December 16, 2014
Is it just me or are calendars blowing up? I feel like this past weekend was The Weekend to start holiday celebrations.
Things are crazy this time of year, so avoid making extra laundry by having a double-duty outfit.
Case in point:
Start with the fun part of your outfit. Here, I chose a dress in a bright color. This can definitely play nice in both the “work” atmosphere just as easily as it can in the “party” atmosphere.
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December 11, 2014
feather pen / porcelain spoon / thin ring / champagne chocolate / eye mask / Hourglass blush palette / sparkle sponges / geometric bunny bottle opener / playing cards / Downton Abbey tea / cocktail kit / constellation calendar / wine glass holder / charcoal exfoliating stone / domino USB thumb drives / pink earrings / Tattly temporary tattoo / wine wipes / xo note pad / tech wipes / stainless steel straws / bell wine stopper / coal gum / soap rocks
I love stocking stuffers. Like, love love. It’s really fun to put together a pile of small gifts for someone. There can be useful gifts, silly gifts, quirky gifts. It’s also a great category to find small gifts that you need throughout the holiday: co-worker, Secret Santa, etc.
My family is really big into stockings. My dad will run into our rooms and whisper-yell “Santa’s been here!” followed by vigorously shaking us awake and/or mild jumping on the bed. We’ll then grab our stocking and shuffle into my parents’ room to open them on their bed. It’s very small, but it’s one of my favorite traditions.
Then, without fail, my dad will insist on making cinnamon buns before we unwrap presents under the tree. Without fail, we each try to slyly get the bun with the most frosting, and without fail, my brother manages to eat more buns than were even baked. Holiday skills.
December 1, 2014
Starbucks travel mug / knit hat / briefcase business card holder / Chemex / Bittermilk tonic / pajama pants / Stormtrooper nutcracker / wool socks / wool coffee sleeve / camera / submarine ice cubes / Zippo hand warmer / Nutribullet / Maglite flashlight / Amplifiear
Hats, gloves, socks, pajama pants… These aren’t necessarily exciting or earth-shattering items, so go the extra mile for really good quality. (Quality makes all the difference!)
Food and Drink
This is a great area to treat your loved one to something a little extra special. Is your brother a mixed drink aficionado? He would definitely appreciate Bittermilk‘s selection of artisan cocktail mixers and tonics. Does your husband love smoothies? Wrap up a Nutribullet with his name on it. Gifting a Chemex shows your hipster coffee-lover cousin that you are cooler than he thought.
Something Fun
Surprise your gent with something fun and/or quirky. I think this Star Wars nutcracker is really awesome. Cameras are a lot of fun too, and this Instax lets you enjoy instant gratification in an old school way. I also particularly like this Jack Spade money clip with a cheeky saying.
Stocking Stuffers
Does your dad love the Beatles? Grab some yellow submarine reusable ice cubes. A business card holder that looks like a mini James Bond briefcase, or a reusable wool coffee sleeve (with or without a Starbucks gift card!) are also fun small gifts.
November 24, 2014
Happy Monday! Are you excited for Thanksgiving? I know I am! I’ve hosted for the past two years, and this year we’re headed to my in-laws’ house. I love having everyone over, but there’s so much to do and I can’t say that I’m sad about relinquishing the responsibility this year.
Gifting season is almost in full swing, so I thought it would be appropos to start with a host(ess) gift guide! Showing up empty-handed is just a no-no, so below are a few options that are easily customizable to reflect the tastes of the hosts.
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Wine
If the hostess drinks, she will love this. I like to forgo a boring wine bag and tie up the bottle in a dishcloth. Double the gifts!
Leave-Behind Serving Dish
If you offered to bring a dish for the party, why not bring it on something the hostess can keep? Cookies in a pottery dish, roasted nuts in a pretty bowl, you get the idea. Make sure to leave a note on the bottom of the dish indicating that the dish is theirs to keep (they’ll find it when they’re cleaning up).
An Upgraded Candle
Candles can be a little boring, so step up your game. Why not treat her to something a little more luxurious than what she may buy for herself, like a Diptique candle or one in a beautiful container.
Coaster + Bottle Opener
I have found countless cool options for these two items. From modern to chic to cheeky to minimal- these two items can be found in a style to suit any taste.
Miscellaneous Pretty Do-Dads
Something thoughtful to say thanks for being crazy enough to throw a party and nice enough to invite you!
I started a Pinterest board to keep track of the fun stuff I find, because this list is by no means the end of great gifts for a hostess. Follow along here.
October 15, 2014
October is one of my favorite months of the year, in no small part due to Halloween. Costume brainstorming starts around November 2nd, and continues through the year.
Because Halloween is on a Friday this year, I’ve pulled together a few touches to work some Halloween-spirit into your outfit so you don’t have to wait until after work to get festive.
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Black dress (or black skirt and a top) plus one of these items, and you have some Halloween day-wear all set. While you probably can’t get away with the leggings at work*, they’re perfect for holiday spirit yoga class or paired with a sweater and a glass of wine while handing out candy and oohing over your adorable neighborhood kids.
What are you dressing as for Halloween? Tell me!! I MUST KNOW.
* If you can wear this to work, you have my full attention. The Halloween love is real.