THE Best Holiday e-cards!

If you're looking for the funniest, most entertaining, e-cards available to send holiday cheer this year....look no further than

JibJab

You'll need to spend a little time getting your pictures just right, but it is sooooo worth it!

Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Gifts in a Jar

Homemade gifts in a jar are a fun, frugal, and easy holiday gift to share with loved ones.
Over the years I’ve made several homemade Christmas gifts in a jar for friends, family, and neighbors.
There are endless possibilities with what can be placed in a jar. Jars containing layered mixes for cookies, muffins, and brownies are yummy for those with a sweet tooth. Soup mixes are super for those who like savory ingredients. I’ve also given quality chocolates, bulk candy, and nuts in decorated jars.

Gifts in a jar are easy to make. Just take a glass jar (canning jars, mason jars, or even recycled mustard jars), layer with ingredients, and then top with a gift tag. To help you get your jar-on this holiday season, I’ve created several free printable gift tags for download. You supply the homemade goodness.

Here are 3 frugal holiday gift ideas (and recipes) in a jar:

1. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

This recipe makes about 36 cookies.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour mixture into a 1 quart (1 liter) mason jar and pack down. Mix oatmeal in a blender. Pack on top of flour in mason jar. Add white sugar and pack down. Add brown sugar and pack down. Layer chopped nuts on top of brown sugar. Finish layering jar with mini or regular chocolate chips.

Printable Gift Tags:

Download Printable Gift Tags: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (PDF) 

2. Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Mix in a Jar

This recipe makes one pan of chocolate brownies.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Any combination of: mini chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, junior mints, chocolate candy bar
• 1/2 cup almonds

Layer ingredients in 1 quart mason jar. Tap gently on the counter after each layer before adding the next. Add additional mix-ins to fill any small gaps if necessary.

Printable Gift Tags:

Download Printable Gift Tags: Chocolate Brownies (PDF) 

3. Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar

This recipe makes a pot of soup.

Ingredients:

Layer in a 1/2 quart (2 cup) glass jar:

• 1/4 cup of red lentils
• 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
• 1 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 tsp dried dill weed or dill seed
• 1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder
• 1 cup medium egg noodles
• 1 bay leaf

In a 2 cup glass jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above.

Printable Gift Tags:

Download Printable Gift Tags: Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar (PDF) 

Christmas Movies

These are the memory-makers of Christmas movies, they're the perfect thing for helping to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Who cares if the weather outside is frightful when good movies and family fun keep us warm?
Just a few classics are listed below, but don't settle for just a movie. Make it an event. Fun, family centered ideas are included to help you and your family get the most from your home theater this holiday season.

1. It's a Wonderful Life: No self respecting list of Christmas movies would be complete without this feel good classic. Who could forget the goodness of George and Mary Bailey who find themselves in the insidious clutches of mean and greedy Mr. Potter on what should be the happiest day of the year, Christmas Eve.
While watching keep hands and mouths busy eating and stinging popcorn. Once the movie is over and the happy ending tears are dry, it is time to trim the tree and the popcorn string is an old time touch the will attest to the goodness of this film. To make the popcorn strings more visually appealing add a few red or green beads into the mix.
Little hands might find the popcorn a challenge to string can still be included. Children as young as two enjoy stringing beads. Have them try stringing all beads or using hemp lines with knots at intervals to hold groups of beads together.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
There is the original cartoon version sans Jim Carey, or the longer live action movie...either is a good choice. We have Dr. Seuss to thank for both movies. In a classic tale, that could only have come from the mind and rhymes of Dr. Seuss we meet the lovably unlovable Grinch a foul, sour hearted creature that lives in isolation in the mountains near the utopian society of Whoville.
Employing his unwilling accomplice, Max his dog, and impersonating a certain rotund elf who wears red, the Grinch puts his plan into motion. At the last minute the Grinch has a change of heart, but is it too late to undo what he has already done? Gather the family around the TV and find out!
When all the movie fun is over, follow up with a night of family gift wrapping. This is a fun way to get the necessary work of gift wrapping done. An additional bonus is that you are getting it done early and with help!

