The Whitney Landmark Residence Holiday

Do you ever wonder how well you know your neighbors? Well, mine learned a little more about me during a lovely holiday gathering in the lobby of the Whitney Landmark Residence. Since Joe and I moved into the renovated historic building five years ago, which was built in the mid 1860’s as a flour mill that harnessed the power of the water from the mighty Mississippi River and the St. Anthony Falls, we have enjoyed getting to know the wonderful members of our community.

Several of our neighbors were aware that I had been competing in the International pageant system and have been both engaged and supportive…then there are the neighbors who had absolutely no idea, however, were inquisitive about the crown, the title, and what it all means. As with any situation, I took the opportunity to share the message of this amazing system, the Go Red message, and my personal commitment to the burn world.

In my experience, nearly every person who takes the time to understand the meaning of this title and the true beauty of this crown walks away with a smile on their face…but not before they share with me their kinds words of encouragement. Here is a photo with some sincerely nice people who also call The Whitney home!

 Owners of the Whitney Landmark Residence

Warm Wishes,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Wojtowicz Family Christmas

Most of you know me as Sarah Bazey, however, I spent much of my life as Sarah Wojtowicz. Believe it or not, both my maiden name and married name are of Polish descent…and yes, I have heard a few Polish jokes in my lifetime!

This blog is simply an opportunity to share some of the many fun photographs that were captured with members of my family as we celebrated a yummy Christmas brunch together at the wonderful Lake Elmo Inn, in the charming little town of Lake Elmo, located just East of the Twin Cities.

Thank you to Santa Claus for sharing gifts with my great-nephews and nieces, the fabulous staff that made certain we were well cared for and well fed, and my family for which I am truly thankful and blessed! Please know that this is only a portion of my family members, we missed those who were not able to join us, and there were too many pictures to post them all:

With Mom

With Lake Elmo Inn Staff

 

With Lake Elmo Inn Staff

 

With Sister Claudine and her husband Mark

 

With Brother Nick and his wife Wendy

 

With Brother Lon and his wife Pat

 

With Brother Len and his wife Sally

 

With Santa, great-nephews and great-nieces

 

With Ethan, Elliot, Nathan, Isabella, and Aalyiah

With Aaron, Jordan, and Jake

With Wyatt, Joshua, and Nathan

All my love,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

“A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater

If you have never seen the Guthrie Theater’s interpretation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, you really need to add this event to your bucket list! Of course I may be just a little prejudice because I love this venue, which was designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel, and it happens to be located just steps from my front door.

Therefore, when I thought about the perfect gift for my 2012 pageant sisters, I decided this would be such a fun experience to share with Krista, Caroline, Gabby and our mothers. So, the plan was hatched…and came to fruition on a perfect Sunday afternoon in December. We were also joined by Becky and her mother for lunch on Level Five and photos on level nine after the play.

Becky, Alice, Denise, Caroline, Gabby, Robyn, Betty and me

I am so very grateful for each of the amazing women that joined me for this special holiday treat, and also want to thank Sue Kotila, Vistor Service Director with the Guthrie for welcoming us with open arms. And finally, a very special thank you to Austen Fisher who was one of the cast members and joined us for a few photos after the production.

Gabby, Austen, me and Caroline

For more information, please visit the Guthrie Theater website and a link to information about the design of this remarkable structure:  http://www.guthrietheater.org/ and http://www.arcspace.com/21921

Warm Wishes,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Christmas in the Smokies

Our family recently went on our annual vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For the past five years, we have kicked off our Christmas celebration in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Family has always been a huge priority in all of our lives. We make the most of any opportunity we have to spend time together. There is nothing quite like spending a week enjoying one of God’s most amazing creations with the people I love the most. We enjoyed our relaxing week, but we definitely had some excitement-filled days visiting Gatlinburg’s famous attractions, as well!

My brothers, Payne and Grayson, and me at the top of the sky lift.

 

The girls enjoyed a night of shopping in downtown Gatlinburg…imagine that!

Enjoying a “sleigh ride” with a few of the people that I love the most!

 

Santa and his reindeer

 

I have to say…I really improved my ice skating skills this year. I only had to hold one person’s hand instead of two!

