Melissa Oholendt | Minnesota Wedding & Lifestyle Photography

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:9-12

Yep. You read that right. THAT Washington Post.

My photo, as part of a commercial shoot for local (and amazing) company Boottique, appeared on the Washington Post website back in November and on a handful of additional blogs and gift guides. But as fun as it is to see my work published, I just have to say I am so incredibly proud of past bride and friend Lindsay Sokolowski who is truly making waves and finding such great success with her genius product.

The summer before Matt and I married was one of the most amazing summers of my life. I spent nearly every day with my best girl friends talking about love, God, our futures and everything in-between. We stayed out late, wore matching tank tops on the 4th of July (yep, that really happened), watched the sunrise in our pajamas, dominated an empty dance floor, and had our own grown-up version of elementary school Field Day. That summer will forever hold a special place in my heart because of the depth to which our friendships grew, but also it was the last full summer where we were all together, unmarried and completely carefree.

I am so grateful for the photos that were taken that summer. They remind me of how much we grew, loved and laughed. And now, 6.5 years later, though most of us have moved away, married the men of our dreams and grew into stunning, admirable, professional young women, through those images our fab little group of 5 will forever remain just the way I remember us. Fresh faced, innocent and ready to take on life together.

Earlier this year I donated a Lifestyle Session to the Launch Party for the Minnesota Zoo AZUL Program (who, if you have not heard, have been doing amazing things with young professionals passionate about animals & conservation - check them out!) and the best-door-prize-ever winner, the gorgeous and sweet Lauren, contacted me about the idea of doing a session with her best girl friends; all of whom have been friends into the double-digit years. Can you imagine how fast I said yes? YES!

Lauren, Nael, Sara & Beth. THANK YOU for showing me your friendship. Your love for each other reminds me so much of my love for my own besties and that is a gift. I hope these photos allow you to remember this past summer fondly and remind you to love each other more. xo

Dear Little Ella,

Your joy for life itself is contagious and I just can’t help but smile looking back through these images of your adorable, silly self. I can’t wait to see you grow up into a perfect blend of your wonderful parents; 50% sweetness, 50% hilarity and 100% confident in yourself. It’s a good thing you can’t do Math yet. xo beautiful girl.

Love, Melissa

If these two gorgeous parents look familiar, it’s because they were my amazing models (and real-life couple) from the J.Crew / Jane Austen Editorial Shoot from September 2010.

I’ve felt a profound sense of life coming full-circle lately and maybe it’s the season, years in business or possibly it could be the idea that couples get married, have babies and become a new version of the family that they started on their wedding day but whatever it is, it is fantastic.

To my dearest Jess, Nate and Linnea. I love you three so much. This life stage of being allowed to watch my friends become parents has been one of the more amazing joys in life and your beautiful little family has been so much a part of that. Merry Christmas Dahl Family and cheers to many, many more spent in each other’s company. xo

Well, we’ve come to the end of the Gift Guides and today is all about my favorite kind of gift. Stocking Stuffers. Petite, easy to wrap (in a stocking) and at the perfect price point, stocking stuffers are the perfect gift for your neighbor, the mailman and your favorite barista at Starbucks; not to mention those stockings hung by the fire.

And if you can’t get enough of gifting guides, Anthology Magazine recently released their Winter Gift Gift and it is fantastic.

1. Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone 4 Case | $40
I have the black-dot version of this case and I can’t tell you how many times this case has saved my phone from shattered destruction. Buy. Immediately.

2. J.Crew Cognac Leather Shoehorn | $28
Gorgeous. And a perfect price point.

3. Anthropologie  Kitchen Magic Twisty Whisk | $8
Don’t tell Matt but I think I would cook more if this was in my utensil arsenal.

4. Primele Custom Return Address Stamp | $59
Have a friend who moved recently? Or just one who adores gorgeous typography?

5. Container Store CableDrop Cord Clips | $9.95
My desk needs a set of the black and my charger station needs a set of the white. Dear Santa.