3. Elf: Sneaking into Santa's sack in an orphanage as a toddler, Buddy the human-sized elf is far from fitting in Santa's workshop. Though proudly carrying more Christmas spirit than others, he is oversized and clumsy, and is reluctantly told by Papa Elf that his calling is in New York City. He must go find his father, Walter Hobbs, a disgruntled and naughty-listed children's book publisher, played by James Caan.
Buddy is played by Will Ferrell, who is in wonderful form, playing childish ignorance like only he can, and it is his journey around the Big Apple that brings the real fun.
After the movie, gather everyone around the kitchen table and get crafty! From simple holiday crafts to detailed homemade gifts, make it a night to bring out the creative elf in yourselves. For younger children, the footprint reindeer is a way to record their growth over the years. Older kids can make thoughtful gifts for other family members, helping them to understand that Christmas gifts from the heart are among the favorites every year. Check Christmas Crafts or Homemade Gifts for ideas.

Easy Holiday Fitness

One Hour.
Every Day.
Just for you.

You are only one workout away from a good mood!

Fun Turkey Facts!

I’m a sucker for fun or little known facts that have no practical use… so, here are some I found to add to my repertoire.

The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

The average person consumes over 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. (And we wonder why Americans are overwhelmingly overweight…)  

The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.

Americans eat over 530 million pounds of Turkey on Thanksgiving;  more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten on that day. 

A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.

The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.

Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.

Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clucking noise.

Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly, but wild turkeys can fly over 55mph for short distances.

Turkeys can have heart attacks. Apparently, The United States Air Force was doing test runs and broke the sound barrier. Fields of nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

A large group of turkeys is called a flock.

Turkeys have poor night vision.

Turkeys can drown if they look up while it’s raining.

It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.

A 16-week-old turkey is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster.

Dang… I feel really, really bad for turkeys all of a sudden. But luckily not quite bad enough to go vegetarian this year.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone!

Coupon Cabin

I love saving money!! I love helping others save money, too!! I rarely leave the house on a "errand run" without a few coupons. Most stores always have an on-line coupon for savings on at least one item (Hint to the crafters: do not ever pay full price at Hobby Lobby - print out the 40% off one item coupon every time you go!!)

I've recently started following Coupon Cabin. This site has a wide variety of coupons that are really easy to use! Check it out at: http://www.couponcabin.com/coupons/coupons.htm

You can get tons of FREE samples:  http://www.couponcabin.com/free-samples/

With coupon codes for on-line shopping, grocery coupons and printable coupons, there are many ways to save!

With 106,905 active coupon deals, there's something for everyone! There's even coupons for BLACK FRIDAY!!! http://www.couponcabin.com/black-friday/coupons.htm

Start saving today - and put those savings in you etsy shop supplies fund!! 

Tasty Thanksgiving recipes for a healthier holiday feast

Thanksgiving is all about abundance or, often, overabundance. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With healthy updates to classic dishes, the Thanksgiving recipes showcased here use high-impact flavors like fresh herbs, spices and seasonal fruits and vegetables to minimize the need for gobs of butter, cream and salt. Some dishes are healthy updates on classic dishes, while others are twists on traditional fare.

For the host, there's menus and planners and budget-friendly wines, as well as new ways to use up all those turkey leftovers. If you’ve always felt daunted by the turkey carving process, there's step-by-step photos that illustrate simple instructions for success, plus other tips for a terrific stress-free holiday. If you’re not hosting this year, choose from a selection of healthy sides and scrumptious desserts. You’ll find nearly everything here to enjoy a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving.

EATINGWELL THANKSGIVING

November Treasure Hunt

Etsy's PromoFrenzyTeam 

 November TREASURE HUNT!

It's a great opportunity to get your Holiday shopping done and get some great deals, too!  Each participating Team Shop will be running their own sale!

Look for this picture in ONE listing in their shops: 

 

You will have to click around a bit and check out some of the items to find the "treasured listing".  Once you find this picture, you will be rewarded with a special offer. Many of the shops will be using a coupon code for you to redeem their special.  The details of the special offer will be found within the description of the "treasured listing".

This is the perfect opportunity to go through your favorite shops, find some goodies for the holidays AND get a HUGE deal!

Have fun!  Good luck finding all the Treasured Items!

