Happy Holidays - The Good Stuff

I love this time of year. As I've told my husband in the past, I have a feeling of peace. That even though there's that hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, there's a sense of joy and calm around me. And I want to spread that peace and joy with others. I mean, isn't that what this whole season is all about in the first place?

I love to give gifts. And I love watching people open the gift they've received! I truly try to think about the perfect gift(s) for my friends and family. Over the past year or so I've really enjoyed giving homemade gifts. There's something so personal about making something with your hands and heart and then passing it on to your loved ones. My favorite gift I've given was homemade apple butter and bread. I was able to spend time in the kitchen with my mom, which I love doing, and everyone who received the goodie basket seemed to be in heaven. Knowing they appreciated such a sweet gift made my heart sing!

Not only do I love giving to the people in my life, I try to make an effort to give to those in need. Any time I see an Angel Tree, I can't help but take one or more angels from the tree. We have so much that I feel it's important to give to those less fortunate. And this year, I'm trying to emphasis this to my three year old son. Together, we took two new toys to a Toys for Totes bin, and I had my son place each toy in the box. I explained to him that there are other little boys and girls that may not have something under their tree this year, and we needed to make sure we could make that happen. I loved watching him give that little gift.

 But even with all that happiness, peace, and joy, sometimes the holidays can be a stressful. One of the things I try to do to alleviate that stress is shop all year. I know that may sound crazy, but why do we feel we have to shop all during the month of December in order to give someone the perfect gift? If I'm out and about and see something I know my husband would love, I get it. If there's that darling pair of earrings I think my girlfriend will wear, I'm at the checkout with that pair in hand. Spreading out my purchases over twelve months really helps my wallet! And, even though I lost my job in April, I'm not feeling that tug on my purse strings because I've had a few things checked off my list for months now. Something to consider come January! 

And speaking of savings during the holiday, hop on over to Coupons.com for some amazing gift giving ideas! I especially love the beauty stocking stuffer ideas! My mom always fills my stocking with some of the cutest beauty needs. For the nail art enthusiast, check out the featured Essie mani set! I love the little The Body Shop gift cubes and tubes! Normally $10, they are offering two for $15! They would be a perfect gift to yourself for saving all that money! They are darling! Headed off to a holiday party and in need of a hostess gift? Check out the Bath and Body Works hand soaps! The packaging is so cute and the price is right at $6.50! And while you're there, enter the Coupons.com "The Good Stuff Holiday Sweepstakes 2014"! It runs from 12/8 to 12/25. They'll be picking three separate winners to win a $100 Amazon gift card, and one winner of a grand prize of a $500 Amazon gift card! And who couldn't use a little extra of the good stuff during the holidays?!? 

Now that I've checked off all the items on my gift giving list, the only thing left to do is wrap! Anyone interested in a wrapping party? No? I guess I'm on my own for that one! 

Let me know what items you might be snagging off the gift giving list! So many ideas that you're bound to find everything you need. Who doesn't love one stop shopping!

This is sponsored post, but all thoughts expressed are my own!

SHOPBOP - Party Shoes

As most of you know, I love shoes! I may even have an unhealthy love of shoes, but I love them none the less! And with it being the holiday season, I can't help but dream of party shoes! The right shoe can truly take a look from good to amazing in one little click of the heel! So I've been scouting out the perfect shoe from Shopbop, to wear to those holiday festivities that are quickly on the rise. My top four are below!

  Gold/Black/Royal/Plum

What party shoe is on your wish list for the holiday season?

Happy Monday!

Holiday Crafting - Ball Jars

Who doesn't have empty jars from time to time. Jelly jars, pasta sauce jars, or canning jars there always seems to be a jar. I'm a recycler, so usually the jars go in our glass bag for a trip to the recycle bin. Not this month! I've been busy upcycling my jars and making them festive little gifts!

My mom and have been into canning lately, we have a jam canning project in the works, but I also have some empty canning jars that I'm not currently using. I decided to take those jars, spray paint the lids, adorn them with sweet little trees, and add a little yumminess of the non jam kind. See what I did below!

What You'll Need:

Jars of any kind and size. I used pint size Ball Jars.

Miniature Trees

Strong Adhesive - I used E6000

Spray Paint

Candies, Hot Cocoa, Marshmellows

If you're using Ball jars, you know that there is a sealing lid below the screw-top. Take all of those out and put the screw-top aside. You'll use those later. If it's a just a jar lid, follow the steps from here. Simply remove the trees from their packaging, apply a small dot of the adhesive, and place the tree in the very center of the lid. Lightly press so you don't have glue oozing out the sides. Set and aside and move on to the next. Honestly, it's that easy!

How adorable are these little guys? This sight made me so happy!

 Next, take all the lids, including all the Ball jar lid components, to a well ventilated area for spray painting. Lay out a protective surface and place your lids on that. I divided up my lids into groups because I painted both gold and silver. Black would be really sleek as well!

And spray paint! Make sure you get all angles and nooks, and all sides of the trees. So shiny and festive!

 Once everything is dry, begin the assembly. Also, decide early on what you're going to fill the jars with so you are ready to go. I went with a hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, various chocolates in fun holiday wrap, and peppermint candies. If you have larger jars, a cookie recipe with all the ingredients is always cute!

I think these are darling! The tree doesn't necessarily make it so holiday that your recipient can't use them all year long. I think they would make great teacher gifts, a fun Secret Santa gift, or party favor. Who doesn't love hot cocoa or candy?! Whatever you decide, it's a great way to re-purpose your jars and a fun crafting activity! 

