Ebates- Earn As You Spend this Holiday Season!

I forgot to share with everyone during my last post about one of my favorite websites...Ebates! 

Sign up for Ebates Here

The thought just popped into my head, so I decided to write a post as my fiancé and I are in the car (He's driving, of course :P ) This tip is too good to wait!

I prefer to be jolly all through the holiday season and most of the time the crowds in department stores or mad shoppers on Michigan Avenue bring me down! 

No Thanks!

We often forget that this season is not about pushing and shoving, but for a time to give and spend time with loved ones!

Online shopping is the way to go! You can "give" while you save and most importantly, you save yourself some time that could be better spend singing Christmas Carols around the fireplace :) 

With Ebates, you do all the above and you even earn a little extra! Ebates is associated with hundreds of stores, so every time you spend with them, you get cash back!

You even get a $10 gift card to a store of your choice when you sign up!

Before you hit the "shopping cart" be sure to sign up using the link below...

Sign up for Ebates Here

The site even runs specials when they with double you cash back!

For example, I made a purchase at Nordstrom with 6% back...my order before tax was just over $200, so I made $12 in just that purchase! Add in coupon codes and free shipping and I would call that a success! Plus...no lines or crazy shoppers!

A little extra cash in your pocket never hurts!!! Does it?!? :)


Happy Hobbying Shopping Saving!
MDRW

MDRW's Favorite Things 2012

For years, I looked forward to Thanksgiving week when I would stay in my PJs, pour a cup of tea, have my trusty notebook in hand and park my butt on the couch to indulge in every envious moment of...

OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS!!!

I would make frantic phone calls and be ready by the internet in order to snag the latest and greatest "it" gifts of the holiday season!!!

I remember my first purchase was the Lollia bubble bath in the wine bottle! As a big bath lover, this was a touch of luxury! There was something so special about using a product that Oprah herself loves!

Visit on Lollialife.com

Remember the UGG frenzy?!? Yes, I was one of those goofballs that searched ebay to pay top dollar just to get my hands on a pair!

Believe it or not, I, myself, got a taste of Oprah's Favs when my Sister landed seats on The Oprah Show for a segment called "What's Cool for Summer" for herself, my Mom, and I!!! We new we were in good hands when we were directed to a sunglass fitting when we walking into the studio. With new designer shades in hand, I knew we were in for a ride! I like to describe this show as a mini version of her favorites! We walked out of there with the new shades, an iPod, speakers, beach towels, cover-ups, hats, beach bags, full Clarins skin care line, Popsicles, and tickets to the Beyonce concert featuring Robin Thicke! We hit the jackpot and for that I'll be forever grateful to Oprah! Not only for the tangible things she gave us, but for such an exciting day on her show with MY two FAVORITE women in the world!

When Oprah announced the cancellation of The Oprah Show I was devastated thinking I wouldn't have that Christmas gift guide I looked so forward to having each year! Needless to say, I was thrilled to see that Oprah brought back her Favorite Things for 2012!!!

This particular episode was great because you got to see the process in which she goes through to select her favs! It's nice to see the integrity she puts behind each product chosen! I was even pleasantly surprised to see her turn away a pair of gloves because, although they were nice, they were overpriced! Love it!

For those of you who missed the episode on OWN, below is a link to her complete list:

Oprahs Favorite Things 2012

So...I got in the shopping spirit and thought it would fun to pick MY favorite things!!! In a fantasy world I would be able to share all these things with deserving people, but we can dream right?!? :)

Oprah chose about 50 things and it took her months, so I'm going to stick with just 10 things that I love!

Enjoy and let me know some of your favorites as well!

10. The Embellished Collar

I love this look because you can make a simple blouse or sweater elegant in an instant! You can wear them with multiple pieces, extending your wardrobe! A great money saver in my mind!

The Full Collar:

Visit on ASOS.com

The Collar Tips:

 These are amazing! I wore these for a work conference. A great way to add a touch flare to a basic look!

Visit on ASOS.com

9. Stocking Flatware Holder

Such a simple idea, but adds so much to your table setting!