6. Bootique Boot Clips | $20 for a set of 3
Brilliant; and I’m not just saying that because I worked on product photography for owner and creator, Lindsay Sokolowski. I need a set or two and I don’t know a single girl who wouldn’t love to become a part of the Bootique family.

7. Paloma’s Nest “Where We Met / Where You Were Born” Map | $38
Ours would read “Ogden, Utah | 1998″. What would yours read?

8. Jake Spade iStand | $7
This little gadget will find its way into three stockings (that I know about) this year. It’s perfect.

9. Lunalux Letterpress Tree Thank You (6-pack) | $14
Lunalux is my local letterpress shop of choice thanks (in part) to their gorgeous selection of sentimental and witty branded card and stationery products. Jenni at Lunalux is a true artist and I am lucky to call her friend. (PS. All Melissa Oholendt branded materials were printed at Lunalux!) And, of course, bonus points for a local business!

10. Container Store Cyber Clean | $7.99
The perfect stocking stuffer for a technology conscious brother, dad and husband. I mean… Maybe?

Boomer in Independence Day. Buck-Beak in Harry Potter, Prisoner of Azkaban. Dug in Up. Any of the horses in Hidalgo but especially Hidalgo himself.

There’s a joke (a no-but-really-we’re-not-kidding joke) amongst my friends and family that – in movies and yes, admittedly in real life too – that I tend to be far more concerned about the well-being of an animal versus the human. (Yes, even the made-up kind of Harry Potter animal.) But the thing is, I have a feeling I am not alone in this. If my campaign to raise money for the animal victims of the Japanese tsunami earlier this year was any indication, there are SO MANY of you animal adoring friends out there. So naturally, even if just for my own dog’s sake, there now exists a Holiday Gift Guide for the family members with four legs.

And this. This is something I can claim to be an expert in.

For the Sleepy Bear : Furbish Custom Dog Bed | $100 to $130
These have been on my holiday wish-list for a couple years now. Gorgeous. And customizable to exactly fit your home decor. What more could you ask for?

For the Photogenic One : Sarah Beth Photography Sessions
She is my friend but there are no biased feelings when I tell you she is the best in the studio pet photography business. Contact her. ASAP. You won’t be disappointed. Promise. Bonus points for a local Minneapolis small business!

For the Silly One : Fugly Friends Fugly Dog Toy | $15.50
They are so ugly they are cute. Gunnar will have one under the tree this year. For sure.

For the Hungry One : Pottery Barn Paw Print Dog Bowl & Stand | $16 to $39
Gunnar’s favorite way to eat. (And surprisingly durable considering his penchant for eating in 2 seconds flat.)

For the Sassy Cat : Pattern & Paw Fiesta Cat Collar | $12
This is the most amazing cat collar I have ever seen. Any cat without one will not be equal.

For the Dapper Dog : Silly Buddy Dog Bow Tie Collar | $42
It is a good thing Gunnar can’t read otherwise he’d know that this will also be under the tree for him this year.

For the Water Loving Pet : Jake Spade Dog Rope Lead | $45 to $48
A gorgeous find for man’s best friend in natural, red, orange and olive. I dare you to resist.

For the Memories :  Stray Dog Arts Custom Dog Portraiture
Jessie is another local Minneapolis friend but offers such a gorgeous unique product and one that I will one day commission her for! Support local businesses!

For the Playful Pup : Jake Spade Dog Toy Tongue | $18
Amazing in that it reminds me of Gunnar’s tongue. And his playful nature. And desire to tug. Always.

For the Pet Who Gives Back : Second Chance Animal Rescue
My dear friend, and fabulous Minneapolis on-location dog photographer, Becky Kalin with Lucky Mutt Photography originally turned me onto this charitable organization formed to provide dog & cats with a Second Chance. An organization I, one day, hope to be a part of.

