How City People Get Their Tree...

When you live in an urban area like me, going to that picturesque tree farm to get your tree looks a little different. Instead, we go to a tree lot with pre-cut trees. And us urban dwellers either drag our tree home on foot (which I've done before) or cram it in the back of your trunk! We did the latter this year since this tree was the biggest one we've had so far. About 5 feet tall when looking at it in comparison to me.

Our 2013 Xmas tree. 

The tree lot in Hoboken is actually at this really cool and really old church, which I'm pretty sure isn't even used as a church anymore. But its beautiful nonetheless. Inside we could pick out decorations, ornaments, tree stands, you get the gist. And of course it was those old stained glass windows that give the whole experience that vintage feel.

There she is.

"A little full, a lotta sap..."

look at D hard at work.

Homeword bound we go!

She's up and ready for the holiday season! And of course, you know from this post that I am so agreeable with D that we did not only the colored lights, but the small and large vintage bulbs. Even though I prefer white, this tree is nothing short of fun and festive.

There's nothing better than sitting back and admiring your tree, while drinking hot chocolate in your Snoopy Christmas mug. 'Tis the season!

xo Steph

The Great Debate: White or Colored Lights?

So this is the ultimate debate: Do you put white lights or rainbow lights on your Christmas tree? This article made me realize I was not alone. This particular debate has been going on in my family for YEARS! Its was always my mom and I who wanted the classic white lights, and my dad and brother who wanted the colored lights. I personally like the classic and put together looking tree, while others like a tacky more fun tree complete with homemade macaroni ornaments from kindergarten. Don't get me wrong, I love sentimental ornaments, but I always have to look at this tree all month so I prefer a more "put together look." As I was saying, this never ending debate has been going on for years with no avail, so as a result, my family started getting two trees. Yup, two. In the living room (aka the room that no one really uses and is in front of the big bay windows, my mom and I have our way with the white lights. This is the tree everyone sees from the street. In the family room with the fireplace, TV and the room we pretty much do everything in, we have the tree with the colored lights. We basically have a Christmas tree mullet situation going on here - business in the front and party in the back!!

As for the tree D and I have in our apartment, since we don't have a huge house and I am just so agreeable, we do the colored lights (and the large vintage bulbs) and are going with the whole "quirky and fun tree vibe." I mean heck, you might as well throw some tinsel on that thing and a few popcorn strings and call it a day. Because anything goes with that tree! Very no muss, no fuss. But I told D that once we have a house of our own with space, the two Christmas tree tradition will be implemented in full effect!! Christmas tree mullets will live on for our kids to enjoy, and to take sides in the ever long debate!

And I still haven't had a chance to post pics of our actual tree but I PROMISE they will be up tomorrow : )

So which side of the debate are you on? White lights or colored lights?

Or do you do something completely different? Blue lights? White Christmas tree? Neon pink everything?

Please share with me your traditions!!

xo Steph

also linking up with Still Being Molly

My Christmas Bucket List

If you've been reading my blog from the beginning you'll know that I love bucket lists. They are fun to put together and even more fun to start checking things off! With Christmas, there's just so much fun holiday stuff to do that gets crammed into the little month of December that it can be overwhelming to try and fit everything in. In an ideal world, I would have all 25 days leading up to Christmas to indulge in some kind of festive merriment but unfortunately I have a job that takes up a majority of my time. Boo. But creating a Christmas bucket list is the perfect way to keep you on track and serves as a reminder to try and accomplish all your holiday fun. Check out what's on my list below:

My Christmas Bucket List

*Kiss in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in NYC (it's a tradition)
*Go to D's Families White Elephant gift party and exchange gag gifts

*Get a tree and decorate it

*Sit on Santa's lap

*Decorate a gingerbread house
*Drink festive drinks (peppermint mocha anyone?)

*Bake Christmas cookies

*Roast chestnuts or s'mores

*Volunteer

*See the light show at Shady Brook Farms. (another tradition)

*Kiss under the mistletoe (one of my favorite traditions)

*Bundle up & take a walk to look at all the Christmas lights

(and bringing the camera of course!)

*Watch a Charlie Brown Christmas (among other holiday classics)

*Get cozy by the fireplace

* Ugly Sweater party

Stay tuned in as I post about the things I completed this holiday season -- are you ready for all the festivities and merriment to come?!

What's on your holiday bucket list?
Anything fun and festive that you do that I can add to my list?

 xo Steph

Dress Remixing

Instead of doing a Throwback Thursday, I decided to switch it up this week with a "Wayback Wednesday" post. Crazy, I know! Anyway, I wanted to feature one of my favorite dresses which has proved to be so versatile for me. I love anything that can really get it's moneys worth. That way I feel like that purchase was really justifiable.(The things I tell myself to make shopping ok!) It's that whole cost per wear rationale. It just makes sense. 

 So below I layered the button down and sweater over the dress to create a look as if I was wearing a skirt -- which is a great way to get more wear out of your clothes. 

 | Details |

Striped dress: Express (similar) // Chambray shirt: Old Navy (similar) // Sweater: Kohl's (similar)

Tights: Target (similar) // Boots: Bakers (similar)

I also dressed this up with a red cardigan, but I'm sure other colors (a mustard yellow perhaps) would look nice...

I was feeling a little nautical that day.

| Details |

Dress: Express // Cardigan: Target // Navy Tights: Target // Boots: Bakers

Cross Necklace: gift from D // Watch: Michael Kors

And here I just played around with different jackets and shoes to dress it up or make it more casual....

So do you own any pieces that are so versatile for you? How else would you style this dress?

Which look is your favorite?

xo Steph

also linking up with Because Shanna Said So