Advent Calendars

I love Christmas countdowns, and with ideas like these, who wouldn't?

1. This idea is so fun, especially for younger kids. The goal is to fill the mittens with small gifts or messages throughout the days of Christmas to countdown until Christmas Eve.


2. These are from an etsy shop I found; each bag is imprinted with the days of December.


3. I loved this idea, so simple. From Denise at d.sharp, you can even download the numbers here to make your own. Not only is her blog fantastic, but her design is so lovely. Label simple envelopes and string them anywhere.


4. This calendar countdown is made from baby socks. I love the image of them lined up in a row. Found here.

Try these ideas out, or save them later for next year. Nothing's better than counting down to Christmas!

{Melissa}

(pics via d.sharp, Martha, and nuvonuva)

On the 1st day of Christmas...

To kick off the Christmas holiday, we decided to do 12 posts for the 12 days of Christmas featuring some of our favorite Christmas ideas. To begin the 1st day, I wanted to share some great wrapping gift ideas.

Anything pretty on top makes it extra special.

Give a little something extra with a gift card and tie it with luxurious velvet. The yellow color is divine!

Fabric and string makes a yummy treat cozy and inviting.

I loved this idea when I saw it. Each rain boot is stuffed with presents and goodies. You could even do this in place of stockings.

With labels like these, people will fight over which gift is theirs.

Speaking of pretty little gifts, its drawing time! I just wanted to say thank you for all those people who commented-- I always love to hear that my posts aren't too horrible :)

Me and Megan had a lot of fun packaging these-- that is usually my favorite part! We made pom-poms for the top (this tutorial helped) and included a Christmas Wendy Addison ornament for some glitter (you can't have too much).

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Drum roll...... randomly generated by the magic of my fingertips....

Congrats Melissa and Christie! Send us your mailing address and we'll get them in the mail soon.

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Thanks for playing along! Be on the lookout for a post tomorrow!

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{Melissa and Meg}

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(pics via Hostess, housetohome, Martha, and Country Living)

Loves of Late

Lately I have been in love with tweed and plaid. Don't ask me why. All you have to do is look at my recent fabric purchases-- I'm officially head over heels.

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Just for you, a little montage of lovely inspiration-- a little Toast, J.Crew, Domino, and vintage goodness. Maybe it can inspire something lovely.

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{Melissa}

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(pics via Toast, J.Crew, Domino and Life)

A giveaway just for you!

Hello again--I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. In about 1 week and a half I will be able to fully enjoy mine. Finals will be over, classes will be finished...I'll be in heaven.
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I know that I mentioned this awhile ago, but the giveaway is finally here! Megan and I wanted to share some of our favorite things for the season, items we love to use and enjoy. There are two bundles to give away, which means two winners!
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Take a peek below:
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1. Yummy lemon lip gloss from C.O. Bigelow. Definitely a must.
2. Domino mag. Need I say more?
3. Easy Healthy cookbook. Great recipes, and ingredient conscious-- perfect for any New Year's Resolution.
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Package #2
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1. Easy Soups cookbook. Warm delights to combat any blustery day.
2. Oprah at Home Magazine. This color issue has the best room makeovers.
3. Lip gloss from C.O. Bigelow. Minty fresh.
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There is a major snow storm brewing outside, so it's almost time for me to burrow under the covers, but I just wanted to drop in and share the goodies.

We hope you enjoy-- just post your name in the comments and we'll pull the winner sometime next Sunday, the 14th.

I'll be posting later during the week, so be on the lookout. Have a great day!
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{Melissa}

Michael Woolley

Check out these awesome photos by Michael Woolley. Boy, if I could travel to the places these were shot at, I would be in heaven.

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Be on the lookout for a giveaway in the next day or so. Can't wait! One of my favorite things is giving things away, and I am super excited about this one!

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Have a happy Friday tomorrow. I know I will, because the weekend shortly follows!

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{Melissa}

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(pics via Michael Woolley)

The Beehive Bazaar

If any locals want to attend, I am sure it is going to be a blast. I'm marking it on my calendar, so I might see you there. Check out their website here for a list of artists and goodies.

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I officially have a cold. I want to go to sleep, but I have one more English article to read before I can hit the bed.

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So, farewell ladies. I hope the cold bug doesn't catch up to you too, and make your head feel like a balloon.

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{Melissa}

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(pic via The Beehive Bazaar)

Happy Thanksgiving

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-- Melody Beattie

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Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you all the best!

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{Melissa}

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(photo via ffffound)