Happy Holidays

Merry  Christmas!

Signing off for a few days to enjoy the holidays with family, food, and well, cheer. 

No matter what you're celebrating this time of the year - have a good one and be safe! Hug your loved ones a little tighter, take each moment as a blessing, and be thankful for all that you already have.

We'll resume in the New Year with plenty of fashion and news. 

Until 2013... Xo

That's a wrap..

Well, it's our last full post here before the holidays and what better way to 'wrap up' 2012 (see what I did there? *wink-wink*) than to discuss all the possible fun ways you can present your gifts to all the special people in your life.

Being a creative soul and designer, I love playing with the wrapping. Sometimes, being human gets the best of me and I prefer to be lazy pants and do this -

but, if you have some energy and you really love to make things look pretty like me, than I have some great wrapping options for you!
First, I love nothing more than good ol' brown wrapping paper. It's neutral which means it can be dressed up or down and the best part, it can be used all year round. Really with this the options are limitless to what you can do. Tie on some baker's twine and au naturale pine needles and pine cones, like this! Not only are you saving on bows, but you're helping out the environment too.

And if you're a little Martha Stewart-esque and know what washi tape is.. (it's amazing, go get some!) you can do something super artistic like this.

On the other hand, brown kraft paper is not for everyone. I know first hand that my mother would not be on the kraft paper boat. So, if you get your seasonal joy out of using traditional Christmas paper, then try something new with the ribbon and bows.

I'm a sucker for monograms, in case you haven't noticed, and I love this idea to make the Christmas paper more modern and fun. Mixing and matching the paper as ribbon is just what Santa ordered.

So cute, right?! 

Not all Christmas paper is tacky and reminiscent of the early 80's. Now a days, it can be pretty tasteful, like these gifts.

I love how the fresh pine and mistletoe is incorporated into the grosgrain ribbon. Also, just the paper itself, kept clean of bows and accouterments, is so refreshing...but, keep in mind, you better be a good wrapper to achieve that. No tchotchkes to hide your faults here.

If you are an adventurous soul, or gifting to someone that appreciates good design like myself, well then why not do it up like this next one.

I've been a sucker for herringbone this year... can't get over my l-o-v-e for it. It's so classy and looks great with red. This gift is a melting pot for every great design element, but make sure you feel secure enough with your 'eye' to achieve this look.. or it could end up very, very wrong and that would just be super sad.

Our last gift wrap idea is for those that want to do mother Earth good without sacrificing the joy of unwrapping a Christmas gift. 

Fabric wrapping is picking up steam, and becoming a great option for those that just can't stand backing up the landfill this time of year. Your gifts will need to be all within the appropriate sizing to be wrapped with one good size cloth. This can be achieved a few ways - 

1. buying work rags at home depot and dying a load in Rit Dye

2. buying red or green fabric by the yard and cutting 16x16 square templates

Many people started doing this for baby showers with baby blankets. Baby blankets are a great way to also achieve this look if you can find any in a festive print or color.

Well, that's a WRAP on our 2012 here at BsT&B. I hope Santa brings you everything your little heart desires and you all enjoy the time spent with your family and friends. Don't forget to leave out your cookies and reindeer food. ;)

Whatta'ya Love? Weds

via NaughtyBetty

MLI: Christmas prep

My Life in Instagram....

Christmas prep.

We've had some fun this past weekend....We attended a few Holiday parties (hence the early baking), searched up and down the low-country for a tree-stand (last minute, oops!), finding & cutting down our tree (and then cutting it once more at home when we realized it hit the ceiling), and sending out our family Christmas cards (nothing spectacular, we don't believe in photos until a kid is involved). There's still so much to do in the days to come, holy overwhelming.

7 days 'til Christmas!

Holiday GG: ornaments

It's about that time to start trimming the tree. If you're anything like me, you realize every single year (once you open your tree box) how crappy your ornaments are. The old sad looking ones get tossed, the ugly ones get shoved to the back of the tree, and the pretty ones that mean the most all fight for the center front spot on the beefiest branches. 

