Life Lately

As usual, A New Day just keeps getting better and better. Have you seen all their fantastic sweaters and coats. I'm especially into this draping turtle neck sweater. 

Part of my mission for next year is to take better care of myself. I have no excuse, I'm out of school and while work seems to be hectic and busy often, I still should make time for myself. To get back into tune with my mind, body and self, I'm starting yoga for the second time. 

I get the bags and the discoloration big time under my times, this jade roller helps so much.

I don't know about you but I have had my Christmas Playlist playing since Thanksgiving. 

My favorite Christmas book ever.

This ornament. 

Everyday is a mask day in my house, these are must haves. 

For the traveler, gypsey, foodie, music junkie and those who want to slow down and appreciate everything in your life, you will love Absent Minded.

It's soup weather and all I can think of is Matzah Ball Soup. If you haven't been to Sherman's Deli in the desert, than you have to put it on your must to do list for when you are in town.

Gift Guides: Part III

What man doesn't need a new pair of socks, at least these are cool! 

With your Hamilton (the musical) obsession, he wants to be in the know. 

He always needs the newest gadget. 

For the reader he is, he'll love this book subscription.

He has an addiction to toffee. 

So everyone can chip in on his next vacation. 

Gift Guide: Part II

Binge, relax and mask.

To add to her crazy obsession of loafers.

She'll want this coffee table book. 

She loves every thing that is rose scented.

A new and updated vase for the kitchen. 

For her sweet tooth. 

Pretty bowls to add to her kitchen collection. 

She'll love this faux fur coat. 

Dress Up

It's my favorite time of year!!! Who are what are you dressing up as?! 

(images)

Fall To Do's

A few things to try out this autumn season, what are your plans?

Check out the local pumpkin patch or harvest festival.

Make your favorite soup recipe. 

Go crazy with the decorations. 

Make your Halloween costume.

Attend a book club. 

Host a horror movie marathon. 

Take a scenic drive for some leaf peeping. 

Check out the closest state park. 

Gift Guide: Your Dad

He's had the same polo sweatshirt forever, it's time for a new one. 

He's a sucker for anything made by Ken Burns.

Get him season tickets for his favorite college football team. 

What dad doesn't ask for movie ticket gift cards? 

Because he's a kid at heart and will always say yes to Disneyland. 

He supported every moment of your college experience, so he'll want a new shirt every year!

His love for travel and curiosity. 

Treat him to his favorite beer.

For the life long learner, get him a subscription to Curious.

Gift Guide: Last Minute Buys

A cute and small phone charger to keep in her purse.

For the e-reader who doesn't care about apple products.  

For the home, this classy coaster set.

For your bookish friends, they'll love this subscription, literary matchbox set, these candles and glasses. 

This perfume, it's hit with every woman. 

Who wouldn't want a mason jar cocktail shaker?

These trendy bracelets are excellent gifts for girlfriends.

The cutest (and brightest) luggage tags.

Disneyland, Barnes and Noble and iTunes Gift Cards are always appreciated.  

Cozy and vintage pajamas. 

For the makeup geek, this lipstick is the perfect shade of pink. 

For the coffee or tea addict, these mugs are everything.

Gift Guide: The Guy in Your Life

He needs a modern but stylish briefcase to take to work. 

He's had the same wallet forever, it's time for an upgrade.

To step up his after shower routine. 

He's a voracious reader, get him a subscription for Book of the Month.

He's a foodie and likes to surprise you with his cooking skills.

He's kept the same luggage tags since high school, get him a couple new ones. 

Hide those holey sweat pants he won't give up and get him a new pair. 

For the beer connoisseur he is, he'll love this bottle-cap map.  

An Especially Hygge December

I'm in the middle of a move right now so between packing boxes, wrapping presents, worrying about my very frail and sick family dog, running around trying to finish to-do lists and the craziness that the holiday season brings, I need some serious quiet time. An evening of no talking, my roommates chocolate covered peanut butter bars and catching up with holiday flicks on Netflix. I'm currently watching A Miracle on 34 Street (The Mara Wilson version), I'll Be Home for Christmas (who wasn't in love with JTT as a 90's Girl?) and my favorite Lovely, Actually. I'm all about the Netflix and Chill movement, so what are the staples on your night in?! For me a cozy low key night includes:

Pretty bralettes and comfy lounge wear.

An odd but favorite snack combination, popcorn with m&m's.

A glass or two (or three) of this rose.
(Seriously, it's a top five rose and it's from Trader Joe's)

My favorite Anthropologie house slippers.

This robe my mom got me that I basically live in. 

(image, also make sure to check out other great sleepwear, lounge wear and intimates at adore me.)

Guide Guide: Brother

He needs a new sports jacket. 

He's constantly traveling, so a new set of luggage tags will be a perfect gift.

For your brother who is a reading machine, gift him a book of the month club subscription.

He'll love these wool running shoes. 

He never gets sick of iTunes gift cards.

