BEST OF 2019: LIFESTYLE & FASHION FAVORITES

Happy Friday, folks and welcome back! Phew, we made it; this was a week y’all. True story, I’ve tried to finish and get this up for you guys for the past 3 days…I’m a mess, I know. I guess what they say is true; better late than never! Anyways, as promised, I’m back with another Best of 2019 post; and today we’re talking all about my favorite lifestyle and fashion pieces! Obviously I love so much more than I’ve shared below, but I tried to narrow it down to the things I genuinely couldn’t live without (okay, that’s dramatic, but you get what I’m saying). As always, I will list and link everything down below, so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links**

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Mini Steamer • K-Cup Holder • Sherpa Throw • Brümate Slim • Hanging Toiletry Bag

Jewelry Holder • Travel Makeup Case • Tote Bag Organizer • Happy Planner

Spa Headbands • Travel Jewelry Organizer • Air Fryer • Travel Tumbler

Shark Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum • Fabric Shaver • Laptop Desk

1. Hilife Steamer – $24.99: If you don’t own a steamer, I highly recommend getting one! I think I first saw this floating around on Jenn from The Sister Studio’s Instagram and was immediately intrigued. It’s easier and faster (IMO) than ironing, and it’s so mini, that it’s perfect for travel!

2. Nifty K-Cup Organizer – $12.99: I love having this on my counter next to my Keurig; it makes it easier to see what kind of coffee I have and I can tell when I’m starting to run low! I also think it just makes for a cute little coffee corner! 🙂

3. Sherpa Weighted Blanket – $49.99: What’s better than a weighted blanket and a sherpa blanket all in one?! Nothing. The answer is nothing. It’s super soft, not too heavy and bonus: my kitties love to snuggle me when I’m using it…swoon.

4. Brümate Slim – $22.99: White Claw (or Red Bull in my case) drinkers rejoice! Finally a koozie that fits my tall – slim cans *praise hands* 🙂 This legitimately keeps my drink cold for HOURS. If you’re not into the slim koozie, they have multiple sizes and styles to choose from.

5. Hanging Toiletry Bag – $11.99: This is such a great toiletry bag for those of you who travel or even if you’re low on space in your bathroom (think dorm rooms or tiny apartment living)! It holds a slew of products, full-size items as well as travel size, and keeps things neat and organized! I love that it has a zipper closure and features waterproof material; it ensures that nothing falls out and cleaning is a breeze!

6. 12-Tier Jewelry Organizer – $39.99: If you are someone that has a lot of bracelets and necklaces that you need to hang, I think this is a great option! You can put it on your vanity or dresser and easily see what you have! I find that using something like this ensures that I actually put my jewelry where it belongs after I’m done wearing it.

7. Travel Makeup Case – $19.89: I’ve talked about this before so I’ll keep it short and sweet. If you’re looking for a good way to travel with your makeup, get this case, you won’t regret it.

8. Tote Bag Organizer – $16.99: If you’re someone who uses a traditional tote bag, I highly recommend snagging one of these organizers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost something in the depths of my bag; this keeps that from happening! It creates a dedicated space for everything so you’re able to find what you need when you need it! It comes in a variety of colors and they even have different sizes for different bag styles. 🙂

9. Happy Planner – $27.99: If you’re someone who thrives off of structure or just have so much going on that you can’t keep up; I recommend getting a planner. I know some people can’t get into paper style organizers but they work great for me! I also love all the fun stickers you can use with them…can you tell I’m actually a child in a 32 year old’s body?! lol.

10. Spa Headbands – $8.99: How cute are these?! I can’t get enough. I use these whenever I need to keep my hair out of my face or when I’m trying to avoid getting products (cleansers, masks, makeup, etc.) in my hairline. They’re cute, affordable and do the job! BONUS: they’re super easy to wash!

11. Travel Jewelry Organizer – $19.99: If you’re someone who brings a lot of jewelry with you when you travel, I think this is an awesome thing to have! I bought this before my Memphis trip last year and it came in so clutch. It makes organizing your necklaces and bracelets super easy and ensures that they don’t get tangled during your travels. It certainly beats the alternative of just throwing them in your bag and hoping for the best!

