hayleythrills: Holidays 2011

Showing posts with label Holidays 2011. Show all posts

Have a wonderful weekend

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6GW5L4qwbpg4cSW-GnHupTlEGu0L2ollnGY1VhkFAX0PoQ9mXwfD7b-dBhoY91jJ_DGrs1FrMbTqV6r_r3na4JPkeu1a191UrW4-j0vZyge0E_G0YLfdoaVhZ0TmcEiyFcYDn-qRbnFQ/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692028677149304578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6GW5L4qwbpg4cSW-GnHupTlEGu0L2ollnGY1VhkFAX0PoQ9mXwfD7b-dBhoY91jJ_DGrs1FrMbTqV6r_r3na4JPkeu1a191UrW4-j0vZyge0E_G0YLfdoaVhZ0TmcEiyFcYDn-qRbnFQ/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" /></a>Happy Friday, friends, and Happy (<em>almost!</em>) New Year! Can you believe 2011 is almost over? Are you excited for 2012? What are your plans for the weekend? We're getting together with some friends to celebrate the holidays -- it's sort of nice to have another holiday gathering after Christmas to look forward to! I hope you enjoyed the more fun, light-hearted posts this week. Next week, we'll be back with your regularly scheduled programming (<em>like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letters To My Future Husband</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Memo%20To%20Men">MEMO TO MEN</a></em>), but in the meantime, here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web... <br /><br />Oh, I love <a href="http://www.iamagreedygirl.com/2011/12/lizzie-fortunato.html">sparkly purses</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://fashionandotherfancies.blogspot.com/2011/12/snowfall-in-g-minor.html">Dear Snow</a>: Where are you?<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/item____monthly-fruit-clubs_monthly-fruit-clubs_1067">fruit-of-the-month</a> club!<br /><br />Isn't this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86292626/2012-modern-chair-calendar">modern chair calendar</a> cool?<br /><br />Which <a href="http://www.sarahbrydenbrown.com/2011/11/28/which-twitter-type-are-you/">Twitter type</a> are you?<br /><br />Awww alert: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/27/cats-in-party-hats-video_n_1171348.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003">Cats in party hats</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/194288171394205489/">So romantic</a>.<br /><br />How perfect is this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82600072/orange-victorian-parasol-autumn-harvest?ref=fp_treasury_2">Victorian-style umbrella</a>?<br /><br />I could eat <a href="http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-press-cookies.html">holiday cookies</a> all year.<br /><br /><a href="http://minimozblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/love-map-tutorial.html">This</a> would make an awesome wedding gift -- simple and meaningful.<br /><br />Awesome <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elsita?ref=top_trail">Etsy prints</a>.<br /><br />Ellen is running a great <a href="http://www.lovethatmax.com/search/label/special%20needs%20parenting">special-needs parenting</a> feature on her blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/12/before-after-minimalist-bathroom-makeover.html">Bathroom makeover</a>.<br /><br />Do you take <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/114475/Winter-Weekend-Road-Trips">winter trips</a>?<br /><br />Don't you love all these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/alovelylittleshop?section_id=7865072">necklaces</a>?<br /><br />How many of <a href="http://dailycandy.com/all-cities/roundup/flash.jsp#/101-books-we-cant-live-without/">these books</a> have you read?<br /><br /><a href="http://muchlove-illy.blogspot.com/2011/12/mustache-sticks-are-must-for-every.html">Mustache sticks</a> make any party better!<br /><br />Good <a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/116717/How-to-Keep-New-Years-Resolutions">how-to tips</a> for keeping your New Year's resolution.<br /><br />Congrats to <a href="http://www.sandyalamode.com/">Sandy</a> on her new bundle of joy!<br /><br />And congrats to former Glamour magazine blogger Meredith Bodgas on the launch of her new blog <a href="http://meritalbliss.com/">Merital Bliss</a>! Follow her adventures from bridal to cradle!<br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://ohpioneer.com/post/14723331441">Oh, Pioneer</a>]

Have a wonderful weekend

Happy Friday, friends, and Happy ( almost! ) New Year! Can you believe 2011 is almost over? Are you excited for 2012? What are your plans fo...

1:05 PM

Do you make New Year's resolutions?

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6601561401_2e4d004b69_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6601561401_2e4d004b69_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 561px;" /></a>Confession: I've always had a love-hate relationship with New Year's resolutions. When I was younger, it seemed so easy to come up with those grand plans that I was going to accomplish over the next 12 months. Tell <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Crush%20Boy">Crush Boy</a> (<em>finally!</em>) how I felt, for example. And most years, when December 31 rolled around and I realized that I'd forgotten what my resolution even was in the first place, I resigned myself to the fact that resolutions and I just weren't friends. <br /><br /><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-your-new-years-resolution.html">Two years</a> ago, I wrote of just wanting to be happy. And honestly, this sounds like a refreshingly perfect way to approach the coming year, doesn't it?<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, do you make New Year's resolutions? Are they usually the same every year? What is your resolution this year? What will you miss most about 2011? What are you excited about in 2012? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/travelocity-lists-their-t_n_1174991.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003">top 10 cities</a> for ringing in the New Year!<br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://witanddelight.tumblr.com/post/13748074013/melsanie-its-like-that-time-i-went-as-a-disco">wit + delight</a>]

Do you make New Year's resolutions?

Confession: I've always had a love-hate relationship with New Year's resolutions. When I was younger, it seemed so easy to come up ...

