Friday, December 12, 2014

#DGYTIAT: Gift Ideas for Your Co-Workers!


Happy Friday!  We've made it to the end of the #DGYTIAT series.  If you've visited my blog everyday this week and kept up with the posts, thank you!  It's awesome to know people are reading what I'm putting together.  The last gift guide this year is for your co-workers!  This can be a tough one because you don't know what to spend or what's appropriate.  Here are my holiday gift ideas for your office mates!


1. Hot Cocoa Stick

You may recognize this Hot Cocoa Stick from my stocking stuffers post, but throw a little bow on top and it can double as a gift for your co-workers!  Who doesn't like a mid-afternoon pick me up?  And delicious hot cocoa... I mean come on!

2. Wine!!!

Nothing says "we got through this ridiculously hard year" like a bottle of wine!  I'm a white girl (yeah....) and my SIL introduced me to one of my favorites, Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio.  I've heard great things about their reds, too!

3. The Wedge

I saw this little guy a few weekends ago.  The Wedge basically holds your phone for you and keeps it propped up.  I think it's perfect to have at your desk!

4. Chocomize Bar

If you eat lunch with co-workers or even sit near them, you probably have an idea of what they like to snack on.  Chocomize lets you create a custom candy bar with all the options you can think of!

5. Hand Cream

Constant A/C (if you're in my office) can dry out your hands pretty quickly.  These little guys from Bath & Body Works are only $5 and the perfect size to keep in the office.  Plus they have amazing scents for the holidays and year round!

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I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I did!  I loved putting together my ideas for holiday gifts for anyone.  And if you're on my gift list, you may or may not have gotten a little preview this week ;)  I hope you all have an amazing (second to last shopping) weekend!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

#DGYTIAT: Gift Ideas for the Kiddos!


Happy Thursday!  Christmas is officially two weeks away!  It's pretty crazy that this year is flying by so quickly.  Today we're focusing on what to get the little ones!  Kids aren't too hard to shop for; my niece gave me her wish list almost a month ago, but it was all scribbles so she had to decode it.  My gift ideas are for kids of all ages and a couple are a bit of a flashback to my childhood... here we go!


1. Classic Sled

My sisters and I had a sled just like this one from LL Bean and we loved it!  The sturdiness of it is so much better than plastic sleds and, if you take care of it, it will last forever.  As soon as I get a big house at the top of a hill, my shed will be full of these ;)

2. Hopper Ball

The Hopper Ball is a perfect gift for high energy kids.  They come in a different animals and colors so you can find the perfect one!  And we'll hop, hop, hop, hop...what do you say??  Points if you know the reference ;)

3. Kinetic Sand

I'm sure you've seen this stuff everywhere.  The first place I played with it was at the airport (and then realized what I was doing and broke out the hand sani).  This sand is awesome because it sticks together and doesn't create a mess!

4. Art Supplies

I have two artists for sisters and when I have the time to, I like to be creative or artistic, too.  It's so important for kids to express themselves and create whatever they want!  This easel from Target is the perfect start for kids to be able to color or paint.

5. Doc McStuffins Operation

How cool is this?!  If you don't know Doc McStuffins, she's pretty popular with toddlers these days.  If you don't know Operation, you missed out!  I love that they brought a new character together with an old game... might have to pick this one up for my "Doctor" niece!

6. Vans

For some reason I love seeing kids in "grown up" shoes and Vans are the cutest.  There are so many color and pattern options to choose from, you can definitely find a pair for any age!

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Tomorrow I'll be wrapping up (pun intended) the Don't Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle holiday gift guide with ideas for you co-workers!  See you then :)

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

#DGYTIAT: Gift Ideas for Men!


Happy Wednesday!  Today we're talking men (lovers/boyfriends/husbands/brothers/dads/father-in-laws); whatever men are in your life, I'm hoping to give you some ideas for their holiday gifts!  They're not always fun to buy for (Scott wants a vacuum for Christmas rolling my eyes), but let's try to liven up gifts for the boys.