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To View the Holiday Gift Guide Series:
Holiday Gift Guide (for the women in your life)
Holiday Gift Guide (for the men in your life)
Holiday Gift Guide (for the children in your life)

I will likely never claim to be an expert in necessary and useful gifts for a new momma, daddy or the littlest of new family members but with 6 babies born to friends in the last 15 days, I’d like to think I can claim some version of legitimacy in downright adorable gifts for the pint size people in your life. Auntie Melissa to the rescue?

You be the judge.

For the Little Reader : Restoration Hardware Bunny Bookends | $69
I’m a big fan of gifting books for children & adults and these Bunny Bookends seem like the perfect (and chic) way to keep those gifts in line.

For the One Afraid of the Dark : Jonathan Adler Elephant Nightlight | $48
Call me crazy but I’m tempted to order one for our no-children household. #loveelephants

For the Cutiepants : Serena & Lily 3 Sprouts Hooded Towel | $38
This is quickly making its way to the top of my list as my new favorite newborn gift of choice. Adorable.

For the Mini-Photographer : Personalized Toy Camera | $34
This goes without saying but LOVE. LOVE.

For the Smartiepants : The Land of Nod Dominoes | $21.95
Yet another children’s item I want in my own home.

For the One Who Loves Pets : The Land of Nod What a Croc | $89
As a kid, I remember pulling around a little telephone on a string. Imagine a little Melissa with a little crocodile; much better, right?

For the Newborn : Jellycat Bashful Bunny | $19.95
I posted this as a newborn item but, this past Spring, every time I purchased for friends as a newborn gift Gunnar would steal this bunny out of the bag and claim it as his own toy. I blame it on the exceptionally soft fur. Bonus points for shopping locally at Pacifier online or at their Northeast or Downtown locations!

For the One You Love : J.Crew Ouef I Heart Baby Jumper | $88
For the most special of little ones. I heart Baby.

For the Make Believer : The Land of Nod Kid’s Cannot Live on Bread Alone | $19.95
Almost pretty enough to eat and even better to make believe with.

For the Child Who Gives Back : Feed My Starving Children
This locally headquartered organization makes my “must donate” list. Dedicated to, at the basic level, feeding starving children in body and spirit.

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To View the Holiday Gift Guide Series:
Holiday Gift Guide (for the women in your life)
Holiday Gift Guide (for the men in your life)

While yesterday was all about the ladies, today we focus on the iPad loving, microbrew drinking, joke-throw-downing men in our lives. I don’t know about you, but I find that my husband, dad, dad-in-law, brother, brother-in-law and closest guy friends are the hardest people in the world to shop for. They either have everything they need, don’t know what they need or (more often than not) buy whatever they need when they need it. (You follow?)

So this year, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and figure out the mystery of men, I’m going to try the “find their very favorite thing in the world and upgrade it” gifting method. I’ll let you know how this works out.

For the Traveler : Cavalier Original Leather Duffle | $1,695
The amazing creator of the Melissa Oholendt brand, Taylor Pemberton, has struck pure gold in his gorgeous and brilliant Cavalier brand. Be sure to check out all the offerings from Cavalier, including the Online Flea. Tay, I am amazed by your talent but also the man you are. Love you for reals.

For the Business Guy : Everlane Raw Cotton Gingham Tie | $35
If you are not already a part of the Everlane Club, I suggest you get on that before another month goes by!

For the Satorialist :  Cedarville Twin-tube Shoe Tree | $24.99
A friend of mine turned me on to these beauties and (after he explained their men’s dress shoe necessity) they became a staple in my men’s gifting traditions.

For the Tech Guy : J.Crew Solid iPad Case | $39.50
I’ve been on the hunt for a new iPad case for a while now and this fits my need to be stylish along with my husband’s need to not be “super girly”. Well done Crew. Well done.

For the Comedian : Jack Spade Nice Parking Cards | $20
You are joking if you think these aren’t in the “to-buy” category for a certain someone on my Christmas list.

