Early Christmas Exchange

The Husband and I were having a bit of a rough week so we decided to exchange some of our Christmas gifts early this year.

Also, he had a surprise for me that's he's been asking if he should give it to me early for weeks he was so excited about it... Too cute! So I finally caved and as always, he nailed it!

So thoughtful!

I got three books that I've been wanting and the "Dream it! Do It!" copy by Imagineer and Disney Legend Marty Sklar is signed! (I don't know if you remember but we got the privilege of meeting him and seeing him speak recently. Link here.)

The Victoria Finlay book is an amazing weaving of the worlds gems and gem trades. And "The Art and Flair of Mary Blair" is another Disney treasure about the amazing and prolific artist Mary Blair.

I also got some Lilly Pulitzer jammy pants that I love!

A Lancome perfume I've been wanting, Trésor La Nuit. It's the latest iteration in their Trésor series which I love and am not allergic to. Win win!

And...

A very cool map necklace from The Weekend Store that he found.

It's a little locket with a map of Florence, Italy on it which happens to be the place where we met. Very romantic and sweet!

And lastly, the gift he'd been dying to give me.

The push-mas-versary gift as we've dubbed it. My push present since I'm due January 8th, my Christmas present, and my five year anniversary present (on January 23rd).

A pair of WOW diamond stud earrings in one of my all time favorite cuts.

The classic Asscher cut. Needless to say I LOVE them!

And I love that I'll be able to wear them with our new baby without fear of them getting ripped or tugged out like most jewelry is around babies.

They'll help keep me feeling sparkly and stylish no matter how much baby puke I get on me, lol.

Perfect gift!

Feeling a bit spoiled over here and enjoying it!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by K. C. S. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Marty Sklar Talk

I had the phenomenal opportunity to go to a Disney Vacation Club talk by the unparalleled Disney Legend and former imagineer Marty Sklar over at the Contemporary Hotel and Resort.

He has had his hand in many (most) of the things, rides, parks, and designs that Disney lovers hold dear. Including classics like the Tiki Room! His work is meaningful, joyful, and prolific. No wond they made him a Disney Legend! (A very special award.)

And he's the only person to have been to every single Disney park opening worldwide. Neat, huh?

He was there to talk about his new book "One Little Spark!"

And can I just tell you... He is AMAZING! His book is wonderful and he is such a fun and incredibly inspirational person!

Such a joy to listen to him and his stories. That's the man himself above. Sorry the photos are so bad. I wasn't in a spot for great photos.

And then, to make the talk even more spectacular it ended with a panel of two current imagineers joining him and the Disney Vacation Club host to answer questions. They are some of the coolest most creative people!

They even stuck around afterwards to answer questions one on one. Such nice guys!

And Marty? He stuck around too! That's him in a small crowd of folks chatting. Eventually I got up the nerve to mosey over myself and to shake the man's hand and thank him for his amazing work over the years and for the amazing talk!

I'm going to gush now, excuse me...

He is such a lovely human being! And... He worked with the magic man himself directly! So, therefore, by getting to shake Marty's hand I am now only one degree away from Walt Disney himself! Epic!

Definitely one of those experiences that I will always remember and treasure. So grateful to my parents for getting us tickets and to the Disney Vacation club for putting on such awesome member events!

Just epic!

If you're interested in knowing more about Marty Sklar be sure to give him a Google and check out his books (old and new). You won't be disappointed. He's a super neat guy!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by K. C. S. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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A few January Things...

So... My health regularly cause me to fall off the proverbial end of the earth... But...

I always come back!

Let's start catching up a little shall we?

As always since sweet and crazy Abigail came into our lives our days were filled with adorable puppy snuggles! Here she's sporting a sweater from her Grandma (My Moma).

Went to downtown Winter Park a bunch.

Really loved the design books at the Pottery Barn there!

Zebras?!?! Scalandré ones at that?!?! I'm sooo in!

Great quotes inside this book too!

Chanel and Dior? Yes, please!

Also greatly enjoyed this Morrocan Wedding Blanket pillow.

Now onto my latest obsession,

The Grove in Winter Park.

This store is a gem for sure!

But with my little nephew on the way my faves consisted of Mom and me cuteness I think my sister would love! (Not that many boy options out there folks! Needs changed!)

