Holiday dresses have arrived.

What have I found on Pinterest this week?

Funny you should ask...

Because I'm linking up with Michelle again!



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One of the best parts of the holiday season, is that glitzy, festive dress or outfit you get to wear to fancy parties. Am I right? Of course I am... ;)

While I have no serious Christmas parties lined up these year, I can imagine I do. Maybe I'll need a little somethin somethin for New Years Eve who knows.

Until I know for sure, I can lust over these ideas!


Introducing your holiday dress inspiration:










An Interview With Erica

Today I have something really special for you all. Erica of Young and Fabulous somehow agreed to be interviewed for my little ol' blog! I love a funny blog, and Erica totally nails it. She ALWAYS knows how to make laugh.

Exhibit A:



Erica doing the dougie. See? I told you!

[1] Let's cover the basics. Tell us about yourself.

Hi everyone!! I’m Erica. 23 year old certified gangsta! Okay maybe not…but I like to pretend I am! I’m a Boston girl. I frequently break out into song and dance. I have this ungodly obsession with Lil Wayne, Facebook stalking, making people laugh, being silly, and just living life to the fullest.

[2] What blogs do you read every day?

I have about 70 blogs that I read every single day, but one of the blogs that stands out to me most is Kelle Hampton’s, Enjoying the Small Things. One day last year I literally sat at my computer and read every single post from when she started blogging. I cried, I laughed, I cried and laughed at how ridiculous I was for doing this, and then I just became inspired. Inspired by her words, her love for life, the way she looked at the little things in life.

[3] What made you start blogging?

I started blogging when one of my previous jobs had me researching blogs for health-related content. I eventually found this one blog that I wish I could remember the name of and thought “hey…this chick is writing about what she ate for breakfast…maybe I can start a blog.” So there I typed…probably the lamest blog post ever, but here I am, and I am LOVING it.

[4] Where do your passions lie?

While I have a true passion for writing, one of my most inner passions lies in making people feel happy and good. I can’t tell you how good it feels to put a smile on someone’s face, or at least try to. Little things can brighten a day, it’s just the way you do it! It brings me back to one day where I simply helped a man in a wheel chair get a frozen dinner at the grocery store and we struck up a 10 minute conversation about lean cuisine meals versus smart ones. It brightened his day.

[5] Who is your hero?

I have 2 heroes. My two grandparents who passed away within 4 months of each other. They were strong willed. They didn’t let anyone tell them what to do or how to life their life. They taught me more than I’ll ever know, and they just had so much love for each other. I don’t think they could bear to be apart from eachother because just 4 months after my grandmother died, my grandfather died unexpectedly; on her birthday.

[6] What do you wish you knew five years ago?

I wish I knew how to feel more confident. I never had much confidence in high school but once I got to college, I realized that being who I am is more important than trying to be someone your not. In high school, I never opened up. I never really felt like myself, except for when I was with my friends. It feels good to finally feel good in my own shoes!

[7] Where do you see yourself in five years?

Oh man….in 5 years, I would love to see myself engaged or possibly married to my boyfriend who I’ve been with for 5 years. He’s my best friend, my other half, the ying to my yang. Okay I’ll stop being wicked mushy right now! Mainly, I want to be happy. I want to enjoy my life. I don’t want to dread going to work or dread coming home. I want to feel fulfilled and however that decides to happen, that’s really where I want to see myself. 

[8] What are your go-to, never fail items in your closet?

One of my go-to items would have to be a big baggy t-shirt. Totally sexy, no? Paired with a hot pair of heels, you never know! As far as nicer clothes go, I love pencil skirts and dresses!

[9] What's at the top of your want list?

Well if I had to go materialistic, I’d say a pair of leopard Christian Louboutins. I’ve been lusting over these babies for years! Sometimes I walk into Saks or Neiman and just look at them. Granted, no one ever comes over to help. They probably know I cant afford them…ONE DAY you snooty little salesmen! 

[10] What advice do you have for new bloggers?

