindmarch Red Canvas Cosmetics Case
Maslo Jewelry Fern Earrings
Clare Vivier Limited Edition Clutch
Anthropologie Bowtied Leather Gloves
Minted Journals
Gorman Seeing Spots scarf
Madewell Shadestone Bracelet
Anthropologie Elena Clutch
ASOS Mirror metallic skinny belt
Wilfred Rives Sweater
Quoise Jewelry lily chic studs
Lika Mimika Dim Grey Goat Leather Espadrille
Ariel Gordon Jewelry Initial Pendant
ASOS Leopard KNit Palmwarmer
Dooney & Burke iPad case

*Top gift boxes image via Lonny

Happy (Thanksgiving) weekend!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend and for those celebrating Thanksgiving I wish you a happy weekend in the company of friends and family! Most likely we'll head to the grocery shops in Noumea after our weekend at the beach to stock up on some foods! Yes, that is THE PLAN when you live in Kone ;)

Things I enjoyed this week:
> Turn your bike into a horsey!
> She put her husband on Craiglist, for sale!
> Putting some sparkle on your picnic cutlery set
> Elbow patch + metallic, do I have to say more?
> Make your own campaign table
> Get the mustache trend on your nails
> A human brain
> I say, make these with gold paper

Blog Series: Splurge Vs. Save

Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat With Crystal Bow, Steve Madden Karisma Flats

Almost forgot to post this week's Splurge Vs. Save before signing off!
The first time I saw these Tory Burch flats I gasped! Aren't they absolutely pretty and girly? I think they are stunning, but I'm really not a big fan of elastic ballerinas, I guess I would have to try them, but since I can't, I'll leave it up to you guys to decide, splurge or save?

Outfits File: Weekend at the beach!

Yes, this is what I'm wearing this weekend. Can you believe we are going to a place that it's even more beautiful than the pictures I posted earlier this week? Apparently it is and I'm very excited! We are leaving tomorrow and won't be back until Monday, so no internet, no blogs, no reader, no laptop, no nothing until then! Hope you have a fantastic weekend and see you next week!
PS: weekly links coming soon (before I leave!)

Tips File: THE sale at Shopbop

This morning I opened my inbox to this: The event of the season over at Shopbop! Are you paying close attention to the deals above? This is the time to get your winter jacket, your boots, the handbag you've been coveting, I mean, this is big savings! So head over there! I sure will ;)

Fashion File: Winter Essentials - Scarves

Sometimes I feel that scarves are the only thing you can constantly switch up to change an outfit during the winter. I mean, after you get your good winter jacket and your good pair of boots, what's out there to make you look different each day: scarves! And you can have lots of them!
Aren't those gold ones stunning? Even if you're not taking your coat off you can still show some good sparkle!

Top to bottom:
J.Crew Metallic Snood
Topshop Angora Cable Snood
Missoni Blue fine gauge snood scarf
Anthropologie Immesurable Marks Loop
J.Crew Hearthstone infinity scarf
Anthropologie Grindelwald Loop
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Spotted Twill Scarf
Tory Burch Persian Leopard Scarf
GAP Cozy colorblock scarf
Stella McCartney Foil-print silk and cashmere-blend scarf
Juicy Couture Sequin Scarf
Roberto Cavalli Metallic Leopard-Print Stole

My life file: Poe Beach

This is the beach we went to last Sunday, gorgeous isn't it? It's an hour and 20 min drive from our place and you can camp if you like to. I was impressed on the camp site facilities, toilets? yes, impressed. But what really really impressed me (besides the crystal water of course) is the fact that there is a little coffee shop where you can order some breakfast...yes, you can wake up to this view (below) with a freshly baked baguette, croissant or pain au chocolat on your hands! If this is how the french camp, then I'm all in!

Blog Series: In my Makeup Bag

Today's turn to share some favorite products is Tiffany's from Savor Home. If you don't follow her yet I recommend you do, I love her blog!
Even though Tiffany doesn't wear a lot of makeup I really liked the idea of posting the products she uses to maintain a natural look, plus, how fab is that makeup bag she's wishing for? We wouldn't have known about it!