Here is my Special at BellaTheBead.etsy.com !

Find the listing with this special picture in it and receive 10% OFF on your order. (HINT the special picture is in one of the Necklaces section listings in my shop!!) 

 

 

Start Shopping 
at any of these participating PromoFrenzyTeam shops:

1. Trinkets N Whatnots - www.galla15.etsy.com
Handmade Button, Crystal and Pearl Jewelry

2. Sewinggranny - www.etsy.com/shop/sewinggranny
Sewn items - baby, kitchen, home decor, holiday

3. CalliopeAZCreations - www.calliopeazcreations.etsy.com
Handmade Jewelry, Medicine Stones, Decorated Feathers

4. jQ jewelry designs - www.jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
Gemstone Jewelry that is Classic ... with an Edge

5. KrystalsJewelry - www.krystalsjewelry.etsy.com
Intricate Handmade Jewelry of all styles for all tastes

6. rooee - www.rooee.etsy.com
Quilts & quilted things, cloth dolls, fabric postcards

7. PaintedMemoriesByRos.etsy.com
Fine Art Note Cards and Prints

8. Peelirohini.etsy.com
Colorful and Unique Sterling silver , Gold fill Jewelry with Genuine Gemstones and/or Polymer Clay

9. www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyCrystals
Crystal Tumblestones, Natural Gemtone Jewellery & Decoupage Cards plus a bit of Vintage Jewellery

10. Symbolic Imports - www.SymbolicImports.etsy.com
Handmade Bath & Body - Lip balms, Sugar Scrubs, Handmade Soaps, Perfumes & more!

11. Beautifulswagstore - www.etsy.com/shop/beautifulswagstore
hair accessories, dog toys, baby gift sets, home decor, gift wrapping

12. Bijibijoux- www.etsy.com/shop/bijibijoux
Handmade jewelry/ beads/ supplies -

13. Newcreationz - www.etsy.com/shop/NewCreatioNZ
Fine art and photography craft

14. BountyOfBeads - www.etsy.com/shop/bountyofbeads
Handmade Bead Dangle Drop Charm Sets and Trinity Brass Findings
Jewelry Making Supplies

15. Fair Lady Boutique - www.etsy.com/shop/fairladyboutique
A Beading Boutique with vintage beads + components, Czech glass, gemstones, and custom made bead mixes

16. HollysFollyGlass - www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass
Fine and fun Lampwork Glass Beads by artist Holly Dare.

17. Glitterbird Glass - www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterbirdGlass
Home decor and jewelry made from beautiful fused glass.

18. CrochetedbyCharlene - www.etsy.com/shop/CrochetedbyCharlene
Beautiful crocheted afghans, accessories, and much more.

19. Camillescloset- www.etsy.com/shop/Camillescloset
Handmade jewelery items.

20. Prittify - www.etsy.com/shop/Prittyfy
Handmade Jewelry, Modern, Altered Art, Steampunk

21. Crystalphotography - www.etsy.com/shop/crystalphotography
Fine Art Photography Prints and Greeting Cards

22. iaFlowerPower - www.etsy.com/shop/iaFlowerPower
Whimsical Crocheted and Knitted Baby Hats and more

23. Gabby's Quilts - www.etsy.com/shop/GabbysQuilts
Handcrafted Quilts, Tablerunners, Wallhangings and Embroidered Gifts

24. CNJ Ceramics - www.etsy.com/shop/CNJCeramics
Contemporary Clay Jewelry and Home Decor

25. LostLemonade - www.etsy.com/shop/LostLemonade
Body Care Products made to cleanse, moisturize and soothe

26. RomanticThoughts - RomanticThoughts.etsy.com
Handcrafted Jewelry, PreMade Scrapbook Pages, Vintage Items and More

27. Ooh Leela! - isabelafelix.etsy.com
Handmade dish towels and trendy accessories

28. KatersAcres - katersacres.etsy.com
Polymer Clay Creations, Trinkets, & Treasures with a Whimsical Feel

29. Magda - magdamagdaFashion.etsy.com
custom clothing, accessories and supplies

30. Ugly Duckling Beads - www.etsy.com/shop/uglyducklingbeads
Handmade glass beads, digital collage sheets, tutorials, and jewelry

