A Bit of Sparkle

It's the last weekend before the New Year and we're expecting a snow storm in NYC today. By tomorrow, the city will have a glitter of it's own. I couldn't be happier. Got the crock pot humming with a delish Santa Fe Chicken recipe, and making the most of my last few days of the holiday vacation by freshening up the apartment before New Year's Eve.

And, what's NYE without a little glitter? If you really want to do it right, you have to add some sparkle. Some might say that glitter is cheesy, but I think it's just got a bad rep (you would too if hung out with Ke$ha that much). Glitter makes a statement on special occasions, but can just as easily add a touch of glamor to the everyday. Some of my favorite uses of glitter, after the jump.

Holiday Wrap Up

Merry-two-days-after-Christmas, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your holiday and are looking forward to the New Year. Does your living room floor look something like the above on Christmas morning? I know ours does. For the last few weeks we've carefully shopped and lovingly wrapped all these great Christmas gifts, all for the fun of tearing them open and leaving a big crumpled mess. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Now that the frenzy of gift-giving is over, do you need help keeping all your leftover wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and tags organized? Here are four great ideas for storing Santa's workshop till next year.

Wolfpack Christmas!

I had so been looking forward to our friends' (loving dubbed by one of our dads as 'The Wolfpack') annual Christmas dinner this year. Friday night was the perfect way to start my Christmas vacation: surrounded by friends, good food, and lots & lots of wine.

This is the second year in a row we've all made sure to set aside a night to be together before the crazy week of holiday and family obligations. Although the tradition is about being together, and not giving gifts, we decided to add a little grab bag to the fun this year: each of us brought an Essie nail polish and swapped :).

For a little DIY touch, I made party favors for everyone to take home. Check them out after the jump..

'Tis The Season....

 Has the tryptophan worn off yet? Have you walked off those extra slices of pumpkin pie? Better pull yourselves together because it's time for the holiday rush. There's a lot to do this time of year, but don't let it overwhelm you. Just like the big man himself, make a list to keep track of all your holiday errands and gifts to buy. A list can be very therapeutic when you're being pulled in a million directions. Sometimes when I make one, I'll toss myself a few freebies that I know I can cross off right away. Hey, whatever helps, right? Here are some helpful hints for your big holiday-to-dos:

Gobble Gobble!

I love Thanksgiving for so many reasons. I love that it's the kickoff to the holiday season, and that all the excitement and anticipation leading up to Christmas starts now. I especially love that it brings your family together to celebrate nothing but food and each other's company. And of course I love the leftovers! Our family always celebrates at my parent's house, so I really look forward to coming home and helping with all the preparation. Once the whole family gets here, it's a loud, food-filled day from start to finish.

I'll be confined to the couch today, doing some internet shopping (definitely not crazy enough to brave the Black Friday crowds) so I thought I'd leave you with some great Thanksgiving table settings- because it's not too early to start thinking about next Thanksgiving, right?