Today I’m sharing my Christmas wish list… ok fine, some of these I already own. Consider them “early” gifts I purchased for myself. But now I know how great they are which is why I have to share them!
To shop, click directly on the item below or find its associated number –
I bought both this dish and this loaf pan over Cyber Week when they were marked down. And wrapped them myself to put under the tree. I will likely forget about them before the 25th, trust me.
I bought this dress before we went to Mexico in October. I now have my eye on the long-sleeved version. It is so flattering and crazy comfortable. A++!
I ordered these fur-cuffed jeans for myself on sale and hope they look as cute on me as they do the model. Also waiting on these. Couldn’t help myself!
Today’s gift guide is for the hosts and hostesses this month. For the ladies (not to be sexist, but it’s *probably* the ladies, right?) who have spent hours preparing to host you so now you want to make feel a little special in return.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –
– having so much fun with ribbon this year on the trees –
– pulling out my grandparents records (record player) –
– having these portraits custom-framed locally and loving how they turned out so much! –
– putting this door knocker on display that was on the door when we purchased our house –
A confession that I took these photos before I took the Holiday Home Tour photos. This is why you’re seeing a few repeat-style shots today!
This week felt constant. It’s interesting that the holidays are intended to be the most joyous, cheerful time when for some it can be a really high-stress or hectic time. I felt my fuse becoming shorter by the day and am trying to lighten my schedule so I can relax a little bit more and ultimately reflect that in my behavior.
I’ve been watching season two of Firefly Lane while working this week. I love that show! The strength of a lifelong friendship. Pretty sweet stuff. I’ve seen both teaser and trailer for Harry & Megan and all I can say is… big yikes. The feedback I’m reading is a big yikes. Have you seen it? Would love to hear what you think.
I worked all day yesterday Wednesday watching this on YouTube on the TV while a Christmas candle was lit. It was heavenly. Highly recommend
We have a busy weekend – truly day and night. But it’s full of sweet holiday things, and I hope it will feel more exciting than exhausting. Fingers crossed! Writing right now I’m really sounding like a major homebody. I guess I am! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I wasn’t planning on doing a decor post this year, but once I put everything up I couldn’t help but snap a few photos. 200+ photos later… I am now working on a post at 10PM. But it’s always fun to be on the website. This is where this little business started, and it’s still my favorite part of this gig.
Last year I shared the decorations here, and I was able to reference that post this year when pulling stuff out. It was very helpful! This year there are a few different and a few the same, but the furniture continues to be rearranged so that feels right.
Thanks for coming on this journey. There are a lot of photos, but I had a lot of fun snapping them.
I don’t know a single toddler who isn’t obsessed with the Moana soundtrack. Hudson doesn’t even care that much about the actual movie, just the music. We listen to it daily in the car, so I have no doubt this Moana karaoke would be a HUGE hit.
I’m thinking about getting this robot crab for one of my nephews. I feel like it is both a brainy gift and a fun gift. I love that kind of gift for other kids. It makes me feel like the parents will be less annoyed with extra “stuff,” if there is a learning element there.
I know this singing pickle seems bizarre. Because it is. But my mom gave my nephew one and it’s small and silly. It always makes kids laugh and is an easy thing to take to a friend’s house and make giggle. Stocking stuffer idea!
We love our play kitchen. Sometimes Hudson plays in it alone, but most often we will play with it together. Add in an ice cream shop (every kid loves it), taco set or pizza set. Now, we’re cooking!
Hudson got a sleeping bag for his birthday and he loves it. I love it too! I plan on taking it with us the next time we stay with siblings, which leads me to the next item.
We recently got two of these kids blowup mattresses and they are ADORABLE. They also have an airplane version, but I love the Cadillacs (even if they’re pink!). We’ll be bringing it with us on our next trip for sure. One of those gifts that’s both fun and practical.
Hudson has a Toniebox and listens to it every single night and morning. It’s by his bed, and rather than us sing songs to him, he likes to put a tonie character on and listen to it as he falls asleep. In the mornings, he will put different tonies on and keep himself entertained until I come to his room. We LOVE it.
I have been so excited to wear this sweater and skirt set because it’s so cozy and also fits so well. The beauty of sweater skirts – both comfortable and curve-friendly.
I also love that knit skirts like this are easier to wear even if you’re a few lbs up from holiday festivities or whatever else has been going on in life. As someone who is pregnant every other year… I can appreciate that!
You can find more fashion picks and fall looks in the “fashion” category of this site. And more gift guides coming! You can see all the ones shared so far in the “holiday gifts & decor” category. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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Sharing some of my picks and favorite deals and discounts for Cyber Week! There are so many great sales that have already started, and I’ve already started shopping.
