holidays 2016 Archives - Page 2 of 3

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For the Etsy Obsessed

Well, here we are — the last day of our Holiday Gift Guide 2016! I can’t help but think I’ve saved the very best for last…an ENTIRE gift round-up devoted to glorious Etsy!! Oh, Etsy is such a special place, isn’t it? It’s a wonderland of handmade goodness and finds that are cool, unique and one-of-a-kind. In fact, I may or may not have gone on a little shopping binge a few days ago for some presents for my mom and sister. I love Etsy and maybe even moreso than the average person — see all the evidence! Anyway, check out these 11 unique finds in our first-ever Etsy gift guide 2016, like this monogrammed wristlet wallet that’s oh-so-stylish, $19.50…

This foxes and floral mini wall calendar to make planning fun, $15.66

Pretty personalized bracelet with a sweet message, $21.34

Some colorful socks to match their bright personality, $9

A tassel key chain with an inspirational phrase, $28

This twin sprig rosemary band as a symbol of remembrance, $49.59

A jar of Vermont maple spice blend for handcrafted deliciousness, $9

This Book Lovers soy candle for the book worm, $18

These ampersand earrings for the writer, $35

This ceramic cat miniature to spruce up any room, $17.51

Finally, a handwritten card because you know that’s straight from the heart, $10

P.S. Catch up on past Gift Guides and more Etsy favorites…

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Ms. Bear and the Great Christmas Tree Debate

For the last few days, my family has been knee-deep in a dilemma for the ages: To tree or not to tree. It’s a holiday battle we never expected to find ourselves in — one in which we’ve found ourselves going around and around on. What exactly are we wrestling with, you ask? Well, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, get all snuggly and read the tale of Ms. Bear and the Great Christmas Tree Debate — written by Ms. Bear herself! xoxo

Oh, the sights and sounds of Christmas! Going back (way back!) to when I was a kid, I am filled with warm, happy memories of the holidays. One of my really good memories is waking up the day or two after we would put our tree up, getting to the top of the stairs and being so happily surprised when I saw the tree; I don’t know if I had a bad memory or what, but that would happen a couple times every year! Our tree was always big and always fresh and my mother would meticulously decorate it, as only someone with artistic vision could. It would fill the house with the scent and spirit of Christmas.

Fast forward to the present day. Well, we seem to be at a crossroads this year with our tree. I have a big, tall artificial tree down in the basement — pretty organized too. Last week I bought a four-foot tree for the den, which is what we call my bedroom since we watch all our TV in there. It’s just beautiful and came pre-lit, so all we had to do was slap a few ornaments on it — I did not inherit my mother’s artistic vision, apparently. So, then we got to talking about whether we should just buy another four-foot tree for the living room (long story short, our two parties that we host aren’t happening before Christmas….too long of stories to get into here!), so we started thinking about just putting up a short tree on the mantel. I feel conflicted about this, because ever since Brian died, I have this idea that I should keep doing things the way I have been since I seem to be functioning at about 90% efficiency now, after 13 years, I might add! But then, there’s the part of me that thinks I am healed and strong enough to tolerate change, so why not simplify and change things up?

I’m sure Melissa will fill you in on our final decision, but if you’re a betting person, go with the smaller tree…that’s what I’m thinking, at least right now.

Happiest of holidays to all Melissa’s readers…you guys are just great!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For the Pop Culture Fanatics

The Pop Culture Fanatics — capitalized on purpose because it IS an official title, isn’t it? I mean, there’s one in every family and friend group, don’t you think? The resident expert on all things TV, movies, music, even the latest celebrity scandal. In fact, some people take it so seriously that it might even feel like a job at time (read: ME), but the truth is…someone has to collect all this knowledge for future generations. So, to help all these knowledge-keepers on their journey, here are 11 best gifts for Pop Culture Fanatics, starting with this Seinfeld poster because, well, you don’t really need a reason, $20

A TV floor plan poster featuring their favorite show, like Full House, $19.99

These Meredith/Cristina key chains to give to your person, $10

Pumpkin spice latte earrings in honor of their favorite morning drink, $10

The Stranger Things soundtrack for our inner Eleven, $11.39

These Golden Girl coasters for coffee while having a slice of cheesecake, $22

A great book like The Must List, which commemorates 25 years in pop culture, $13.56

Christopher Walken lapel pin to up the cool factor, $10

A fun trivia game for old-fashioned game nights, $8.10

This Bayside Tigers tee so they can be part of the gang, $13.97

This gold ring because you can never have too much Eleven in your life, $28

P.S. More gift ideas for pop culture aficionados…

Monday, December 12, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For the Animal Lover

FYI, there are only 13 days left until Christmas! By now, you’re probably on the prowl for those hard-to-buy for people, so let me make things easier on you! Here are 12 gift ideas for the animal lover in your life, whether it’s your Cat Lady mom or your snake-obsessed niece! Above: Amazing Moms because, well, your mom is pretty darn amazing, $9.95…

Tortoise lamp to light their way, $39

These purrrfect cat socks for snuggly warm toes, $12

Cute cat/dog earrings because you can’t choose a favorite, $20

An illustrated pillow for a little home decor makeover, $38

The one shirt that says it all, $20

This whimsical print to bring nature indoors, $12

A wise ornament for their tree (or for displaying year-round), $16

Owl lip gloss set because….adorableness, $8.90

A leather keychain so they never lose their keys again, $20

This tote bag for shopping in style, $13.50

And finally, adopt an African elephant in their name to help save this beautiful and majestic endangered species, $55

P.S. The Holiday Gift Guide 2016 so far…

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: For the Fashion Lover

Are you on the hunt for that perfect present for that stylish person in your life? Here are 11 best gifts for fashion lovers, like this amazing The Future Is Female tee for inspiration, $23.95