How I would love to find a slow down button...not only as I watch my little one grow right before my eyes day after day...but also as the holidays seem to come and go more quickly each year. Every year I say to myself that next year I won't busy myself with the long list of things that divide my attention and draw my focus away from the beauty of the season...I want the magical feel of Christmas to linger...to be felt like a warm blanket wrapped around me on a snowy winter day...so this year, I'll try again....decorations up nice and early, Christmas music playing every chance I get, and then of course to start celebrating the season by slowing down, creating thoughtful gifts, and expressing my love in simple, inexpensive ways...and always, by remembering the true meaning behind this most wonderful time of year...that's where I fall short by getting lost in the hustle and bustle...it truly is a magical time. 
It's release night for Papertrey Ink tonight and this first project uses the adorable Holiday Button Bits set...so irresistible, so creative...just add buttons :)
Another fun tag collection...how I love these...this one is called 2009 Holiday Tags Collection, a collaboration of several different designers on this set...I love it. 
The Holiday Tree set by Heather Nichols....I just love the charm of her designs...it seems I am always pulling out a stamp set of hers first....always drawn to their simplicity and I absolutely LOVE the fonts in her sets. 
Then of course there's Dawn's new set...so much fun mixing and matching, I'm reminded of paper dolls as I use this set for some reason...I could get lost playing with this set...Vintage Ornaments and Vintage Ornament additions. 
You'll also notice a new Background Basics: Text Style II set on this...I could eat, sleep, and breathe this...love stamping text for some reason.
And, lastly...one of my most favorite sets...Giga Guidelines....mmmm yummy. 
Just somethin' about it....
I am ready to put my feet up tonight...just heard my husband's truck pull in, and I'm happy he's home. On this very imperfect day....I am so thankful for my little girl, sleeping snug in her bed...knowing she has a full tummy, is squeaky clean, and we are safe and warm together.
Melis
Absolutely beautiful as always!!!! Love thise gingerbread men!!!!!!
Posted by: char | October 14, 2009 at 11:02 PM
These are all so beautifully stunning!!! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous work, HuGs Kim :)
Posted by: Kim in UK | October 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
So Darling! Love the Gingerbread creations!
Posted by: Rachel a.k.a. Gingerbread Gal | October 15, 2009 at 12:55 AM
These are all totally gorgeous and fantastic papers!
Clairex
Posted by: CraftyC | October 15, 2009 at 03:16 AM
So beautiful! Thank you.
Posted by: Cam | October 15, 2009 at 04:52 AM
Every one of these are absolutely amazing!! The gingerbread men are just too, TOO cute!!!! Your talent never ceases to amaze me!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful creations! You are such an inspiration!!
Posted by: Marci | October 15, 2009 at 06:14 AM
Hi! Beautiful job of using the new PTI sets! Wondering about the Holly Emboss you have on the "fa la la" card. It it pre-embossed paper or an embossing folder? Also that cool "old" button you used with the Giga Guidelines set? Thanks for some great inspiration!
Posted by: Rhonda H | October 15, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Love your cards!!! Thanks for the inspriation....
Amen on your thoughts about the Christmas season, I am going to try and slow down and enjoy the true magic of the season.
Many Blessings!!!
Posted by: Mary Duffek | October 15, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Melissa,
Just expressing your thankfulness for your daughter and your husband shows your priorities are in order but I know what you mean about being caught up in the hustle and bustle! Anyway, your cards are simply stunning...I love them all.
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly in Canada | October 15, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Fantastic projects! Those gingerbread men are adorable and I am so glad I ordered that set. :)
Posted by: annheidel | October 15, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Incredible job with this month's sets. LOVE the gingerbread tags. I stayed up until midnight just so I could be sure to get the stuff I wanted from this month's release. SO glad I did.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Sandy Brown | October 15, 2009 at 09:22 AM
I just had to say that I love your work and hope you don't mind if I case some of your ideas. They are remarkable. I love Papertrey Ink products and can hardly wait to get the new stamps to get started on my holiday crafting. Your gingerbread men tags are the best!!
Posted by: Janine | October 15, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I love your work but a few questions How do you make your bows look perfect everytime and second where do you get all your great buttons? PTI Release Party was awesome. You are amazing I don't know how you do it all.
Posted by: Becky Handforth | October 15, 2009 at 09:41 AM
oh, your cards are so gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | October 15, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Another delicious group of beauties! Thanks for always inspiring us...
Abby:)
Posted by: Abby | October 15, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I don't know how you do it, Melissa! Every release you give each set a completely different look than I ever would have thought! They're gorgeous.
Posted by: Jessica Canham | October 15, 2009 at 12:51 PM
They are all amazing! I especially like the Guidelines card the Button Bits tags. Really gorgeous!
Posted by: Monica K | October 15, 2009 at 03:16 PM
I absolutely love everything in today's post! Thank you for making me smile today- just wonderful!
Posted by: Carol | October 15, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Gorgeous creations, Melissa! YOu do such beautiful work with these stamps. Hugs! :)
Posted by: Roree | October 15, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Melissa...I always lose myself in the beauty and detail of your cards. They are all so lovely that I just can't choose my favorite.
Thanks for the love and joy you put into all you do. And thanks for sharing a little bit of yourself and your life in your blog.
Posted by: Peg | October 15, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Gorgeous!!! Love everyone of them!! Love your every detail!!
Have a great night!
:)Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 15, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Absolutely amazing, girl!! I love how you used each set so uniquely. (If you find that slow down button, let me know. ;) )
Posted by: Anabelle O'Malley | October 16, 2009 at 03:49 AM
So many beautiful ideas. Thank you.
Posted by: Donna VW | October 16, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Ohhhh how cute!! Love it!!!! Thank you for inspiration =) Have a nice day, -love from Norway!
Posted by: Astrid Elisabeth Helgeland | October 16, 2009 at 04:43 AM
très joli j'adore ce que tu fais
claudine
Posted by: menu claudine | October 16, 2009 at 07:02 AM