This year marks my first experience buying a Christmas tree in New York — and oh, the marked up prices! I had no idea. But it was worth every penny and, above, the result: our adorable Charlie Brown Christmas tree! The photos show the process behind it, from buying it on the street corner (I l-o-v-e the smell of pine trees wafting through the air) to hand cutting the star to put on top of the tree. I found the red globe lanterns over the weekend at the Union Square holiday market. Strung up with holly, they made for the perfect finishing touch on our cozy design. Finally, I’m ready for another Christmas in New York!

The Whiffenpoofs or Pitch Slapped — I’m not sure which a cappella group I’m more excited to see perform on the second season of NBC’s The Sing-Off, premiering tonight! The Whiffenpoofs, I know, from my own college a cappella days. And Pitch Slapped? What a name! To be honest, I’m just thrilled to see more a cappella on network TV. With 10 groups scheduled to appear this season, there’s bound to be at least a few downloadable tunes to add to my iPod — and I can’t wait!

(Photos courtesy of the Whiffenpoofs and Pitch Slapped)

Happy weekend dear readers! I just discovered these photos online from the wedding Matt and I went to in September in California. A photo booth at the reception? Always a good idea! Anyways, what’s on tap for your weekend? I’m hoping to finally start my holiday shopping and check out this market in Union Square. I also want to see The King’s Speech with Colin Firth. Here are a few fun posts from around the web to get your weekend started right:

A royal auction!

The story behind Spiderman: The Musical — and a great feature about the show’s first preview this week! 

Cool Spaces! with Boston-based architect Stephen Chung. Wouldn’t you love watching a show like this?

Give thanks this holiday season: post a note on New York Women in Communications’ Gratitude Wall.

An Upper East Side love letter — and a post office proposal!

Cupcakes with edible gold stars? Delish.

Holiday coziness — and the perfect mirror for any room.

Such a cute little monkey! 

Raise your Glass, courtesy of Pink.

I don’t own an iPhone, but if I did, I’d buy this case.

The most gorgeous (and RED!) holiday dress.

I want, need, have to have this scarf.

A holiday treat: Elf Yourself is back!

Happy weekend dear readers! I just discovered these photos online from the wedding Matt and I went to in September in California. A photo booth at the reception? Always a good idea! Anyways, what’s on tap for your weekend? I’m hoping to finally start my holiday shopping and check out this market in Union Square. I also want to see The King’s Speech with Colin Firth. Here are a few fun posts from around the web to get your weekend started right:

A royal auction!

The story behind Spiderman: The Musical — and a great feature about the show’s first preview this week! 

Cool Spaces! with Boston-based architect Stephen Chung. Wouldn’t you love watching a show like this?

Give thanks this holiday season: post a note on New York Women in Communications’ Gratitude Wall.

An Upper East Side love letter — and a post office proposal!

Cupcakes with edible gold stars? Delish.

Holiday coziness — and the perfect mirror for any room.

Such a cute little monkey! 

Raise your Glass, courtesy of Pink.

I don’t own an iPhone, but if I did, I’d buy this case.

The most gorgeous (and RED!) holiday dress.

I want, need, have to have this scarf.

A holiday treat: Elf Yourself is back!

J’adore the art of a well-curated wall collage! What a great way to display the range of treasures in your personal collection of art. These rooms are interesting and ornate — definitely a design detail I aspire to have in my own home one day. What about you? Do you like this look? 

(Via Relish Small Pleasures)