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 –
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 –
– the most amazing, perfect, fabulous insulated mug (would be an awesome gift!) –
Happy Friday from chilly and rainy Georgia, where Hudson has had the flu and apparently passed it along to mom. Half of our house got their flu vaccines already and were unscathed and the other half have fallen victim… but we are on the upswing and I got a lot of quality time with my big boy. I’ve already put it on my calendar to take the boys to get flu shots in October of next year. Consider it done.
I had some sketches of the boys done by Proper Portraits and was really blown away. I love how they have created a way to combine artistry and technology to create custom sketch designs of individual subjects, pets included! Brilliant, and all at a great price point. I plan to have these framed for our bedroom so I can see them daily. What an incredible gift for the holidays!
I mentioned fall cocktails – brace yourself for a dangerous cider that will knock your socks off. Last weekend I tried something lovingly called “fire cider.” All it is is fireball and apple cider, warmed and served. And it’s delicious. Make it at Thanksgiving. You won’t regret it!
If you’re looking for easy chili recipes, I want to share the favorites I’ve made this year. This white bean chili and this traditional chili are super easy and full of flavor. Will be making both of them again.
We have lots of birthday party fun this weekend. Hoping to squeeze in some relaxation time too, I’ve been splitting work with taking care of Hudson all week and oh yeah, also recovering from being sick myself. So mama could use some extra zz’s! Thank you so much for reading – XO –
I love giving games or puzzles as gifts. Small kitchen gadgets like this and this can also be really fun too.
This book came highly recommended to me. I read it a year ago and routinely think about certain points made about slowing down, minimizing your to-do’s, and creating a more harmonious, peaceful life.
Thanks so much for reading – more gift guides coming soon and you can find all holiday-related content here (or by clicking “holiday gifts & decor” from the menu). XO –
It’s a big weekend here in Georgia. UGA is playing Tennessee and the energy is high. We are going to the game and I won’t deny that even I’m a little nervous about the vibe when it doesn’t go someone’s way. Might need a huge popcorn!
We are back from an amazing week of vacation. For our 10-year anniversary, we revisited the exact property where we honeymooned and booked the same location of room for the same amount of days, etc. It was so much fun to be back there, now with a family, three city moves, five homes, our pets are in heaven, and a business… so much has changed and yet at times, it feels like nothing has changed. I’m sure everyone could say that about the last 10 years, right?
I took this black skirt on vacation and was really impressed (outfit here). It’s from a company I discovered on tik tok and they create really well-priced washable silk. I ordered this skirt and a slip dress and I wasn’t as impressed with the dress, but the skirt is fabulous. I will definitely be ordering more.
Does anyone have big plans this weekend? If y’all watch this game, cross your fingers for Georgia! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
It’s already November, which means we are getting started on this year’s gift guides! I wanted to start with my favorite (and most far-reaching) price point, gifts under $50.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.
The thought of a 10-year journal really grabbed me. Such a special thing to leave your thoughts behind like that. We had a 5-year journal of my grandmother who passed from breast cancer in her thirties. I’m sure she never thought that it would be as meaningful as it has been to her children and children’s children.
This tabletop patio lantern is really intriguing to me and I think it could be a fun element for games and gatherings on our patio. Love that it comes in a few sizes.
I will be bringing a gift guide each week over the next 6+ weeks, but feel free to gather inspiration in the righthand menu bar under “Holiday Gifts & Decor.” There is a ton of holiday-related content and gift guides there!
Well, well, well. A very special Friday indeed. I have been looking forward to the “end of October” for what feels like a year because we are heading on a 10-year anniversary trip that is super special.
We really don’t travel without our children during this season when they are so small. But travel is really important to Christian, so even though it takes a lot of coordination to do so, I’m ready! I’ve only been away from Hudson for a week once in three years and I’ve never been away from Theo… so we’ll see how it goes.
I’ve now made this crack chicken chili three times. It’s that good. I am HERE for crockpot/instant pot season. Nothing makes life more simple!
I’ve been saving Luckiest Girl Alive for our travel days. I loved the book and can’t wait to watch Mila Kunis. Who’s seen it?
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll be taking a week off from this blog and then will be back at it the week of Halloween. See you then! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
You guys loved our last workwear post, so this week we’re bringing another one with staple items that can be mixed and matched in tons of stylish, classic, and versatile ways.
To shop, click directly on the item or find its matching number below the collage.
I don’t have these pants, but based on how I feel about every other pair of Spanx pants that I own… I probably need them. I love a kick flare. They also look really great with booties.
Everyone needs a classic trench in their closet, in my opinion.
I styled this dress recently in this video, and it’s beyond comfortable. Super strechy, really pretty on, and I love that it also comes in a skirt and shorter dress.
I’ve seen this style of boot on younger gals around down and they style them so cute that it makes me want a pair. I might stick to my beloved moto boot… but I’ve got my eye on these.
I’m bringing this bag with me on vacation and it’s such a great catchall tote. I think it would make a great work bag.
I made this over the weekend when my in-laws were visiting and it was unbelievably easy and a big hit.
This is the recipe, and I baked it in a ruffled pie plate with dusted powdered sugar for a pretty presentation that looks much more labor-intensive than it actually was.
Per the reviews, I used a pint of fresh blueberries rather than frozen berries. Next time I would love to try mixed fruit – would be extra delicious with fresh summer strawberries. Christian even suggested ditching the fruit and adding brown sugar and/or cinnamon and making it more of a bread pudding. Totally possible!
