A Merry Christmas Card

Tuesday, December 21, 2010
So I have been a little bit lazy about Christmas this year, behind on my presents, haven't been the Christmas Elf that I usually am! One of the things that I have been doing for the last couple of years is sending hand-made Christmas cards out to friends and family. Well this is one of the main things that I am lagging with. I got part way there, we took some funny pictures to send out on the cards, and then I didn't make it any further. Well since today is the 21st I don't think the cards will make it in time, so this is my online card version.. still made with love, but a little bit cheaper (international mail has gotten painfully expensive) and a little less time consuming, but not quite as nice.
So I hope that everyone has a wonderfully blessed Christmas, and an amazing time with friends and family. Lots of good food and lots of laughs! I wish we could see all our friends from around the globe this Christmas, but we will be thinking of you that is for sure!!

Taking the Plunge!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Today I finally took the plunge and listed a couple of my hand-stitched embroidery items on etsy.com, my store name, like my blog name is Yellow Dandy (if you want to know what Yellow Dandy means, check out the About Me tab). I only have a couple of items up at the moment, but trust me, it is going to grow. This is something I have been wanting to do for a long time, but have finally gotten my butt into gear!

5 Great Dresses for Under $100

Monday, December 6, 2010
Whether it is for a present or for the many different Christmas parties you will be attending, dresses are pretty much essential for this time of the year. If you are anything like me, I love clothes and shopping but I hate expensive price tags. One of the ways I avoid this is online shopping from America, because the prices are just so good, even when you include shipping. Here are 5 of my personal picks of dresses for the Holiday Season for a sweet, sweet price.
1. Everyone needs a black dress, and this one by BBdakota is flattering and cute on anyone. Best of all it only costs $84, and can be found at Karmaloop.com (who offer world wide shipping)
2. The Urban Renewal Johann Lace Dress from Urbanoutfitters. I love this pretty red dress, that also comes in other colours! I also love the price $68. Urban Outfitters offers $35 flat rate shipping to Australia, so you can stock up on as much as you want for the same rate, or go in with a group of friends.
3. The Morning Hour Dress from Modcloth. Modcloth has some beautiful retro, vintage inspired dresses for great prices. This one comes in at $74.99, and they have really great rates for shipping to Australia, some of the best I have seen. This one may not be bright and cheerful, but it is classic and can be brightened up with great shoes and a classic purse!
4. This Flight & Feathers dress hails from right here in Oz, a company called Friends Of Couture I already own one of their dresses, and I love it. This one is next on my wishlist, and just sneaks in at $99.99. I love the style of this company, they have lots of vintage 40's inspired clothing, and it is so well priced. They have an online shop, and will ship within Australia.
5. And last but certainly not least, the Ringwald dress, by L.A boutique, that can also be found at Karmaloop.com for a steal at only $68.00. Its got a cute little V at the back and great detail on the ruffles on the sleeves.

An Aussie Thanksgiving

Thursday, December 2, 2010
When we were living in America I often had people ask me what we did in Australia to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is so huge in the USA that I totally understand why so many people hadn't really thought that it isn't celebrated around the world. Australia has a bit of a different starting point as we began as convict colonies. After the American Revolutionary War, England had nowhere to send their convicts, they had limited jail/gaol space and criminals were locked in large ships awaiting to be sent somewhere. England first tried the West Coast of Africa, and most of the convicts died within the first month there. They needed another place, and thus Australia was chosen. That is my long version of why we don't have Thanksgiving, its not that we aren't Thankful, we just have a different story.

This year having two Americans in the house it was pretty necessary to celebrate it anyway! Also it hopefully made our other American friends feel a little less homesick on one of their biggest holidays of the year.

We had a beautiful Turkey, named Tilly! We had a full spread of all the goodies, and making vegetables as fatty as we possibly could! Joels own personal beer selection of homebrew and lovely lovely desserts! Also, good friends to celebrate with.. all in all I think that we may have to continue to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the future! Might have just started our own new family tradition. Hot weather, turkey, and shooing the flies away from all the food!