10:15 AM

Fashion Friday: New Year's Eve style

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6597493745_faa3ce2937_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6597493745_faa3ce2937_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 480px;" /></a>Are you going anywhere for New Year's Eve, friends? Wouldn't these <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/ban.do-heart-shoe-clips/prod/349?rc=14">sparkly shoe clips</a> from ban.do look awesome with...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoykQGth0y2ZmYBfTaENxzOBWUNlkS9xBNFXKJMw-h619jXr37QlguvCeUKR4P_WKRDDTCTkx8LrjoOwf2VgBsWj1ZAl03bPb3AivSZvyICO7NEdp_LqrUEXTmFGC1KQWnJ2cBkWswYMU/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691727198323324546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoykQGth0y2ZmYBfTaENxzOBWUNlkS9xBNFXKJMw-h619jXr37QlguvCeUKR4P_WKRDDTCTkx8LrjoOwf2VgBsWj1ZAl03bPb3AivSZvyICO7NEdp_LqrUEXTmFGC1KQWnJ2cBkWswYMU/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>...these great with <a href="http://www.beso.com/2674286176/detail">ruby red</a> toes peeking out? :)<br /><br />P.S. More New Year's talk coming up shortly! xoxo

Fashion Friday: New Year's Eve style

Are you going anywhere for New Year's Eve, friends? Wouldn't these sparkly shoe clips from ban.do look awesome with... ...these gr...

6:15 AM

Etsy Love: Sparkly New Year's Eve flutes

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6591044423_5003ffdab7_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6591044423_5003ffdab7_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UDnqNiIr3NVlk1lvT_ZGV3bAG4EKjoRCAiWBPIge1ogUGOZoYf7dTpP_5We8UlmhTFTFI67ljB0JNI9-F3K412cdaIgEaPdiXvDBh5pRtY4MfAgL-V6F1ETgSuATFRSL3rcJCZRXrbVJ/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691343967061803826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UDnqNiIr3NVlk1lvT_ZGV3bAG4EKjoRCAiWBPIge1ogUGOZoYf7dTpP_5We8UlmhTFTFI67ljB0JNI9-F3K412cdaIgEaPdiXvDBh5pRtY4MfAgL-V6F1ETgSuATFRSL3rcJCZRXrbVJ/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" /></a>I love these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84804998/hand-painted-champagne-flutes-toasting?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=champagne&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fglass">hand painted champagne flutes</a> (<em>in blue and pearl shades</em>), but since I don't drink, here's a fun twist I came up with for New Year's Eve merriment: Toast to some bubbly root beer. Don't you love the glittery snowflake design, friends? Perfect! xoxo

Etsy Love: Sparkly New Year's Eve flutes

I love these hand painted champagne flutes ( in blue and pearl shades ), but since I don't drink, here's a fun twist I came up wit...

6:45 AM

Happy Holidays!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8AN3UVHimatuw89vcS6pyGtHy8AnGwk8p9WQwLYJ4yo8mh6JbhwjvfiOisg0Yw8OKo5y-6SEq7aM5_Bp-FgEnRGJYfuaAU3BS6_Abe_9Mb34prbiFqr0w6ZaPxNEN-leQkSH1R9AOdhb/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689461919864981186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8AN3UVHimatuw89vcS6pyGtHy8AnGwk8p9WQwLYJ4yo8mh6JbhwjvfiOisg0Yw8OKo5y-6SEq7aM5_Bp-FgEnRGJYfuaAU3BS6_Abe_9Mb34prbiFqr0w6ZaPxNEN-leQkSH1R9AOdhb/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>Happy Friday and Happy Holidays to you all, my dear friends. Here's to a wonderfully relaxing weekend of peace and joy spent with family and friends. I'm sending you <em>giant</em> hug through the computer. Can you feel it? I'll be eating lots of sweets this weekend watching holiday movies (<em>I haven't seen <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-your-favorite-holiday-movie.html">Home Alone</a> in ages...</em>). I'll see you all on Monday, but in the meantime, here are my favorite finds from the wonderful Web...<br /><br />What made you <a href="http://www.why-girls-are-weird.com/2011/12/happy-saturday-v84.html">happy</a> this week?<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/2011/12/mad-men-gift-guide.php">Mad Men gift guide</a> = AWESOME!<br /><br />Gorgeous holiday hair <a href="http://diana212m.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-hairdo.html">here</a> + <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-hair-tutorials.html">here</a>.<br /><br />And some glitter <a href="http://withlovefromnisha.blogspot.com/2011/12/glitter-polish.html">nail polish</a>.<br /><br />The greatest <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-christmas-songs-20101216">rock & roll</a> Christmas songs.<br /><br />Dream Home: <a href="http://ohmywordblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/canopy-beds-to-curtain-or-not-to.html">Canopy beds</a>. Sigh...<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/smitten/2011/12/how-to-survive-the-holidays-as.html">great how-to</a> for enjoying the holidays if you're single.<br /><br />Genius: <a href="http://www.perpetualkid.com/magic-snow-instant-in-a-can.aspx">Snow in a can</a>!<br /><br />Happy <a href="http://www.delightedmomma.com/2011/12/look-back-at-2011.html">one-year blogiversary</a>, Lindsay!<br /><br />Wouldn't you love to go <a href="http://diana212m.blogspot.com/2011/12/travel-fantasy-manatee-watching.html">manatee watching</a>?<br /><br />Mmmm, I never get tired of <a href="http://www.mealdujour.com/2011/12/broccoli-cheddar-soup.html">broccoli cheddar soup</a>! What's your favorite kind of soup?<br /><br />Tiffany is the <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/2011/12/photo-shoot-by-lake.html">best dancer</a>, isn't she?<br /><br />Vote for <a href="http://www.ardorblog.com/2011/12/vote-for-elliott.html">Elliot</a>!<br /><br />Ooooh, I want this <a href="http://www.katespade.com/womens-wallets/coin-purses/kate-spade-hedgehog-coin-purse/PWRU2559,default,pd.html?dwvar_PWRU2559_color=370&start=42&cgid=new-arrivals">hedgehog coin purse</a>!<br /><br />A <a href="http://flavorwire.com/243196/ranking-tvs-nightlife-destinations-from-worst-to-best">ranking</a> of TV's most popular hangouts.<br /><br />Big question: <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Ifonlyyouknew/~3/4rJMYvIu_GI/myth-5-friends-cant-share-exes.html">Can friends share exes</a>?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81087182/no-matter-how-dark-8-x-10-giclee-print?ref=sr_43dc526d9b5ea6975d29b2160c082818649c35c3e727a2d7528ac361e11739e3_1319426480_14101629_inspiration_art">So true</a>.<br /><br />A <a href="http://anthropologie.tumblr.com/post/14354649763">satellite view</a> of a frost-covered United Kingdom.<br /><br />How <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/10/03/111003fa_fact_colapinto">famous brands</a> got their names.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyXawnXLJQxhoxyQgpIqXIinyNFTyclXm6a6l5_P2xN0lZ8_GgjHIYup5FCOIMkB3gd4tGgrPKLVRf93GIj0Dc8CO1OxBEvNG6dzf5Xn7Iw85IjhVGSfSFdNUkcptRDAGRzjnLoLcyvAI/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689461917714246354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyXawnXLJQxhoxyQgpIqXIinyNFTyclXm6a6l5_P2xN0lZ8_GgjHIYup5FCOIMkB3gd4tGgrPKLVRf93GIj0Dc8CO1OxBEvNG6dzf5Xn7Iw85IjhVGSfSFdNUkcptRDAGRzjnLoLcyvAI/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" /></a>And I couldn't resist posting <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/19812393">this graphic</a>. Isn't it cute? xoxo<br /><br />[Photo via <a href="http://justbesplendid.tumblr.com/post/14613128470/christmas">Just Be Splendid</a>]

