after-Christmas sales

I hope that you enjoyed a fun-filled, magical Christmas, whether you celebrate the holiday or not. We traveled quite a bit, all in-state but we still logged quite a few hours in the car. I love being with my family during the holidays, as crazy as it can be sometimes.

Now, let me preface this post by saying that no, I do not think Christmas is all about presents. That said, inevitably, there will be something you really wanted that you didn't find under the tree. Take advantage of all of the sales out there this week! (Just avoid the malls - they are going to be insane.)

Sephora is giving an extra 20% off sale items with the code EXTRA20

Pottery Barn has up to 50% off holiday items. Pick up some cute glitter initial ornaments for next year or add this guy to your home for winter decor.

Macy's has dropped their free shipping hurdle to $75 with code JOY (normally you have to spend $99), plus get an extra discount on certain items. These Kate Spade dishes are an extra 15% off!

Nordstrom's half-yearly men's sale is on - or if you're like me, you're hoarding discounted (but still gorgeous) ribbon for next year's gift wrapping.

Find 30% off full-price items or an additional 40% off sale items at J.Crew with code GIFTNOW (get this gorgeous bracelet at 30% off!)

Merry Christmas from my home to yours!

homemade gift: lemon-vanilla body scrub

I recently spent more than I'd like to admit on a scrub that I love, and I was thinking - why not make my own? During the cold winter months, the oil base is just what my skin needs. And it makes a great DIY gift alternative to the typical bottle of wine.

You will need:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup Sugar in the Raw (or other larger grain sugar)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup olive oil
• Jars (I used 8 ounce ball jars, typically used for canning)
• Optional: Add small wooden spoons, tied to each with twine, for easy use

Note: This recipe fills about 3 jars. If you don't have Sugar in the Raw, you can use 3 cups granulated sugar instead. The consistency will be a little grainier, but the scrub still works well!

Mix your ingredients together in a large bowl and then scoop into your jars. Tie with something beautiful, add a label, and you're done! (This is almost too easy to make.)

Do you have a favorite DIY giftable? I'd love to hear about it!

2013 holiday gift guide: for the person who has everything

In this season of giving, it's very, very easy to get caught up in buying, especially during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness. Retailers scream deals at you, and you accumulate an incredible amount of stuff. Yes, you're giving it away (well, most of it... I won't lie, I buy a healthy amount for myself during the deal season), but there are things you can give that don't cost anything but your time. And for the sister or uncle who have everything, think about giving a donation in their name to a worthy cause that they would enjoy (in the past I've donated to animal shelters, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Red Cross).

If you're in the mood to give your time this season, here are some ideas on what you can do:

Host a food drive
For the past three years, I've done this at work with help from a couple of coworkers. With a little bit of effort, we have collected about 10,000 lbs of food for the local food bank. That's a year and a half's worth of feeding a family of four three meals a day. (Find out if your local food bank will pick up the items - most places are glad to do it for large donations.)

Send a card
There are a few organizations that send cards to wounded veterans or troops overseas. The Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes asks for cards to arrive by December 6th (so you still have time!).

... or a care package
One organization I'm fond of around the holidays is Adopt-A-Platoon, through which you can send a care package to troops overseas. We've made it a Thanksgiving tradition to involve family members in writing out cards to include in the care package.

Volunteer
Check a volunteer site like VolunteerMatch.org to see if there are soup kitchens in your area that may need help. Or read your local paper - they're bound to do stories on individuals who run charitable organizations this time of year. And if you can't find a place that needs help at the holidays, check back in the summer months when their volunteer numbers are low.

Do you have a favorite organization that you support during the holidays?

definition via dictionary.com

girl gifting

One of the best things about having sisters - who wear practically the same size as me - is that shopping for Christmas is that much easier. Where I struggle with purchasing clothes for others because I can never figure out their size, it's rarely an issue with us. If I think the shoes are comfortable (in my size), chances are so will my sister.

And with all of the deals popping up over the past few weeks, and which I'm sure will be around for the next few weeks too, there's no harm in adding 2 to my cart*, right?

*This year I have vowed off any in-store shopping. It's all online shopping and packages galore!

Here are some sale items I'm considering (and some not on sale, just because):

2013 holiday gift guide: shop local

one // two // three // four // five

six // seven // eight // nine

Small Business Saturday is coming soon, and this year I'm inspired to give gifts that are meaningful and support small businesses. A personalized dog bowl for my sister's new puppy, monogrammed jewelry dish for my newly married bestie, and an adorable animal print for our friends with a new bundle of joy, all supporting local artists and business ladies, are some of my top picks for this giving season.