31. BellaTheBead - www.bellathebead.etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and supplies with vintage soul

32.IdeasBloom - www.ideasbloom.etsy.com
Handcrafted decorative wreaths

33. Greenhouse Glassworks - www.greenhouseglassworks.etsy.com
Fused Glass Jewelry, Stained Glass Home Decor, and Handmade Cards and Tags

34. Five Supplies - Five0101.etsy.com
All the supplies you need to create

35. TheMayFlower Fashions - themayflower.etsy.com
Fun & Stylish Fashion Designs for Women

36. Something Wyrd- www.SomethingWyrd.Etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and beaded charms

37. iluvmarin - iluvmarin.etsy.com
Greeting cards, scrapbooks, cupcake toppers, & festive banners

38. Lexilouflowers - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiLouFlowers?ref=si_shop
Hair Accessories, Feather headbands, and Hair ties

39. Mt Baldy Glassworks www.mtbaldyglass.etsy.com
fused glass jewelry and home decore

40. LexiekinPrints - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiekinPrints
Personalized, customized and Printable Invitations, tags, cards and more!

41. Turtlexiii- www.turtlexiii.etsy.com
Sterling Silver Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls, Gemstones & more.

42. IsabellesAttic- www.isabellesattic.etsy.com
aprons, accessories, baby items and more

43. AshlynDesign - www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com
Artisan handmade lampwork beads, metal charms, and finished jewelry

44. eveyinorbitshop - www.eveyinorbitshop.etsy.com
Mixed media art, original aceo and zines.

45. Suzie Tenzer - www.susietenzer.etsy.com
Original fine art paintings and prints

46. LindaB - www.lindab142.etsy.com
Artisan crafted beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, Jewish jewelry and accessories, wire beaded kippot

47. DellCoveSpices - dellcovespices.etsy.com
hand mixed spices, magnetic spice kits, cocktail sugars & margarita salts, organic popcorn, popcorn toppings & other treats

48. OverTheMoonGifts - overthemoongifts.etsy.com
personalized gifts, accessories, and home decor

49. craftycreations81 - www.etsy.com/shop/craftycreations81
Peacock feather items, wedding items and items for newborns/children

50. nan gates designs - www.nangatesdesigns.etsy.com
Fabric handbags, totes and accessories

51. ProdigyCrafts - www.prodigycrafts.etsy.com
Crocheted Clothing, Accessories and Gifts

To learn more about our team here is our page

www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team

My ABCs: An introduction

Creativity creds to Evey of EveyinOrbit.etsy.com for this super fun introduction meme:

Hi! For those of you who may be new to my blog, or to the PFT Team on etsy, here's a super-fun intro to learn a few fun facts about me.

Age: 46
Bed size: King (see Height)
Chore that you hate: that’s a full-on tie between cleaning the coffee maker and taking out the trash.
Dogs: Two Yorkshire Terriers: Reeses and Snickers – they just make me happy!
Essential start to your day: one cup of coffee and a mini bagel with honey – to stay as sweet as I can be.
Favorite color: Amethyst, Azure Blue, Granny Smith Green and Peridot
Gold or Silver: Silver is probably my favorite, but I’m liking brass, too.
Height: 5'9”, and my aunt says that I’m still legs from the armpits on down!
Instruments you play: piano, flute, drums and sing like a bird!

Job title: Project Manager for IBM (23 years), co-owner of Bella the Bead.
Kids: two teenage daughters, they are strong, smart and beautiful!
Live: North of Atlanta in Johns Creek, GA.
Mother’s name: Bonnie
Nicknames: Hoolio in college (you really do not want the details on that one, but it sounds Mexican and so are margaritas….enough said.), and Bella

Overnight hospital stays: just one night for each darling baby girl.
Pet peeves: rudeness (please be kind to everyone), being late for anything, and waste.
Quote from a movie: “You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important.” –Aibileen to Mae Mobley, The Help, 2011 (GO SEE THIS MOVIE!)
Right or left handed: right.
Siblings: one older brother, one younger brother – yup – not only am I the only girl, I’m the middle child!
Underwear: yes.
Vegetable you hate: collards and rhubarb
What makes you run late: nothing (see Pet peeves)
X-Rays you’ve had: teeth, back
Yummy food that you make: chili, chocolate chip cookies, chicken enchiladas.
Zoo animal: peacocks!!

