little black dress

There was a time when I had no control over what I wore, mother chose my outfits. These outfits consisted of dresses, frilly ones that I learned to dislike when I reached a certain age. My dislike for pretty lace and frills continued well into high school and college. During those years I remember wearing jeans and t-shirts on a consistent basis. So much easier maybe even lazy. But now .... (drum roll) I can't get enough of dresses. Especially if they're classic cuts with lace, frill and sheer material. Dressing up for get-togethers with friends can be so fun. With Nora Jones music in the background and my bed full of several outfits that I have tried on and then switched and then tried on again. So for my dress collection and my bed's joy, I'm considering purchasing this little black dress from Zara. Isn't it amazing?

Contrasting Dress by Zara

fun wrapping hues

The vibrant Holiday hues during this time of year have been a wonderful contrast to the cloudy weather that we've been having here in south Florida as of late. By the way ... Happy Hanukkah to those who are currently celebrating! Now, Christmas day is just around the corner and I still must purchase two gifts. Shopping during this time of year is hectic because there are so many people out there doing the same activity. Nevertheless, after I purchase the last two remaining gifts I will get to wrap. Yay! There are two moments that I enjoy the most about gifts: wrapping them and watching loved ones unwrap them. As odd as it might seem to some, I find the process of wrapping gifts quite calming.

I love stripes, Holiday phrases and glitter on my gift wrapping materials.

Yummy cupcakes

Cupcakes are a delicious dessert for small get-togethers or as gifts for family and friends. And when cupcakes are decorated they become yummier--to the eyes and to the taste buds. I searched for several holiday cupcake images on google and was in awe by what some individuals create either at home or in bakery shops. There are so many options out there, find what you like and go for it! However, considering my pedestrian artistic abilities I decided that the following would be the easiest to decorate: 

The flakes and the snowmen are adorable. (original site above -"options")

I used a 1/4 cup ladle to have the perfect sized cupcakes.

Then I had my finished cupcakes accompanied by candy canes as my table's centerpiece.

       

Giddy Holiday Pine

As I become older I find myself enjoying the Holiday season even more. It probably has to do with feeling nostalgia for my childhood. So when the weekend of Thanksgiving arrived, I immediately purchased a tiny artificial tree for my small apartment.

Then I brought out the Christmas decorations from the closet. I like when trees are scarcely decorated (think of Charlie Brown's tree) as much as when they are beyond the extravagant. My tree is on its way to being 'extravagant'. Which I, by the way, have named Giddy Holiday Pine.

I find the following the best way to decorate a tree:

1) It's important to lay out the ornaments and have them ready with the hooks.

2) Decide whether your tree will have garland or tinsel. If you choose tinsel, leave it for the very end and be scarce with it. A little can go a long way for tiny trees.

3) Find a spot for your tree. Then make sure the branches of the artificial tree are pulled out.

4) Wrap your lights around your tree. I love the colored sequence lights. These are LEDs.

5) Continue with the garland. Try to distribute the garland as evenly as possible.

6) Add the ornaments. I began hooking the 2 inch ornaments first. Try to lay out the colors evenly. The best way to do this is to start with one color first and then continue with the second color and so forth. The tiny ornaments should be added at the end to fill in  gaps.

7) Don't forget your star or angel. This year I decided to use this cute silver star.

8) Finally, turn on your lights! Giddy Holiday Pine has made my place so festive during finals week.