Gift Giving Guide V

 

Picture & Tutorial Via Belle & Sparrow

 

Photo & Tutorial Via Kristen

Photo & Tutorial Via Danielle

I love wreaths! I got one today made by my BFF, Bertie - inspiring this gift! Now for those of you who are front door sensitive (aka. my parents), these adorable wreaths don't have to adorn your front door! They can hang from your bedroom door, bathroom door, over a fireplace - wherever you'd like! And since this will be for a Christmas Present, you'll most likely want to make one that is perfect for the rest of Winter, Spring or even Summer :) Click through the photos for the tutorials!

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Images Via Soap.com

Great tasting, smelling and looking chapstick in the shape of an egg? EOS lip balm is the new rage and you can share the lip moisturizing movement with your friends. This amazing holiday pack includes strawberry sorbet, sweet mint and passion fruit, and it's only $9.99 at soap.com!
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Photo Via Photojojo.com 

The Fuji Instax Mini 7s & Mini 25

Photo via Photojojo.com

Fuji Instax Wide Instant Camera

Did anyone else nearly pass out when they heard polaroid cameras were being discontinued? I did. And then, to my luck, I got one as a gift, and about 5 packs of film. Polaroid cameras will never lose their charm. I mean besides our acclimation to instant photos, the gratification of tangible photos will never die. NEVER!! Just like Ace of Base. You know, most college students don't know who they are!!

You will make any girl happy with one of these - guaranteed!

I saw the sii-ign, and it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign!

Special thanks to Bertie for helping me with this post :)

Gifts for the Host and/or Hostess with the Mostest!

Christmas is coming around quickly, and what has really been so important to me this year, is visiting and spending time with my loved ones. For you that might be your family, good friends, the in-laws, co-workers, or inviting those dear people to spend the chilly days, cozy in your abode.

If you're going to be visiting someone's abode for the holidays, bring something fun and unique for the host or hostess to thank them for opening their home to you! Or treat yourself, because, well, let's face it - you're awesome.

Here are some ideas :)

Image Via sheandhim.com

She & Him Christmas - $14.98

Don't you just adore Zooey Deschanel? Well alas, Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward of She & Him released a Christmas Album with your favorite Christmas classics. Your host/ess with the most/est, will definitely love playing these during dinner or while opening presents.

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Image via Overstock.com

Set of 5 Ceramic Pear Vases ($37.49)

I saw these Pear Vases on joyus.com, and found them on overstock.com for just a bit cheaper. How precious are these delicate vases? You.. I mean the host/ess can simply fill each with a sprig of rosemary or a flower from your/their garden. They don't need much effort, as the cute little vase speaks for itself!

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Images via Bathandbodyworks.com 

Bath & Body Works - Stress Relief Candle in Eucalyptus Spearmint ($19.99) 

and Wallflower ($6.50)

Ah candles, they create a warm and inviting ambiance, freshen up any room, and allow for a night of relaxation OR romance. In this case, we're going to focus on the relaxation function of the candle and suggest a yummy scent from Bath & Body Works/Slatin & Co. Imagine: host/ess running around throwing dishes into the dish washer, making sure the dog's head is unstuck from the staircase, and also monitoring Aunt Stella's wine glass count. You start to think this is the best time to give the host/ess your gift. Enter:  Eucalyptus Spearmint Stress-Free candle from Bath & Body Works. Light, follow the host/ess around with it and cue the sigh of relief. Hand the host/ess a glass of wine and pour yourself one too. Mission accomplished.

I also suggest the Eucalyptus Mint scent, unfortunately they do not have a candle with the scent, but the scent -portable, wallflower and oil is just as great. The scent-portable is in my boyfriend's car and surprisingly has a layer of lemon in it. It's amazingly invigorating and great as an air freshener in a stinky boy car. What? I mean in a car.
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Cake Stand with Cover & Punch Bowl from Target ($15.19)

Bringing over your famous lemon cake, made from the lemons from the lemon tree in your back yard that you tend to year long? Not a baker you say? More of a liquid concoction-ist? (You made a lot of jungle juice in college, didn't you?) Great! Grab one of these cake stands - which also happens to turn into a punch bowl, set your blood, sweat and tears cake inside (or just buy a cake, who are we kidding here) and hop on over to the party! Once that cake is demolished and you magically flip that lid upside down and fill it with  jungle jui.. I mean, holiday punch, your host/ess will be delighted! Then, you break the news that the cake stand/punch bowl is theirs to keep! The surprises never stop with you, geez! You're too much!

Awww, all this holiday -getting together -celebrating family and Jesus' birth and stuff makes me happy :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Gift Giving Guide II

Mason Jar ______.

Picture Via http://michaelanoelledesigns.blogspot.com/

1. Mason Jar Lace Vase or Lantern by Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs.

Lace anything is fun, especially for the girl who loves fresh flowers (or even some year round fake ones!) Throw a tea light inside, and it automatically turns into a lamp. 

