Quote of the Week

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

- Author Unknown 

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Happy New Year's Eve! I thought this quote was appropriate for the week as we head in to a brand new year. For many of us, a new year equals new beginnings, resolutions and changes for the better. I've been thinking a lot lately about what I'd like to work on in 2013 and am looking forward to making some much needed changes! I wish you a very Happy New Year's Eve and hope you have a wonderful night, filled with love and happiness. Cheers! See you back here next year :) xoxo - Julie

Inspiration Snapshot: Bathroom Bliss

Just popping in to say hello! How was your Christmas? Can you believe it's over now? We had a wonderful time with my family yesterday and are actually continuing the celebration today at my in-laws. After being on vacation the last 2 weeks and barely blogging, I'm beginning to have withdrawls from interior design! While the baby is still sleeping this morning, I decided to quickly hop online to soak up a little inspiration. I found this fun bathroom via Lonny (December issue) and love it! The high headboard and wide moulding around the door make the ceiling appear higher, a great trick for small spaces. And the striped walls? Hello! I like the vintage mirror and traditional rug - great eclectic pieces to tie the whole look together. And let's not forget that black door - another unexpected accent that makes the whole design pop! Enjoy the rest of your week :)

[IMAGE SOURCE: LONNY MAG]

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Quote of the Week

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly." 

- Andy Rooney

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Can you believe it's Christmas Eve?! We returned home on Saturday after 10 days in Maui and I'm trying to get back in the Christmas spirit! Although there were Christmas trees along the boardwalk and festive decorations at our hotel, it just wasn't quite the same as being home for the holidays. The weather was beautiful and I spent the entire time in a bikini or sundress. I finally have a nice tan but will probably lose it quickly :( Anyway, it was nice taking a break from blogging while away - something I've never really done in the 4 1/2 years since I stared belle maison. I usually schedule posts ahead of time but there just wasn't enough time to get it all done. Today I feel relaxed, refreshed and excited to spend time with family! It's Luke's first Christmas, which makes this year that much more special. What do you have planned in the next few days? Wishing you a wonderful, fabulous and blessed Christmas! Cheers - xoxo Julie

Aloha!

Just popping in from Hawaii to say hello! We are having a great time here in Maui - great food, perfect weather and lots of sunshine. Although, traveling with a 7 month old has been quite the challenge! Definitely not the same type of vacation as before we had a baby, but Luke is having fun and enjoying all of the new experiences. I hope you're all well and almost ready for Christmas! Have you finished your shopping? What do you look forward to the most on Christmas? We'll be back home on Saturday and I'll be checking in again soon! xoxo - Julie

Holiday Gift Guide: {10} Fun & Unique Gift Ideas

By the time you read this, I'll be in Hawaii, hopefully lying on the beach sipping a Mai Tai! I'm writing this post just after midnight on Tuesday...with a flight to catch at 9am...and I still need to finish packing and getting my stuff together! I had so many ideas for gift guides and holiday posts to share with you while away, but have just been way too busy to sit down and actually create them. That being said, today's post is a blend of 10 fun items that caught my eye while scouring some of my favorite online shops. I'd love one of each! Enjoy and I'll be popping in over the next week to say "Aloha." I'm in desperate need of a BREAK from everything! :) xoxo - Julie

 {SHOP THESE ITEMS}
1. Roccoco Teapot

2. Ikat Throw - Pink 

3. Owl Salt & Pepper Shakers  

4. La Sardina Metal Edition Camera - Beluga 
5. Cobochon Eternity Band 
6. Feline Scarf
7. Palamino Necklace
8. Colored Pencils & Brass Holder Set 
9. Jamie Young Seaglass Small Hurricane Set
10. Rebecca Minkoff Sienna Tote

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New Discovery: Ex Voto Vintage

Today I'm excited to introduce an amazing company called Ex Voto Vintage! Ex Voto jewelry takes pieces discarded, left behind and forgotten, and revamps them, elevating them into one-of-a-kind jewelry statements. Founder and creative genius Elizabeth Adams is an artist that has always had an appreciation for antiques. "My appreciation of art, antiques, and blessings of encouragement are all represented in Ex Voto jewelry."

 For those of you who have a weakness for unique vintage finds - whether it be furniture, clothing or jewelry - you'll definitely fall in love with this line. And I can tell you this first hand because a few weeks ago, a sweet little package arrived at my doorstep with the most beautiful necklace inside and a personal note from Elizabeth herself. As a thank you for her gift to me, I am sharing with you all how lovely Ex Voto Vintage is and truly hope you check out their shop! The entire collection is made in the USA and their gold-plating is 2-3 times the US standard thickness. Also, a portion of proceeds from all sales goes to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research!

 {My favorite new piece of jewelry - the Jessica Necklace with Mollie Locket; featuring a 21″ necklace with hand-wrapped grey freshwater pearls and vintage crystal with mixed chain styles. LOVE IT!}

{It fits perfectly! Such a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down}

{Inside the special locket is a sweet little note that reads "All is Well." A different, hand-selected blessing is available inside each locket of Ex Voto}

{A few of my favorite things from their shop, clockwise from left: Lulu Necklace; Classic Gold Necklace with Suede Tassel; Jessica Necklace; 8" Graham Bracelet; Edinburgh Antique Key Necklace Click here to view the entire collection. A very special thanks to Elizabeth and her team! xoxo}

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 IMAGE SOURCES: 1-3 TAKEN WITH MY iPHONE; IMAGES IN COLLAGE FROM EXVOTOVINTAGE.COM

