The Perfect Host/Hostess Gifts for the Holidays

Hey guys! I wanted to start off the holiday posts with a list of small gifts that would make the perfect gift for your holiday host or hostess! I like to keep a basket in my closet with small gifts so that when I get invited to things like a housewarming party, or a holiday I have something for the person who has so kindly shared their home with us. I don't think these gifts need to be extravagant, just a small token of your appreciation because typically they are providing food, drinks and a space to spend time with the people close to you. I try to find things that I know will get used and won't just sit in a closet. The best part of this list? All of these gifts are under $50!


#1 Hearth and Hand Wooden Vase 

This vase is so beautiful and simple, it could go with virtually anyone's decor. There is something to be said for a clean and classic vase, this is it but with a really cool twist. It's something that is sure to be used for fresh flowers all year! This would be perfect filled with seasonal flowers, it's sure to be appreciated.

#2 Acacia Wood Cheese Board + Tool Set

This adorable set would make a perfect gift for any occasion, it's so stunning that nobody would guess it's under $30! This is sure to get some use for anyone who loves to entertain! The fact that the tools all store nicely in the bottom is an added bonus.

#3 Capri Blue Fir + Firewood Candle

If you've ever smelled the Volcano candle that everyone knows and loves and wished they had a holiday version you're in luck. This fir and firewood candle smells like Christmas to me, it smells like sitting next to a warm campfire in an outing of pine trees. This is the perfect holiday gift and it doesn't hurt that the jar is beautiful too.

#4 Hearth + Hand Stoneware Scalloped Cake Stand

This is such a pretty addition to anyone's kitchen, especially if your host loves to bake. The white makes any dessert pop and it's perfect for displaying delicious thanksgiving pies. This is absolutely something that will get used for every occasion all year. It's so elegant nobody would ever guess how inexpensive it is!

#5 Cast Iron Trivet

Personally I think this would make a great gift for any occasion because I'm not sure about you but I can never have enough trivets, especially when I'm serving a big meal like Thanksgiving. This one also just happens to be decorative enough to be displayed as well. The cast iron makes this trivet super heavy duty too so it can hold up to even the heaviest pots and pans.

#6 Stoneware Serving Bowl Trio

The perfect gift for the host who loves to entertain. This cute little bowl trio is perfect for dips, salsa, or condiments at a summer bbq! It could also be used as prep bowls while cooking. This multipurpose gift is sure to see some use around any kitchen.

#7 Capri Blue Volcano Candle

Last but certainly not least is the hugely popular Capri Blue Volcano Candle. This candle is perfect for burning all year round and the jar itself is perfect for anyone's decor. It can even be repurposed after the candle is gone. I actually have mine holding cotton pads in my bathroom!




Let me know if you picked up any of these for gifts this year or if you're like me and have a gift basket always stocked and ready for whatever occasion comes your way!

Easy Errand Day Outfit

Okay y'all I need to take a second to gush over these shoes! I scored these a couple weeks ago at Marshall's and I've been waiting for a good day to bust them out. It's been so incredibly cold here in the Midwest lately and the day we decided to go out and shoot it was in the 40's! I will totally take that over the negative temps we've been having.

These shoes are literally all of my favorite things wrapped up into one. I've been hesitant to try out the mule trend from this fall but when I saw these I knew that I had to have them. They're navy blue, velvet, and they have a bow on them. Honestly, what could be better? Unfortunately I can't find them anywhere online but I've linked some other really cute options!

Recently I've been loving the long cardigans as well. I was always kind of nervous to try these out since I'm only 5'2 but I'm so glad I gave it a shot. They give even the simplest outfit a unique and put together look while also being super cozy! I snagged this one at Old Navy about a week ago and I've been pairing it with everything lately. 

