Have a Fab New Years!

Can you believe it's time for another year? How do you ring it in each year? We are off to the Berkshires with a group of fabulous fun people {and Otto!} to celebrate, ski, eat, drink and be merry. Always a good time with these folks.

If you are following the #FabNewYearsEve hashtag on twitter - everyone is displaying their wardrobes for either their real or dream NYE, so I couldn't help but jump in with NYE Berkshires style!

Here's to another year full of fabulous things! xoxo, Abby

New Years Coasters

How perfect would these be for your NYE party? Pretty perfect.

via Etsy

Tuesday Shoesday

On this lovely snowy Tuesday Shoesday, I present closets I want to live in. Like this one, for instance...

via

 Or this one that makes my fairy tale dreams come true....

via

Or this one made for the princess in all of us...

via

I love Tuesday Shoesday and I love organized closets.  For more shoes to fill said closets, check out {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} 

Or check out #tuesdayshoesday on Twitter!

Snowed in.

via

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and a very Merry Christmas. We definitely did and are now expecting 20" of the white stuff overnight. So we are cozy in the house cooking some fabulous fish stew (a Croatian recipe from a restaurant on our honeymoon), enjoying a roaring fire, having an adult beverage or two, and laughing hysterically at Otto bounding in snow that is taller than he is.

Let it snow.

Merry Christmas Eve!

I love, love, love Christmas Eve. It is all the fabulous anticipation for Christmas in one glorious day. Mr. C and I travel all over New England like a regional Santa on Christmas day, and this year Otto is making the journey with us - he'll be like our little reindeer. Apparently dogs on Christmas are in because I've noticed in a few of my absolute favorite holiday inspired shoots, dogs have been front and center - and boy do I think that is darling.

Photography: Leo Patrone via 100 Layer Cake

Alison Conklin via Style Me Pretty

Here's our little reindeer - all ready to navigate!

Dogs or no dogs - Merry Christmas Eve folks! Enjoy every second!

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Spotted on Twig & Thistle and I am officially in love. Spend some QT with the Merry Newsinator today, you will not regret it.

Merry Merry

The snow is falling outside, I have a glass of wine with my name on it, Otto is cuddled up on my feet, Christmas carols are playing in the background, and I'm starting to finally feel St. Nick knocking on my door. Life seems to get a bit hectic with each passing year, but thankfully St. Nick doesn't age. He doesn't care about my excuses and always seems to bring out my inner dorky kid even when I try to fight it. Love him for that. So St. Nick - this one's for you...a bit of merry inspiration as we get closer and closer to the big day...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

...So slow down, just a bit, and remember why this time of year is so wonderful. It's all about the memories, the funny stories, the not so funny stories that become funny after a few years, and hanging out with people that make you, you.

Merry Christmas.

Tuesday Shoesday

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

For more shoes sure to put you in the holiday spirit, visit {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} Or check out #tuesdayshoesday on Twitter!

The Gift of Giving

I mentioned on Friday my family was doing something a bit different this year as far as gift giving goes. We each picked a soldier on anysoldier.com and sent a package with their requests. I picked a woman in Afghanistan - her request was simple, basic toiletries and feminine products for the women in her troop.  She also said they want to feel like girls again. Well, they came to the right person {Otto helped as well}! I stocked them up with the basics they asked for, and then had a lot of fun with little girly things they can still get away with while helping to defend our country. Mascara, nail polish, face masks, magazines, decadent snacks, stationery, Starbucks coffee, etc. etc. I have to say, I really enjoyed this. They accept packages all year long - so it's always a good time to send something!

anysoldier.com

Here's to a fabulous holiday season for everyone - and a special thanks to those defending our country.

Holiday Hair

pssst...anyone out there? I know it's Saturday but I need to share something. I have been looking near and far for some easy holiday hair ideas. This is particularly important today because we are headed to a few festive parties this evening {ps. I think today was the "it" day for Holiday parties -we were invited to 7 for this day alone!}. Any who, leave it to Martha to come to my rescue. I might just try this today...

via Martha Stewart

Step 1:

Using a round brush, blow-dry hair smooth and straight, focusing on the top sections.

Step 2: 

Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves from the ears down.

