Benji Wednesday: After-Christmas Edition

How was your Christmas? Mine was really nice. I spent the day with family and of course, Benji. One of my favorite gifts this year was a Benji ornament from my in-laws. I just love it!

My Benji ornament

Benji and my brother on Christmas Day

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 1 Merry Christmas, Y'all!

Merry Christmas Eve from Texas!

13 Days of Christmas: Day 2

Admission: I opened a gift before Christmas. Just one, okay, don't freak out. My dear friend, Kristi, sent me this very fabulously wrapped package. Inside was a gorgeous blue ikat bowl. Thank you, Kristi!

I think it looks just fantastic on our bar!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

I Love: Stylish Living in New York

I've often wondered how in the world people live in New York City with children. It just seems like it would be impossible to fit everything you need in an apartment the size of a Suburban. Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo does it stylishly and makes it look easy. A tip: she has a spring cleaning sale every year. I loved Refinery29's amazing feature on her bedroom redo and P.S. How precious is her little one?

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 3

You've done your shopping, everything has been crossed off your list and carted home--or if you're like me is being shipped to your home via UPS. At any rate, it's time for some R&R. You deserve it. So, kick back, relax and let's watch some movies. 

Herewith, my humble list of favorite Christmas movies....

10. Little Women (1994)
Not a traditional Christmas movie, but it begins during the Christmas season with the classic story of the March girls. Sometimes I get really bogged down in the materialism of Christmas and this story (also one of my very favorite books) is a great way to keep things in perspective. Family, generosity, faith. These are things that matter on Christmas and always.

Beth, Meg and Jo March take Christmas to others

9. Home Alone (1990)

Any child born in the eighties saw this movie (probably too many times) and thought about what it might be like to be left home at the holidays while putting pranking to good use (to foil the bad guys, I hope that's not giving anything away). More than that, it's just a great nineties movie, so indicative of the pre-9/11 "good old days." 

8. The Family Stone (2005)

Before the days of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve there was this all-star cast: Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, etc., made a fantastic little movie about a wacky family at Christmas. I love how this movie (despite it's cheesier moments) depicts a real family, warts and all.

One of the cheesier moments, I want to say they dropped a turkey...

7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The original Christmas Carol was always a little bit dark for me. The Muppets do it a little lighter (although the frog-version of Tiny Tim still makes me teary). The resurgence of Muppet popularity this year is beyond awesome and why not celebrate with an original. Which reminds me, I need to see the new Muppet movie, have you?

The Cratchits, Muppet style

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

It's impossible not to believe in Santa after watching this one. 

Little Virginia and Kris Kringle

5. Elf (2003)

If I cared less about what people thought of me, I would answer my phone "Buddy the Elf, Whats your favorite color?" Will Ferrell is at his best as the bumbling human raised as an elf who travels to New York to find his real papa. 

Will Ferrell enjoys spagetti with maple syrup in Elf

4. A Christmas Story (1983)

I saw this movie for the very first time three years ago. I know, gasp. My husband grew up watching it, but I never had. Basically, I wasn't completely celebrating Christmas prior to seeing it. This movie, to me, is everything both magical and scary about being a kid. Everything is more important through the eyes of a little one, especially Christmas. 

3. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I was really surprised to learn that this movie was a big flop when it came out. Apparently, it made less than it cost to film. Sure, the premise is a little dreary: man wonders what life would be like if he never existed, but it's just so good. The incomparable Jimmy Stewart plays the lead. 

2. Love Actually (2003)

Another dynamic ensemble cast featuring separate rom-com plot lines, British accents and a rendition of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." What more could you possibly want from a movie?

1. White Christmas (1954)

The ultimate. A Christmas musical featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two retired GIs who put on shows at an Inn and find love with two sisters (Rosemary Clooney and the utterly amazing Vera-Ellen). Not only are the musical numbers and costumes are just too much fun, but it's also traditional and patriotic. An American classic!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 4 Gift Guide

For the next cubicle over....

She's your partner in the trenches, the person you talk about last night's episode of Project Accessory with, your favorite co-worker. You want to get her something thoughtful, but not in a creepy way.

Fred and Friends ice cube trays, from Amazon.com. I used these for my Christmas brunch, and really loved how special they made the drinks feel. Perfect for fizzy punch or just a mid afternoon Diet Coke.

Diane von Furstenburg chain link earbuds. Because iTunes at work is even better when you have cute ear phones. Available at Shopbop.

The quintessential work movie. Available at Amazon.com.

A cute catch-all for her office or at home. Ceramic Farmer's Market Basket available at Anthroplogie.com.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 5 Gift Guide

For the best friend...

She's the person who you can truly be yourself around: whether you are laughing, crying, laughing and crying, eating like a truck driver. You get the idea.