Do you make a conscious effort to support small businesses?

beauty favorites under $50

Shop my favorites:

Whether you need stocking stuffers for the girls or a recommendation on a lipstick that won't break your budget, here are some of my favorite beauty items, each under $50.

Do you have a favorite that isn't on my list? 

why I'm avoiding Black Friday 2013

I'm going to tell you a secret:  I love giving gifts. I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I gift something that someone truly loves. But that can wreak havoc on my bank account, because no matter where I am, I tend to see something that reminds me of someone - and BAM - huge credit card bill.

That, my friends, is why I am avoiding Black Friday this year. Rather than grabbing items because they are a good deal (and figuring out who should get them later), I want to give meaningful gifts. Head over to my Pinterest board to see what kind of DIYs I will be tackling this year. The best ones may show up here next year!


image via

2013 holiday gift guide: for a lady who lounges

Are you ready for the holidays? Ready or not, retailers have started a lot earlier this year than last year (or at least it feels that way). You can blame the one fewer week between Thanksgiving and Christmas than we normally have - and enjoy the 2013 gift guides!

This season I'm inspired by Scandal's fabulous loungewear aka popcorn-and-wine clothes that Olivia Pope wears often. Any lady would love a pair of luxe pajamas (or these or these - different price ranges available!) or chic loungewear (love these too). If accessories better suit her, go for elbow-length gloves, jeweled gloves, or a cashmere wrap. And what lady wouldn't love a bottle of your favorite wine alongside some new, red-specific glasses - and the promise of a girls' night.

wedding Wednesday: Brittany Fuson stationery

If you aren't familiar with Brittany Fuson, you should check out her work. The two cards here are ones I purchased for two of my besties getting married. I loved that they resemble the ladies in my life.

Brittany also does custom illustrations, which would be a really cute way to ask your girls to be in your wedding or would make a unique wedding gift. nudge nudge.

splurge vs. save: modern nautical home decor

I've been noticing a trend among home decor, available everywhere from West Elm to Homegoods to Neiman Marcus, in glass knots.

Which one costs $230 and which is just $12?

splurge ($230) // save ($19.95) // save a little more ($12)

in order, as shown above: save a little more, save, splurge

witty stationery with a discount

One of my weaknesses is really great stationery, like these designs from Colette Paperie.

I have at least 4 boxes of stationery at all times- some monogrammed, some busy, some really simple, and some witty. While some people may go straight to email for everything, there is nothing like getting a handwritten note in the mail.

I bought this in a card, but I really wish this card came in a larger print so I could hang it on my wall. (My grandmother was from the south, which is probably where I got my love of big hair.)

images via Colette Paperie

Go get yourself some fab stationery - Colette Paperie is giving 25% off with code SPRINGFLING2013

springtime toys for little ones

Since T's nephew was born 15 months ago, I can't help but check out all of the great products RueLaLa has available for kids when a new Little Rue sale goes up. Here are three great reasons I love having a little kid to buy for (and by "little kid", sometimes I mean myself).

1. I always wanted a Power Wheels car, but how adorable is this pink pedal car? My sisters and I would have loved this growing up.
2. Going on a picnic? Kites are such a fun summertime toy, and with my love of peacocks I'm drawn to this one. 
3. And who can forget those days in gym class when the parachute came out? Best. Days. Ever. Let's bring that back.

sweet little somethings

initial ring (K) // aerie cotton bra // tiered chemise // Marni soft bra // dogeared heart necklace // vanilla heart cookies // initial ring (A)

or why not pull a Kimye and get custom-made earrings with both of your initials?

Though we don't normally do gifts on V-day, these are a few sweet little things I wouldn't say no to (or may even gift to myself).

I find Valentine's Day to be one of those Hallmark holidays that either a) bums you out because you're single and it feels like everyone else has plans or b) you are one of the paired off and go out with your s.o. but then feel guilty about how much that prix-fixe dinner is costing. This year I've requested that we go see the newest Die Hard movie (yippie ki-yay), which conveniently comes out on 2.14. And then we will spend the weekend celebrating Mr. Sprout, who turns 2 on the 16th!

What do you do for Valentine's Day, if anything?

DIY glitter invitation keepsake ornament

Have you had enough turkey and want to do a DIY project? Here's a simple one that leaves you with a great gift for a newlywed friend. I recently attached this ornament to a larger gift, and the bride loved it! It's a nice way for the new couple to remember their wedding at the holidays.