Picture Via http://emmalinebride.com/

2. Mason Jar Cookie Mix by the Emmaline Bride Team at Emmaline Bride. 

Who doesn't love cookies, and let me tell you, I got this as a favor from a bridal shower and it saved me a trip to the grocery store (and the indecisive toll I take at what recipe to follow) when I had guests over the week after :) Choose cute colored cookie embellishments and you're set to go! This DIY also includes a link to free printable labels from Bakerella!

Picture Via http://thecreativemama.com

3. Mason Jar Snow Globe. Here's one WITH water by Bree from The Creative Mama , and one WITHOUT by Arielle from A Beautiful Journey. 

Such a unique, and creatively opportune gift! You can keep it holiday-esque, or add in items that pertain to each specific gift receiver, like hello kitty figurine, or a little tea pot and tea cup set, etc. One of these DIY's includes a gift card, but I think I'd be most excited about the presentation of the package, than the actual gift card. Just sayin' ;)

A Cute Cell Phone Case!

I don't know about you, but picking up and snapping on a new cell phone case feels (almost) like getting a brand new phone. Shiny, scratch-less, and donning a new color, your cell phone case is also a chance to showcase your style! Lucky for us, cell phone cases are well priced, especially when you buy them off amazon.com!

Glitter Toms!

First of all, they're glitter-tastic and are perfect to sport for the Holidays and throughout the year. (Perhaps along with a comfortable NYE outfit?) Plus, as most of you know, they will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need, preventing disease, and injuries, while providing a brighter future.

Happy Gift Giving & Stay out of trouble in the Black Friday MADNESS!

Oh, I wish, I wish!

So, if you could imagine, I deliberated quite a bit over what I wanted to include on my wish list this year. 

Pause...

Are you kidding? This was so easy to make, it wasn't even funny. 

Haha, call it a girl's biggest weakness but with Pinterest, Polyvore, and well my good ol' fashion red notebook, I pretty much have a solid list of items I'm constantly pining for. 

1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i. Call me an amateur, but for my first DSLR, I'd like to start simple. I'd love to take my pictures to the next level, because let's face it, my iPhone isn't going to cut it forever!

2. High Waist & Wide Leg Jeans. Tuck in a flowy blouse or don a cute crop top, then throw on a pair of cork wedges and you're set for any type of day. 

3. Mindy Kaling's "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And other concerns)". Mindy's character on the Office itself makes me want to read her book. Whether she's the annoying, cheerleader-puppy to Ryan, or that she's a creative, and witty actress who probably says a lot of funny things in her head, I'm sold.  Reading and laughing out loud is the best!

4. Chinese Laundry's Mix Tape. Yes, I have a Groupon for CL. Yes, I said I was going to buy boots. No, I haven't bought them yet. And, yes, I want to change my mind and get these booties. Then wear the booties with my pleather leggings and a blazer...to the grocery store.

5. Asos Leopard Clutch. Really, I just want a case for my iPad. The idea of my iPad fitting so snug in a leather envelope that also happens to be a leopard clutch, makes me giggle. And want to get into bed with my cable knit cardigan on. 

6. Warby Parker's Tenley Prescription Glasses. I mentioned in my recent post that my glasses aren't as cute as I'd like them to be. I think Fall and Winter would be a great time to upgrade, and give my eyeballs a break with this contact lens business. Now if Warby Parker would just contact my optometrist to get my prescription, and also pardon any expiration dates, that would be great!

7. Gibson Tweed Riding Jacket. Such a classic, worth the splurge, "I will wear it forever unless I get really fat" type of purchase. I want so badly to throw on a pair of jeans, a white-t, this jacket and some boots. And call it an responsible, adult day. 

What are you wishing for this Christmas? :)

Gift Giving Guide

It's that time of the year again! Have you started thinking about gift ideas? Here is a combination of low cost and affordable ideas for the special ladies in your lives!

I made these darling Monogram Tote bags last year for my girlfriends for Christmas. It's relatively cheap, easy and so useful for your friends on the go. I've heard my girls using the tote for groceries, and for Sunny and Vicki for books, laptops, and as an overnight bag. My only issue is that unless you've got an awesome craft store (other than Michael's and Jo-ann's) nearby, you may have to order these "large" tote bags online.

I followed Ashley Ann's DIY Instructions here.

You know what I realize is one of the smallest, low cost (well in Essie's case, on the higher end), and most gratifying presents for a girl? A good bottle of nail polish. Drop a bottle of Essie nail polish from Essie's Cocktail Bling or Luxeffects line in your girlfriend's stocking this year. They won't be able to wait until Christmas to paint their nails. Ruthie delighted me with one in my gift bag for my birthday. Loved it!

 

I don't know about you girls, but I have an issue with organizing my jewelry, even after I've organized time and time again. My necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings get strewn all throughout my home and vanity area. This Urban Outfitters jewelry tree is an awesome gift for any girl, and even better, it's vintage chic on it's own, or even as a hat rack.  Sunny got me one two years ago, and It's dawned many uses and locations; from my vanity, to my dresser and now to decorate the top of my bookshelf. I love it!

Happy Gift Giving!