Holiday Bling Giveaway...

I've made my list and checked it twice and have officially "shopped until I dropped"!  I have to admit though how hard it was to keep from shopping for myself. Nearly every gift I picked up I thought...OOOOH, that would look nice in my living room, or that would look perfect in my kitchen, or my favorite....that would look spectacular hanging in my closet! {hee, hee}

Well, for all you that have been holding yourself back from those personal "It just appeared under the tree from Santa" gifts, here's a little something to treat yourself with...

These lovely little earrings are up for grabs as a part of my WhimSea Designs Holiday Bling Giveaway! Here's how you enter:

1.  Follow my blog Modern Vintage Coastal and comment below this post.
     This qualifies you for ONE entry.

2.  Follow Modern Vintage Coastal on Facebook and comment below that post.
     This qualifies you for ONE entry.

3.  Like WhimSea Designs on Facebook and comment below that post.
     This qualifies you for ONE entry.

**You have three ways to enter, how fabulous is that?**

Hurry, contest ends December 31, 2011. So spread the word and share some holiday cheer!!

Displaying Christmas Cards...

Does it seem like sending and receiving Christmas cards are a thing of the past? Everyone is either sending e-cards or using Facebook to spread the holiday cheer. Call me old fashion, but I would rather receive an actual Christmas card than an email. There's something beautifully unspoken when you receive one in the mail. It tugs at the heartstrings and lets you know that person took the time to show you how much you mean to them. I can remember when I was a child, LONG before the internet ran my life, my mom would display all the Christmas cards we received around the door frames in our home. It was always so nice to see the love of family and friends scattered around the house during the Christmas season. If you're one of the few still sending and receiving Christmas cards, here are a few other ways I've found to display them:

HANG THEM WITH RIBBON FROM A GARLAND WRAPPED BANISTER

DRAPE THEM ACROSS A MIRROR WITH RIBBON OR GARLAND...

PICTURE FRAMES ARE PERFECT TO USE IN SO MANY WAYS...

HANG DECORATIVE RIBBON FROM YOUR DOOR AND FINISH WITH

 A LOVELY BOW AT THE TOP OF EACH ROW

PLACE THEM IN A CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENT OR CENTERPIECE

PLACE CARD HOLDERS ARE A DELICATE AND FUN WAY TO 

SCATTER A FEW THROUGH OUT YOUR  HOME

AND FOR THE OVERACHIEVER....{WHOM I IDOLIZE DEARLY, BLESS YOUR LITTLE HEART} YOU CAN PUT YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS CARD IN A GLASS DISPLAY LAMP ALONG WITH FAUX SNOW, A FEW ORNAMENTS AND A SPRIG OF PINE! 

What's your favorite way to display your Christmas Cards? Either way you look at it, Christmas is just around the corner. I hope these Christmas Card displays inspire you to create a little magic in your home this season.

Gift ideas under $15...

Only 12 shopping days until Christmas....are you ready? I'm definitely not! With all the planning and preparation for our little bundle of joy on the way, I got a little side tracked this year. I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't even started my holiday shopping. I'm sure most of you started your Christmas shopping on Black Friday. As for me, I definitely passed on that opportunity. I try to avoid scenes like this...

With that thought in mind....I guess I'll just have to suck it up and head out with all the other "last minute crazies". I think it's always nice to have a few little extra gifts tucked away for a neighbor, your mail carrier, or even an unexpected guest that arrives at your Christmas Party. Well, here's my little secret for fabulous little gifts that won't break the bank...Shhhhh!

 I'm completely obsessed with Pier1, I could spend all day in there. In fact, I'm pretty sure I have already once or twice...LOL! I can't help it...they have the most amazing gifts under $15. {and they also make GREAT stocking stuffers too} You'll be sure to score something for everyone on your Christmas list this year. Whataya think of these?