12. Power XL Air Fryer 5.3 qts – $69.99: I got this for Christmas a couple of years ago and it’s been my number one used kitchen appliance ever since…even more than my Keurig (shocking, I know). I know everyone raves about the Instant Pot but this is just as amazing. It gets food super crispy and delicious in absolutely no time. I’ve made sandwiches, pizza, chicken, veggies…basically I’ve made everything in my air fryer and have never been disappointed. BONUS: Target has this exact one on sale for 46% off right now making it $70 bucks. If you’ve been on the fence, take the leap and snag it!

13. Travel Tumbler – $17.99: What is there to say about this?! If you don’t have a travel tumbler, you need one! It makes taking your drinks (hot or cold) on-the-go super easy and convenient!

14. Shark Lift Away Vacuum – $149.99: I don’t know if this is weird, but I love vacuums and this bad boy is one of my favorites! If you have pets, this is AMAZING! It works on carpet as well as bare floors and is easy to move around to ensure that you get those hard to reach places! If you’ve been considering getting a Shark, they have my recommendation.

15. Fabric Shaver – $16.99: This is the best for sweaters, pants AND couches that pill or get fuzzies on them! It’s easy to use and has never ruined any of my clothes! I find that using this at the first sign of pilling increases the life of my clothing by months and keeps me looking more put together!

16. Laptop Desk – $36.99: This is one of my most-used products ever. I use it in bed when I’m working on my laptop or even when I want to paint my nails. It’s sturdy, has plenty of room and totally worth the $$!

Oversized Striped Sweater • Graphic Tee • Kendra Scott Lariat Necklace • Sherpa Lined Slippers

Zella Live-In Leggings • Old Navy Power Straight Jeans • Sherpa Pullover • Spa Socks

Cable Bracelet • Whisper Tank • Olivia Burton Watch • Belt • Cartier Dupe Love Ring

Vince Camuto Booties • Black Bodysuit • Dooney Tote • Swift Run Sneakers • Nipple Covers

1. Oversized Striped Sweater – $27.99: Another Leigh Ann influenced purchase; I regret nothing. This is a basic, lightweight (but not too thin) sweater that would look cute with just about anything! It comes in a variety of color patterns and fits TTS (M). It’s not cropped but it’s also not overly long, so if you’re looking for a sweater to wear with leggings, I’d look at some different options!

2. BLACKMYTH Graphic Tee – $10.99: I have this in both black and white and love them both! I think these kind of graphic tees looks cute paired with high-waisted jeans or denim shorts and are easy to throw on and go! I can wear a variety of sizes (M-XL) but I tend to land on the L because I prefer a roomier fit! If you’re not a beauty lover (which is what this tee makes me think of), I also like THIS tee by the same brand!

3. Kendra Scott Claudia Lariat Necklace – $130: You guys know I love Kendra Scott; her pieces are cute, elegant and great quality! I have multiple pieces from her and I’ve never been disappointed! I love how delicate and dainty this piece is while still offering a little something extra due to the lariat style. It looks great with v-neck sweaters and tees and can be dressed up or down! If you’re more of a bracelet gal, you can find a couple of my favorites HERE and HERE!

4. Sherpa Lined Slippers – $21.99: You guys…these slippers are EVERYTHING! I have them in 2 colors (tan and light grey) and they are a literal dream. They fit TTS and keep your feet super warm! As for summer slippers, I HIGHLY recommend THESE. I have them in 3 colors (pink, cream and gray) and wear them constantly! Also, how cute is it that you can see your pedicure while wearing these?! Obsessed.

5. Zella Live-In Leggings – $59: I love these leggings; I think they’re great for working out and running errands alike. They fit TTS (M), aren’t see through and last forever. NOTE: I typically don’t dry my leggings, I always lay them flat (to dry) in order to keep them as pristine as possible. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I love THESE from Amazon!

6. Old Navy Power Straight Jeans – $30: These have become my go-to jeans; they’re structured without being uncomfortable, hit me right at the ankle and can be dressed up or down! The distressing is perfectly in place and they fit TTS (8). If you’ve been on the hunt for a good straight-leg jean, give these a try! BONUS: They’re on sale for $30 bucks today! I might need to get a backup pair!

7. Sherpa Pullover – $28.99: I know there are about 2454352433 sherpa pullovers gracing your Instagram feed; and while I think all of them are cute and cozy, this is one of my favorites. It’s affordable, comes in multiple colors and fits TTS (M). If you’re looking for a sherpa that’s super soft and won’t break the bank (I’m looking at you Express/Nordstrom), check out Amazon!