Family and friends are what makes Christmas such a special time. I hope you and yours take the time to appreciate one another and make lasting memories this Christmas season!

God Bless,

Caroline Crowley

The Great Christmas Wrap

Sorry for the late post, we're just too wrapped up (get it) in our giveaway that we lost track of time! Holiday wrapping paper is almost (almost) as important as the gift itself. Shiny tinsel, oversize bows, velvety ribbons, brown paper packages tied up with string... yea, those are our favorite things. Sure you could just wrap your gift up in any old wrapper and call it a day, but we here at PDR dream big. And as different packages require different homes, here are some options for you and all your gift wrapping needs.

1. Bombina Studios | 2. The Container Store | 3. Noble Earth | 4. Papyrus | 5. Martha Stewart  | 6. Good Kisser | 7. Paper Source | 8. Viva La Press | 9. Fresh Lemon Blossoms

And don't forget, tomorrow we start our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!! Simply leave us a comment or add us on Facebook to automatically be entered into our giveaway. You have until the 25th to win, so let's get cracking dolls!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Holiday Greetings 2011

Some like holiday cards for the sparkle, the cute characters, or the religious sayings.  We, however, are all about the texture.  Give us a letter pressed or screen printed card, the kinds where we can literally feel the love, and you're sure to be on our "nice" list all year long. We plan to pick up up our cards at craft fairs this year, but if you don't have any around your area you can easily order an assortment of gorgeous cards online. You're going to want to act soon though, because if you don't order them this week you may not get what you need in time to send them out!  Here are some of our favorite little works of art:

1. Ruby Press | 2. Honizukle | 3. Curious Doodles | 4. & 8. Ginger Tree   | 5. Flutter Letterpress | 

6. Dingbat Press | 7. Snowdon | 9. One Lantern | 10. Flora & Fauna | 11. Fine Day | 12. Green Porchlights |

Remember:  Comment on here or on Facebook or, if you haven't done it yet, simply "Like" us on Facebook to be entered to win a prize during PDR's 12 Days of Christmas!

  

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Here in NJ it is rare but, on occasion, we are lucky enough to wake up Christmas morning to a soft dusting of snow.  A white Christmas is something we always dream of and it certainly helps to add to the magic of Christmas. We're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, so it's only appropriate that our last color day before the holiday represent just that! Glistening tree tops, sleigh bells ringing and fluffy, white, blankets of snow are part of what makes this season so beautiful. You can go with cool white and silver for an icy mix or warm white and gold for a fire-side glow.  This board shows a little bit of both worlds with a mix of cool and warm whites that captures the essence of candle lit, cozy snowy evening.  

Winter White Christmas Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: The Wedding Decorator, Chandra Keel, Wedding Wire, Style Me Pretty, One Wed, skimbaco lifestyle, Artessen, Be Different Act Normal, Enchanted Dream Weddings,  Kelly Hicks Design, Wedding Paper Divas



May all your Christmases be white.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Girls

OK, OK, so not all of us have had time to go out shopping for gifts or think about ordering them online ahead of time. Some of us have been busy blogging. But, it's time to get serious because, with only a few days left until Christmas, time is running out! In case you're like us and may have been slacking just a little, we've put together a few last minute gift ideas for the ladies in your life from Grandma to Mom and beyond. So, put on your armor, get out your shield, and prepare to battle long lines, crazy drivers, the lady who took the last size small, and more as you venture out to grab these before it's too late!

Moms are always on the go, so when they're home, their feet deserve to be pampered in these fur trimmed booties available at the Gap. Super soft and warm, they are perfect for cold winter mornings when Dad refuses to turn the thermostat up.  If your in a time crunch and can't find these at The Gap we're sure you can find similar ones at Macy's, Kohls, Target, etc.

Now, we know we said we like our mugs to be personal.  So, if you know the person you're buying for like your sister, bff, or coworker really enjoys a movie/book/tv show, why not get them some merch to go along with it.  This "So the lion fell in love with the lamb" mug would be perfect for any Twilight fan.  Or, if you can't get it shipped in time, check out some local stores like Borders, Barnes and Noble, Hot Topic, or movie stores like FYE to see if they have any available.  We recently spotted some Twilight items in a Borders near us, so there's hope for you yet!

