I have been such a mixture of things this week. Inspired from last week at ALT, but also busy and hectic with all of the work that needed to be done on my return. I am taking this weekend to remind myself of all of the amazing opportunities that lie out in the world – if only we’d pursue and follow through.

For my “faves” today, I’m sharing with you some of the most influential NEW people I met at Alt.  Tons of established and new bloggers that I met, but these girls stood out to me – and for wonderful reasons!

Victoria from Vmac + Cheese: Vmac + Cheese is a daily lifestyle blog which shares everything from food to fashion to just plain living the stylish life. Victoria is one of those rare people who has both a fierce business sense and is utterly creative.  She is bringing new inspiration everyday to Vmac + Cheese and also has some super exciting ideas and plans in store for this year!

Michelle from Second St East was my safe place for the week.  When you’re walking into an event where you know nobody and there are 500 stylish girls running around, you need a safe place. She is super funny and fun, has a great sense of style both on her blog about interior design and in her personal fashion style.  An all around sweet and bubbly personality drew to me her and will keep me coming back to her blog to see her progress through design projects and interior design school.

Colleen over at Inspired to Share: I stumbled upon Inspired to Share a few months ago on the interwebs and was hooked ever since.  Meeting Colleen in person was certainly a treat as she is just as quirky and cute in real life as she comes across on her blog.  Colleen has an inspiring design sense and can put ideas, color, and pattern together in new and beautiful ways.  Her photoshop skills are enviable too! Maybe I can learn a thing or two in my PS journey! (check out her wedding – it was the cutest!)

Megan from The Fresh Exchange:  We met on Wednesday night at the blog brunch gathering.  After chatting at various times throughout the week, we realized that we have a ton in common.  She has such a fresh and calm take on design and her beautiful blog reflects it!

Amy from Parker Etc:  If I could draw you a picture of the coolest Brooklyn girl, it would be Amy.  She personifies hip, heritage, and feminine New York.  Her blog showcases eye candy ranging from outfits to home projects.

Katie over at Modern Eve: Sweet as can be, Katie shows off her amazing style, party, decor, and travel insights on Modern Eve.  (I didn’t mean for that to rhyme!)  Katie is one of those beautiful, fashionable people who is so relatable and it really shows through on her blog.

Amanda of Simple Street: I am so proud of Amanda!  She recently just took the leap, believed in herself, and quit her day job to freelance and start her own graphic design company.  She has a beautifully simple esthetic and showcases it both on her blog and through her design work.  I am really excited to say that Amanda will be working with me on my blog redesign coming to you soon!

I really hope you take a moment and look through these new blogs and get to know the amazing personalities behind each site!

Have an INSPIRED Friday!

 Photo Credit: 1st option

ONE letter press desk set $24 by orange beautiful. TWO yellow letterpress yearly wall calendar $22 by katherine watson.   THREE pretty painterly strokes make quite a beautiful monthly calendar $42 Linda & Harriett.   FOUR perfect for your purse! Accordion calendar $18 by indigo Bunting.  FIVE make a big impact with these illustrated 8×10 monthly calendar prints! Beautiful as a gallery wall. $30 from indigo bunting.  SIX if you’re a planner kind of person, this is my fave! Pretty colors, minimalist design and beautiful interior typography will make this planner by Julia Kostreva your fave too – $22.

Get ready for 2012!  I know it doesn’t start until Monday, but to start the year off right, I need organization. These beautiful planners and calendars would make for a pretty and fresh start.

This weekend, I’m headed out of state for a New Years Eve black tie wedding!  I’m excited to get all dressed up and dance the night away.  It’s going to be fancy!

ALSO, if you haven’t yet taken my end-of-the-year survey, would you?  Pretty please?  It will definitely help me to make the blog exactly what you guys love to read!

Have a FABULOUS friday and weekend and FRESH new year!

no. 1 These beautifully frost covered evergreen needles make me really wish for some colder weather. A series of similarly stunning photos at Age Old Tree by Ann Marie. no. 2 I was taken by this photo of men’s socks.  It’s dapper and sweet all at once.  For a sweet stocking stuffer for your honey, try Happy Feet.  no. 3 Odessa May Society’s fabulous gift wrap ideas are perfect for you last minute shoppers, or great for birthdays all year long.  no. 4 Mini gingerbread houses from Not Martha perch on the rim of your mug.  If you’re a baker, your friends and family will be amazed by this. no. 5 I laughed at this print especially after reading this Christmas Memory from Jordan of Shiny Paper Blog. 

We are just two short days away from Christmas and I was so lucky to get today off work as a last minute gift from my boss! With so much to do, I’m still going to savor each moment and maybe even take a moment just to stare at the Christmas tree with a cup of hot chocolate.

We are also hosting both sides of our family at our house tomorrow and I’m preparing heavy hors d oeuvres and cocktails to counteract all of the Christmas cookies.  I might also try this cute set up from Camille Styles.  Today I’ll be preparing for the family to be here, buying some last minute stocking stuffers and getting my hair cut (it’s been months).

On another note, I am so so blessed and grateful that we all get to engage together through this blog and that I’ve met so many amazing new blog friends this year.  I have been blown away by all of the comments, support, and sweet words coming from you all.  I’ve been posting everyday for the last eight months, and this week I’ll be taking a small Christmas break!  I’ll be back next friday for some more faves, and to help you ring in the new year!

Have a FESTIVE Friday and a VERY MERRY Christmas weekend!

The last couple days have been a little crazy around these parts, as I’m sure they are with you too!  My usual Friday faves collage didn’t fit into the schedule but I don’t want to leave you hanging completely!

I wanted to give a couple of my favorite things from around the web this week as well as a favorite quote that I like to adhere by since there will be so many holiday parties in the next couple weeks!

This chart on how much to drink at your office party from Cup of Jo.

A beautiful home decorated a little unconventionally by American standards but fabulously beautiful found via Lark+Linen

Something for the ice cream lover on your list.

The cutest little addition to your child’s room to shed some light on their dreams.

Gift guides for everyone on your list from here, here, and here.

We have a double dose of festivity tonight, my department holiday party and then a Christmas house warming party also!  My full company party is tomorrow night, but I’m not going because I need a little bit of sanity in my life! What about you? Are you going to party hardy this weekend?

Have a FABULOUSLY FESTIVE Friday and Weekend!

photo credit: Patterson Maker