8. Spa Socks – $9.99: I know a lot of people think these are gimmicky and unnecessary but I really like them! I struggle with dry skin and find that when I wear these at night my feet are softer and in much better shape overall! If you struggle with dry, calloused feet, I suggest a foot scrub and these socks before bed! 🙂

9. Cable Bracelet – $15.99: This is one of the infamous David Yurman dupes from Amazon! I love the cable style and find it easy to stack with other bracelets!

10. Madewell Whisper Tank – $18.50: I love the Whisper line from Madewell (tanks and tees); they’re soft, slouchy and make the perfect basic!

11. Olivia Burton Wonderland Watch – $145: If you’ve been around a while, then you know how much I love a good watch! I think they can elevate any outfit and add a little extra oomph to any look!

12. Brown Belt – $14.99: I got really into belts last year; partly because I lost weight and my pants were too big and partly because I just thought they were cute and added a little extra something to my outfits – lol. I have this in brown and black and wear them all the time! NOTE: Be sure to follow the size chart; I purchased the S after thinking I would need the M.

13. Cartier Dupe Love Ring – $14.99: Another luxury dupe! I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t have over $1k to spend on a ring…at least not that kind of ring. I love the look and find that the one from Amazon serves me just fine!

14. Vince Camutto Gigietta Booties – $99.90: BOOTS OF LIFE!!!! I was influenced to buy these from Dede (Dress Up Buttercup) on Instagram and y’all, she was NOT lying. These are the most comfortable, flattering booties I’ve ever put on…so much so that I have 2 colors and am contemplating a 3rd. I have them in Tortilla Suede & Mauve Embossed Leather. If you’ve been on the fence, I HIGHLY recommend snagging them! BONUS: They’re currently on sale for 33% off at Nordstrom, bringing them to around $100 bucks instead of $150.

15. Basic Black Bodysuit – $16.99: If you’re looking for a basic bodysuit to wear with denim shorts or high-waisted jeans, this is a great option! It fits TTS (M), comes in multiple colors/patterns and isn’t see-through *yaaaassssssss*

16. Dooney & Bourke Barlow Tote – $278.60: Thanks to my sweet mama, I now have this tote in two colors (Navy & Black). As soon as I saw this bag, I fell in love and had to have it (dramatic, I know). I love the large tote shape and how many different compartments it has. It holds a ton of stuff (more than I need) and is so classy for everyday! It comes in 5 colors and is currently ON SALE! It’s 30% off until 1/12/2020; so if you like the look and are interested in getting it, now’s the time to pick it up!

17. Adidas Swift Run Sneakers – $85: I’ve talked about these so much that you’re probably tired of hearing about them; I’m sorry, I can’t help it. I have the Swift Runs in 3 different colors/patterns and they’re easily my most worn sneaker. They’re comfortable, fit TTS (IMO – 7.5) and look super cute paired with a variety of outfits.

18. Nippies Skin Nipple Covers – $25: Ladies, if you’ve been looking for nipple covers to wear with backless dresses or strapless tops, these are the best I’ve found! They come in multiple colors and have 2 sizes (I use the L) to choose from. They’re sticky without being painful to remove and NEVER fall down!

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That wraps up my lifestyle and fashion favorites of 2019! I hope you guys enjoyed everything I shared and I hope it gave you some ideas if you’ve been looking to try something new! What were your must-have fashion and lifestyle pieces of last year? I’d love to know! Leave a comment down below and let’s chat.

XOXO,

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS: AMAZON EDITION

Happy Wednesday, friends and welcome back! With the Christmas holiday right around the corner, I thought now would be a good time to share some last minute gift ideas that are available on Amazon with 2-day prime shipping! While there are some companies that are still offering guaranteed Christmas delivery, those options are dwindling by the day and I feel like Amazon is the safest bet! 🙂 As always, I will link and list everything down below; so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links**

Ello Campy Mug • Travel Power Strip • Jenn Ardor Mules • Steamer

Wallet • Travel Jewelry Case • Mixed Metal Cable Ring • Sherpa Pullover

Echo Dot 3 • Sherpa Lined Slippers • LUNA Weighted Blanket

Blanket Scarf • Travel Makeup Case • Fabric Shaver • Pearl Headbands

1. Ello Campy Coffee Mug – $13.49: This is great for any of the coffee (or tea) lovers in your life! It holds 16 ounces, has the cutest crackle pattern and claims to be leak proof! For under $15 dollars, I don’t think you can go wrong!

