Happy New Year

 “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

-  Edith Lovejoy Pierce

 {IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3}

Is it really almost 2012?! When reflecting back on this year, it has been an incredible journey filled with happiness, success, ups and downs, new experiences and new lessons learned. I'm looking forward to what's in store for the New Year, one being the birth of my first baby :) I'd love to reflect more on 2011 next week as well as what my plans are for the year ahead, and I'd love for you to share too! More to come next week...but for now, enjoy the weekend, have plenty of champagne [and have a glass for me, since alcohol is off limits for me this year :(]and celebrate your life and all of the things you have to be grateful for. Cheers! xoxo - Julie

Inspiration Snapshots: Eclectic Foyer & Glam Gallery Wall

I hope you're enjoying your week! How was your Christmas? It's hard to believe it's over and we're just days away from the new year! I'm taking the week off but thought I'd pop in to say hello. I wanted to share these two gorgeous photos that I came across from Canadian House & Home - they're both fresh, beautiful and inspiring. Any plans to update your decor in the new year?

[Elcectic Foyer: An oversized gold framed mirror opens up the space visually and is a nice backdrop for layering in frames and accessories. I also like the rustic touch with the vintage stools.]

[Glam Gallery Wall: Black & White photographs & art prints stand out against the crisp white wall. The zebra rug really ties everything together and adds a nice pop of pattern. I love the shiny gold stool which adds a touch of glamour against all the black & white.]

Quote of the Week

"Your home is not a museum or a store. For those who love great design, turning your place into an exhibition space can be tempting. Make every inch of your house hospitable before you concern yourself with formality. Your home should invite everyone who experiences it to feel happy, wanted, and aesthetically nourished."

- Celerie Kemble, To Your Taste

 [ALL IMAGES FOUND ON: CANADIAN HOUSE & HOME]

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I can hardly believe Christmas is here already! December just flies by, doesn't it? I'm taking the day off to get my hair cut (I'm long overdue!), run a few last minute gift errands and make the flower centerpieces for Christmas Eve tomorrow night at my in-laws house. My husband and I are spending Sunday at my parent's house and get to watch my young nieces and nephews open their presents - Christmas is always more fun with children, isn't it? Next year we'll have a little one of our own and I can't wait! I'm looking forward to taking some time off next week to relax...I've been on the go for weeks and just want to veg out for a few days, you know what I mean? What are your plans for the weekend? Are you traveling or staying home? Whatever you do, I wish you a very blessed holiday with family, friends and loved ones. Today's post is a round-up of some beautiful images that are fun, festive and full of the holiday spirit. Enjoy and Merry Christmas! xoxo - Julie

[IMAGE CREDITS: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11]

All Wrapped Up in Style

As Christmas shopping comes to a close, it's time to get all of those gifts wrapped! Instead of going the traditional route with decorative wrapping paper slapped with a store bought bow and curled ribbon, why not try something new this year? I've rounded up several great wrapping ideas that are "outside the box" and fairly easy to do. Click on the link below each image for details on how to achieve the look. Are you almost done with your shopping? Good luck getting everything finished and ready to go by the end of the week!

{Fabric Gift Wrap via Martha Stewart}

{Eco-Friendly Paper Gift Wrap via Martha Stewart}

{Brown paper decorated with a silver pen (quick & easy!) via Lark Crafts}

{Stamped gift wrap via Martha Stewart}

{Brown Paper with Cake Decorating Ribbon via Bugs & Fishes}

 {Map Gift Wrap via Ramshackle Glam}

{Kraft Paper Gift Wrap (especially good for oddly shaped packages) via Martha Stewart}

{Kids' Artwork Gift Wrap via Martha Stewart}

{Tissue Paper Bottle Wrap via Martha Stewart}

{Brightly Striped Gift Wrap using artists tape or plastic lacing via Martha Stewart}

 {Handmade Tag with Newspaper Wrapping via Oh, Hello Friend}

 {Newspaper Wrapping with Twine Bow via Love 2 Upcycle}

I Heart New York

Last week my husband and I took a trip to NYC for 4 days and had a fantastic time! The main reason for going was because I was invited by Bose to attend a special blogger event at the Trump Soho hotel, which I'll share more with you in the coming weeks. This was my 3rd time to New York, but first time going in December. As much as I wanted there to be a little bit of snow (it just makes the Christmas season seem that much more exciting), it was dry, clear and sunny, which was perfect for all of the walking we did. We managed to squeeze in quite a bit of sightseeing and EATING...by the last day I was absolutely exhausted! The first night we stayed at the Trump Soho, which was absolutely beautiful and had the most amazing view from the 34th floor. The remaining nights we stayed at the Best Western downtown, which was decent (and affordable) but definitely not a 5 star hotel! Today I'm sharing a few highlights from our trip. Thanks for letting me share. Do you have any plans to travel over the holidays or in the new year?

Central Park - it was a gorgeous day!

Rockefeller Center - I wanted to go ice skating but at 18 weeks pregnant, I didn't think it was such a good idea!

Macy's 

Some highlights from the ABC Carpet & Home store in Manhattan...6 floors of absolute home decor bliss! My husband even enjoyed strolling through the store (well, for a short time at least). 

We had to stuff our faces with a giant ice cream sundae at Serendipity. It was worth every bite (and calorie and fat gram)!

Lobby at the Trump Soho

View from our room on the 34th floor. I caught the sunrise the first morning we were there and it was spectacular!

Me and Ryan, sitting and people watching in Central Park.

Merry Christmas from Modern Chic Home!

Thank you to all of my blog readers and Modern Chic Home customers for your continued support of my blog and online store. I wouldn't be where I am without you, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you've had your eye on something in particular from the shop, take advantage now through December 31st to save 25% off EVERYTHING storewide (excluding wallpaper). Use discount code: Merry25 upon checkout to redeem. Happy Shopping! xoxo - Julie

Quote of the Week

 "Home is not just a place to sleep, home is where we house our souls."

- Alexandra Stoddard 

 ALL IMAGES VIA PINTEREST: 1|2|3|4|5