Happy Gluing!

Street Style

Poncho: Elie Tahari via Marshall's (similar); T-Neck: Ann Taylor (similar); 

Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar); Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar); Hat: Target (similar); 

Shades: MbyMJ ; Handbag: Burberry (gift)

I met my girlfriend Caitlin for a quick photo session and coffee, but it ended up in a little shopping trip as well. We checked out the new Etiquette Boutique in Park Place Leawood, and if you haven't been in, you need make a trip! So many chic pieces. I picked up a darling little ring and cute striped dress that I didn't know was on sale. Bonus! I can't wait to style it and soon!

The last time I wore this poncho, I took it down a dark path. I wanted to toughen it up a bit with rugged boyfriend jeans and moto boots. I threw on a hat at the last minute because I didn't do my hair! I was headed to the salon after the photos and a good hat hides the bad! I'm loving my new do! I've been in a hair funk over that past couple of weeks and it's nice to love it again.

The Poncho: Before and After

  

 

 

I'm loving these photos that Caitlin took! I feel like I could be in an ad or in a street style spot in a fashion mag. Okay, maybe I could just appear in my little blog and dream of the other scenarios! Either way, I love them!

My All J.Crew Wish List

I didn't know I had a wish list until I got the new J.Crew catalog in the mail last night. I was absentmindedly looking through when it seemed like everything was catching my eye! I literally dog-eared every page. Everything seemed shiny, metallic, and gold. I never knew I was a gold girl until this catalog! 

The striped top comes in black, which I prefer, and the gold circles add a little something which all of my other stripe tops are lacking! How cute is that ornament? Who doesn't need a Blah, Blah, Blah ornament to match their favorite t-shirt?! The gold linen pants are amazing! Holiday parties, or just because, seem to be all the right occasions for them, no? I love stationary and these would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone. Tres chic! I didn't know I needed/wished for these shoes until my mom pointed them out. Seriously, so MAJ! The necklace is stunning! Like little matchsticks around your neck. It would light up any look.... That puffer vest in metallic gold is just what I need to punch up any casz look during the winter! And a Blah, Blah, Blah phone case? Yes please! Lastly, I have been in love with these Sorel Joan of Arctic boots since last winter. Definitely a must-have item to get me through winter! 

From Top to Bottom

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

What is on your J.Crew wish list this year? Check out their site for some fabulous finds! I love that they offer not only clothing but home goods and more! A one stop shop.

Yes You Can

Jacket: Macy's; T-Neck: Ann Taylor; Skirt: Dollar General (similar);

Boots: Rockport via Nordstrom; Necklaces: Ann Taylor (similar)/Stella & Dot;

Bracelets: Ralph Lauren/Kate Spade (similar)

One of the biggest statements I hear from my readers is "I can't afford to shop." And I'm here to tell you, yes you can! I will admit that I have a lot of designer pieces in my wardrobe, but I also have a lot of inexpensive pieces as well. You just don't always know they're inexpensive because it's all in how you style them!

Take this skirt of instance. Are you sitting down? I got this skirt over the summer at Dollar General! That's right, Dollar General. It's by designer Bobbie Brooks and it cost $13! And in my opinion, it doesn't look $13 and it doesn't look like it came from Dollar General. I paired it with a merino wool t-neck from Ann Taylor, a Levi's denim jacket, and suede Rockport boots. Layered necklaces and loads of bracelets complete this affordable look!

 

Aztec prints are really trendy right now, but if it's not a trend you really want to invest in, this is a great way of doing so. Picking up a trend from a lower end retailer makes you feel stylish without feeling guilty! I love this skirt and can't wait to pair it with chunky sweaters for the winter or my moto leather jacket for a little edge! 

Where do you like to shop when trying to save a buck?

A Million Bucks

Coat: Julie's Boutique (similar); T-Neck: French Connection (similar); Skirt: Zara (gift);

Shoes: J.Crew (gift); Belt: Harold's; Necklace: Ann Taylor (gift/similar); Handbag: My Mom's

Last week I was invited to attend an event at Tivol featuring David Yurman and I jumped at the chance to go! I love David Yurman, especially his iconic Cable bracelet, however I don't own a single piece. I'm pretty sure I need to remedy that, but I haven't a clue which one I would ever decide to own. So many amazing pieces to chose from, right?

I knew instantly what I would wear to the event. This incredible faux leather skirt my aunt gave me for my birthday. Can you believe this is faux? It feels, and looks, like real leather and I love that you can wash it. You read that correctly, you can wash it. I know, I couldn't believe it when I read it either! The whole look really came together from there. I knew I wanted to pair it with the cream t-neck and leopard print coat, but I have to be honest, I couldn't think of a single shoe to wear. Browns are a lot like navy's. Very hard to match. And the skirt is more of a tobacco than an actually brown. Then it came to me! These stunning, studded heels from J.Crew. Talk about a statement piece!

Another statement piece is this stunner of a necklace! My mom gave me this before statement necklaces were all the rage. I love the mix of pearls and crystals, and that single broach just sets the whole thing apart from any other necklace in my collection.

I LOVE how the leopard and floral play off of one another! And how about the pink lining matching the pink in the shoe? A total coincidence!

I have to say, this is one of my all time favorite looks! I felt like a million bucks when really, the most expensive piece I wore were the shoes. And those were a gift! This is a totally chic look, with almost an old Hollywood feel, and all it was missing was a piece of David Yurman jewelry!