Visit at Pottery Barn

8.Cucina Coriander and Olive Tree Caddy Set

Luxurious hand soap in the kitchen always makes for a more intimate and hotel-like experience! It's something unexpected next to the Palmolive that you are using on your dishes. Shouldn't we be treating our hands more delicately that our greasy pots and pans?!?

Visit at Sur La Table

7. Wisteria's Chinese Garden Stool

I prefer to use this stool as a side table or plant table. It's a great design element and comes in multiple colors! I like the silver, as it's a bit more edgy and modern. I already picked up one of these beauties for my three-season room!

Visit on Wisteria.com

6.The Coobie Bra

The Coobie Bra is labeled the most comfortable bra! I'd have to agree! I scored a BOGO deal on these babies and wear them as much as possibly! The bra also seconds as a cami for under shirts and sweaters! Love!

Visit at Shopcoobie.com

5. Michael Aram Olive Branch Cheeseboard

My Sister and brother-in-law gave this cheeseboard to my fiancé and I for one of our engagement parties! With the holidays here, it's all about entertainment! I'm pumped to put this cheeseboard in service! Michael Aram's pieces are amazing and I plan to add a few to my wedding registry :)

Visit at Bloomingdales

4.Thymes Frasier Fir Fragrance

Nothing smells more like Christmas than the frasier fir tree we put up in our living room every December! Thymes' version of this Christmas classic is spot on and so realistic! One sniff and you'll be hooked! From sprays to candles, there is something for everyone!

Visit on Thymes.com

3.The Sideways Cross

Love this dainty, delicate necklace! I have one in rose gold! Never thought to wear it on an angle like the one pictured above! Amazing!

Visit on Etsy

2. Apothecary Jars

My Nana used to have these filled with candy when my Mom was a child! I'm starting to see these popping up everywhere! So practical for multiple uses! Make your everyday items, such as candy, fruit, nuts, sugar, nail polish, q-tips, and holiday decor look fabulous! I've already picked up a bunch of these for my new home! Can't wait to fill them!!!

Visit at William-Sonoma

1. Classy Concoction Cocktail Glasses

These glasses and this site are my new obsession! My Captain and Coke always tastes better if it's in a nice glass (more on this later). Like Classy Concoction's tag line says "Any glass can hold a drink, but a classy concoctions starts a conversation!" So true! I'm on a vintage kick so these are the perfect way to send me back to the Mad Men era!

Visit Classy Concoctions

Happy Hobbying Holidays!

MDRW

A Non-Traditional Time"Wine": Great Gift for any Wedding Occasion

Forget a timeline, let wine be your guide! 

Since I love wine, this gift was a no-brainer and was so much fun to put together! I got the idea from my friends MIL (mother-in-law) at her bridal shower! She presented the bride and groom with a wooden trunk filled with wine to be used when celebrating the couples first "firsts." For example, she used Bare Foot Champagne for their honeymoon.

When I saw this, I knew it was just what I needed to make my speech at my Sister's rehearsal dinner a hit! Visuals always help me with my presentations, both personal and professional, so a bunch of wine bottles was a great way to carry me through the speech! Plus, I knew with all the fun kinds of wines out there nowadays it would be easy to pull off! I found most of these wines at our local Binny's, however I picked up a few from a few specialty wine stores in the area.

So here goes MY list, but have fun with it and make it your own:

First Valentine's Day

First Menstrual Cycle :)

First Breakfast in Bed

First Vacation; AKA The Honeymoon

First Fight

First Birthday

First...Well we won't go there

First Baby

First Christmas

First New Year's

First Cinco de Mayo

In my case, this was "First Anniversary" because my sister got married on May 5th.

First "Make Up"

Wedding Night

First Thanksgiving

What do you think? Needless to say, the speech was a big hit and this gift truly is...

the gift that keeps on giving :)

Happy Hobbying Drinking,

MDRW

Falling for Fashion: Colored Stem Obsessed...

I spent much of my spring and summer putting together a nice collection of colored jeans because I find them so easy to pair with an outfit. I was very pleased to see the colored marvel are making an appearance in this season's Fall fashion previews!

