Holiday Gift Guide - It's Cookie Time

As my holiday gift guides are winding down. I thought I would share a beautiful gift that not only is packed up super pretty but is filled with delicious treats for your whole family to enjoy. Remember this pretty gal from this Let's Get Local feature & these beautiful cookie favors. Well she is back with more treats for us to enjoy and to gift to our favorite peeps. Not only will you be supporting a small business here in the Boston area but you are giving a gift of something made with a lot of love that I assure you tastes pretty darn heavenly too. So take a look for yourself at her Flour Boxes and gift someone you love some delicious sweets this holiday. I know they will love them as much as I do! 

Holiday Gift Guide - For Your Best Friend

As I have gotten older my circle of friends has definitely gotten smaller. I have learned {sometimes the hard way} to surround yourself only with the people who make you happy, bring a positive light into your life and are there for you the same way you are for them. I am a big believer in quality over quantity so I put together a little gift guide for inspiration to let your favorite friend know how much they mean to you!

Throw a grown up slumber party and wear matching pajamas and slippers. Stay up late eating snacks, drinking wine & laughing till your stomachs hurt. 

An extra large coffee cup or this cute mug for those caffeine driven friends. 

A fun key chain/bag charm with their initial and tassel for extra sass. 

This sweatshirt is the new awesome friendship bracelet.

For your wine loving gal, these pretty bottles, glasses, tote & corkscrew are the cutest pairings or perfect on their own. 

Got a bestie who lives far away? How about some pretty pens & personalized paper to keep in touch the old fashioned way.

This little wallet is adorable for your bubbly loving friend. 

Fill this trinket box with a little baubles likes this bracelet or these earrings. 

Got a friend who loves to be in the kitchen? This Mexico cookbook is bright & beautiful. I love it paired with these colorful dipped spoons. 

For the gal who like a pop of color in her accessories, these bright colored clutches are the perfect finishing touch. 

shop all the above looks & more below

The Gift Closet

While shopping in Boston's hip South End neighborhood one day, one of my dear friends mom mentioned an idea of a gift closet in a home where you could keep a few trinkets on hand to gift to friends and family as small special occasions took place. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop for a gift that is perfect for each individual recipient but I thought this was a genius idea for small gestures and was so excited to put together a little round up of some ideas I had. All the items below are under $25 and suit all different tiny celebrations in life or just a simple sign of kindness to someone who may need a pick me up. To make the gift a bit more personal to the receiver just add a thoughtful card {my favorite part of a gift} and some chic gift wrap {which is always excellent to have on hand as well}.

one - Is there anything that smells better then fresh basil on a home cooked meal? I absolutely love it in everything from cocktails to savory dishes and beyond. This seed kit {also available in mint & rosemary} is such a great gift for the home chef or gardener. It also perfectly pairs with this petite vintage planter or these colorful mini vases that are $8!

two - Candles are always a great go to gift for new homes or just because your thinking of them. I love giving them with a cute pack of matches {this scent is my favorite & always burning in our home}.

three - Bringing flowers to a party just from the market also brings work to the recipient. Add an affordable vase that only needs a few buds to make a great gift. Also love this trio of a similar style.

four - The packaging along on this gift is reason to give to someone a little bit of luxury for $20.

five - A new home gift can be something small & budget friendly. These adorable mason jar salt & pepper shakers are under $10. I also love the mini oil & vinegar set too, crazy for $3! 

six - Newly engaged gal? This pretty pink dish is a great place to store her new sparkler when she isn't wearing it. Also available in a square shape.

seven - A set of coasters tied in simple ribbon are always nice to bring when someone is hosting you for dinner and we all know it goes great with wine! A wine tote and or trivet also is a great option.

eight - Terrariums are my kinda plant, low maintenance & look great. These work in so many rooms to an outdoor deck for a little living decor. 

nine - Someone have a new home or new car? How about a chic key chain to hang those new keys on!

