The Day After...

Did you get some Christmas cash to spend? I didn't, but if I had I wouldn't leave my house to spend the loot! Check out THE BUCKLES website for 40 awesome outfits to make you sparkle and shine! Here are my top 4 favorites!

Beyond The Basics:

Watch This:

Spice Rack:

Instant Message:

Fall and Winter are my favorite times of the year because the weather is perfect for you to layer your clothes. Layering is my favorite look! I love it and nobody does it better than The Buckle. Maybe I'll sell some of my kids extra's toys on Ebay so can I get one of those for myself. They have so much stuff that they wouldn't miss just one thing....right?

Well maybe I'll just get a couple of shirts and skip the rest. But those black rocker boots and calling my name! What's a girl to do?

Merry Christmas

If you've been listening to my Christmas playlist you've probably noticed that I love The Celtic Women. This is one of my favorite Holiday songs and I think it is very fitting for this beautiful Christmas Eve. Enjoy! (pause my playlist first)

Did you get chills?

DEEP

Guys, If you haven't gotten something for the fabulous women in your life by now, I'd say your in deep, but never fear! I have a list of last minute gifts that are sure to be a hit. These are things I personally LOVE and would be thrilled to get. So whether you're on a tight budget or you have a little extra cash to spare, this list will get you through. Buy 1, 2, or everything on the list according your budget.

Number 1:

My all time favorite gift, anytime of the year, are LOVE PINK sweats from Victoria's secret. Now I'm not suggesting that any men go in there to get some sweats and I don't want to get anyone in trouble. So if it makes you uncomfortable or whatever, send your mother in law, sister in law, or wife's best friend, but you absolutely have to get her a pair. They are the cutest, most comfortable sweats in the world and they make them really long so you can cut them to your perfect length. I have something like 13 pairs that I have collected over the last couple of years and the number is going up in about 4 days. I think they are on sale for $25 right now, so hurry up!

Number 2:

A yellow purse like this one can be found at Target, TJ Maxx or the Mall. That color is the best and it's something I would definitely want, but probably wouldn't buy for myself unless I had some extra money burning a whole in my basic black purse. $40-$50

Number 3:

This wallet once took a ride in my Target shopping cart for an hour or 2 before it went back on the shelf. I really wanted it, but the kids needed socks and underwear and all that stuff, so I had to put it back. $15

Number 4:

Anything from this section of Bath and Body will due, but my favorite is the sleep lotion with milk and honey. It's so yummy! $12-$15

Number 5:

An apron from Anthropologie is surprisingly affordable and best of all, it looks handmade! $30-$40

Number 6:

This butter dish from Anthropologie is not only something I have needed for years, but really, really want! under $20

Number 7:

Amy Butler Towels From Bed Bath and Beyond would totally make my Christmas. Even if I didn't need new towels, I would want these wrapped up in a pretty bow under the tree. HINT- HINT. Hartman if you for some crazy reason are reading my blog those hints were for you. Oh and the butter dish from Anthropolgie which is just up the street in BH where my good friend Amy works too! Towels: $12.99 each. (I like the orange ones)

If you can't get any of those things and you are all out of ideas, your best bet for staying out of the hot seat is a $100 gift card to Nordstroms (because your wife probably wouldn't shop there other wise and this way she'll have to buy something nice for herself), a gift card for a day at the Spa, or a Southwest Airlines gift card, so she can go on a girlfriends trip this spring! Well...those at least are the things that would keep my husband out of the hot seat.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!!!

I thought I would share a couple pictures of my Holiday Decor again this year.

I love a retro Christmas tree:



It get's a little fuller every year. This year I added those huge glittery balls from Target ($4.99) and I have my eye on some super glittery nutcrackers from Pier One. I hope they have some left the day after Christmas!

Jim Shore carved Santa's and Snowmen are my favorite. My mom got me hooked on these and now I like to try and get a new one every year. I couldn't afford one this year, so I'll just show my Snowman again. Don't you love the handmade look? The details on these things are amazing!



For the contest below, the winners are.....I'm not telling! That way your wife will only know if she won on Christmas day. I love, love, love all of the comments. I know that was hard for the men to write their feelings about their wives on a strangers blog, but the 25 wives that were noted here must be the luckiest ladies on the planet. I'm not even sure if my husband would have done that! The comments were all so sweet and heartfelt, even the one who said his wife was HOT! That was funny :) I wish I had time to do something for all of you lovely ladies, but I can only pick 3 winners. So I'll have my husband draw your names out of a hat and you will be notified shortly if you won. There were a couple of you who didn't leave your email address. Can you check the comments and if yours isn't there can you leave it for me? Thanks for participating in my holiday contest. Merry Christmas!

