Holiday Gift Guide Series: For Her

Since everyone typically has a female in their life to shop for a Christmas gift for, she could be a girlfriend, wife, fiancé, best friend, sister, cousin, mom, this gift guide has got you covered.  Whether you choose an item from this post, or it inspires you for another, I'm happy to help you find a gift that'll show her how much she's appreciated!  Happy shopping!

Throw pillows are basically the equivalent of the adult stuffed animal.  These statement-making zodiac throw pillows by Holli Zollinger are as unique as her astrological sign.

Urban Outfitters - Holli Zollinger For Deny Zodiac Throw Pillow

Showcase beautiful jewelry with a hanging jewelry organizer.

Anthropologie - Hanging Jewelry Organizer

Newly engaged?  Just married?  Loves rings?  This shimmering agate adds a touch of elegance to a vanity and also helps organize jewelry.

Anthropologie - Agate Ring Holder

A beautiful marbled jewelry box to store precious treasures with care.

Urban Outfitters - Large Marbled Jewelry Box

A gift for a tween or teen, this reversible sequin tapestry is a canvas for doodles, messages, and also doubles as an insta-worthy backdrop.

Urban Outfitters - Gold Reversible Sequin Tapestry

Whimsical and charming plates that will make anyone smile.

Anthropologie - Krafty K Design Friendly Face Canape Plate

She works out but loves tacos.  This workout mat tells everyone what's really on her mind.

ban.do - Work It Out Exercise Mat

This lip set of four hydrates lips and gives a healthy tint of color.

Tarte - Quench Squad Hydrating Mini Lip Set

If she's a beauty buff, makeup and skincare sets are golden because she'll love trying different products.  The Meet The Fam Bestsellers Set from Milk Makeup will have her giddy!

Milk Makeup - Meet The Fam Milk Bestsellers Set

The Instax Instant Camera is the photo lover must-have!

Target - Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Instant Camera 

A luxurious faux fur pull-through stole scarf that takes a look from simply stylish to posh in one swoop.  

Target - A New Day - Faux Fur Mini Pull-Through Scarf

If music and festivals are her jam, the ultimate gift (oh, aside from tickets to her favorite band), is a pair of the retro Ray-Ban Round Metal frame sunglasses.  A look worn by legendary musicians, this is surely a gift that she will treasure.

Ray-Ban - Classic Round Sungalsses

For the trendy who like the classic and cozy style.

Urban Outfitters - Lawrence Furry Herringbone Mules

Soft and snuggle-worthy.  You can never go wrong with a cozy throw.

West Elm - St. Jude Shearling Throws

What do you hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning?

♥ always

Allison

Photo sources:  ban.do, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Ray-Ban, Sephora, Target, West Elm

Holiday Gift Guide Series: Hostess and the Homebody

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Which can also be the most stressful time of the year.  Sometimes the season requires searching for a gift for someone that "has everything" and sometimes there's searching for a gift for someone that you have absolutely no idea what to get for them.  I've compiled a series of gift giving ideas to help ease the holiday shopping stress a bit.

But before we dive into the gift-giving ideas, I have a few important things to remember:  Do not go broke trying to buy the perfect gift.  Make a budget and stick to it.  If you know what you intend to purchase, plan accordingly.  Check out what sales are happening on Black Friday, Cyber Monday (my preference because it's much less crowded and there's no line wait when shopping from home), and don't forget to support small businesses for Small Business Saturday.  Also, throughout the hustle and bustle, don't forget to be present.  Enjoy and appreciate the magic of the holidays while celebrating with family and friends.  Being present is the best present you could give...corny, I know, but so true.

The first of this gift-giving series are gift ideas for the Hostess and the Homebody.  The hostess loves to entertain and have a good time so you can definitely expect an event planned by them in the upcoming months.  The homebody enjoys being cozied up on the couch (but who doesn't in the winter months?) and would obviously rather entertain at home than go out.

Whether you need a gift for an event they're hosting, draw their name in a gift exchange, or need a little something special for someone, these gifts will direct and inspire present ideas.

The Hostess:

A thoughtful hostess gift with a swanky touch for charcuterie, fruits, and more.

Modcloth - A Modern Marble Serving Board

The agate stone hangle adds an unexpected twist to the classic Moscow Mule mug.

Anthropologie - Agate Moscow Mule Mug

Make every day a special occasion.  The metallic gold rim dresses these glasses up while the flat bottoms are practical for everyday use.

West Elm - Metallic Rimmed Glassware

This marble wine coaster stylishly protects counter and tabletops from condensation, rings, and drips.

