Monthly loves - December 2012 edition

• Loved to dress... for a schizophrenic personality. Skinny black jeans, snug knits in neutral colours of grey and beige and biker boots. And, though not at the same time, elegant silk blouses in duchess cream with pencil skirts with golden iridescences. 
• Loved to shop... for Christmas presents for loved ones, despite the madness of shopping at the same time with thousands of other people. Favourite gems uncovered? Cashmere scarf in navy blue and burgundy for my husband, dusty pink pearl earrings for my mother and many colourful toys for little boys (ok, just one boy, but there were very many toys).
• Loved Internet discovery... was Houzz.com. A collection of inspirational examples of interior design and decorations. Currently thinking how to redecorate the house (not even 2 months after the last round of changes... crazy, anyone?)
• Loved designer... Oscar de la Renta. Mythical, feminine, stylish and glamorous. Plus all that sparkle. The dream indulgence for the holiday season.
• Loved beauty products... included cozy old favourites like the Lancome Teint Miracle and OPI "Tasmanian devil made me do it". New finds like the Apivita Aquavita 24h moisturizing cream with chaste tree and honey - light and fresh on the skin, delicious to smell.
• Loved at home... to have candles, candles and more candles. In the absence of a fireplace, they are the best way to create that half-quiet, half-romantic atmosphere of a soft Christmas. Well-kept secret: Voluspa French Bourbon Vanilla and a fresh Christmas tree equals the most delicious scent you could wish for winter.
• Loved to listen... to jazz carols and the soothing voice of Ella Fitzgerald.
• Loved to read... The lover's dictionary, by David Levithan. A creative account of a love story, unfolding itself in front of your eyes in alphabetical order. It felt like a puzzle - you didn't get the whole picture until you got through to the last piece. Beautiful and impossible to put down.
• Loved to watch... Pride and Prejudice. The 1995 BBC version. Meaning the best version. A Christmas tradition for ten years now. If a dapper Mr. Darcy with Colin Firth's smooth voice murmuring "You have bewitched me, body and soul" is not the perfect Christmas present, I don't know what is.