2. Travel Power Strip – $19.99: I know this might not be the most fun gift ever, but it’s super practical. I feel like I’m always in need of a power strip and love that this can fit nicely on my desk! It has 3 regular outlet areas and 4 USB spaces (hallelujah)!

3. Jenn Ardor Mules – $39.99: I absolutely love these mules from Jenn Ardor. I have them in white and black and can’t wait to snag the tan! They fit TTS and are comparable to the ever so popular Gucci mules (in style). So if you love the style of those shoes but don’t want to pay Gucci prices, snag a pair of these; you won’t regret it!

4. Fabric Steamer – $39.99: If you hate ironing, you NEED a steamer! I find this to be super travel friendly and perfect for everyday use! It heats up in less than a minute, is easy to use and has never ruined any of my clothes! Seriously, if you’ve been considering grabbing one, now’s the time!

5. Wallet – $25.09: If you’re looking for an affordable wallet that fits loads of stuff, look no further; this one is amazing! It comes in a SLEW of different color options and is great quality!

6. Travel Jewelry Case – $19.99: I bought this back in the spring and absolutely love it! If you travel a lot and need a way to store your jewelry, this is awesome! There are dedicated spaces for necklaces, rings and earrings, so you’ll never have to worry about your chains getting tangled or losing an earring back…because let’s be honest, that’s the worst!

7. Mixed Metal Cable Ring – $21.99: If you’re looking for a David Yurman style ring, Amazon is the place for you! While I’m sure the real thing is worth the price tag (as far as durability is concerned); I just can’t imagine spending that kind of money on ONE accessory.

8. Sherpa Pullover – $37.99: Sherpas…can you ever have enough?! My vote is NO! I have 2 colors from this particular brand and absolutely love them! They come in a variety of different colors and fit TTS (IMO).

9. Echo Dot 3 – $24.99: If you’re looking for an affordable smart speaker that’s great for small spaces, this is it! It connects to Apple music, Amazon music, Spotify, Pandora and so much more! David has one and highly recommends!

10. Sherpa Lined Slippers – $14.43: Any cozy lovers in your life?! If so, these are amazing! I have them in 2 color options and love them both! They have a hard sole bottom, making it easy to run out the door without fear of ruining them – *praise hands*. As for sizing, if you are in-between sizes, go up one!

11. Weighted Blanket – $76.99: Weighted blankets are all the rage right now and I totally understand why! If you (or someone you know) suffer from insomnia, restless legs or nighttime anxiety; I highly recommend trying a weighted blanket, you might really like it!

12. Blanket Scarf – $14.99: You can never go wrong with a blanket scarf and these bad boys from Amazon are incredibly affordable. They come in a slew of different color/pattern options and currently have a coupon for an extra 50% off making them under 8 DOLLARS!

13. Travel Makeup Case – $25.98: I know I’ve talked about this product before and even included it in my Beauty Gift-Guide, but I think it’s worth mentioning again. It’s that good! If you’re looking for a makeup case that fits a ton of stuff (full-size palettes included) and is perfect for travel, look no further. It’s waterproof, shockproof and fully customizable (on the inside). 🙂

14. Fabric Shaver – $16.99: If you struggle with sweaters that pill and fuzz that accumulates on everything, this is wonderful! It’s safe for a variety of fabrics and is super easy to use! At under $20 bucks, I think every household should have one of these!

15. 6-pc Pearl Headbands – $18.99: If you’ve been on the internet at all in the last 6 months or follow any fashion bloggers on Instagram, you’ve probably seen these floating around! They’re great for elevating any outfit and adding an extra bit of oomph! Pro-tip: throw one of these on when you’re working on 3-4 day old hair and it makes it look like you REALLY tried. 🙂

So that wraps up my last gift-guide of the year! I hope you enjoyed all of the GG content I put out this holiday season and I hope I was able to give you some gift ideas if you needed a bit of direction! I hope you all enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends and I hope 2020 is your best year yet!

XOXO,

HOLIDAY GIFT-GUIDE FOR HIM

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend; mine consisted of football, Hallmark Movies galore 🙂 and some Sunday cleaning boo :(. Anyways, as you can tell by the title of today’s post, we’re talking all about gifts for HIM! I can’t tell you how many people reach out to me every season saying they need help with gift ideas for their boyfriends, husbands, brothers and dads. Well, look no further; I’m here to help! I get it, boys are tough. I feel like they just buy whatever they want as soon as they think of it leaving us to scramble around like chickens with our heads cut off come December 24th; come on boys, help us out!

