CHRISTMAS PUPPY CHOW RECIPE

Merry Christmas!! I hope you're having a wonderful morning with your family.

This year, I made a special Christmas treat that turned out super yummy (don't let the name fool you!) so I thought I would share the recipe with you!

Holly's Christmas Puppy Chow

(makes 18 servings)

Ingredients:

9 cups Corn Chex cereal

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp pure vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 bag Christmas M & M's

gallon sized Ziplock bags

Directions:

Pour the cereal into a large bowl. Set aside. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, stirring after every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour over the cereal and gently stir until all the cereal pieces have been coated.

Transfer the cereal mix into a large food storage plastic bag (I used a 1 gallon sized bag). Carefully pour the powdered sugar into the bag. Seal the bag. Shake until all of the pieces are covered. Then add M & M's to your liking (I'm not sure exactly how much I added, just add until you see pretty red and green M & M's throughout the bag). 

Optional: Transfer to a new bag so that it looks nicer (the bag you used to mix everything up gets pretty messy looking). You can also add festive tags to the bag and give it as a gift!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! xo!

GIFTS FOR HIM, $50 AND UNDER

Guys are so hard to buy for, so I tried to make it a little easier for you by rounding up some great finds under $50 for the men in your life. If you need some more ideas, check out last year's gift guides for the gentleman and the techie. Happy Shopping!

GIFTS FOR HER, $50 AND UNDER

Last year, I did several different gift guides with the help of my friends, but this year I thought I would keep it simple and just round up some of my favorite finds at 50 bucks and under. Today's is for the girls on your list and tomorrow's will be for the guys. Check out my picks below and happy shopping!

and some best sellers from my shop...

gold foil hustle print

gold foil be brave print

get it girl pencils

rosa notebooks

leather iPad mini clutch

ceramic desk accessories

FREE SHIPPING THIS WEEKEND!

If you've had your eye on some custom Christmas cards, prints, or pencils, this weekend is the time to get them! Free shipping until Monday using the code below - go, go, go!

HOLIDAY 2013 PREVIEW

Hey guys! Things are super crazy right now with the move, but I wanted to check in and give you a little sneak peek at the new holiday cards I've been working on. I'm trying to be really mindful this year of making something for everyone, rather than focusing completely on families / married couples / etc. 

Here are three that I've made so far:

What do you guys think? Is there anything specific that you look for when shopping for custom Christmas cards? Let me know in the comments below! xo

FREE PRINTABLE SINGLE LADIES VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY INVITATION

Even though I'm happily married, I've just never felt like it was fair that only couples get to celebrate Valentine's Day. I mean, it's a day to celebrate love, and you can have love for lots of people besides just your significant other, am I right? Anyway, with that in mind, I designed this invitation for a girl's night Valentine's party over on the Charm & Gumption blog.

You can download the free invitation here!

2012 GIFT GUIDE: INDIE

Today's gift guide is by my friend, Brit, who I've featured on the blog a few times now. Being a small business owner and artist herself, she has a great eye for indie shops and handmade gifts. If you like to support small businesses, check out her choices for the best indie holiday finds.

1. Rosewood Earbud Holder ($27) | 2. Evergreen Hollow Ring ($770) | 3. Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Small Batch Tonic ($32) | 4. Jeni's Ice Cream, Salted Caramel ($12) | 5. Burlap Market Tote ($28) | 6. Japanese Mugs ($30) | 7. Hand-stitched Leather Camera Strap ($65) | 8. Two Barn Owls Print ($20) | 9. Hanging Terrarium ($60) | 10. Espresso Yourself Letterpress Cards ($20) | 11. Scandinavian Print Kitchen Towel ($10) | 12. Brown Leather Wallet ($75) | 13. You are the Gin to my Tonic Screenprint ($12) | 14. Black Feather Print ($15) | 15. Modern Coffee Table ($995)

FREE PRINTABLE HOLIDAY TREAT BAGS

I always like to include a little add-on with my Christmas presents. Last year, I did the classic mason jar cookie mix add-on, but this year I think I want to make something that you can eat now. So, I decided to make cookies and put them in little bags. First, I made this design on my computer. You can download your own using the link at the bottom of the post.

I purchased my kraft bags here, and you can download the design to make your own treat bags here.

Then, just print the design right onto the bag, fill the bags with treats, and decorate! 

Note: Make sure to slide your printer bar over to the 5 x 7 spot (see second picture above) and choose 5 x 7 in the print settings box before you print. You may have to print one at a time to avoid a paper jam.