For the Microbrew Lover : Beer of the Month Rare Beer Club | $31.95/month to $68.95/month
According to Matt Oholendt this was the BEST GIFT EVER. I think that says it all.

For the Party Guy : J.Crew Leather Flask | $42.50
What man in your life doesn’t need a great leather flask? I thought so.

For the Green Guy : Jack Spade Damon Alarm Clock | $50
Gorgeous. And green.

For the Graphic Designer : Muhs Home Brass Bottle Opener | $65
As a girl who can appreciate a gorgeous masculine design? I want (to give).

For the Guy Who Gives Back : Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis
In tribute to my attorney husband, I give you a brilliant organization that is dedicated to bring justice for those senior, low-income resident and children who cannot otherwise afford legal aid & care.

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To View the Holiday Gift Guide Series:
Holiday Gift Guide (for the women in your life)

Well, friends, the day has finally come where I can openly listen to Christmas music without shame, switch my iPhone ringtone to “Carol of the Bells” and post loving, thankful and giddy-on-apple-cider posts on Facebook and Twitter and blame it on the Christmas spirit. I can now say with all authority granted to me; it is officially the Holiday Season.

And this girl? Is a major gift giver. If you are at all familiar with the Love Languages books, my strongest language is gifts so it should come as no surprise that I spend the majority of the year saving links until my favorites folder is filled to capacity just so I can remember that one gift that I saved that one time that would have been perfect for that one person. So, this year - just for you – I raked through my favorites folder to find the very best, sometimes unique, sometimes hilarious, sometimes just plain pretty gifts on the web (and locally too!) for each person in your life.

Today’s feature concentrates on the women in your life; that special mom, daughter, wife, sister, best friend, boss or maybe your sister from another mister. Tomorrow, we give the men their spotlight.

For the Chef : Let Them Eat Cake prints by Paul Ferney | $39
This was my gift of choice for some very fabulous women in my life last year and the general consensus was that this was a gorgeous and fabulous gift. The one displayed in my office says that they are right.

For the Southern Girl : Monogramed Throw Pillow | $75
I don’t know a single Southern girl who doesn’t love a great monogram. I also don’t know a single non-Southern girl who doesn’t love a great monogram.

For the One Who Always Loses Her Earrings : Tilly Maison Lucite Tray | $34
This would make a wonderful addition to a bathroom, bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen…I think you get the point.

For the Girly Girl : Jill Rosenwald Links Peony Vase | $58
Dear Anyone (and Everyone) in my Life. This is amazing and if you wanted to give me the most amazing Christmas gift – this would be it. Love, Me.

For the Minnesota Girl : J.Crew Aubergine Earmuffs | $39.50
Negative 40 in February. Enough said.

For the Fashionista : Anne M. Cramer’s Flynn Skirt | $160
This was – hands down – my very favorite buy of 2011. And bonus points for buying local – Anne is a stellar Minneapolis designer!

For the Girl Who Has Everything : Minnetonka Moccasin 2 Fringe Boots | $60 (or shop locally at Parc Boutique for $56!)
I actually just purchased myself a pair (Happy Black Friday to me!) and haven’t wanted to take them off my feet since. With Minnetonka Moccasins being a local business and at such a wonderful price-point, just do the lady in your life a favor and purchase her a pair!

For the Sentimental One :  Locality 16×20 Custom Digital Print | $128
Customize each canvas to say words, dates and phrases that have meaning to this special woman. So beautiful. Pretty sure my canvas would say things like “Chipotle Mondays”, “Gun-Bun-Bunnies” and “August 13, 2005″. Yet another local-to-Minneapolis artist! Shop local.

For the Hilarious One : Kate Spade Hi 5 Mittens | $65
Let’s just say if these don’t end up under my tree this year, they will most certainly be a January gift to myself.

For the Girl Who Gives Back : Tubman
A local Minneapolis organization dedicated to women, children and families struggling with relationship violence, substance abuse and mental health.