Monday Moodlifter: Deck the Halls!

Christmas is one week from tomorrow!  Kind of crazy really, it seems like December just started.  Every year we tell ourselves: "This is the year we'll really be on top of things and really decorate for the holidays!"  And typically we manage to do the basics, like put up a tree (even a table top one counts), and string around a few lights, H even gets as far as stockings.  We still never manage to go as all out as we would like, though, because before we know it the holidays have come and gone.  So, this post is really to help us prepare for next year.  Here are five adorable holiday decor ideas we love, and hope to use as a guide when we hit-up Target post Dec. 25 to snag some great decor items on sale.  Enjoy!

This adorable table set-up includes a sweet winter terrarium, which is actually super easy to make.  In fact there's no reason we couldn't put one of these together by next Monday for ourselves (assuming we can manage a trip to Michael's before then).  The tutorial can be found over on Kelle Hampton's blog Enjoying the Small Things.

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What a festive mantel!  Everything from the hanging stars, to the greenery and red and silver accents just shouts "JOY".  Even if you don't have a fireplace mantel, you could probably still create a similar look across a wall shelf, or even a console table.  There's no rule that stockings have to be hung from a fireplace.

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Again, this is such a simple idea we can't believe we haven't taken the time to put something like this together ourselves yet.  Simply use a large empty vase, or other glass container, and drop in extra ornaments that didn't fit on the tree.  You can use whatever color scheme you want, and place these anywhere around your home to add some extra cheer.

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Who doesn't love presents?  So why not use some for decoration!?  Just wrap up a few empty boxes with pretty paper and ribbon and place them in various spots around your home, but maybe not under your tree, that could get confusing.

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This idea actually has us a little teary-eyed, in a good way though.  How special and personal to use old family holiday photos to decorate at this time of year.  This is an especially sweet idea if your family can't all be together for the holiday.

Hopefully these have sparked some ideas for you guys!  We know we plan to pick up some extra ornaments and cheap vases once the sales start on Dec. 26 so we can actually be prepared next year. 

How do you decorate for the holidays?  Do you go all out, or are you more like us and are simply happy if you get the basics up in time?

Wednesday Perk: Ooooh, Sparkly!

With Christmas just around the cornor, it's time to start figuring out your New Year's Eve plans.  Ok, we'll admit, we've both reached that point in life where NYE consists of dinner with friends and watching the countdown in pjs from the comfort of our couches (if we even make it to countdown, sigh).  However, we still remember our days of excitedly getting dressed up and paying waaaaaaay too much for a ticket for some "fancy" party, and, being the girls we are, we still completely appreciate the sparkles that come out front and center on this one night.  So, for all of you who have plans to get dressed to the nines searching for a glittery look, or for those like us who simply like to admire shiny things, here are some sparkly dresses and accessories to make you a star this New Year's Eve!



We don't know about you, but we would never pay more than $100 for a NYE dress.  Luckily this Zara dress is only $89.  If silver isn't your thing, it also comes in black.  Also, if you are curious how this dress actually looks on check out the review over on Extra Petite, she includes actual pictures of her wearing it.

If you have the legs to wear a mini-dress, then NYE is definitely the night to rock it!  We love how this Arden B. dress balances the short hemline with the longer sleeves, it even has a cute keyhole cutout on the back.  This dress also follows our under $100 rule, coming in at $89 as well.

Not everyone is comfortable trying to pull off a fully sequined dress, so here's a classic pencil skirt alternative.  We love the simplicity and the length, and currently it's on sale for $64.99.

If sequined clothes just aren't your thing, but you still want some sparkle try these lovely gold shoes.  These would be great for a cocktail party, or even to spice up a more casual jeans outfit; so really there is no excuse not to wear them, even for us.

If you really only want just a tiny touch of sparkle, this clutch is perfect.  It's not totally bedazzled like everything else here, plus the coloring means it will go with just about anything you decide to wear.

What are your NYE plans?  Do you just admire glittery outfits like us, or do you actually have plans to don some sequins?

Monday Moodlifer : A Walk on the Wild Side

It is that time of year where our weekends are full of various holiday gatherings.  Some are casual, and some are more formal.  Typically at these types of events the common colors we see women wearing are blacks, reds, and some lovely jewel toned blues, greens, and burgandies.  We thought for today's Monday Moodlifter we would offer some different accessory options, all in the same theme, that will go with any of these colors, and that can either make a casual outfit a little more cool or a cocktail dress a little more daring.  So what is this universal theme, why leopard print of course!  So enjoy these wild animal print items we are completely in love with right now!

This J.Crew bangle is just beautiful and classic, with the leopard giving it that little bit of an edge.  This would be a great addition to a casual outfit adding just that hint of interest without going over the top.

These block heeled shoes from Ann Taylor would be the perfect addition to your outfit if you have a work holiday happy hour to attend.  They are fun without being offensive, and bonus, you can probably get away with wearing them through out the year in the office as well.

A scarf like this will help take your outfit from running errands to brunch or dinner or friends.  It will also keep you warm as you rush along to your destination from the metro.

This haircalf belt is super versitile.  It could wrap around a sheath dress or a pencil skirt at work.  You could toss it on over a long sweater and skinny jeans, or if you are daring, you could even try it out over a simple black cocktail dress.

 Lastly, this little box clutch is so lovely and would be a fabulous statement piece to add some sass to a more formal outfit.  It's also great because it will work with more casual outfits as well, which makes the $120 price a little more palatable.

Do you have any go to accessories for the holidays?  H has a lovely pair of onyx and gold teardrop earrings she regulary pulls out this time of year, and M likes to pair crisp cream/white tops with bright, sparkly jewelry.