P.S. I'll post pictures of the aprons and the winners after Christmas :)

Holiday Giveaway for the HUSBANDS!

I know there are a lot of people out there struggling this year financially and if you're like my husband and I, when money is tight the kids get the gifts and that's enough for everyone to be happy... mostly. We have forgone giving each other gifts numerous times and while it's fine and we don't really care all that much, it still kind of stinks. So how about I give 3 lucky HUSBANDS a chance to win something sweet for his wife! I will be giving away 2 aprons ( similar to the one pictured below) and 1 husband will win a 5 pack of my best selling patterns. Here's the sample apron:

Each gift will also include Promise Vouchers which are redeemable coupons that will include a bunch of things you promise to do for your wife like do the dishes, take her to a romantic movie, etc...

Your gifts come completely wrapped and just in time for Christmas! (I hope). Oh my gosh! She is soooo going to love this.

So sweet husbands of blogland, all you have to do to enter is tell me one reason why you love your wife right here on my blog and leave me your email address so I can notify you if you win. 1 comment per husband please. This contest is going to be a short one so don't dilly dally. I have to ship these out by Friday the 18th so the last comment will be accepted on Thursday night (the 17th) at midnight California time. I'll post the winners shortly after.

Now don't worry if your wife has read this post because I'm going to make a one of a kind apron that has never been done before, so it will still be a surprise!

On a side note, isn't that apron the cutest? I cannot take credit for the design and no, I won't be doing any patterns for it because it's already been done! This apron was based on a pattern kit that I got from KIM of Olive Juice Co. She is the apron Queen! Every time she lists a new one I run over to get one and within a few hours they are always gone. So I finally decided to sign up for her kit club so I don't miss out on anymore and I am totally loving it! I never have to worry about being late because she just sends it my way. I love her aprons so much, I think I could make a hundred! You should definitely look into joining her club. Hey! That would be a great gift for a thoughtful husband to give his wife and it's a gift that keeps on giving. Just a thought :)

Christmas Spirit

This really hits the spot. (PAUSE my playlist first.)


I know this holiday season is financially tough for a lot of people. Including my own family, I know of at least 8 others that are struggling right now and I know there are many more. I think if we all focused on the Savior at Christmas and throughout the year our burdens would be lightened. He will carry us through any trial we may face.

For my Christmas Gift List I'm going to throw in some "gifts from the heart" for those of you who are on a tighter budget. I also have a sewing project that I'll post this week, a give away for 3 lucky husbands in need of a special gift for their wives, and some delicious recipes. Keep Checking in all month long!

I hope this Holiday Season is Merry Bright for you and your family.

Shea Socks

Next up on my holiday gift list are Shea Socks from Bath and Body. I have 4 pair!

I'm taking the description right off their page:

"These super-soft, luxurious socks contain enough moisturizing shea butter to last for 20-30 washes."

I don't think there is much that needs to be added to that, accept for the fact that I love them so much I wear them to bed an sometimes to run errands in. They are just so soft and comfy and they keep my feet toasty warm.

I think they are on sale right now, so hubbys go grab some for your little wifeys feet.

On a side note, do you like to leave comments on my blog? I took it off for awhile because I got a couple of weird ones, but I if like to drop me notes (and believe me I like getting them) I'll leave it open and just keep the comment moderation on. Tell me what you think.

Mish Mash Skirt ~ Pattern Of the Month

Darlings and Divas is the winner for November's Pattern of the Month Contest!

It was a touch choice, but in the end I couldn't resist this adorable Christmas set and the pictures are just too cute! To view all of the amazing entries check out my flickr page! Also, I"m allowing comments on this post so tell me what you think.

She used Michael Miller's Holiday Fabrics to complete this festive set and I just love the way it turned out! If you want to make one for Christmas you still have time and I would still love more pictures for my gallery! I also decided to discount the Mish Mash pattern in my Etsy shop for the rest of the month.

I won't be officially starting the next pattern of the month until January 1st, but I thought I would give you a heads up so you can start early if you want to. So January's pattern of the month is the Nie Nie skirt! If you have already submitted pictures for this skirt you will automatically be entered in the contest. Check back on Jan. 1 for the full details of the contest.