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE ATHLETE

Today's gift guide is by one of my college roommates, Logan, who ran track and cross country in school and is still an avid runner now. Her metabolism was always so cranked up from all the exercise that she could eat anything she wanted and never gain a pound. I would have hated her for it, but she's impossible to hate (don't you hate that?). Anyway, here are her choices for gifting the athlete or fitness fanatic in your life:

1. 6-Pack of No-Show Athletic Socks ($18) | 2. Women's Seamless Racer Bra ($16.99) | 3. Lulu Lemon Make a Break Jacket ($148) | 4. Nike Running Reversible Headband ($16) | 5. Nalgene On the Fly Water Bottle ($12.99) | 6. Pro Combat Core Long Sleeve Shirt ($25) | 7. Chapstick Variety Pack ($6.98) | 8. Ouchless Hair Elastics ($4.79) | 9. PUMA Duffle Bag ($70) | 10. Under Armour 3-Pack Braided Mini Headbands ($19.99) | 11. iTunes Gift Card (price varies) | 12. Colorblock Leggings ($40) | 13. Asics Run Mittens ($21.95) | 14. Timex Ironman 30-Lap Watch ($60) | 15. Women's Gel Blur 33 Running Shoes ($90)

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE GENTLEMAN

Today's post is by my friend, John Stack. In college, while most "bros" were playing video games and drinking Bud Lights, John was playing vintage records and drinking a dry martini. He's the ultimate dapper dude, and that's why I chose him to give me his top picks for today's gentlemen's gift guide.

1. Aqua Terra Mid Size Chronometer ($ varies) | 2. Greenwood Wool Jacket ($445) | 3. Johnnie Walker Black Label ($62) | 4. Bleu De Chanel ($62) | 5. Bluetooth AM/FM Radio ($259.99) | 6. Spa Miami Beach Trip (contact for pricing) | 7. The Great Gatspy ($13.05) |  8. Sandalwood Shaving Kit ($115) | 9. Walkover Derby Shoes ($255) | 10. Estate Framed Duffle ($298) | 11. Classic Grey Wool Tie ($59.50) | 12. Leek, Serrated Knife ($74.95) | 13. V7 Stone Motorcycle (price varies)

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE 9-5 GIRL

Today's gift guide is by my friend from college, Kimberly. She works in a financial management office as an executive assistant. In school she always nailed the "stylish, but professional" look, and here are her picks for the people in your life who do the same.

1. iPad with Retina Display ($499) | 2. Ultra Moisturizing Hand Therapy ($19) | 3. Longchamp 'Le Pliage Tote ($145) | 4. Seize the Day Mug ($20) | 5. Topless & Barefoot Nailpolish ($8.00) | 6. Leopard Pumps ($69.99) | 7. Sleepy Hollow Pencil Cup ($16) | 8. Cutaway Collar Jacket ($128) | 9. Olivia Bib Necklace ($118) | 10. Thank You Cards ($20) | 11. Rose Gold Watch ($295) | 12. Sheath Dress ($58.80) | 13. Leopard iPhone Case ($40) | 14. Dotted Tights ($25)

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE FOODIE

Today's gift guide is by my sister-in-law, Ashley, who is passionate about food and dang good at making it. Her expertise made bringing food to family get-togethers a little intimidating at first, but now it's fun to have someone to laugh with about my epic fails in the kitchen (over a plate of something amazing that she made!). Here are her choices for the foodie in your life:

1. Kitchen Cabinet Mount ($49.99) | 2. Home Beer-Tap System ($250) | 3. Even Dough Bands ($8.95) | 4. Bench Scrape by Rachel Ray ($13.43) | 5. Warm or Cool Face Mugs ($35/set of 2) | 6. Soup and Sandwich Ceramic Tray Duo ($30) | 7. Molecular Gastronomy Kit - Cuisine ($60) | 8. 56-blade Meat Tenderizer ($29.99) | 9. Fresh Valley Canisters ($89.95/set of 3) | 10. Grease Separator ($15.95) | 11. Batman Apron ($19.99) | 12. Electric Coffee Grinder ($120) | 13. Pie Drip Catcher ($14.95)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GIFT GUIDES

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE TECHIE

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're half way into a food coma right now and that you're enjoying time with your family and friends! Tomorrow is Black Friday, which means lots of shopping, especially for highly sought after technology and electronics, which makes today the perfect day to post a gift guide!