I try my best after Christmas every year to pick up some on clearance.. but, once the holiday is over, and we've spent a whole month shopping for the stuff, the desire to spend more money on outdated decor becomes tiresome. So, this year, if I see one I like, I buy it. I'm pretty sure I have one in the crevice of the ornament box, no longer sporting a hook, that can enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

The best ornaments though are the ones that tell stories. Ones that bring back a feeling, moment, or time in your life that you get to reminisce on while finding it the perfect branch. To me, there's no better gift than a well-thought out one. Ornaments make great add-on gifts, so why not cut the waste and save on bows this year? Clip these onto your gift box to give your present a bit of character.

1. Pottery Barn woody car glass ornament $9

2. Nordstrom ceramic sweater ornament $10

3. Urban Outfitters diet coke ornament $8

4. Anthropologie aspen bunny ornament $18

5. West Elm felt snowflake ornament set $6

6.  Pier One jingle bell ornament set $9

7. Don't forget your Scentsicles scented ornaments $5

How cute is aspen bunny? She's pretty fierce.

Holiday GG: clutches (for you!)

Ok, Ok, I know I cheated. The Holiday Gift Guide is supposed to be for gifting... but, we all know that Christmas does not go un-celebrated without a little prezzie shopping for yourself. Not to mention, you end up having to buy all these kinds of things anyway... might as well categorize them as "gifts" to make your budget look better. You deserve it! (at least that's what I always tell myself.)

Here are the top 5, most attractive, affordable clutches floating out in cyber space this holiday season. They're festive without screaming it and they can most def be used over and over during all 4 seasons. You're welcome!

1. RED Valentino leopard & lace bow clutch $207

2.  Lauren Merkin Carolina croc-effect leather clutch $124

3. Neiman Marcus color-block envelope clutch $67

4. ASOS metal frame clutch bag $32

5. Neiman Marcus two-tone foldover clutch $67

Some are so affordable you can buy multiples, but then there are a few that are investors. You know what I say about quality over quantity... plus, it's Christmas! treat yourself.

Home for the Holidays

We're back to the homestead and that only means 1 thing.... lots to do before Christmas! I can't believe how December is just flying by and it's such a scary thought that 2013 is only 2 whole weeks away. AH!

We have a lot planned for this weekend including tree hunting & decorating, grocery shopping, wrapping, last minute gift shopping, christmas lights viewing, and unfortunately have to install a french drain in the backyard. We currently have an unintentional koi pond to the back left of our house. I figured while the men work on that, I have some DIY Pinterest finds that I'll be working on and sharing on the blog. So you know a trip to Hobby Lobby is on the schedule of events as well. 

It never fails, the holidays always seem to rush by and then we're left trudging through January and February. Do you have crazy busy plans for the next 2 weeks? Any fun unexpected tasks that crept up for you?

'Tis the season!

Whatta'ya Love? Weds

yes, now or never 2012. 

Big things to come in 2013, keep to the blog for a few great things I have coming up in the new year. Xo

Holiday GG: cocktails

It's coined as the happiest time of the year, right? Well, I'm pretty sure the reason for three quarters of that happiness stems from the consumption of alcohol. I mean, how else are people tolerating their extended families?

At some point this season, you'll be invited to a gathering, whether a holiday party or a social get together, and you'll be stuck with the task of having to purchase a gift for the host. That is, if you want to be a good guest! (and I don't need to remind you that YOU DO.) So, continuing on in the series of our Holiday Gift Guide, we give you everyone's favorite dirty word, Cocktails.

