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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SheIn Haul + Tips

Hey y'all! By now I'm sure most of you have heard about SheIn (previously SheInside) a fashion company based overseas. You've most likely seen your favorite bloggers rocking an item that they brag about being so inexpensive but you've wondered if it's too good to be true. Will it look that good on you? Is the quality okay? Well you've come to the right place. I've purchased from SheIn a handful of times and I've acquired lots of quality items, so I'm here to show you my latest haul and give complete reviews of every item, as well as links! Let's get started with some tips:

Manage Your Expectations
You're getting what you pay for. Every so often you come across an item that has outstanding reviews and comes in with just overall great quality. It happens, but be aware that you can also receive items that aren't exactly high-quality. That being said I've never returned anything for being poor quality.

Look For Reviews
One of the best ways to see what an item looks like in real life and get an accurate picture of the quality is to look for reviews. You can also look through the Style Gallery, which is where people who have received the item post pictures of them wearing it to help other people get an idea of what it looks like in real life.

Be Willing to Write Reviews
Help a fellow shopper out. Lots of people depend on the reviews to help them decide whether or not to purchase an item, if you buy an item, especially one with no reviews, go write a quick review or post a picture to help out the next person who wants to buy the item. Plus, writing reviews gets you points which can eventually be redeemed for discounts.

Pay for Expedited Shipping
These items are shipping from overseas, so be aware that some items can take up to a month to ship. They usually do a great job about getting the items out in a week or two but you can speed this process along by paying for expedited shipping. It's only a few dollars and you'll most likely get your items within 7 days.

The first item up is the pink scalloped off the shoulder top that everyone on Instagram has been asking about. It's so adorable! It's hands down my favorite item I've ever ordered from them, it's pretty good quality. I did notice that it's just barely see-through, but not enough to worry about. The elastic is good quality and stays up well. Sizing runs true to size, I ordered a medium.

Next up is this palm leaf printed blouse. The material on this is a bit weird but overall it's a cute top. I will say I ordered a medium and it's pretty big on me, so I would definitely recommend ordering a size down in this one, maybe even two. The colors and print are gorgeous in person! The zipper on the back is good quality and functional. 

Next I ordered this laser cut navy off the shoulder dress. I will say on this the material is kind of stiff and uncomfortable. The dress does fit loose though so it's tolerable. The detailing is really cute and well done. The elastic stays off the shoulder on this too. This can really easily be dressed up or down, so it's a good buy for summer. This felt to me like it ran big too, if you don't want to order your current size you should size down one.

Lastly, I ordered this blush pink casual jacket. I thought it would be great for spring and summer for chilly nights and rainy days. The material does feel a little cheap and so do the "metal" accents but all around it's a great value. Fit is true to size and the color is great too.

So that sums up my most recent haul from SheIn and some helpful tips and tricks I use when I shop their site. If you have any questions or comments feel free to drop a comment below!

Life + Lemons

Hey y'all! I am a long time lover of anything ruffled or seersucker, so now that I finally got my hands on this adorable double ruffle top from J. Crew I had to pair it with my favorite seersucker skirt (also from J. Crew). You'll be seeing this top in plenty more posts! The skirt is from a few summers ago but I've linked some great seersucker options below.

If you follow me on Instagram you've probably seen this lemon clutch that I posted last week, it's just the cutest thing! I scored it at T.J. Maxx for only $6! I'm also wearing my Jacks in white because they're my go-to summer shoe, they go with absolutely everything.

For jewelry I'm wearing the Kendra Scott Andy bracelet in white, Kendra Scott Elisa necklace in white, and the Kendra Scott Alex earrings in a color that has been discontinued. Don't worry though, there are plenty of beautiful colors available! All of these products are linked below, let me know if you have them or want something from this post!