1. Gap Core Cologne

On a trip to the outlets last year, Scott and I came across this GAP cologne.  The whole outlet was on sale and they gave us a coupon, so he ended up getting a bottle for less than $10!  Since then I haven't seen this scent in regular GAP stores which is surprising because it's inexpensive and really nice!  I think this is a great scent for different personalities and it's an easy stocking stuffer :)

2. Birchbox Men

Birchbox is a really awesome subscription box for women, but they also have a monthly box catered to men!  For $20 a month, your man can receive samples of grooming and lifestyle products.  It's a great gift for men that like to try new products. 

3. Worx SD Semiautomatic Driver

When this commercial came on Scott just pointed and said "that!".  I think it's safe to say he mentally added it to his Christmas Wish List immediately.  Boys and their toys....

4. PS4

Speaking of boys and their toys; the latest and greatest PlayStation has arrived and I think it will be a pretty popular gift this year.  It has improved graphics and lots of cool games.  This is an obvious option for the gamers in your life!

5. Walking Dead DVDs

If you don't watch TWD, do yourself a favor and order these for your guy because it is the best show!  I'm not into gore at all, but this show is really more about how humanity changes and what becomes important after a zombie apocalypse.  Just watch Season 1 Episode 1 and tell me you didn't like it?!

6. Nike Dry Fit T Shirts

Nike Dry Fits were recommended to Scott from his brother-in-law, and they have officially become his go-to tee shirts.  They come in a variety of colors and are lightweight and comfy.  I may have worn one myself a time or two ;)

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Only two days left of the Don't Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle gift guides!  Leave me a comment and let me know if you're enjoying these!  Come back tomorrow for a #DGYTIAT gift guide to kids!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

#DGYTIAT: Gift Ideas for Your Momma!


Happy Tuesday!  With only 16 days until Christmas, today we're talking gifts for moms.  Moms are pretty special, and they deserve special gifts for everything they do (I'm looking at you, T)!  These gifts are perfect for your mom, mother-in-laws, grandmas, aunts and any other women who have been a mentor or significant to your life.



1. Lotions and Potions

During the holiday season lots of new bath products are rolled out and they make great gifts, especially as a treat for moms!  I'm a fan of The Body Shop, and this year they brought back a scent I love, Frosted Cranberry!

2. A Cozy Sweater

Talbots is a brand my mom loves, and every year they come out with really pretty holiday sweaters.  They are great quality, too.  I picked out a plum sweater for my mom from Talbots years ago and it is still very classic and beautiful.

3. Wise Women by Joyce Tenneson

Joyce Tenneson's book includes portraits of 80 women ages 65 to 100 and their comments and stories on what it's like to age gracefully.  I think this is an empowering and beautiful book that's inspiring to women of any age.

4. Mini Hanging Garden Kit

This is such a cool gift option for the gardner in your life!  During the cold winter months you can help bring some greenery inside with this Hanging Tillandsia Kit from my most favorite place ever ever ever... Terrain!

5. What I Love About Mom Fill in

This book is an amazing gift because it is so personal and really comes from the heart.  I got this for my mom for her birthday and filled it out over the course of a couple weeks, really thinking about each blank I was filling in.  Maybe she's just being a good momma, but she tells me she really treasures it :)

6. Coffee Mug

Pier 1 is the perfect place to find a new mug for the coffee (or tea!) lover.  They have such a great mug selection and on a rainy Saturday morning there's not much better then filling your favorite mug with a nice hot drink!

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Thanks for joining me today!  Tomorrow we'll talk gifts for you lover/spouse/hubby/bf.  Meet you back here then!

Monday, December 8, 2014

#DGYTIAT: Gift Ideas for Sisters!


Happy Monday!  Welcome to the first #DGYTIAT post - let's kick things off with Holiday Gift Ideas for your sisters!  My sisters are a huge part of my life and two of my best friends, so I love to make Christmas special for them.  And for that matter, don't limit these gift ideas to just your sisters - think of these ideas for your sister-in-law or girlfriends, too!


1. Alex and Ani Bracelets

Super cute and totally on trend, Alex and Ani offers a ton of different charms so you'll be sure to find one that fits anyone's personality.  They even have Sister and Best Friend bracelets that are really nice.  I love the beaded bangles, too because they add some color.

2. Home Decor

I love giving throw pillows as a gift because you don't have to commit to them like you would hanging a painting in your house; you can change them anytime.  Any kind of home decor is a fun gifting option, and you can DIY something to make it even more personal.  I love this retro glasses printed pillow!

