December 25, 2014

OOTD: Christmas Outfit!







Sweater / Pants / Necklace (j.crew older) / Earrings / Boots (DSW) / Bracelet (Uknown)

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! I hope you all had a great day filled with joy, good, and happiness!! I'm so sad that Christmas is almost over and that christmas movies, music, and wrapping paper will need to be put away until next year.  Unfortunately, I spent all of yesterday in bed with what I'm assuming is a sinus infection (still feeling it now!).  Every time I got up, tried to eat, or drink, I felt like I would be sick and since I was so achey and tired I spent the entire day sleeping.  I missed out on Christmas mass and dinner at my Nana's but thankfully today I felt much better!! 

I'm so sad that Christmas is coming to an end and that we have to put away the Christmas movies, wrapping paper, and music until next year! 

What was your favorite part of Christmas this year?

December 22, 2014

Favorite #OOTDs from DoS on Tumblr

I love that I posted OOTDs all through high school (at least the last two years) because it's so interesting to look back on them.  Today I though I'd share a few of my favorites from the past few years! Check out the full tag over on my tumblr!





I love having an archive of outfits so that when I'm having trouble finding something to wear I can look for inspiration in things I've worn in the past.  It's easy to forget things I've paired together before that have looked great that I haven't worn in awhile.



December 17, 2014

I Woke Up Like This










(Except, I didn't wake up like this lol I'm not Beyoncé)

I'm obsessed with pajama sets, even if it makes me feel like an old lady.  They're just so adorable and comfortable! My mom actually gave me this set from J.Crew the other night so of course I wore it right away! (I've also been living in my Vineyard Vines fleece pants!) I'm also soooo excited to be able to sleep in my bed at home again!! While my bed at school is actually pretty comfortable (thank you mattress topper!!), I love that my bed at home is much bigger.  

Did you know that January 3rd is the Festival of Sleep? After the Holiday craziness is over, I think everyone deserves a day to do nothing, lie in bed, and sleep.  I'll probably doing just that on January 3rd considering I now have the excuse to do so!

How do you take part in the Holiday, you ask? Well.. thankfully wikihow has you covered!In honor of the event, Casper, a new sleep startup, has reached out to me to be part of their Beauty Sleep Style Challenge.  Casper sells amazing mattresses that ensure better sleep for brighter days.  I love this video of a customer taking the mattress out of the box (can you believe the mattress fits in that box?) It's incredible! Check out their pinterest board to see what others wear for their pajamas! 


What do ya'll wear to bed?


also, p.s. Dash of Serendipity is now on twitter!!! Check it out! @dashserendipity

December 16, 2014

Stocking Stuffers

water bottle / keychain / matches / lip sticks / pearls / blue jewel bracelet / tortoise bracelet / gold nail polish / purple studs / wellie cosmetics case / hair ties

In my house, we're allowed to open our stockings before everyone gets up.  It started to hold us (my brother and I) over until we got our parents up a little later on to open the presents under the tree.  There's usually a few small items in our stocking along with some candy or chocolate.  

It can definitely be tricky to find stocking stuffers especially since the items on Christmas wish lists are usually bigger.   I also think a fun idea for a gift would be to buy a stocking (from Target, or this cute one from Vineyard Vines), and fill it with a few stocking stuffers! 

Shop the items pictured above here or view the full list on my pinterest!


Also, Dash of Serendipity is now on twitter!! (@dashserendipity) Check it out if you'd like!

December 15, 2014

A Coffee Date with... The Pdx Prepster!

I'm so excited to launch this new chat series on Dash of Serendipity: "A Coffee Date with..."  Talking over coffee is a casual and fun way to learn more about someone, without the pressure of a formal interview.  So, I call this a "chat" series for that very reason.  I want the people I interview to feel relaxed and at ease while answering my questions as if we we're sitting across from each other at a local coffee shop.

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I'm thrilled to welcome Natalie from The Pdx Prepster in the debut installment of the series! This Portland native is a lover of all things coffee which makes her a perfect fit for this chat series, as we are having a "coffee date".  She has a passion for all things colorful and monogrammed and has an eye for putting together effortlessly chic preppy ensembles.  Take a peak at her blog here!