LIP BALMS IN DECORATIVE TINS

SUPER CUTE AND SASSY PENS

...AND NOTE PADS

GORGEOUS COMPACT TOTE BAGS 

TRAVEL SIZE TOILETRY SETS...PERFECT FOR THE HANDBAG!

DECORATIVE SOAPS IN FESTIVE, COLORFUL TINS

SUPER LUSH JEWELRY ROLLS

A COASTAL INSPIRED DISTRESSED PICTURE FRAME

FABULOUS BLINGED OUT PENS....PERFECT FOR THE FASHIONISTA ON THE GO!

So, don't stress yourself out this year shopping all over town for those great little stocking stuffers or hostess gifts! Stop by Pier 1 this week and pick up a few things...you may even find a little something for yourself. {Shhhh, I won't tell...your secret is safe with me!}

What about you? Have you finished all your Christmas shopping yet? I've heard stories of ladies that start the day after Christmas, already shopping for the upcoming year. How early do you start your shopping?

Mini S'mores Cup Cookies...

Mmmmm, sweet smells are filling up my kitchen this week! With only two weeks until Christmas...I've got a lot of baking to do, so I thought I'd share another one of my favorite little treats with you. This is an amazing Pampered Chef recipe I came across recently and it makes the perfect gift to take to a Christmas "Cookie Exchange Party". They're quick and easy and you'll be the biggest hit at the party....

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place graham crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Finely crush into crumbs. Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter in a small bowl.
Place 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture in each cup of a mini muffin pan. Press crumbs to form shallow cups. Bake 4-5 minutes or until edges are bubbling. Meanwhile, break two of the candy bars into rectangles. Remove pan from oven; place one rectangle into each cup.

Cut marshmallows in half crosswise using shears dipped in cold water. Place one marshmallow half, cut-side down, into each cup. Return to oven 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are slightly softened. Remove pans from oven to cooling rack; cool 15 minutes. Carefully remove cups from pan. Cool completely.
Break remaining candy bars and place in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 20 seconds. Dip the top of each marshmallow in melted chocolate. Turn top-side up and let stand 40 to 60 minutes or until set. Makes 24 cups.

Note: Store the cups in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Freezing is not recommended. For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute dark chocolate candy bars for the milk chocolate.

WARNING:  THESE YUMMY LITTLE GUYS ARE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE....
TRY NOT TO EAT THEM ALL BEFORE YOU GET TO THE PARTY, OKAY?   {wink}

Wish List Wednesday...

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and once again time for...

 ~ Wish List Wednesday~



"Wish List Wednesday" is a place to share your holiday wish list with you friends, family and fellow bloggers. All the "must have" items of the year you've been dying to show someone, hoping maybe...just maybe you'll find it under your Christmas Tree in in your stocking this year.

Have you started your stocking stuffer shopping yet? Well, it's no secret in my family... I LOVE ME SOME STOCKINGS! One of my favorite things about Christmas morning is opening presents in my stocking! Since I was a little girl I've always had an obsession with my stocking, what can I say. My mom still fills my stocking at home for me, how sweet is that?! One could argue that I love my stocking presents more than my actual Christmas gift. I even think Hubby has given up on getting me a present to put under the tree...he just finds gifts small and blingy enough to place in my stocking. He's even stopped shopping at my favorite store for clothes to surprise me with. Now, it's just gift cards....he catches on fast, I love it!


So, while I was shopping for my stocking stuffer list to put together this year (hubby always needs a cheat sheet) I found this GORGEOUS high heeled stocking at Pier1. 


O'ma goodness....How perfect is this?

I KNOW RIGHT! It's the perfect mix of what I like to call "Girly Vintage Shabby"
Three words for ya ladies...OOH LA LA!


Now that the stocking is hung from the chimney with care...here's what's on my stocking wish list...

Make-up brushes for on the go. I love the pearly pink travel case...

Jennifer Aniston's new perfume. (It smells fabulous...clean and fresh) C'mon would you expect anything less from her? She has the perfect way of making simple look elegant!

