gift guide: stocking stuffers

One of my favorite things to do when giving a gift is to add something small as an extra touch - something I'm loving or that really reminds me of that person. In other words, I like to tack on a stocking stuffer :) 

I rounded up a few of my favorites from this season - some might be a little bigger than the average stuffer, but, as far as I'm concerned, if you can jam it in to the stocking, it counts!

1. doTerra lavender oil: I love it because it smells amazing, helps you sleep, relieves tension and you can add a drop to your mascara to lengthen and thicken lashes. All from a tiny bottle! 

2. Simply Gum: Confession: I haven't actually tried this one, but Sam introduced me to it and I'm obsessed with the concept. It's 100% natural and made with only six ingredients. I can't wait to try it. 

3. West Elm Enamel Mugs: Melissa got me these for Christmas and I love them. They remind me of the dishes our neighbors had growing up. They're perfect for hot chocolate, I must say.

4. Batty's bath charcoal soap: Super natural, gentle way to wash your face. My skin has been really clear ever since using it. I love Batty's products, but make sure you sign up for the email list if you want to purchase - they'll send a free shipping code. 

5. Spartan shop Fletcha Tea Mug: Beautiful & happy! And I love a handle-less mug. 

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay Makeup: For the first time since I was 20, I recently switched to this makeup after hearing rave reviews. And the verdict? I love it. 1,000 people really can't be wrong. 

7. Perfect bars: I eat these every day for breakfast. They are the perfect on-the-go meal. No prep, full of vegetables and so tasty. On Cyber Monday I bought $100-worth to get me through the winter. Oatmeal no mo!

8. Hario hand grinder:  I actually got this for Chris for our one year this week. He's working to cut his Starbucks runs down and I've heard that grinding your beans is a game changer. Hario is supposedly the best affordable option, so I went for it, and he was obsessed. Cannot wait to grind those beans!

9. Brookfarm General Store Denim Roll: I'm always looking for little ways to keep things extra organized and I think this would be awesome in a purse - stick some lotion and cards in it and it's the perfect option to move from purse to purse. 

What are your favorite stocking stuffers? Happy gifting!

I scream you scream

I don't have grand plans to throw a party anytime soon, but if anyone is looking to get me a hostess gift anyway, I can't stop thinking about these ice cream ball makers.

You just fill them up with your ingredients and throw them around like a stinkin fun game, and 20 minutes later - voila! Ice cream!

For other fun hostess gift ideas, check out my post on Freshly Rooted today.

whimsical wednesday {stocking stuffers?}

If you were to watch my family open stockings on Christmas morning, you might assume that my parents don't understand what the term "stocking stuffer" means.

While most people consider appropriate stocking stuffers to be candy and other low-commitment items, they don't allow themselves to be restricted by such boundaries.

Sure, they typically opts for smaller gifts, but the items are normally things that most people would consider a full gift.  Jewelry, gift cards, makeup, under garments - you name it, and I guarantee I've seen it in my stocking (or often next to my stocking, because not everything fits inside the little sack).  They really know how to take the stocking to the next level.

So, this Wednesday, I'm dreaming of Biber-style stocking stuffers, or as others may call them, small Christmas gifts...

1. Jingle Bell Headband, Kate Spade, $75
2. Sunday White Wild Rose, EmersonMade, $58
3. Murfee Scar- Pirates Bootyniere, Lilly Pullitzer, $118
4. Yellow Adhesive Note Set, Crane & Co., $25
5. Swarovski crystal round earrings, Net-a-Porter, click for the price - if you dare
6. Whirly Twirly clutch, Anthropologie, $28
7. Monogrammed roadies, Social Primer, $85
8. Pearl snowball necklace, J.Crew, $98
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold plated logo watch, Net-a-Porter, $225

And, in case you're a traditionalist, a few true stocking stuffers...

1. Glitter clip frame purse, Top Shop, $12
2. Horizontally Striped Knee-High Socks, Forever 21, $3.80
3. Polka Dot Coasters, Kate Spade, $20
4. Sunshine Clips, Old Soul, New Heart, $25
5. Silk Flower Shoe Clips, Ban.do, $25
6. Latte Bowls, Anthropologie, $30
7. Illume Monogrammed Votives, Anthropologie, $10
8. Vintage Scarf, Nordstorm, $29
9. Satin Bow Headband, Forever 21, $4.80

whimsical wednesdays {gift wrap}

One year, my aunt had all of her Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped by September.

Needless to say, when it comes to the holidays, preparedness is in my blood.

This week my siblings and I began discussing our Christmas gift exchange.  All this talk of gifts has left me itching to get to work.

If I were the type of girl that invested in expensive gift wrap, I'd love to indulge...

1. For all my prepster friends, I'd opt for these tags from Three Potato Four.  I think they'd look lovely with their cashmere cardis and herringbone tights.

2. For my hipsters and Maniacs, I'd pick these gift tags, also from Three Potato Four.  I have a feeling that the card stock is recycled...

3. For those who are preppy (polka dots!) and like to keep it eco-friendly (gift wrap can be wasteful) I'd box up their gifts in this Chartreuse set from Paper Source.  Anytime my gifts can look beautiful, with minimal effort, I am a happy girl.

 

4. For Lily, I'd put her gift in this Merry Dot Santa Sack from ellaWrap. I feel like the new "purse" would probably be more exciting to her than the gift itself.

5. Oh, and if I'm lucky enough to get my cousin, Joe, in the draw, I'd wrap his up in this Eminem Rapping Paper.  Who needs Lyrics.com when you have Rapping Paper, right? (I personally think the guy holding it is a little scary. Is the mask really necessary, sir?)

babies on the go

Although I'm still far from the world of babies, sometimes I feel like I know a little bit more than the average girl my age, thanks to Courtney and Ashley. 

And while I certainly do not understand the woes of motherhood, I like to think of myself as empathetic, and at the very least, I understand that they experience challenges everyday that make my life look like a cinch.

From boogers to pouters to meltdowns, the world they're living in takes a touch more preparation and patience than my little world of one(ish) does.

So, I couldn't resist blogging about these on-the-go baby changing kits. While they may not yet be necessary in my life, they do fulfill a few of my favorite criteria: cute, efficient, easy to make, great for gifts, and color coordinated.

I'll just file it away for the day when baby bags replace purses and onesies are more thrilling than skirts and dresses.

via lovely design