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Christmas Shopping on ebay
I enjoy the holidays so much that I consider them their own season. From cozy Christmas decor and holiday tunes, mountain getaways, hot coconut milk cocoa, family gatherings, and warm fireplaces accompanying a night at home, it doesn't get much better. Oh! And mapping out the perfect gifts for the nearest and dearest in my life is one of my all-time favorite activities. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I start my Christmas gifts' list on my phone starting in August. I take note of what people say they love or want, so when the present purchasing comes about, it is easy as pie. It also gives me brain space to think of more creative gifts in addition to the necessities!
I prefer ordering my presents online to avoid crazy Los Angeles foot traffic at the shopping centers and because our families live in Texas and Florida! eBay has become my favorite online shopping playground because they have the most options at the best price, and their inclusivity and celebration of diversity sets them apart from other online retail destinations. The have everything from headphones (I need a replacement this year!), kitchen mixers, and drones. It makes shopping so easy and accessible. Cheers to eliminating stress during the happiest time of the year!
What my shopping bag looks like now:I love buying my sister or my bestie a pretty dress suitable for layering in the chilly seasonThe most lovely essential oils to diffuse in your home for a cozy evening + to fight against winter sickness is a perfect gift.Can we talk about this candle for a moment? It is toxin free and smells like heaven.The bucket bag is everything. I own it in black and want to buy one in every color.I have been in full on nostalgia mode, so this might be a gift for myself. :)You guys know my love for toxin-free beauty, so this makeup set is the greatest stocking stuffer.Oh! And this red lipstick is a go-to for holiday festivities![show_shopthepost_widget id="2898315"]
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?1. 81% of all merchandise sold on eBay is new2. 88% of items sold on eBay are “Buy It Now” (nobidding necessary)3. 69% of items ship for free4. There are approximately 1.1 billion listings at any given time5. There is always a money back guarantee, guaranteeddelivery, price match guarantee, andguaranteed authenticityHappy shopping everybody! XO
Hallmark: The Not So Ordinary Cards
This post was sponsored by Hallmark Signature through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Hallmark Signature, all opinions are my own.I can hardly believe the holidays are upon us. I came to a big realization this year: fall is my favorite season. I love the cozy holiday feels; the hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream, the warmth of fireplaces, the constant burn of pumpkin or pine candles, evening strolls, game nights with friends, football season, special time with family, classic Christmas movies, baking pies. Oh, I could go on and on!Ones of the best perks this time of year is finding special gifts and cards for sweet friends and loved ones. It makes it extra fun to start far in advance. Who's with me? Rushed gifting is obvious and takes the meaningful purpose out of finding personal presents and not so ordinary cards. Wrapped surprises are so special and temporarily exciting, but I remember the words in a card forever (and I keep it forever!). So I must admit, I have a slight obsession with Hallmark Signature holiday cards. They are truly one of a kind for the people in your life who are anything but ordinary.Can we talk about how adorable this nutcracker card is? I can't wait to sit down and spend time wording how grateful I am for those closest to me - my family, my precious husband, my twin sister and her husband, my dearest friends. Card writing is such an amazing way to not only bless someone else, but it is a beautiful reminder of why we should never take the relationships in our life for granted.
how to decorate for christmas.
I can hardly believe that big red bows and pretty green garland are already lining the streets of California, and houses are already bustling with Christmas tunes, pine candles, and glistening trees! Doesn't it seem to be starting extra early this year?I am kin of loving it.So I have to be honest. This year is our first year to fully decorate for the holidays. Our first Christmas was a few days after we returned from our honeymoon, and our house had about three pieces of furniture in it and definitely no Christmas decor! It gets better. Last year, I made the mistake of ordering a tree online, and even after measuring, it was tiny. Oopsies! We made it work, but this year, we are going full force, and I must admit, I didn't even know where to start. Something that should be fun and joyful made me entirely overwhelmed, so I decided to reach our to my favorite interior designers in Dallas.
Here are some holiday decorating tips from the Blue Print Interiors team. Let us know some tips and tricks from you too in the comment section below!
-Always get a fresh tree & wreaths (if you are not allergic). You can pick them up at Whole Foods or a local nursery!
-Be sure to water your tree every day – especially in the first week!
-If you have the space in your entry, that’s a great place for a tree!
-Add a smaller tree in another room with sterling silver ornaments or “collectible” ornaments.