Today's guide is for the technology obsessed people in your life, and it is brought to you by my friend Drew, who is the most tech-savvy dude I know. I have included his helpful commentary along with his choices below in case you (like me) don't know what a lot of this stuff is. Thanks, Drew!

1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i ($599) Great camera for anyone interested in seriously getting into photography, plus it shoots full 1080p HD video | 2. iGrill Grilling/Cooking BBQ Thermometer ($79) Connects to your phone via bluetooth. Pretty much the coolest cooking accessory ever | 3. Wii U ($300-$350) | Nintendo's new console. Will probably be impossible to find for a few months. | 4. Lytro Light Field Camera ($399) A digital camera with no focusing, you just snap pictures and dynamically change the focus afterwards. Incredibly cool. | 5. iPad fourth generation ($499) Probably the best tablet all around, with the biggest app selection. | 6. Call of Duty Black Ops 2 ($60) There were three huge gaming releases in November, and you can't really go wrong with any of them. | 7. Assassin's Creed 3 ($60) | 8. Halo 4 ($60) | 9. Turtle Beach X42 Gaming Headset ($160) Fantastic sound quality, extremely reasonable price. | 10. Kindle Fire HD 8.9" ($299-$269) Great, affordable Android tablet | 11. Star Wars: The Complete Saga blu ray ($69.99) It's Star Wars. In HD. | 12. Makerbot Replicator ($1,749-$1,999) The "I really love my significant other" option. 3d printers are amazing.

2012 GIFT GUIDE: THE FASHIONISTA

For the next five weeks, I'll be featuring 2 gift guides per week to help you with your Christmas shopping. The first gift guide is for "the fashionista" and the picks are by my college friend (whose closet I borrowed from frequently), Thakshila (AKA Tucky), who went to Parsons in New York City after undergrad and is passionate about all things vogue. Check out her choices below! 

1. Tres Chic Wallpaper ($9/square ft) | 2. Mimosa Mini Candle ($28) | 3. Stripe Sweater ($390) | 4. Alice McCall Amelie Dress ($677.22) | 5. Brown Leopard Print Glove ($9) | 6. A Fragile Mind Art ($20) | 7. Sequined Clutch ($59.90) | 8. Antler Button Stud Earrings ($70) | 9. Sweet Lips Lip Scrub ($9.95) | 10. Etta Gold Captoe Pumps ($248) | 11. Never Sleep Sweatshirt ($40) | 12. Space Foil Print Leggings | 13. Nars Blush ($28) | 14. Viktor & Rolf Perfume ($105) | 15. Grace Coddington Memoir ($19.02)

HOSTESS GIFT IDEA

With all of the holiday parties coming up, sometimes it's hard to figure out what to bring for the hostess. How about one of these adorable wine stoppers from BHLDN? I'm in love with the little bow!

shop: 1 | 2 | 3

CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKAGING IDEAS

Can you believe it's November already? That means it's time to start getting your Christmas gifts ready! I think it's so much fun figuring out what to get everyone and to me it's even more fun wrapping up all the presents! Here are some of my favorite Christmas packaging ideas from around the web and Pinterest - Do you have any creative packaging ideas for the holidays?

Sources (from top-bottom, left-right)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: INSTAGRAM BOOK

What a great gift idea! Turn your Instagram photos into a book. You can order your own Instagram book from Artifact Uprising here.

photos via Artifact Uprising

DIY CANVAS TRICK OR TREAT BAG + FREE DOWNLOAD

Click HERE to download this "trick or treat" file, shown above, and follow this tutorial that I did a few months ago to make your own canvas trick or treat bag for any cool kid in your life!

FREE PRINTABLE HALLOWEEN PARTY INVITATIONS

If you're throwing a Halloween party this year, here are some free invitations you can download, print, and cut out to send to your guests. Just click the link at the bottom of the post!

DOWNLOAD HERE

5 PUMPKIN DESSERTS

Just a warning: this month's posts are going to be full of all things fall!

Yesterday, painted pumpkins. Today, pumpkin desserts. You can also expect pumpkin food (non-desserts) and drinks in the future. I like pumpkin stuff. It's delicious. The good news is, you won't have to scramble around before family get-togethers this fall for something to make because I did all of the searching for you (and now I'm hungry).

Here are the 5 pumpkin desserts I found that made me drool the most (I excluded pumpkin pie because it's kinda boring. Delicious...but boring):

Recipes:

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting | Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies | Pumpkin Fudge | Pumpkin Doughnut Holes Baked with Cinnamon Sugar