Thinking Bigger: Serving Others and Supporting Small Businesses

Although this time is full of struggle, re-adjusting, loss, learning to homeschool, and bits of frustration or maybe even fear, there are positive ways we can support each other! This time has reinstalled a sense of camaraderie and community. Do y'all agree? Many are serving more than they ever have. It’s a beautiful silver lining to this pandemic. When loneliness sets in, I encourage you to check in on someone else or send a thoughtful note or gift to a loved one; I guarantee it will bring you joy and will only bring comfort to others!

Here on the blog, we've implemented a new series of talks on Thinking Bigger. Last week we touched on How Simplicity Changes Everything, and this week I wanted to talk about serving others and supporting small businesses – A topic that has really been on my heart and surprisingly, has also helped me process during this time.

My family lives in Dallas; we are so close, and it was really tough to cancel the trips we had planned to see each other, not knowing when the safe next time will be. One way that has helped me feel so connected is by sending them presents that remind me of them or fun little things for my sweet nieces! And all the while, I order the items from small businesses. You bring a company joy while sending joy to someone you love, and it doesn’t have to be big!Another long-winded, yet rewarding project we have been diving into is all things home and finishing the furnishing process! With the intension of supporting small businesses, I feel like I have entered an entirely new world of discovering some incredible companies! It makes the purchase that was on the to-do feel much more purposeful.

Fun Ideas

• Create your neighbor a bouquet of flowers from the backyard.
• Write a note to someone you are grateful for.
• Call your grandma.
• Give to a charity that provides meals to others during this time.
• Cook a meal or cookies and deliver it to someone it would help.

Gift Ideas

• Send a bottle of wine from here (it's organic and biodynamic and delicious!)
• A toy for your friend's puppy from here, here, or here.
• Send something cute from here.
• This Box of Sunshine that gives 100% of proceeds to Baby2Baby.
• The cutest organic clothes for kids.
• For new mamas.
• Healthy products from here.

For the Home

• I just got this little vase, mini lamp, and marble counter pedestal (inspo from Ashley Kane).
• These pretty water glasses.
• European linen pool towels for such an affordable price!
• A healthy way to keep the bugs away outside!
• Rugs from here or here!
• Something pretty from here.

To follow along with items I'm getting my hands on, or to see how I'm constantly learning and processing throughout this time, stay up to date on my Instagram. x

How can you serve and support others during this time? Jot down a few ideas and try to implement one this week!

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Valentine's Day Wishlist

We are big fans of Valentine's Day. It's such a sweet, love-filled day and we can't help to get giddy over it. Below is our Valentine's Day Wishlist- it includes a few girly items that we would love to receive + they make great gifts for your bestie, sister, or mom. Links are below to shop and feel free to send this link over to your guy...:) Ideas can be so helpful! XO

stranded dry shampoo powder

french girl lip polish

heart socks

voluspa candle

cream blush

kosas lipstick

love themed undies

slip silk sleep mask

+ the denim jacket featured in the main image :) XO

*featured image by felicia lasala

perfect gifts for your bff with lauren sims

Hello loves! Lauren Sims here from laurenkaysims.com. I'm so excited to be posting for LOLO Mag today and giving you some great gift ideas for your best friend! For those of you who have been following me for a while, you might remember that I toured Sterling Vineyards in Napa back in the Fall. When people ask me now what my favorite wine is, I always say a Sterling Cab. With intense fruit and well-integrated oak, the 2012 Sterling Cab is a powerful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a 10 in a 10 and would truly make the greatest gift for your best friend, or a hostess, or your husband, or basically anyone else in your life.A few other gift ideas for your best friend: you can't go wrong with holiday pj's. I recently got a set myself and actually live in them. Like, when I'm home, I'm in my Christmas pajama set! And how adorable are these Kate Spade wine tags?! This is such a cute and creative gift that's under $20.Also, let's just talk for a second about wine and chocolate. You just can't go wrong with those two things, ever. And these chocolates from Lux Maggie Louise Confections are just as pretty as they come! (Let me tell you, they also taste as good as they look too).Another no fail gift: a cashmere scarf. I love this blush pink one because it's feminine yet classy, and will go with everything in your (or your friend's!) wardrobe.If your bff is really into wine, I think this Wine-inspired fragrance set from Kelly and Jones is such a lovely and thoughtful gift! Don't worry - you won't end up smelling like wine. The fragrances smell so fresh and floral and are very subtle!Thanks for letting me share these gift ideas with ya'll today! I'd love for you to follow me along on instagram or via my blog! xx