A monogrammed canvas tote from Iomoi. They have the best designs. I'm a big fan of the elephant and monkey motifs, but had to go with this one for the bestie.

Shashi's neon nugget bracelet from Shopbop.com. Reminiscent of those friendship bracelets you used to make when you were in the third grade. Throwback for sure, but also heartfelt and a fun addition to the grouping she already wears.

One of my besties, Alice, and me after a trip to drybar Dallas.

The gift of great hair. I mean, what is better than that? I've recently become enamored of drybar. You choose your style (Manhattan, is my favorite) and sit back and relax while one of their technicians works their magic. You can give a one-time pass or opt for a membership.

For the fashionista friend, the new Christian Louboutin book is just the ticket, and far cheaper than an actual pair of his shoes. Available at ChristianLouboutin.com.

Butter London nail polish. I have decided that many things from Britain (nail polish, Kate Middleton, Ellie Goulding) are super awesome. As an added bonus they are fomaldehyde free and cruelty free. I actually gave my guests a Butter London nail polish as a parting gift last weekend. The shade? Gold, of course. Available at ulta.com.

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 6 Gift Guide

Last year, you may recall, I compiled gift guides for Sister, Mom, Guys and of course, Benji. To kick things off this year I'm going to be very un-Christmas like and start with myself. Take that, Santa.

From Shopbop:

I'd love a new blouse, and this cream-colored offering from Jeunesse fits the bill. Available at Shopbop. How fantastic are the Diane von Furstenburg colored trousers it is paired with? 

And, because I love anything that helps you stay organized, this cutey cute little Marc Jacobs makeup pouch.

Just for fun, and because I am kind of weirdly obsessed with Keith Richards, this Wildfox t-shirt as an homage to one of the greatest bands of all time.

Now onto something sparkly. I am totally obsessed with Charm & Chain. And would love any of these baubles on Christmas morning:

Susanna Dai's Sunset Boulevard Drop Earrings. I feel like you could wear them out on the town with jeans and a simple sweater or to a black-tie event.

I'm also still into bracelets and love this duo of the tough Giles and Brother Triple Interlocking Bangle and Lulu Frost's Drift Cuff.

As Mad Men languishes in production, I have become a big fan of the show Happy Endings on ABC. I still haven't seen season one. 

Happy Endings photo via abc.com

Happy Endings The Complete First Season available at Amazon.com

I really love the tradition of a Christmas sweater, so how about this amazing sweater Tory Tunic from Tory Burch?

And, what would my gift guide be without something from J.Crew?

I'd love these classic Sorel Caribou Boots to tromp around in the complete lack of snow in Texas. From J.Crew.

The last thing on my list would be a donation to the Humane Society. I recently started supporting their efforts with a monthly donation, but I know the holidays are a particularly hard time for shelters. If you have any interest in donating I urge you to visit their website and watch the story of Honey. A dog, who like too many was rescued from a terrible situation. Giving any support at all to this organization is a way to take a stand for all animals.

xo,

Tha Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 7

I used to live in a very small studio apartment, I had something like 700 square feet to my name, which wasn't a big deal because it was just me and Benji most of the time. The only obstacle was when I wanted to entertain, which I am prone to doing.

So what did I do? I entertained anyway, and I think if you have the inclination to host a party nothing should stop you.

Not even a 247-square-foot apartment. Yes, that's correct, 247. This Refinery29 editor hosted an amazing holiday soiree by being resourceful (i.e. placing grapes or other snacks on a nightstand). The trick is being organized and having a place to store everything. Even if that place is under your bed!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

13 Days of Christmas: Day 8

Going to a black-tie Christmas party tonight and I am really excited to get gussied up! Black tie at Christmas is basically carte blanche to wear anything sparkly, velvet or red/green. 

Mrs. Chris Martin checks off the sparkly and green boxes in this sassy little number. I definitely couldn't pull it off, but it looks divine on Gwennie. Am thinking of something a bit more sedate for my event. Hope you are dashing off somewhere fun this evening!

xo,

The Canary Diaries

P.S. I haven't a clue where this photo came from. If anyone does know I'm happy to credit it!

13 Days of Christmas: Day 9

Did you see the latest Vogue Guide online? It's edited by Meredith Melling Burke, who previously edited the Index section in the back of Vogue print magazine. The focus is on what to wear to holiday parties and it's just gorgeous. My favorite pick has to be this amazing Michael Kors dress.

While your on Vogue.com, be sure to check out the latest APT with LSD. It features Aerin Lauder's dreamy Wainscott getaway. It is just about the chicest house ever. I love her mix of materials throughout the house. My favorite element has to be Estee Lauder's (SIGNED!) portrait of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace.

All photos in this post via Vogue.com

xo,

The Canary Diaries