1. great use for an invite or a thank you - Kate Spade 'bottoms up' notecards $30

2. Pier1 modern cocktail bar accessories $15-20 each

3. a reasonably priced but mmm mm delicious bubbly - Mionetto Prosecco Brut $15

4. West Elm set of 4 gold rimmed stemless glasses $32

5. Our fav tequila here in this household.. just in case you're invited ;) 1921 Tequila Reposado $50

6. Can't go wrong bringing Coppola wines $15++ (found in any good wine store)

7. Crate and Barrel small talk corkscrew $29

8. If the script is flipped and you're the host, serve a festive mix of Cranberry & Vodka.

Happy Holidays!

MLI: holiday decorating

My Life in Instagram....

Holiday decorating.

A new feature on the blog that I so sweetly coined, my life in Instagram. It's a zinger, isn't it? j/k.

Take a peek, (be a fly on the wall), in my life through photos. If we're not Instagram friends yet, well we should be. Come on over and add me, @ambetz.

(the dining room)

The (great) Outdoors!

Although every year I get a bit bitter over having to put all my cool chotckes away to make room for the festive decor, I have to say, I do kind of really enjoy it. It's definitely much better and more effective with a house.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday song pop

CeeLo - this Christmas

As if this song wasn't great already?!

"presents and cards are here

my world is filled with cheer and you this Christmas

and as I look around

your eyes outshine the town, they do this Christmas"

Holiday GG: stocking stuffers

 The last minute gift that everyone seems to forget: Stocking Stuffers. That is, if you actually stuff the stocking. If not, you've made a wise choice my friend, but I have to admit, you're totally missing out on all the fun!

There are 3 rules when shopping for stocking stuffers that one must follow:

1. The gift must be able to be held in the palm of one hand. In other words: pint size prezzies.

2. The gift must be under $25. Preferably under $20... the best ones, under $15. Otherwise, it goes under the tree.

3. The stocking stuffer is better received when it's a fun novelty, "I don't really need this, but I love it", kind-of gift. Underwear, socks, and chocolate candy santas do not fit the bill.

Phew. Now that we got that out of the way, I'd like to give you some ideas on what said presents could be for the big & the wee littles. They're interesting and original, but more importantly have really ideal uses that play an important part beyond the cuteness of it all. Take a look and scoop some up for all of the peeps on your gift list.

1. For the grade schooler: Shopbop blackboard piggy bank $24

2. For the 20-something brother: TargetxNM Rag & Bone shot glasses $24

3. For the newest little who: GAP husky hat $17

4. For the college girl: Target sleep mask $5

5. For the writer, blogger, notebook appreciator: Maybooks custom notebook or agenda $20-25

6. For the pre-teen: Printed glitter iphone charger $15-25

7. For the fashionista (or hell, just yourself): Grace: the memoir $20

8. For mom: Sonia Kashuk Makeup brush set $15

9. For your man: Victorinox Swiss Army pocket knife $18

I have been using the maybooks for over a year now and I can honestly say, I can't do without. They make me want to have a schedule. You'll love them and so will your recipient, promise.

Grace: the memoir is one of the most highly anticipated and highly coveted books in the fashion community. I'd pretty much say you can't go wrong gifting it unless, well..., she's already bought it for herself! If not, she'll love you for it.

Happy Shopping!

Pantone Profiles: Hot Pinks

Obviously, I have to pay homage to my favorite color, Hot Pink. I've tried to stray plenty of times throughout my life, but I've given in and succumbed to the fact that yes, I am a girl who loves Hot Pink. Sue me.

PSA: All photos are my findings from tumblr, Pinterest, Etsy and the expansive assortment of images on google. I cannot credit every single one, but know that I am in no way taking credit for a photo unless I say it's mine.

Whatta'ya Love? Weds

aaaaand, we're off!

On our Griswold Betz family road-trip...

Heading up to the good 'ol state of New Jersey to visit family and friends we haven't seen in awhile before Christmas. More importantly we're heading up to celebrate the union of our good friends, Melissa and Alex. Wahooo, you two!

