I’ve had a productive week! I made good progress on my redesign, and I’m going to work with an illustrator for a couple of elements on the new site. It’s also been a nice time to reflect on all that has happened in 2011. I’ll have a couple of recaps for you when I’m back next week, but first, some fun links to take you through the new year!

• Two sparkly backdrop options: One that takes lots of work (gorgeous!) and one that takes no work (fun!).
• Cute origami wallpaper.
• Are you using Pinterest to its full effect for your blog? (p.s. You can follow me on Pinterest right here.)
• Hey, look! A new island. Our planet is fascinating.
• The fat trap. Why losing weight and keeping it off is really hard.
• A completely adorable home, awwww.

I also write daily for Babble’s Family Style blog. Here’s what I’ve been sharing over there…

• Holly Golightly’s apartment from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is for sale!
• Next year, I resolve to…
• ‘E’ is for Ella.
• And ‘W’ is for Wayne’s World.
• I want to drape these all over the house!
• This was the big hit from Santa here.

• I want to dress like this.
• The Lives They Lived (with Ira Glass).
• Truly subversive cross-stitch.
• Brandon sent this cute video to me the other day, and it’s so adorable I had to share.

I’ve also popped up in a couple of other places this week…

• My advice for living through a renovation during the holidays: give in to the chaos!
• My tips for bringing bold, trendy colors into your home.
• A few items on my wish list.
• My kind of town.

I also write daily for Babble’s Family Style blog. Here’s what I’ve been sharing over there…

• OMG. Iris Apfel has a line of makeup coming out for MAC!
• High/Low: Can you guess which of these faceted mirrors cost sixteen times more than the other?
• The cutest little dresses! (I’m going to have to pick one up for Eleanor — she’s obsessed with the ladybug style.)
• The humble extension cord never looked so good.
• These modern handmade quilts are lovely.

• I know, right?
• A fake interview with Gary Shteyngart.
• I adore color and pattern, but sometimes I fall hard for cozy neutrals.
• DOCUMERICA: Images of America in Crisis in the 1970s. [via]
• This is a really sweet idea. Holly is one of the most thoughtful bloggers out there.
• And the color of the year is…

I also write for Babble’s Family Style blog. Here’s what I’ve been sharing over there…

• I’m feeling optimistic about that plant’s chances.
• Because maybe you need a beauty refresher?
• Let’s draw happy people!
• The easiest boots EVER to get on your baby. Seriously. I bought them for August and they are awesome.
• Well, how else are you gonna wrap it?

There’s a new giveaway up on Making it Lovely’s Facebook page. Head on over and enter to win a handmade giclee archival print & notecard set of your choice from HeartBox Studio! And good luck.

Jingle Bells – Christmas Video Greeting 2011 from Jared Foster on Vimeo.

• The Fosters have been making a holiday video in lieu of Christmas cards for the past four years. Their latest is up, and it’s the best one yet.
• Some great words on Inspiration vs. Imitation.
• It’s great to be alive!
• These are amazing.
• Paintings of Paris, très jolie.
• Brandon told me about Doritos tacos from Taco Bell last night. I should have been disgusted, but my initial reaction was delight! To the surprise of both of us, I think.

I also write for Babble’s Family Style blog. Here’s what I’ve been sharing there…

• “It is half past seven.”
• I put together a couple of Christmas tree decorating guides! Here’s a childhood nostalgia tree, and then a crazy, colorful Christmas tree too!
• I look at this as a challenge.
• I ordered a bumpit. I know. Before you judge me too harshly, take a look at this. (You’re going to want one too.)
• Super awesome.

• I’ve been paper doll-icized! (Thanks, Erin and Victoria.)
• The Roller Derby World Cup takes place this weekend. Go get ‘em, ladies.
• Pretty DIY watercolor cards. [via Apartment Therapy]
• Pretty. Pink, let’s never be apart, OK?
• I’m fascinated by abandoned and decaying structures. [via]
• The 5 best toys of all time.

I also write for Babble’s Family Style blog. Here’s what I’ve been sharing there…

• Feeling the pull of the dark side? This wallpaper appeases decorators and Star Wars nerds alike.
• Sparkle, sparkle! I do love a bit of gold glitter for the holidays (or any day, really).
• I want to crank these cuties up. (Hello, teen/tween gift idea.)
• We have liftoff!
• Not the most exciting of home purchases, but a must for many as winter approaches.