Because he and his wife are globetrotters, this is a must. (It will also make an excellent coffee table book)

To go with his record player, gift him with the Vinyl Me, Please subscription. 

And even though he's in his thirties, he will never outgrow The Simpsons.

Gift Guide: Mom

For a classy and put together outfit, your mom will love this turtleneck sweater. 

Because she lives for Sprinkles cupcakes. 

She's always asking for a new candle.

 For glowing skin and moisturizing lips. 

Warm and cozy for those cool winter nights. 

She's a sucker for See's Candy.

So she can practice French with you.

It takes one strong woman to raise two brave and very independent daughters.   

(Have a mother/daughter movie night and watch this documentary)

Tree in a Basket

A few weeks ago at Thanksgiving, all the women gathered around after dinner and started talking Christmas decorations, a conversation that can last a whole day in my family. My cousin was telling us how she was going to try and attempt this whole tree in a basket idea. She had saved a picture for inspiration and showed us all, I have to say it looked very homey and not silly at all. So I've decided to follow the trend this year and try it out. For a small apartment like mine, I love this small version so it's not overwhelming. What do you think? 

(image)

Gift Guide: Your Sister

A simple girly sweater to throw on for a sister brunch. 

To pretty up her desk at work but also show everyone she's boss.  

Because she is always cold.

A few things for her trip to Paris. 

She's been jealous ever since you bought this decor piece.

She may not need more makeup, but she'll love this bronzer palette.

For the office or home.

She'll appreciate this all white catchall/organizer. 

 

Gift Guide: Your Wishlist

What's on your list? 

Now that you're out of school, you can start to plan more trips. 

(It also makes for an excellent coffee table book)

Stand out and the cutest luggage tags for your next escape.

Winter appropriate mugs for your favorite cold weather drink, wassail. 

Pretty rose gold vase by your favorite brand. 

For colorful and soothing bubble baths.

Black and cool statement coasters.

Only big and ultra chunky scarves are allowed.  

For simple, easy home cooked meals and kitchens to drool over. 

The modern loafer.

You'll love this subscription service.

A classic candle.

An affordable bar-cart that will brighten up any corner.  

Giving Back

When I think of this holiday it's mostly about food, family, napping, holiday movie nights and going back for seconds. Yes, Thanksgiving is about celebrating a piece of our history and being with family but it is also a holiday about giving. How do you you help out others? This past weekend was my birthday and my family took me to Disneyland to celebrate. The first thing my sister and I did was hurry to was Space Mountain, I hadn't been on the ride in twenty years. As we were trying to figure out the line situation, a stranger gave my sister and I two of her fast pass tickets (it was a little before 10 AM and it was already a forty-five minute wait). My sister and I looked at each other, thinking did that just really happen? We thanked the woman many times and waited five minutes to get on the ride. Because of her kindness, I wanted to continue the act. I entered a holiday swap with people I don't know and gave four bucks I would have spent on a cheap and unhealthy lunch to someone who needed bus fare. So think about helping someone out that you may not know or give a lending hand this week. Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

(image)

Weekend Wrap Up...

 saturday mornings are for yoga classes and 

serious grocery shopping...

 easter dinner with the family.

 beauty and the beast...

 an excellent and busy weekend. 

gallery art.

(images via instagram)

New Year's Eve Plans

What are you plans for this New Year's Eve? A rooftop bar with friends, hosting a party or just you and your significant other watching the ball drop? Whatever you are doing and wherever you are have a lovely evening, cheers to 2016!!!  I've been sick for nearly a month so I plan to stay in, keep warm with several layers of clothes and get this cold under control. See you back here on Monday :)

Travel ideas for the new year!!!

Listen to Uptalk

Alexander Hamilton written by a kid who only listened to the musical.

(1,2,3)

Decorating the House

How do you decorate your house around the holidays? Are into a whimsical or traditional decorations? Do you go overboard with decorating your house or do you keep it minimal? Is it more winter themed than Christmas? I tend to go more for a winter theme and add little bits of Christmas decor around my apartment. 

(image via apartment therapy)

Holiday Gifts for your Brother

He'll need this to house his extensive library of books and tv shows. 

Some new sweatpants since he's been wearing the same pair since high school. 

Treat him to some lush beard and facial cream.

Challenge your brother by how many steps you can walk in a day with the new fitbit.

So he can listen to his favorite stories on his commute or working long hours.

He should have the latest pill!

He'll be crying from laughing so hard watching this show . 

Gift Ideas For Your Dad

He's extremely proud from where he came from, so get him the latest shirt from his alma mater, in my case that would be the newest bruin shirt.

Get your dad a new wallet! 

His dream is to go to Ireland to explore the coastal village where his family came from (insert whatever ethnicity your father is) , so get him an excellent travel book.  

Your dad is tech savy, surprise him with the new Apple Sport Watch.  

He doesn't have a current favorite television show because he's still hooked on his all time favorite. So treat him to the entire set, he will love it.

You know he will love the new Humans of New York Stories because he's a humanitarian at heart.