Free for Me and Free for YOU!

It's always nice to get a little something free, but it's even better when the freebie is cute! 

Paper Coterie is an adorable site dedicated to helping you capture your memories in a beautiful way. I first fell in love with them when I designed my families Christmas card this past year. They had super cute, non-traditional options that fit our family pictures perfectly. Scalloped edges, bright colors and awesome typography... what's not to love?

So back to the freebie... The great people at Paper Coterie are offering the below prints for free download on their site here. 

I think this will be the first one I add to my gallery wall:

Choose happy? Ok! If you say so!

Splurge or Save: Valentine Edition

So I did a quick round-up of some cute top options for your Valentine celebrations, but what about adding a cute pair of earrings to your holiday rotation? 

splurge / save

I like both of these so much, I'd keep wearing them well past Valentine's Day!

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

It's about that time again... everyone's favorite holiday! Ha! 

Let's all get in the spirit! Shall we?

1 / 2 / 3

And all 3 are a steal! Anywhere from $17 to $70 you could pick up 1, 2 or all 3!

Definitely Nice!

So if anyone was wondering whether I was naughty or nice last year, it turns out I must have done a thing or two nice because Santa was very good to me! AND this blog had a lot to do with it... you probably recognize most of my favorite gifts below are items that I've talked about right here!

1. Tracy Reese Plates: Originally I thought these plates would be great for my future wall 'o plates, but it turns out I got 2 sets {thanks to my Mom and sister thinking alike!} so they will be making an appearance at my next dinner party on the table rather than on the wall!

2. Young House Love: Favorite blog is now my favorite coffee table book! 

3. North Face: It's official. I have worn this jacket everyday since Christmas. And I'm not sorry! It's so cozy!!

4. Tech Gloves: ebb&flo comes in handy again! Dress My Tech GG to the rescue for my cold hands that still need to work my phone. 

5. Bobbi Brown Palette: The colors are even better in person than they were when I added them to My Personal GG picks!

6. Southwest Boots: Mama Z went way back to the early days of ebb&flo with my Southwest Style post to bring home these babies! And they are way on sale now, so you should treat yourself.

So that's a wrap on Christmas 2012. I can't believe it's over! I love everything that I got, but I must say that the best and most beautiful part of Christmas was seeing the joy in my nephews eyes with every single gift and surprise he received! Oh to be a kid again!!! Already excited for next Christmas!

It's Here!

A new year for new beginnings! I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a great year!

Christmas Morning Brunch

Merry Christmas one and all!!!

Right about now, my family and I are enjoying Christmas morning brunch! This is a new tradition that we just started last year. My parents host our family Christmas for 50+ people in the afternoon, so we decided it's best to start our day off with a BIG brunch after opening presents and before the last minute scurry of getting ready to host a large crowd! 

Here's what I made this year {I'm in charge of sweet. Molly is in charge of savory.}

Breakfast Cookies:

recipe

French Toast Bake:

recipe

Monkey Bread:

recipe

And mimosas, of course!

Yummy in my tummy! Hope you all are enjoying your favorite holiday traditions with the ones you love!

Very Merry Everything to you all!!! I'm going to take the rest of the week off from ze blog to really soak in the holiday, but don't you worry... I'll be back with some great new inspiration come Monday morning!

A Very Merry to YOU!

Hello my friends! Just wanted to drop by with some of my favorite Pinterest finds for the holiday season!

My wish for you:

source

May you party so hard you end up with garland in your hair:

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May you get everything on your Christmas list:

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May you remember to workout:

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And most importantly, may you stay calm:

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Merry Christmas ALL!!! xoxo

Bows.

Just a little holiday party dress inspiration for you today! Your Christmas packages don't have to be the only things tied up with bows this year!

1 / 2 / 3

Gift Guide: Me and the Kiddos

It's time for the final round of ella.bella.bea&flo gift guides! AND lucky for you, it's a BONUS round!!!