Stores like New York and Company are having great sales that include up to 40% off your final purchase.  Still haven't found something perfect for Grandma? What about a nice and cozy, cowl neck sweater that is sure to keep her warm on those snowy days?  Spruce it up with a pretty little pair of silver earrings and you'll be good to go!

Does your sister have so many hair curling and straightening devices than you know what to do with?  Help her simplify her life with one fantastic tool that can do both!  You've probably seen these in the mall somewhere and yes, they actually work.  Straighten your hair or curl it using use one stroke - we didn't believe it either but we've seen it happen.  Check out this Conair one on Amazon (you can still order from Amazon in time for Christmas!) or just run out to your local Target, Kohls, or Walmart and you're bound to find a similar product.

The ladies in your life are busy, stressed, and maybe even a little frazzled at times so what better gift to give than a relaxing afternoon at the spa?  Massages, pedicures, facials, and more - she is sure to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating day all to herself, or, to make it even more special, go with her and enjoy a little quality girl time together.

Show tickets!  These are not just great gifts for guys, but also for girls!  Plan a girls day out and get your Mom, Grandma, Sister, or friend a ticket to see a show or ballet that you've both been looking forward to.  Maybe it's Wicked, or Jersey Boys, or the Lion King -- anything you decide on is bound to be a spectacular experience to remember for a lifetime.

Buying for a tech geek or avid reader?  The Barnes and Noble Nook is a great gift for anyone who loves reading.  Sure, we prefer to hold books in our hands and feel the pages, but there's no denying the convenience of a product like this and the ability to have thousands of books literally at your fingertips.  Now, if only they would make them in "old book" scents... sigh.



Anyway, there's just a few days left so, while we hope that helped to give you some ideas for some quality and thoughtful last minute gift items, we've got to run out and pick up some things ourselves!  Happy shopping and be sure to stay tuned as we finish the last few days of the 12 Days of Christmas and wrap up 2010 this week.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Guys

To continue with our holiday gift guide, let's hear it for the boys! Guys act like they're so easy to shop for, but after a while you get tired of buying them socks and video games every year. And unless they provide you with an Amazon wish list (which can actually be very helpful), you either end up getting the same thing every year or buy things that you want them to want... which can be problematic. So to help you with your quest, here are some gift ideas that the guys in your life are sure to love:

Give the gift of laughter, love, and videogames this season with the Scott Pilgrim Precious Little Boxset. Inside you will find all six graphic novels depicting Scott Pilgrim's quest to battle his true love's seven evil ex-boyfriends. It's packaged nicely in a colorful slipcase just in time for the holiday season, and it comes with a bonus poster designed by Bryan Lee O'Malley! And, if you know someone who already has all the books, you can buy just the slipcase and poster online for $10!

Most guys have at least one cell phone (personal and work), MP3 player, digital camera, etc. All of these tech devices need to be charged, resulting in a million different chargers getting tangled up at the bedside table. But, never fear, the grassy lawn charger is here! You can sort through all the wires and have them run neatly through the bottom of the box. The electrical devices can gently rest on a layer of very green (and fake) grass, resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing power station.

 This is one gift that we can guarantee will be loved by almost any guy. The Zombie Survival Guide provides you with all the necessary information on how to prepare for and subsequently survive a zombie attack. While categorized as "humor," this book can most definitely save the life of you and your loved ones. 

 Guys will never shop for themselves, even when their belongings are falling apart. This is especially the case with guys and bags. If you know a guy who is still wearing his old Jansport circa 1997, then it may be time for an upgrade. Brooklyn Industries make very durable, functional, and (in their own way) stylish messenger bags. They come in a few different colors and styles to suit your guy's style, and best of all, they are more or less gender neutral, which means you can use it too!  Another popular choice among actual bike messengers is the Chrome bag, with it's lifetime warranty!

We don't quite get the need to have giant headphones when everyone is all about having tiny MP3 players, but guys definitely seem to have a love affair with headphones. Now, you can go for something that's top of the line and break your bank, or you can choose something more affordable like these awesome headphones by Urbanears Plattan that both sound good and look good. They come in a variety of colors (we're partial to the baby pink) and they're a bit more compact than the other choices out there.

