Cyber Monday Roundup + Charitable Brands That Give Back

Happy Monday, Cyber Monday that is. Personally, I think you get better deals today than on Friday AND you get to shop while in your pj's with a Hallmark movie playing in the background! Win-win situation!

 In addition to the regular retail deals and sales I wanted to roundup some brands and products that are making a difference during this busy shopping season. I have listed some AMAZING life-changing brands below, where I'm sure you will be abale to find a ton of gift ideas + give back at the same time. 
Happy shopping!!!

Thankful

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

I can't believe I am already saying that! This Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a minute and share a few things that I am truly thankful for. I hope you take some time today and this weekend and just write down every little blessing.

Gift Guide for the White Elephant Party | Under $40

Bath & Body Works relief line (body lotion, body wash, body scrub) | mirrored sunglasses ($12)| succulents ($15)| Sugarfina 3-piece box set ($28) | portable charger ($20) | oversized sweater ($22) | crossbody purse ($22) | wine glass set ($36) | snow globe ($21) | Himalayan salt lamp ($20) | Starbucks tumbler ($15 local Starbucks)  | throw blanket ($29)

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!!

I'm sure many of you today are traveling to be with family, doing lots of food prep and last minute shopping. Today I'll be heading to COSTCO to pick up the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal, Pumpkin Pie!! What about you do you prefer Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple pie?

If they haven't all ready, Christmas parties will soon start ramping up and your gift list is going to be all over the place trying to get the perfect gift to fit the theme at all the parties. A common party that you'll probably be attending at least once this holiday season is a white elephant party. Basically, the premise of a white elephant gift exchange is that you show up with one gift, draw numbers to see who goes first, and then let the opening begin. As every participant unwraps their gifts, they can steal away the other's newly acquired goods. Super fun and you really can bring whatever gift you would like. It could be a silly gift or it could be a really unique one that most would never think to gift. 

What parties are you looking forward to this season? Do you have a favorite white elephant gift that you give? 

Gift Guide for the Caffeine & Foodie Friend

Starbucks gift card | coffee snob mug ($14) | Peets dark grounds ($12) | holiday blend k cups ($14) | Starbucks variety k cup pack ($25) | Starbucks cup ornament (local Starbucks shop) | Lush coffee body scrub ($12) | French press ($50) | coffee guide print art ($14) | Starbucks Italian grounds ($11) | stainless steel straws ($6) | Starbucks sticker ($3) | iced coffee sticker ($3) | coffee now crew ($80) | Kate Spade thermal ($18) | marble tumbler ($30) | syrup gift set ($30)

popcorn maker ($40) | popcorn cheese seasonings ($24) | caramel popcorn ($9) | Hellofresh gift card | Mayan hot chocolate ($12) | merlot infused coffee beans ($20) | coconut jam ($12)| champagne gummy bear chocolate bar ($12)| veggie spiralizer ($28) | edible cookie dough ($50) | hot sauce gift set ($40) | marble rolling pin ($25) | Chipotle gift card | Sugarfina champagne bubbles ($7)

Today's gift guide is probably my favorite so far because how can you go wrong with coffee or food!!! I got the munchies while writing up this post and had to restrain myself from consuming more than one cup of coffee. ;) Food themed gifts is a great opportunity to be unique in your gift giving and really make the recipient feel special and that you put a lot of thought into the gift.

Do you have a foodie/caffeine lover on your shopping list this season?

Gift Guide for the Beauty Guru

ipsy beauty box gift card | Drybar gift card | chocolate soap bars ($28) | gingerbread house set ($42) | cleaning brush glove ($39) | flawless base set ($20) | makeup travel bag ($25) | beauty blender duo ($25) |  BYREDO hand cream ($36) | mask sampler kit ($25) | light up cosmetic mirror ($22) | Fresh sugar lip collection ($38) | beauty blender holder ($6)

spinning lipstick organizer ($40) | dead sea mud mask ($15) | Naked heat palette ($54) | diamond sponge ($10) | Nars gift set ($24) | makeup spinning organizer ($27) | makeup pouch ($18) | wow brush ($23) | Too Faced "under the kissletoe" set ($25) | NYX lip set ($39) | IKEA makeup drawer organizer ($129) | rollerball gift set ($28) | Kiehl's dry relief duo ($16)

Happy Thanksgiving week friends!!!

