Happy New Years Eve!

What I love about NYE is that you can do something different every year. One year you can go up to the mountain and sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate and/or champagne, the next year you can host a party (like I am doing this year) and invite all of your friends, or you can just stay home and enjoy some much needed R&R. This year I'll be putting on my heels and heading out with a bunch of friends. I don't think I've dressed up this much for NYE in a long long time. How are all of you celebrating New Year's Eve this year?

I want to thank all of my family, my friends, my readers, my fellow bloggers, and most importantly to all of you who have shown me their support since I started my blog this year.

Here's to a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2010!

{photo courtesy of Plush Palate via Julia}

A Pop of Color: Atlanta Loft

Before 2010 begins I thought I'd do a post a little different from what I usually post. One of my good friends that works at City Search sent me an email telling me I had to look at how a co-worker of hers in Atlanta decorated HIS condo. Yes, a man and his loft is decorated in a hip, vibrant and modern way. I think every man should take a few pointers from this condo.

Meet Jonathan Baker, a man that not only knows all of the best places to go in Atlanta, but gets to come home to his bold and beautiful loft.

He mixes old and new furniture to get more unique interior style. Plus vibrant colors that bounce off each other and give the loft a fun feeling. I love the way he put in a vintage Wurlitzer organ, talk about creative.

Jonathan's decor in the open living room is a mix of all sorts of price points. His favorite price point - FREE - is present in the form of the enormous black and white promotional vinyl print of Jonathan from a magazine event. He definitely knows how to score some deals. The reproduction Wassily chairs he scored at a local warehouse sale and he waited months for this Create & Barrel couch to hit craigslist.

I'd kill to have a commute like Jonathan's. It's only an 11-foot commute and from the looks of it, who wouldn't have fun working in this environment? I love the way the tangerine Eiffel chair by Eames and the lime Series 7 chair play off the wall colors. It ties everything together, but not in a matchy way.

Can you believe this bedroom has no windows? Well believe it. He painted the walls with an electric tone from Porter's "Aloe Vera," which doesn't seem to look that vibrant to me, especially next to the red and blue bedding he chose.

I think Jonathan has a talent in him (other than knowing the best places to eat, drink and shop in Atlanta). I think we'll be seeing more of his interior talents in the future. It just goes to show you, men can decorate!

{photo's courtesy of Decor Demon}

Wedding Wednesday Update: Bridesmaid Dresses Arrived

This weekend I'll be heading to Bella Bridesmaid with my maid of honor and one of my bridesmaids to try on their Lela Rose bridesmaid dresses that finally arrived. I've been excited about seeing them in the ivory and mint green I chose.

I know all of my bridesmaids are excited about getting the dresses. A little too excited. I'm just hoping none of them wear the dress before the big day (yes B, don't do it!).

While 2009 has been a busy year filled with planning the wedding, it's been a great experience. I can't believe everything I've done for the wedding this past year. I'm excited to share the last three months of updates with you. The wedding is quickly approaching. I'm astonished at how fast this past year of being engaged has gone by, but I'm looking forward to being married in 2010.

{photo courtesy of mary ruffle}

Tre Cute

My favorite Aunt sent me this photo the other day and in the subject line she wrote "visions of the future" oh my!

This little girl looks exactly like me when I was a little girl. The round face, the wavy curl and the look I always gave my parents when they took photos of me.

Thanks Aunt Patricia for this adorable photo, I couldn't resist posting it.

{photo unknown}

10 Things That Make Me Happy: Dress, Design & Decor

I've been excited about coming back from the holiday's (crazy, right?) so that I could share this fabulous guest post by Daniella from Dress, Design & Decor. When I first started following Daniella's blog, I loved one of the sentences in her profile "I believe that style and design goes hand in hand." Who wouldn't agree with her? I totally agree and now I can't go more than a day without reading her inspiring blog. Thank you so much Daniella for taking the time to come to Sacramento Street today. I'm honored to have you here.