This one took some thought because gifting our parents and in-laws is always a challenge. You want to get them something super special because they deserve it. But what do they not already have because they can treat themselves to anything they really want?
SO below are things that are little luxuries, and maybe even helpful, that I think would make great gifts for parents and grandparents.
I recently shared a sneak peek of this little shoot on Instagram here, but I wanted to share more photos because I loved both outfits so much.
Christian isn’t usually on this side of the camera, so to have his participation means it’s for a brand he genuinely likes. He has been hooked on Mizzen + Main Leeward shirts since he first tried them earlier this year. They have spandex, are wrinkle-resistant, and have tons of patterns. They also have a more extensive sizing that allows both trim and tall if you have a tall and thin guy in your life.
I bought these faux leather pants (similar style) a few years ago and then got pregnant and was postpartum, so they just now actually fit to wear them this fall. The joys of a constantly changing body! You’ve seen me in black leather pants here, here, and here, but I love this camel color. It gives a totally different vibe, and I know I’m going to be wearing them a ton.
I changed a few things but mostly followed the recipe. I did throw some chicken breasts in the instant pot (love this easy recipe) and shredded it to use in this salad, another pasta, and Thai dish. So if you can do that ahead of time, you can make this salad days in a row if you wish!
1/2 cup shredded chicken sautéed in 2 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp unsalted butter
Directions:
Cook orzo according to package directions. Combine dressing ingredients.
Add warm orzo and chicken to salad base and toss with dressing.
If you try it, let me know what you think! You can find more recipes in the “food and drink” category of this site. Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to check out this year’s gift guides in the “holiday” section! XO –
Why are guys so hard to shop for? Maybe because it’s hard to put ourselves in their minds for what gadgets, clothes, or accessories they find cool or useful. Or because guys tend to have less things yet more expensive things… either way, I’m here to (*try to*) help.
Below is this year’s gift guide for the guys in your life. A mix of tech, clothing, leather goods, and thoughtful touches that I think Christian would approve of. Many of these items are a little bit higher of a price point than usual, but I can only include Ugg slippers so many years in a row, you know?
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
For the gadget-loving guy, I think this charging tray is so cool. And helpful!
For more holiday-related content, check out the “holiday gifts & decor” link in the menu. More gift guides coming, if you have a specific theme you’d like to see, let me know. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
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I love a glass of red wine, whiskey rebellion, or a new drink I tried recently called “fire cider.” It’s just warm apple cider with fireball. Dangerous!
What about you guys?
What to wear for family holiday photos?
I actually wrote a whole blog post with my tips here.
I love that you help a girl decide when to splurge vs. save! What are your biggest “save” areas?
Thank you! My “saves” are tees, leggings, (sometimes) denim, and sunglasses.
But truthfully, the older I get the more I believe the “buy once, buy well” motto.
What are your favorite nail colors for the holidays?
I usually lean into Funny Bunny year-round, but in the winter I will go for a burgundy, bright red or dark green. I don’t have color names though… I just choose from the nail salon color wheel!
Personally, I would only choose for a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist office to inject me. Ask who will be injecting (MD, NP, PA, RN or other) and what experience/training they have.
Sometimes you get out what you put in and the easiest option isn’t always the best option.
Having fertility problems. Do you care to share more about your journey getting pregnant with Theo?
I’m sorry. It’s tough. I shared some of my experience here. My patience was tested when it took twice as long to get pregnant the second time around, but I did find some things that helped me to be patient and hopeful along the way.
Top 5-10 pieces for someone trying to build a classic wardrobe?
What beauty item have you bought recently that you’re loving?
I actually just got this tube of lip balm and I love the tube version (rather than the pot)!
I also bought this skin perfector after the review from a friend and can’t wait to try it.
What are those favorite blue light glasses of yours?
My favorite pair. I’ve been wearing them daily for years.
What’s your current workout routine? You look great!
Thank you! I am still doing reformer pilates 1-2x a week. I try to squeeze in walks here and there when I can, but most often it’s just the occasional pilates and trying to do the 80/20 rule (eat healthy 80% of the time and splurge 20% of the time).
Any recs for a cozy blanket for Christmas gifts?
Hudson and I love these blankets and these (we have three). But another favorite would be this one. It feels like a big sweater.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
Fiji, an African safari and to take Christian to London.
Thank you so much for sending in these questions and for my Q&A’s, check out the “personal” category of this site. More gift guides coming this week! XO –
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