These jeggings are also from Old Navy and y'all they are TO DIE FOR. They have an elastic waistband and they are seriously so chic while also being insanely comfortable. I have them in two washes now and I'm obsessed. I'll definitely be buying them in any color I can find. If there's one things you need for the rest of winter/spring, it's these jeggings. Trust me.

That's all I have for now! I'm working to create a lot of really great content for the blog this year. I got a new camera and I'm working really hard to upgrade the blog, my photos, and my content overall! I'd love to hear from you about what you think, what you love or what I could change to make things better for you guys! I'm also going to be launching a new series soon so keep an eye out! 

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Gifts for the Tech Savvy Friend

1. Crosley Record Player with Bluetooth

This is such an awesome gift, especially with a couple of records to go along with it! I have a Crosley record player and it is still one of my favorite gifts I've ever received. 

2. Apple Watch Series II

This is the Apple Watch I currently have and I LOVE it. I really can't say enough good things about it. If you're looking to splurge a little for a gift this is definitely it. 

3. Studebaker Portable Radio

This has to be about the cutest thing ever. This would make a great portable radio to take to the pool or the beach in the summer, or just about anywhere! It would also be great for tailgating!

4. Revolar Safety Wearable

This little guy probably has you confused but it would make a great and practical gift for anybody heading off to college, moving to a new city, or just anyone who wants to feel safer. This little button is easy to put in your purse or in your pocket and with a few clicks you can get help or send an alert to your worrisome mother to let her know you got safely where you were headed. 

5. Anker Soundcore Speaker

This little speaker produces a pretty good quality of sound and can get pretty loud. Would be a great portable speaker for anyone on the go!

6. HP Sprocket 

This smartphone printer is on my Christmas list this year. It's a great size and you can print any photo straight from your phone. You can also print straight from your Facebook or Instagram account!

7. Altec Mini Bluetooth Speaker

This little speaker has great sound and can get loud! It's a little bit less feminine then the last speaker I listed (it could also work for your bf). Added bonus: it's waterproof, and resists dust and sand!

8. Sonix Tortoise Portable Charger

So often these portable chargers are ugly but this one is adorable and even comes in about 20 different patterns! 

9. Tile Keychain

This is seriously the best thing I've ever purchased. I have a tendency to lose my keys almost daily and this saves me so much time in the morning looking for my keys. Less wasted time = more sleep, it's a win win!

10. Roku Streaming Stick

Best investment ever for anyone really. We have them in every room of my apartment because they're so small and convenient. It makes it so easy to stream all your favorite sites in one place with one remote. 

11. Fujifilm Instax Mini

So these have probably been at the top of Christmas lists for a few years now but it's a great gift idea for that friend who loves to take artsy photos. You can also hang them all up for easy and whimsical decor!

12. Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This thing is a godsend, especially in the winter. It helps with dry skin and helps eliminate those nights when you wake up with a sore throat from sleeping in dry air. I would even recommend grabbing one for yourself. 

13. Simon Optix

This is like a VR version of the Simon game we all knew and loved as kids. It's a cool throwback and personally I think it would be hilariously fun at parties. 

14. Lilly Pulitzer Crossbody iPhone Purse

Y'all know I can't leave Lilly off the list, so this is for the girl who never goes anywhere without her phone but wants to stay stylish.

15. Amazon Echo Dot

Honestly, when I first got this I didn't know if I'd ever use it but now I love it! I use this for everything from making grocery lists to jamming out in my room. The Echo Dot is the smaller version of the full sized Amazon Echo and it would make a perfect gift for the holiday season! 

16. Sony Canal Earbuds

The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone. These are a really cute color and they have pretty great sound quality for being inexpensive. 

If you're trying to stay as inexpensive as possible this holiday you can also consider signing up for the Target RedCard. They have both a debit card and a credit card to choose from and you always save 5% on everything in the store! You can sign up here!