What are the ABCs of you?

Cute-Ecakes: Retweet me Tuesday Hop Week #12

Cute-Ecakes: Retweet me Tuesday Hop Week #12

Bella The Bead GIVEAWAY!!!!

My friend Kelsey of Smitten By A Promise is hosting a giveaway for me at

Bella The Bead Giveaway

Please stop by and register to win this fabulous pair of earrings:

Shabby Apple:

I stumbled upon this website a while ago and just had to share it with you!
Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique selling women’s dresses, casual dresses, skirts, and women’s apparel. They recognize that finding the perfect dress can sometimes be challenging, which is why they strive to design highly fashionable dresses for all types of women.

Take a look around the website.



Whether you’re looking for an evening dress for a special occasion, blouses, or the perfect skirt, I bet Shabby Apple will have something that is right for you! And,  keep in mind that they are always designing new dresses for women, as well as coming out with entirely new fashion lines. They are a beautiful alternative to mall shopping!

Rafflcopter Round Up

Join in on the fun!

Click on the "Rafflecopter Round Up" link below and "favorite" my shop on etsy to enter to win this vintage chain and floral medallion bracelet:


Rafflecopter Round Up

Inspiration versus Imitation

Fashion is a fickle thing. Styles change. Colors change. And, jewelry changes right along with it. This past summer, necklaces were selling in my etsy shop, at local gift shops and boutiques as fast as I could conceive and create them. Now bracelets seem to be the item of choice.  So, I am expanding my line to include cuffs and leather bracelets as well (look for those items soon in my etsy shop!) 

One thing that remains the same, however, is that there will always be another designer or shop that simply takes cues from another.  No creativity. Nothing unique. Simple imitation.

So, it begs the question: what’s the difference between taking inspiration from something you’ve seen and creating something that is uniquely your style, versus imitating something to the extent that it is an exact duplicate and then offering it as though it were your own unique creation?

I believe inspiration is at the heart of most artists. You see something and are inspired to create something new. That is an awesome process! Inspiration motivates the creative spirit and sparks more new ideas. It feeds the ambitious mind and spurs more creativity. Inspiration can come from anything…nature, fashion, travel. Inspiration knows no boundaries.

Imitation is exhausting. My grandmother used to say, “The view never changes if you are not the lead dog.” Imitation means that your view never changes – you are always chasing someone else’s tail. That can’t be as much fun as inspiration and creativity.

Are you inspired?

Do you inspire others?

New in my etsy shop

Bella the Bead's Fall Forecast 2011

Taking cues from the Fashionistas of Fall, Bella the Bead is forecasting beautiful blues and creamy shades of chocolate this season. Here's a peek at what you can expect to see in my etsy shop, local boutiques and holiday gift shows:

Blues: Deep Teal and Quarry

Browns: Coffee Liqueur and Nougat

Layers of Chains

and for the holidays....Flowers! Lots of Flowers!

Bella the Bead jewelry is now available at North Atlanta’s Coolest Gift Shop: Cool Bees

I knew the moment I walked through the door of Cool Bees that this was the gift shop for me. A wonderful array of local artists were showcased in a casual, inviting atmosphere. This gift shop was going to be a special place - it already was! I knew that charming old house had a story. Here it is:

Terry Henner recently opened Cool Bees in the old Kudzu Cottage, located at 4710 Highway 9, Alpharetta, originally built in the early 1940's by Everett Bettis and his late wife, Louise.
Cool Bees is themed on arts in and around the community, providing a venue where artisans of all types can showcase and sell their work. The name Cool Bees originated from Henner's experience with beekeeping and her old habit of saying, "cool beans!" when she finds something unique.