Of course, I can't go a season without making some form of an update to my, too much to handle/hoarding worthy, wardrobe, so I picked up a few new colors to transition to Fall.  We are even seeing them in corduroy, which adds texture and warmth.

I love the Rockstar pairs from Old Navy. They are so comfortable, they come in every color, and don't make you break the bank?!?

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=85935&mlink=5151,5498661,HP_LN_2_Petite&clink=5498661&redirect=true

My color picks this fall...plum, mustard, navy blue, and red!

Here are some of my favorite ways to wears this trend:

Put a spin on the nautical look with these Stuart Weitzman leopard wedges and a metallic statement necklace.

http://www.bonanza.com/listings/Stuart-Weitzman-Women-s-Xray-Wedge-Sandal-Cognac-Leopard-Size-10-NEW/80080181

Don't stop at just two colors! Go bold with this mustard, green, and pink look. If you must, tone it down with a chambray button down (another great wardrobe staple).

 Check out this one from Madewell:

http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DENIM/shirtstories/PRDOVR~25240/25240.jsp?TCode=MWGGBS00001&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=25240&origin=pla&cagpspn=pla

I'm LOVING the mustard and plum color combo this fall! Pair it with a black blazer and a cap toe heel from Sam Edelman.

http://www.heels.com/womens-shoes/frances-black-antique-gold.html

Happy Hobbying Shopping,

-MDRW-

Man's Bouquet - A Gift Your Guy Will Be Happy to Accept

What to get for a guy that you have been with for years??? The cologne, polos, golf clubs, etc. have all been done, but the one thing I haven't gotten him is a bouquet of flowers!

Okay, of course I won't ever be buying him REAL flowers, those are reserved for woman, but there is nothing wrong with a bouquet styled gift covered with nic nacs that scream "manly man" :)

My first stop...Michaels Crafts for a ceramic flower pot, foam blocks for floral arrangements, green colored stuffing to cover the foam block, and wooden skewer sticks, and duck tape. You can also use glue instead of tape, but time was a concern as I was still putting this together 45 minutes prior to our dinner reservations!

To make the gift more personal, I saw some Chicago Bears banners, mini foam fingers, a personalized keyhook, since he's always losing his keys, and a football shaped kitchen timer, since he's always whipping up new creations in the kitchen!

Next stop...Binny's Liquors! I can spend hours in that store! It's perfect for last minute gifts and even gifts that have been premeditated, such as this one! I hit the humidor and spoke to the cigar expert for some nice options, since "Medium and heavy bodied" means nothing to me unless we are talking about wine!

To accessorize, I picked up a cigar cutter, punch, and a top of the line lighter that is used just for smoking cigars.

Next, I hit the mini/travel size liquor aisle. There I found some different scotches that I knew would be a hit!

The rest is a piece of cake...

1. Place a foam block in the ceramic pot

2. Stuff all open areas with the green colored stuffing

3. Tap or glue each item on a wooden skewer

4. Strategically place all the items evenly throughout the foam block so that it starts to look like a bouquet of flowers

That's it!!!

This man's gift is surely one to please! Now he can never say...you never buy him flowers! :)

Happy Hobbying,

-MDRW-

For the Love of the Photos

As I mentioned in my "about me", I love taking photos and capturing moments in time! I took photos this afternoon for a great couple who was having their vows renewed after 23 years of marriage! I was reminded that I have not shared any of my photos on my blog, so I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures that I have taken for some other great couples and families! There are even some scenic shots that I have used for decor around the house as well!

I started getting into photography when my Dad picked up a Canon Rebel a few years back. He always had an interest in photography and used to work in a dark room to produce great images of my Mom from a distance. He might be where I got it from, however I don't think I would have the patience to sit in a dark room and wait for images to appear. I like instant gratification, so the digital world is perfect for me!

Enjoy!

The Coleman Family

Michele and Chris' Engagement

Katie and Michael's Engagement

NYC

Mexico

California

Pure Michigan

The Eberle Boys

 Feral Feline Project

Cecilia

The Barnes Family

Happy Hobbying,

The Self Proclaimed, Modern Day Renaissance Woman