Deck the Halls with Twinkling Lights

It's never really the holidays until the lights go up around the house and ornaments are hung from the tree. And for the first time since living on my own, I have a full size tree to enjoy this Christmas! No, it's not a real one, but it's pretty darn close (and a huge improvement from my tabletop one I used the last few years.)

John and I laced twinkling light strands around our 6th floor balcony, which I honestly love so much, I might just keep them up year-round! The view is only enhanced from the soft glow of the warm lights. The tree? Well, the cats haven't tried to climb it yet, and I even have just the right amount of ornaments to fill it.

I wish that John and I could stay through Christmas and enjoy this festive little space. But for the weeks leading up to our trip to Cleveland, I know this is what will put me in that holiday spirit. How are your decorations coming along? Did you put them up weeks ago, or are you holding off until the last minute? No matter when they go up, I hope you're all having a beautiful winter's day.

Music Monday: Lenka "All My Bells Are Ringing"

We're one week closer to that Merry Holiday time of year, and continuing this festive month of Music Mondays, I present "All My Bells Are Ringing" by Lenka. The Australian-born singer has a very "Grey's Anatomy" / A Fine Frenzy sound to her voice, which essentially means she sounds light, airy, and relaxing. Exactly what I need on this busy Monday morning.

I also love this stop-motion music video. Isn't it just adorable? The song was featured on the holiday/winter-themed album from The Hotel Cafe series, Winter Songs. I also included a link below where you can listen to the entire record (which I recommend, because it features some of my 'light and airy' favs, Kate Havnevik, Ingrid Michaelson & KT Tunstall). Enjoy!

Artist: Lenka
Song: "All My Bells Are Ringing" | download
Album: The Hotel Café Presents... Winter Songs | stream full album

A Cleveland Christmas

It feels odd to be talking about this already, considering Halloween is only just upon us; but as the months tick down, I realize it's becoming crucial to start planning for all those holiday travels.

Me? I'll be spending my Christmas vacation in the lovely metropolis of Cleveland, OH. It might sound like I'm saying this in a less than enthusiastic tone. Truth is, I'm pretty ecstatic about visiting Cleveland—it's my boyfriend's hometown and a place I've never been! I am, however, less than enthused about the travel bit of it.

I've never had a problem with flying. I actually really like it. But it's been many, many years since I was one of the millions of masses boarding a plane to visit extended family at the holidays. My travels always included me, my pets, and a pile of dirty laundry, all packed into my comfy [private] car on the drive from LA to San Francisco. Easy-peasy.

Not this year. This year, I'll be having a much colder Christmas. And I have been warned that my California blood can't possibly prepare for the chill coming off of Lake Eerie that time of year. Oh, and don't even get me started on forking over $700+ for a round-trip plane ticket... my mouse is hovering over that "purchase" button this very moment. It's a click that'll sting a bit.

Okay. I might have some hesitations. So tell me friends: aside from visiting the Christmas Story House Museum—what is there that I shouldn't miss while in the lovely city of Cleveland? My itinerary planning starts... now.

{picture © Turner Entertainment Co.}