-If you are using ribbon accents, it’s fun to use hot pink and apple green, as opposed to the traditional red and forest green.
-You don’t have to go with a theme, you can just pick pretty ornaments that you love!
-It is fun to start new family traditions as a young couple. For example, make it a point of always selecting and putting up your tree the day after Thanksgiving and taking down the day after Christmas.
-Make sure any vent blowing hot air nearby your tree is closed off. #fireprevention101
-A dated picture frame ornament is a fun keepsake gift to place pictures of lovebirds or little ones in.
-Fresh cedar garland draped over mantles and stair banisters always add a special beauty to the season as well as fresh square boxwood wreaths on the doors.
-Tall vases with branches or peonies are always a must on the mantles.
-Keeping it simple is key when a house can so quickly become overtaken with Christmas decorations.
-Most importantly don’t forget the reason for the season!
See some of my favorite Christmas decor below. Happy holiday season!
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photo from www.digsdigs.com
paper anniversary.
I can't believe Jason and I have almost been married a year! Marriage has truly been one of the greatest gifts in my life; it is more fun, enriching, and sweeter than I could have expected. Isn't this paper present so fun? It's a mini Jase and I all dolled up for our upcoming #PaperAnniversary! If you’re celebrating your first anniversary this year, share a special paper moment with @HowLifeUnfolds for the chance to win a romantic second honeymoon to NYC, Napa Valley, Maui or Puerto Rico! See all details here.Holidays are some of the most anticipated times of the year for me. Oh! And birthdays are just my absolute favorite. I love any occasion for the celebration and tradition, but if we are being completely honest, I so enjoy any time that gives me an excuse to give someone a cute card or a special little gift.
Sweet cards and thoughtful notes are two things I can never seem to part with. Mine are all piled in a cute box in my office closet, and every so often, I can't help but dig through and re-read them. They make me extra grateful for the relationships I have in my life and remind me of some of my most treasured memories.[show_shopthepost_widget id="1060878"]
Dutch Braid: How-To
Most girls have their "go-to" hair style for any date night or party. Mine is always just down with big curls, hair spray, and lots of volume (basic Dallas girl, I know). I'm so excited to share with you though a new idea for any holiday or new years party you have coming up! I love a good braid and Tracy Melton has showed us step-by-step how to do an adorable half up dutch braid.
Start by spritzing your hair with a sea salt spray to get a good beach wave going. From there you’ll curl your hair from the bottom up to the crown with a curling wand. Run your hands through it to loosen up the waves.
Next, part your hair on the side. Take about a two inch section of hair from your forehead back. Begin your Dutch braid. *For those of you who don’t know what a Dutch braid is, it’s like an inside-out French braid. Same steps as a French braid but you go underneath with your strands instead of over*
Once you have two braids complete, here comes the fun part! The trick to get larger, fuller braids is to gently pull them out. You’ll take each braid and give it a nice tug in order to make your braid look ‘large and in charge’.From there, criss-cross the braids in the back and tuck the ends under. Hold them in place with bobby pins. Finish off with hair spray and you’re set! 
survival kit | holiday edition
The month of December it seems like every week there is either a holiday party, holiday brunch, holiday meeting....holiday everything! Which I absolutely love. The first question that always comes to mind though is, "what to wear?" I figured a lot of you think the same way, so I decided to put together a guide of some must-have items to get you through these fabulous holiday parties!
Kate Spade Saturday | black friday sale!
So we've all heard of & love Kate Spade, what you might not be as familiar with is Kate Spade Saturday. I love what they have to say in their about me:We’re Kate Spade Saturday! We’re all about bringing weekend spirit to every day of the week with good, easygoing style and a sense of spontaneity.And! Their black Friday sale has started early! Take 30% off full price styles when you use the code "DEALME" at checkout! Now is the perfect time to snag that perfect holiday dress you've been wanting, or a great gift for your mom/sister/bff!
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}
Editor's Picks: 5 Fun Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season!
The holidays are around the corner, meaning gift shopping will become a priority on your "to do" list. And we can't forget about those birthdays that pop up! Not everyone is easy to shop for, so we decided to give our readers a little help to spark some ideas this year. We have come up with 5 fabulous gifts for birthdays or holidays!
1. Kendra Scott Tela Cocktail Ring
3. Michael by Michael Kors iPhone Wristlet
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Mini Cosmetic Case