Happy Holidays!

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays to you all, my dear friends. Here's to a wonderfully relaxing weekend of peace and joy spent with family...

3:20 PM

Chocolate peppermint roll

Chocolate peppermint roll

Chocolate and peppermint? I'm sold! P.S. A Fashion Friday post coming up! :) [Via Joy The Baker ]

8:20 AM

Would You Rather: Do all your holiday shopping early or wait until the last minute?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2etlk5t2CGkaJZQNTGZoQ_ADo2SdxFk-sFzwrC7IP7BQjmB7JT9wp51h4WC3S0d3Pd1dXisdngy55M_pVnJwuUOjhxZcFP5RfcymYYGuvNBGyCOGsEZD4FSFPJt25yRI4T1l73TmXJJf/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689043516921980034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2etlk5t2CGkaJZQNTGZoQ_ADo2SdxFk-sFzwrC7IP7BQjmB7JT9wp51h4WC3S0d3Pd1dXisdngy55M_pVnJwuUOjhxZcFP5RfcymYYGuvNBGyCOGsEZD4FSFPJt25yRI4T1l73TmXJJf/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>Friends, let's have some more holiday fun today, shall we? As we get closer to Christmas (<em>it's only 3 days away now...yikes!</em>), it seems like our calendars may explode with office parties, packing for vacation, cookie baking, family parties, general merriment. Sigh... <br /><br />And one more to-do item on some people's calendars? Shopping. I'll admit that I'm sometimes <em>that</em> person: I leave all my shopping until the last possible second. Not my aunt, though. She usually has all her shopping done by Halloween (<em>can you believe that??</em>).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuprfjnkhRHS6B6wK6FPEzzq7gCFujZRmCKqDKQ0fPmftZBb3SEKZztzaYbxM17aXaWHs91AqAhN9QUu9vtnWC65LQbEa4lBSBy955Tb163TayV7Qbd891AwF-zFtaoIG8eK-qnyrjEv8a/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689043509345715154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuprfjnkhRHS6B6wK6FPEzzq7gCFujZRmCKqDKQ0fPmftZBb3SEKZztzaYbxM17aXaWHs91AqAhN9QUu9vtnWC65LQbEa4lBSBy955Tb163TayV7Qbd891AwF-zFtaoIG8eK-qnyrjEv8a/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><strong>So, friends, I ask you: Would you rather do all of your shopping early or wait until the last second? Do you think doing it early takes away some of the magic of the season? Do you hate battling the crowds when you wait until, say, Christmas Eve? xoxo</strong><br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://weheartit.com/">We Heart It</a>]

Would You Rather: Do all your holiday shopping early or wait until the last minute?

Friends, let's have some more holiday fun today, shall we? As we get closer to Christmas ( it's only 3 days away now...yikes! ), it ...

12:43 PM

Little Paris paintings

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6551892495_dba69f40ca_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6551892495_dba69f40ca_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 559px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6551892483_facd35e518_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6551892483_facd35e518_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 559px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6551892477_d8b43b38cd_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6551892477_d8b43b38cd_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 559px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6551892459_5f230d6552_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6551892459_5f230d6552_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 559px;" /></a>As I <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/etsy-love-heart-shaped-city-prints.html">mentioned</a> before, we're staying close to home for the holidays this year, but these <a href="http://paulferney.bigcartel.com/">beautiful paintings</a> by Paul Ferney make me want to hop on a plane right now. I'd love to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up, wouldn't you, friends? Sigh...

Little Paris paintings

As I mentioned before, we're staying close to home for the holidays this year, but these beautiful paintings by Paul Ferney make m...