I have perused the internet and rounded up some things that I think would work for a variety of men in your life. Some of these things I’ve gifted myself and others are things that my friends and family have gifted; you know I only wanna give you guys the best! The gifts span different price points and styles, in hopes that there is something here for everyone! So let me stop rambling and let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links**

Nordstrom Quarter-Zip • Beard Grooming Kit • MVMT Watch • Portable Flask

Lands End Moccasins • ATL Hat • J Crew Pants • Fossil Wallet • Gap Joggers

Herschel Toiletry Bag • Tie Bar Set • Yeti Tumbler • Legendary Flannel Shirt

Sony Bluetooth Speaker • Cole Haan Boots • Gold Cufflinks • Portable Charger

1. Nordstrom Quarter-Zip – $59.50: If you’re new around here, I love a man in a quarter zip (hint hint David :)). I think they’re classy without being overly dressy and are appropriate for a variety of venues and situations! This is a cotton-cashmere blend and fits TTS. It’s available in a ton of colors and even comes in a tall option!

2. Beard Grooming Kit – $24.97: If you’re man keeps a beard, a grooming kit could be a great gift option. I find that a lot of guys don’t really put “beauty” items on their wish-lists and oftentimes, things like this get left on the back-burner. Despite their lack of enthusiasm for all things beauty, once they have it, they won’t regret it!

3. MVMT Element Watch – $115: If you’ve been around a while, you know I have an affinity for watches. I think they can help elevate any outfit and are a great gift option no matter the recipient. I love the gold and black combo on this watch; I think it’s sleek and would look great with casual attire or a dressier date-night (suit) look! I know it’s a smidge over $100 dollars, but I genuinely think it’s worth the $$.

4. Portable Flask – $30: Does your guy hike? Hunt? Or really do anything where a portable cup/flask could come in handy?! If so, I think this is awesome! It looks a lot more like a thermos and not your traditional “flask.” It’s stainless steel with a leather cover and comes in right at $30 bucks. 🙂

5. Lands End Moccasins – $27.47: I bought these for David last year and he absolutely loved them! He was never a slipper/house-shoe kind of guy but these bad boys from Lands End changed the game! They fit TTS and are currently on sale for under $30 bucks. If you happen to catch them when they’re not on sale, I still think they’re worth the $$. I will say Lands End runs sales frequently so just keep checking. However, If you don’t want to pay full price and need something ASAP, THESE slippers from Amazon have really solid reviews and look pretty darn similar!

6. ATL Hat – $22.49: If your guy is a sports fan (or city enthusiast), you can’t go wrong with a snapback hat (or t-shirt). Most places (I shop at Fanatics and Lids) run loads of sales this time of year so you’re typically able to find something under $30 bucks and they have loads of designs to choose from!

7. J Crew Straight Leg Pants – $65: I love these straight leg pants from J Crew, they’re dressy enough to wear to work (most offices) cut casual enough to be comfortable. They have an extensive size rang (hallelujah), fit TTS and come in a variety of coors. If you’re looking for a more slim/skinny fit, they loads of options available in those styles as well!

8. Fossil Wallet – $41.99: I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a nice wallet. This is one of those things that I feel like men neglect. They will use a wallet until it’s literally falling apart at the seams. I always buy a couple of these on black Friday and keep them on hand in case I need a last minute gift for someone; it’s saved me more times than I can count!

9. Gap Joggers – $39.50: Joggers are all the rage right now (I certainly wear them all the time) and these are cute, comfy and affordable. If you’re looking for a different style, they have loads options for you!

10. Herschel Toiletry Bag – $29.90: I am a HUGE fan of Herschel Co’s products, and their toiletry bags are no exception. There is plenty of room for everything your guy will need while traveling and they come in a variety of styles. While I’ve got you here, if you’re looking for a nice overnight bag, THIS one from Herschel is one of my favorites! I also really like THIS option from Sole Society.

11. Burgundy Tie Set – $30: I love this option for guys who have to dress up for work or just like to dress up in general. The Tie Bar offers gift sets that come with a tie and pocket square (they have other options) and they have loads of color options to choose from! *I just might get the groomsmens ties from here for my wedding next year; they’re THAT good :)*

12. Yeti Tumbler (20oz) – $29.99: Who couldn’t use a Yeti Tumbler?! I know I could. They come in a variety of colors and sizes; there’s something available for everyone.

