Christmas Spirit In My Place

A little sneak peak of my place dressed up with Christmas decorations.  I don't have a lot going on, just our little Charlie Brown tree and my Ms. Everette (our piano) with her little decorations...

Gift Idea No. 6 Soft Hands In Cold Weather

So the gift idea bonanza continues today with gift idea No. 6.  Hand lotions and creams.  I find that as soon as fall hits, my hands become extremely dry.  By the time winter comes around, sometimes the skin around my knuckles will finally crack.  Obviously, you don't want to get your skin to go that dry.  Instead, try any of these lotions or creams (oh no, I sound like a commercial now...)  They are hardly scented, which makes it nice to gift since you may have friends who are sensitive to scents.  I've used all of these products in the past, my favorites being 'a' and 'b'.  But the others are great too.  These are perfect stocking stuffers. And if on sale, get yourself one too and keep your hands soft in this cold weather :) 

a. b. c. d. e. 

Gift Idea No. 5 Tea Time Anyone? (Coffee included)

Good Monday, friends~  How was your weekend?  My weekend came and went.  I didn't get to do 1/2, nope, 1/3 of what I meant to do this past weekend.  What is the matter with me?!  This cold weather and just overall fatigue (and even a bit of sadness (must be lack of sun)) is making me a bit lazy.  I think I need to start exercising more and go back to drinking kale juice again... 

The good news is that I cranked out 2 more gift ideas.  Gift Idea No. 5 - teacups, coffee mugs, and kettles.  Almost everyone I know is either a tea or coffee drinker.  And even if they are not, they will certainly have guests who are. Aren't these so pretty? I want them all in my cupboard... 

a. b. c. d. e. f. (e & f are sugar bowl and creamer)

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF! Yesterday felt like it was Friday - yup, that's how this week felt.  I had my work holiday party last night, so I'm a bit tired this morning.  But, I'm happy it's Friday, I'm happy we have a guest staying over tonight, I'm happy that we are in my favorite holiday season of the year~  

Here are a couple of random musings and thoughts, just because I didn't really have anything "themed" out for today :)  

via Apartment Therapy

Isn't this a sweet garland?  I love all the sparkly ornaments for Christmas but it's kinda refreshing to see this simple geometric and origami style garland... 

Roasted brussel sprouts is one of the dishes I made for Thanksgiving.  The secret here - they are not really roasted.  They are done on a grill pan on the stove.  So much crunchier, easier and quicker!  

My boys, Toby (left) and Speedz (right).  It's gotten cold enough for them to put on their sweaters when they go out.  Aren't they just too adorable?!!  

Have a great weekend, friends~

Gift Idea No. 4 - Post Party Wear

I just attended my first holiday party of the year last night.  I have another one today.  Yeah, the partying has definitely begun. As fun as these holiday parties can be, by 10:30 p.m., I'm thinking of slipping into my comfy flannel jammies and cuddling up with my puppies in bed.  I know - I've become such a yawn!!  But partying can be tiring!  So, I suggest gifting comfy pajamas, softest of soft slippers, and even an eye cover (perhaps good for long flights as well).  We are all going to need these after all the partying, imbibing countless glasses of wine and cocktails, and staying up late :) 
  

a. b. c. d. e. 

Get Your Party Pants On

Taking a little break from all the gift ideas, let's talk about party wear.  I know that most of us wear dresses to holiday parties, which is fine. Who doesn't love a LBD or a cute cocktail dress?  But I'd love to break my own tradition of wearing dresses to wearing one of these fancy pants. 

I'd wear a pair with high heel pointy shoes just like in the pictures above, and top it off with either a well fitted jacket or a soft sweater with a signature piece necklace like this. 

The cool thing about these pants and even the necklace is that they are wearable to work and dates with your guy or friends, so long as you dress them down a bit.  I found both the pants and the necklace at J.Crew, which is my main go-to place for like everything!  

In addition to standing out from the other ladies, you will have the advantage of not having to worry about getting a run on your stockings~

Gift Idea No. 3 - Chocolate, of course

Gift Idea No. 3 - Chocolate, of course! It's one of the sweetest gestures of love, right?  (Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, etc.)  Along with or instead of chocolate, I suggest gifting fruit preserves or fresh fruit in case the richness of chocolate gets too heavy.  Here are my all time favorites~   

- Chocolates from Fannie May
- Jam from Blue Hill Farm (can you believe they make blueberry currant jam?!)
- Chocolate Covered Santa Apple from Zwahlens (Love this mom & pop place in my neighborhood.)
- Fresh pears from Harry & David (so incredibly juicy!)