9:15 AM

The shortest day of the year

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4t_1XqqNk5CIfpAMjHEFx1emZdJimyd7EJOJgbOrCrCgq6zJaeBZgcLCPxn-n-iA6Cke4PD4kt7rdsU0VWLpF5Hq4qV4oN6SYsvczYj7bkEEqVFRFcryWpVqa6hdgt5newCYKXcAKFmW/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688785781389741746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4t_1XqqNk5CIfpAMjHEFx1emZdJimyd7EJOJgbOrCrCgq6zJaeBZgcLCPxn-n-iA6Cke4PD4kt7rdsU0VWLpF5Hq4qV4oN6SYsvczYj7bkEEqVFRFcryWpVqa6hdgt5newCYKXcAKFmW/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ167J8AnzPBSZ-DG07dfyWX-nUpLWhdLumODjoHHKr8-eicopYtf5iTiItixAbcffTNQc1ot1638i5A7QismJH4wrhQjtaE2CuhSwEX1CoTwswLsaEyZxufa8AMGaQl1BH_ye3IMmywP/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688785777132984130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQ167J8AnzPBSZ-DG07dfyWX-nUpLWhdLumODjoHHKr8-eicopYtf5iTiItixAbcffTNQc1ot1638i5A7QismJH4wrhQjtaE2CuhSwEX1CoTwswLsaEyZxufa8AMGaQl1BH_ye3IMmywP/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" /></a>Do you get the winter blues, friends? During these cold months, when the sun sets by 4:30 p.m. and the skies can be generally gloomy even during the day, it can be easy to start feeling a little <em>blah</em>. But the good news? Today is the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CD8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWinter_solstice&ei=xKDyTuC-JsXs2QXI__C2Ag&usg=AFQjCNGlSFXfM9ZP2M6wG9MMjOSgCJuNwQ">Winter Solstice</a> -- the first official day of winter and the shortest day of the year. After today, we'll see a little more light each day (<em>yay!!</em>), but I say we make today a holiday. After all, it's the perfect excuse to eat <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/01/food-friday-hearty-winter-soups.html">warm soup</a>, sit in front of the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-holiday-decorations.html">burning fireplace</a>, watch a favorite <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-your-favorite-holiday-movie.html">holiday movie</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-pleasures-fun-games.html">play games</a> or bake <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-cookies.html">delicious cookies</a>.<br /><br /><strong>So, tell me, friends: Do you ever get the winter blues? What do you do to cheer yourself out of a funk? And how are you going to relax today? Let's chat! xoxo</strong><br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://www.weheartit.com">We Heart It</a>]

The shortest day of the year

Do you get the winter blues, friends? During these cold months, when the sun sets by 4:30 p.m. and the skies can be generally gloomy even du...

6:00 AM

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #145.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4jg6NclZE-3OwvUMfr2UalUMO2mr-mSs2Yx7lNzkntVT7AeILotwZRT9rqd-RUnU15kTSqkRKMQlNLFBhjUEeleSjLuayNJi8atZgnrWvaZDkkXXSfwiBXv9wbxLCZj8p7aG_FTlRoTs/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688650798875283426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4jg6NclZE-3OwvUMfr2UalUMO2mr-mSs2Yx7lNzkntVT7AeILotwZRT9rqd-RUnU15kTSqkRKMQlNLFBhjUEeleSjLuayNJi8atZgnrWvaZDkkXXSfwiBXv9wbxLCZj8p7aG_FTlRoTs/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" /></a>As the great John Lennon once sang, "So this is Christmas." There's so much power in those four little words, isn't there, Sweetpea? So much promise. Here we are, four days away from Christmas in 2011, and it feels decidedly unlike the Holly Jolly season. No snow. The temps are in the upper '40s. And in fact, the closest thing to any hint of a holiday coming up is the fact that I'm sitting here eating a candy cane as I write this (<em>Warning: I'm a candy cane fiend, so be prepared for me to eat a lot of them...</em>). Sometimes, I'm even such a rebel that I take to stealing them from our Christmas tree. <br /><br />But I digress. Seriously, though, it's major holidays like these that make me think of you and wonder where you are. I wonder if you're spending time with your friends, your family or spending a quiet holiday alone. I suppose I should let you know now that once you and I become a <em>we</em>, our hopes for a quiet holiday alone will forever be dashed. Take last weekend, for example. I celebrated Christmas with my father's family. He has five siblings. I have 10 cousins. And one of my cousins has three children. The grand total for the shindig? Almost 30 people. Let's just say that my house was hopping well into the evening, which, as you'll come to find out, is a rare occurrence for me. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsO6nqlVF_q5OW08lg4LEfikqXrEN7vN5gIM0WR8PjdyMJeXyuugUfisZ9UJFNq1zzNepqvllLc6g8hTH3Cb7Z96Zm75ZGnvkmdK6EdkY_Y2fvvqVsOZ_0rzy6BlQOeSmlSmqg8E_tzAD/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688650795744284434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsO6nqlVF_q5OW08lg4LEfikqXrEN7vN5gIM0WR8PjdyMJeXyuugUfisZ9UJFNq1zzNepqvllLc6g8hTH3Cb7Z96Zm75ZGnvkmdK6EdkY_Y2fvvqVsOZ_0rzy6BlQOeSmlSmqg8E_tzAD/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>It's nice to see my family, but it's always been sort of bittersweet since my father died. His siblings remind me so much of him, even down to some of their mannerisms, and this past weekend, it felt like a part of him was with us, celebrating just like we used to. Have I ever told you just how much of a family man my father was? Family meant more to him than anything, and I've been thinking about that a lot this holiday season, Sweetpea. Family. The holidays are all about family, and when part of your family is missing, the wound in your heart stings just a teeny bit more this time of year.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, Sweetpea. I'm so grateful for my family. They are incredible, and if not for them, I wouldn't be who I am today. It's just that these big events mark more milestones since he's been gone. This will be my ninth Christmas without him, and frankly, that just blows my mind. It seems like it was just yesterday when we'd all sit around the tree at my grandparents' house in Alabama, my father acting as Santa and passing out all the presents. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIm8yf1wc7bD47iinL3HfCnroKk6TP5asiQPk7UtmvZubT3yCwgGyFMGY3GuBaZbg_LiNvwd-FuPc51tvjHnZaR_Z9P2Pt1l8E2VZA3rIyUJVgbW1IDxxGCQWunTlf-2wL1yL7RSiVlVF/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688650796328537970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIm8yf1wc7bD47iinL3HfCnroKk6TP5asiQPk7UtmvZubT3yCwgGyFMGY3GuBaZbg_LiNvwd-FuPc51tvjHnZaR_Z9P2Pt1l8E2VZA3rIyUJVgbW1IDxxGCQWunTlf-2wL1yL7RSiVlVF/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>But those are some good memories, aren't they? Memories that can never be taken away from me. These are the sorts of memories I hope we create with each other. I look forward to those days with you, Sweetpea. Those days of making memories without even realizing it. Those days of looking around the room, at all our family, and realizing that everyone that we love is with us. Those days where everything feels right with the world. <br /><br />So until we meet, that is my wish for you this holiday season, Sweetpea. I hope you're surrounded by everyone you love. I hope your holiday is everything you ever wanted it to be. And who knows. Maybe someday we'll meet under the mistletoe. Until we meet... xoxo<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://www.weheartit.com">We Heart It</a>]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #145.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake: As the great John Lennon once sang, "So this is Christmas." There's so much power in those four little...

