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.