Have we had enough snow?

Photo courtesy of my Dad.

This is quite similar to my commute down to Tribeca yesterday. We've had a lot of snow this season in NYC (understatement). Here are some fun accessories to help you get through this hard time in our lives called Winter.

DVF has the greatest winter accessories. This is the modern cool girl version of the dorky 90's turtle fur neck-warmer; a snood. The Alyssa Snood.

I'm almost always cold so these cute cable knit arm warmers would be great! Roxy Arm warmers from DVF.

After ruining a few pair of Uggs, I got these amazing boots made by Sorel. They're like snow boots and Uggs, and rain boots all in one. Not to brag but I've had about 5 people ask me where I got these! You can get them at Zappos for $150.

Marmot makes the cutest and warmest hats. I got one for Christmas with a big pom pom on top and LOVE it. It's kept me warm in all these crazy blizzards. This cute hat is only $32!

And back to interior design...and FUR. I will make a fur throw part of my life if it's the last thing I do. This pic from this awesome lady's blog. I think I'd just sit around and touch this fur all day long.

So are we sick of snow? It seems to just keep piling up here in NYC! At least I don't live near Syracuse anymore, which has had 10' of snow this winter. That's A LOT. I love seeing all the snowmen randomly built on the sidewalks though. Have ya'll had a lot of snow this Winter? We're due in for another mini storm here--get ready.

Alicia B.

My Christmas Vaca in Pictures

I have become a picture taking addict. Some people find it annoying that I insist on documenting almost everything but they certainly thank me when they see the pictures afterward. I like to create a story in pictures sometimes, or catch people in a candid moment that can't be recreated.

I arrived home JUST in time on Christmas Eve to decorate the tree with my parents and younger sister! We were missing our older sister--she usually hangs this ornament!

This is our first ever Nativity scene; each figure hand carved from wood.

Beautifully (and realistically) wrapped presents which get sequentially handed out on Christmas morning. We don't like to break tradition.

Table Setting # 1: Christmas Eve with gorgeous raffia placemats, red table linens, and delicious tomato soup and some vino!

Tablescape #2: Christmas Dinner. I insisted on chargers and found these gorgeous red and gold ones that have barely been used in this house! Everyone had calligraphy name plates and a fun Christmas popper with toys and a tissue crown in it.

We...got some snow up here. Of course I took a ton of pictures of the fast falling snow because it was so beautiful. This tree is in our front yard.

After the blizzard let up (60 MPH winds!), it was time for clean up. Everyone up here must have a John Deere tractor, even non farmers.

Our wreath is beautiful all covered in snow.

And finally here I am shoveling snow, that, as you can see, is up to my fingertips! My father thought it was a good idea to document me shoveling snow because it was the first time it's ever happened! Harsh.

Now the hurdle of Christmas is over, sadly, but we must look forward to 2011! I have NO resolutions but a super positive attitude about the year ahead. What are your New Years Plans everyone? Do you have to work this week?

Alicia B.

Friday Faves

Cheval from my newest photos. www.aliciabdesigns.com

How about this snow, huh? People have been complaining about all the snow, but it's February! It's prettier than rain! I can't wait to take some pictures of this on my way to work. Anyway, it's Friday so let's have a little fun...

I saw this designer, Kendall Wilkinson, in the latest Decorati newsletter. I loved this bright blue wall with a tree painted behind it sort of like a headboard.

This is such a classic traditional scene with the antique chair and the gallery wall with ornate frames but Jonathan Adler makes it really fun with the oversized floor lamp and bold geometric rug.

I've been going over this whole house from Traditional Home by Ruthie Sommers over and over. It's colorful and light and these fabrics are so gorgeous. I love the rusty red zebra on those twisted back chairs.

I really must say that as I look out my window (into an icky courtyard of fire escapes) this snow is really just gorgeous. You might even go as far as to say MAGICAL. Might this snow thwart my plans of going to the flea market? Possibly. Not to worry though, I may just stay in over the weekend and sew pillows. It's every girls' dream. What are your plans for the weekend? Have a wonderful, magical, and snow embracing weekend!


Alicia B.

Snow!