First off, since we're on a "coffee date", what's your go-to drink at Starbucks?  
Right now I have been having a ton of fun trying out all the different holiday drinks. The peppermint mocha is my favorite but I usually ask for 1/2 the syrup to prevent a sugar coma! The seasonal drinks are a little too sweet. During the regular year my go to is a double shot latte with one pump syrup. It certainly gets me caffeinated and is delicious! 

Where does pdx come from, and what does it mean?
PDX is a nickname for Portland, Oregon. Its the acronym for our airport. When I was in high school the PDX airport carpet received a lot of attention (look up #pdxcarpet) and people started using the term “PDX” when referring to Portland. I liked the ring of it and used it in my blog title. I have always joked that the city of Portland is way too cool for me, so I’m probably super lame for using the term PDX ;) 

A clothing item I can't live without is _________ because...
A clothing item I cant live without is a great pair of black flats (These are my current favorites:http://bit.ly/1saD4zq)

Dying over the washi tape space bar!
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If you could only hose one social media platform to be on from now on, which would it be? why?
Definitely Instagram! I love snapping photos and I love seeing other peoples as well. I think that Instagram provides a great opportunity to capture life's little moments! I love when someone manages to take a photo of something as ordinary as coffee with a friend and manages to make it look stunning. 

My biggest fashion pet peeve is... 
 I tend not to have a “fashion pet peeve” as long as the person is confident in what they are wearing. I think one of the most rewarding aspects of personal style is that its just that, personal. Ive seen people totally rock clothes that weren’t my personal taste, but they were so confident that they looked fantastic in them.

What's your favorite thing about Portland?
My favorite thing about Portland is its emphasis on small business. Some of my favorite places from growing up here are small and local. We have a huge selection of local coffee roasters, brewers, retailers, and restaurants. It makes Portland really unique! 

and your least favorite thing? 
My least favorite has to be the weather. I’m used to it and I would probably be uncomfortable living somewhere warm but it can definitely be a downer to wake up to so much rain. Its beautiful and yucky at the same time. 

You would probably catch me on ______ while shopping online.
You would probably catch me on Nordstroms while shopping online. They are outstanding at returns and exchanges  and the shipping is always free! 





December 12, 2014

Friday Finds

Finals week has officially arrived (for me at least), some of you may be midway through the dreaded time of the year, and others may already be at home (I'm jealous).  My last final is Saturday and I cannot wait to hop on a plane on Sunday morning and head back home! Having a whole month off will be so nice and I'm excited to spend that time with my family and friends at home!

I'm also so excited to get home and see this guy!!!!

Here's what has caught my eye this week!

sophiesvob on Instagram I stumbled upon sophiesvob's Instagram when new_fork_city posted her photo on their page.  I am a huge fan of the new_fork_city Instagram and I'm always screenshotting their mouth watering posts to add to my NYC restaurant to-do list! I have a running list of restaurants I am dying to try, mostly thanks to shots I see on food instagrams! The sophiesvob account shows absolutely breathtaking shots of the city and make me really excited to head back! She also has a blog that coincides with her posts on Instagram!


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Trivia Crack I am absolutely obsessed with this app!! One of my friends recommended that my friends and I should download it and I was hesitant at first but since I needed something to help me procrastinate studying for finals I went to the app store and downloaded it! It's basically the new Quiz Up (if you remember the app that was popular last year).  It's a trivia game where you spin a wheel to get a topic and want to be the player with the most "characters" to win! I love that I can play this with my friends, especially my friends from home who I don't see or talk to very often.  



The Londoner (Rosie) I've been following Rosie on Instagram for a while now and read her blog every once and a while, but the other day I started reading it thoroughly and was hooked.  I'm amazed by her photos and just how gorgeous she is.  She's one of the only bloggers I read that is based outside of USA.  I love that she has a different edge than most bloggers here.  Her posts have a ton of personality to them and I think that's why I like them so much!  I am also obsessed with her camera!! 