12:01 PM

Three funny holiday charts

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lR7Jo4b9-LflFVaA0QjAf4LhZOl-hVRWACYvaLmDx50FQdxWIHyVdM2J-3qpexEm98eBeK_Wpman0BbQUh-mH5nHSmsgXLpwMa3Gi4RdVgsGPoHLCLfBU377s9tPVUE0VmZu8_ORWT3k/s1600/aa.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688656060371209906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lR7Jo4b9-LflFVaA0QjAf4LhZOl-hVRWACYvaLmDx50FQdxWIHyVdM2J-3qpexEm98eBeK_Wpman0BbQUh-mH5nHSmsgXLpwMa3Gi4RdVgsGPoHLCLfBU377s9tPVUE0VmZu8_ORWT3k/s400/aa.gif" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGxraGVgkzT87I0yAmo2teqIaNYqdczEwKM7tSFpU-CHxwuAXVfEWX2PNX9VI-j9tq1QxgLrBbfH9mrv3W92IN-iRsOX7Beli-56WSVZOXDhMa9N_e6pHKcbK60CPnXljtrLMaORzNlj_/s1600/aa2.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688656492716176674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGxraGVgkzT87I0yAmo2teqIaNYqdczEwKM7tSFpU-CHxwuAXVfEWX2PNX9VI-j9tq1QxgLrBbfH9mrv3W92IN-iRsOX7Beli-56WSVZOXDhMa9N_e6pHKcbK60CPnXljtrLMaORzNlj_/s400/aa2.gif" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6550151207_7405bf5cdc_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6550151207_7405bf5cdc_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 569px;" /></a>To make you smile so you don't become a grinch... :)<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://ilovecharts.tumblr.com/">I Love Charts</a>, via <a href="http://toomuchnick.com/">Nick Douglas</a>]

Three funny holiday charts

To make you smile so you don't become a grinch... :) [Via I Love Charts , via Nick Douglas ]

11:15 AM

Dream Home: Baby, it's cold outside

Dream Home: Baby, it's cold outside

Wouldn't these holiday doormats be an awesome way to welcome guests into your home for holiday parties? I love the reindeer one! :) [Th...

11:15 AM

Fashion Friday: The Ugly Holiday Sweater Edition

<div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6521856557_5dfc6e506f_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6521856557_5dfc6e506f_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 518px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>As much as we laugh at them, it just wouldn't be the holidays without some ugly sweater love, would it, friends? So I just couldn't help but smile when I came across <a href="http://www.uglychristmassweaterparty.com/">Ugly Christmas Sweater Party</a>, a sweater lover's paradise where reindeer, Christmas trees and Santas take center stage. <br /><br /><strong>Are you having an Ugly Sweater Party this year, friends? Have you been invited to any? Do you own any of these loud sweaters? Go on...it's OK to admit it (<em>I had the most hideous white one that was all sorts of itchy</em>)... xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. More <a href="http://www.uglychristmassweaterparty.com/collections/ugly-sweaters">ugly sweaters</a>, the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=9&sqi=2&ved=0CGAQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fblogs%2Farts-post%2Fpost%2Fugly-holiday-sweater-parties-the-origin-of-the-seasons-sarcastic-trend%2F2011%2F11%2F29%2FgIQAzl3g9N_blog.html&ei=jY3rTunnG5LMsQL70fnhCQ&usg=AFQjCNHGwgh0flYe-xvMpjDCHd78PGLW7A">history</a> of sweater parties, tips for stepping up your <a href="http://la.guestofaguest.com/nightlife/best-2k/best-2k-i-ever-spent-tips-to-stepping-up-your-ugly-holiday-sweater-game">sweater</a> <a href="http://guestofaguest.com/holidays/have-a-very-hipster-christmas-with-these-10-ugly-holiday-sweaters&slide=3">mojo</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ugly-Christmas-Sweater-Party-Book/dp/0810997525#reader_0810997525">definitive book</a> on how to throw the perfect party.

Fashion Friday: The Ugly Holiday Sweater Edition

As much as we laugh at them, it just wouldn't be the holidays without some ugly sweater love, would it, friends? So I just couldn't ...

