To Keep You Safe and Warm

In September, we drove to La Veta to visit our terrific Grandma N. The drive was kind of long, but totally worth it. Not just because we got to spend the weekend with one of our favorite people in the whole wide world, but also because during the drive, I had an epiphany---one which led to a new invention. An invention that I have consented to share with one very special reader. Yes. This is the moment of truth--the one you've all been waiting for. I, Four, am finally going to reveal my invaluable contribution to the infamous giveaway.

My offering will include: 1 pair of super-awesome crocheted earmuffs handcrafted by moi! They may look cute and cuddly and they are! You have no idea how warm they'll keep your ears. It's crazy. You'll never have to wear anything else. . .

Lots of presents to make YOU happy!!

The holiday season is such a wonderful time to come together with friend and family, and rejoice in life. I really appreciate that society has designated the darkest days of the year as a time of joy and thanksgiving. For me there's nothing that keeps the S.A.D. away like an evening caroling, or decorating a Christmas tree.

That said, the stress of shopping, traveling, and party planning certainly wear me out. So while this is the season of giving, it 's also the season of getting... the flu for instance.

This is where my contribution to our first GIVEAWAY comes in! While I had originally hoped to give away flu shots, my sister convinced me that sending needles through the mail might not be a great idea. So I'm sending our lucky winner my winter wellness kit. You'll be armed with my favorite hand sanitizer moisturizer, airborne, and two delicious teas from Urbanistic Tea and Bike Shop here in Denver.

So Go Forth into Winter Holiday Land without fear! And have a happy healthy new year!! If you're interested in my meager offerings (not to mention some wicked cool stuff from my sisters!) Follow us and leave a comment here.

From Two to You!!!

I like to make things -- music, noise, messes -- and I also like to make paintings.  I call them "Vintage Timber" in honor of my dear daddy and because I paint the images on used, wooden furniture.  For my contribution to the FIVE First Ever Giveaway, I would like to share something I made.  You will receive ten note cards with numbered prints of five different images of my works.

TD Holiday Letter

To read the TD's holiday letter, visit us here! The password to the other family blog was conveniently misplaced. . .

An announcement, a giveaway and a consolation prize...

Mr. One and I love to throw parties. Or, rather, I love to throw parties and Mr. One loves me. So it all works out.

I also love traditions. And I simply adore Christmas. You can imagine, then, how I feel about a holiday party that is a tradition. Love. It.

It took a year or two of plotting, but Mr. One and I finally settled into our own annual mid-winter fete. Initially, I wanted to have a New Year's shindig, where we could celebrate the promise of good things to come with Hungarian harbingers of beauty and prosperity, apples and lentils. We threw in some Norwegian butter cookies so Mr. One's ancestors wouldn't feel left out. Since then, our little soiree has morphed into a hodgepodge of gingerbread, smoked fish and other bastardized Magyar-Nordic traditions, foodstuffs and decor. Compared to the TD MotherShip's legendary Night-Before-the-Night-Before Christmas bash, we're very small-time, but it is nonetheless a highlight of my holiday season.

Which brings me to my triumvirate of important news.

A) Lacking a suitable venue, this season's party is postponed until January 1, 2012. Mark your calendars now. It will be epic.

B) Just because *I* won't be having an amazing Hungwegian New Year Party doesn't mean YOU can't! As my contribution to the spectacular Five Giveaway, I will send you your very own kit with all the essentials for a perfect Hungarian New Year, including:

• One pound of organic du puy lentils -- guaranteed to fill 2011 with prosperity. And gas.
• A top-secret recipe for the most delicious lentil soup in the entire world. If I do say so myself.
• Two bars of organic homemade apple crisp soap, studded with ginger, oatmeal and apples. Princess H and I whipped them up this afternoon, and they are really yummy. And not quite as ugly as I feared...

***You can enter to win this and four other AMAZING treats by clicking the "FOLLOW" button on the right and leaving a comment on the original giveaway post here.

C) For those of you who don't win, or can't wait to find out whether you won or not, you can enjoy a truly mind-blowing stroll through my favorite European capitol here. Amazing.

On The First Day of Their Giveaway Five Bloggers Gave to MEEEE!

I know that all of you are super psyched about Five's upcoming giveaway. But wait! Why are you excited about it? For all you know, we could be hyping you up for a homemade "fire-starting kit" comprised of dryer lint and a box of water-damaged restaurant matches. And that's not cool.

So I'm going to honor your good faith by unveiling my contribution to our little New Year's gift to you, whoever you may be. It requires a bit of. . . audience participation, but in my opinion, it's well worth it.

Yes, dear reader. The winner of this giveaway will receive a personal Microsoft Paint portrait. The picture can include up to two faces (babies negotiable*) and a theme specified by you. All you have to do is email me the necessary photos and wait to receive 1 psychedelic large print photo in your package and a mind-blowing digital file in your inbox.

For a chance to win this super weird -- but kind of awesome -- prize (plus untold wonders waiting to be revealed by my lovely sisters) 

FOLLOW Five and leave a comment HERE. Simple as that.

*As are multi-colored pine-trees

Jingle-bell-tastic style!

Let's face it, dressing for the holidays can be a real joy or a complete nightmare.

Why I love it:
1) I have an excuse to crack out all of my sequin encrusted, Santa adorned, jingle-bell-tastic threads.
2) Mixing red and green is fun.
3) When else can I consistently wear metallic everything and pretend not to look completely ridiculous?
4) There are few things comfier than a chunky knit sweater.
5) Colorful gloves and jingle bells make some of the best accessories.

Why I hate it:
1) Going to parties with people you haven't seen for a year can be is stressful!
2) Trying to be festive all the time can be exhausting.
3) Opting not to be festive all the time is kind of lame.
4) Holiday sweaters are--most often--not super flattering.
5) It can be hard to look cute while staying toasty.

Earlier today I found this article about a normal guy's day in a pair of jeggings. Yes, jeggings--like leggings, but with some. . . um. . . denim flair. It was nothing short of horrifying. Reading this sad account compelled me to compile a list of some *hopefully* fail-proof holiday looks--that don't involve leggings as pants.

1. Any gold/khaki/cream pencil skirt, light blue/white/grey/green/pink oxford, nude or light patterned tights, metallic accessories.
2. Any gold/khaki A-line skirt, white oxford, green/navy/brown/black blazer, obi (or other thick) belt, nude or light patterned tights, coordinating heels.
3. Any pencil skirt, metallic top (same hue as skirt), tights, bright shoes.
4. Red skirt, black top, sparkle-rific tights, complementary pumps.
5. Festive black dress (or black top and skirt), festive tights, matching shoes.

TA DA! You look tre fabooo!