3 Holiday Outfits

The holidays are upon us (Happy Hanukkah!) and Christmas is right around the corner, which means it's time to plan the perfect holiday party outfit!

To me, nothing says the holidays like lace, sequins and shiny fabrics! Today I've styled three outfits, perfect for that holiday get together - or just a fancy night in with the family! Who says you can't wear sequins and play a mean round of Catch Phrase? :)

earrings, nail polish, ring, dress, clutch, shoes

skirt, necklace, clutch, top, shoes, earrings

earrings, stockings, clutch, bracelet 1 & 2, shoes, dress

Hope your holiday season is off to a great start!

Sweater Weather

After a somewhat mild weekend, we're back to cooler temps here in Iowa! These sweaters are sure to keep you warm and are on trend in cable, fair isle, stripes and polka dots!

1, 2, 3, 4

5, 6, 7, 8

9, 10, 11, 12

P.S. This is our 201st post! How exciting!! Thanks for following!

Gifts under $25

Happy December! We started decorating for the holidays last week and today during half time of the football game (Roll Tide!) we are going to decorate our tree! It's officially Christmas time!!

Here are a few things I'm loving that would make perfect stocking stuffers or small gift for a friend. All are under $25!

1. Bliss Hand Cream - $18.00 

2. Gold Polka Dot PJs - $24.99

3. Black and Crystal Bangle - $20.00

4. Orly Luxe Nail Polish - $5.38 - Recently picked this up - it's a great gold!

5. OPI Skyfall Nail Polish - $8.00

6. Slipper Socks - $15.00 - an updated version on my favorite!

7. Minted Rose Lip Balm - $7.00 - This has been on my wish list for awhile!!

8. Personalized Chevron Note Cards - $10.00

9. Tartan Scarf - $14.99 - What a great price for such a classic piece!

Comfy Cozies for Fall

In Iowa-land it feels like winter! My husband has been joking with me since April when we moved here that "winter was coming next week!" All of a sudden it happened! Dang! I'm crossing my fingers for at least a few more beautiful fall days, but coworkers tell me that these cool temps are here to stay!

Here are a few pieces I've been eyeing to help stay warm during these cool fall/ winter temps! Can't you just picture snuggling up with a book or catching up on the DVR wearing these comfy clothes?

1. Thermal Henley Hoodie - cute and cozy!

2. Tartan Flannel Shirt - everyone needs flannel in their wardrobe! 

3. Under Armour Hoodie - waterproof hoodie! 

4. Fleece Boyfriend Pants - I have a pair from VS's Pink line and they are my favorite comfy pants!

5. Patagonia Fleece Pullover - loooove this! such a fun color! 

6. Sorel Tofino Boot - I may be jumping the gun a little bit, but every morning I wake up I expect to see snow! lol!

7. Ugg Coquette Slipper - perfection.

Fancy Coat

Quick post for today. It is the day to dress up your coat.  I wore my coat with my outfit, even though it was about 65 degrees today!  I just thought the whole look was cute. I used a flower brooch and scarf to spruce up my jacket and think I might leave the brooch right where it is.  Another reason I love doing these challenges.  Sorry for the tired face, this was taken at 7pm...not an opportune picture time post-work.

Dress: Consignment Shop, Jacket: Nordstroms, Scarf: Francesca,  Boots: Steve Madden, Socks: SmartWool, Brooch: Premeir Jewelry

P.S. Take a peek into my messy pantry :)

She cooks!

After spending some time on pinterest I found myself in the mood to bake cookies today! After church we made a ginormous grocery list and went to it!

source

So far I've made these "grinch cookies" (yummy yummy!) and a sweet chex mix which we have dubbed "holiday mix" - we get pretty clever over here - and now I have an new chicken recipe in the oven!! To make things even better, we've been listening to Christmas music on slacker radio on our tv! Holiday bliss. After dinner I plan to make peanut butter blossoms (a new recipe) out of my Better Homes and Gardens Bridal Edition cookbook! Yay!

I'm new to this Holly Homemaker stuff, but it's fun because we get to start our new traditions!

What cookies do you bake for the holidays? Would love to add a new recipe to my list!

Be Jeweled

I'm currently watching Christmas in Rockefeller Center, drinking a glass of wine and working on our Christmas card! I love the holidays! Are you gearing up for them or protesting? I know it's not even December. I guess that's why Katharine McPhee is singing Beautiful? Breaking up all of this Christmas joy? Not sure. Anyone else watching and finding this strange?

One thing I'm loving about trends this winter is you don't have to wear soft, muted colors! Jewel tones are in!

Some personal favorites!

1. Merino v-neck sweater - $39.90

2. Dream button-shoulder sweater - $64.50

3. Blythe blouse in silk - $98

4. Tippi sweater- $49.99

Happy almost December! ;)

Winter Shimmer

Happy belated Thanksgiving!!

It has been such a great long weekend - despite being sick and getting my husband sick. I think we're on the mend and are going to put up a few Christmas decorations - maybe even the tree if we get real inspired. DayQuil will make you do crazy things!

This winter it's hard to resist the sparkle! Shimmer! Metallic! Yum!

1. Pink pearlized bangle set - $29.50
2. Sequin front tank - $39.90
3. Knit opera gloves - $29.50
4. Metallic drape front shell - $54.50
5. Large pave stud earrings - $29.50
6. OPI I only drink champagne - $4.40
7. Chelsea metallic cardigan - $15.00

What's on the top of your wish list?

Gift Guide: Accessories

OK I know it's still November.. and in our house we can't start celebrating until AFTER Thanksgiving and AFTER my husband's birthday. However, the rest of the world and retailers seem to think differently (husband found the Christmas station on the radio. Yikes). Really though there's no harm in getting a jump start on shopping so once I can celebrate the holiday, shopping is taken care of - or at least somewhat in order!!

1. Rustic Plaid Scarf - $39.50 - just so happens to go with my new teals cords... ;)
2. Ribbed Slipper Sock - $9.50 - these are the most wonderful socks - ever. Promise.
3. Hearthstone Glittens - $28
4. Sateen Slipper - $25
5. Fair Isle Gloves - $29.50 - hard to see but these gloves have a slight sparkle!
6. OPI Crown Me Already - $4.50 - glitter, glitter, sparkle, sparkle
7. Mixed Stitch Infinity Loop Scarf - $34.50