Locks of Love.

I’ve been growing my hair for the past three years with an end goal in mind. Making a donation to Locks of Love. I’ve always been that girl who grows it and cuts it, grows it and cuts it. You know her too, I’m sure.

But this time was different and as of Tuesday it became official – I was about to become 10″ shorter. Well, at least my hair was. My incredible hairstylist, Donny (at Bella Strada in Edmond, OK), has been helping me right along for the past year. No highlights or stripping because Locks of Love won’t accept it. (And one of my biggest fears was them sending it back saying “Thanks, but no thanks…”) I was also trying to straighten it less, to minimize daily wear and tear and pulling it back a lot because it was so. freaking. long. And when Donny pulled it back into that final ponytail and snipped away all I felt was relief. No regret, only joy. Joy that I was able to do something that was so easy for me that would ultimately make someone else’s life just a little bit easier. So with that, I gave away 10″ of hair, then snipped off another 1.5″ in the process of getting my hip little lob (a la Gwyneth).

I didn’t know much about Locks of Love or the natural wig industry before my little endeavor. Did you know that children suffering from long-term medical hair loss typically have to replace their wigs twice a year and that each one can cost as much as $1,500? As if having cancer isn’t hard enough. If you’re interested in learning more or making a donation of your own you can check out more here.

Thanks so much to everyone who supported and encouraged me during this process. I love that I was able to do this and can’t help but smile that it’s happening at Christmastime. (I wish the before and after photos were a little better, but you get the idea!)

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14 Days of Gifts Guide: Day 2.


1. For the stylish pooch or devoted animal lover, a harness, collar or rope leash from Found My Animal (25% of all profits go directly to the Louis Animal Foundation)

2. For the style-conscious gent in your life, a iPhone case from the Griffin + Chilewich collection

3. For the typophile, a Helvetica Bold 108pt bag

4. For the modernist workaholic, the Infiniti Letter Opener by Frank Nichols

5. For the kid who can’t wait to grow up, a MeasureMe Stick

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On the Rocks: Raspberry-Cranberry Martini.

Good cocktails that are easy to prep are a must for the holidays, at least in my book. These Raspberry-Cranberry Martinis will do just fine.

Raspberry-Cranberry Martinis
• 12-ounce container of frozen raspberry-cranberry concentrate, or frozen Cranberry Cocktail concentrate

• cold water
• vodka

In a pitcher, mix the raspberry-cranberry concentrate with 1 1/2 to 2 containers of cold water (depending upon how fruity you want your drinks). Pour a jigger or so of vodka into each glass and top with the diluted concentrate, stir. (If you prefer you can mix the drinks in a cocktail shaker.)

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possibiliTrees.


I mentioned possibiliTrees last December and still can’t get over their brilliant architectural design. Not only is this tree a great alternative to real and faux varieties, but also really easy to fold up and store. A major bonus in a world where square footage is highly valued. Each tree is handmade with care by the family business in Minnesota and comes in 2, 3 and 6″ models.

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Wish Gift List: mackin ink.

i always sort of tilt my head to one side and scrunch up my nose when i hear the saying actions speak louder than words. do they really? because, for me at least, words absolutely scream. which is why i like to give and get words as gifts. not because i like to yell. but because words stick to my heart way more than a grand gesture.

let’s start with a kiss for my love. because it always begins with a kiss, yes?


and once it begins, it would be lovely to keep it going. this’d be a pretty genius reminder for those who always seem to land on the naughty list…
speaking of naughty, this is perfect for my friend whose pub behavior leaves me covering my pink cheeks and whispering ohmygod. no she isn’t. the splits? really? ohmygod.
this is for my friend in jordan who dreams of peace, in both great and small measure…
and this is for my friend headed to mali in a few months, whose dreams for the world are a bit more small, but no less great…

this to remind my girlies three of who they are…

and this because it’s exactly how i wish they sail through life. plus i hope they reference obscure words in ordinary conversations. pronounced correctly. i will wear it until their hands grow. i am selfless like that.

this is for my girl whose everyday love is more perfect than any dream she could ever dream. plus it’s ruffly. and everyone loves a good ruffle.

plus this print to remind her that nothing’s perfect all of the time. plus it’s from t.ruffles. and i’m hoping that everyone loves a good t.ruffle.
this for my friend who needs to be reassured that she’s my favorite. even beyond turquoise or sour patch kids…

and this to remind us all that our most favorite thing of all is love. the easiest and most difficult gift to give, yes?

kelly? you know how i feel about you, so i won’t even tell you in front of all of your other lovelies. but i will send you two of my most favorite words for always always giving us your best: thank and you. by the way? my other two most favorite words together? kiss and me. good thing you’re in oklahoma.

one more thing. i’m karey m. and i spill words at mackin ink. i am also a t.ruffle girl. please visit when you have a moment.

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14 Days of Gifts Guide: Day 1.

Beginning today and ending December 18th (my last day blogging before I take a little holiday break!), I’ll be bringing you five gift ideas a day in the 14 Days of Gifts Guide. I hope you enjoy them and maybe see a thing or two for people on your own gift list!

1. For the overworked momma who just needs a little break, the Breakfast in Bed print

2. For the kid who loves nap time, a bright and playful cushion from Bobo Choses

3. For the aspiring cook, a set of chef pencils complete with culinary definitions for reference

4. For the experimental mixologist, the Chemistry Cocktail Set

5. For the stylish yet chilly girl, a chunky cable knit scarf

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