jonesing for some snow

We had our first snow on Halloween day this year.  Too bad it was just a sprinkling and only left a half-inch cover at the end of the day.  Since then, it's been up and down, hot and cold.  Can it just SNOW already?  I am not about to give up 30 years of dreaming of white Christmases now.  


I just wanna make these:

And run through this:

And then warm up in here:

And wear these:

Instead, it's looking like I'm gonna have to set my tree a-sail and shoot a freakin' arrow of flames into it as it floats off into the distance, and mourn the lack of snow for Christmas.

-Bethany

dresses and NYE parties

If I had somewhere fancy to be for New Year's [and I was rail-thin], this is what I'd wear.

Source: rstyle.me via Bethany on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Source: thebookofsecrets.tumblr.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Source: vogue.com via Bethany on Pinterest

-Bethany

AND THE WINNER IS.....

One of our newest followers, TRACEE! 

May this help your holidays to be merry and bright.  Send us a note at wives.pwcounty@gmail.com to coordinate the shipment of your gift. 

Congrats Tracee and a sincere thank you to Shelly Williams and all of our RHoPWC followers. Happy weekend, all!

Bethany

A PWC Wifey Christmas List

In our family Christmas is the favorite holiday by far  (I'm pretty sure we're not along on that one)  Great feasts with equally-food-loving family members, quality time with relatives and dare I say, overindulging…

Whether that means overeating or overbuying, overindulgence is a Christmas commonality for us.  Every year we start by saying we aren't going to go 'big' on Christmas this year and every year we fall into the same trap. That's why this year, I said you know what, we go big at Christmastime, it's just WHAT WE DO.  Let's just own it and not look back or fret about the money we [over]spend on each other.  After all, it's once a year and it's everyone's favorite time.  Let's not harp on why we do it, let's just enjoy what we gift and receive and call is a [Christmas] day.

To that end,  I'm sharing my wishlist with you folks this year. I told my friends I need to work a bit harder on smelling better this year.  I don't smell bad (I don't think…) I just want to smell BETTER.  I'm out of my favorite smelly stuff, so onto the list it went.  Plus the other average things girls want - shoes, make-up and wallpaper (what, you aren't asking for wallpaper this year, too?).

- Bethany

Santa Claus is coming to town...No really, he is!

If you're looking to take the kiddos to see Santa this year, The Anderson's are hosting good ole' Saint Nick at their house on Saturday, December 10th from 6pm - 8pm.   Bring the kids out to sit on Santa's lap and then take a [driving] tour of their 10-acre light show.


The light-show and Santa-time are free to you compliments of The Anderson's goodwill and holiday cheer.  Stop on by to see this spectacular show!


Address:
15615 Bushey Drive (off of Cardinal Drive)
Woodbridge, VA 


When:
5:30pm - 11pm every night through January 1st

The Great Christmas Light Debate

I'm pretty sure if you were to poll people about their Christmas light color preference, 99% of women would say they prefer white lights while 99% of men prefer colored lights.


This was the unofficial verdict when I did a silly Facebook post about our light debate this past weekend.

Hubs: "Are we putting colored lights on the tree this year??"

Me: " No, I want to put white ones on"

Hubs: "BUT WHY? Colored lights are so much better!"

Me: "Colored lights are tacky.  White lights are classy."

Hubs: "Christmas isn't supposed to be classy.  It's supposed to be fun!"

Touche, dear hubster, touche.


So what's a gal to do?  Veto his preference completely and opt for white lights on the tree?  Seems like a good idea…


But to be fair, I tried to reason with him.  "We can do colored lights outside {oh God, people will see those even MORE} and white lights on the tree"


Nope.  Still wants colored lights on the tree.


This won't be settled tonight…


What's YOUR preference?

OR

Standing-My-Ground-

Bethany


PS - Don't forget to check out our holiday GIVEAWAY if you haven't already.  

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

One of our fabulous PWC Housewifey readers has offered a Scentsy candle warmer for this month's GIVEAWAY!!  Shelly Williams is a Scentsy consultant in the NoVA area and sells some of the latest rage in home parties - Scentsy candles.  

Scentsy Premium Full-Size Warmer with Photo Slot.  