First up, gifts I'd love to see under the tree:

1. Bobbi Brown palette: Love all of these colors! 

2. Cozy Blanket: When I first saw this blanket, I thought it could be a fun DIY, but let's be honest, that's a lot of pom-pom application! 

3. Michael Kors Watch: I've had my eye on this watch forever! Love the horn material.

4. Gossip Girl Season 1: I've always said I wanted to watch GG... maybe now that the series is over, I should just start from square 1!

5. Lulu Lemon Pants: These are a total splurge, but I think they're worth it. Most of my workout clothes come from Target or the like, but a well fitting pair of pants that down ride up or fall down can make or break a workout... ya know what I mean?

6. Rebecca Minkoff bag: I've had my eye on the M.A.C. bag for a while, and this color is my new fav! Every girl needs a good red bag in her closet!

7. Pave´ Link Bracelet: A classic. A must!

And for the kiddos you'll be buying for this holiday:

1. Vintage NBA Shirt: My brother-in-law in from Denver, so I try and help my sweet nephew support his Dad's teams every once in a while and this is a cool-kid way to do it!

2. Art Easel: I'd still love to have an easel as an adult and I have fond memories of having one as a kid.

3: Bitty Baby: Every little girl needs a doll under the Christmas tree! Bitty Baby was my favorite!

4. Tools: And every boy needs his first set of play tools to practice becoming Mr. Fix-It someday!

5. Q&A-A-Day Book: What a cool way to document conversations and thoughts of kiddos!

6. Lion King: This could be a gift for adults and children alike. Classic.

7. Sparkle Collar Tee: Need I say more? We all know I wish I could shop in the Crewcuts Collection of J.Crew!

So that wraps up our Gift Guides for 2012! If you're still shopping, check here for inspiration!

Can you believe Christmas is here in a week?!? Crazy! I think I'm most excited about the gift I've bought for my brother-in-law mentioned above, which is weird because he is definitely the most difficult to buy for! And of course, I'm way excited to spoil the heck out of my nephew... last year he was more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts inside. I'll be sure and share some cute pics of the sweet boy with some of his new Santa goodies!

Wrap It Up

So I'm not even close to being done with my Christmas shopping {I know, I know... take my own advice and follow the gift guides!}, but my wheels are already turning on how to wrap up all the goodies that I'll be gifting this holiday season!

Here are some great options that I am considering:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I think the photo option could be really fun for old friends! I have some great pictures of my girlfriends in our their awkward years that might need to come out of hiding. 

And you all know me, anything with a monogram is great! Options 1 and 3 are definitely calling my name!

Last year I did my own little version of option 6:

And I do have some of that craft paper left over, so maybe option 5 is for me this year!

Decisions, decisions! What's your favorite?!?

It's the Holiday Season!

In honor of the feast of St. Nicholas {anybody remember to leave their shoes out last night?}, I'm thinking it's time to get into the holiday decorating spirit! The only problem is, I can't decide what theme to go with this year... fun and bright or classic and traditional? Oh the choices!

source

I'm usually all about it when it comes to decorating for Christmas, but I'm having trouble getting into the spirit this year. I feel like the holiday season is already moving too fast! Plus, with the crazy warm weather I haven't even had the need to pull out a coat yet! 

Check out my Holiday Happiness page on Pinterest for more great decorating, wrapping and general merry-making ideas!

Gift Guide: for Her

Here's to the ladies in your life that you need to buy for... moms, in-laws, co-workers and so on...

1. Kate Spade Wallet- I have a wallet in this style and I love it! Tons of pockets which ladies are always looking for! Plus, it all hides away with a quick zip and helps me to look clean and organized on the outside... inside, that's another story!

2. Philosophy Amazing Grace Set- Who doesn't want to know that you think they are graceful? That's a compliment in itself. And as an added bonus, it smells amazing, too!

