Browsing Tag

christmas

Domestic

Christmas Card Shopping with Minted

October 23, 2014

Christmas Card

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I can’t believe that we will be celebrating Christmas in 2 months!

The funny thing is, even as I type out that sentence I can’t help but think “Two months… What’s the big deal? I have time! It isn’t even Halloween yet!” But as I have big plans each and every year to carve pumpkins, cut down my own Christmas tree and host a holiday cookie decorating party, every year life seems to zoom by and I have yet to accomplish any of that.

BUT, when Minted reached out to me with their gorgeous holiday card designs, I thought now is as good as any time to get everyone in the holiday spirit and let’s get rolling on our holiday to-do lists! First up? Christmas cards!

Whether your style is more classic or funky, festive or fancy, I love that with over 1,000 designs, you are sure to find something you love.  My favorite part? Most of the designs allow you to swap out colors, shapes, etc. to completely customize your holiday cards.

So do your stress level a factor and start perusing your options now… or better yet, put them in your cart! With free recipient address printing and 10% off your holiday card order (use code: JOY2014 by 10/27) – this is way easier than figuring out what to get your sister in law for Christmas!

Also how cute are their foil pressed and  ornament cards?!

Looks

It’s Time….

August 21, 2014

Prada Miranda Priestly loves Graphic Image Datebooks…obviously.

I don’t know what it is with this year, but for once I’ve followed through with my vow to Christmas shop throughout the year.   It’s been so fun picking up goodies for friends and family during our trips or a killer online sale, and I’m most looking forward to a less stressful holiday season.

What do I think is my biggest factor to my increased organization?! Notebooks!  I’ve always been a fan of a calendar/agenda, but while most of my days don’t need minute by minute scheduling, I am a huge fan of notes, to-do lists and reminders.

 

WJ7 GTI-2

I have brought up NUMEROUS times how much of a fan I am of GiGi New York (my sisters, mom and I have a combined dozen pieces between the 4 of us), and when I discovered their sister store, Graphic Image’s gorgeous leather datebooks I had to share them with you all.

They not only come in a variety of leather covers (embossed python, metallic, crocodile, traditional) and colors, but has week and month-at a view layouts, as well as gorgeous cream acid-free pages and gilt edges – does it get any more luxurious than that?!

Journals

Their pocket sized, make them perfect for throwing in your clutch for the day and their desk dairies are large enough to keep track of everything in your life from business meetings to Pilates classes!

The best part? Now through September 8th use code fallfashion for 15% off of any of your Gigi New York or Graphic Images purchase… So do yourself a favor and get yourself organized for 2015… or better yet get one for someone on your Christmas list 🙂  Checking a name off in August feels AMAZING – trust me.


2015 Leather Planners and Agendas


Domestic

Last Minute Gift Ideas

December 23, 2013

Gift Bag Scrounging for some last minute present ideas?!  Forgot one of your coworkers?  Need a gift for your gardener? Look no further! I love the DIY approach to holiday gift giving and often find it best to make a little artisan or gourmet treat…

Last year I made homemade vanilla and while it does take a little planning (or at least waiting on the recipient’s end – it takes 3 months to really ferment) it is SO worth it.

Vanilla

This year I went with an infused simple syrup route.  I made my famous (to myself) Ginger Simple Syrup, and attached a homemade ginger ale recipe for the 21 and younger crowd and a Ginger Bourbon Fizz recipe for those that like to imbibe!

Homemade Ginger Ale Mix

Super simple (aside from the sticky mess that your kitchen is bound to fall victim to) and so delicious! Plus infused syrups are now like $12-15 a bottle at the store nowadays… and you easily can whip these up (bottles and all) for around $3!

DIY Holiday Gift

Other quick/less involved gift ideas:

  • wine (BevMo $0.05 wine sale!)
  • gift cards (Starbucks, Jamba, iTunes)
  • candles (I’m telling you… by them on sale when you see them!!!)
  • books (I love a great cookbook or coffee table book – Costco has great ones with CRAZY markdowns)
  • a beautiful frame with a picture of you and gift recipient (girls love pictures)

Bottle Top

What are some other quick and easy gift ideas!?

Sip

Christmas Mojito

December 13, 2013

Cranberry Mojito Cocktail2

I realized that the majority of my cocktails lately have been cider/apple based and I decided it was time to give it a mix-up. How do you take a summer fun drink and turn it into something holiday appropriate?  Introduce the cranberry.

I am usually a little weary of cranberries… the tartness is usually a bit much for me, but when used to flavor a simple syrup (ie sweet), it was the perfect addition.  Plus cranberries and mint pose a striking resemblance to holly!

Cranberry Christmas Mojito

  • 2 oz Cranberry Simple Syrup (add a single layer of cranberries to simmer in the pot you are using)
  • 2 oz White Rum
  • 3 oz Club Soda
  • Handful of Mint Leaves
  • Juice of 1/2 a lime
  1. Muddle lime juice and mint leaves in a glass.
  2. Add simple syrup and rum. Stir.
  3. Fill with ice and top with club soda
  4. Garnish with additional cranberries and mint.

Cranberry Mojito