Holiday Gift Ideas with Blurb

I think we can all agree that your friends and family love getting really creative, one-of-a-kind gifts for Christmas. Gifts like books that elicit a “where did you find that!?” kind of response.  Well, a little bit ago I introduced you to Blurb's customized photo books, but did you know that Blurb also has an entire online bookstore full of unique books by an array of undiscovered, self-published authors, artists, & photographers?  And while these books probably aren’t on your recipient's wishlist, they totally should be. So, if you’re thinking of giving unique gifts this year, consider these titles. Each costs around $40 USD or less:

Cookie Cravings by Maria Lichty and Heidi Larsen

We all have cookie cravings. Popular food blogger Maria Lichter decided to put them into something deliciously original: A baking book featuring 30 recipes you won’t find anywhere else.

Dog by My Side by Adam Schnitzer

This charming collection of original, vintage photos shows us that as long as there have been cameras, we’ve wanted to photograph our canine best friends. As a special bonus, there’s a glossary of the early photographic methods used in the original images. 

Around the World with a Toy Camera by Giorgio Giussani

Perfect for the photography or graffiti-art fan on your list. This book is an explosion of gritty color that explores the wonders of street art and analog photography. 

Food Stories by Elena Scott

A short, wonderfully illustrated collection of recipes (and food stories) that will inspire you to pick up the knife and spatula—or just pen and paper. 

Things I Love by Carol Nehls and Jessica Rose
Illustrated and written many years apart by a mother and daughter, this sweet rhyming story told by a fox is pure joy for all ages.

Patent Pending by Jordan Natyshen

Chicken goggles, air-conditioned rocking chairs, monkey jockeys for greyhounds… humankind has invented and sought to patent some amazing and crazy things. Illustrator Jordan Natyshen illustrates some of the strangest in this history of odd inventions. 

Tiny Horses are Everywhere by Thea Lux

The perfect stocking-stuffer for fans of off-beat humor, this undeniably nutty book is based on a Tumblr blog and combines simple photo collages of small horses in human environments with incredibly funny captions.

Rouleaux by Anastassia Elias

What can you do with an empty roll of toilet paper? If you’re French artist Anastassia Elias, you create tiny dioramas inside of the discarded tubes. Inspired by art and movies, these pieces are beautifully crafted, fun, and unbelievably detailed. 

Low Fidelity by Bobby Grossman

If you, or someone you love, listened to New York punk and new wave in the 70s, chances are your favorite artist can be found in this book. Bobby Grossman photographed Iggy Pop, David Byrne, The Ramones, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol and many more. This book is a time capsule of—and a love letter to—a legendary time, place, and sound.  

Compensation was provided by Blurb for this post.  As always, all opinions are 100% mine. 'Cause that's how I roll.

I'm Thankful For...Joyce

Next up is my friend, Joyce, of Joyful Outfits.  Even though she's still in high school, this little lady's got style for miles.  Her blog is one of my daily reads, and I am constantly inspired by her creative and chic outfits.  If you haven't popped over for a visit yet, do so right now.  You can thank me later.

Hi everyone! I'm Joyce from Joyful Outfits and I'm so excited to be guest posting here while Kym is on vacation. Above are some outfit ideas for the holiday season ranging from casual to fancy. Though I usually wear something very casual on Thanksgiving (the first outfit is my mashed potato making outfit!), I also included an outfit idea for those who want to dress up a bit more. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!


p.s. - Be sure to enter the Our World Boutique giveaway for your choice of a gorgeous statement necklace.  Enter here!

Please note that this is a scheduled post, so if I don't respond to comments, it just means I'm probably enjoying life outside of the internet.  Whatever that's like.

I'm Thankful for...All of You

Reminder: Our World Boutique giveaway happening right here!

Every year around Thanksgiving, I like to take some time to reflect on what I'm thankful for.  Just being alive and possessing the ability to think about all that I have is a blessing in itself, and when you get right down to it, there are about a million things to be grateful for.  To list each and every one would take a good, long time.  So this year, on this blog, I want to focus on everyone who helps to make this little blog of mine possible.  To my readers, supporters, commenters, encouragers, silent lurkers, sponsors, friends, contributors, constant cheerleaders, photographers, and helpers; to those that give me their honest opinions, constructive criticisms, and unwavering support - I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart {and soul}.  Each and every one of you are an integral part of the success of this blog.  Without you, bitty.and.bunny couldn't possibly be the fun, rewarding, wonderful, happy, sometimes frustrating but always fulfilling, creative outlet that it is today.

