Under The Mistletoe ...

Oh paper goods how I love thee. And these are just another reason why. How cute is this mistletoe card series from Dear Hancock? I first saw one on the Urbanic blog and was pleasantly surprised to find that there were two more versions. They kind of remind me of when you're first dating someone, don't they? Too cute.

Introducing: The Post Social ...

It's here! I can finally tell you, my lovely readers, about a fun project that I've been working on with my pals Julia and Heather for the past several months. It's a blog collective called The Post Social. It's a place where fun and inspiring posts from around the blogosphere are hand picked, or rather "Post Marked," by the TPS crew to share with you in one spot. You'll also find original content from the TPS crew and guest contributors. Here's my "Fave Fives" holiday gift guide to get you started. And while you're there feel free to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for the TPS Report. Can't wait to hear what you think!

By the way, the images above are from our photo shoot for The Post Social "About" page. Don't ask me what I was doing. Was just feeling random and silly–two of my favorite things.

Pretty Neck Pieces ...

Even though I tend toward the tomboy side I do like a dainty piece of jewelry added into the mix. Above are my necklace picks from the great Anna Bee Jewelry. And guess what? The gracious Anna has offered Happenstance readers your very own discount code. Just enter "HAPPENBEE" (how cute is that?) at checkout and you'll qualify for a 20% discount. And don't forget to check out Anna Bee's earrings too–super cute! To ensure Christmas delivery order by December 11th–this goes for all personalized items too. Enjoy!

Gift Guide No. 1 ...

Jeans/Mrs. Necklace/Watch/Shoes/Poncho/Tote/Earrings/Bracelets

At last! My first gift guide of the holiday season. I think my favorite part of this ensemble is the Mrs. necklace I found perusing over at Kate Spade. They have some other really cute one's too like this one. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Enjoy!

Holiday Kick-Off ...

Last night a couple of friends and I ventured up to Venice for the Cocoa and Cupcakes holiday event at Urbanic. It was such a great way to kick off the holiday season. Everything was so festive and cozy we kept saying how we just wanted to live there. And of course all of the paper goods were so fun and inspiring. I think I lapped the store 10 times and discovered something new each time. Lots of holiday goodness in every nook and cranny.

Outside they were serving the most delicious hot cocoa and marshmallows along with amazing cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery–yes, I had more than one. And in the backyard area tables were set up for holiday arts and crafts. People were really getting busy crafting. Even the dudes!

I know it's only day two of the official Christmas season but have your holiday festivities already begun? I feel like there were quite a few store holiday events last night. The kids and I are excited to get our Christmas tree tonight! And they are beyond excited that they actually get to eat a piece of chocolate every single day until Christmas from their advent calendars. It's the cutest. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Group hug:)

Gift on a Stick ...

Okay, you've heard of these hot chocolate sticks, right? You swirl them in steaming milk and you've got the perfect cup of hot chocolate. I've always wanted to try one, but haven't yet. Have you? These ones are from Ticket Chocolate in San Francisco and come packaged so cute they'd be the perfect hostess gift. One stick is French Dark Truffle and the other Salted Caramel and they come complete with marshmallows. Hmm, I may have to gift myself the Salted Caramel service for one. Happy December 1st!

Chance Holiday ...

Loving these Chance holiday images. So simple, clean, and stripey:) And I really, really want this Wayne Pate for Chance tote (below). So cute! And these bangles are pretty great too.

Time To Decorate! ...

Looks like it's going to be a brassy Christmas yaaawwl (Paula Dean voice)! It happens. When the holidays arrive I get on this major Food Network and HGTV kick. Can't help it, the holiday specials are so festive and inspiring. Take the Secrets from a Stylist holiday special where I got super inspired with the way Emily decorated this couples house (pictured above). Not sure I would've chosen these particular colors but she totally made them work. I'm now also on a mad hunt for a brass reindeer and brass bowl for ornaments. And I absolutely fell in love with her take on garland using silver dollar eucalyptus branches instead of pine!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! I am happy to say that ours was filled with family and friends all the way up to last night! Definitely feeling full and blessed in life:)

Happy Thanksgiving ...

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday with family, friends, and great food and drink. I was just realizing that this is my third Thanksgiving post here on Happenstance. And as I was reading a Thanksgiving post from 2009 I realized that I am still absolutely thankful for the things that keep me centered ... my faith, family, friends, and yes yoga!

Photo: Food Network

A Glowing Family ...

The ladies of The Glow have done it again. This time their cameras have captured the home, and home life of Christiane Lemieux of Dwell Studio. Not only are the images full of inspiration from the design maven, but I love how honest and true Christiane's answers are about family life and being a working mom. Especially when she describes a recent low moment involving her sons separation anxiety at school–tore my heart out! But only because (as a onetime working mom myself) I think we've all been there. These pics are just a few of my favorites. See all the amazingness here.
I love this photo of the dinosaurs because I can completely relate to finding these little guys in various places throughout our house. Kitchen, bathrooms, car, you name it.

Photos: Kelly Stuart