Step 3:

Build height and volume at the crown by teasing hair gently with a fine-tooth comb.

Step 4:

Gather hair into a low ponytail. Twist it along the nape of your neck, pinning as you go.

Step 5:

Once you reach your ear, shape the remaining hair into curls, and pin them back over the twist.

Step 6:

Spritz strands in place.

Step 7:

To add texture, gently curl and scrunch the wispy ends with your fingertips.

And you're done!

Happy Weekend {+Downloads}

Can you believe this time next week it will be Christmas Eve? Eeeeeekkkkkkk. I probably shouldn't say that out loud - it might scare people away, but next week will be all about some hustle and bustle.  My family is doing something a bit different this year - in lieu of presents, we are each sending a package to a solider overseas via anysolder.com {thanks jacin for the great site!}.  All of us are pretty low maintenance when it comes to getting gifts, and this just seemed like a better way to use our resources. It's actually turned into a fun little family project! So in the spirit of giving, I thought I would do a round up of my favorite free downloads from this week...

First up, the ever so talented Brancoprata shared this darling download on the ever so lovely Naomi's blog Enchanted Dreams & Affairs.  Perfect for this next week of hustle and bustle!

Brancoprata

I know a certain someone hosting a legendary cookie party tomorrow {so bummed I won't be there}, and these recipe cards from Paper Stories spotted on The Sweetest Occasion would be just perfect for the occasion!

Paper Stories via The Sweetest Occasion

While we are visiting The Sweetest Occasion, there is another download that is a must for this holiday season - the hostess card from Carolynn of Two Brunettes! I am a BIG fan of Carolynn and she actually just welcomed a new addition to the family this week!

Two Brunettes via The Sweetest Occasion

Are your holiday cards sent out? Well, some of us aren't so on the ball. I actually just got mine in the mail yesterday and will start sending them out today.  If you are looking for a last minute idea, here is a nice little DIY card from Eat Drink Chic.

Eat Drink Chic

Happy downloading and happy weekend!

xoxo, Abby

More Than Words

I am in love. I just stumbled upon my dream gift to give. Unfortunately a bit too late for Christmas, but luckily I know a few gift giving occasions coming up perfect for these works of art from More than Words. I could {and did} get lost on her site. I want it all. You probably will too.

More than Words

Tuesday Shoesday

It is that time again! Hello Tuesday! With holiday parties in full swing, dancing shoes are obviously on the top of my mind. And who wouldn't feel like dancing with one of these golden beauties adorning their feet?! The best part is there a shoe for all price points in this round up! Enjoy!

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For more dancing shoes, be sure to visit {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} Or check out #tuesdayshoesday on Twitter!

Saturday Style Me Pretty Wrap Up

I hope you are having a lovely Saturday. In case you missed them - here are the gorgeous weddings I had the pleasure of posting this week on Style Me Pretty:

Newport Rhode Island Wedding by Raina Dawn Events

Chic, Modern Las Vegas Wedding by Chelsea Nicole Photography

San Francisco Wedding by Amy Nichols + Julie Mikos Photography

Bald Head Island Wedding by Joey + Jessica Photographs

New York City Wedding by Melissa Hayes Photograph

California Wedding by Wildflowers Photography

 

Happy Weekend {+ fav gift guides!}

Well, we survived the first week of being puppy parents. Forgive me for the radio silence coming from my end...Otto tends to think fingers typing on a keyboard are the best toy ever, and the breaks I used to take for personal use {aka chatting on twitter and blogging} are now puppy play breaks.  I would be lying if I said I didn't love every single second of it. That doesn't mean I haven't been searching the depths of the internet to find a little inspiration in my two seconds of spare time. This week said inspiration is in the form of gift guides because well...lets just say I am a little behind.

Everything Mrs. Lilien touches turnes to gold (or silver in this case)...

Mrs. Lilen:click images for credits / where to buy

I know a certain lover of yellow that would love each item in this gift guide from Design Sponge.

 

Design Sponge: click image for credits / where to buy


Decor8 spoke directly to me with their 12 last minute gift ideas....