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Kiddos

I absolutely love shopping for my nieces year round but the holidays really give me reasoning to go more overboard then usual. However as they get older so does the gift giving, toys suddenly don't have the same appeal and picking out clothes is something they like to do on their own. I still give it the good old college effort and have put together a little round up of gifts for kids of all ages and below that a list of current sales and cute clothing items to score before they are gone on black Friday.


one - I think I am most excited about this company Budsies that takes your kids art & turns it into a stuffed animal...such a clever way to give something truly unique and treasure your kids doodles.
two - For the avid readers, this trio of Harry Potter books is truly for the collector.
three - Music is important in everyones lives so why not have an instrument like a guitar or piano that also looks good!
four - A stuffed animal & blanket all in one, perfect for the wee little ones.
five - Being afraid of the dark never looked so good. Is it bad I want one of these chic night light's for my room?
six - Don't you love when toys aren't an eye sore in your home. This little bubble rider is definitely one of them.
seven - For the little saver, these elephant banks would be a great gift with some starter money already in them.
eight - Is there anything better then a fort or a tent when you are a kid? I think not. This airstream inspired tent is sure to make playtime more fun for kids of all ages.
nine - Calling all creative types, get your DIY on with this adorable make your own butterfly.
ten - Babies love their binky's and this one is also has a rattle & clip so it's never lost, win - win.
eleven - A good game of spy is foolproof with this play set.
twelve - Our family is always looking for activities that we can all do together that goes beyond board games. This karaoke machine is sure to bring on the fun & laughs.
thirteen - I loved playing kitchen with my nieces and this retro set couldn't be cuter!
fourteen - My husband seriously loved his go cart growing up. I think if he could fit he would also love this version.
fifteen - Chic temporary tattoos that look like designer jewelry will sure be a hit with the little ladies.

Cute clothing for the little ones!

Check out all my other gift guides & other great gifts for everyone in the family here!

Stylish Sales

Shopbop is offering a tiered promotion with GOBIG14. Madewell is offering 25% off with code GIFTON.
Gap is offering 30% off with code HAPPY. 
Old Navy is offering 30% off everything with code EARLYBIRD.
Banana Republic is offering 30% off with BRBLACK30.
J.Crew is offering 30% off with code GETFESTIVE.
Nordstrom & Saks are having 40% off lots of designer duds, no code needed.

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Little Fellas

I may not have any boys to shop for this season but that didn't stop me from having a blast putting together this little round up toys for the little men in your life. A few of my favorite goodies for the men to be are all listed below. Happy Gift Giving!

one - Scooting never looked so cute as it does on this little blue bike. 

two - Keep your little bundle snuggly in these fun hats. 

three - Calling all grill masters, this spot on lookalike set is simple perfection. 

four - Boys can be bad to the bone in this stylish cardigan. 

five - Quite possible the most chic mobile I have ever seen. 

six - Endless fun with finger mustache tattoos. 

seven - Blah Blah dolls are quite possible the cutest dolls for any nugget. 

eight - Parents - save your ears from their music with these headphones. 

nine - The ultimate in gifts for new little men, a basket overflowing with goodies. 

ten - A magic set for the imaginative fellas. 

eleven - Dress your little man up in a comfy penguin suit for special occasions. 

twelve - A madras bean bag chair is comfy for video games or hanging with their buddies. 

thirteen - Growing up in a surfer town, skateboarding was a big deal so I knew they had to be included in this gift guide. I love that you customize them to your little persons taste. 

fourteen - Batters Up! A great bat for your little leaguer. 

fifteen - Your little guy wants to be just like his daddy, this little bath kit is perfect for his practice. 

*All Gift Guides Can Be Found Here*

Holiday Gift Guide - For the Fella's

The men are severely outnumbered by the woman in our family so I only have three guys to shop for this year. However every year I still feel stumped on what to get them as their needs and wants are much more simplified then their female counterparts. A few gift ideas for the fellas that I love so much are listed below & later on today some treats for mans best friend will be shared.


one - Men love things that are compact & convenient so this iPhone case/wallet serves a duel purpose with style and at an awesome price point {$40}!

two - Pretty much everything I said in prezzie number one is true for this handy pocket knife. I am especially loving wood finish versus the typical stainless steal.

three - Help keep your fella groomed with ease with a masculine yet compact kit that holds everything he needs to take care of his good looks.

four - Leave it to Ralph Lauren to make dressing with style a breeze with their layered mens fashions. I personally love a sweater and button down shirt combo and this one is just right!

five - Listening to tunes just got a whole lot more stylish. The masculine dark green color and the retro look of these headphones is a double win your special guy.

