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!