Holiday Gift Guide: Giving to those in Need

To kick off this week's Christmas Gift Guides, I wanted to highlight some fantastic charities and organizations to give back to. Of course we all have family and friends to buy gifts for, but another really special way to give is by touching someone else's life, even if it's just in a small way. I'm constantly reminding myself of how I need to volunteer more of my time and just get involved in something - there are so many people and places that need help! Whether it's a small (or large) donation, a new doll for a little girl, your time in a soup kitchen or shelter...every little bit counts and helps make this world a little better. I heard this quote by Mother Teresa the other day and that really got me thinking about helping others, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." It feels so good to give to others in need, doesn't it? Even if we ourselves don't have much, there's always something we can give. I've rounded up several great organizations for you check out; (and if you're ever curious about a certain organization, check with CharityNavigator.org to make sure they're legitimate). What ways do you enjoy giving back? And please feel free to share the name / info on any charity you enjoy working with :) xoxo

 

Angel Tree offers assistance to prison inmates and their children during Christmas. They give the children gifts on behalf of the parents along with a personal message.

Samaritan's Purse - There are numerous ways to get involved, including Blessing in a Box / Operation Christmas Child, Crisis and Disaster Response, Children's and Medical Ministries and more. Go here to view a list of all ways you can give.

Wounded Warrior Project - Their mission is to "Honor and Empower Wounded Warriors. An amazing organization that vows to take care of our injured soldiers and their families.

Salvation Army -  There are several ways to give through the Salvation Army, including giving online to your community, donating clothing, volunteering and more.

All Hands Volunteers - They are focused on being the most effective organization at providing committed volunteers the opportunity to give immediate and sustainable help to communities in need and to those suffering in the wake of natural disasters. Right now they are focusing heavily on the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Best Friends Animal Society - Don't forget about our furry friends! I love animals so much (especially cats :) and enjoy donating to charities that take care of them. This organization has a "no kill" mission and is dedicated to placing abandoned and needy animals in good homes. One great way to help is by becoming a "Guardian Angel" - click here for more info.

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[IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4]

Quote of the Week

“Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” 

- Steve Maraboli

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Happy Monday! Hope you had a nice weekend. We're leaving for Hawaii on Wednesday for 10 days and I've been busy packing and trying to get everything in order before we go. I'm kicking off this week with a quote about giving, since that's what the holidays are all about! I have some fun posts scheduled for the week, including gift guides and ways to give back to those in need. Enjoy your day :)

Stella & Dot Holiday Trunk Show + Giveaway!

Welcome to the Belle Maison and Stella & Dot Trunk Show! My client Clara is a Stella & Dot Stylist and we both thought it would be fun for me to host a "virtual" trunk show for my fabulous and stylish readers to shop amazing jewelry and gifts just in time for the holiday season.

If you're not familiar, Stella & Dot is an amazing jewelry company that's often spotted in major magazines like Lucky, Elle and Vogue, and is a favorite among celebrities. They have incredibly unique pieces that range from simple and elegant to bold and glamorous. And the best part is everything is affordable! In addition to jewelry, they now carry fun accessories such as scarves, iPhone cases and clutches. If you need to check some people off your Christmas shopping list, there are a ton of great items for moms, sisters, friends...and maybe something special for yourself :). The show will continue through December 29th!

These are just a few of my favorite things from Stella & Dot...I LOVE their stuff! Also, keep in mind that there's a brand new “Stella Dollars” loyalty program that you might want to take advantage of: for every $50 spent in December, you can earn a $25 certificate to use January 3-10. Pretty amazing, right? So grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine, get comfy and start shopping! 

Details on entering: Visit the trunk show by clicking here, and then come back and leave a comment on your favorite piece(s) from Stella & Dot! For a double entry, tweet about the trunk show and giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (or both), please include @ModernChicHome and @Stelladot in your tweet! Winner will be announced on Friday, December 14th. Good luck and have fun!

Guest Blogging at Fesh American Today!

Today I have the pleasure of being a guest blogger for Annie Selke's Fresh American! If you're not familiar, Annie is the visionary behind widely acclaimed home-textile companies Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rug Company, and licensed fabrics collection Annie Selke Home. My post is all about creating a fresh, modern "White Christmas" theme in your home for the holidays. Please hop on over to check it out. There's also an exciting giveaway from Pine Cone Hill you won't want to miss! xo

Click here to see the rest of this post!

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You're invited to a fabulous Stella & Dot Trunk Show tomorrow on Belle Maison! This will be a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done and maybe pick up an item or two for yourself :)

Sweet Treats for the Holiday Season

Lately I've been spending way too much time on Pinterest (do any of you have the same problem?). This year I'd really love to make some sweet treats to give as gifts and of course, Pinterest is the best place to find fun recipes! I've tagged several to share with you today, just in case you're looking for some baking or dessert inspiration as well. What favorite holiday recipe do you make each year?

{Candy Cane Macarons}

{Holiday Truffle Cake Pops}

{Peppermint Bark}

{Layered Peppermint Cheesecake...yum!!!}

{Sugared Crock Pot Pecans}

{White Chocolate Rocky Road}

{Creamy Raspberry Meringue Dessert}

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P.S. - I'll be hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show this Friday, right here on Belle Maison, and you're invited! If you're not familiar, Stella & Dot is a company that sells the most fabulous jewelry (constantly spotted on celebrities and featured in every major fashion magazine), in addition to fun accessories that would make great Christmas gifts (for you and your loved ones:) Be sure to drop by on Friday to browse, shop and receive some amazing deals!

Quote of the Week

"Wherever the spirit moves you, follow it. Toss aside convention, eschew the derivative, and never be afraid of bold colors. Though my clients will sometimes fear the immensity of a bold choice, they often discover that through boldness emerges the calmest, most favored room in their home."

- Kelly Wearstler, Rhapsody

[IMAGE SOURCES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5]

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