… friday five …

photo : www.craftlovely.com

  with all the past gift guide blogging, i'm exhausted!  i intend on spending the upcoming weekend finishing christmas shopping for my family and then enjoying our holiday traditions.  one tradition includes gathering in my mom's kitchen and baking cookies.  i can recall doing this ever since i was a little girl with my sisters, mom, grandmother, and my cousins.  it's one of my fondest memories :)

i'm certain we'll be baking chocolate chip cookies.  how can you not at christmas time?! i'd like to try this recipe.  it's the chocolate chip cookie recipe from the New York Times and claims to be the BEST chocolate chip recipe of all time.  pretty hefty claim.  only one way to find out! here's a slightly different version of chocolate chip cookies.  jessica of how sweet eats has this recipe for brown butter oatmeal chunk cookies.  yum!

this year, i'd like to attempt baking these "peanut better balls".  angela of ohsheglows created this recipe and it looks ahhh-mazing.  it's a re-vamped holiday treat which she's made to be "healthier" and lighter.  it's also vegan and gluten-free. and... what's better than chocolate and peanut butter together?!  in my opinion, nothing!  another fun christmas "cookie" recipe for homemade peppermint patties via mel's kitchen cafe.

speaking of traditions,  there's nothing better than sitting by the fire, sipping hot chocolate, and listening to christmas carols.  so comfy, so cozy!  here's an awesome list of christmas tunes to rock out to and put you in the holiday spirit.
you must try this nutella hot chocolate recipe via clara at clara persis blog.  it sounds to die for!  and, while we're at it, this recipe for nutella stuffed brown butter & sea salt chocolate chip cookies will definitely help to meet the nutella quota for the year. and, lastly, peppermint chocolate spoons?!  why have i never thought of it before?!?! it seems like an absolute must for stirring in hot chocolate.

traveling over the holidays?  here are a few essential items to pack to look put together and ready to celebrate!  go for dressy casual with this skirt, this sweater, and these boots.  be sure to layer on an infinity scarf which an absolute must this season.  here's a cute one from jcrew and on sale, too!  find every color available here for an infinity scarf.  or, glam it up with a pair of faux leather pants found here, here, and here and an oversized sweater found here, here, here, and here.   if you really want to sparkle and shine, wear this top! this brocade top has a cool festive look, too!  stack on these rings and this NARS nail polish is the perfect red for your nails.  i'm loving the weekend bag featured above.

i'm hoping to be able to start a holiday tradition of taking a picture of my littles in front of the christmas tree. i say hoping because they never seem to sit still long enough for me to capture a sweet moment.  with high hopes of being able to snap a pic, i'm going to read up on how to take pictures in front of a christmas tree here.

lastly, i'll be taking a blogging break over the next two weeks.  if you like what you see & read, please show me some love!   sign up now (found to the left of the blog page) to get chanes of love in your email or follow on google+ or bloglovin.  

i wish everyone a happy & healthy holiday season and a happy new year.  be present with those around you & cherish the time with your loved ones!  ENJOY! see you in 2014! 

holiday gift ideas for him & her ...

Click to view holiday shopping on GLOSSI.COM

  i've created one last digital gift guide to help finish the holiday shopping!  one week until christmas eve! where has the time gone ?!

stocking stuffers

clare vivier clutch  // monogrammed pendant necklace // tie dye hair tie set // forever 21 pompom hat // 'hello sunsine' cell phone case // bobbi brown skincare set // monogrammed correspondence cards // faux fur snood // old navy slippers (similar) // monomgrammed pendant bracelet // bobbi brown sheer lip color // glitter monogram pouch  // essie 'encrusted holiday 2013' nail polish // essie 'over the edge' nail polish // essie 'luxeffects' topcoat nailpolish // kate spade stud earrings // sonia kashusk 10pc brush set (available in stores only!)

need a stocking stuffer idea(s)?  well here's a few…or more!  sometimes the best and most fun present can be found in the stocking!  and, clearly i'm loving the monogrammed trend.  you simply can't go wrong with a gift that is personalized exactly for that special person!

happy shopping!

sparkle & shine : a gilded gift guide ...

gold elbow patch sweater // keds for kate spade  // kate spade mini bow earrings // kate spade bangle // cell phone case // sabine sequin maxi skirt //  topshop make-your-own wristband // plated gold votives //  metallic heart tee // initial hair tie //  sugar paper polka dot journal // essie nail polish // wayf crop sequin pant //  leather envelope clutch // michael kors slim runway watch  // UGG glitter loafer // kate spade scented candle // bobbi brown shimmer compact // hat & mitten set //  dogeared FAITH necklace //

i recently read that glitter is the new black. i couldn't agree more!  make it gold & glitter and any look is fabulous!  seriously, how can you go wrong ?!

