This past Friday was our annual Christmastime sleepover with our nephews! Every year we have them sleep over to make christmas ornaments, cook a delicious dinner, stay up too late and spend some quality time without any parents around. :) Without their parents listening, Alex can be comfortable to tell us that he broke up with his girlfriend because she was mean. (He’s 7) …And Tyler can whisper to me, as I prepare dinner, that he has a crush on a girl in his class. I can teach them how to chop a tomato carefully, I can teach them what a painting palette is, and I can inspire them to love arts and crafts as much as I do. These little things make feel so lucky to have this special role in their lives.

This years ornament was made with painted recycled light bulbs, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners. I love that it repurposes household items and has that fragile, traditional ornament quality. By the end of the night, the kids were so sleepy and asking to go to bed. As I tucked them in and kissed them goodnight, they both sighed the deepest sigh and whispered, “I love you so much, Aunt Lisa”. It was dark so they didn’t see the tears in my eyes. I don’t want to blink because their growing up too fast.

This year was the first year I didn’t have anything on a Christmas wish list.

I asked my best friend what she was asking for, and the trouble started there. She emailed me her wish list (which she also emailed to her parents and boyfriend), breaking down each item down by category (books, dvd’s, clothes…). I was impressed, but I couldn’t help but laugh because of her organization and how she even included links for each item. I’ve gotten some inspiration from my very stylish friend and now my wish list has spiraled out of control. Sorry Ry… It’s all Dana’s fault. :)

Michael Kohr’s Purse (…to tuck my fabric samples and floor plans in for business meetings.)

Watercolor inspired cashmere and silk scarf

Jeggings my cousin wore for this years Thankgsiving feast. (…and a few long sweaters to snuggle up in!)

One of my favorite designers first book.

Classic modern design.

Fun costume jewelry to accessory my every day classic pieces.

Another pair of my favorite cozy socks. (…perfect for knee high boots and jeggings.)

The only lotion I will ever use.

3 Bookcases to create a reading nook like this Thom Filicia space.

Teeny sheepskin rug, to put on my office chair or whatever place needs a comfy spot.

My favorite red nail polish.

And just for fun… ;)

A 2011 Jetta, since my 2001 Jetta’s bumpers are literally falling off.

Classic diamond stud earrings… on my lifetime wish list.

I recently designed a space for a young ethnic family that was looking for an affordable makeover. They need a space that serves multiple purposes: quiet enough for homework, fun for arts and crafts, and comfy for lounging with friends. I love the way this design came out!

Ever since the first snow storm of the season last month (!), I’ve been daydreaming about going away for a weekend of snowboarding. The thought of drinking wine and playing board games after a day on the mountain is my idea of a perfect winter weekend.

(lake jane.)

I’ve had this studio bookmarked for a while and keep finding myself going back to it. There is so much (affordable) style packed into such a small space! Isn’t this studio so beautiful?

(interior design.)

My newest kitchen inspiration images seem to have a theme.

I love this non-traditional bedroom layout. The bed next to the window is the best place to dream, don’t you think?

(decor pad.)

Last weekend Ryan and I visited Storm King, a sculpture park in New York State. I’ve had this in my calendar after seeing Jenna’s post last year, and it did not disappoint. Fall is definitely our favorite season, so we were eager to take a drive even if it was just to look at the leaves. (Yes, we’re that nerdy.) It was the perfect fall day with a crisp chill in the air and it left me feeling so inspired. I’m already excited for a trip in the Spring to see how different the sculptures look against the fresh green trees.