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Hi everyone! Daniella here from Dress, Design & Decor and I'm excited to be posting 10 Things That Make Me Happy today. Thanks so much to Caitlin for including me! Hopefully you see something here that you like too...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. I hope all of you are surrounded by loved ones, whether it's friends, family or both.

Have a wonderful day!

{photo unknown}

Happy Holidays!

Have a wonderful holiday everybody, I'm off to the Pacific Northwest this Christmas. I'm preparing myself for some cold, crisp weather and crossing my fingers it doesn't rain. I wouldn't mind waking up to a blanket of snow on the ground.

I'm ready to sit around the fire drinking a warm up of tea or hot chocolate or maybe even some spiced apple cider. This is one of my favorite things to do on a lazy day off with friends and family.

I'd love for the holidays to be lazy, but that never seems to happen. I've got parties to attend (one of which is my bridal shower), some last minute tree trimming to do and cookie making to be completed.

I want to take a moment to thank all of my Sacramento Street readers. Without you this blog wouldn't be the same. Everyday I wake up thinking about how lucky I am to have such wonderful and supportive readers.

Also, be sure to check out my guest post on From The Right Bank, coco+kelley's gift guide hit list , and of course my gift guides for this holiday season.

Travel safe everyone and of course have a wonderful holiday. I'll be back here on December 28th with a very special guest!

xo, Caitlin

{photo's courtesy of Homes & Gardens, coco+kelley and Canadian House & Home}

Holiday Guide: Your BFF

My last gift guide this season is a mix of perfect presents to get your best friend. I love roaming through stores finding the perfect something for a few of my besties. Hope this helps you pick out something perfect.

When John Derian first came out with these paperweights years ago, I picked out a cute little owl. It sits in my entry way where I stash my unopened mail. I think this one that says "True Friends" is perfect for anyone. It's something that they'll probably end up using every day. John Derian Crystal Dome Decoupage Paperweights $60

Who doesn't love a bright red nail polish? I know I do. This is bound to cheer anyone up when they rip open the wrapping paper. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Coromandel $23

Although these one of a kind necklaces are pricy, I think they'd be a fabulous holiday gift for any friend. Each necklace is so unique you'll be able to find the perfect piece for that special friend. Elva Fields Necklace

I'm a candle lover. There's nothing like coming home from a long day at work, lighting some candles and reading a good book on the couch. Jonathan has never failed me with any of his scents, so this would be perfect if you need to get a last minute gift. Jonathan Adler Holiday Home Candle $38

I love reading a classic books. You can display them on a bookshelf and it's like having your own art collection. I think anyone would be thrilled to receive any of these classics, especially Sense and Sensibility (one of my favorite's). Peguin Classics $20

If you're behind on Christmas shopping like me, check out the rest of my gift guides:

What I'm Loving

Hostess Gifts

Stocking Stuffers

For Men

I'm Loving . . .

Ever since Ally from The Right Bank guest blogged about her 10 Things That Make Her Happy, I've been dreaming about this Chanel 2.55 luxury purse. I just can't get it out of my head.

I'm hoping that one day (probably not in the near future) I'll be able to carry this bag over my shoulder. For now I'm going to have to keep dreaming about it, which isn't that bad either.

Holiday Guide: For the Men

This year I've been having trouble figuring out what to get the men in my life (Eric and my Dad) for Christmas. Neither are picky and since they didn't give me a lot of guidance this year I had to go to the drawing board. These are a few ideas I came up with (note: the items I bought are not on the list because certain people read this).

Being from the Northwest, I'm a huge fan of Patagonia. This fleece would be perfect for the guy that likes to go camping, hiking or even likes to tail-gate during the Oregon Duck football season (my fiance). Patagonia Fleece $195

For the man that likes to cook you dinner every once and awhile. Williams Sonoma Apron $19

My Opa used to carry a money clip every single day. He cherished it, even though it was very warn out. I loved that it had his initials engraved on the front. Tiffany's Money Clip $115

Does your guy follow Bill Simmons every single day? On his blog? On twitter? Mine does and I don't blame him. Bill Simmons is clever and is pretty funny. I wish I could be friends with his wife so we could commiserate with each other. I know that any guy would enjoy receiving this book under the tree or in their stocking. The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy $12

I love me some Jack Spade. This is the perfect gift to give your jet-setter guy who loves traveling the world. Jack Spade Travel Bag $275

Hope this helps all of you find a little something for your man, dad, or grandpa this year.