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Piperlime Collection Coated Moto Sweater Jacket Um, yes.. this is the greatest thing that has ever made its way into my life (okay maybe that's a stretch).  But this is pretty great.  It's all the edginess of a leather jacket but the comfort of a sweater! It's the greatest combo.  The best part? A fraction of the cost of a leather jacket! This just came in the mail yesterday and I am absolutely obsessed.  Everyone I've showed it to can't believe it's a sweater! I'm sure you'll be seeing this again in outfit posts very soon!

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Found anything interesting recently you want to share? Leave a comment because I'd love to read them!

December 11, 2014

Christmas Playlist

My favorite time of the year is back, and that's when it becomes acceptable in the world to listen to Christmas music 24/7.  It's playing in every store, on all the radios; you can't escape it.  There's the old classics and the new renditions, either way it's magical.  


See the full playlist here! What are your favorite Christmas songs?

December 10, 2014

Lately on Instagram

Here's a recap of some of my recent instagram posts on Dash of Serendipity!
My mom stopped by 73 Spring Shop (pop up shop collaboration with Design Darling, Perisfor, Loren Hope, Society Social, Inslee and Three Jane) on Sunday because I begged her to go after realizing that I come home for break the day after it ends! From what she's told me, it was absolutely amazing and you all should definitely check it out if you're in Manhattan before Saturday!
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I know I've posted this before but I still love how it turned out!! All of my pictures were falling off my wall since the sticky tack was no longer sticky, so I decided to do a little rearranging!
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When I was hope for Thanksgiving I went and visited the NYC vineyard vines store and loved seeing it!
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I lit a ton of candles while I was home because I had such cute matches next to my bed that I bought from Swoozies over parent's weekend!
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Follow along on instagram!

December 9, 2014

Ornament Love

Each year around the holiday season I pick out a few new ornaments to hang not the tree.  I love getting new ornaments to add to the collection.  I feel like your tree almost becomes a charm bracelet.  All of the ornaments represent you (or your family) and each year you can look back on the ones you've added in previous years.

This year I've found some really cute ornaments that have a lot of personality that I would love to add to my tree.

red sweater / gold dipped ornament / diet coke can / soy sauce
balloon letter / cotton candy / cars / pennant 

December 8, 2014

One Week Left

It is beyond crazy that this Saturday I will take my last final and be flying home for a month.  I feel like I just moved in a few weeks ago.  This semester has flown by faster than I could ever imagine and I'm a little bittersweet about it ending.  There's so much happening in this next week that I know it'll go by way too fast.  I am very excited to be home for a long time but I'll miss all my friends here a lot.





Some words to live by over the next week as I study as hard as possible for my last few finals.  See my inspiration pinterest board for more!

Good luck with the end of the semester and preparing for finals! 

December 5, 2014

Friday Finds

Happy Friday!!! I'm so happy that it's the weekend and today marks one of the last days of classes for the semester! I go home a week from tomorrow but in these next seven days I have to write two essays and take three finals.  This week will be super busy but all worth it in the end when I get to relax at home for a month!

Here's what I've found (and been loving) this week...

Cheesy Baked Egg Toast  Um this looks incredible.  I always find recipes that I'm dying to try and have to save for when I'm home.  I've always wanted to make Egg Toast but I've never gotten around to it but the addition of cheese makes it look even better!
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Bauble Bar Acrylic Block Necklace I know I've mentioned this before on the blog but it's really one of my favorite gift items for this holiday season! I'm doing a secret santa with friends and bought this for my friend.  I feel like when the price range for a present is around $30 no one would expect to receive a monogram necklace.  I bought this while they were having a sale, so it did fall into the price range I was looking for.  But, when you sign up for emails at bauble bar you will get 15% off, which makes it even more affordable!
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Compartes Chocolates Oh my goodness.  I placed an order of three chocolate bars after stumbling upon one of Ingrid Nilsen's vlogmas videos.  The chocolate she talked about sounded devine and with finals coming up I decided to treat myself. All the flavors are so fun and creative!! I ordered Cereal Bowl, Green Tea and Donuts and Coffee! I can't wait for these to arrive at my mailbox...

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Have a good weekend!