What's your current makeup bag and are you craving any in particular?
I love little bags that fit inside of my purse. That way, I don't have to hunt for all of my little products... This fabulous gold bag by Kate Spade is on my wishlist...

Do you have a makeup tip or secret you would like to share?
I actually don't wear much makeup. My mom never allowed me to wear it when I was a teen and it has stuck with me all these years. I am now in my 30's and still have no clue how to apply or shop for anything other than lipstick! Crazy right?? Since I don't wear makeup, I do put time into taking care of my skin. I wash and moisturize my face twice a day, drink lots of water (Smartwater is my favorite), get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night (I prefer 9-10 hours), eat right and eliminate sources of stress if possible. All of that is easier said than done, but I do my best to stick to it!

Any particular makeup trend that you're looking forward for fall?
The only thing I do differently in the fall is switch up my nail polish. Boring I know! I love to wear "Material Girl" by Essie in the fall and winter. I wear a concoction of "Ballet Slippers" and "Real Simple" by Essie in the spring and summer. I could probably switch up my lipstick for the fall... Any suggestions are welcome!

How does your day makeup routine differs from your night time one?
My skin tends to be much dryer in the winter, so at night I might apply a Neutrogena moisturizer in addition to the face lotion to keep my skin from drying out. Other than that, my routine is the same!

Get Tiffany's favorite products:
> Essie nail polish in Real Simple, Material Girl, Ballet Slippers
> Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser
> Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15
> Nivea A Kiss of Smoothness Hydrating Lip Care SPF 10 
> Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub
> MAC lipstick in Touch
> Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream  
> Kate Spade 'foiled again - little gia' pouch

My Life file: Guest Posting

Today I'm guest posting at Drew's blog Coral Cafe (one of my favorite blogs) sharing some pictures of my bedroom here in Kone, so if you want to take a peek, head over there! Thanks!!

My Life File: Thankful

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! On Sunday we headed south to a gorgeous beach where some friends of ours were camping, I'll share some pictures this week ;)

Now, there are a couple of exciting things happening this week, first of all, today I'm sharing 5 things that I'm thankful for at L.A. in the Bay and I would love if you would come over to check it out, thanks!
Secondly, did you know that ShoeMint is launching soon? Head over there for your chance to win 12 pairs of shoes! And last but not least the talented Sally Benedict is having an exclusive sale of some small paintings over at Look Linger Love, make sure you check it out, this is a great opportunity to get some beautiful artwork for your home ;)

Minimalist home design Exterior

Minimalist home design ideas with a condition like that it's time to change. Consumer is king, man also who should be given the best. The house must be beautiful, healthy, and environmentally friendly. That's the key word to build whatever size house, including building or selecting a small house. Little house on the market typically have a maximum area of ​​100 square meters with a size variation of 6 X 15 m, 7 x 15m, or 8 X 12 m, and standard forms of building houses.

Minimalist home design picture

modern minimalist home

minimalist home design

back minimalist home

Beautiful is not necessarily expensive. Creativity wise and intelligent design actually able to realize a small house-efficient building materials and deal with all the limitations, both funds and land. Beautiful concept can be translated in the form of house plans are straightforward and easy maintenance. Limitations of land to encourage development of small terraced houses. Plan open space and minimal wall, both walls, walls, or doors, make the room feel airy. Merging function space tailored to the needs of residents.
Optimized space in a living room and dining room. Functions of the family room, study room, and bedrooms of children can also be placed on the top floor up to under the roof (attic). Garden and patio used as an open dining room, family room, and children's learning space, with a different time. 

 The bathroom is a room that requires special handling and maintenance, utilities began to sanitation, the main device, and material selection. Materials from ceramic or terrazzo floors coarse textured intended not to slip and small-sized to extend the impression of space. Limitations can be made large bathroom with shower dry walled closed box glass or plastic curtains. Although the placement of septic tanks placed in the front garden, but are still relatively close to the water pump so that the long term can contaminate ground water. To that end, consideration should be re-routed the placement of septic tanks in the collective neighborhood parks.
General concept of the home provides a bedroom and bathroom attendants in the back, below, or above near room service, washing, and drying. Now the design room service, washing, and drying, bedroom and bathroom and kitchen dirty maid placed in front of the house, overlooking the family room adjacent to the carport. More info Minimalist home design

Outfits File: Weekend Wear

I just remembered that I said I would post some outfit pictures (here) so I'll try and post about them more often, though bare with me, I don't have my entire closet here in The Island and I live pretty much in shorts (is always hot here!).