10:33 AM

Glass ornaments

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSiZAH-SvNz-WiLf5APu_F3w_lqF5eo2AUxudi7N4I4KOjQZd-UrIrqCGpcdN2I2RVS2a_OHm1flTkFAV55ytNHzwjH-UZHQ9iolgTMVwyrlKMS6t0r50co-dDHGIJ7BlvctNpJWhqCXq/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686026087384033538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSiZAH-SvNz-WiLf5APu_F3w_lqF5eo2AUxudi7N4I4KOjQZd-UrIrqCGpcdN2I2RVS2a_OHm1flTkFAV55ytNHzwjH-UZHQ9iolgTMVwyrlKMS6t0r50co-dDHGIJ7BlvctNpJWhqCXq/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbAigiv2PMUE0ffhXyye_d_s9kWAz94X2sjwoeWnVbw5gelNGGMSLKU_MenzENnGH8b92-okLf6lOjcYqwPsvGOse-S_7shEcqg4t7ISriIoID61JlJk66gM-3VIRX5Nh-S3y-D30dSEA/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686026087724369170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbAigiv2PMUE0ffhXyye_d_s9kWAz94X2sjwoeWnVbw5gelNGGMSLKU_MenzENnGH8b92-okLf6lOjcYqwPsvGOse-S_7shEcqg4t7ISriIoID61JlJk66gM-3VIRX5Nh-S3y-D30dSEA/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>Wyoming-based artist Meagan creates the most amazing (<em>and detailed!</em>) <a href="http://theeggoutwest.blogspot.com/2011/12/made-by-egg.html">ornaments</a> in her glassblowing studio. I'm in love!

Glass ornaments

Wyoming-based artist Meagan creates the most amazing ( and detailed! ) ornaments in her glassblowing studio. I'm in love!

8:20 AM

Our holiday decorations

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6502480917_243ff5d1b8_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6502480917_243ff5d1b8_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>While my mother was out of town a couple of weeks ago, my sister and I decided to surprise her by transforming our house into a winter wonderland for the holidays. Since my father died, it's become an unwritten tradition that my sister put up the Christmas tree, and I (<em>naturally</em>) always act as director. We added an extra string of lights this year...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6502497581_f33d977583_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6502497581_f33d977583_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>...and my mother decided we needed some light on our indoor plant, too...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6502489347_422cdd2ef5_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6502489347_422cdd2ef5_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>...And of course, it just wouldn't be the holidays without our little Santa guarding the house at his post -- our fireplace!<br /><br /><strong>Do you decorate a lot for the holidays or not so much? What's your favorite decoration? Any one that has sentimental value? xoxo</strong>

Our holiday decorations

While my mother was out of town a couple of weeks ago, my sister and I decided to surprise her by transforming our house into a winter wond...

6:30 AM

The perfect holiday dessert

The perfect holiday dessert

Doesn't this cookie dough dip look delicious? It would be perfect for holiday parties, though part of me would be tempted to keep it al...

10:54 AM

Etsy Love: Heart-shaped city prints

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6495587671_53a7277563_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6495587671_53a7277563_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a>Are you going anywhere for the holidays? We're staying home this year, but Chicago-based artist and graphic designer Kevin Lucius is giving me a bit of the travel bug this morning. His <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuciusArt?section_id=8143231">City Heart Map</a> series features all of my favorite cities, starting with this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84571634/the-midwest-does-it-best-wood-block-art">obvious statement</a> about the Midwest...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6495587821_4b365c993f_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6495587821_4b365c993f_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67929428/chicago-art-city-heart-map-8x10-art">Chicago</a> for its hot dogs, shopping on Michigan Avenue and some surprisingly good memories from my surgery and doctor days.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6495587983_aedbf6c2d0_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6495587983_aedbf6c2d0_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a>The special (<em>and last</em>) family vacation we took to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72844918/new-york-art-city-heart-map-8x10-art">New York City</a> with my father, where we strolled through Central Park and where my father and I walked all around Midtown Manhattan browsing all the record stores until midnight.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6495588163_8519bd9d7c_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6495588163_8519bd9d7c_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72993279/los-angeles-art-city-heart-map-8x10-art">Los Angeles</a>, where we gawked at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, squeeled when we saw all the suits from <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2008/11/man-candy-monday.html">Frasier</a> and felt like celebrities when we sat poolside at my aunt and uncle's timeshare.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6495588305_b2cfc94a31_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6495588305_b2cfc94a31_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81452849/nashville-tennessee-art-city-heart-map">Nashville</a> for its wonderful music and Southern hospitality.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6495588479_27aa7ba4b8_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6495588479_27aa7ba4b8_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a>And <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79828854/madison-wisconsin-art-city-heart-map">Madison</a> for being in the state with the <em>best</em> cheese in the entire world.<br /><br /><strong>What cities do you heart, friends? What are your favorite cities and why do you love them? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. More map love, including <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/12/illustrated-city-maps.html">illustrated city maps</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/01/etsy-love-map-prints.html">map prints</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/08/atlas-plates.html">atlas plates</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/03/inspiration-travel-posters.html">travel posters</a>.

Etsy Love: Heart-shaped city prints

Are you going anywhere for the holidays? We're staying home this year, but Chicago-based artist and graphic designer Kevin Lucius is gi...

8:23 AM

Fashion Friday: Which sparkly dress would you wear to a holiday party?

