Constructing Christmas: Mint to Twee

Dessert blocks: Best Choice Products, Macy's

Rainbow Christmas Necklace

Shoes: B.A.I.T., Zulily; Socks: Amazon

Season's readings.

Sunglasses: Wild Fable, Target

Bangles: B Fabulous; Rings: PinkBopp

Tag brag.

Cardigan: Candyland for Dolls Kill

Christmas isn't Christmas without sugary goodness.  Not only to give as gifts and gobble at galas, but to devour after battling crowds and wrapping presents that may or may not be returned.  No doubt about it, cookies and candy take the edge off.  Yet as much as I love eating treats, I love looking at them even more.  So to kick off Christmas, I donned my Candy Land cardi and built a wee wonderland from Charlotte's dessert blocks.  It made me feel not only festive but peaceful, like I could hide from all the holiday hoopla in a fortress of saccharine solitude.

To paraphrase Green Day, wake me up when December ends -- and leave Andes mints on my pillow.

Paper or Plastics: Lean, Mean, Reading Machine

Just when I thought that Little Golden Books couldn't get more pop culture cute, the husband came home from the grocery store with -- yes -- the Mean Girls edition.  I was so excited, I read it to Charlotte immediately.  She was less than enthused, forsaking the mid-aughts classic to chew on some (hopefully clean) socks.  But I read on, impressed by how the brain trust at Little Golden Books was able to capture the heart and humor of the story in so few pages.  They even included "You go, Glen Coco!", a fan -- and personal -- favorite.

That said, the age-old message of Mean Girls will surely resonate with Charlotte someday.  

For now I'm just grateful that her biggest conundrum is whether to eat her food or wear it.

For the Love of Lincoln . . .

 Rainbow Rectangles Necklace

Tee: Gifted

Skirt: L'Amour by Nanette Lepore for JCPenney

Shoes: Worthington, JCPenney

Bag: Guess

Scarf: Express

Sunglasses: JCPenney

 I Heart Rainbows Necklace

Top: Material Girl, Macy's

Skirt: Modcloth

Shoes: Worthington, JCPenney

Bag: Loop, Toilet Water, Ocean City

Belt: Wet Seal

 Black and Blue Bow Necklace

Top: Lily White, Target

Dress: XOXO, Macy's

Shoes: Venus

Bag: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Belt: Candie's, Kohl's

. . . is an intro no doubt tempting more than one blogger this Valentine's-Day-slash-Presidents'-Day-weekend.  Washington, while not given billing, is paid tribute by the white top on display in outfit number two.  (Well, at least his hair is.)  My faithful Modcloth skirt is included for similar reasons.  Because nothing says you love the USA like a unicorn.

And now, because it would be inappropriate to expound upon presidential passions, we'll move on to the hearts and flowers portion of our program, which will be told through pictures of, well, hearts. And a Little Golden Book.

Here are some valentines I made for my family.  The husband's, I must confess, was store-bought.  (Because when it comes to romance, it's Target or bust.)

Yes, that is Little Golden Books all-star The Poky Little Puppy peeking out of that heart nestled in that lady's hair.

Some nice, old-timey storybook pictures.  I'm especially partial to the prince's blond flip.  

Before I pack it in, I found another nugget for team Washington (something more bankable than unicorns, chances being slim that Washington was a Brony) in the form of this Books-a-Million desk calendar quote:

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."

Wise words, Washington.  I'll never laugh at your teeth again.