My advice to new bloggers is BE YOURSELF. Don’t sensor yourself because you are worried what people think. The point of your blog is to express yourself in your own words. If you want to use the F word, use the F word! It’s okay to be different. Hell, I’ve been known to bust a little rap or 2 on my blog without a care in the world. Whatever you decide to blog about, it’s okay! Don’t let people talk you out of what you believe in! And it’s totally okay to do the Dougie on your blog.


Thanks again, Erica!

Weekend In Pictures.


Fave nail polish colors from my nail swap partner Maura! More info on this to come ;)

A holiday sweater.



My man.


It was EIGHTY TWO degrees in San Diego today. Um hello, weather???


We had amazing seats at the game. I don't want to hear any Tebow/Broncos remarks.


I found this purse on sale and I'm in love. I didn't buy it, but isn't it adorable?

Friday I went disc golfing with the boyfriend and his family and it was SO fun. It's a little dangerous at first. And by dangerous I mean if you're playing with me. It took me a few tries to get my frisbee to go anywhere near the direction I intended it to go. This was definitely a highlight for me. I love finding new fun things to do. Have you ever been?

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Turkey Day Thanks


I'm thankful for the opportunity to have traveled SO much in 2011. It was such a blessing to have been able to see my family in Michigan, visit Vancouver, Hawaii, and take a small weekend cruise to Ensenada, Mexico! It's not every year I get to travel this much, 2011 was truly special.


I'm thankful to live SO close to the ocean. I take it for granted in the winter, but even sitting on a bench with a hot chocolate watching the sun set over the Pacific ocean on a chilly night is just as magical as a warm summer day.


I'm thankful for my boyfriend & best friend who ALWAYS supports me, makes me laugh constantly...and laughs at my lame jokes every time (okay....most of the time at least)


I'm thankful for both my immediate and extended family, being so close with so many of my cousins. It's like having extra siblings. Yep, these two are my brothers!


I'm thankful for having such amazing friends who are honest with me. That is the sometimes the most important aspect of a friendship (along with positivity and dependability.) To be able to have someone who is confident enough in their relationship with me to tell me when I'm wrong (in a nice way) is something I'll never ever take for granted. I am so lucky!


Happy Thanksgiving!!! What are you thankful for?!

Shorts for winter? Yes, shorts for winter.


Happy Wednesday people!
 I'm linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple to show you my latest pinterest obsession....shorts & tights. I think done right, it's stunning and funky. See pictures below for proof!

But done wrong, you look like wh*re. 

My tips to doing it right?

Stick to dark colors, and think classy and conservative with the rest of the pieces you choose...and you're set to go! You don't need a lot of funk or boldness because shorts and tights is funky enough.

Would you wear this trend?



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Source: flickr.com via Sydney on Pinterest



Waterfall Braid Tutorial

*Sorry in advance if I'm a little shiny...real stars shine ;)*

STEP ONE & STEP TWO: 

Grab two THIN pieces of hair on one side of your head. Take the second piece of hair you grabbed and twist it up over the first piece of hair. Let the first piece go free and grab a new thin section! See pics below :)




STEP THREE:
Twist the new thin section up and let the section you just used to lay flat against your head.

STEP FOUR:
REPEAT.
STEP FIVE:

Grab one of these bad boys. If you don't know what this is...get off my blog...just kidding...starts with bobby. ends with pin.
STEP SIX:

Find an ending point! I like mine to flow into the hair on the back of my head.


STEP SEVEN:

Pin and go! I like my waterfall braid to be more spaced out but you can also do tighter and more sections for a different look!

I am blank because

I saw this post floating around from Little Miss Momma and couldn't resist a second post today! Thanks to Erin for inspiring me:)



I am weird because...
I can completely tune people out. Like on a plane, while sleeping, at the grocery store. I can live in my head whenever I'd like.
I could eat pizza every day. Every meal probably.
I like wearing other peoples shoes around the house (not in a weird fetish kinda way)
As much as I love fashion, I prefer a sweatshirt most cold days. Preferably something hideous and oversized.
I think taking cookies out two minutes early is on time.
If I miss the previews at the movies I get in a bad mood.
I hate thrift stores, because I think. they smell like dead people.
I still am obsessed with the Olsen twins. And still watch their movies.


I am a bad friend because...
I don't like to do things I don't want to do.  And I probably won't.
I'm not perfect. Sometimes I say the wrong thing.


