Post-Christmas Coma

HELLO DEAR CHICKENS!!!

I have spent the last few days since Christmas relaxing, watching lots of television, and lounging in my new Christmas onesies! (Seriously beyond comfortable.)

Did everyone have a great holiday? I am so excited for 2013, and I hope you will follow along in all of the sparkly, merry adventures!


See you soon. XOXO!

Friday Favorites: Holiday Song Collection

It's so crazy how many holiday songs get stuck in your head when you are power shopping for some important gifts for your loved ones. I am kinda obsessed with Shazam-ing the new tunes and adding them to my holiday playlists. But... Lets not forget the importance of a classic. I want to share a few of my favorite holiday songs today and I want my dear dear merry chickens to share their favorites with me. I have been polling some of my friends lately --I think that someone's favorite Christmas time song says a lot about it. Who knows? Maybe I missed my calling as a music psychologist.  Anyway- here goes. Favorite classic/ALL TIME favorite:   Newly discovered favorite song (love her!) 

New release favorite: 

                                          

Just for fun: 

                                            

I hope you enjoyed listening to some/all of these! I hope they made your day merry. It is Friday after all... So go have the best weekend ever. My fam and I are having a panama cookie baking party (fueled with gin and tonic) and I am very very excited! And feel free to share your favorite Christmas songs with me!!! 

Layered Up

 {sweater: thrifted | gingham top: target | vest: old navy | necklace: gift | pants: gap | boots: nine west}

The weather has hit the below freezing mark and I have discovered the utmost importance of layering this season!  Although, I did have to shed one layer by lunchtime, just to put it back on around four.  Silly winter.  Only 5.5 school days until the sweet relief that is Christmas break (sorry in advance to all of my 9-5ers out there.)  How is everyone's Christmas shopping coming along? I am almost done.  Just one or two more items to pick up and then the gift wrapping adventure begins!  Happy 12/12/12 day, little chickens! Enter my Eclectic Ornaments giveaway! Click here.

Sparkle On

 {sequin skirt: LB | chambray top: JC Penney | red wedges: payless | belt: dots | necklace: gordman's}

Ya gotta love the sequin skirt season, right ladies? Seriously, I yearn for more holiday parties because I am just a huge fan of sparkle festiveness! Even if the weather looks super scary and ominous... it was worth braving this storm...  I wore this to my last bunco game of the year, and spent some good time with some of my favorite ladies!  I can't wait to plan more outfits around this skirt! 'Tis the season! Cheers!
Don't forget to enter my Eclectic Ornaments giveaway!

**ECLECTIC ORNAMENTS GIVEAWAY**

{sweater, jeans: old navy | shoes: nine west | necklace: eclectic ornaments (read post below!!!!}

'Tis the season for giving!  And on that note, Matters of Merrymaking and our sponsor Eclectic Ornaments have teamed up again to give away some adorable baubles!  Rae from EO is offering a custom necklace giveaway to one of my dear little, lucky chickens.   Here's how to enter the giveaway: MANDATORY: 1. Be a public follower of Matters of Merrymaking thru GFC (Be sure to hit the Join This Site button on the right of the page) AND  Visit the Eclectic Ornaments shop & comment on this post and let me know what item from EO you would love to make your season merry & bright!
EXTRA ENTRIES: 2. Follow the Merrymaker on Twitter @missbekah (comment to let me know) 3. Tweet or blog about the giveaway! Be sure to include @missbekah in the tweet and link back! 4. Like Eclectic Ornaments on Facebook That is four possible entries to win this awesome giveaway! In addition to the giveaway, be sure to take advantage of 15% off of anything in the Eclectic Ornaments shop, by using the coupon code: merrymaking!   Rae is a pro at custom designed ornaments, so if you or someone you know has a special event coming up this is the perfect opportunity to get some gorgeous jewelry! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MATTERS OF MERRYMAKING! Giveaway will end on December 21st at midnight CST.