<div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6482639217_02cdd9104c_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6482639217_02cdd9104c_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 511px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Is it just me, or are glitter and sparkles everywhere this season? As long as it's not bordering on the Las-Vegas-Elvis-impersonator-fake-jewelry kind, I love anything that sparkles and shines. So when I found these sparkly dresses, I couldn't help but swoon. <br /><br />First up: A <a href="http://us.asos.com/French-Connection-French-Connection-All-Over-Sequin-Body-Con-Dress/w2ipf/?iid=1528719&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Cream&mporgp=L0ZyZW5jaC1Db25uZWN0aW9uL0ZyZW5jaC1Db25uZWN0aW9uLUFsbC1PdmVyLVNlcXVpbi1Cb2R5LUNvbi1EcmVzcy9Qcm9kLw..">gold sequin dress</a> with extra-long sleeves...<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6482639039_3c3c3f5d6d_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6482639039_3c3c3f5d6d_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 511px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Belted-Dress-with-Star-Print/wi5i6/?iid=1639095&xr=1&mk=VOID&r=3&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1CZWx0ZWQtRHJlc3Mtd2l0aC1TdGFyLVByaW50L1Byb2Qv">belted dress with star prints</a>...<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6482639093_6fbb91b2b7_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6482639093_6fbb91b2b7_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 787px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/cluster-beading-neck-dress-parker/vp/v=1/845524441920048.htm?folderID=2534374302063518&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12075&extid=affprg">glitter V-neck dress</a>...<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6482638825_d18d8e823c_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6482638825_d18d8e823c_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 800px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A <a href="http://www.edressme.com/1318p.html#">sequin skirt</a> (<em>I love how it looks like the glitter is cascading down the dress!</em>)...<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6482639345_95066b3722_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6482639345_95066b3722_o.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 787px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/cluster-beading-strapless-dress-parker/vp/v=1/845524441920045.htm?folderID=2534374302029428&fm=whatsnew-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=12075&extid=affprg">silk-chiffon dress</a> perfect for twirling...<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, which one would you wear to a holiday party? Which one is your favorite? See my pick in the comments... xoxo</strong>

Fashion Friday: Which sparkly dress would you wear to a holiday party?

Is it just me, or are glitter and sparkles everywhere this season? As long as it's not bordering on the Las-Vegas-Elvis-impersonator-fak...

9:55 AM

Secret message holiday card

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSuf9_J4_VNV50L63xzt-7vR8rFpz0l7D9nN8Oq4lmjuUXrYzu5Ymxds5bc94pRFlR4hKRDnATbKcZVpqLKprNqFNksp-2zILKLoGTNZtlhgN1x6mFMYTe31kE9Qu382NQGfq0o19QB2r/s1600/holiday_decoder1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683384887836811362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSuf9_J4_VNV50L63xzt-7vR8rFpz0l7D9nN8Oq4lmjuUXrYzu5Ymxds5bc94pRFlR4hKRDnATbKcZVpqLKprNqFNksp-2zILKLoGTNZtlhgN1x6mFMYTe31kE9Qu382NQGfq0o19QB2r/s400/holiday_decoder1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>How fun is this <a href="http://witandwhistle.com/shop/holiday/tree-decoder-holiday-card/">secret message</a> holiday card? It would be perfect to send to a <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-6-your.html">crush</a>, don't you think? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. More <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-cards.html">holiday cards</a> + <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/winter-illustrations.html">winter art</a>.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2011/11/15/shhhh-secret-message-holiday-cards/">babble</a>]

Secret message holiday card

How fun is this secret message holiday card? It would be perfect to send to a crush , don't you think? xoxo P.S. More holiday cards + ...