3. Wine Glasses

Wine glasses are a great gift to give with.... wine!!!  And then you can plan a girls night to catch up :)  The glasses above are a cute option from Pier 1.

4. Phone Case

Phone cases are a great gifting option and there are soooo many cute ones!  Look on Etsy for unique options.  Kate Spade (who makes the critter case pictured) offers fun options and sleek, chic phone cases for any girl in your life.

5. Pajamas

The winter is all about being comfy and cozy!  Pajamas are a staple year-round, but I think they make a great holiday gift becuase you can give someone a more luxorious or fun pair.  I am obsessed with this Sushi set!  I also think the classic pink and white striped Victoria's Secret PJs are adorable.

6. Make Up

I love checking out Sephora and ULTA around the holidays because all of the holiday gift sets come out.  Usually they are not only great options, but amazing values!  This year Too Faced came out with the Beauty Wishes & Sweet Kisses palette that is so beautiful and only $34!

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Hopefully these gift ideas got your creativity going...  Come back tomorrow for gift ideas for you Mom!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Don't Get Your Tinsel In A Tangle!

Hi all!  With Christmas only 20 days away, it's time to buckle down and get that that holiday shopping done.  Don't stress if you're out of ideas, I've got your back...

You're cordially invited to join the Don't Get Your Tinsel In A Tangle holiday gift guide series!

My theory had always been to get shopping done as far ahead of time as possible, that way I can spend most of the season doing all the fun stuff - baking, decorating and the whole sha-bang!  I decided to do a series next week and will be posting gift ideas for different people in your life each day.  I'm posting every single day, 5 posts!!!, next week!


Here's what the week will look like:

Monday, 12/8: Holiday Gifts for Your Sisters
Tuesday, 12/9: Ideas for Your Momma
Wednesday, 12/10: Holiday Gifts for Men
Thursday, 12/11: Ideas for the Kiddos
Friday, 12/12: A Little Something Special for Your Co-Workers

I've mentioned before that I am not a big fan of gifting stuff.  I like to really put thought into gifts that are fun but practical and won't be immediately tossed into the return pile!  My goal with this series is also to give gift ideas that will fit into a variety of budgets.  I hope you'll join me next week for this Christmas countdown!  Happy Friday!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

November Favorites

I'm a little late to the party seeing as we're already three days into December, but it's time for another favorites!  Let's jump right in.....

1. Songs


Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars


I've been blasting this song pretty much daily (sorry neighbs) 'cause it puts me in the best mood and just can't help but dance to it.  I love how old school it sounds and it's so fun to listen to pretty much anywhere.

I'm Not the Only One - Sam Smith


And I know and I know and I know and I know and I kn-owww, I just can't get enough of this song! (You have to sing that line to the tune of the song...)  But seriously, Sam Smith's voice is like butta and it's lovely to hear someone with a really different and ah-mazing sound.

2. Memory



This month started out awesome with my momma's birthday and the Race for Hope.  I went to a paint night with my sister (in-law) and did a kitchen project with Scott.  I did some baking and house decorating, and had a fantastic Thanksgiving - it was a pretty good month!  My favorite memory was on the first of the month - my Mom's birthday.  We had so much fun surprising her all day and surrounding her with her favorite people.  And I love hosting people at my house, so to have 10 people join us for a birthday dinner was just awesome!

3. Body Product



After having an allergic reaction to about 56413454 different types of soap, I have found one (and tested if for a couple months) that I love, love, love!  I mentioned this in my Farmer's Market Favorites, but Ellen April soaps are just so heavenly I'm bringing them up again.  The suds up nicely and smell incredible, a new bar was the first thing on my Christmas wish list this year!

4. Thing/Accomplishment/Brag-Time



Scott and I did our kitchen back splash all by ourselves!!!  And we didn't even want to kill each other after!!!  The picture above isn't the latest, we added outlet covers and caulked the bottom edge, but here's a look at our masterpiece!  I'll be posting before and after pictures of the kitchen once it's 100% done, but I am so damn proud of that back splash.  It was a time-consuming, not super fun, but easy project, and I'm just glad we were able to do it (and save $500!).

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I hope you all had a great month and be sure to check back on Friday because I'm announcing an exciting new series that will be happening here next week!  See you then :)