::Thank you for being you.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving::

Please note that this is a scheduled post, so if I don't respond to comments, it just means I'm probably enjoying life outside of the internet.  Whatever that's like.

Hollister So Cal Beach Party

This post brought to you by Hollister Co. All opinions are 100% mine.

Warning.  What I'm about to say may make some of you feel very uncomfortable:

There are less than 30 days left until Christmas. 

(Really)

Now might be a good time to start thinking about getting a jump on your holiday gift list.  Enter the Hollister Co Beach Party.  You've all heard of Hollister, right?  This laid back shop is all about effortless So Cal style, and features cozy flannel, worn in jeans, fun flirty dresses, and super soft hoodies and sweatshirts.  What could be comfier?

This Black Friday is going to be their most epic deal ever.  They're going to have EVERYTHING your little heart (or the little heart of your best friend, sister, mother, brother, cousin, or boyfriend) could desire from super cozy sweaters, leggings, & sweatshirts, to heritage plaids and flannels, to (the best part) - 90’s inspired styles (and if you read Wednesday's post, then you know I am all about bringing back the 90s!)

PLUS, check this out: they're going to have hot Hollister lifeguards at the doors (which conveniently open early this year, at 8pm on Thanksgiving).  Since my sister and I started the tradition of hosting Thanksgiving together on Black Friday, we'll have our evening free on T Day to head over to the party, grab some great deals, and maybe indulge in a little eye candy while we're at it.

Here's what I would wear to go Black Friday shopping (I had to include options for both NJ and FL):

laid back, super comfy, and totally stylish

What do you like to wear when you go shopping?  Tell me in the comments.

p.s. - be sure to Like Hollister on Facebook and Follow @HollisterCo on Twitter to get all the details of the sale as they're released, and Follow @HollisterCo on Instagram for tons of inspiration!

p.p.s. - download the Hollister App to unlock the new Black Friday Beach Party Whistle (it is pretty....pretty...pretty cool).

I'm Thankful For...A Vacation & A Giveaway

Hi, all!  By the time you read this, I will be in Florida, soaking up some sunshine, laughing with my sister, and happily awaiting our Thanksgiving celebration that we've decided to host together for the second year in a row.  While I'm gone I have some great girls filling in for me, with Thanksgiving-inspired outfits.  I can't wait for you to meet them!

{top | jeans | cardi, hat, & necklace c/o Our World Boutique | boots}

For now, though, I want to introduce you to Our World Boutique.  The owner, Kaye, who is just one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting through email (and whose sister also happens to be a Kym) contacted me recently to choose a few items for review.  I was happy to snap up the softest grey beret with little metallic gold flecks in it, this amazing statement necklace (which looks even more amazing in person than it did on my monitor), and of course a cozy cardigan with elbow patches.  Because there is a part of my brain that simply cannot resist a cardigan with elbow patches.  Let me tell you, guys, I love everything!  The shipping was crazy fast - like 3 days fast, and the prices are ridiculously reasonable!  Want to try it out for free?  Yeah, I thought you might.  Well, good news!  You have a chance to win your choice of a statement necklace from Our World Boutique (open to US & Canada residents).  Also, from now until November 30, get 10% off order of $20 and up with code bittyandbunnyforowb.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Please note that this is a scheduled post, so if I don't respond to comments, it just means I'm probably enjoying life outside of the internet.  Whatever that's like.

My So-Called Inspiration

{dress (on sale!) | cardi, c/o Our World Boutique | tights | booties, necklace, hat, c/o chicwish}

Remember Angela Chase from My So-Called Life?  I honestly wasn't even thinking of her when I got dressed, but growing up in the '90s apparently has deep-seated effects.  Such as having her style nestled so deep into my brain that it I bust out fabulously early '90s outfits practically on autopilot.

{I mean, right?!}

At least I retained something from that show besides my crush on Jordan Catalano.

...And if you were a fan, then you will love these next 8 minutes of your so-called life...

Linking here today.

Blurb for the Holidays

I just booked my travel arrangements for Thanksgiving.  I'm going to stay with my sister in Florida again (happy dance!) and while we were on the phone yesterday discussing flights, our T Day menu, and the possibility of doing a costumed 5k Thanksgiving morning, we also decided to officially start the Christmas season by decorating her place, trimming the tree, and going to one of those winter wonderland drive thru light show thingies as soon as I arrive.