six - Scotch Scotch Scotch - I love Scotch! Why not give your anchorman some decadent dark chocolate and single malt scotch flavored candies. The accompanying flask is perfect for filling with their favorite cordial.

seven - I am totally digging this modern look of a classic color combination of gold and brown on a watch. The amped up style is perfect for a guy who can appreciate a good looking accessory.

eight - A rustic styled iPhone dock is perfect for your outdoorsy loving guy.

nine - Backgammon is big with the men in my house. What other game calls for a glass of wine and a cigar??? This chic leather set is not only good looking but also portable!

ten - My guy is all too often on the road. So a great weekender or a garment bag is a necessity.

eleven - Bring on the Preppy with the Barbour brand. I adore their classic outwear looks that I think work great on any guy. We picked up a similar style of the above coat for my guy earlier this fall and I swoon every time he wears it. I am pretty much in love with everything this company makes.

twelve - Decor seems a bit of an oddity to give to a man but I love the idea of giving an object for their desk or office. This jack can be used as a paperweight and or door stop or look sleek as it sits on a shelf with a pile of books.

thirteen - A great shoe that works from day to night is key. This boot oozes good looks and comfort.

fourteen - I couldn't resist a Boston themed gift for my guy, especially since he is all too often on the go. These petite toiletries are perfect for refreshing after a long day of travel.

fifteen - At the end of a long day we all need a place to drop our things and know exactly where they are the next day. This leather catchall is perfect for holding your money clip, watch and keys. 

***All my gift guides from last year & this year {plus some other gift giving ideas} can be found all in one place here***

Happy Gift Giving!

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Host/Hostess

Welcome friends, we are here on day one of the holiday gift guides. I thought I would start with some fabulous finds for the folks who love to throw a little holiday soiree. Whether you are gifting someone who loves to entertain in style or want to bring a little something to a holiday party for the person who is hosting all the little lovelies below are some suggestions to inspire you for the start of the many festivities that take place this time of year. 

one - something sparkly is nearly a necessity around the holidays so these beaded coasters are perfect for placing your cocktail on or adorning your bar cart.

two - I don't know a single person who doesn't love receiving some tasty bubbly any time of year. It's perfectly packaged in this adorable Kate Spade Champagne Tote.

three - Pretty patterned plates are perfect for the people who love to entertaining. What snack wouldn't look amazing on those little stunners.

four - Sometimes a good old fashioned desk calendar is just the best for checking dates and planning parties during the busy holiday season.

five - A party isn't a party without some delicious cheese and crackers to snack on. Why not get into the spirit of the season with this fun snowflake shaped cutting board.

six - My complete admiration for stripes continues to grow. This Kate Spade Candle is not only chic with it's glossy design but I love the cheeky phrase on it.

seven - Holiday decor can get a bit carried away with tons of embellishments. I personally love the idea of keeping it simple with a pretty faux boxwood wreath maybe add some pretty velvet ribbon for hanging it with style.

eight - how sweet is this bottle set for the hosting duo to enjoy after the party is over.

nine - Calling all candyaholics like yours truly! This cocktail & cordial themed bento box is perfect for your satisfying your sugar fix.

ten - White wine is its tastiest when served at a nice chilled temperature. These little drops help cool your glass to a perfect temperature in ninety seconds. Yes please!

eleven - Lacquer trays are so versatile for displaying drinks and snacks or even just having on hand as holiday decor. Add on the monogram for an extra personal touch.

Happy Gift Giving!

gifted

I love giving gifts, everything from the brainstorming on what to get, the joy of shopping, and then the best part the actual giving to that special person. Start to finish it all makes me giddy. This leads to today's post on a little gift giving inspiration along with an easy breezy DIY. Back in New York where I grew up, most wedding showers had a wishing well where you brought a small domestic token for the bride to be. I always gave something off the registry but I love the idea of gifting something a little more unique and thoughtful. This also could work for a wonderful housewarming or hostess gift or even a favor at a stylish soiree. 

mark off the area you wish to paint 

{don't spray the area that will be exposed to food}

I held the area that wasn't getting painted with a paper towel and sprayed the opposite end till dry

wrap with ribbon 

or tie the ends with twine

 wooden spoons

Not quite ready to DIY? No worries, lots of stylish finds are below to add this look to your home!

runner // pitcher // pillow // baseball bat // napkins // towel // stools // flatware // planters // jar

{many items above available in multiple colors}