Dressing up

Since New Year's Eve is just around the corner, I thought I'd also share a link to their mother of the bride dresses, which has both dresses meant for weddings and also just some pretty special occasion outfits. The outfits above are two of my favorites. What do you think? Do any of you older women have advice for dressing up without looking too young? I've always been a conservative dresser, but I'm even more conscious of it now that I'm a mom. Anyone have advice on dressing the part while still looking nice? 

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And the winner is...

Headed to mailboxes everywhere sometime tomorrow.

Tree of life

Have you seen this trailer? It's visually stunning, but I'm not sure what the movie is about... guess we'll have to watch it!

Best viewed in fullscreen. 

pretty packages

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I love the detail that went into wrapping these gifts! I might like gift wrapping more than gift-getting. It's so much fun! 

These arctic animal wrapping papers are a new favorite. I love the colors! 

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We're gonna need one of these...

I'm pregnant again! Thus the bloggers block. Baby number 2 will join us sometime next August, and I can't wait. We'll have 2 under 2 cause we're crazy like that and think it will be a blast. We had an ultrasound today confirming that baby's doing great. I'm about 7 1/2 weeks along and everything looks good. Keep us in your prayers!

More blogging to come, some gift ideas and another sponsored post (bear with those - I make lots of moolah from them. If you all totally hate them I'll quit, but at Christmas I couldn't say no to an extra $200....) 

I'm excited to rejuvenate things around here! I miss my little blog corner of the world :)

winter wedding wonderfulness

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Isn't this winter wedding just gorgeous? Bran and I got married in May, but his parents were married in December and I think a winter wedding sounds like so much fun. Especially if you, like me, love Christmas decorations. The huge wreath in the photo above looks amazing. 

If you're currently planning a wedding, you must check out The Wedding Salon. They list local vendors for everything you could need. They have lots of resources, and even host wedding events and bridal tradeshows.  You should definitely check it out!

Sponsored Post.

I'm terrible at keeping secrets.

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I know I've been saying this a lot lately, but I'm sorry for the lack of posts this week. Between taking care of my little one (who might be teething, though I've been saying that for months and she still doesn't have any teeth!) and not being able to think about anything but the surprise I've been dying to tell you about, the blog juices just haven't been flowing.

Are you like that? Do you have a hard time thinking about other stuff when something is on your mind? I am and it's driving me crazy!

I promise they blog juices will come back, especially once I'm allowed to spill the beans. Feel free to guess what the surprise is - I'd love to know what crazy thing you might think I'm not telling you!

In the meantime, check out my blogroll, especially my sister's blog and tumblr, and the links to your right. Have a great week/weekend, and I'll be back soon. Promise.

Friday Finds: Christmas Gift Guides

I hope you're enjoying my {lame} gift guide this year. I know I've been terrible about updating it and promise to try and do better! Because I like you all so much, this week's Friday Finds will direct you to my favorite gift guides from around the web. Happy giving!

Design*Sponge has done four so far, $25 and under, $50 and under, $100 and under, and splurge worthy. They always find great things!

Joanna Goddard over at A Cup of Jo just started hers for this year. She has such amazing taste.

6th Street Design School is doing a series of Gift Guide giveaways.

And finally, Design Mom is having huge Holiday Giveaway Weeks. Each giveaway is for everything mentioned in that week's post. It's a huge deal!

for the artsy type

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We all know that city prints are in, but have you seen these city plates? How cool would they look arranged on a dining room wall (with some solid colored plates thrown in so it's not too overwhelming!)?

It's party season - what to wear?

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Hey guys! Taking a break from the christmas gift guide for a post about some gorgeous party dresses. One of my favorite things about Christmas is all the parties, and finally getting to wear those fun dresses we save for special occasions. Do you have a favorite dress that you're always excited to wear? I have a purple cocktail dress that I bought for a wedding I attended a few years ago. It's funky and different, and I love it!

I bought my wedding dress at David's Bridal, and remember being really surprised at all the gorgeous special occasion dresses they sell. They have all different styles, too, from fancy to more casual, floor length to above the knee. The dresses in the photo above are some of my favorites. They  also have some really cute bridesmaid dresses that could definitely pass as party dresses. I'm thinking this one in jade or apple, and I absolutely love the little flower detail on this one, which comes in Christmas party-ready black or gold.

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