Happy Weekend!

Pindai Beach - New Caledonia - Last Sunday

Last weekend we went to this beach which is pretty close by our place (just a 30 min drive) and even though it was pretty windy it was nice to think about the cold temperatures we are not embracing back home in Toronto ;)

Wish you all a great weekend and leave you with a couple of worth checking out links!

PS: I'll be back tomorrow with an outfit post ;)

> Amazing capture of nature's spontaneous moments

> Would you dare to do this? via Cool Hunting

> Lots of flexibility captured on a cool video

> Amazing views from the sky

> One of my favorite scenes, can't get enough of Maya!

> Turn your feet into paws

> Spare time and clips can turn into this

1 x 3 Ways: Faux Fur Cropped jacket

Either way if you're splurging or saving, here are 3 ways to wear a faux fur cropped jacket. Hope it brings you some inspiration!

1. Splendid Cotton and modal-blend turtleneck top, 2. Joe's Jeans Skinny Colored Jeans, 3. Victoria Beckham Victoria leather-trimmed suede tote, 4. Michael Michael Kors Faux-Fur Chubby Coat, 5. Samma Open Closed Bracelet, 6. Rag & Bone Black Floppy Brim Fedora Hat, 7. Rag & Bone Moto Boots II, 8. Fiona Paxton Chain Bib Necklace

1. THE ROW Occayne leather-coated cotton-blend leggings, 2. Michael Michael Kors Faux-Fur Chubby Coat, 3. Retro Super Future Lucia Sunglasses, 4. CO-OP Barneys New York Basic Skinny Belt, 5. J.Crew Striped knitted cotton sweater, 6. Burberry Textured-leather tote, 7. Givenchy Ballet Flats with metallic cap

 1. Lanvin Silk Maxi Skirt, 2. Alice + Olivia All-over Sequin Sweater, 3. Michael Michael Kors Faux-Fur Chubby Coat, 4. Christian Louboutin Tower pleated-flap leather clutch, 5. Wilfred Shrunken Chevalier Blazer, 6. Noemie Klein Rock Stud Earrings, 7. Balenciaga Bit Buckle Ankle Boot

My life File: Holiday Wishlist

Come and see the rest of my Holiday wishlist at The Short and the Sweet of it!

Fashion File: Winter Essentials - Jackets

Nothing like a good winter jacket to keep you warm during the winter. I like parka jackets, preferably down-filled, somewhat waterproof, and not bulky. Though I have to admit that that first J.Crew jacket looks pretty nice, liking the cinched waist. Back in Toronto I have that top TNA one in brown and even though is pretty warm I'm kind of leaning towards black for next winter (as this one will be spent in tank tops and flip flops!).

Top to bottom:
J.Crew Wintress Puffer
Canada Goose Kensington Coat
TNA Aspen Knee-length Parka
Madewell Fairbanks Parka
True Religion Army Parka 
Maison Scotch Coat Military Parka 
TNA Sandhurst Short Parka 
J.Crew Wonderland Puffer 
Canada Goose MonteBello Parka Jacket

Blog Series: Splurge Vs. Save

Splurge, Save

There are two reasons why I would save on this one. First is the price tag, yes, that is $2,265....as in two thousand dolla'. I mean, you're saving more than 90% people, 90%! Secondly is the fact that those 2 thousands are real as in real fur and I just can't do that (assuming that I had the $2000) so I'm totally saving on this one, as you should too!

Great Finds File: iPhone Cases

Aren't these iPhone cases gorgeous! In a way I'm kind of happy (kind of...) that I don't have an iPhone because I would be in so much trouble choosing just one case, I don't think I could commit to just one, what about you? do you have more than one?
From top to bottom, left to right: Cloudscape, Mustache Mania,  Ocean City, Scales, Corteo, Isometric Harlequin, ókshirahm, bokeh-ful, Circular Motion
PS: Other cool ones are this, this and this one.