I am working in partnership with Sterling Wines and I am being compensated for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Wine is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

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under $50 gift guide

Guys, are you as freaked out as I am that it's November already?! This year I am determined to start my shopping early (like, now) to make this amazing season as joyful and stress-free as possible. When you save your shopping till the last minute, you so miss out on how beautiful the Christmas season is because you're stressed and beating yourself up for procrastinating your shopping, yet again.So, I'd love to help you out! I will be sharing multiple gift guides over the next several weeks to make shopping as easy as possible for you. Today's gift round up are all amazing gifts for women, for less than $50. These would make great gifts for your best friend, co-worker, mother-in-law, neighbor, and just about any girl in your life. You can click on each "+" below to get direct links to the item! Or, everything is linked at the end of the post as well![show_ms_widget id="28537948" image_id="30810195" width="800" height="800"]

Sugar lip treatment gift set | Baies candle | Fox fur bag charm | "Santa! I know him!" pj set | Initial stud earrings | Ceramic trinket tray | Deer throw blanket | "hello" mug | Initial throw pillow | Minnetonka bootie | Stay Fancy wine glass | Blanket scarf | Printed pj bottoms (come in tons of prints!)

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Shearling love

I'll be real with you: I am an outerwear connoisseur. You really can never have enough coats! I recently got my first shearling coat which I am absolutely in love with. I wanted to share it with you all, because if you order it before Saturday, you get free 3-day shipping, and this coat would make SUCH a great Christmas gift!

Shearling Aviator Coat | Aviator Sunglasses | Gold Feather EarringsI love this coat because for me, it's a little out of my realm of norm for outerwear. I didn't have a single item in my wardrobe that looked like this. Plus if you're planning a trip to the mountains or a cabin anytime this winter, this coat is PERFECT for those trips, and for traveling! It's also such a classic coat that I know I'll be able to wear for years to come!Hope you're able to enjoy this coat as much as I am - or get it for someone who will!xx, lauren

gift guide: for her

Here are some present picks for the mommas, besties, sisters, and all the other sweet women in your life. Merry {almost} Christmas!1. There is nothing like a good sleep short that even makes a t-shirt look adorable.2. Jo Malone perfume is always a treat. See all of the choices here.3. Epic holiday night: movies, popcorn and the Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Sleeping Bunny' Slipper4. A perfect winter day: no makeup, hair up, and a good UGG over yoga pants.5. These fabulous earrings are suitable for any holiday extravaganza.6. The most adorable iPhone case.7. Could this shrunken tote be any cuter?8. A good oversized cashmere beanie is a winter winner.9. What's not to love about these Fairfax sunnies?10. I adore this Bobbi Brown 'hot cocoa' palette.11. Isn't snoring the worst? Just tune it out with Bose Noise Cancelling Ear Buds.12. A peel or a facial at The Skin Studio. The owner and my esthetician, Shelly, has truly changed my skin.13. This perfecting mask is my hero.14. Packed Party Package aka "parties-in-a-box for ladies to send to their gal pals." {obsessed}

gift guide: for the men

Is it just me, or are men just hard to buy for? Guys for the most part are so simple and seem to be content with what they have, so it's difficult to think of anything but the typical to give. My goal each year is to think outside the box and give something useful, yet thoughtful. Does he like golf? Get him a new driver, golf bag, or fun accessories. Did he just start a new job? Get him a great pair of work shoes, ties, and nice clothes. Does he travel a lot? Bose speakers, an iPad Air, or a travel bag are always good options. Check out some of my favorite presents to give the guys!1. For the guy that loves a cold drink, especially a Moscow Mule. S/2 Antiqued Copper Mugs2. For the man who loves biking. P.S. Find any care kit imaginable here. FA Seeds Co. 'Cycle Care Kit'3. For decor, warmth, and snuggling. Filson Mackinaw Wool Throw Blanket4. To  spice up your man's watch collection. Tsovet Watch5. The holiday food has arrived, and a pair of Nike's only adds to the new year work out motivation.6. Nothing compares to Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones.7. The most manly calculator and the perfect stocking stuffer.8. For the dude who loves golfing. Golf Trunk Organizer9. A great Jack Spade Flannel iPhone Case for fall.10. For the guy who travels a lot. American Heritage Leather Travel Kit11. A good henley always makes a man look good.12. There is nothing like a good boot on a man. Rag & Bone Archer Desert Boots 13. A great bag for an overnight trip or a carry-on vacation. 