This awesome gift is multi-functional, providing an uplifting scent for your home as well as illuminating your favorite family photo.  Shelly has graciously offered to give away one of these warmers, along with 3 Scentsy bars to burn.  Thanks to Shelly for giving one of our readers this $50 value for FREE!  Deets below.


Here's how:


For one entry: between now and Friday 'follow' our blog at www.realhousewivesofpwcounty.com!


For additional points: leave one comment on this post between now and Friday!


AND for the first 2 people to contact her to set-up a Scentsy home party, Shelly is offering a special surprise gift! 


Shelly Williams
Independent Scentsy Consultant
https://shellywilliams.scentsy.us
swilli06@gmail.com

Shelly's Scentsy Page


Don't you want your house to smell like cinnamon or lemons or something pleasant versus dogs, dirt, kids and husbands?!?


-Bethany

PWC Alert: CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW!

Our friends, The Anderson's, are kicking-off their annual holiday light show this Friday, December 2nd at their home in Woodbridge.  The Andersons are famous 'round these parts for their awesome display of lights. Their property showcases thousands of strings of lights, lawn ornaments and animated displays and you can generally find Santa Claus in their pavillion on the weekends.

Address:
15615 Bushey Drive (off of Cardinal Rd)
Woodbridge, VA


When:
Lights go on December 2nd and run through New Year's Eve
5:30pm - 11pm every night


Stop on by this holiday season to enjoy the fruits of their labor and to spread the Christmas cheer!



-Bethany

The throes of addiction

First step : admitting you have a problem.  So with that, I confess unto you that I went and did something bad...

I kept it a secret, despite wanting to scream from the top of a mountain; I caved and bought La Mer.  And with good reason for keeping it a secret.  I know the judgement that would entail from friends and [mostly] family.  But after a year-and-a-half long relationship with the Nordstrom product page (and two blog posts dedicated to the subject), I had to.  The tipping point was when my best friend was visiting from out of town and after a barrage of questions about her glowy complexion - she confessed she was using La Mer! I KNEW IT.

They always say 'one drink leads to another'...

I was frequenting my favorite make-up counter this past weekend to buy some much-needed eyeshadow.  As a 'thank you' for spending a small fortune on much more than just eyeshadow I received a sample of Yves St. Laurent face serum called Temps Majeur.  And that, my friends, is how they get you.  You'd have thought I learned my lesson the last time.

I'm hooked.  This stuff is even more magical.  My pores are magically smaller; my skin feels like silk.  Problem is, the end of the sample tube left me jonesing for more.  And at $225 a pop, I'm gonna be sweatin' it for a while.

Signed,

Major face cream DT's

Bethany

Week in Review: FINALLY FRIDAY!

TGIF!!  This week has proven a bit tumultuous locally and nationally.


#1  - this weather might need a mood stabilizer pill.  We've gone from 75 to 35 and everything in between.  Come on November, get your act together.

#2 - A lot of fatal crashes in the NOVA area this week, our thoughts go out to the families and friends affected.

#3 - The bulldog has successfully recovered from her ophthalmic surgery and was able to participate in "Bring your Monkey to Work Day"

#4 - I am looking forward to a mock run with a twist on Saturday - Drunksgiving with friends.  We're bring the oyster stuffing and stuff for girlie cocktails. 

#5 - Last but most importantly, Breaking Dawn came out this morning at 12 am.  While I can no longer "hang" with the 16 year olds in attendance at the midnight showing, I am literally biting my nails in anticipation of the 7:30pm showing tonight.  My buds and I got tickets a few weeks ago and Bella and Edward better not disappoint.  Personally, I'm hoping for a bit of "action" if you know what I mean… (think Edward's six-pack).  And, I'm probably most excited to see Edward's car in this one - CUZ I HAVE the same one and have been getting emails from the car company for  month advertising it!   It's like I knew, or something, when I bought it in July that Edward drove this car.  It makes it SUPER awesome for me, cuz I'm a dork for Twilight (and Harry Potter while we're on the subject). Don't judge.

Have a great weekend!

-Bethany

Bahhahahahhahahahahahha

A wearable planter.

"FML"

That's OK Etsy, I ain't mad atcha.




-Bethany

Here's what three things I'm obsessed with...

this week:

[Yep, it's pretty gross.  Just like these dudes]

- Bethany

LOCAL GIVEAWAY ALERT

The holidays are coming up, and what better way to show thanks to your family and friends than by catching dinner and a show!  Take your loved ones, parents, friend or co-workers to this fun-filled evening of music and magic.