Minneapolis Travel Guide

Hey y'all! I'm coming back with another travel guide, this time I'm talking all about Minneapolis! Minneapolis is a quick four hour road trip for me, so it's always a good destination for a little weekend getaway. This time I stayed at The Graduate Hotel and I have to say I highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Minneapolis! It was such a cute boutique hotel with the coziest furnishings. It really felt like a place you'd want to snuggle up by the fire (preferably the one in the lobby, which is gorgeous). It had a very luxury ski lodge vibe that we really enjoyed!

First Stop: Total Wine & More
So this stop is technically a little outside the twin cities but it's definitely worth swinging by. They have great deals on wine, most of it at wholesale prices. This means you can pick up some great quality bottles for under $20! They also have a huge selection of beer and spirits, I'd totally recommend stopping if you have time!

Second Stop: The Mall of America
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog, or even anyone who has seen the inside of my closet knows I love to shop so this was a fairly obvious place to spend half a day. The Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States so if you're in need of a shopping fix.....enough said.

Third Stop: The Graduate Hotel
After a shopping spree we stopped by the hotel to drop off our luggage and check in. The Graduate is located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus which puts you right within walking distance to some really neat shops, restaurants, and more. They also have a restaurant and bar attached, as well as a Starbucks!
Bonus: Not traveling to Minneapolis? No problem! The Graduate is a chain of hotels in college towns all across the country!

Fourth Stop: Sencha Tea Bar
This is a place we just happened to notice on the way to the hotel. It's about a block and a half walk from the hotel so it made the perfect pre-dinner relaxation spot. They had a massive selection of teas to choose from, as well as some light food offerings. This was a really quaint and unique place and I'm so glad we happened upon it!

Last Stop: The Melting Pot
If you haven't been to The Melting Pot at least once in your life you need to give it a shot. It's definitely an experience. They offer a huge variety of different fondues such as cheese, and chocolate fondues. If you feel like playing it safe try the Classic Alpine cheese fondue. For the chocolate fondue you can choose what type of chocolate you want and if you're 21 and over you can choose a type of alcohol to mix in as well. We went with dark chocolate and Bailey's and it was FANTASTIC.
Pro Tip: Plan on spending at least two hours here, this isn't a quick meal but it's totally worth the time investment!

Hopefully you've gotten the travel bug from reading this! Have you ever stayed at a Graduate Hotel? What's your favorite place to visit in Minneapolis? Let me know in the comments!

What's in My Carry On

Hey y'all! So I am packing to head out for a trip and I figured I would share what I pack in my carry on! I am someone who is super organized and obsessive when I pack so this is a pretty complete list for the perfect carry on bag!

• Makeup Bag
• GM On-the-Go Skincare Kit
• Herbal Hydrating Mist
• Herbal E Oil
• Rejuvenation Creme 
• Nutrient Serum
• Marine Mint Mask
• Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm 
• Hand Lotion
• Loreal Lash Paradise Mascara
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
• It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Compact
• Oil Blotting Papers
• Hair Ties
• Dry Shampoo
• Hair Brush 
• Laptop Bag
• iPhone & Charger
• Macbook & Charger
• Notebook & Pen
• Tech 
• Camera & Charger
• SD Cards
• Headphones
• Power Bank
• Accessories 
• Scarf
• Cardigan
• Socks
• Umbrella
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Wallet
• Miscellaneous
• Tylenol
• Book
• Hand Sanitizer
• Snacks
• Kleenex
• Water Bottle (empty)

My Favorite Summer Reads

Hey y'all! So I'm doing something a little different today and I'm excited! My whole life I've been a really avid reader, I'm just a very curious person so I love learning things through books. I've always been really into mysteries or anything pertaining to medicine. So I want to share with you some really great books I've read lately in case you're looking for a good beach read! I've linked all the books so you don't have to search around, all you have to do is click the title!

Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer 

Nancy Thayer is a fantastic author. I've read a few of her books and every one of them is a great read!  You should absolutely pick one up if you need a good beach read. Nantucket Sisters and Summer House have been my two favorites so far! 