To create the invitation keepsake ornament, you'll need:

• Glass fillable ornaments (these are the ones I used - you want glass rather than acrylic so you don't have a seam)
• Ribbon- a 10" piece
• Piece of invitation (or save the date, whichever you choose) about 4"x4"
• Glitter, about 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

Cut your piece of invitation into thin strips, about 1/8" wide. Wrap a few pieces at a time around your pinkie finger so they have a bit of curl to them. Insert pieces into the glass ornament until you have the desired look (I like it to look almost full). Pour in the glitter. For this one I used silver glitter, but you'll want it to match the colors of the invitation. Then put the cover back on the ornament and attach your ribbon, leaving enough to hang from a tree branch (about 10" long, folded in half).

And voila! 

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For Him

Navy suede oxfords, $60 at DSW

Manly handmade leather bag, $178

Custom record bowl, $50  Get a copy of his favorite record and turn it into a piece of art

Bose Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Headphones, $350

Sweater Stone from Eddie Bauer, $10  Necessary for any man who owns a sweater (read: every man!)

Comfy pajamas from J.Crew, $70

Jack Black Basics kit, $56 at Sephora (online only)

Fleece Kindle cover, $25

Plus, a collars & cuffs stain bar, a surprise vacation for the two of you, a grown-up toiletry case, or tickets to see his favorite sports team's big game.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For Her

For the ladies in your life:  a bit of sparkle, a touch of tech, and just the right amount of style.

Clair Vivier Flat Clutch, $165 (available on Piperlime)

Portolano Black Studded Cuff Tech-Touch Gloves, $55

Pyramid Stud Earrings, $16 (available on Piperlime)

Sara Happ Lip Scrub, $24

Deux Lux Felix Weekender Duffler, $137

J.Crew iPhone case, $25

J.Crew link bracelet, $125

Modcloth link necklace, $44

Tinley Road multi-strand bracelet $28 

Also- a Birchbox subscription or OliveBox subscription (for the paper- and office product-obsessed), a mini-mergency kit, a foxy cosmetic bag, and a pretty bow ring.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Foodie

Cranberry favorites from Stonewall Kitchen, $60

German Rock Sugar from Teavana (1 lb for $8.50)

6-piece olive oil set from Crate and Barrel, $40

Windowsill Rosemary plant from Sur La Table, $30

Best Slow cooker cookbook from Barnes and Noble, $14

Monogrammed apron from Williams-Sonoma, $20

Plus a gift certificate to your favorite local restaurant, artisanal salts for their kitchen, rustic place card holders, or a bottle of your favorite wine.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For Home

For the constant host/hostess, the friend who loves to entertain, or the aunt who just moved...

Owl salt and pepper shakers from Jonathan Adler, $48

Woodgrain Platter with Knife from Z Gallerie, $50

Pier One glassware, $7 each

Glitzy Kya Coasters from Zara Home, $19 for 4  a disco ball of a coaster

Rock Bottom Candle in Smokey Quartz from Amazing Home (gemalagee.com), $58

Home state cutting board from casa.com, $48  for the friend who lives far away from where you both grew up

Crate and Barrel Vermont Maple Syrup, $25  send them a taste of home or a gift from your area

Crate and Barrel cheese board, $22 and matching marble wine cooler, $25  for the friend who entertains

Shutterfly Ornament, $30  a sentimental gift

Peacock accent bowl from Hillary Thomas

Crate and Barrel plates, $7.95 each

Cuisinart Dark Green 200-Watt Smart Stick Hand Blender, $65  I have one of these and it is amazing for making everything from guacamole to mashed potatoes

Dachshund Bookends from Z Gallerie, $30

Home state print from Etsy, $19

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Traveler

I'm kicking off my Holiday Gift Guide 2012 series with my picks for the traveler in your life. 

Check back this week and next for my other gift guides: For Home, For the Little Ones, For the Foodie, For Her, and For Him.

Destination Boxes - New York & Paris Set from Z Gallerie, $120

Brookstone Nap Travel Blanket, $35  one of my must-brings on every trip

B&N Brown Bombay Tie Journal, $17

Naughty Betty travel tag, $12  bring a little humor to the baggage area

Kate Spade tote, $248

Cocoon "Grid-It", $25-50 based on style  keeps everything in its place

DIY: Terrycloth Travel kit from Etsy, $10  fill it with travel essentials

Scratch Map from Z Gallerie, $30  to display past travels in the home

Plus, add in a subscription to Travel + Leisure, a monogrammed tote with travel-sized goodies inside, or a round trip airport ride in a luxury car.

style inspired: Paris at dusk

image via

1 - macaron trinket box

2 - polka dot tights

3 & 4 - bracelets from j.crew

5 - love necklace

6 - enameled belt from j.crew

7 - glitter pencil skirt

8 - stack rings

9 - gold dot masking tape? need this!