Of course, a girl can never have too many lip glosses! {MUAH}

Stylish and lively, Pink Sugar reminds me of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel. It's the perfect light scent to slip into fresh out of the shower.

Okay so here you go.... "Wish List Wednesday" holiday link party will be hosted by Modern Coastal Vintage every Wednesday for the next three weeks on 11/30/2011, 12/07/2011 and 12/14/07. 

TO JOIN The Wish List Wednesday Link Party:  1.  Become a follower of Modern Vintage Coastal (if you're not already)  2. Follow Modern Vintage Coastal on Facebook  3.  Insert the Wish List Wednesday button from the sidebar to the right of this blog  4.  Please link your post back to Modern Vintage Coastal  5. All entries will be reviewed and I will select a few fabulous posts to feature  6.  This is a blog hop, so please be sure to stop by other blogs and say hello...maybe you'll find something there to add to your wishlist! Most, importantly....HAVE FUN!!  {WINK}

I can't wait to hear what's on your list this year...

A Seaside Christmas...

There's nothing I love more than living at the beach. So this year I'm looking for a little Seaside Christmas inspiration. Here are a few ideas to help you achieve that sea tidings look for the holidays...

Scatter white fingerling starfish along with colorful layers of blue and silver bulbs throughout your christmas tree for a elegant yet casual feel.

Shell garland is a beautiful way to showcase your fireplace. Scatter starfish, lanterns and white seasonal flowers across the top of the mantel for a fresh sea tidings holiday look!

Tablescaping: Place small silver or clear christmas bulbs along with seashells in small decorative glassware around the table. At each place setting wrap a small package and tie with natural string or burlap. Slip a starfish under each bow of the wrapped package and you're done!

The same idea applies when you're wrapping gifts for under the tree! Easy and elegant!!

Continue the look and feel of Christmas throughout the house with gifts (empty wrapped boxes) left by the beside table.

I love the look of turquoise and white at Christmas! Don't you? I only wish "Charlie" would sit still that long to take a picture for me.

Wrap your packages in different printed paper and bows but stay in the same color scheme as the rest of your Christmas decorations. This allows everything to "come together" for a beautiful holiday look!

Stockings aren't just for hangin' on the mantel anymore...hang a few from door knobs, coat hooks, even bed posts! Christmas bulbs and ornaments can also be hung with coordinating ribbon....you should carry the beauty of Christmas throughout your entire home, not just the living room.

White pitchers with small green shrubs line the staircase for a simple and affordable look! 

...and a stairwell just isn't complete without a few sprigs of garland running up the banister. Scatter pine cones and votive candles on each step to complete the look.

Photos courtesy of: Pinterest, and Southern Living

Wow, with all this inspiration...I need to get started on my on home! Christmas will be here in 2 1/2 weeks and so far all I have is a naked Douglas Fir sitting in the corner of my living room! Have you started decorating yet? What's your favorite thing about Christmas decorating that you look forward to doing every year? 

Oreo Truffles...

The countdown to Christmas has begun! One of the things I look forward to this time of year is spreading a little love and Christmas cheer to those around me. I love spending the weekend baking some unique and delicious cookies and then wrapping them in cute little festive containers to hand out to my neighbors. I found this recipe this morning and couldn't wait to share it with you all...this is one of many I'll be sharing I'm sure...

Easy OREO Truffles

Rated: Submitted By: BAKER'S Chocolate Ready In: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Servings: 42

"These truffles are very easy and delicious. You can't go wrong with OREO, cream cheese and chocolate!"

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream

Cheese, softened 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER 'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2.	Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
3.	Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of All Recipes

HELPFUL TIP: I used "Candi Quik" instead of bakers chocolate in this recipe. It's much easier, you can find it in the baking isle of the grocery store (or even walmart) and it has microwave instructions on the back...I LOVE IT!

So, how do you spread a little Christmas cheer with your neighbors? I'd love to hear your thoughts and am always looking for new ideas to share...

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!