13. Legendary Flannel Shirt – $29.99: I love these Legendary flannel shirts! You can find them on Amazon (hello prime shipping :)) and they come in a slew of color/pattern options! They have extensive sizing and are perfect for this time of year!

14. Sony Bluetooth Speaker – $57.98: The Sony Bluetooth Speaker made Oprah’s favorite things list this year, so obviously I had to include it! It’s great to use when you’re in the shower or in the summertime by the pool. For under $60 dollars, I think this is a stellar option!

15. Cole Haan Chukka Boot – $149.90: If you’re looking to splurge a little this season, these Cole Haan Chukka boots would be a great option! They come in black and brown and can be dressed up or down! They’re currently FORTY percent off making them $150 (originally $250) and fit TTS!

16. Gold Cufflinks – $44.28: Similar to the tie set linked above, this would be great for the guys that dress up often. I know it might seem a bit cheesy but I think they are a nice, classic gift.

17. Portable Charger- $59.96: I don’t know about you, but I could use one of these bad boys! Seriously though, who couldn’t use a portable charger?! They’re great for concerts (my phone ALWAYS dies), travel (who hasn’t forgotten their charger?) and everyday use!

That wraps up my Holiday Gift-Guide for Him! I hope you enjoyed it and found it somewhat helpful! I know boys can be a bit a tough to buy for, but hopefully this will give you some inspiration and guide you in the right direction!

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post(s); I genuinely appreciate it! <3

Until next time,

XOXO,

HOLIDAY GIFT-GUIDE: COZY EDITION

Happy Friday, friends and welcome back! I know it’s been a while, a little over 2 months to be exact, but I’m back with my favorite content of the year…HOLIDAY GIFT-GUIDES! If you’ve been around a while, then you know I do LOADS of gift-guides that cover any and everything. I try to ensure that I showcase things that could work for every person and every budget; because let’s be honest, money gets a little tighter this time of year!

To kick things off, I thought I would start with a gift-guide that covers all things COZY! I don’t know about you, but I think cozy season is the absolute best. I mean what’s better than fluffy socks, fluffy robes and a (Hallmark) Christmas movie…NOTHING! So without further ado, let’s jump into the goodies! As always, I will list and link everything below!

**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links**

Double Pom Beanie • Hallmark Christmas Mug • Sherpa Throw Blanket

Ankle Slipper Socks • Godiva Hot Cocoa in a Mug • Robe & Slipper Set

Faux Fur Slippers • 3-Piece Holiday Sock Set • Sherpa Pullover • Christmas Jammies

1. Double Pom Beanie – $11.03: I mean, do I even need to say anything?! This comes in multiple colors (11ish) and is the perfect gift for anyone in your life that loves all things cozy. True story, I wear this while walking around my house far more than I’d like to admit; it’s so cute, I just can’t help it!

2. Hallmark Christmas Mug – $14.50+: If you’re a Hallmark lover like me, then you NEED this mug. It’s cute, festive and won’t break the bank! If you prefer a different design, ETSY has a SLEW to choose from! 🙂 Happy Christmas!

3. Genteele Sherpa Throw – $29.99-39.99: I know everyone and their mother talks about the Barefoot Dreams blankets around Christmas time, and while I agree they’re nice, I think you can find something just as lovely for a fraction of the price. This Sherpa throw is from Walmart, comes in a variety of colors and has 2 different size options. If you know a cozy lover or someone that’s ALWAYS cold (I’m looking at you, mom), this would be a GREAT option!

4. Ankle Slipper Socks – $9.99: While I love a high – fuzzy sock, sometimes I prefer and ankle version. They’re warm without making me sweat to death and are cute to throw on while you kick back and watch your Christmas movies!

5. Godiva Hot Cocoa in a Mug – $7.98: I think gifts like this are perfect for everyone in your life; teachers, cozy lovers and neighbors alike! Godiva hot cocoa mix that comes with a mug?! Where do I sign up?! There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa, my cats and a fluffy robe! Swoon. Also, the fact that it’s under EIGHT dollars doesn’t hurt!

6. Robe and Slipper Set – $18.98: If you’re looking for a full-proof gift option; you can’t go wrong with a robe/slipper set. It’s cozy, affordable and perfect for this time of year! Also, how cute is that plaid pattern?!