I'm dreading this 12 hour drive, and did I mention, waking up at 3am? My husband is itching to get behind the wheel. So, by the time you're reading this all snug as a rug in your chair, think of me playing the backseat driver to my wonderfully race car driver  skilled better half. Naps or reclining back in my seat? Not without one eye open. I promised I'd switch turns behind the wheel while on I95 seeing that it's one long black hole of nothingness for a good 5 hours of our drive. Which in better terms means I get to control the satellite radio for at least 2 hours. When J controls the radio, it sounds more like constant channel surfing and a few "HEY! That was a good song.." piping in from the passenger seat. Bathroom breaks are my nemesis, I can hold water like a camel, but my husband pees like a pregnant woman. Not even joking, sometimes it's so bad I've even asked him if he was carrying our child. He thinks I'm officially insane for having a problem with someone having to go to the bathroom, but for me it's more about the time spent having to stop every 45 minutes. Our dog even rolls his eyes...

Oh the joy's of road-trips, let's hope we all get there and back next week in one piece!

Festivus dressing

"Oh my, my, oh hell yes - Honey put on that party dress." 

- Mary Jane's Last Dance, Tom Petty

It's that time of the year when fully sequined attire becomes acceptable to wear morning, noon, and night. The holidays can get pretty expensive, with all the gift-giving and impromptu cocktail party hosting, it can really break a gal's wallet. Well, you can let it if you want, but I've come up with a few dress options that range from "you're kidding me it's this cheap?!" to "but, it's totally an investment". 

Take a look at the good, better, best of holiday party attire below.

1. Erin by Erin Fetherston 'Celeb Status' dress available on Rent the Runway

2. Adrianna Pappel sequined mesh blouson dress a Nordstrom exclusive

3. Jonathan Saunders 'Farah' silk-crepe & tulle dress from the Outnet

I love how flirty our first pick is. This dress by Erin Fetherston is absolutely adorable and the best part is you can rock this to your next company Christmas party for under $100. Rent the Runway has been around for what feels like ages now, and most people are scared to take the plunge. This dress that retails for over $375, can be yours for the span of 4 days (possibly get away with 2 parties!) for $70. Don't worry about how it fits, the best part of RTW is they send you 2 sizes free so just in case one gives you trouble, there's always back-up. They also have great reviews from past wearer's that let you know what size they ended up wearing and what their street size is so you can get a better idea. All dresses come to you in impeccable condition - practically brand-new, dry-cleaned, and well taken care of. Membership is free, shipping is super quick, and if you have any questions you can chat with one of their stylists online or give their 1-888 number a call. Basically, you'd be stupid not to give them a shot. Why not with this dress?

Our better option comes from one of my favorite retailers. Nordstrom is the best, offering free shipping and free returns all the time. That means if you're having second thoughts because you're not sure what size you are or if the dress will look just as spectacular in person, you can get all of your options so you don't need to make a rash decision. Send back whatever you don't end up needing. Easy, right? This dress from Adrianna Pappel is ah-mazing and it's only $198. I love the flapper-like details and I love how this little shift was styled with the belted waist. This dress is so versatile you could get away with wearing it for New Years, too. It also would look super cute dressed down for a day at work - just throw on a cardigan and some boots. So many options for day to night and anywhere/anytime, you'll definitely get your money's worth!

Now if you're going to empty the wallet, you might as well do it on this great little black dress. The OUTNET offers this Jonathan Saunders for 65% off it's retail at a cool $730. Now, I'm a firm believer in investment pieces and good quality shows, people. This dress is so classic it can be worn for practically everything. That December wedding? How about New Years with a little fur stole and some killer diamond drop earrings. The job interview on a warm spring day with nude pumps and some arm candy. Oh, yes! I will have you buying this dress before I'm finished the post.

Either way you choose, you can't go wrong. Looking good can come easy no matter what your paycheck dictates for you. Have some fun this season and remember versatility is our key word here. Layer up, accessorize, and a good pair of killer heels will help you confidently rock any one of these dresses to the party.

black dresses