A Night Filled with Holiday Parties

My San Francisco festivities are in full swing starting tonight. I can't even begin to think about all of the parties in Portland until I get on the plane next Tuesday. But for now . . .

I'm all dolled up for my DivineCaroline company soiree and later tonight I'll be heading over to Berkeley with my ET girls for our annual holiday dinner at Erica Tanov's house.

I love when all of the ET ladies get together because we always seem to have great conversation, delicious food, amazing wine and of course everyone looks fabulous.

I'll be back tomorrow with my guys gift guide.

{photo's courtesy of this is glamorous}

Wednesday Wedding Update: Invitation SNEAK PEEK

Over the past few weeks I've been writing about how hard I've been working on my wedding invitations. Well, they are FINALLY done and I couldn't be happier. Since I'm in love with our invitations (especially in love with the spider that has spun a heart), I wanted to give all of you a sneak peak of the corner of our invite.

Cheree Berry did an incredible job taking our wedding palette and creating exactly what I envisioned.

Once we send out all of our invitations at the end of January, I'll post what our whole invitation looks like.

Holiday Inspiration: Ruby Red

Adding a touch of ruby red to your Christmas decor is traditional but lovely. It doesn't matter what shade of red because any shade will get you in the holiday spirit.

Whether you add a touch to your tree, bedroom, kitchen, or living room it will add a burst of Christmas cheer.

So if you're having trouble decorating or figuring out what colors to bring into your home, just add a dash of ruby red.

{photo's courtesy of beauty is everything, elle decor, decorno}

10 Things That Make Me Happy: La Dolce Vita

Today I want to welcome Paloma from La Dolce Vita. Her blog definitely embodies her mission “to feature all of the elements that make up La Dolce Vita, or "the sweet life": interior design, fashion, travel, great food, and inspiring people and places”. If you’ve never been to her amazing blog, you should definitely head over after you read about her favorite things. Her list introduced me to some great new sites and of course a few of her picks ended up on my wish list. Thank you Paloma for guest blogging here today!

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I am so excited that Caitlin invited me to participate in this fabulous series! I have enjoyed reading the previous entries in the series and welcomed the challenge of narrowing down the list of material things that I love to fit into the confines of this post. My list is a little all over the place, featuring both fashion and design, as well as a good mix of price points. I hope that you’ll enjoy reading my list as much as I enjoyed putting it together and that it might give you a little inspiration while doing your holiday shopping this year.

Happy {Deck the Halls} Weekend

It's time to get my house in the Christmas spirit. I can't believe it's almost mid-December. Tree trimming is at the top of my list. I can't wait to pick out the perfect little tree to bring home to decorate with bright lights and shiny ornaments.

It's going to be quite a job if I have to bring home the tree on the bus, but it'll be worth every minute once it's all set-up in front of our bay window. Just cross your fingers it doesn't rain.

If the rain does coming pouring down, I'll come up with some alternative DIY projects to decorate the house. I've got strains of antique beads my family used to put on the tree with lights, I can get more paperwhites that smell absolutely divine and light some candles to get in the holiday spirit. Oh, I'm getting so excited.

Just a few more things; if you're going holiday shopping this weekend (also at the top of my list), be sure to take a look at my gift guides for some ideas. Also, if you haven't heard or been to coco+kelley's hit list blog definitely take a look. Not only does she have amazing gift guides, but she also links to her favorite blogs gift guides. I’m honored to be included.

Have a lovely and festive weekend everyone. Happy tree trimming.

xo, Caitlin

{photo's courtesy of unknown and Karen Mordechai}

Holiday Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Every Christmas morning I look forward to opening up my stocking. My family takes our stocking gifts very seriously. We wrap everything up individually in tissue and ribbon. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it. Here are a few suggestions that I'm loving.