I just heard word from my girls (my sisters) that it's snowing in Chicago! CONGRATULATIONS! It's 60 degrees here in NYC and I could not be more jealous of them. Send some snow our way, we're ready for it. Isn't this little Snow House from the new Anthropologie catalog dreamy? From HERE.

In other news, my project for school is taking over life again and my professor now wants me to use a circular bed in the master bedroom because I mentioned curves as an architectural element. As you can imagine, I'm not happy with that idea, but I'm doing research to make it less "70's bachelor pad." Wish me luck!


In other other news, I made a successful sale from my photography show in Farmington, CT at the Millrace Bookstore! What did I sell, you ask? The photo above, Red Shadow.


Alicia B.

Fun in the Snow

Curious about what I did over the weekend? I know. Here are two fun things I did. Remember those fun manual carousels on public playgrounds from back in the day? Well, every time I drive past this one, I have to get out and play on it.

It's practically BEGGING for me to jump on it!

Look at me go!

I'm now gathering snow to test out how good the snow is for snow balls...It was okay but I've had better.

Then on Sunday afternoon, my mother and I went sledding in my backyard! Pretty great view for sledding!

Yes, I live in the middle of nowhere. After a few runs, we got going quite quickly! So much fun.


Did you all have fun over the weekend? Any snow adventures? Share.


Alicia B.

Alta Igloo Hotel

After my last post when I got overly excited about the snow, I started thinking about living in the snow, building snow forts, igloos etc. I found a hotel in Norway called the Alta Igloo Hotel and it's made entirely of snow and ice! The hotel apparently opens each year in January and then melts when it gets warmer in the spring. Check it out here:

Here is the entrance; the door made of reindeer fur. Hmmm.

The hotel has 30 rooms in it. This long corridor is so pretty and quiet looking with the small ice sconces. No ugly hotel carpeting here!

Life sized figures are placed throughout the hotel. I love the glassy looking ice chandelier hanging down into the middle of the room.

Here is the bar. You're def going to need to drink some mulled cider or something here to keep yourself warm. HERE is a Martha Stewart recipe for mulled cider. They only serve blue vodka here in ice cups.

The hotel has a chapel in it and is a sweet place for weddings, too! DESTINATION WEDDING!

Nothing like sitting in a chair made of ice with a reindeer pelt over it next to a fire.
Literally, nothing.

How pretty, yet spooky looking the ice looks lit up like that.

BRRR.

After reading on the website, this place seems quite fun. Be sure to wear a hat when you sleep, because reindeer pelts can only keep you so warm. They also take you snow mobiling, there is a sauna and a spa, and the restaurant serves local specialties (um reindeer burger?).


Alicia B.

Let it Snow!

New York in the 1930's. So romantic and pretty with that horse drawn carriage disappearing behind that building. flickr straatis

It's finally snowing in New York City this morning! I've been waiting for this for weeks now so I'm going to savor it as I'm told it will turn to sleet later on in the day. I love the look of snow on some of the old buildings around New York. It's so beautiful and calm looking in a city that never stops moving. I'm so happy because my little (5 inches taller than I) sister is coming back to America after her semester abroad in London! She comes in to snowy New York this afternoon. This is just one of many awaited arrivals from a family member onto the east coast. Please enjoy these gorgeous snow scenes from cities near and dear to my heart because of who lives there.

Wow, crazy snow in Florence. I don't know anybody there right now but I just wish I were there. All the time. flickr sparafleshato

Where I'm going in Connecticut there aren't many buildings, just barns and farms. One of my design dreams is to have an old barn someday converted into a house. flickr ikonjon

This is in Millennium park in Chicago where my dear older sister and her husband live! I love that bean. They are coming to me on the east coast next week! flickr ashishnigam2002

Munich in the Snow. I love this church, so beautiful in the snow. My sister is coming in today from Munich as she spent the last week of her semester there. JEALOUS. flickr isarbar

This is the Boston Commons where my college roommate lives. I miss her so much and I'm super jealous that this is what Boston is like in the snow. I love the historical architecture here. So beautiful. flickr hogan3774

So who is up for a snow ball fight in Central Park?? Anyone? I can't wait to get out of work and take pictures of the snow before it is muddy and ruined. Have a lovely snowy (or not) Friday!


Alicia B.