From Mountain Top to Desert Sand

I've left my chilly little mountainside here in PA and have headed for some warmer weather over at The Cuddly Cacti today.   Come find me OVER THERE where I am discussing the one thing I am looking forward to most this Christmas.  I promise it will be sweet :)

Love Bunches, 

Mulled Cider

 Outfit Details: Dress: Vintage (in shop) // Sweater: Thrifted // Floral Crown: DIY // Brooch: Antique Mall // Bag: Vintage (in shop) // Socks: UO // Shoes: Clarks - girt from hubby

Why hello there darlings!

I'm back from my busy little weekend and I can now safely say that our Saturday night town tree-lighting shindig went off like a hit.  Our band brought down the house with Christmas tune after Christmas tune and what a festive little evening it turned out to be.  Laced with Christmas cookies, Santa Claus coming in on a firetruck (gotta love it), and of course the community Christmas tree being all lit up in it's glory, how could I not be immersed in and completely soak up all this holiday spirit?  Unfortunately we weren't able to record any of our tunes but you might just see some photos in the near future and we will be playing again on the night before Christmas Eve, so stay tuned :)

Anyhow, a warm front came through our town this week, so bare legs it is for now.  Though it's warm and toasty out, I'm kind of in the mood for mulled cider.  Anyone else out there with me?  Once the holidays arrive I really do crave cinnamon spiced everything.  

Love Bunches, 

Advent: Day 1

 Outfit Details: Dress & Sweater: Thrifted // Hat & Tights : Target // Necklace: Vintage-Antique Mall // Shoes: DIY (here)

Remember this little ruby red slipper DIY I did a month back?  Well here these little darlings are making their first official outfit appearance on le blog.  Gosh, it always feels so good salvaging old worn out pieces and giving them a new life, am I right?

Anyhow, blue skies and warm weather had our little family out and walking in the park.  I welcome any sunshiny warm weather day this time of year and yes, 50 degrees feels quite heavenly as 20 degrees seems to be the current standard.  I will admit I greet old man winter quite begrudgingly, so a nice big bowl of chili is where it is at on these frigid almost winter evenings.  

Enough complaints about the weather, I am pleased as a pickle that the holidays are here and that tonight our little band has the honor of performing at our town's Christmas tree lighting.  How wonderfully quaint and Gilmore Girls does that sound...hehe?  Of course I'm a tad nervioso but it shall be a fun filled evening indeed.  It's no lie,  I am the biggest sucker for Christmas songs, and am very excited to rock around the Christmas tree and usher in the holiday spirit to our lovely little town.  

Enough chit chat, what are some of the things you are looking forward to this holiday season.  Do share :)


Happy December darlings!

Love Bunches, 

Doo Wop - A Thread Share Post

 Outfit Details: Dress: Vintage (last seen here)// Sweater: Thrifted // Bow: Modcloth // Brooch: Antique Mall // TIghts:  Modcloth // Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Hello there darlings, 

I'm back with another thread share post and today Amanda, from Salvaged Strawberry, and I are remixing my vintage plaid dress.  I was feeling all 50s and doo wop pairing it with my red cardi and big bow and as I walked I could nearly hear "Blue Moon" or "At the Hop" playing in the background (or in my head at least).  How's that for a blast from the past?  Now hand me a strawberry milkshake, grab me some skates, and let's call it a day.

Amanda took a completely different route with styling the piece and I can't help but just love how she layered it up and pulled from the more neutral tones.  Shimmy over THIS WAY to read more on her blog.

Have a loverly Thursday darlings!

Love Bunches, 

Southern Cali Belle

Hello there darlings!

Today I have one doll of a blogger, sponsor, and fellow Flock Together gal taking over my little ol space for the day.  Meet Ashley of Southern California Belle:

My name is Ashley and I blog over at Southern (California) Belle.  I'm a surgical technician by day and blogger by... well... whenever I can find some free time!  I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles and made my way into the big city a few years ago. 

I have a happy little life with my fiance and our two chihuahuas Paczki and Tommy.  I enjoy shopping (of course), hiking, eating vegetables, wearing pretty dresses and watching Nick at Nite :). I love to showcase my passion for all things girly (and cost efficient) on my blog.  If it has ruffles, sparkles, or tulle, it's all mine!

Let's play 5 questions (Thanksgiving style) with Ashley:

1. Pumpkin or Apple Pie? 

Pumpkin pie!  I'm not a big pie person at all, but something about the holidays has me craving pumpkin pie.

2. Do you have any holiday traditions? 

Our holiday tradition is to celebrate Christmas on the 24th.  Much like New Year's Eve, we stay up until midnight and open all our presents over champagne and dessert.

            3. What dish do you look forward to most at Thanksgiving? 

I'm crazy for stuffing and of course, pumpkin pie :) 

4. Have you started listening to Christmas music yet? 

Not yet!  Although I hear it all over the radio.  I'll be cranking up the Christmas tunes after Thanksgiving passes. 

5. What are you thankful for most during this month of Thanks? 

I'm thankful for my fiance, my two adorable chihuahuas, and my job. 

Thanks so much Ashley for filling in my shoes today!  Wanna see more from this lovely gal?  You can find her:

Here: Blog // Here: Twitter // And Here: Facebook

Chat soon!
Love Bunches, 

Advertise in December

Tis the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect month to come along and join in on the fun and holiday festivities and advertise here on The Shades of Monet Chronicles.  To kick off the 25 days leading up to Christmas, get 25% off all ad sizes with the code "holiday25".  Checkout is super easy peasy as pumpkin pie and ads start at the first of the month.  Jump over HERE or click on the ADVERTISE tab above to find out more.  Wishing your days be merry and bright and full of sugar plum fairies and lots of little gingerbread houses.

Love Bunches, 

Tales from the Wedding Day

Hello there darlings!

I feel like it's been quite a while since I've popped in, but a little Thanksgiving hiatus was just what this gal needed.  It's been a fun week of family, food, and sweet potato casserole :)

But now I'm back and wanted to take a minute to share some tales from my little sister's wedding day, just as I promised.  It went something like this.....

The Couple

The Dress

The Pre-wedding fuel

The Dad

The Shoes

The getting-ready

The Bouquets

The Sisters

The Flower Girl

The Ceremony

The Kiss

The Matron of Honor and Best Man

The Bridal Party

The Ring Bearer

The Jump on the Beach (I got no air)

The Tram Ride

The Arrival

The Favors (homemade pumpkin butter)

The Dance

The Party

The Cake

The Send-Off

Hope your Thanksgivings were as scrumptious and lovely as ever (if you were celebrating).  Now the holidays are officially upon us and all I want to do is listen to Christmas music and drink hot cocoa.  I think I just may.

Bring on the holiday cheer my dears!

Love Bunches,