Baby, You A Song

I've noticed a merry trend lately! The past few songs I have wanted to share on M of M have been folky or country.  Not stopping that anytime soon, because I am completely obsessed with this song.  Enjoy! Happy Saturday!  Be sure to tune in Monday for a MERRY MERRY MERRY announcement!  XOXO!

Cruise - Florida Georgia Line
What songs should I add to my playlist?! Share away!

Sheer Genius

{the best dress ever: c/o eShakti | studded blazer: Gordman's | red wedges: payless | necklace: F21}

It's not secret that this Merrymaker goes goo-goo over a dress every now and then!  It's now and then again! eShakti sent me this sheerly amazing dress a few months back, and it was the perfect dress for my first holiday party of the season! (p.s. POCKETS!!!) I am in LOVE with the sweetheart bust & sheer top.  Matched up with a studded, cropped blazer = bingo bango bongo! Oh, and no soiree is complete without my go-to red wedges.  Go check out eShakti! They have an amazing line of fall/winter dresses that are all FULLY customizable!  I wanted this to be a lady-like dress so I chose to have it hit right above the knee.  Gotta love that!!! You will NOT be disappointed, my little chickens!  Let me know what fabulous finds you discover.  I want to add this gold one to my collection of happy party dresses. Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend, your family and friends, and the upcoming festivities! Cheers!!!!!

Army Green & Sweater Dresses

 {sweater dress: ross | boots: LB | belt: torrid | scarf: target | coat: macy's | sunglasses: michael kors}

Sweater dresses may be one of the greatest fashion inventions since leopard print coats & chicken biscuits.  I stayed warm all day long and beyond that, I was super comfortable.  Gotta invest in some more of these babies.  Also, I didn't even notice until I got to work that my coat, scarf, AND belt all had the same shade of green!  Not on purpose.  The coat is just my favorite, so I naturally grab it most mornings.  I guess it was just an army green kind of morning.  GOOD NEWS! I have finally started my Christmas shopping!  What did people do before they could shop online?!  SO EASY! Have you started crossing items off your shopping list?  It's definitely a good feeling.  Only a few more things to go! 'Tis the season!

Product Review: Oscar Blandi Texture & Volume Spray

In last month's Birchbox, I was super lucky to receive the product pictured above, aka miracle spray.  It adds just the right amount of texture to my hair!  After flat-ironing, my hair can be a little, well... flat.  A few sprays of this prodcut and it looks like I actually know how to tease my hair.  (BONUS: Without the damage!)  If I am feeling fancy, on good hair days, I like to make waves with a curling iron and this stuff works magic.  It has a DRY texturing formula that gives that is hard to achieve with hairspray without the crunchies.  It sells for around $25, but at Ulta you can use their coupon they send out once a month!  I think a month of good hair days is TOTALLY worth the splurge!  Have you tried this product?  Thoughts?

Is there a product you would like to see reviewed on Matters of Merrymaking?  Leave the name in the comments below! Happy Hump Day!

Weather Anarchy

 {dress: ross | cardi & belt & scarf: target | boots: nine west | sunglasses: michael kors | socks: ???}

The leaves are finally really falling, chickens!  The only super sad thing was that it was 75 degrees today (the crazy hair is proof of the weather being wack!)  I crave my thick knits and wearing my bright tights!  What is this nonsense? Mother Nature is rebellling! So, I've got to be totally honest with you and share that I am completely obsessed with watching Lost, Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Dr. Who, SONS OF ANARCHY on Netflix.  I average 3-4 episodes a day.  It's a non-guilty obsession, if you will.  I know I'm not the only one who can take out a complete series in a week or two, right?  What should be next on my list?? Have the loveliest of Tuesdays, dear chickens.

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A Merrymaker's Guide to Gift Giving

I know what you were thinking.  You are facing the most difficult decision of the season.  What ever do you get for the Merrymakers in your life? Whether it be your sister, best friend, or blogging buddy--I have some insight!  What would I recommend for the Merrymakers on your Christmas list? Well, my first answer would honestly be gin.  Seriously, I've been trying gin in a variety of different recipes and have yet to be disappointed.  Tanqueray or bust.  But, let's say you have a Merrymaker in your life who already has a fully stocked bar.... here are some options.
A statement coat.  It's fun, it's very Blair Waldorf, it needs to be in my closet. Keeping warm, while remaining in the center of attention, is the goal of most Merrymakers. Can't you just imagine this coat with an emerald green necklace, tights, and red wedges for a holiday party?  Pass the egg nog, please!