I guess you could say I have holidays on the brain.  Which brings me to my next topic:

 Christmas shopping.  (Is it ever too early to start?)

We all know there's literally tons of gifts you could give, but there's just something extra special about a photo book that you've custom made yourself.  Some people are amazing at scrapbooking, or even at printing photos out and gluing them into a book.  But I am not one of them.  I'd much rather choose pictures & captions, and then let someone else do the dirty work.  That's where Blurb comes in.  They have a whole line of fully customizable photo books for you to choose from.  Or for something a little different, they've got a Blurb Family History Book, a Blurb Baby Book, and even a Blurb Food Book.  Still stumped?  Then check out the Blurb Gift Center for lots of inspiration and even more ideas.


{And from now until Nov 11, you can save when you create at Blurb:}

Use code: MORESAVINGS to save 20% on orders of $40+

-or-

Use code: EARLYSAVINGS to save $25 when you spend $100+

(please see Blurb website for details)

This post sponsored by Blurb. I was provided compensation in return for this post, and as always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Riding Dirty

{vest |  denim | similar sweatshirt | chambray | similar boots}

I should have worn this outfit on Halloween, for the amount of people who told me I look like a horseback rider.  Which is fitting, because (little known fact) I was on the equestrian team in college.  And while I learned a lot about saddles, stirrups, and stride, the distinctly chic riding style that usually goes along with it went right over my head.  Back in school I was pretty devoted to my uniform of tee shirt, jeans, and a hoodie, and apparently no amount of trotting around a paddock could make me waver from it. 

 

p.s. - New Jerseyans, don't forget to vote today!!

p.p.s. - Linking up here.

5 Tips for Layering Jewelry

 

 source

I'm having an arm party and you're all invited.  Actually, I highly encourage you to throw your own!  And while you're at it, include your neck and fingers once in a while.  They're feeling kind of left out.  But you should know that there's an art to the layer.  So before you go layering all willy nilly, here are some tips on how to layer your jewelry without looking like a six year old who just raided her Grandma's jewelry box.  

1. Pick One

The best way to keep your look on the sophisticated side is to only select one jewelry style to layer.  If you're going to layer necklaces, only layer necklaces.  If you're going to layer bracelets, only layer bracelets.  This keeps you from overwhelming your look with too many accessories.  The only exception is when the jewelry is all very delicate; then go nuts!

2. Choose Different Lengths

When you're layering necklaces, be sure to select different lengths.  You want each piece to be displayed naturally.  If all of your necklaces are the same length, they not only block each others' view, but they're more likely to get tangled.  You should choose different lengths for bracelets, too (or at the least, choose adjustable ones so you can place them where you'd like).  This way, you can have bracelets at different places along your arm, instead of a jumble down at the bottom of your wrist.

3. Choose Different Styles, Textures, Colors, Materials, etc.

Probably the most fun part of layering jewelry is getting to showcase your creativity.  With necklaces, make sure that you're mixing it up, say pearls and diamonds coupled with a long gold chain.  If you're layering bracelets, try mixing something like gemstone bracelets with thin bangles and woven cloth bracelets.  If you're layering rings, try a fancy diamond ring with a simple metal band, plus a delicate ring in an interesting shape.  Part of the fun of trying different styles is mixing classics like diamonds or gold with something fun and unexpected like ball chains, animal charms, or geometric shapes.  Ultimately, you want the grouping to reflect the fun, stylish girl that is you!

4. Thin It Out

When layering, it's important not to combine too many chunky pieces with each other.  Combining heavy looks is likely to make the style look weighed down, and could also make you look bigger in the process.  Keep the necklaces, bracelets, and rings thin and slim so that you look thin and slim by association.

5. Let Your Jewelry Talk

You want to let your jewelry make the statement, so don't confuse the look by wearing busy prints or bright colors.  The closer your clothing is to the jewelry, the more neutral it should be.  For instance, if you're layering necklaces, wear a solid colored blouse or sweater.  If you're layering bracelets, wear a shirt with short sleeves (or push the sleeves up).

Basically, your goal is to have fun with the jewelry and to let it help you express your personality.  Follow these tips, and you'll be the life of the (arm) party.  I guarantee it.

This post sponsored by Anjolee.  As always, all opinions are 100% mine.