Ready for Midnight

Today starts the final countdown to 2011. Everyone is ready to say goodbye to 2010 and welcome a new decade. I'm a firm believer that the way you start a new year will set the tone for the rest of it. So my dear friends, start celebrating with lots of good will and a fabulous attitude. And since I'm in Madrid I have to do as Spaniards do: twelve grapes and a chilled glass of cava on hand to cheer the eminent arrival. Wishing you all a magnificent and designful New Year and the best of the best for 2011. Salud!!

images by Lokal 54

Organic Storage

I'm loving these handcrafted pod-like storage vessels inspired by marine crustaceans. The Barnacles, by Plodes, are adaptable units that can be displayed on a wall to store small items. Although they come as a set of three, you can buy more and create a fabulous design — they look awesome even as a sculptural piece. The gel-coated fiberglass buckets are simple, elegant and to the point. A beautiful way of storing your little treasures.

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A Mandarin in Barcelona

Walking on a chilly afternoon down Barcelona's famous boulevard Passeig de Gràcia was the perfect moment to find refuge from the elements inside the extremely chic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, designed by Patricia Urquiola. I had heard wonders about its design and impressive interiors, but there is nothing like experiencing it in person —trust me, it's gorgeous. The actual exterior of the building does't prepare your for the majestic atrium that opens up as you walk through a floating bridge that leads you to the lobby.

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My top 10: Champagne Flutes

Can you believe there's only five days left of 2010? The new year it's almost here and we must welcome it with a fabulous glass of bubbly in hand to toast its arrival — definitely my favorite part of New Year's Eve. This is the time of year when the whole world cheers in unison for hopes of prosperity and happiness. And there's nothing like a stylish champagne flute to do it with flair. Here are my picks for some of the most unique and beautiful ones, including mine from the Ittalla Arnes Collection — I simply adore them. Cheers!

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A Toy-Box Story

I hope you had an amazing Christmas. Mine was great. I spent most of the day with family and friends, and had the most amazing afternoon stroll through the Born district in Barcelona. Although not many people were out, still felt festive with all the kids showing off their new possessions that Santa had left them under the tree. Now with all the new trinkets and gifts comes the worry of where to store these extra goodies. That's when you need very cool and smart storage to hide them in style. This Ogle Toy Box is a fun and practical piece of furniture that any child would love to have as part of their bedroom. Plus it's designed with a cut-outs on all four sides to prevent kids fingers from getting caught. Don't you love it too?

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Merry Christmas

Image by Wendell T. Webber

Wishing all my fabulous readers a jolly day
full of happiness and bliss in the company of your dearest ones.
I hope Santa was good to you, even to the naughty ones.
He sure was to me!

XOXO

A White Christmas

By the time you read this I'll be in Barcelona, where I'm going to be spending the Holidays with family. But before I embarked on my trip, I wanted to share these delightful images from Scandinavian homes decked out in white Christmas decor. I simply love how effortless and beautiful the adornments look. This is proof that less is more and you don't need to over do it in order to create such a wonderful and festive ambiance — just perfect to enjoy it surrounded by family and friends. Feliz Nochebuena!

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Modern Trophies

Whether in the hunt for real or faux taxidermy, this trend is not going away any time soon. It's been around for quite some time, but there is always a new spin on this fad that makes it survive. These precious trophies are no longer for the rustic cabin or grandpa's library. The new interpretations are quite handsome and versatile — they fit in any style of decoration. These mounted animal heads and/or antlers are even turning up in the most modern and minimalist spaces. They really add drama and visual impact to any wall.

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