7. Faux Fur Slippers – $21.99: How stinking cute are these?! I love my Criss-Cross Plush Slippers from Amazon, but with the dropping temperatures, I figured I needed a full slipper! These feature hard soles (so they can be worn outside) and a faux fur lining (swoon). They fit TTS and come in 5 different colors. NOTE: If you’re a 1/2 size, go up!

8. 3-Piece Holiday Sock Set – $14.99: More Christmas socks, I know! In addition to being a great and affordable gift option for the cozy lover in your life, I think these make GREAT stocking stuffers! You can buy the 3-piece set and split them amongst friends, family or your even kids! They’re cute, affordable and everyone loves them. It’s a no brainer! 

9. Plaid Sherpa Pullover – $27.99: Give me all the sherpa and all the plaid; especially at Christmas time! I mentioned last year that while I enjoy the Thread & Supply pullovers from Nordstrom, I don’t think they’re necessary; I have found a SLEW of options on Amazon that have lasted all year and still look great! This year I started seeing the plaid pattern floating around and just couldn’t resist! It fits TTS (slightly oversized) and has plenty of butt coverage – aka – great for leggings! <3 **If you’re not into the plaid pattern, I also really like THIS one from Amazon (Runs TTS)**

10. Christmas Jammies – $19.99: I don’t know about you, but a good set of Christmas jammies always get me in the holiday spirit! This set comes with a basic gray top and printed bottoms! The fitted bottoms are a nice option for us short girls so that our pants don’t drag the floor and get super ratty! Obviously if you’re into the more flowy pant options, Target has some GREAT options!

That wraps up my Cozy Holiday Gift-Guide. I hope you enjoyed this post and found it (somewhat) helpful! I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’m sorry, but hopefully I’m back! Thanks again for sticking around and reading my stuff, it means the world to me! <3 <3

Until next time,

XOXO,

HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE

Happy Wednesday, friends and welcome back! I hope you guys have had a wonderful start to your week; if it’s been rough, just remember, we’re halfway through and it’s a long weekend…at least for most of us! <3

As you can tell by the title, today we’re talking all things wedding venue! I don’t know how you feel, but picking a wedding venue isn’t easy; there are so many options to choose from and a variety of things to consider when trying to nail down the best place to say “I do.” I thought I would share some of the key things that went into my decision making process so that if you are a soon to be bride, you could use this as guideline of sorts (only if you need to of course – I’m not trying to be pushy).

1. KNOW YOUR VISION / THEME

When it comes to planning a wedding, most people have a picture in their mind of exactly what they’re hoping for. Whether it be a casual beach wedding, a formal black tie affair or a sweet simple ceremony in an idyllic chapel; you know what you want (most of the time). The first thing I did when beginning to sift through the (many) venues in my area was decide whether I wanted my ceremony and reception to be in the same location; I know it seems silly, but it’s definitely something to consider. For some people, they’ve always envisioned a beautiful ceremony in a chapel while dreaming of a more lively upbeat reception; in that instance, you will need to consider the types of venues that can accommodate that vision. For David and I, we decided that for the sake of simplicity, we would hold both our ceremony and reception in the same location; less driving, only 1 venue rental fee and for us, less stress. I knew I wanted a fall wedding with a southern rustic flare and thought an old Antebellum home would be just the way to go. Swoon.

2. KNOW YOUR GUESTLIST

Remember in my last post when I mentioned how important it was to have a loose guestlist when starting your venue search…this is why?! Unfortunately most venues have a cap space as well as a minimum guest count requirement, and sometimes that means letting go of a place you absolutely love. I started my search with a loose number so that I could automatically weed out venues that wouldn’t work for us; anything that had a max capacity of only 100 attendees was out. We knew we would settle somewhere between 110-130 people, so there was no need to look at options that couldn’t accommodate that number. Making that decision early on helped ensure that I didn’t fall in love with something that just physically wouldn’t work for us.

3. KNOW WHAT THEY OFFER

When starting the wedding planning process, I told David that there were certain things (venue, food, alcohol) I was hoping to get within a specific $$ amount. Some venues have all-inclusive or semi-all inclusive packages while others require you to provide all of your own vendors. I was willing to look at both options because I wanted to be conscious of the budget we had preciously set, but after looking around, we ended up going with the semi-all inclusive package that my venue offered. It ended up being around the same amount that I would have paid to get a similar look/feel with individual vendors but with much less stress. If you’re someone that doesn’t like the idea of coordinating 8-9 different vendors with your venue, I HIGHLY recommend looking at all-inclusive options in your price range; it really does make things a lot more easy and seamless.