Mixing gold and silver is something I do with my jewelry on a daily basis. I love the fact that this bracelet mixes thin and thick chains together. Patch NYC Mixed Chain Bracelet $78

Do you ever make coffee (tea in my case) and wish it stayed warm at least until you get to work? This will make your morning routine a lot more pleasant. Plus, with this chic little thermos, who wouldn't want to carry this around. Kate Spade Thermos $30

One of my favorite pastimes is reading. The Glass Castle is a beautiful and heartfelt memoir by Jeanette Walls; It is one of the best books I've ever read. This book only took me a week to read. It’s such a compelling story that it makes you never want to set the book down. The Glass Castle $18

Could you imagine opening this up out of your stocking? I wish. This would be a great luxe list item to surprise someone with this holiday season. I know I'd be smiling ear to ear if this came out of my stocking. Kate Spade Park Avenue Pearls Ring $95

When it comes to nail polish I'm pretty much the girl that picks the same OPI color every single visit to the nail salon. But there's a reason why, at the end on my mani and pedi I'm always happy I went with the neutral choice.

Essie Ballerina Pink Nail Polish $8

These gloves will definitely keep your fingers warm and cozy this winter. Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves $88

This touch of glamour will add a little bit a sparkle to any outfit. Throw it on with a turtleneck, skinny jeans and a pair of cute heels and you're good to go. Infinity Necklace $125

My feet have been freezing the fast few weeks because of the drop in temperature. I'm sure they are going to continue to drop over the next several months. These Knit Slippers will not only look cute with a pair of flannel pj's, but also with a pair of leggings and a chunky sweater. Wool Cable-Knit Slipper Socks $85

Be sure to check out my other gift guides for this holiday season.

Holiday Guide: Hostess Gift

This year seems to be jam packed with holiday soirees. I always like to bring something unique to the host as opposed to a bottle of wine or chocolates. Here are a few things I'm planning on giving my friends.

A nice affordable pom pom throw from Calypso Home is unique and goes perfectly in any home (especially if you know the colors your friend decorates with). I think it would be beautiful to have a stack of these in my living room so friends can grab one if they want to snuggle up and watch a movie. Calypso Home Pom Pom Throw $50

There's nothing like fabulous soap to give to someone (especially in packaging as chic as this, I would never want to unwrap it). I've given and received Fresh soap before and love it. Every scent smells beautiful. Fresh Waterlily Soap $14

These candlesticks are amazing and so versatile. The top of the candlesticks twist off so that you can switch out the sleeves - genius - I personally want one of each sleeve so I can change them for each dinner party. Head over to coco+kelley, for the code to get 20% off at checkout. kaarsKoker Candlesticks $24

I love baking from scratch, but these Barefoot Contessa mixes are delicious and super easy to make. I've given these as gifts before and every time I get a thank you card telling me how yummy the cupcakes, cookies or lemon bars tasted. I highly recommend buying of few of these for your pantry, just in case you want to bake a yummy treat or need a last minute gift for a host. Barefoot Contessa Pantry $12.50

Four Months!

It amazes me that there are only four months until our wedding. Time has really flown since we got engaged. In fifteen days it will have been a year since Eric proposed.

Look out for my wedding update next week. I'm hoping to share our final invitation proof. There are a few edits being made at the moment, but we should be getting them tomorrow or Friday!

{photo courtesy of flickr}

Wednesday Wedding Update: No Alterations

You read it right. My dress arrived last week and I had my first fitting. I was nervous it might be too short, but to my surprise, it needed no altering.

The dress is being stored safely up in Portland. I can't wait to fly up in March to bring it down for the BIG day!

{photo courtesy of Rodney Smith}

Holiday Moose Wrapping

Even though I have not made a dent in my holiday shopping, I’ve already come across tons of unique tags, ribbons and paper to make my gifts special. Who wouldn’t want these moose tags under the Christmas tree?

I'm also going to add a few of these cute moose gift bags filled with Linda & Harriett goodies under the tree this holiday season.

{photo's courtesy of Linda & Harriett}