gift guide: stocking stuffers.

Yes, I am 25, but I would tear up if my parents stopped filling up our stockings. It's a sweet reminder of childhood and a tradition that should never end. Not to mention: what a fun way to give creative little adorable presents. Check out my favorite picks!1. Cute knee socks never fail to make Christmas mornings extra fun. 'Holiday-big spot' Pompom Knee High Socks2. New MAC lip gloss is a dream, especially when they are in holiday colors. MAC Nocturnals Coral Lip Gloss (Limited Edition)3. Such an adorable gold polka dot case for wintery days. Le Pavillion iPhone 5 Case4. I can't even get over how adorable these are. Bow Push Pins5. A necessity in my handbag. 'Holiday' Shea Butter Hand Cream6. These are just as cute as their classic rain boots! Hunter Faux Fur Cuff Welly Socks7. I saw this the other day at Nordstrom and almost caved.  Jonathan Adler 'His' Luggage Tag8. Perfect for any Christmas occasion. Kendra Scott 'Niko' Long Earrings9. Christmas morning is always a great time to get new jammies. Wildfox Dreamer Sleep Shirt10. Four flavors of this fabulous lip balm? Yes please. Kiehl's Since 1851 Lip Balm Set11. Crayon lip color is my newest obsession. Jumbo Lip Crayon Set12. This case is so cute it almost has the power to make your passport pic look good. 'This is Mine' Passport Case13. This alone makes me want to plan a trip.  Jonathan Adler 'Hers' Luggage Tag14. Any girl could always use a new cosmetics case. Tory Burch 'Brigitte' Cosmetics Case15. Interior design on a wine stopper. Woodland Park Owl Bottle Stopper Set16. Gorgeous eyeshadow shades. Dior Couture Eye Palette17. I can't fall asleep without this. Mary Green Sleeping Eye Mask18. My all time favorite hair ties. They truly don't leave a crease in your hair. Peacock and Moss Hair Ties

Candles Sustained by Nature: Tru Melange

It was about a year ago that I came across my favorite candle in the world. I found it on the shelf at Whole Foods, and the rest was history. Meet Tru Melange candles: they are sustained by nature and are so authentically wonderful. What makes the quality so supreme? They aim to produce the most effective natural candle on the market, which involves balancing the wax content for improved aroma diffusion and a longer burn time (yes, please!). Talk about a gift idea!

The wax: They purchase 100% pure beeswax from North American Apiaries and Co-ops, and the Non GM Soy content comes from US farmers, which aids in using renewable resources. Talk about being green!

The aromas: Tru Melange does not believe in authentic fragrances, period. "We feel that 100% pure essential oils hold enough complexity and depth for us to keep creating blends that will intrigue, enthrall and wow you."

Yes, they even care about the wicks! They are lead-free and cotton-braided, which allows for the best aroma diffusion possible. As for the colors, eco-friendly powder dyes provide these wonderful ambiance-creating hues. They are absent of all toxins, and they are never tested on animals. Hooray!

You can only imagine my excitement when a box of these heavenly aromas came delivered in a package to my front door!

My personal favorites:

Harmony: The mix of vanilla and peppermint is sweet and soothing. I love burning it when I am reading and relaxing.

The SOL Relax Candle: It is the cutest gift! The decor is adorable, and the wooden top gives this home decor item a vintage touch. Plus, the lavender and blood orange combination is exhilarating.

The Noel Holiday Candle: It is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season with a woodsy mixture of fir, spruce, and pine scents.

Visit their website to peruse their fabulous selection! Your new favorite candle awaits you...