Holiday Wish List

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

1. Rebecca Minkoff 'MAC' Clutch 2. Abercrombie & Fitch 'South Notch' Men's (yes, men's) Flannel Shirt in Green Check 3. J Brand Skinnies in Shiny Boa & Black Patent 4.  Steven by Steve Madden 'Madee' Flat in Leopard, Multi Sequin, and Tan Suede 

I'm going to see the Nutcracker tonight with the mister and as I actively avoid getting ready (I have to be out the door by 4), I figured I'd at least be somewhat productive and create a set with a few items that have been lingering in my mind. I've been lusting after the Steve Madden loafers in leopard for quite some time now and just recently discovered that he has designed a few more that are to my liking. I'm mad for plaid and especially love the warmth of flannel. I walked into Abercrombie the other day after years of avoiding the store. As I passed by the men's flannel section, I fell in l-o-v-e. Men's flannel is way better than women's flannel. That is a fact. I have three men's flannel shirts and I don't plan to stop until I get every plaid print I desire. The Minkoff clutch is a must for every lady. This is going on my Christmas, birthday, half-birthday, Valentine's ... whatever-holiday-is-coming-next wish list. Won't stop putting it on there until that baby is hanging off my shoulder. The skinnies are really last on my list. I'm not a big pants person. Blame it on my child-bearing hips or my junk in the trunk, whatever the reason, I care not for pants, as they do nothing to flatter my figure. Find me a pair that can, and I'll love you forever. Having said all that about my aversion to pants, the J Brand skinnies are precious. If I could, I'd totally wear these. Okay, that is all. I should really hop in the shower and get pretty for dinner and whatnot. Don't forget to enter my holiday giveaway down below! Toodles.

pancakePRIZES: JewelMint & StyleMint

If you're a last minute shopper and you're looking for something that will be sure to bring some holiday cheer, look no further than JewelMint or StyleMint! As you know, I'm a big supporter of the BeachMint brands, and as someone who loves their products, I can safely say I'd be happy to receive a multitude of things from lines. If you're unsure of just what to pick for that special someone on your holiday list, try a JewelMint or StyleMint gift card! Not only are your gift cards instantly emailed to you, but the more you buy, the more you get! Both Jewel and StyleMint are offering special goodies for purchasers of their gift cards now through Saturday, the 24th.

But wait there's more! I've teamed up with the BeachMint crew to offer something special for you too! If you want a special somethin' somethin' all you need to do is (1) Comment on this post with your contact info. 

Extra entries - Leave a SEPARATE comment for each additional entry 


(2) Become a follower of pancakeSTACKER on Google Friend Connect and/or Bloglovin'
(3) Like pancakeSTACKER on Facebook
(4) Follow pancakeSTACKER on Twitter
(5) Tweet me! "I entered @pancakeSTACKER's @JewelMint & @StyleMint Holiday giveaway. You should too!"
(6) Follow pancakeSTACKER on Instagram! Be sure to leave your Instagram handle, if you do!
(7) Follow @JewelMint on Twitter
(8) Follow @StyleMint on Twitter
(9) Like JewelMint on Facebook
(10) Like StyleMint on Facbeook

THE WINNER OF THIS GIVEAWAY GETS TO PICK ONE PIECE OF HIS/HER CHOICE! THAT'S RIGHT...ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES, SO GET THOSE ENTRIES IN!  10 CHANCES TO WIN! 

This giveaway is open to all readers. Contest ends Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11:59PM. 

Easy peasy! Happy entering! 

Wisdom Wednesday

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." -- George Lorimer

Dakota & Elle Fanning by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, Dec 2011

We say it everyday, and if we're not saying it, we're thinking it. It's at the very core of what we all know. That being, we must work hard if we are to see any sort of reward. No action leads to no result. Of course, even though we all know this, what differentiates those who do good from those who do great is the determination factor. How determined are you to achieve greatness? Do you get your hands dirty with the soil of hard work? It is not enough to dream it. You must do it. Do whatever it takes. Do it everyday. Do it until you get to where you want to be. And when you get to where you want to be, keep pushing. You can do more. You'll fall many times, but don't stop. It might be that last time you stand up that makes all the difference. 

Wisdom Wednesday

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." -- Buddha

Candice Swanepoel and Ian Somerhalder by Mario Testino for Allure Magazine, September 2011

I usually like to add some commentary for my Wisdom Wednesdays, but something about this quote is just so simple and perfect, I don't want to taint it. It says everything you need to know. Don't let your thoughts become polluted with the negativity of others. Keep it pure, and the joy will follow. Simple as that.

pancakeLEFTOVERS: November..and October and September too..

It’s been a while since I’ve truly dedicated the time and care that I once had for my blog. And truth be told, it breaks my heart that something so dear to me has taken a backseat to everything else going on in my life. I miss spending hours at a time creating posts, going through and responding to touching comments, and discovering other blogs that fill me with the same inspiration and passion I hope my blog provides for others.  And now, it’s December (can you even believe that?). Amazing how fast time has flown isn’t it? Now that a new month (and practically a new year) is upon us, I find it to be the perfect time to start over again…to go back to something that has provided me with unconditional joy and creativity. My blog started as a sort of fun buddy (like that new friend who leaves you starry-eyed with smiles) and today, while it definitely is still that fun friend, it’s more than that. It’s become that sort of best friend type (the one you can always pick up the phone and talk to even if it’s been a while). So, this means I'll finally be getting back to regular outfit and food posts. But, I also have some new things cookin' and can't wait to share those with you too. For now, here are a few snaps from the last month or so... please excuse the fact that 90% of these pictures are of food. I eat a lot. I've taken a new liking (read: obsession) to Instagram and thought I'd share the view from my iPhone for all my non-Instagrammers out there. For the rest of you, follow me @pancakestacker and get ready for some iPhone magic.

From left to right, top to bottom: A little cocktail from EOS (do try their calamari appetizer - amazing!); a cute card I picked up on Fillmore Street (recently named one of the 10 best streets to shop on in America); homemade pho with some extra siracha; leftovers from Thanksgiving; Saturday afternoon drinks with my mister <3; pumpkin macarons from Chantal Guillon on Hayes; a little wall art from Nest; Sunday brunch with pumpkin pancakes (made by yours truly, of course); San Francisco cityscape (love this city more and more each day).