here are a few more fun glittery and gold options:

gold shimmer sweater // sabine beaded tank // gold polkadot notebook // kate spade cell phone case
marc jacobs crossbody bag // marc jacobs wallet // kate spade stud earrings // moon & lola monogrammed earrings // house of harlow sunburst necklace // anthropologie wrap bracelet // catbird threadbare rings // h&m hair elastics // madewell shimmer tshirt dress // h&m chiffon dress // keepsake the label foiled leopard sheath dress // aidan mattox sequin & tulle dress (this is a favorite!! online only!!) // sonia kashuk 10 piece makeup set (in stores only!) // kate spade passport holder // h&m mini 'love' wallet // jcrew cap toe pump // kate spade 'liza' pump

gift guide for the littles

  teepee  // wooden bowling game  // tickle monster book  // dominoes set  // usa puzzle  // butterfly suit  // wooden wand  //  deluxe band kit //  skateboard // balance bike // sewing kit // design-your-own superhero cape // castle playhouse // design-your-own helmet  //

toys! toys! toys!  little kids absolutely LOVE waking on christmas morning to see what has been left underneath the tree!  spoil your little ones this year by checking out some of these unique gifts.

teepees are all the rage this year and allow for great imaginative play or a cool hangout.  i love the one above but here are some cute others : here, here, and here.  Be sure to include this and these campfire toys for the ultimate campout!

let your little one build beyond their imagination with blocks of all sorts.  find some here, here, here, here, and here (these may be my favorite!).  there are so many to choose from!

who doesn't love to put together a puzzle and feel a sense of accomplishment once complete?!  i know i do!  check out this, this (so cute for lil ballerinas!), these are all fun ones!

let your little budding artist's creativity run wild with all these great arts & crafts options.  here are paint supplies a-plenty and an art surplus jar here!  let them color the earth here or design your own doll kit here (both on sale!!).  use this  or this easel to paint a masterpiece.

pretend to be in the band and rock out! get ready for a jam session with this or this great (maybe?!) toy.

im loving this blanket and this plush toy for babies!  and you can never go wrong with sophie the
giraffe.

gifts for the hostess with the mostess ...

john & kira's chocolate // anthropologie baking collection // le creuset baking tools // red fox gourmet gift basket // west elm printed bowls // monogram mug // modern house wines // votive candle // "tipsy" monogrammed wine glasses // anthropologie apron // coffee cold brew kit // personalized cutting board // address embosser // personalized note cards // gold trim agate coasters 

  today's post is gift ideas for the girl who is a lovely hostess.  she could be either just learning to find her way in the kitchen and needs those "perfect pieces" for hostessing a gathering, or she is the girl who already has everything and you have no idea of what to get her!  for this post, i collaborated with my sister who has amazing taste in the kitchen, both literally and figuratively.  she's always on top of what the best products are! check out our picks:

1.  trifle dish:  

     Far and away, the trifle dish is my favorite serving piece.  It adds height to any food display, and offers up a fun way to serve salads, candies, and, obviously, trifles.  As most people don’t already own one, it makes a great gift for a hostess. You can find an inexpensive trifle dish at Home Goods, Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond.  To spice things up, throw in a package of some fun popcorn (this year’s new go-to food for parties) like these snacks from Red Fox Gourmet.  

       

2.  personalized stationary & accessories:

     In the days of tweets, likes, and text messages, nothing is classier than an old fashioned personalized thank you card or note.   This season, black and white with gold accents is all the rage…thank you Great Gatsby.   You can order personalized stationary from etsy, tinyprints, vista print, minted, paperstyle or this pink quatrefoil design from paige simple.  Additional options—and you can be almost positive your hostess doesn’t already have these—are an embosser or a wax seal kit.

3.  fun wine guide:

     So your hostess isn’t a natural born sommelier? I can relate…I don’t dare purchase wine as a gift because I’m not knowledgeable enough to know a good bottle unless someone tells me.  This scratch and sniff wine guide is both educational and fun.

4.  personalized cutting board:

     This is such a great piece to break out for parties, whether to use for cutting or to use as a serving piece. Perfect for the hostess or the newlyweds.

5.  candles:

     You can’t beat the clean smell (perfect for masking smelly kitchen scents) from the Clean, Crisp, White Votivo candle.

6.  personalized wine glasses:

     Because anyone who’s frequently hosting parties ALWAYS needs more vessels to serve their guests alcohol.  Traditional monogram version available here, and fun “tipsy” version here.