Decor8: click image for credits / where to buy

I hope everyone has a fabulously festive weekend! Miss y'all already! 

xoxo, Abby

P.S. For those of you on twitter, thanks for humoring me with all the Otto picks :) 

A Giveaway so good, It's Knotty

Ok, so my father always says nothing in life is free. Well, Daddy-O, you obviously haven't meet Alison of The Knotty Bride because not only did she just launch her amazing new site...she is giving away...FOR FREE...wait for it...wait for it...

Gem Photo

$3,000 WORTH OF FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY (ALL CAPS!!) from the fabulously talented Emily Scott, of Gem Photo.  Breathe....breathe...here's what you get:

• 8 hours of fabulous wedding coverage…
• TWO (2) photographers…
• Your hi resolution edited images on disc for you to have…
• An online gallery to share with all of your family and friends, and…
• A 20% discount on all products (images/albums) ordered!!!

Here's how you enter:

STEP 1: Leave a quick comment on the Knotty Bride letting her know you plan to enter the contest.

STEP 2. “Like” The Knotty Bride on Facebook, if you haven’t already!

STEP 3: Aka, the fun part – Gem Photo and I want you to find ortake a picture of you as a couple that best depicts who you are, as a couple.

You have until Thursday, December 16, 2010 at midnight EST to enter.

So head on over and win yourself some FREE photos!!! 

Wedding Wednesday on SMP

You won't want to miss these beauties on SMP today...trust me. 

San Francisco Wedding by Amy Nichols + Julie Mikos Photography

Bald Head Island Wedding by Joey + Jessica Photographs

 

Tuesday Shoesday

I just fell in love with the shoes from yesterday's Chic, Modern Vegas Wedding on Style Me Pretty.  It's easy to see how the bride used these Christian Louboutins to inspire the entire wedding. They just my inspire my entire day today.

Chelsea Nicole via Style Me Pretty

For more inspiring shoes, be sure to visit {brancoprata} {magnolia rouge} {demoiselle} {meant to be sent} {simply & forever} {landlocked bride} {swatchbook weddings}{luna & chloe weddings} Or check out #tuesdayshoesday on Twitter!

Tied Up with a Bow

Well it's been quite the weekend in the Super Burbs.  Sir Otto {we knighted him} is even cooler than we could have expected, and I am on a constant overdose of cute {ie, when we found him under the Christmas tree- picture here}.  For the non-dog lovers out there, forgive me - I promise to stop talking about him everyday by 2012. Stick with me. In the meantime, I have been loving all the simple but adorable gift wrapping ideas floating around the web right now and thought I would share a few. Of course, my present this year didn't need a bow however, just a collar :)

{From top: Grey Likes Weddings for Style Me Pretty / Style Files / Design Sponge / Cox and Cox /  Yvestown / Petunia / Martha Stewart }

There are also some beauties you won't want to miss on Style Me Pretty today - so stay tuned!

Happy {puppy} weekend!

Well folks the weekend we all {ok, maybe just me} have waited for is finally here! Sir Otto the official puppy of the Super Burbs is going to be running around our house tomorrow! Basically you know what I'll be doing all weekend - melting. Into a complete pile of mush. So as I am floating in Super Burb heaven over the weekend, I shall leave you with a few of my favorite finds from the world wide web to keep you entertained.

A winter inspiration guest post on The Sassy Bride complete with awesome shawl & shoes.

click for full vendor credits

I am in LOVE with the Mrs. Lilien Holiday gift guides. Particularly the one for Mrs. Works A Lot below.

Mrs. Lilien

Live in the present. Get it? Love that play on words {I'm easy to please} and the packaging here.

Fossil via Twig & Thistle

Typography + jewelry = WIN.

Jacqueline Rabun

And in case you missed them, here's a wrap up of my SMP posts this week!

Miami Wedding by Mi Amore Foto

Michigan Wedding by Bryan and Mae

 Central Texas Wedding by Brittney Melton Photography {coming today!}

Connecticut Mansion Wedding by Carla Ten Eyck Photography {coming today!}

I miss y'all already! xoxo, Abby

p.s.

sorry I couldn't help myself.

weheartit

Guest Post on The Sassy Bride

Guest posting away! This time on The Sassy Bride - check it out :) 

SMP Guest Post: Michigan & Miami

I'm spending the day at SMP, so be sure to check out some of the lovely weddings being featured each and every hour.  Particularly this one and this one :)