Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts & Accessories for Him

 

{Click on the pictures for links to purchase.}

Special Day

Twenty-nine years ago my daddy celebrated his birthday with the best birthday gift he ever received, me! It has always been incredible to share this special day with him. Even though we are a million miles away from each other right now, we will still celebrate together. Cheers to a wonderful day!



 

Sundance

Last Saturday after work, Bryan and I went to Sundance with two of our friends, TJ and Alyssa. The 2012 Sundance Redford Film Series showed five of Robert Redford's films in his own screening room at the Sundance Resort on various dates throughout the fall. The only one we were able to go see was Jeremiah Johnson, which is one of Bryan's favorite movies.

 

We arrived at the resort in time to have drinks and dessert at the Owl Bar before the film started. Everything in the bar was full of character and we even got to see the cellar underneath where the reserve is stored. {Only because they were having problems with one of the hoses at the bar and it runs through the floor.}

 

 

We were served complimentary popcorn to enjoy the movie. It was pretty cool getting to see one of Redford's older movies on a huge screen.  

 

 

Everything is closely knit together at the resort, with streams running throughout and bridges to cross over them. Lights were up and the whole place was beautiful. It is amazing what all Redford has done in this area throughout the years. I can hardly wait to go back and see it in the daylight.



Accessories for Her

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend. We spent Thursday night with a group of friends, celebrating with turkey, pumpkin pie and lots more other delicious dishes. Bryan got to hunt and fish, while I had to spend my days at the boutique. I was wiped out after the craziness of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Did you all find any good deals over the weekend or on Cyber Monday yesterday? I could not get the Gifts for Him up on Friday so I'll combine it with Accessories for Him this week. Here are some accessories for your sister, mother, friends or even yourself!



 

 

Tis The Season

After a day of Thanksgiving yesterday, it's time to get up and work off all that turkey by breaking out the Christmas decorations! Tis the season to be merry and bright!

 

via

Thanksgiving



World Market Finds

Do you have anything baking in your oven yet? Mine is getting turned on in a little bit to start cooking everything that can be made a day in advance. I'm even going to get all of the breakfast food ready tonight so that when Bryan and I get up in the morning we can relax and not have to make anything. Well, I am going to throw the appetizers in crock pots. That is the beauty of not having to cook the turkey this year!

 

Yesterday I went with friends to an afternoon movie date to see Breaking Dawn Part 2. It is by far the best out of all of the movies. The acting still isn't superb, and we don't have to watch Bella and Edward being awkward and looking at each other the whole time, but they have come along way since the first film. After I left the movies, I swung by World Market to pick up a couple of things. I snapped a picture of these cute stag glasses the other day when I was in there and decided to go back and get them. I think they will be a perfect addition to the bar at Christmas time, and even other times of the year since they are sorta "mountain-ish."

 

via

 

Don't worry, I'm not going crazy over a bunch of stag stuff, but I really like this doormat for our back door. A little over the top or cute?

 

via

 

I spend way too much time in this store browsing the aisles. One of my newest finds is this Sof'ella Sour Cream Coffee Cake. I have a fantastic coffee cake recipe that I have used for years and this boxed stuff is pretty darn close to it, and much easier.

 

via

I have a $10 credit and I think I am going to use it for this tray. My bathroom storage isn't great and I'm contemplating putting some of my lotions and perfumes together on the vanity, to the left of the sink.

via

 

 The list of things that I like at this store can go on and on. I hit it up at least once a week since it is about 3 minutes from my house--dangerous, I know. Lastly, I found this Trina Turk blouse at Nordstroms last week. They only had it in an xs, which I thought was just a tad bit too short in length. I came home, googled it, and found it on sale!

via

I'm off to take Ivy for a walk and then start my day of cooking. Enjoy the rest of your holiday week and I'll see you back here when you are stuffed or exhausted from shopping.

..........................

Also, one of my dearest friends, who is actually my sorority little sis, is hosting her first giveaway on her blog, Kara's Stories. Go over and follow her, not only because she is hilarious, sweet, AND beautiful, but because she is going to Vegas next week and will be picking up a special treat for a follower while she is there! I love this pic of us from NYC last year at Regis and Kelly. Click here to read her blog and help her get 100 followers.



Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

I've made my lists and done my shopping, now all I have to do is figure out what dishes I am going to cook tomorrow and what I am going to wait and cook on Thanksgiving morning. After two stops at the liquor store I have champagne for mimosas and fixings for coffee cake. Are you ready for the craziness of Black Friday? I'm hitting up a few stores before I spend the day at the boutique. Here are a few gift idea for the lovely women in your life {or for yourself}.

 

Lately...

