Lately I have been seeing a lot more of my bedside table.  Between sleepless nights worrying about getting everything done for Christmas and Little B’s nightly cries due to yet another ear infection, I am reaching for my specs, checking the clock or grabbing my iPad for middle of the night gift purchases. 

Having said this, I decided that it needed a little pick-me-up, but nothing major that can’t be pulled off and thrown to the floor by Little B (moms, you know what I’m talking about).  As such, I perused the Nate Berkus collection at Target this past weekend (on our dailyweekly trip).  I found this white sea urchin and horn set that make a whimsical addition to the vintage lamp, orchid and unique vase that already inhabit the space (nevermind the iPod doc/alarm clock…).  I like the horns perched on top of my latest read, though I’m sure they will be pushed aside to make room for a tv remote or the latestUS Weekly In Style.  Nate B for the win! 

What essential items are on your bedside table?

These silver and gold Marc Jacobs pouches are my finds from the Neiman Marcus/Target collaboration. Something shimmery and sparkly? Natch. Generally, I like a clutch that has a little more going on (a pattern, a funky shape, some studs, etc), but I like the size (big enough to carry your phone, lipstick, gum and some cash).

Paying $70 a pop for a clutch from Target was a little difficult (I know it says Marc Jacobs and that it was also sold at Neiman Marcus), but the quality is actually better than I expected (and the price point is such that I won’t care if it gets smashed in my luggage or if my lip gloss explodes inside)

While I’m typically not a fan of these types of partnerships (in most cases, the quality really suffers when mass production enters the equation), I did think they did a favorable job on giving the consumer what they expected: quirky gifts from notable designers. A Tory Burch lunchbox? Cute! A Rag and Bone sweater for your guy? Why not? A Proenza Schouler iPad case with a great design? Definitely fun.

Now, do I keep these for myself or gift to my family/friends?

This week:

Really into:

• Beverage sweaters: How cute are these beverage sweaters from Target? Adorable for mini bottles of Veuve or Moet to give to your hair dresser, nail tech, dog walker or baby sitter (not that I condone providing booze to your caregivers, but I’m sure they would appreciate a cocktail after watching your kiddies…)
• Also on the sweater theme, love these white vases that look like cable knit sweaters. A fun way to “winterize” your home decor
• Roasted root veggies - perfect for easy weeknight dinners (and delicious on top of cheesy corn polenta)
• Babies in plaid (really, how can you resist?)
• Dressing up basic denim with a feisty gold pump (continuing my obsession with pointy toe pumps)
• Start ups: Silicon Valley (one of my new favorite reality shows…and not a housewife in site)
• Caramel brulee mistos (I’ve never tried this seasonal flavor before, but my buddies at Sbux talked me into it and it may be replacing my standard hazelnut for the next two months…)

Not so into:

• Drug stores taking over every empty storefront in Chicago. That beautiful old bank building at Six Corners in Bucktown? Now a Walgreens. Ugh. I was really hoping for a Dean and DeLuca…or at least another wine bar