8:10 AM

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Part #7: Sweet little stocking stuffers.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLCaVu5-tqjVwEm12XgV7wtwSwLZFo_igHPkSZ0pomWeJKrsKsIsxGo6qmyNCrxRUQ0vJ8bVaOhZMR0WRJap1MYpvG8LkI3I5ttL8xcOCOx72kADxihyphenhyphen_aHoBgmmFDGdumYpBN8-LhSe8/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683116022258738146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLCaVu5-tqjVwEm12XgV7wtwSwLZFo_igHPkSZ0pomWeJKrsKsIsxGo6qmyNCrxRUQ0vJ8bVaOhZMR0WRJap1MYpvG8LkI3I5ttL8xcOCOx72kADxihyphenhyphen_aHoBgmmFDGdumYpBN8-LhSe8/s400/aa3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A little <a href="http://www.beso.com/2650354268/detail">glitter nail polish</a> to add some sparkle to a holiday ensemble, $18.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Gx9ON3OjJKwUf6j8QFc2XECyv7Odlpwr_DJMWW-3GbdaOiLUFteeHd51GlgGad6Xm9o36-espiemwofEbTJ1asUABDtQTjodMILpCn8kJkDTYDA2Yw_z4_7EDUrrUfIsDFecN-2a2OJQ/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683114177074197666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Gx9ON3OjJKwUf6j8QFc2XECyv7Odlpwr_DJMWW-3GbdaOiLUFteeHd51GlgGad6Xm9o36-espiemwofEbTJ1asUABDtQTjodMILpCn8kJkDTYDA2Yw_z4_7EDUrrUfIsDFecN-2a2OJQ/s400/aa4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/product/1011108/513207.html">Rose pocket mirror</a> to add an extra dash of whimsy to the holidays, $7.50.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DExaBkiN3Mmuqmw7zgOxrMv2rdEWWDA37Q_ZMOkrXqlpEbiB8n4u3CKbOjRSMsTa6O8lLxNlz8BKI4_i_Xp5JDunoph_c0meT5GBT3_4ZCK7Qtqk7I7oUU1yDQCeP8VY90FEXEXjEWsy/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683114174012321746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DExaBkiN3Mmuqmw7zgOxrMv2rdEWWDA37Q_ZMOkrXqlpEbiB8n4u3CKbOjRSMsTa6O8lLxNlz8BKI4_i_Xp5JDunoph_c0meT5GBT3_4ZCK7Qtqk7I7oUU1yDQCeP8VY90FEXEXjEWsy/s400/aa5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/product/1011108/70106.html">Doxie pen</a>, $4.95.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV4HRc-qv1KPNFT8EqK47nV0LHWQxL_TwX6f64gJ5U41i-EehJSSG2J-xcBGyOxLBQggwgrFczdMoqLQyJZn0jbbRdKoNnQWgq5siElaf0eSzHxi4SpFo6l2NqodaAkZz6yT4m_6Ya3V7/s1600/aa9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683116693305796898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV4HRc-qv1KPNFT8EqK47nV0LHWQxL_TwX6f64gJ5U41i-EehJSSG2J-xcBGyOxLBQggwgrFczdMoqLQyJZn0jbbRdKoNnQWgq5siElaf0eSzHxi4SpFo6l2NqodaAkZz6yT4m_6Ya3V7/s400/aa9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/record-coasters">Record coasters</a> to brighten up the living room, $18.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uUSBTw3Jz0jJwXz8wjkmiE3hOMF9IsxQ0jfmAzLwbiGRnhCzek9QbqU0CLZxVbmRRO_I-tgmKsBF_t-rjRJZmlzKEP-UNBSRYpqQMJDf8a7rQSh_5BTe0w0xkLX0SKc-GWMWOI6raG-T/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683116021088392450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uUSBTw3Jz0jJwXz8wjkmiE3hOMF9IsxQ0jfmAzLwbiGRnhCzek9QbqU0CLZxVbmRRO_I-tgmKsBF_t-rjRJZmlzKEP-UNBSRYpqQMJDf8a7rQSh_5BTe0w0xkLX0SKc-GWMWOI6raG-T/s400/aa.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87410308/wishes-for-you-custom-pencil-set-favors?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Wish For You</a> custom pencil set to give loved ones personal wishes for the New Year, $11.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB5jOnX2EVjr5wduolyrgl_phZ5RfxfTxysqgndYBppWlNwcPppC5tH6fm3haZtRzm8zzIK34SePZBOl5XvjHqh0e8KN38HtTKCdyYk_kq9FN_BXBHicce8Y4Tu16Qj4EuiRq7OVIFfgU/s1600/aa7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683114162845765714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB5jOnX2EVjr5wduolyrgl_phZ5RfxfTxysqgndYBppWlNwcPppC5tH6fm3haZtRzm8zzIK34SePZBOl5XvjHqh0e8KN38HtTKCdyYk_kq9FN_BXBHicce8Y4Tu16Qj4EuiRq7OVIFfgU/s400/aa7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/word-teasers">Word teasers</a> for word nerds, $15. Remember <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/for-grammar-nerds.html">these</a>?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L_5hvPub6jE7Lsgkv4abrdwfHuCqKG6MIgO2p73qaBrRzcJkyrFBd9_3l8FzrdpDhg-xxU7vmZ0AqsIkLUU_BofEXaFDUSZz63rvWoUqd9w_tPNxBLi2sbfUQvzaXXXM2SUMTgtEdA4K/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683116021232238066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L_5hvPub6jE7Lsgkv4abrdwfHuCqKG6MIgO2p73qaBrRzcJkyrFBd9_3l8FzrdpDhg-xxU7vmZ0AqsIkLUU_BofEXaFDUSZz63rvWoUqd9w_tPNxBLi2sbfUQvzaXXXM2SUMTgtEdA4K/s400/aa2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 389px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73110716/wicked-witch-bookmark-etsy-original?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Wicked Witch bookmark</a> for the book lover, $10.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwMJSU60PzM0s6OVBvXgAHNxJuet5vlONXmhvCpr7VisSX_MTWLFC-1bNApdLG_-3lfTe7VamSvRTLTjfhfjbmsOpsYHV13HkDn5kFG2lQhyphenhyphen784aUJel4Dzbcltl3S4b2m0TcChJe_Ixb/s1600/aa6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683114166557150242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwMJSU60PzM0s6OVBvXgAHNxJuet5vlONXmhvCpr7VisSX_MTWLFC-1bNApdLG_-3lfTe7VamSvRTLTjfhfjbmsOpsYHV13HkDn5kFG2lQhyphenhyphen784aUJel4Dzbcltl3S4b2m0TcChJe_Ixb/s400/aa6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85185349/handmade-mini-journal-sketchbook">Mini journals</a> for the artist, $6.50.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSgaJ9IwXoqCHPVCbBh0bp92Q-PL6jam11htgqV2bOnlhR3nAKcSJz_kI5jDXuM6n5n91b7kz_CA68Lhxat1p3gbZN4j06aqXneAoQelZYgKVGNqEMuSA8UXI_HlH4YRt1BzVPfbHCiNb/s1600/aa9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683114157343884834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSgaJ9IwXoqCHPVCbBh0bp92Q-PL6jam11htgqV2bOnlhR3nAKcSJz_kI5jDXuM6n5n91b7kz_CA68Lhxat1p3gbZN4j06aqXneAoQelZYgKVGNqEMuSA8UXI_HlH4YRt1BzVPfbHCiNb/s400/aa9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/wildflower-seed-bombs-set-of-2">Wildflower seeds</a> to plant for the spring, $14.<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6467777397_92aa7e53df_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6467777397_92aa7e53df_o.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 220px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Girl-Scout-cookies-flavored <a href="http://www.colorandflavorshop.com/product.php?productid=511490&cat=0&page=1">lip balm</a> because, well, they're <em>Girl Scout cookies</em>, $9.95. More Girl Scout love <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/girl-scout-cookies.html">here</a>.<br /><br />P.S. You can also read more gift guides here: <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-1-your.html">Mom</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-2-your.html">Dad</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-3-your.html">Sister</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-4-your.html">Best Friend</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-5-your.html">Little Cousin</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-2011-part-6-your.html">Guy Friend</a>.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Part #7: Sweet little stocking stuffers.

A little glitter nail polish to add some sparkle to a holiday ensemble, $18. A Rose pocket mirror to add an extra dash of whimsy to the ho...

12:50 PM

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