Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Thursday, November 15, 2018

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.


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.


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


Modern, minimalist, and functional coasters.


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


Tin plates that are (almost!) too pretty to eat off of.
Biscuit Home - Tin Plates


Because Champagne is always a good idea.


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


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

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.


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


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

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


This plush pillow will persuade anyone to stay in.


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


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


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.


The title of the book says it all.

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



Friday, March 30, 2018

Five Things Friday

With Easter being this Sunday (already!?...I know, right?), this hoppin' Five Things Friday roundup is based on all things Easter.




Talk about an Easter brunch tablescape!  All the heart eyes over this natural rustic look from Bless'er House.  See the full post here:  Bless'er House / Easter Brunch Tablescape


How adorable are these DIY Peek-A-Boo Clothespin Eggs!?  I can't even handle it.


I love the idea of having alternative Easter basket stuffers aside from candy.  This list of 75 Egg-cellent Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers from Mommy Evolution has some great ideas and inspiration for more!


The dessert will be the talk of the town with these Lemon-White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes.  Get the recipe here:  Kraft-Philadelphia / Lemon-White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes


Easter dress?  Check.  This dress from asos is beautiful for an Easter brunch or luncheon.  Shop the dress here:  asos / New Look Summer Floral Midi Dress

Friday, December 1, 2017

37 Simple Ways to Spread Kindness

It's officially December 1st which means the holiday season is in full swing.  While it's a magical, happy, wonderful time of year for many, the holidays can also be hard, bittersweet, and even sad for others, and some may even experience feelings from both sides.  I do feel during the holiday season, people are kinder to others and act happier in general, but it never hurts to spread a little extra kindness whether it's to strangers on the streets or being kind to yourself.  A little something can go a long way and you never know who's day you will brighten by a small deed.  After all, kind is cool, right!?



1.  Compliment yourself.  Our biggest critics are ourselves and we can be negative about us on the daily.  Find something you truly love about you and own it.  Spreading kindness onto others begins with the kindness within.
2.  Hold the door for someone.
3.  Call your parents just because (or grandparents or siblings or anyone else that you love).
4.  Pay it forward (pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru, whether it's their whole order or just a coffee, burger, partial payment.  Anything unexpected will brighten someone's day).
5.  Compliment a stranger
6.  Donate an item(s) that you don't use
7.  Support a local business
8.  Pick up a piece of littered trash from anywhere
9.  Leave an anonymous happy note or inspirational quote for someone to find
10.  Bake cookies to share at work
11.  Rake leaves or shovel snow for a neighbor
12.  Buy a bouquet of flowers for someone (a friend, significant other, sibling, parent, cousin, aunt, even yourself...It's a-okay to brighten your own day).
13.  Donate $5 to your favorite charity
14.  Let someone go ahead of you at checkout
15.  Help a friend in need
16.  Volunteer for an hour at a local organization
17.  Plant a tree or buy a cute new house plant
18.  Unplug devices when not in use
19.  Organize a family meal and appreciate being together
20.  Disconnect from your phone and computer for an hour (or longer)
21.  Stop and look around while you're outside to actually appreciate nature
22.  Donate school supplies to children in underprivileged homes
23.  Offer to read or play games with someone elderly or at a nursing home
24. Apologize for something you've done, whether its something big or small
25. Treat a friend to dinner
26. Ask a loved one about their day
27. Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, scrubbing dishes, shaving, or take a shorter shower
28. Make one change for yourself that will make you a better person
29. Take food to a neighbor
30.  Bring a hostess a little gift as a thank you for opening their homes and getting everyone together.
31. Recycle any items possible
32.  Help someone older with the internet or learn Facebook.  (After all, my mom has been on the book for years and still has a million questions about it ;) )
33.  Leave a small gift for your mailman/woman.  A box of chocolates, hot cocoa mix with a holiday mug, a gift card
34.  Make homemade gifts to share this season
35.  Invite the girls over for a night of sugar cookie decorating or gingerbread house building
36.  Give blankets, coats, scarves, gloves, socks, mittens to those in need
37.  Continue doing good deeds and spreading kindness through 2018

What acts of kindness will you be practicing this holiday season?

♥ always
Allison

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

{whatever wednesday}






{Hair Now:  The Minimalist Curl}


I mean, everyone has dreamed about being royalty at least once in their life, right?  What better way to find out your ideal placement in the royal family than a quiz?  My answer was Kate Middleton, and with the description, I couldn't argue that it wasn't on point.
You got the sophisticated, elegant and poised Kate Middleton! You're wardrobe is envied by all and you look flawless in every piece you own. You might be buttoned-up, but you aren't afraid to show off your adventurous side. You're a fairytale come to life.