Internal Medicine by Terrence Holt

So this is the nerdy side of me coming out, but I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone considering a career in medicine or any Pre-Med students. It's a great insight into the field of medical from the perspective of a medical resident. Let me know if you decide to check this out, I'd love to know what you thought!

It Takes One by Kate Kessler

For anyone who loves mystery, this one is for you. I'm a huge fan of crime, thriller, mystery novels and this one did not disappoint. Just take my word on this, you NEED to read it. It's so good.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Okay so if you haven't read this, or at least heard about it, you might live under a rock. That being said, if you haven't read it yet you definitely need to. It's pretty much impossible to put down so make sure you bring another book since you'll fly through this one. 

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

Okay so if you don't read anything else on this list, read this one. It's a collection of essays and short stories from an aspiring writer. The twist? Sadly, Marina was killed in a car accident just days after graduating from Yale. This book is just a haunting collection of fantastic work from a successful girl who left the world too soon. 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book has all the makings of a great beach read. It's got drama, mystery, family, and and crime. This isn't one you want to miss, it's definitely worth the read. 

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

A great, cheeky book for all the twenty-somethings who feel lost in love. This is such a great book for a day spent relaxing. It's a funny look into the thoughts many of us have. Give it a shot!

I'd love to know if you've picked up any of these and what you thought! Let me know if you've already read any of them too, maybe we can even start a blogger book club! 📚

Lilly Lovin'

Hey y'all! I don't know about you but I love this dress, it's one of my favorite Lilly dresses. The pattern is great too! This is the Reagan dress in Hibiscus Stroll. I love the lace detailing and the fun twirly skirt. I picked this up at the After Party Sale last year, speaking of the sale it should be coming up soon so keep an eye out!

I paired this dress with my classic white Jacks and some Kendra Scott accessories. I love pairing my white Andy bracelet with just about anything and the Kendra Scott Elle earrings are my favorite. They are smaller than the Danielle and less heavy. This pair is such a beautiful orange color, I just love them. Excuse me while I go buy 10 more pairs!

Navy or Nothing

Hey y'all! I think this is one of my favorite shoots to date. The locations we found were just so perfect and how stinking cute is this cupcake shop?! If you ever make your way to Cedar Falls, Iowa you need to swing by Scratch Cupcake. Try anything they are all delicious!

If you've been following me for awhile you know about my love affair with J. Crew Chino shorts. They come in so many colors and they go with everything in my closet. Lots of their colors match Lilly too! This adorable white tank is one I scored on clearance at Old Navy. I love the detailing on the straps and around the top and bottom. The cardigan is from about 2 years ago at Loft but it's still a  favorite of mine, it's never faded and it is just so buttery soft. 

If you follow me on Instagram you have already seen this lemon clutch that I'm in love with. I got this for $6 at T.J. Maxx! It's so cute and summery, you'll definitely be seeing a lot more of it. All the products are linked below, and for those no longer available I've linked some similar options! 

   

     

Summer + Stripes

Hey y'all! Recently I was shopping at Target (you're shocked I know) and I found the cutest, most comfortable dress for summer. Does anyone else love tee shirt dresses? I think they're the perfect dress when you want to look put together but still feel comfortable. I also adore the off the shoulder trend and stripes so that just makes it that much better! You can shop the dress here (it's under $25!) the rest of the products are linked below!

I'm wearing my Jack Rogers sandals in white, as I've mentioned before they're the perfect go-to summer shoe. I'm always wearing my Kendra Scott Andy bracelet and my Kendra Scott Alex earrings as well. My purse is my all time favorite Kate Spade, it's just so classic and structured. I scored it last year during her surprise sale for a great deal, if you sign up for emails they'll notify you when the sale goes live, trust me it's worth it!

I've featured my favorite beach read for the summer for you too! I flew through this book called Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer. If you're on the lookout for a great book you should definitely check out some of hers!