7.  le creuset spatulas:

     The. Best. You can never have too many. Wrap them up with a pretty ribbon and pair them with a matching dish towel or oven mitt.  These things are amazing for spooning out every last drop of batter from a bowl, and they’re pretty indestructible…they’ve survived more than one accidental drive into my spinning kitchen aid mixer.

8.  food gifts:

     Food gifts are always a safe bet.  John and Kira’s chocolates was started by a couple in West Philly who work with the local school kids and used ingredients grown in the school gardens. They still use locally sourced ingredients.  Red Fox Gourmet is another Philly business that offers up creative spins on delicious snacks—this one started by one of my sister’s college roommates who gave up her career in PR for culinary school.  She's created delicious and wholesome snacks with no artificial ingredients or additives.

9.  simple white platters:

     I have several of these Crate and Barrel white platters and I use them constantly, no matter the occasion.  All foods look great when displayed against a simple white backdrop, and the minimal lip makes it easy to maximize space for plating.  Every kitchen needs a handful in both the square and rectangular sizes.

10.  alcohol:

     Obviously…right?  Want your bottle of wine or six pack of beer to stand out from the rest of the party attendees? Your hostess will give it another look with these cute ways to dress up your booze. Thank you, Pinterest.  Throw your six pack of beer into a mini cooler with some lemons/limes/oranges and a bottle opener.  Wrap your wine bottle in a pretty dish towel, or pair it with gourmet olives, a bottle of olive oil, or a load of French bread.

gift guide for fitness junkies ...

(lululemon ear warmer, asics sneakers, headbands, the mat, nike top, bkr water bottle, athleta tank top, the towel,  lululemon bag, jump rope,  asics sneakers,  athleta pant, beats by dre headphones, polar FT4 heart rate monitor, athleta zip-up, nike tights)

  here it is!  this post is full of gift ideas for the fitness junkie in your life.  i had the hardest time narrowing it down to the above products so here's more:

tops:  look here at this fabletics top.  Kate Hudson is a collaborator!  i'm loving this lululemon top here.  it looks so comfy & cozy! you can never go wrong with this underamour top here or this nike top here and here!  this is a fun top for yoga or the gym.

pants: love this lululemon pant! find a fun print on this athleta pant and these asics pant.  these underamour pants look perfect for winter running!

accessories: it's no surprise that i'm a lululemon junkie, especially their new online-only collection. check out this scarf, this bag, these legwarmers! i want it all!  these tights and these socks are super cute too!

happy shopping!

gift guide for girls ...

hunter wellies,  crystal crush pins,  jewelmint necklaces, bobbi brown gift set, jcrew ceramic jewlery tray, initial ring,  the lip scrub by sara happ, dior sparkling nail powders set, engraved bracelet, michael kors watch, forever 21 denim, anthropologie sweater, calypso st barth hat, zara checked scarf, cuyana leather tote

  wow! i love everything on this list!  can you blame me?!  fingers crossed mrs. claus will be sending some of these items my way :)

happy shopping!

gift guide for guys ...

beats by dre headphones, craft beer of the month club, nike flyknit one+ sneakers, jcrew hat & scarf, 'get shit done' coffee mug, kiehl's gift set, thomas pink tie, samsung galaxy gear, thomas pink shirt, patagonia shirt, hawkings mcgill wool derby shoe, billabong beanie, patagonia jacket 

 hello december!  it's time to begin holiday shopping if you haven't already.  today begins a series of posts to  help you buy for your loved ones.  above are some great gifts any guy would love to receive! tell me, what are you hoping to give or get ?!

i know mine would especially love the patagonia shirt & jacket…throw in anything surfing related and he'd be stoked. 

happy shopping!

thanksgiving prep

(photo via the kitchen) 

  with Thanksgiving being right around the corner (seriously, how did that happen?!), i've been scouring the internet for great recipes and decorations.  ok, ok...let's be serious…we all know that i don't cook.  i'm completely content with leaving the turkey to my sister and mom.  but, i think if i ever were left to plan a thanksgiving meal this would be the first thing i consult.

at any rate, i can follow a recipe and am thinking of attempting this … and this … and this.  Let's not forget about drinks and dessert … OMG that looks delish!

(photo via a pumpkin and a princess)

and, i can certainly appreciate all things pretty and am dying over the decorations pictured above.  i mean, how beautiful is the gold themed table!  this is certainly doable!  (follow instructions here or simply purchase gold Krylon spray paint!)  then, include this … and this …. and these …sprinkle a little of this and voila! the table is set!

( via shoptomkat.com )

last but not least, send your friends & family home with cute leftover packaging.  what a neat idea!  find printables here.

happy thanksgiving!  tell me…what are you planning on doing & making ?!