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Chances are your merrymaker cares a lot for her skin, stepping up her game in the drying and freezing cold air of winter.  Gotta keep it moisturized and flawless, my chickens!  I love love love this matte moisture tint from Jouer.  I got it in my Birchbox and have been so impressed with it's quality and coverage.  A stocking stuffer that will make this season (and her complexion) very bright!

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Every Merrymaker likes to keep up with her social networks, text messages, and online shopping.  It's kind of hard to scour Pinterest, stalk people on Twitter, and share your cocktails on Instagram if your iPhone screen is all cracked to pieces.  Gift the fashionista in your life with an iPhone 5!  Don't forget a super glam case to go along with it!

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Pick your poison: Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars? (or both.) Your MM is more that likely to be a huge fan for the fashion, or for the heart-pouding drama.  Why not surprise her with some fun memorabilia from her favorite shows?  Might I suggest a print similar to the one from the Van der Woodsen-Humphrey loft?  Only true GG fans will appreciate it, so choose wisely.

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Chances are that not every Merrymaker out there is a fan of musicals.  I know, I know they are not for everyone.  You may hate the singing and dancing of the past... But NO ONE hates Journey, big hair, and Russell Brand, right?  Give the gift that keeps on giving: ROCK OF AGES on Blu Ray!

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Most merrymakers are known for their eclecticism and fun nature.  Why not give them something as eclectic and FUN as they are?  Nothing screams fun quite like a faux, taxidermy deer head.  They can deck their halls with one of a kind (and animal friendly) statement art piece.  Try etsy or ebay for the best choices.  Shop early and shop often :)

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If none of this highly coveted and impressive items would thrill your MM, play it safe with Target, TJ Maxx, Starbucks, or Amazon gift cards.  Best of luck braving the shopping crowds, hope you feel prepared and enlightened on what to gift to your favorite Merrymakers this season. Ho, Ho, Ho!

**Disclaimer: I can only presume from my personal experience as a professional Merrymaker, what other Merrymakers would like or prefer to receive as gifts.  It is not an exact science, but more like super fun to compose this list.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Party on, chickens.

#ThrowbackThursday

I was just thinking last night about the huge Throwback Thursday thing that is all the rage on Instagram (are you on IG? Follow me: @missbekah), and thinking about all the great times here at Matters of Merrymaking that I could throw back to!  Then it hit me... I wonder what I was posting/wearing/drinking on November 29, 2011.

So a quick laugh visit to last year's archives and I found it.  Ironically, I still completely wear this outfit together in its entirety (outfit details below).  Although my sister took her super cute purse back from me.  Oh, and my hair is longer (hooray!)  I think that says a lot about these pieces in my wardrobe! I need to invest in more of them!  It really was a lot of fun to see what I was doing last year around this time! Can you believe it is going to be December this weekend? WHAT! Where did 2012 go? Feel free to share some throwbacks with me!  Happy Thursday, my chickens.
{leggings, striped top: LB | boots: nine west | olive blazer: old navy | snood, satchel: target | belt: UO}

Red and Green-ish

 {sweater & red pants: LB | leopard flats: nine west | tunic: calvin klein, via TJ Maxx}

A bit of an unintentional Christmas-y theme going this morning.  Convenient though, as I think I am finally in the holiday spirit!  I have most of my shopping lists for Christmas presents narrowed down (just super broke right now.)  I also cannot wait to go see Christmas lights at the zoo and bake Christmas cookies with my family (a new, grown up version of a tradition we are starting this year.)  The whole thing makes me want to have a fire in the fireplace and have my hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps! Mmmmm.  On a different note, I love these shoes.  They make every day a bit more merry.