If your guy isn't into tangible gifts, or if he is someone who has pretty much everything, we also like the idea of gifting an experience.  If you ask Jen's husband, one of the best gifts she ever gave him for Christmas was a flying lesson. Adventurous guys like interesting gifts and a flight lesson, music lesson, scuba diving class, etc. would be perfect to create a memory that can last a lifetime.  These things are actually really easy to find and can be more affordable than you would think, with a flight lesson costing between $99 and $179.

And, along the same lines as the experience thing, don't forget about events like concerts, theatre, comedy shows, etc.  Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to just purchase what we want, which makes it difficult for other people to pick things out and buy them for us.  See if your grandpa/dad/brother/hubby/bf has a favorite musician or performer than will be in your area in the next month or so and book tickets ahead of time!  Then, wrap them in an oversized box so that they'll really be surprised.

Let's face it, Grandpas and Dad's are the hardest.  They've been around a while, have seen many Christmases, and pretty much have everything they need.  So, what is one to do?  Well, when one really has everything and you can't think of anything else, consider the tried and true "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach".  Does he love coffee or wine?  How about signing him up for a wine/coffee of the month club like the one shown above that provides a new flavor of fair trade coffee every month!? Or if he prefers food over beverage, you have plenty of options. You'd actually be surprised at how many "of the month" clubs there are out there ranging from cheese to lobster to steak and more!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Holiday Gift Guide: Let's Get Personal

With just a few weeks left until Christmas, we're all scrambling to find that perfect gift for our friends, families, coworkers, mailman, etc. The best gifts are, of course, the ones that are the most personal and show the recipient that you really took the time and put a little thought into it.  So, what can make a personalized gift even better?  Choose a gift that is hand-made and unique, just like your loved one!  We'll leave it to you to get creative but, just in case you're stressing,  here are a few random ideas that put a unique spin on the personalized or monogrammed gift item.

Everyone loves some sort of hot beverage in the winter time, be it coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. So, personalized mugs are a safe gift choice.  Now, we're not talking about any old "Mom", "Dad", or "Grandpa" kind of mug.  We're thinking of something a little more unique, like this one by bailydoesntbark.  This mug is super sentimental and allows you to hand write your own message on it and then bake it into the mug permanently for years of enjoyment.

Being an urban cowgirl was never so tempting!  We love this one of a kind bracelet so much that Jen recently purchased it as a gift for a friend.  It's modern, industrial hammered metal is complimented perfectly by a rustic leather band and custom hand stamped letters. 

Have a musician in your life? Do they march to the beat of their own drum?  If so, these personalized drum sticks would be the perfect gift option for any little drummer boy (or girl!).

Tell your sweetie not to go to Jared this year and to consider getting you something a little more unique.  Sure, this handmade spoon bracelet doesn't have diamonds or gemstones, but it certainly has history and charm, which is definitely something we romantics can appreciate.

Looking for the perfect gift for any puzzle or word lover? This customized word find would be a great gift for a friend or loved one.  Personalize it with names, important places, inside jokes, etc. so they can hang in on the wall and always be reminded of how much you care.

Does your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife/babysitter/etc.etc. love snow?  Why not get her a beautiful personalized snowflake pendant.  Snowflake necklaces have become increasingly popular, but we're willing to bet none of the ladies in your life have one quite as unique as this one!  

Pretty stationary is always a good thing to have around and the prettiest and most impressive is the kind that's personalized.  Can't think of something to get for that coworker you happened to get for secret santa?  No worries! Cute stationary like this is an easy solution for any professional person or really anyone who appreciates good old fashioned snail mail.

Say it in binary!

We just 011011000110111101110110011001010000110100001010 (we hope that says "love") this great etched, sterling silver binary code bracelet!  Have a name, quote, or  secret message encoded in this bracelet for your loved one as a fun little surprise.  Even funnier -- don't tell them what it says and let them figure it out for themselves!

Who would we be if we didn't support our friends and local artists? Get Yard Sale Press's Letter Tile Coasters to represent names, words, jokes, etc. and you're sure to score major points with your favorite word sleuth or board game lover. Send Bryan an email if you're interested in placing an order.  AND, be sure to keep commenting because we're happy to say we have a set of these babies to give away during our 12 Days of Christmas!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Forest Green and Gold

Today's color day is inspired in part by Jen's Christmas tree, but really just the holiday season in general. Pine trees are majestic enough to begin with, but add twinkling white lights, delicate gold garland, and glittering ornaments and they transform into fabulously beautiful focal points for any room.  Forest green and gold are rich, warm, and regal colors not just for making a gorgeous Christmas Tree, but also for creating a luxe look for any holiday decor, dinner party, or winter wedding.