Good morning, friends! Can you believe that it is already Thanksgiving week? Where has the year gone? I can't believe we are celebrating Thanksgiving and that Christmas is just around the corner. Last year I had finished all of my shopping by this time. This year I'm not quite that close, but I know pretty much what all I am buying for others. Last week my friend, Alyssa, and I walked all over Park City's Main Street and went into all of the shops that we hadn't been in to see yet. We ate lunch at The Eating Establishment, and after eyeing all of the brunch food I'm definitely going back for it. The fish tacos were yummy, with a hint of tangy lime in the sauce.

 

 

I cannot tell you how much ski equipment I have looked at the past couple of weeks. It's like people are speaking another language and I am completely clueless when it comes to knowing what looks good I need. Luckily I've had a few friends that know what they are doing helping me make decision. I had skis and boots picked out and on hold so Bryan could see them before I purchased them, but when he went to pick them up, they were nowhere to be found. Talk about ticked. Finally the boots were found, but no skis. And when it comes to helmet/goggle combos I've tried a lot of those, too. Here I am in a youth helmet, which actually fit really well.

 

 

On Friday I went to Salt Lake City and spent the whole day there while Bryan worked. It might be a tad bit dangerous that there are two Nordstrom Racks that are easy to find. This was my favorite find of the day: a red Kate Spade purse for $160, which was originally over $450.

 

 

I didn't get this DVF dress, but I loved the leather at the top and the same matching color under the lace at the bottom.

 

 

Alyssa met me in SLC for lunch and we ate at a healthy food place called Roots Cafe. My salad had spinach, beets, strawberries, goat cheese, turkey and a balsamic dressing. The beet and kale drink juice was heavenly, too.

 

 

And lastly, I've heard many of you mention lately how cute LOFT has gotten recently. I went into one just to look around and was blown away. Tons of cute stuff! There was an adorable red scarf with embroidered gold polka dots that I almost bought. I did get a few shirts that were on the sale rack, which were an extra 40% off.

 

 

Hummm, that's about all that I've got to share with you this morning. Are you all enjoying the Holiday Gift Guides? Thoughts or feedback on them? Tomorrow it will be gifts "For Her." I hope you all had a great weekend--it's going to be a short week this week!



Tibi + Ebay Holiday Collection

Did you know that Tibi is a part of Ebay's Holiday Collection this year? Designer Amy Smilovic created five different comfy tees and sweatshirts that are reasonably priced, by Tibi standards. There is a limited quantity and will only be able for purchase for a short time during the holidays. Personally, I love the simplicity of the grey and black. How cute is the penguin?!

 

 

I'm leaning toward this last shirt, the one above. I think that these could easily be layered under sweaters or cardigans, or you can wear them alone for a casual, comfy look. Pair any of them with red jeans or leggings for a very vestive outfit. I can imagine wearing this Christmas morning while opening gifts.

 



What do you think? Is it just me or are these tops cute? I hope you all are enjoying  your weekend!

Thanksgiving Table: Rustic + Charming

A table's decor can make or break a festive event. But don't think that you have to break the budget to make it look fabulous and glam. For the tablescape that I created below, most of the items are pretty basic and can be found at local stores--Pier1, Michael's, Hobby Lobby or even Wal-Mart. The gold chargers are less than $2 each and can be used again at Christmas and New Years. Look around your home to see if you have a basket, box or container that could work as your planter. Silk florals can be found at a craft store or get a bunch of fresh florals from your grocery store--you don't have to get them from the florist and pay a pretty penny. Depending on if you want faux or real white pumpkins, both are at the craft store or grocery store, too. Voila! You have a beautiful, yet inexpensive, festive Thanksgiving table.
 

{Click on the picutre to purchase each item.}

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

 

Are you looking for the perfect stocking stuffers? There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. One thing about stocking stuffers is that you don't want them to cost a lot. It takes quite a few of them to fill up an entire stocking. I tried to keep the prices of all of these reasonable, but I did add a few that are a little bit more expensive and would be great if you and others are filling stockings together. All of these trinkets make me want to break out my stockings, hang them by the fireplace and wait for Santa.



{Remember to click on the pictures to show you prices and where each item can be purchased.}

Snowshoeing

On Sunday evening our first friends from home came to visit! Adam and Briana had been to Las Vegas for his sister's birthday and decided to keep driving and come see us. Adam and Bryan had big plans for mountain biking, unfortunately fortunately mother nature had other plans. I'm not sure how much snow we got at our house, but the resorts had at least 30 inches.

The first stop on Monday was Olympic Park. I always read something new and interesting each time I visit it. It sill blows my mind that we live right next to it.