December 4, 2014

Study Spaces

All through high school I did my school work at my family's dining room table.  It's only used during holidays so it made the perfect space to spread out and get everything done.  When I came to college, it took me a little while to find a space that worked for me in the same way.  For the first few weeks I tried studying at my desk but quickly learned that I couldn't spread out and it get's way too messy to be organized with my studies at.
One of the reading areas next to a work table.  Isn't it pretty? I love all the windows for natural light. 

I decided to try out one of the libraries and ended up finding a perfect replacement for my dining room table.  However, at first I hated this library.  Everyone is absolutely silent, which scared me.  But once I put in my headphones and started listening to music I realized that I was able to get my work done so efficiently.  I love that the library has big tables for me to spread out and it's pretty cozy too! They're big enough that friends can join me in studying, even if we don't talk while we're there.
The wall next to my bed is too cute not to want to study next to... I can't help it sometimes!

I will also admit that sometimes I do turn to my bed to do some work.  I know it's not the best place to be working, but in a small dorm room there aren't many options when the library just seems too far away (I'm lazy).  When I have to complete a few exercises or highlight an article, my bed is the perfect place.  I wouldn't do any hardcore studying here, but when I have low-key things that aren't worth walking over to the library for my bed is just fine!

Sometimes a home (or  a dorm) can be the worst place to get organized when you have so many distractions and clutter surrounding you.   If you don't have access to a library, another great work space option is to try out a co-working company like WeWork.  A space, community, and service allows members to create in a stress-free, clutter-free environment.  Membership gives you access to 31 locations around the world.  Perfect for someone who travels, or for those who need to escape their hectic lives to get things done.

December 3, 2014

Easy Gift for Friends

I was browsing through Pinterest earlier today and came across a pin on this DIY project on Hot Cocoa Mix Ornaments and couldn't get over how cute they were!!  I realized what a perfect gift these would make for my friends! I'm doing a secret santa with a group of my friends, which means I'm not getting a present for each of my friends.  I still wanted to give them each something small and inexpensive and this is just the thing I was looking for!

I ran to target a few hours after seeing the pin to gather the things I would need and assembled some of the ornaments tonight, and I'm loving the result!


To make ten ornaments:

-set of clear ornaments (you can find them very easily by searching on google, but I've linked a set from oriental trading)

Start by cleaning each ornament in the sink to make sure they're ready for the hot cocoa mix to go inside.  Make sure to let them dry before adding in the ingredients.  Then, carefully put in 2 individual packs of hot cocoa mix in each ornament.  I found that the easiest way to do this was by using a funnel made with some scrap paper.  

Next, pour in the sprinkles.  Once you get a good amount in there you'll be able to shake the ornament gently to even them out.  Next, pop in the marshmallows a few at a time until you're satisfied with how many are inside.  

That's it!! It's that easy.  And the best part?  Each ornament comes to just $1.57 each! I love how inexpensive this gift is because it's a great gift to give to all of your close friends and you don't have to worry about spending too much money! 



December 2, 2014

December Playlist

Enjoy!! Happy December!! 

December 1, 2014

Best Monday EVER!

Time for the best shopping weekend to end with cyber Monday! The only Monday that's ever pleasant.  My inbox has been exploding with emails from every store I've ever shopped at with their deals and I'm sharing those with you today! Some of these have been going on since black friday but others are new!

J.Crew 30% off full-priced styles and 40% off sale with code MONDAY

J.Crew Factory  50% off + free shipping with code YOUVEGOTSALE

Asos 30% off with code ILOVEMONDAYS

Piperlime  30% off  + 40% off sale with code CYBERSALE

Madewell 25% off with code GIFTON

Design Darling  20% off with code MANYTHANKS

Artizia up to 60% off everything

Tory Burch  up to 30% off with code LUCKY

Loren Hope 20% off with code THANKFULLY

Shopbop up to 25% off with code GOBIG14

Tuckernuck  15% off site wide with code SHOP15, 20% off $150 with code SHOP20, 25% off $500 with code SHOP25 and 30% OFF + free gift with code SHOP30.