I don't know about you but I absolutely love experimenting with makeup products...basically, I'm a wannabe beauty guru hence the iconic IKEA drawers I included that every Youtuber and their mother has!!!

Beauty is such a great gift during the holidays — from makeup brushes to fragrances, eyeshadows to lipsticks — you can find affordable gifts or go for something luxe that your loved one wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. It's a great time for you to not only gift fun beauty products but you also have total freedom to ask for items that are out of your comfort zone so you can test out new products. 

What beauty/skincare product are you absolutely dying to try???

Gift Guide for the Fitness Friend

bluetooth headphones | sports bra | exercise mat | long sleeve | jacket | "green juice" gummy bears | Rx bars | armband | white Adidas | cargo Adidas | gym bag | high-waisted grey leggings | Fitbit Alta | pink tubular Adidas | high waist midi leggings | Adidas grey | floral print capri leggings 

A common new year goal of many is to get in shape and lead a healthier life. I personally think today's gift guide would be great for literally ANYONE, to encourage them to start 2018 on a health kick. These fitness gifts would also be highly loved by the friend who is always off to their favorite Soulcycle, Crossfit, Zumba, or weight class. Who doesn't love new leggings and cute sneakers!? Also, I was SO excited to come across green juice gummy bears...hello 2017!!! This is such a fun unique gift to give to your fitness friend and family members!

Gift Guide for the Fashionista + Jewelry Lover

Fri-Yay loafers | fashion book | wool hat | pom-pom key chain | sequin bomber jacket | aviator sunglasses | handbag | faux fur earmuffs | marble iPhone case | dupe Gucci belt | velvet joggers | chevron faux fur | eyelashes ball cap | loafer mules  

Cartier dupe | tassel fringe | trinket tray | double stud pearls | mantra bands: She Believe She Could, Enjoy The Journey, Dream | trinket tree | ear crawlers | initial bar pendant | gold stackable rings | piñata tassel | spinning initial | bar pendant | crystal bangle | white agate jewelry box | GLAMring holder | Alex & Ani bangle

Happy Friday ladies!!! Wow, Black Friday is a WEEK from today! I feel like I just published my first gift guide on November 1st!

Today's gift guide is for that chica in your life who is always on top of the currents trends and is always the one you and your friends go to for fashion advice.  Having to shop for someone who is obsessed with the latest fashion can sometimes be intimidating and challenging because there's SO much you could get for them. These are some great starting point items to get you going and crossing the fashionista off your Christmas shopping list. 

What is a favorite current trend of yours at the moment?

Gift Guide for the Hostess

gold dipped glasses | marble coasters | Sugarfina holiday candy | dish towels | faux fur wine bag | copper measuring cups | wood salad bowl | Kate Spade book | monogram board | mistletoe candle | pink Himalayan salt | mocha hot chocolate | black tip matches | lavender and cedarwood lotion set

Okay, ladies Thanksgiving is next week!! I guess you could say it's the official start of the Holiday season. No matter your age or whether you have a big family gathering, a Friendsgiving dinner, or a holiday soiree, bringing a hostess gift is always appropriate. It's the season to give to others and if someone is so kind to host a party, the least you can do is give a little something back. 

A very common and classic hostess gift might be a nice candle or a quality hot chocolate mix. However, I've gathered a few more fun and unique, and still perfectly appropriate, gifts in this hostess guide. Who wouldn't love to receive some gourmet candy or a set of lavender lotion!?

What is your favorite thing to give as a hostess gift? 

Advent Calendar Roundup

1. 24 Days of Tea | 2. NYX Lippie Countdown | 3. QVC 24 Piece Kit | 4. Mrs. Prindable Sweet Treats | 5. Nail Polish | 6. L'Occitane | 7. No7 Beauty | 8. Ritual Advent | 9. Atelier Cologne | 10. Clinique Holiday Swag Box | 11. OLE Glow Skincare

The Advent season officially begins on December 3rd, so whether you countdown from the official start of Advent or start your countdown on December 1st, you'll find the perfect Advent Calendar in today's roundup. The typical Advent Calendar has boxes of chocolate that you open every day of Advent but how fun would it be to open a new beauty or skincare product for 12-24 days!!? Yes, please! These are also some fun ideas to give as gifts to the Thanksgiving or holiday hostess!

Do you use an Advent Calendar? Do you like a chocolate one or a beauty theme?

Brunch Notes: November 11

Happy best day, SATURDAY!! Grab a latte and let's spend our Saturday a.m. together catching up on recent happenings this week.