3. Stationary- Thoughtful and useful! Winning combo!

4. Cashmere Sweater- Ok, so maybe this is a little overboard for a co-worker, but cashmere always shows the ones you love that you care!

5. Jewelry Box- A cute and chic way to store your jewels or keepsakes. Looks great anywhere!

6. Makeup Brushes- This is something I would love to receive, myself! It's something I wouldn't necessarily splurge on, but what a great time of year to invest with so many giftable sets available!

7. Pearls- I have this set of pearl bracelets and I love them! They are classic in that they are pearls, but a little fun and different in the shape and the fact that there are 7 strands in the set! And they are a steal!

Don't forget to check out my other gift guides if you're looking for a gift for your BFF, for Him or to Dress Your Tech!

Cyber Monday Sales

Holiday shopping season is in full swing! Here are a few of the sales I'm perusing today on Cyber Monday and some of the items that have caught my eye:

1. Piperlime {20% off with code CYBER}

Rebecca Minkoff Perfection Tote

2. Tory Burch {Spend $300 get 20% off, spend $500 get 25% off, spend $750 get 30% off with code GIFTFORYOU}

Violet Small Tote

3. Kate Spade {No code necessary! Go here to view the items on the Surprise Cyber Sale}

Portola Valley Shanna

Are you seeing a theme here? A working girl can never have too many tote bags! That Kate Spade is a heck-of-a deal... I may just have to pull the trigger. Classic shape, great texture and fun color - that sounds like a winning combination!

Thankful.

So thankful for all the blessings in my life. Family, friends, furry pup, food on the table, health, Jayhawk basketball, travel and the list goes on and on. 

And a very special thank you to all my favorite ella.bella.bea&flo followers! I am thankful for each of you.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! xoxo

Gift Guide: Dress My Tech

Hiya friends! I'm back with another Holiday Gift Guide! If you're looking for gifts for you BFF or a man in your life, check here and here for other GG's in the series!

Do you have any of those people on your Christmas list that are impossible to buy for? These days no one can go a minute without checking some form of technology for some sort of information, so why not help your friends dress their tech!

1. Smart Phone Wallet- Ingenious! If someone gifted me this I would always know where my phone is!

2. iPad Cover- Now isn't this clever? Combine the look of vintage books with the functionality {and protection... no I don't ever drop my iPad!} of an iPad case. You're sure to look chic pulling this out of your tote!

3. Personalized Phone Case- I've said it before... when all else fails go for the monogrammed/personalized gift. Always a winner in my book!

4. Battery Booster- This is for your friend that's always asking you, "Do you have a phone charger with you?" 

5. Earbuds- Add a little personality to plugging into you favorite tunes! How cute are these??? And let's be honest, the Apple issued earbuds could use an upgrade in the comfort department!

6. Tech Gloves- I.need.these. It is so annoying to have to take off your gloves in order to use your touch screen devices! Santa, take note!

7. Bose Speaker- And if you really love the techy on your list, splurge on a great speaker system. Tunes for everyone all around to enjoy!

Splurge or Save: Sparkle

When it comes to dressing for the holidays, I'd love to invest in a sparkly dress for every occasion that pops up, but the truth is my budget won't allow. Bummer! Instead of splurging on a new dress for every occassion, I do what ever smart fashionista does and rely on my favorite LBD {little black dress, of course!} and try and mix it up with accessories for a new look.

It's no secret that anything sparkly is "in"  for the season, I even talked about it here, but if you're not ready or don't the budget for a new dress, a great clutch is the perfect way sparkle-up an old go-to favorite!



Splurge or $ave


Yes, I've blogged about the coordinating Kate Spade coin purse here, I can't help it... I love it! I think this clutch needs to be mine. And yes, I love just about everything Kate Spade, as proven here, here, here and here.

So based on that shocking confession, I think you know what my choice would be here. SPLURGE! It is the holidays after all, and you deserve to treat yourself!