 

After lunch at one of our favorite sandwich shops, we headed out to snowshoe for the rest of the afternoon. None of us had ever done it before and we all had so much fun. I told Bryan that we are going to have to buy some snowshoes. It will be a great thing to do with people who don't want to ski the whole time they visit.

 

 

I'm not sure what prompted me, but I had to eat some snow. I also felt the urge to jump in the huge drifts and make snow angels. As long as I stay warm I'm all about playing in the snow. It was in the low 20's when we went out, but all I wore was a silk thermal top and fleece, which made me plenty warm.

 

 

For dinner we went to one of my favorite restaurants, the High West Distillery. Adam and Briana said it was the highlight of eating on their trip.

 

 

Everyone's food was delish. Bryan had a burger and I had pulled pork on top of three golden fried yellow tomatoes. My goal is to find some of the thick glasses that the distillery uses for all of their drinks. Bryan loves the size and feel of them.

 

 

Bryan had to take a picture of the piano in the transit center. Most places have signs that say not to play the piano, this one is quite the opposite--they want you to sit down and play. Briana made the comment that it was the nicest transit center she had ever seen. It's true, it is very clean, warm and pretty.

 

 

We had a wonderful time together! It makes me happy to have extra people in our house visiting. I wonder who will come see us next? Have a great day!

Holiday Gift Guide: 50 Under $50

It's up, it's up--the first of the Holiday Gift Guides! It is a little bit later in the day than I had planned, but we had company leave this morning and then I thought my computer crashed. {huge panic} I hope you find some goodies! Be sure to click on the pictures to take you to the links that will show you where to make purchases.

 



 

 

Simple Christmas List

First of all, it is killing me, KILLING me to be talking about Christmas this early. Like I said last week, I like to get through one holiday at a time. I actually have two to get through before I start celebrating the Christmas season, Thanksgiving and then my birthday. Once those two are over I pull out the Christmas decor, turn on the carols and start lighting the eggnog candles. The reason that I am posting about Christmas today is because I am staring my holiday shopping guides tomorrow and wanted to talk about this before I started posting gift ideas.

 

This year is going to be a bit different around our home since we recently made a huge move across the country and will not be going home for either of the upcoming holidays. Bryan and I have decided that since we are going to be spending so much money on buying ski equipment and passes that we will let those be our main presents to each other. Fun! Right? Not so much in my mind. I'm the person who LOVES to buy gifts and likes the tree to look nice and full with pretty presents surrounding it. Seriously people, I am going to struggle with this.

 

My parents are doing one big gift for each of us, which will make it easier when mailing gifts. I already know what Bryan is getting {he wants it right now so he can play with it}, but I haven't made up my mind as to what I want. My sister and I have set a specific amount to spend on one another, too. Another thing that is very hard...I like to spoil her rotten with tons of gifts and don't care if I spend more on her than she does on me. Gifts are my LOVE language, folks.

 

Have you heard of giving just three gifts to your kids? They represent the three gifts that were given to baby Jesus. Have any of you moms done this? I think I would struggle keeping it to three actual gifts. It is a huge reminder of the real reason for the season.

 

via

 

We all wrote letters to Santa and made Christmas lists growing up. Some of us still make actual Christmas lists and post them so they are clearly seen. {Don't judge me, I'm guilty.} I love this idea of a simple Christmas list, not only because we aren't having a big Christmas this year, but because it makes the holidays special. For the person filling their list out it includes:

 

 

I'm not going to lie, this makes me super excited. It allows for wiggle room and creativity, gives you some direction and helps you not blow all of your hard-earned money on meaningless things that take up space.

 

 

I wish that I had come up with this concept and cute graphics on my own, but it was originally posted on Somewhat Simple. Click here to read about it and find the printable version of this list.

 

Way too much money is spent each holiday season on stuff that will easily break, get pushed aside or never even be actually used. Don't buy things just to buy them. Reconsider how much and what you plan on purchasing for this Christmas.

 

I know there are many different ways to help others during the holidays, but one way that is very dear to my heart is by packing a shoe box filled with toys. Samaritan's Purse has a program called Operation Christmas Child. This is a great way to get your children involved and teach them about the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate, and sharing the love in Jesus at the same time. I grew up packing a shoe box every Christmas season. Five years ago I was visiting my parents in the Balkans, and was able to actually hand out the boxes to the children there. It was amazing to watch about how the simple efforts of those of us in America bring joy to children all around the world. This week is the national collection week, but there is still plenty of time to participate this year. Click here to learn more about it.

 

 

And last, but not least, I saw this and thought it would be a great to print and frame or hang on the fridge throughout the Christmas season.

 

via

 

If you are still reading this...Bravo! I promise this will be my only Christmas post other than the gift guides until after Thanksgiving.