 How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season on Life To Lauren

 Thanksgiving Outfit Guide on Fran Acciardo 

Trader Joe's has all the Thanksgiving things out right now. They have turkey stuffing kettle chips which sound super weird but I'm really intrigued to try them. 

I think having a Friendsgiving would be SOO much fun, especially with fellow bloggers!!!

 

Pieces for Killer Thanksgiving Outfits on Dash of Serendipity 

How This Woman Went From Wanting Marriage, Family, and Success to Having It All in Just One Year on Verily Magazine

4 Women on How They Prep for the Workweek on The Everygirl 

These Steve Madden Mules are currently on sale this weekend for under $50 and are perfect for basically all seasons.  

Really want to make this salad for Thanksgiving dinner...mostly just for the Feta cheese.

I screamed out loud when I saw this new Halo Top flavor!!! Life goal: have a freezer dedicated to all things Halo Top.

 

 Anyone else strategically plan out and tape all the Hallmark Christmas movies?

Gift Guide for the College Girl

planner | gift cards to Ulta, Target, Starbucks | fairy lights | daily tote bag | wireless headphones | portable charger | essential oils | waterproof bluetooth speaker | slippers | naked eyeshadow palette | roller ball perfumes | makeup remover wipes | travel coffee mug | hydro flask | face masks | graze healthy snack box | K cups | footie blanket 

I am really excited to introduce today's gift guide because almost everyone knows or has a college girl in their life. There are so many things that I took for granted before I went to college like having my own bathroom or little things like being able to light a candle and have that whole cozy homey feel. One of the items that I want to give a special highlight is the Pedi Pocket blanket with a foot pocket. This is probably one of the best gifts for any college student because I know I found myself many nights in the library or even in my dorm where my legs and feet would get so cold and I would just want to curl up while studying. This will be college gals new BFF. 

I definitely put myself in this gift guide and thought about what I would be ecstatic to receive as a gift and not have to worry about getting it myself. What seems like a small gift like makeup wipes will actually make any college girl SO happy!  

What is something that you love to gift college gals? 

Gift Guide for the Cozy Homebody

faux fur collar robe | Hygge book |  year of cozy book | lavender & vanilla candle | faux fur stocking | twinkling fairy lights | eye mask | door mat | Hallmark movies | boyfriend sweater | dessert tea | striped pajama set | Himalayan salt lamp | pom pom beanie | sherpa throw | cable knit socks | fa la la la la latte pullover  

Welcome to the second edition of the holiday gift guides!

 Today's gift guide is for the person who's favorite place is home! Aka, homebody. This was honestly so fun to make and I totally wrote this while snuggled up in a plush blanket! ;) I think we all have a little homebody in all of us so really I think anyone would be thrilled to receive any of these cozy items. All cozy routines need to include a Hallmark movie, because obviously. It also should include some low lights or candles. And of course after you curl up with basically what feels like a cloud, you have to pour yourself a warm beverage, and the Stash dessert teas are so decadently perfect. I don't know about you but I am totally ready for a movie night after this post! Also, I think I need to change everything on my Christmas list now!! 

Do you have a favorite go-to tea or favorite way to unwind? 

Gift Guide for the Ladyboss

Winter Coat Roundup + Current Podcasts

Happy Friday!!! 

Depending on where you live, you might have to pull out your winter coat pretty soon is you haven't already. Friends in the Midwest already had their first snowfall so coat season is in full swing for them. Then there's the Pacific NW where I've never really had to get big puffer jackets...the biggest coat that you really need here is a wool coat. Personal preference I guess. There is some ADORABLY chic outerwear this season and honestly, it was so hard to narrow down this roundup. ;)

30 Ways Of Showing Gratitude This November

Happy November! The last couple of weeks gratitude has been on my heart. It might be because it's Thanksgiving month or that waking up everyday there seems to be a tragedy somewhere in the world. (update: I originally wrote this post before the attack in NYC yesterday. Please lift up all those involved in your prayers. Never take your days for granted) Whatever the reason I wanted to do a little something to start getting us in the Thanksgiving spirit as well as maybe get us thinking of some New Year resolutions to adopt in 2018. I had the college girl, the busy 9-5 working women and even a mom on the go in mind when writing this post. Don't let your circumstances keep you from showing and experiencing gratitude this November. If there's a will there's a way, right!?