Country Club Prep 25% off orders over $50 with code CYBER25

Moon and Lola 15% off $75 with code FRIYAY15, 20% off $150 with code FRIYAY20 and 25% off $225 with code FRIYAY25

Kendra Scott 15% off with code BFCM2014

Riff Raff 50% off everything with code MONDAYMADNESS

Alice and Olivia 25% off everything 

Club Monaco up to 80% off with code CYBERSALE

Vineyard Vines 20% off orders of $200 with code CYBER14

Krass and Co 40% off with code KRASSMASS

Southern Shirt Co buy 2 get 1 free with code BUY2GET1

Personalized From Me to You up to 50% off monograms

C.Wonder  40% off everything

Lilly Pulitzer free gift with purchase (changes every hour!)

Steve Madden 35% off with code CYBER

Henri Bendel up to 40% off online

Kate Spade 30% off everything with code CYBER30

Shop Sosie 40% off everything with code CYBER14

Fraternity Collection 30% off site wide with code HOLIDAY + great ready to ship door busters. 

Castaway ACK 20% off everything with code CYBER20 + free gift with orders over $100 

Rah Rah Designs 30% off with code HOLIDAY30

Benevolent Jewels 50% off with code CYBER50

Fornash 40% off everything with code GIFT


Happy shopping!! 




November 28, 2014

Outfit: Gingham Vest





vest (J.Crew factory but sold out online!!)  // sweater // jeans // shoes // necklace // bracelet // ring // monogram ring // bag

Earlier this week I into the city to get a much needed hair cut before the holiday season.  The weather was actually really nice despite the overcast skies.  The day before was weirdly 70 degrees and yesterday it snowed.  The weather has definitely been weird here.  I was so excited to come home and finally get to wear my gingham vest from J.Crew factory! Unfortunately it's sold out online but I'm sure you could find it in one of their stores.  I'm also obsessed with this J.Crew factory sweater that I purchased over the weekend! I love turtle necks and cream colored sweaters so this was a perfect find for me!

November 27, 2014

Black Friday Deals

Hi everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones.  My email has been blowing up since about 5pm earlier today with emails from literally every retailer I've ever shopped from sharing their sales for this Black Friday/Cyber Monday so I figured I would compile a list to share with you all!

Bauble Bar (tonight only) 35% off with the code EARLYBIRD35

J.Crew 30% off full-priced styles and 40% off sale with code HOLIDAY

J.Crew Factory  50% off + free shipping with code THANKS

Asos 30% off with code TGIBF

Piperlime  25% off with code THANKFUL25

Madewell 25% off with code GIFTON

Design Darling  20% off with code MANYTHANKS

Artizia up to 60% off everything

Tory Burch  up to 30% off with code LUCKY

Loren Hope 20% off with code THANKFULLY

Shopbop up to 25% off with code GOBIG

Tuckernuck  15% off site wide with code SHOP15, 20% off $150 with code SHOP20, 25% off $500 with code SHOP25 and 30% OFF + free gift with code SHOP30.

Country Club Prep 25% off orders over $50 with code CYBER50

Moon and Lola 15% off $75 with code FRIYAY15, 20% off $150 with code FRIYAY20 and 25% off $225 with code FRIYAY25

Kendra Scott 15% off with code BFCM2014

Happy shopping!


November 26, 2014

Black Friday Survival Guide

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I may be crazy, but I actually love Black Friday.  I think it's so interesting to observe the rush of people scrambling to buy the perfect gifts for a lower price.  For at least the past three years I've taken a trip to the mall on the Friday after Thanksgiving to try and get some deals for myself.  I know that so many people stay clear of any shopping center on this day because it can be very overwhelming, but if you plan it right it can go very well.

Be Realistic Don't go into the mall or shopping center expecting to be able to shop crowd and stress free, that won't happen.  You will be waiting for a spot in the parking lot, in the dressing room, and on line to check out.  That's the reality.   

Have a Game Plan You'll be thankful you know which stores you want to hit and in what order when you step into the mall and you're met with a rush of people.  If you're shopping with others deciding what stores to go to and when can be stressful as it is, but when you add the busy atmosphere you may end up causing more of a problem.  