Gift Guide: For Him

Ok, so I have to admit... I am not good at shopping for boys. I think in comparison to what they have to offer for the gals, the boys section is b.o.r.i.n.g. In fact, I hate it. I breeze right by their department. This gift guide was not easy for me to put together, and although it's somewhat general, I'm kinda happy with how it came together!

1. flannel - every boy needs a good flannel!

2. sweater - the go-to gift... boring, yet functional.

3. game gear - I feel like this isn't necessarily something a boy would buy himself. Most of my friends are still wearing the college game gear they acquired during our school years and it's time for an upgrade!

4. travel kit - again, not something a guy would maybe buy himself, but would definitely come in handy!

5. scarf - a great piece to splurge on! A true classic!

6. watch - even boys like a little bling.

7. decanter - when all else fails, go for something with a monogram!... that's my theory!

So there you have it! Happy holiday shopping for all of your boyfriends, hubbies, brothers, friends, dads, cousins, uncles and so on out there! 

Gift Guide: BFF

The holidays are coming! Before you know it we'll be passing out presents under the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa while the fire place roars... wait -- that sounds a little too perfect -- somehow Christmas always ends up a little more crazy than that... and I love every minute of it!

I think one of the best parts about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for someone you love. Somehow I am always more excited to give the gifts I have purchased, than I am to receive gifts {not a huge fan of surprises... silly, I know!}.

What better way to countdown to Christmas that prepare with a fresh batch of gift guides? Since we have 7 shopping weeks left before Santa Clause graces us with his presence, I think that calls for 7 gift guides. Who might we be shopping for you ask...

• Your BFF
• For Her
• For Him
• Homie 
• The Tech-ster
• The Pup
• For YOU

So, without further ado:

Friends can be hard to buy for, but hopefully this little list will help you out just a bit!

1. This infinity scarf is both cute and cozy! The color combination would make a great compliment to any wintery wardrobe.

2. My favorite candle always makes chilly winter nights a little warmer. It's called "Aloha Orchid"... maybe I'm just dreaming of a warmer Hawaiian environment!

3. Who said friendship bracelets are just for kids?

4. It's always fun to dress up your phone and this is one of those purchases I hate to buy for myself! 

5. How fun is this two-tone clutch? Not only a great pop of color for a winter wardrobe, but versatile for year-round use!

6. Add a little sparkle to compliment her clutch! 

7. And of course, no holiday gift guide would be complete without some socks! I always wear fun socks under my boots... it's like a little bit of cheer each time I take my shoes off after a long and cold day!

Sequin Season

It's that time of year again where everyone is ready to pull out their holiday best and sparkle around town! BUT this year, sequins isn't limited to your holiday party and fancy events, it's all-around acceptable for everyday wear and even making it's way into you home... check out the cute Anthro pillow below! 

 top: tank / sweater / stripes / dress
bottom: pillow / leggings / skirt

Take a look on how you can work a little sparkle into your wardrobe:

earrings / top

Here's a great look for happy hour! I know, I know... yes, those are sequins leggings, which are a little out of most peoples comfort zone, but pairing them with a simple, long top and statement earrings, you'll be all set!

pearls / heels

When you're going all-over sparkle, keep you accessories classic and minimal. Pearls and patent make great compliments to this fancy party dress.

necklace / jacket / jeans

Sparkle for daytime? Why not! Pair your sparkle with more casual pieces like you favorite boyfriend jeans and that military jacket we talked about here! Oh, and don't forget a fun necklace to finish the look!

Pumpkin Party

We all know what writers block is, but I think I have pumpkin block. I would have to clear out an entire pumpkin patch just to complete all the pumpkin pictures I've pinned!

Here's where I'd start my pumpkin party:

ribbon / glitter / brights / golden / dot / patterns

Any votes for favorites? Where oh where should I begin?

Luckily I'm home all week, so pumpkin painting/carving/glittering is definitely on the agenda. Better go get me some pumpkins to start this party!!