Amazing Artwork

Prepare to have your Holiday Socks blown off!

Truth be told, I am not any where near the most artistic/creative person in my family. You already know that because you know I am related to Lila and Lucy, but you don't know about my mega talented mother in law Kathy. Not only is she a master seamstress, but she is an amazing artist. She surprised me last year with this painting that just showed up on my door step one day, and yes...I cried when I opened it:

This one came a few months ago:

Again...there were tears. How could I not cry? These paintings are beautiful!

The first is an original piece that she did right out of her head. I didn't send her a picture or anything. She captured my boys in their youth at about ages 6 and 3 and just dreamed up that stunning ocean background. I LOVE it! The second is of my girls at about the same age and I did send her a picture to go off of. So you see, she can do it either way, which means your possibilities are pretty much endless.

If you are wanting to order something like this for Christmas you might have to go with a gift certificate and the link to this post to show what they will be getting because I'm not sure there is enough time for her to whip out some portraits. I honestly would love a gift certificate for something like this. All the husbands in the world should be getting one for his wife. She will melt!

For all inquiries on time frames and pricing contact Kathy Andersen at: kathya@prudentialutah.com Or you can email me at vcbdesign@gmail.com with comments and questions and I'll be sure she get's the message.

Miracle Makeup

This was one of those late night infomercial purchases that I did about 4 years ago:

Now there are many things I say I can't live without and I was telling the truth about those, but if this stuff was taken away from me I really might not survive. It has saved my face for the last 4 years as I have dealt with my melasma and I am now a true blue Bare Minerals fan. It really does what it says it will do - cover your imperfections and give you an airbrushed look AND you really can sleep in it. It's so light weight and so natural that you will barely notice it on your face. There were times when my husband was surprised to see me at night when I took of my make-up. Not scared...just surprised because he didn't realize how bad my skin had gotten. Bare minerals did such a good job covering it up and making it look natural that he couldn't see the dark spots! And we look at each other's faces a lot...since we live together...and we're married...and stuff.

I have also tried Sheer Cover and Raw Minerals and while they are both good, they aren't quite as good as Bare Minerals. Sheer Cover is a little bit heavier and I kind of felt like a country singer when I put it on. Raw Minerals didn't cover enough, it was too light. Bare Minerals is the original mineral make up and I think it's the best! Another great feature is they are always have special offers where you can get a whole start up kit with everything you need including the brushes for a good price and if for some reason you aren't satisfied, they will give you your money back.

You want it don't you? Put it on your list as a stocking stuffer. You won't regret it!

Sweet Life Bags

Next up are the Sweet Life Bags from Amy Butler! I have this one:

and you guessed it...I LOVE IT! Her bags are awesome! This bag is huge and I use it a lot. It's a great carry on when I am traveling and I need to pack a lot of stuff for my kids, like coloring books, snacks, toys, etc. I also take it to church every week for the same reason. Or if I'm traveling alone I can fit my laptop, treats, book, magazines, jacket, wallet, and travel pillow in it. It's well made and very sturdy. Plus it's from Amy! What more can I say. She has other options that are smaller and are for every day use too. You have to get one for Christmas!

Pretty Jewelry...

My second favorite item of the year is this awesome jewlery made by Vintage Butterfly. I talked about it a couple of weeks ago, but it's so cute that I think it is worth mentioning again and I have much better pictures this time.

If you live in Utah you have seen this stuff pretty much everywhere you go, but everywhere else in the world I think it's unique. I haven't seen anyone else wear them in my neck of the woods and when I go out with one on, I get about 100 compliments! Even the Rocker Guy in the BUCKLE the other day was ooohing and awwweing!

I went to Utah a few weeks ago and was invited to the designers home so I could view her amazing selection and pick some out for myself. Naturally, I bought a bunch.

These are bracelets! Aren't they beautiful?

Guys...If you're girl loves jewelry and you're looking for something unique I think this is it! The chains come in various styles and can be short or long. Some have extra dangly's on them, like cyrstals and stones and others are just plain. The chains vary from $20-$40 and the charms are typically in the $20's. They have small all the way to Ginormous sizes in the charms. You can pick from what she has already made or you can special order your children's names, a picture of your children, mother, or grandmother etc...

Oh and she even had Twilight and New Moon charms! Any teenager, mom, or grandma would LOVE to get that in their stocking!

For more info contact Missy at: vintagebutterfly.missy@gmail.com or check out her BLOG.