new year's eve in...

For a perfect night in this New Year's Eve, make sure to surround yourself with great company (or solo, with a great glass of wine). NYE is great for watching movies, enjoying a cocktail or two and filling up on great food. I like to make several different appetizers or finger foods for my guests or just enough for me if I have an evening alone.

Stuffed pesto crescent rolls with a marina dipping sauce (you can drizzle the marina over the crescent rolls as well). I like to serve a small bowl filled with marinara for individual dippin' so you can double-dip all you want!

Place a small dollop of pesto at the larger part of the dough, roll into a crescent shape (follow instructions on packaging) and top off with oregano or your favorite Italian spices. Bake at 350 for about 10-15 min. Serve warm!

The Holiday is one of my all time favorite movies to watch around Christmas and NYE! I've watched it 3 times this week! A perfect romantic comedy!

Holiday, one "oldie" to watch whether it's alone or with a special someone.

Perfect for a night in with girlfriends!

Who doesn't love When Harry Met Sally!

Have a safe and Happy New Year! Wishing you all success and happiness as you have the power to achieve anything you put your mind, heart and soul into.

Love

MBD

go bold or go home...

New Year's Eve is one evening where you can get away with just about anything when it comes to clothing. Bold jewelry is all the rave and no perfect time to pull it out of that jewelry box for a night on the town than NYE!

I wore this great bracelet with a simple silk top shown above. Along with the matching ring, it was all I needed to complete the outfit.

A vintage necklace was paired with leopard print. Surprisingly it works! I kept the blouse buttoned up and placed the necklace outside of the shirt for a more classic look. Black trousers and heels and you are ready to go. Perfect for a nice dinner date! 

With this necklace wear it with a silk blouse as well and again left the necklace outside of the collar. Make sure to tuck in this blouse for a pulled together look. To give it a more casual look unbutton a couple of buttons, leaving it un-tucked, wear the necklace loose around the neck and pair with jeans and heels.

For edgy look, wear a bold chain-like necklace with jeans and heels, complete the look with a leather jacket.

You could pair the same necklace with a leopard print blouse for dressy yet still edgy look.

A simple t-shirt with a great statement piece necklace is great for a casual night out such as a house party. Wear with jeans, heels and a basic black blazer.

tis' the season for giving...

Tis' the season for giving. Whether it be a homemade gift or a heartfelt gift, It's the thought that counts. Here are a few gifts I gave and received this Christmas.

-GIFTS I GAVE-

I love to make personalized gifts baskets. In this case, for the sake-bomber lover!

 

For the wine the French Country wine lover.

This homemade ornament was given with a personalized charm that said "thank you", super easy to make and even prettier in person!

My friends received these super cute makeup bags. One simple and sparkly, the other more fun with leopard print and sequins (to fit their personalities).

-GIFTS I RECEIVED-

Brighter By Nature pads by Origins. These mini pad are mini peels with all natural ingredients. They are great for improving dull, blotchy skin!  

Absolutely love jewelry from Lia Sophia, It's fun and can be dressed up or down. Great for special occasions or every day wear!

I am in love with this gift from my daughter, a bunny ring holder from Anthropologie.

I am a huge fan of Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins! This set includes the Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Serum, Mask, Face wash and  Face Cream.

Received this book for decorating cake pops. Who doesn't love cake pops!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, I know I sure did. The best gift of all was time spent with family! The one thing that can never take the place of  a material item.

Love MBD



'twas the night before christmas...

"'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, was the scent of mom's cooking as we decorated the gingerbread house" 

I spend my time baking, 92 cookies this year to be exact!

From my "Martha Stewart" signature blue ones...

 

To the one's made with extra love

They are all packaged ever so cute and dropped off 

to the ones who don't give me the boot!

The stockings are now hung with care, in hopes that Santa would soon be here.

From oranges and apples, granola bars to honey sticks and organic fruit pops for the girl with curly locks.

Or the boy with the muddy socks...

Last, we set out cookies and eggnog for Santa along with Reindeer food!

Oh his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry and the beard on his chin, as white as the snow!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

  

my picks for last minute gifts...

Do you have a few last minute gifts to get? These gifts are practical, necessary or just too cute to pass up! I love to give gifts with a meaning or that have some significance or connection to that person. I find the best gifts are home-made or under $25. No need to go to fancy stores to find a great gift such as the one's below. You can find comparable items at Wal-Mart or Target as well! These stores have a variety of styles such as modern, eclectic, or minimal which makes it easy to find gifts ideal for everyone on your list and budget friendly.

Personalized coffee mugs are perfect for the coffee or tea lover! The modern monogram (great for men), $6 and paisley monogram, (I received this personalized coffee mug for Christmas and must say it's already a favorite of mine) $8 both can be found at Anthropology.

This egg crate is super cute and looks great in your fridge. Comes in an assortment of colors,  $14 at  Anthropology

Origin products used to be found in Department stores only now you can find Origins at Sephora! The Ginger Souffle is my all time favorite product & will last until next Christmas, $28. The clear improvement charcoal mask is great for blemish-prone skin and unisex! $15. 

Love this! It's on my night stand right now! Comes in different scents. However, the lavender with vanilla is my favorite! This product is great for men and  women, $10 at Bath and Body Works.

A stainless steel tumbler, great for the busy, on-the-go man or woman, $19.99 at Starbucks

I can't wait to read these two books! These are personally on my list. Both said to be inspirational and motivating! Good for the man or woman on your list.

 

Super cute bottle toppers, $5 at Pier One.

Who wouldn't love to receive these cute measuring cups! They come in different styles too, $12 at Pier One Imports.

I tried this super cute apron on, I felt so domestic. Starting at $19.99 at Pier One Imports or Anthropology have super cute ones as well! 

Coasters are nice to give to both the man or woman in you life as well. You can opt for a more masculine style such as the one above for the bachelor in your life or a decorative, print for the more feminine person in your life. $12 and up, Pier One Imports.

mommy and me...

Mother-Daughter pictures are always fun! Spending one-on-one time is always rewarding for both mom and child. I love the look of the cotton field, it was just what I had envisioned when I let the photographer know I was wanting rustic and personable. This field and area were perfect!

  I chose fur vests and boots to achieve a more rustic, boho look. My daughter loved picking the cotton and we just may have taken this small piece of cotton home as a souvenir.

She loved this photo session! A big thank you to Leslie D Photography!

www.lesliedphotography.com

MBD VS Pier One...

A few weeks ago I came across some simple glass ornaments at Pier One Imports that sold for almost $4 each. I thought to myself, I can make these & spend less!  The best thing of all about this simple craft, I can be a little more creative or add something personal to mine! So what do you think?

 Pier One - $4 (small)

After purchasing everything I needed for this project, I spent $6 total! Found a few of the items on clearance and used a coupon (it's what us frugal moms do) as well! I made 6 small ornaments, 4 large ornaments with an assortment of feathers.  I added a ribbon made partly of raffia which I  found in the $1 bin for a more rustic look. To give the ornament a more elegant look, simply add a satin ribbon instead.