And this sweet as southern tea illustrated poem by Sarah Hanna.

Love!

Ooh, my Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale haul came in!

And Oh Shift! it was glorious!

The Husband and I also found one of the first computer games we ever played as kids is once again available online!

Oregon Trail!

(If you want the link email me and I'll find it again.)

Not surprisingly, Abby went nuts for the hunting scenes... Dogs will be dogs...

And minus many mishaps our wagon party made it!

More January Things to come!

Missed you all!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use.)

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What I'm Reading: "Jewels: A Secret History"

Jewels: A Secret History

By Victoria Finlay

Victoria Finlay is also the author of Color, a fantabulous book about colors, their history, importance throughout the years, uses, and origins.

(Let me tell you, as an Art Historian it really rocked my socks off!)

But now... I think she's trying to be my most favorite author ever!

Her latest book is the same sort but this time it's about... JEWELS!

She's doing the same thing for gemstones that she did in her Color book and I am beyond stoked so far!

As a jewelry designer, fabricator, artisan, and rock hound/ collector of all things geologic, including lovely pieces of jewelry (Is there a better way to collect rocks? I think not!), I cannot wait to read through her historical insight.

I've only finished the first chapter (On Amber, can you tell from my pics? Lol) but it's love at first read so far!

(I couldn't resist taking out some of my own Amber collection for a short snap-fest.)

Her writing is superb, meaningful, witty, and packed with insight! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for something more.

If you like history or are always asking Where? When? Why?

Victoria Finlay, world traveler and author extraodinaire, is for you!

What are you reading?

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use. Book written by Victoria Finlay and published by Random House.)

 

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Oh! Christmas Tree

I'm back with another nifty, and this time thrifty, Christmas tree via the internets.

I give you: One King's Lane (an online flash sale site that's Ahmazing!) genius book tree.

So simple, so easy, so free!

I really feel like anyone could throw this little gem together. Just grab some books off your shelf and stack away! Don't forget to throw in a little sparkle and voilà!

While One King's Lane is using this to advertise books as gifts for the holidays (Geniusly so I might add!) there's really no reason it couldn't be just as awesome in your home!

Ooh! Especially if your one of those fancy schmancy lucky bastards ducks that has a Librahry... Oh perchance to dream...

If I ever get healthy enough to decorate I plan on giving this one a go!

Kisses,

K

(Image owned and found via online sale site One King's Lane.)

 

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I've Been Everywhere...

Not really, but it's a really catchy song...

Any rate, I thought I would continue to share the places I've been to that I've really enjoyed in the past or thought were neat and worth sharing but under this title from now on.* Now on with the post!

So, some people hate Andrew Carnegie. And some people are fans...But, one thing you can't help being a fan of, though, was his building/ funding of public libraries around the country.

Pretty awesome methinks! I love books and reading so Carnegie wins major points with me where this topic is concerned...

The Queen Anne branch in Seattle is a lovely small branch he funded. It manages to be super cozy but has lots of special details. Plus it's easy to catch a bus to it if your in the city or to walk just a few blocks from it to some of the most beautiful vistas of the city and the surrounding mountains in Seattle.

 

From the stained glass to the woodworked details, everything is just lovely.

 

Plus, you can't fault a beautiful place that supports and brings the community together... And I love all the pretty trees surrounding it! If your in Seattle and looking for a cozy place to dry off, use some wifi, and enjoy a good book this is your place! Not to mention that Upper Queen Anne has awesome food, "How to Cook A Wolf**," anyone?

Kisses,

K

(All photos by Krista Carson.)

*Throwback Thursday reminds me of old school pics... I'm not against it, in fact I rather enjoy it but it just doesn't seem to fit for this sort of post.

**Yes, that's really the name of a restaurant. It's a super popular place for a reason. :)

 

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Books to Shelve

I always loved the look of the vintage copies of I Married Adventure, a chic looking book and an awesome read? Yes, please! But it wasn't until I got married to my move me across the continent beau a year and a half ago that I started looking for a copy in earnest. There are a few out there but they are pricey and my still fairly newlywed budget can't afford them yet... In the meantime, I'll keep a weather eye out and just enjoy this stylishly laid out pic with you!

Kisses,

K

(Image via Pinterest)