West Elm - Marble Wine Coaster

Modern, minimalist, and functional coasters.

West Elm - The Vintage Vogue Sunrise Coaster Set

Just in case a bottle of wine needs to be preserved after its opened, this Geo Bottle Stopper Set will do just that.

West Elm - Geo Bottle Stopper Set

Tin plates that are (almost!) too pretty to eat off of.

Biscuit Home - Tin Plates

Because Champagne is always a good idea.

Etsy - Madam Lily Bollinger Quote Art

Striking and illuminating prism candleholders or vases make a perfect centerpiece or statement displayed on a mantle.

West Elm - Prism Mercury Vases + Candleholders

A party isn't a party without some music.  These sphere wireless speakers provide style and wireless streaming capabilities.

West Elm - Photive Sphere Wireless Speakers

The Homebody:

Coffee and Cardio / Wine & Weekends.  This reversible sweatshirt will go from yoga at the gym to wine and a Netflix binge on the couch.

Project Social T - Coffee/Wine Reversible Sweatshirt

Not only are comfortable leggings great for workout wear, but they're greater for lounging at home.

Nordstrom - Zella Live in High Waist Leggings

Cozy yet elegant.  This Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe is perfect for winter evenings at home.

Nordstrom - Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe

 

Ward off the holiday season tired eyes with the BeautyBio Bright Eyes Set.

Nordstrom - BeautyBio Bright Eyes Set

This plush pillow will persuade anyone to stay in.

Urban Outfitters - Stay Home Embroidered Amped Throw Pillow

A super soft and cozy fleece blanket is the ultimate wrap up and stay a while gift.

Urban Outfitters - Amped Fleece Fringe Trim Throw Blanket

Adding greenery to the home makes a space that can be difficult to leave for any plant lady.

Etsy - Large Mid-Century Modern Planter

Hermit in the winter?  The flicker of this shimmery candle will keep her company while curled up with a book. 

Urban Outfitters - Jupiter Cande

Gifts for the home are great gifts for a homebody.  This dusty rose and grey fringe woven wall hanging blends both vintage and contemporary flair.

World Market - Blush and White Fringe Woven Wall Hanging

The title of the book says it all.

Target - Homebody:  A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines

Which of these gifts would you love to find under the tree!?

♥ always

Allison

Image sources:  Modcloth, Anthropologie, West Elm, Nordstrom, Biscuit Home, Etsy, Target, Project Social T, World Market, Urban Outfitters

Five Things Friday

In the Midwest, we get crazy irregular temperatures and weather.  Yesterday it was about 80 degrees and today it won't even hit half of that...but luckily, it's FRI-DAYYY!  Here are the Five Things that I've really loved this week.

This modern chic geometric succulent planter from Target will effortlessly and instantly update your decor for spring.  Totally obsessing over this...definitely need one.

Target:  Succulent Wall Geometric Handing White/Gold 

With blush hues having a major moment right now, this mirrored jewelry box with agate stone will provide an elegant touch displayed on your dresser.

Nordstrom:  American Atelier Agate Mirror Box

Bar carts were all the rage in the past but for smaller spaces, it can be tricky to figure out ways to store your booze.  These innovative Liquor shelves are a fun update to the bar cart.  This Fold-Down Bar Shelf can be found at Anthropologie.

For other Liquor shelf ideas, check out this article from Domino:  Liquor Shelves are the New Bar Carts

Over the past year+, I've really been into this band called Bahamas who happened to be playing a show on Valentine's Day at a newish venue in St. Louis, Delmar Hall...obviously the perfect love day date night.  It was our first time to Delmar Hall and the venue was intimate and there couldn't have been a better space for this group to play at.  This is the song that really got me hooked, I hope you like it as much as I (and everyone else at the concert) do and definitely check out more of their music!

Pretty Blooms

I always tell my boyfriend not to get me flowers.  They die, get thrown out, and that makes me sad.  This year for Valentine's Day, he didn't listen and surprised me with the most beautiful colored bouquet I've ever set my eyes on.  Needless to say, I wasn't angry with him for not listening to me ;)

Have a Happy Weekend!

♥ always
Allison

{whatever wednesday}

{Namaste:  In the Treat of the Moment Yoga Mat}

{Pretty Home Things:  Faceted Gem Vases}

{Summer Party DIY:  Pom Pom Table Runner}

{Peanut Butter Lover's Dream:  Best Buckeye Brownies}

{Wednesday Wisdom}