Forest/Emerald Green and Gold Color Inspiration Board

Images from: DavieandChiyo, Polyvore, Zimbio, JenniferaBoston, thisnext, shoeperwoman, yourperfectday1,   MyWeddingReceptionIdeas, Stylish Wedding Ideas

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches! XOXO Jen & Saira

Holiday Style: Red and Green Are the New Black

 Celebrate the first full week of December by dressing yourself in the colors of the season -- red and green of course! These two colors can pretty much only be worn together during the month of December so be sure to get your fill of this combo before the Christmas season passes us by!  While we're not huge fans of dressing up for holidays (i.e. wearing red on Valentine's day), adding some select red or green pieces into your wardrobe is definitely the easiest way to incorporate a little holiday spirit and get you feeling festive. Plus we love coordinating outfits and cohesive themes so wearing one of these shades is a great way to compliment all the holiday decor!

Nothing quite says Christmas like a bright red, warm and cozy sweater dress.  This one, from Victoria's Secret, is modest enough for your family party but also looks very sexy with the thin black belt.  Pair this with some black leggings and cute flats and you'll be ready to deck the halls in no time!

Look picture perfect in front of the tree this Christmas in this beautiful red and green (ish) print dress from Urban Outfitters. This dress is reminiscent of the dress you wore with the velvet bow in your hair to your great Aunt Mildred's house on Christmas Eve... but in a good way! Add some loose curls, maybe a headband, and definitely some black tights, and you're on your way to looking like your very own Christmas card.

 You can be Santa's sexy little helper in these ruffled peep toe pumps.  Add them to any basic black dress to jazz up your outfit, and get ready to sashay onto the dance floor... or kitchen floor, same difference.

This green satin dress from J. Crew is definitely at the top of our winter wish list, and just may be our dream dress for the holiday season. The rich jewel hemline adds just the right amount of sparkle to this simple satin dress, making it bright and festive, without being over the top. While it's a bit pricier than the picks we tend to share on our blog (we are pretty modest girls, after all), we just loved it so much that we had to share.

Feeling the holiday spirit, but not the satin or frills? Then try on this checked embroidered skirt from Mod Cloth. While the skirt is decorated with horses, not reindeer, we think this skirt would be perfect for Christmas eve with a cute little cardigan and black tights. 

Brighten up your gray December morning with this warm, green, cowl neck sweater from Macy's.  The extra long sleeves and layered neckline is exactly what the doctor ordered this winter.  It would look great with a pair of straight leg black dress pants and a chunky bracelet or ring and don't forget the red lipstick to really pull the look together! Also, you can recycle this sweater for St. Patrick's Day, so everyone wins!

Dressing up in a red satin dress is not for everyone, but dressing up with a red satin clutch is totally doable. Add on some glamor this holiday season with this red, satin rosette clutch available at Macy's. Dress up a beaded black or silver dress, and you'll be set for any holiday party.

For a more subtle way to show your holiday spirit, try out this silk, jeweled bracelet from Anthropologie. It's simple, elegant, and our favorite shade of green!

Stand out from the crowd in this red satin halter top by Ann Taylor. For a casual look, wear it belted with black pants (shown above) or dress it up with a pencil skirt for a chic and polished look. It already has some shimmer, so opt for minimal jewelry, such as small stud earrings or a sparkly bracelet.

Or, looking for a more laid back, casual look?  Show your Christmas spirit while being extra cozy in these fun green leggings!  Paired with a simple cream top and flats or boots, these cheerful leggings can be a really great way to wear holiday colors and ensure you have plenty of room for all those Christmas cookies!



Remember to comment on today's post to be eligible to win a prize in the Paper Doll Romance 12 Days of Christmas!  We picked up some really great items this weekend that we're so excited to give away!  Winners will start being announced once a day starting December 12th.  Best of luck!



'tis the season to be jolly!



XOXO

Jen & Saira