4. KNOW WHAT THEY DON’T OFFER

As important as it is to know what a venue offers, it is equally important to know what they DON’T offer. For instance; if you are are having a bigger wedding (125+) and realize that there are only 2 bathrooms within the facility, you may want to look elsewhere. For me, a couple of the places we toured didn’t have a grooms suite / spacious bridal suite, and while some people might not mind, that was a no-go for me. It’s also important to know what kind of decor, if any at all, they offer. Are you allowed to use it free of charge? Will they allow you to bring in your own decor (super important question to ask)? Are your linens, tables, chairs and flatware included or will that be supplied by your caterer (if you’re using a separate vendor). Do they allow a sparkler send-off…or are you reserved to bubbles? I know some of those things seem small and insignificant but as the planning process rolls on and it’s time to nail down those little details, it’s better to know what to expect than be surprised and have to change your vision because they can’t accommodate what you were hoping for.

5. KNOW YOUR BUDGET

I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT LOOK AT VENUES OUTSIDE OF YOUR PRICE RANGE; it leads to heartbreak and stress…a lot of stress. I highly recommend sitting down with your fiancé early on to discuss a REALISTIC budget and what that looks like for the two of you. Knowing how much you can spend and how you’re going to pay for things is critical when starting this process. If you’re going to receive help from parents, I recommend getting everyone together so that it’s clear what everyone can and cannot afford; it’s not the most fun conversation, but trust me, it’s 1000% necessary. When looking at different venues, keep in mind that there are often services fees and taxes that are not included in the package price listed; that can add another couple of thousand dollars to your total. If you’re working with a hard budget of 10k and everything comes out to be $9000, you are likely going to go over your budget once the taxes and service fees are added. Always make sure to communicate your budget concerns to your venue/wedding coordinator; they are good at working with you and helping you achieve the look of your dreams at a price you can afford.

6. CHECK THE AVAILABILITY

If you are someone that has an idea of what season, or even what day you want to get married, make sure as you’re touring different venue options you ask about their availability. Oftentimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in the pretty little details of every venue that you forget to ask what their calendar looks like. If you are serious about your date, start your search EARLY. I can’t tell you how many venues were fully booked in the month of October for 2020…that’s over a year away. So I’ll say it again, if you want a specific time / date, start early; you won’t regret it!

7. CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS & THEIR EXPERIENCE

This is a bit of a controversial topic for some people; I know many folks feel like it should be all about the bride and groom, but for David and I, considering our guests was a non-negotiable. When choosing our venue I made sure to ask about parking, handicap accessibility, # of bathrooms (this is a BIG one) and nearby hotel accommodations. There’s nothing worse than picking a venue that has 1 bathrooms for 100+ people and is in the middle of nowhere where the closest hotel is 30-45 minutes away. I wanted to make sure that my guests had somewhere close (within 5-10 minutes) to stay to ensure that getting to and from the venue safely wouldn’t be an issue. Now don’t get me wrong, if I had REALLY fallen in love with something that was farther away, I would have booked it; I just wanted to stress the importance of thinking of the people that are there to celebrate with you and shower your marriage with love; they’re certainly worth considering.

8. MAKE SURE YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT & THAT IT REPRESENTS YOU AND YOUR FIANCÉ

When choosing our venue, there were certain things that I HAD to have (southern home, grooms room, spacious bridal suite, numerous bathrooms); making a realistic list with your non-negotiables can help you weed out venue options and ensure that you are making the best decision for you and your fiancé. You want to make sure that whatever you choose, it hits the things you HAVE to have; regardless of how small/insignificant they may seem to others, all that matters is how YOU feel. Make sure you stick with your vision/theme so that when you look back on your photos you don’t have any regrets. If people don’t see your vision, that’s okay; do what you love and everything else will fall into place!

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I hope you guys enjoyed this post and that some of you found it helpful! I know finding the right venue and planning a wedding in general can be stressful and extremely difficult. If you are in the planning process, just remember to stay true to yourself and ask for what you want/need. <3

* If wedding planning isn’t your cup of tea, I have a guide to ULTA’s 21 Days of Beauty coming on Friday, so stay tuned for that. I also have a Amazon fashion favorites set to go live next week – eeekkkkk!*

Until next time,

XOXO