I am a good friend because...
I have a big heart.
I will always listen.
I will always give you an honest answer.
I don't keep score.

I am sad because...
I wish I had more discipline sometimes. Okay all of the time.
I signed up for the gym again two months ago and I've been ONCE.
Philip Rivers is having a REALLY bad season and so are the Chargers.
I miss my brothers.

I'm happy because...
The holidays are among us!
I adopted a little boy who needs a Santa...and bought him a sweet cars tent!
I have love in my life.

I'm excited for...
The Chargers/Broncos game I'm going to with my boyfriend Sunday!!
The food baby I'm going to conceive on Thursday...mashed potatoes MMMM...
The Christmas centerpiece I made tonight! It's so beautiful!
Going ice skating at Hotel Del Coronado.
Christmas lights.

An Interview with Ruthie & A Giveaway Winner!

First of all the giveaway winner of the feature ad space with Mrs. T is....



Congrats to Lindsay at You are the roots!! Send me an email at hollietakesnotes@gmail.com please!

Now onto an interview with someone wonderful you may know...Ruthie at The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart. Ruthie is sweet...and really hilarious might I add! She writes about everything from recipes to DIY to inspirational life stuff. You absolutely have to check out her blog...after you read this interview of course :)

Here goes!


[1] Let's cover the basics. Tell us about yourself.

Hi yall! I am Ruthie Hart. My hubby and I live in Austin, TX and by day both work in the software industry. At barely 5 feet tall, I am probably one of the most outgoing people you will meet. I am a book nerd, super crafter, attempted housewife in the kitchen and most importantly, a child of Christ. Jon (the hubs) and I are very involved in our church, love to travel and explore new places, tend to find random reasons to dress up and love Frank Sinatra! 



[2] What blogs do you read every day?

Gosh what blogs DON’T I read!! The first blogs I started reading were Peanut Butter Fingers and YoungHouseLove, I will forever read those blogs! I read everything from fitness, lifestyle, mommy, crafting, and food. 

[3] What made you start blogging?

I started reading a couple of blogs and I guess my hubby got sick of me telling him about other people’s lives so he kept encouraging me to start my own! I started my blog a week after returning from our honeymoon. So much had changed over the past couple of months and knowing that our lives would only get better now that we were married, I wanted to document it all! I love knowing that I will be able to look back and watch the growth I’ve experienced through blogging. 



[4] Where do your passions lie?

First of all, I am passionate about my husband and family. They are essential to my happiness and love for life. I am passionate about Jesus and live each day so thankful for His grace. 

[5] Who is your hero?

My husband is hands down my hero. He is also my biggest fan and supporter. He is intelligent, kind hearted and humble. I admire the way he can let go and let God. I am so lucky to have him in my life. 

[6] What do you wish you knew five years ago?

This one is easy! I wish I wouldn’t have been so worried about how my life would pan out. I was not looking for love when I met my husband and look where that led me. In college I felt as if I needed to plan out every single detail of my life and have a step by step plan. I am learning to live life for today and let nature take its course. If things are meant to be, they will happen. 

[7] Where do you see yourself in five years?

I pray that it is God’s plan for me to be a mommy in 5 years (hopefully sooner!) 



[8] What are your go-to, never fail items in your closet?

Cotton sun dresses! I think I own more than 50 cotton dresses (and I am not joking). Lucky for me, I can wear dresses 75% of the year in Texas because I hate jeans! They are so stiff and restricting. Now that it is getting chillier, I find myself wearing the same pair of jeans every single day to wear them in! 



[9] What's at the top of your want list? 

This is hard! Jon and I were just talking about Christmas gifts and I honestly can’t think of anything. The closets in our 1950’s home are the size of my pinky so I’ve totally gotten over buying clothes. I just got my first dslr camera for my birthday so I am a happy girl! 

[10] What advice to do you have for new bloggers?
This one is easy! Don’t blog with the intent of becoming rich and famous. Blog for YOU! Blogging for me is a way for me to escape, a creative outlet and something that keeps me accountable. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind or share your opinions. 

Thanks to Ruthie for sharing with us <3