Little did Henner know when she set up her Cool Bees shop, Everett Bettis would become her friend and some of his late wife's artwork would epitomize the meaning of "cool" that every art venue strives to emanate.
One morning as Henner was preparing her shop to open, she heard a knock at the door. "I opened the door, and there stood a nice gentleman who extended his hand and said 'Hello, my name is Everett Bettis and I built this house for my wife in the early 1940’s when we got married. My wife designed the whole house. She was very creative."
Henner remembers the moment she knew Everett would become a great friend.
"He asked if he could show me a photo of Louise. Of course, I said yes and as I looked, Everett said he'd been married to the most beautiful woman God ever let walk this earth and that he missed her every day after 66 years of marriage. He started to cry. Then I started to cry," explains Henner.

Over the next few days, Everett showed Henner his late wife's own artwork and crystal collection. Coincidentally, Louise had one stipulation for selecting her crystal pieces. Each one had to have a bee engraved in it. (Now that's what you call "cool bees!")

Currently, Cool Bees boasts the work of more than 30 local artists. Among the treasures are some of Louise Bettis' creations, which can be found in each room of the house she'd designed so long ago. Featured artisans include fine art paintings and photography, iron sculptures, handmade bath and body products, hand made quilts and a wide selection of hand made jewelry.

"This house becomes funkier by the minute and I love it!" says Henner. "I told Everette I think it's pretty darn cool to showcase art from the original artist who lived in the house. Not to mention an artist who loved bees!"
Henner also sells the honey her bees have made. It's a good idea to call ahead, because Henner has been as busy as a bee trying to keep the honey in stock. 

Cool Bees is more than a “must see” shop. It's a “better get buzzing over there shop” because something new arrives each day.

Feature article originally written by Kristen Berry , CummingPatch, Aug 26, 2011, Copyright © 2011 Patch. All Rights Reserved.

Mega PromoFrenzy Special - Final Week

There's only ONE WEEK left of MEGA PROMOFRENZY SPECIALS! 

Have you taken advantage of these great deals?  
Dozens of shops, all at HUGE savings! 

Search promofrenzyteam on Etsy! 

Here are a few of my favs:

Fall Colors Toddler Poncho

 

Eye Pillow gift SET

Peacock Feathers Cosmetic Bag/Zippered Pouch

Green Teaze Bath Soak

Dog Tag Necklace Sterling Silver on Suede Cord

NEW Acai Berry Luscious Lip Balm

Hand-made crocheted fingerless mittens 

Fall 2011: The Art of Color

Sensible and Spirited
Taking cues from old Hollywood, Chinese opera, cityscapes and countryside, designers are paying close attention to texture, contrast and color for fall 2011. This Fall will bring the pairing of menswear with feminine twists, warm prints with cool metals, incorporating both old and new influences, and creating an intriguing balance between colors.

“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. “Much like a painter's masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season's palette.”

Some colors you simply must have this Fall include:

Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season. Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone. This dappled shade pairs dramatically with several of the top 10, including Phlox, Teal and Honeysuckle.

Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall. Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueúr for a classic look, or with Honeysuckle for something a bit more retro. Add a spark with shoes or a handbag in Emberglow, or perhaps a patterned scarf combining purpled Phlox or Deep Teal.

Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point. This playful, reddish pink works with any other color in the palette, especially fall staples like Coffee Liqueúr and Nougat. To add some intensity, pair it with complementary Bamboo. Flirtatious and festive, Honeysuckle produces a healthy glow – great for cosmetics and holiday soirees.

Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding statement when worn on its own. Add Phlox to this season's neutrals to create a bit of drama, or combine it with Cedar, Deep Teal or Coffee Liqueúr for something extraordinary. To add even more excitement, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle or Bamboo against a Cedar background – a combination inspired by Mother Nature.

Cedar is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green. It is a natural with Deep Teal, and sophisticated and timeless with Phlox or Orchid Hush.

Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the color of the sky as daylight descends into darkness. A great standard when used with Cedar, its color-wheel neighbor, Deep Teal is also a unique counterpoint to Honeysuckle.

Consumers continue to add stability to their wardrobes with neutrals.

Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueúr brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black.

Nougat is a deliciously warm camel tan, tastefully embellished by Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle.

Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones, blends well with any other color in the palette.

Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple.

With so many colors to choose from this fall, take this survey to decide which color is your favorite: http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20842&ca=4

Source: PANTONE FASHION COLOR REPORT . FALL 2011 http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20834&ca=4

For over 17 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season's most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for fall 2011.