my favorite christmas flicks.

every year i love to curl up on the couch and watch the same holiday movies over and over again. they really make me happy.

(i know some of these are only loosely related to the holidays, but hey... i still love them!)

what are your favorites?

engagement photos!

a few weeks ago, we met up with our wedding photographer, meredith, and took these pictures in a park near our home. it was so much fun.

meredith is not only sweet, but she's also super talented. we played around with a chalkboard a little and then just took advantage of the setting sun. (oh and in case you're wondering..."jeg elsker deg" is norwegian for "i love you".)

my favorite part about this whole experience was seeing how well meredith captured us as a couple, and how comfortable we felt with her. i can't wait for the big day...!

p.s. i was feeling a little shy telling you all this, but these pictures were also featured on ruffled! whoa.

p.p.s. i felt like i was wearing so much makeup, (in fact, i put on much more than i wear on a daily basis) and yet, i still look like i'm not wearing any... haha. is it just me, or does this happen to you too?

(all photos courtesy of and unlimited photography)

yoga for anxiety, part two.

ladies, this is my all-time favorite pose. in the world. ever.

it's called viparita karani or "legs up the wall pose." it helps me in ways i can't even describe. something about it is just incredibly relaxing and healing (and fun!)

to begin, grab a bolster, or fold a blanket (or two) lengthwise and place it a few inches from a wall. then, as gracefully as you can, (ha!) scoot your bum towards the wall, eventually letting your legs rest comfortably. one trick for getting into the posture is sitting next to a wall with the side of your body and your knees bent into the chest. bring your lower back onto the floor while sweeping the legs up onto the wall.

if you're really in the mood, you can drape a scarf or scented eye pillow over your eyes... and the swooning can commence. stay there for as long as you like. to come out, bring your knees to your chest and roll to your side.

if it feels better, feel free to remove the blankets or bolster. the pose will still work its magic.

(photo credit: gaiam)

i heart chemex coffeemakers.

ohhhhh, i wouldn't mind getting one of these for christmas. (hint, hint, simon.)

this beaker-like coffee maker is not only chic, but it's also famous for changing the way americans think about coffee-brewing. you can read more about it here.

yum.

the rents.

today my darling parents arrive from norway! they are two of the most positive, energetic people you'll ever know. and they also love happy hour. this is why we get along so well.

this photograph was taken in 1974 right after they got married. i could stare at it all day. they look so happy, don't they?

oh etsy.

confession: i literally spend hours on etsy every week. can we pretend discovering gorgeous handmade and vintage finds is a legitimate hobby? :)

(credits: adorable vintage tea cup from here. button pins from here. blue garden scarf from here. graphic roses clutch from here. vintage milk glass jar candle from here. wooden side table from here.)

creative idea of the day.

turn a vintage brooch or old piece of jewelry into a magnet. how sweet!

for instructions, visit the country living website.

tuesday giveaway!

as you may have noticed, this week's blog of the week is darling dexter. i have been in love with her blog for ages and it turns out she's not only super talented, but she's also generous!

she's offering this beautiful one-pom rose fabric necklace to one lucky naturally nina reader. to enter to win, please visit her store and leave a comment below by friday afternoon.

good luck, and thanks again, whitney!

for all you cupcake lovers out there...

... these cupcake liners from cupcake social are the coolest thing i've seen all week! it makes me want to rush home and make another batch of red velvet cupcakes... just so i can use fancy liners.

sneak peek...

... a little teaser of our engagement photos!

p.s. i am developing the biggest girl crush on our photographer. don't tell simon...

(photo credit: meredith of andunlimited photography)

adorable escort card idea.

as you all know, corsage flower brooches have been all the rage this year, so why not add them to your escort cards? if we didn't already have a plan, i'd totally be stealing this idea... too cute.

(via elizabeth anne designs, credit: rachel grace)

yoga for anxiety, part one.

as simon knows, sometimes i can be a bit of a worry wart. over the years yoga has taught me a variety of ways to work through my anxiety, and so today i want to share the first of my top three favorite calming and restorative poses.

please remember that i'm not a qualified teacher yet, so this is just my personal experience. :)

the reason this pose works so well for me, is that it is comfortable and comforting. if you try it at home, i recommend turning the lights off and lighting a candle. it's not necessary, but quite lovely...


child's pose (balasana):
start by kneeling on all fours, separating your knees about as wide as your hips, and then sink your hips back towards your heels. allow your torso to rest on your thighs and your forehead to touch the floor. you can either stretch out your arms in front of you, palms down, or you can lay them alongside your body, palms up. (i prefer the latter.) relax your shoulders and enjoy. :)

if this doesn't feel good on your knees, you can roll up a blanket and place it behind the knees.

please let me know if you try this... i'd love to hear about it and help you with any questions. trust me, it feels oh-so-good. and stay tuned for part two and part three.

(photo credit: gaiam)

more barn yumminess.

it's official. i am obsessed with rustic, barn weddings. this incredible one was photographed by tec petaja and i have to say, i love love love her hair... and i'm totally stealing the muslin bag idea.

speaking of wine...

simon and i feel incredibly lucky to have found and be working with our wedding photographer, meredith of andunlimited photography, so we brought her a little thank you gift on saturday.
i didn't have a wine tote or anything else snazzy to decorate it in, so i just used some things i had around the house (kraft paper, ribbon, baker's twine and other miscellaneous things in my craft closet).

when she got home, she photographed it. i just love her style and the way she captures details, don't you? (click on image to see it larger.)

thanks again, meredith!

p.s. engagement pictures coming to the blog very soon!

wine, indeed.

simon and i are big fans of wine, (buying it, drinking it, giving it to our friends... you name it.) so imagine my delight when i saw this cute wine tote. wouldn't this be an adorable hostess gift?

(made by gang green co.)

wallpaper.

in my humble opinion, this might be one of the most creative things i've ever seen. can you image how awesome this would look in an office or walk in closet? sigh. to see more, visit deborah bowness's site here.

sealed with a kiss.

i've been considering trying to teach myself calligraphy, or some other kind of beautiful hand writing. what do you think, sweet readers? do you think it's feasible?

(photo credit: unknown, found via simple and pretty)