holiday

Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Under $25

gift guide

I know that just about every blog has done some holiday gift guide at this point (or is bound to do one soon), and I hate feeling clichéd, but what’s the good of having a blog if you can’t make a gift guide? It’s kind of fun for me, anyway, to pull together some stuff that I wouldn’t mind receiving, along with things I think it’d be fun to give. And the gift guides I see on other blogs are sometimes a little ridiculous – a $200 purse, a pair of shoes…maybe it’s just me, but when it comes to gift giving, I’ve always liked the idea of giving a bunch of smaller, fun gifts that the person wouldn’t normally buy for themselves (and that don’t leave me broke – because I love my family and friends, but it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag). Here are some of my favorite ideas – and, for your convenience, they’re all $25 or less.

1. Unique, architectural ornaments to brighten up your tree.
2. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t appreciate being given cool art.
3. The quintessential stocking stuffer: tiny, luxurious nail polishes.
4. Bright, quirky pencils for the friend who has everything.
5. You can’t go wrong with Clinique’s black honey – it’s beautiful on everyone. (I swear by it)
6. Cute? Check. Functional? Check. Everyone could use one of these kits.
7. Rich leather gloves, just because.
8. Pigmented, light, definitely not sticky – plus, this gloss just looks pretty.
9. Simple, personalized stationary is thoughtful and useful.
10. Doesn’t washi tape make everyone happy?
11. The softest drapey, pale pink sweater that’ll work well into spring. (I’m wearing it as I type this!)
12. Glitzy earrings to bring a little sparkle to anyone’s life.
13. Simple, pretty, gold-plated studs that you could give to anyone on your list.
14. A cool, minimalist purse that works year-round.
15. This hand creme is beautifully scented and a total luxury.
16. You can brush up on your French with this seasonally-appropriate classic.
17. Pretty pens are always appreciated.
18. A thick magazine is a unique (and aesthetically pleasing) gift.
19. Glittery bangles are perfect for holiday parties.
20. Ban.do bobby pins are just the best.
21. 2015 is fast approaching – surprise your friend with a cute calendar for her desk.
22. For those who love to cook – even if they already have one, this recipe box is too pretty to pass up.
23. Delicate, pretty and for a good cause? This bracelet is a perfect stocking stuffer.
24. I just bought this book and can’t wait to read it – great for the bookworms in your life who’ve already read just about everything.
25. Rifle Paper Co. journals are just so pretty – and since I already have enough notebooks to last a few years, I’ll have to satisfy my addiction through buying them for others.

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Two Thousand Twelve

2012

Looking back, 2012 was a pretty eventful, exciting and rewarding year, although stressful at times. For one, I started this blog – and one of my resolutions for the New Year is to put more effort into my blog, add some new features, and potentially revamp the site a bit.

When it comes to making resolutions, I hate that I generally pick pretty mainstream ones, like eat healthier, save money, read more, etc. But I think they’re so mainstream because they’re good goals to set. This time around, I’m especially excited by the prospect of a clean slate. I’m determined to keep to my resolutions in 2013, those being exercise more, save money, make lists, start planning outfits in advance again, get more sleep, wake up earlier, and read more, to name a few big ones. What are some of your resolutions?

I look forward to spending 2013 with all of you. Happy New Year! xoxo

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Thanksgiving

thanksgivingturkey

Happy Thanksgiving! If you’re anything like me right now, you’ll understand that I don’t have much time to do a regular post, so I figured I’d take today as an opportunity to say just how thankful I am for everything in my life.

First of all, I’m thankful for all of my clothes and shoes. I know I’ll never think that I have enough, but people are continually amazed by the fact that I can go months without repeating an outfit. I’m thankful for all of my friends and family who make it worthwhile to wake up each morning, even on days I know will be tough. I’m thankful for the four-legged monsters who greet me when I get home, even though two of them (cats) try to bite me incessantly. I’m thankful for the fact that I can bake or cook whatever I want, whenever I want – it continues to be a shock to me that there really are so many people who don’t have enough to eat (reminding me to give to those who are less fortunate in any way I can). I’m thankful for laptops, iPhones and Google, as well as all other technology. I don’t remember my life without these things and I don’t really care to. And I’m thankful for all of you reading this now and following my blog. I started this over the summer, with no real expectations or a plan of any kind, and here all of you are (even if it’s not as many readers as other blogs may have). I’m so incredibly grateful for your support and kind comments, and I look forward to sharing more stylish tidbits from my life with you.

Have a happy and delicious Thanksgiving!

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