Be Patient Just because there's a huge rush of people doesn't mean your manners need to go out the window.  Be nice to the people around you, even if they aren't as nice with you.  Be patient with the sales people because they're trying their best too.  There's been a never ending rush of people since the doors opened that morning.  Since I'll be working in retail this Black Friday I ask that you please be patient! :)

Expect Less If you're expecting to get incredible deals on everything on your christmas list, don't.  I've found that expecting nothing makes Black Friday better.  The past few years I've gone into the mall not being 100% sure of the things I would buy.  Yes, I had my eye on things but I wasn't set on getting anything.  I like going in like this because then any deal you get that day will be unexpected.  

Good Luck! 

Stay tuned for my Cyber Monday guide! (For those of you too afraid to leave the house on Friday)





November 25, 2014

Gift Guide: Friends

Someone on tumblr asked me about gifts for friends so I decided to make a post about it! Holiday shopping is my favorite probably because I am quite the shopoholic so all the more reason to shop, the better!! 

Chevon Jewelry Tray $12.50 Love this tray because it's festive and unique for storing stray jewels.  

Taupe Tube Matches $7.00 I'm sure some of my friends would look at me strangely if I gave them matches as a gift, but I am obsessed with them (and I know some of you are too).  Any candle lover would love getting a cute set of matches to display alongside their favorite candle.  

Sophia Studs $34.00 These studs are great to add a pop of color to any outfit, even if the person you're giving these to isn't always the most adventurous when it comes to adding color to an outfit.  They're easy to wear and can make it look like you put a lot of effort into an outfit with the color statement.  

Acrylic Block Monogram Keychain $34.00 Love this keychain to attach to dorm keys or a tote bag for a personal touch. (order by dec 10 to receive by Christmas!!)

Chevron Card Case $24.00 Love this card case from C.Wonder.  It's so convenient to have a small place to store money and cards especially if you're giving this to someone who wears cross bodies a lot, as space is limited so it's difficult to bring a full wallet around.

Pom Hat $48.00 Love this cute hat especially for the wintertime.  Most coats are dark colors, so I love the look of a fresh white hat against the dark coats. 

Woke Up Like This Mug $12.95 Annnd cut to Beyoncé.  Love this mug probably because I love Beyonce.  

Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace $48.00 (15% off when you sign up for emails) I actually have this necklace and love it.  I may or not be gifting it to some of my friends this holiday season.  I have just the 2 initials because I wanted something different and I get so many compliments on it.

Giant Gem Speaker $40.00 Who doesn't love a good speaker? This one is adorable and loud so it's perfect for on the go or to keep on your desk.

Lahaina Pineapple Case $35.00 I love the color of this case and that it incorporates some metallics.

Essie Winter Mini Four-Pack $17.00 Holiday nail polishes are some of my favorites and the mini essie bottles are just the cutest.  They make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to change up their nail polish.

DryBar Curling Iron $125 This may be the most generous gift for a friend of the list, but it's a really great and quality curling iron.  If you have a friend that loves curling their hair this is a grew option.

November 24, 2014

The Perfect Gift to Send

I'm definitely obsessed with Birthdays.  I love any chance to celebrate and giving gifts, so when I saw the Bonjour Balloon online I was immediately in awe.  I love that upon opening the box a fun balloon pops out (aka I would die if I got one of these).  These balloons make a fun and unique gift that would be surely unexpected by friends and loved ones.

The Bonjour Balloon makes the perfect gift to send to friends that are far away.  For me, it's perfect because a lot of my friends live half-way across the country, attending other colleges.  This is perfect to put a smile on someone's face if you can't be there to see them in person on a special day.  



November 21, 2014

Friday Finds

WWI Christmas Ad I feel like everyone has gotten in to the Christmas spirit a little early this year.  People (including myself) may have just skipped over Thanksgiving and started preparing for the Christmas season.  While I love Thanksgiving, there's something about Christmas that's magical, and this video displays that so well.


"Normal Barbie" I read this article on BuzzFeed earlier this week and was really inspired by what this Barbie does with the kids who play with it.  I never realized that Barbie's anatomy and perfection shaped a child's view on themselves and other people.  Watch the video at the end of the article because it puts everything into perspective.  
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Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé Baby It's Cold Outside Yeah, I'm jumping into Christmas again, but I just love this video.  It's too cute and Michael Bublé is the voice of Christmas music (for me at least).  









 

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