Guess Who's Back!

Why hello there lovies!  I'm back!  I can't believe I have let things get away from me for so long.  The end of the school semester was crazy, I felt swamped all the time, so blogging just sort of fell off the list.  But now, it is winter break...and I have three more weeks free of school.  Woo!  Then one more semester and I'm an official college graduate!

Who can believe Christmas is just 6 days away?! I for one can't, but I am beyond excited!  I think I'm completely done Christmas shopping, just waiting for a few more packages to arrive.  Everything I have has been wrapped and is either hidden in my room or sitting under the tree.  My aunt and uncle are coming in for Christmas this year, and I'm so excited, because we haven't had Christmas with them in like 12+ years.  

This week I'm going to do a bunch of holiday related posts.  Starting today with some pretty gift wrapping.  I happen to love wrapping presents, but I know so many people hate it.  

Here is a DIY wrapping idea.  Use your own stamps on plain paper to make some pretty paper.  Cheaper than buying your own for these little packages, but looks so beautiful!

This is cloth wrapping.  I have seen a lot of people complaining because wrapping paper seems like such a waste, when they are trying to live so greenly.  This is the perfect way to use leftover cloth you may have.  Definitely original!

Pretty huh?  Guess you will never believe what it is.  Potato chip bags!! No, I'm not kidding.  According to the website, cut along the seam of the bag, wash out with soap and water, and allow to airdry.  Then wrap, with the inside of the bag towards the outside.  Bet you would surprise someone to see they just removed a chip bag, especially when it looks so pretty!

This is beyond perfect for those of you with little kiddies.  Let them have fun and be creative, and you use their creations as wrapping!  How excited would they be to give Grandma a present wrapped in their own artwork.  I love this idea so much!

Well...I have been finding these from Martha Stewart and there are tons more creative, beautiful options.  Check them out if you're looking for new creative ways to wrap up your presents!

Another Amazing Giveaway: Laura Winslow Photography

Okay, again, I almost never ever post giveaways on my blog.  But here is another one that I simply cannot pass up.  Over at Laura Winslow Photography, there is an AMAZING giveaway going on.  She is hosting her favorite things giveaway, and one lucky winner will be winning more than $2000 worth of  prizes.  Seriously, everything is just amazing.  

This giveaway ends on December 6th and the winner will be announced on December 7th.  I will be keeping my fingers crossed without a doubt.

Enter here: Giveaway

My Life With Rats and More AMAZING giveaways

Amanda over at My Life with Rats and More has some completely amazing holiday giveaways going on right now.  I usually don't post giveaways on my blog, but these are too amazing to pass up.

First off, she is giving away an Apple iPad!! This ends on 12/5, so you must hurry up to get your entries in!  Who wouldn't love an iPad this holiday season.  Perfect for yourself or to surprise someone you love!

Enter here: iPad Giveaway

Secondly, she is giving away a Samsung 22 inch LCD HGTV!  Wow!! She is buying all of these on her own for her readers, which I think is absolutely amazing.  This giveaway just started today and goes through 12/17, so plenty of time to get all your entries in.

Enter here: Samsung TV Giveaway 

Hurry and get your entries in!  Thanks Amanda for hosting these amazing giveaways!

Chocolate

Possibly my new favorite quote;

"Chocolate is no ordinary food. It is not something you can take or leave, something you like only moderately. You don't like chocolate. You don't even love chocolate. Chocolate is something you have an affair with." -Geneen Roth

Umm...enough said.  Beyond true :)

Fall Decorating

Now that all the Halloween decorations are down and packed away, its time for some pretty fall decor.  I can't believe Thanksgiving is only about 3 weeks away.  Here's a picture from Martha Stewart that has me ready to find some beautiful ways to decorate for fall

Designer Lust: Erin Martin

I've got more pretty eye candy for you today.  I love Erin Martin Designs....they are all so unique!  I was looking through some of her portfolio tonight, and I was shocked by the differences between places.  Of course, there are some similarities, but she is definitely very versatile.  If you like what you see, check out her website, its pretty funny!  Definately different than the usual designer website, and I like it!  Without further ado...

 I would never get out of the bathtub.  Nope, I'd just refill it and refill it all day long.  And probably stare at that stunning chandelier! 

 I have a thing for dining room cabinets with some pretty designs over the class.  Seriously, I'm obsessed

I love the HUGE mirror over the bed for the headboard!

 My obsession with lighting continues here...

 And here.  Ugh, I lovee it!

 I like that this is tucked into the little corner.  Its like a secret, safe little spot to just relax.

Need I say more?

Love her work?  I certainly do!

All images via Erin Martin Design

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe Halloween is here (and almost over)!  Happy Halloween everyone!  Lucky me got to spend the day studying, but hopefully everyone else had a fun day enjoy the sun and eating some yummy candy.  Here are some last images for the Halloween season, until next year :)

 Maybe I'll save this for tomorrow night after my exam is over ;)

 Creepy crawly bugs.  I think if I saw this I would seriously freak!

This is my favorite table setting...I just love it

So farewell Halloween season, see you next year.  You were fun while you lasted.  Up next...Christmas!!

All images via Martha Stewart Living