Our friends at Maquire Media Group have generously offered two family 4-packs of tickets to see the Ethno-Urban Orchestra on Saturday, November 12th, 2011 at the Rachel M. Schlesginer Performing Arts Center in Alexandria.  The show goes on at 7:30pm.  Family 4-packs are $80, so $20 per person.  General admission tickets available here.


Here's HOW:


Between now and Monday, Nov. 7th, sign up to follow our blog at www.realhousewivesofpwcounty.com. We will pick the winner from all of our new followers!


**For extra points, "Like" us on Facebook at PWC Wifeys.  We're at an even 500 "likes" now so if we see your name and shining face on our new "likes" list AND on our blog followers list, you'll get a double entry!

**You can also share our post on FB or leave a comment below for an extra point!


We will announce the winner on Tuesday November 8th!  


And remember, there are not just one, but TWO family 4-packs (that's a total of 8 seats, people) being offered for FREE.  Treat yourself and your friends to a fantastical night out enjoying culture and the arts!!


-Bethany


PS - HAPPY FRIDAY.


PSS - when you tell people you're going to the Orchestra, it sounds super sophisticated and gives people the impression that your home smells of rich mahogany and leather bound books.  

Fall Fashion: Bright Lips, Strange Nail Colors and Razored Hair

Top Trends.  Rock it.

Bright red lips:

Burgundy Polish

 Dusty Mauve

 Peridot

Sweet razored bob

Blunt cut ends and swoopy bangs

Images compliments of instyle.com

-Bethany

Fall Fashion: LBD

I've always liked someone who could pull off the brown and black thing.  Olivia Palmero is always exemplary.

So how about pairing these pumps...

with this LBD?

Yes, please.

I'm going to pull this brown and black thing off this fall.


-Bethany

Fall Fashion: Dream Outfit

Falltastic-ness continues with an ode to fall fashion this week.  I've compiled a couple of my favorite images to make one fabulous fall outfit that I'd be happy to be caught in, any day!


Starting with this hair:

And this gingham shirt:

Paired with this vest:

Rockin' these shoes:

Stacking these bracelets:



Tapping these nails:

Sporting this bag:

You dig?


 -Bethany

Fall Decor: Wreaths (and some Etsy Fave's)

We're hittin' you with a one-two punch this lovely Friday, combining some falltastic fun wreaths and our 'Etsy Fave's'.  A lot of the wreaths I found happened to come from Etsy, so I figured it would be a good way to round out this week's category.  But I couldn't ignore some fabulous finds in the stores online, so I included those, too!

1. West Elm Feather Wreath

2. Pier 1 Peacock Wreath

3. Garnet Hill Boxwood Wreath

4. Etsy Book Page Wreath

5. Etsy Bleached Peacock Wreath

6. Etsy Pumpkin Wreath

7. Etsy Moss Wreath

8. Etsy Dried Lavendar Wreath

What are you getting into this weekend??


-Bethany

Fall Decor: Garlands

Check out Martha Stewart's fall garland.  So sweet and so easy.  Just get some twine and some gourds and get to stringin'.

Source: None via Bethany on Pinterest

-Bethany

Fall Decor: Planters!

I believe that there are three key elements that make a room: LIGHTING, RUGS and CHAIRS.  This 'holy trinity' really came to be my focus when decorating my house mainly because of the sheer amount of time I  spend obsessing over each one.  I've been known to look for hours for the perfect fixture or browse aimlessly through rugs both online and in stores, only because when you find the perfect one, you'll find the perfect space.  I could go on and on about covetables in each department, but I'd digress.  I've recently amended the aforementioned trifecta to include PLANTERS, because I also spend an inordinate amount of time looking at planter boxes and vessels. 


I wanted to share my favorite outdoor and indoor planters for fall decor, and any time really.  But fall is one of those seasons, like spring, where we scurry around tidying things up and planting things about. Last weekend, I picked up some dense white mums that really pop in a great planter before I put them in the ground for good.  And of course a topiary is always a good pick to top off a fabulous planter.  I've employed both the pom-pom and the spiral varieties around my property.  They look especially great during the holidays with a string of lights adorning them.

And pumpkins look falltastic in planters, too!

What are you favorite types of planters?

-Bethany