Browsing Tag

gift

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.

 

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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


Looks

Sunday Best

April 22, 2014

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My family loves a reason to get dressed up, so when Easter rolls around we felt no better excuse to pull out our Sunday’s finest.

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Embroidered Scalloped Yoke Dress

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Luckily my sisters and I came across some AMAZING finds at Ann Taylor Loft and went a little crazy at their massive sale right now (click here and use code CYBER50 for 50% off AND free shipping)!!!

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Floral Dress

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All of our dresses were under $50 and with quality, detail and cuts of their dresses (and everything else for that matter) is on point.  So do yourself a favor and stock up on some fun spring dresses, some cute tops for work and anything else you may be needing for this warm weather.  Happy shopping!

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Cutout Back Linen Dress

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Also don’t forget to check out Coordinates Collection Mother’s Day Sale – 20% off with coupon code – LOVEMOM20 -(offer ends today!).  They make the most gorgeous bangles that you can engrave coordinates of places that hold special meaning to you (i.e.  home you grew up in, place you got married, etc.) and make AMAZING gifts… check them out today!

Party

Valentine’s Day Cards

February 13, 2014

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Looking for a last minute card idea for your Valentine?   Look no further!

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All you need is:

  1. Fold card stock in half.
  2. Use a white crayon to write a note, dray a symbol, whatever comes to you! – the tricky part here is you can’t see what you are writing… so I recommend the shorter the better 🙂
  3. Using watercolor paints, I did an ombre design on top of the crayon to reveal the sweet design!
  4. Let dry and gift to your favorite valentine(s)!

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I also made some homemade friendship bracelets for my sisters with some colored cord, fun beads and an adjustable knot.

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Party

Birthday Bar

January 23, 2014

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When celebrating Kendall’s birthday this past weekend, we wanted to make a special space to truly honor her and act as a “party hub” for our group.  I wanted to share some of our set-up ideas, as well as some 21st birthday gift suggestions (I’m always trying to figure out fun gift ideas)…

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For the “birthday bar” area, we went with a pink theme and bought some cans of Sofia Blanc de Blanc for sipping, Kendall’s favorite pink sugar cookies (and a birthday cupcake) from Icing on the Cake, and Rose Macarons from Miette in the city.  We had some waters on hand to help with some necessary rehydrating, and had other snacks and treats available for late night munching.

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I made this banner using this sweet template from MarthaStewart.com and colored string.

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My mom had M&Ms custom made with “Happy Birthday” and “Happy 21st” phrases on them… as well as HER FACE!!!  I couldn’t get over how amazing they were!

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We also framed one of our favorite pictures of the birthday girl to adorn our birthday set up!  It was a nice little keepsake for her to take home at the end of the weekend.

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We also framed the weeks itinerary (so everyone knew what was going on/when they needed to be ready).  We also had to have some crowns available to properly kick off the birthday celebration! 🙂 IMG_5094

For her birthday gift, I put together a little “drinking kit” with a fun little poem that explained the contents.  Here are some fun things to include:

  • A beautiful tray to set up a bar area in her home from Home Goods
  • Some great martini glasses from Cost Plus World Market
  • A gorgeous decanter from TJ Maxx
  • Homemade pomegranate infused vodka (to put in the decanter)
  • YSL lip gloss (to wear downtown)
  • Taco Bell gift cards (a favorite late night stop for Cal Poly college students)
  • Bottle of water (to hydrate after a night of drinking)
  • Card games/drinking games
  • Cab money
  • Fun cocktail napkins for entertaining
  • A cute monogrammed clutch to carry for a night out

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What are some other fun 21st birthday gift ideas?!

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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!?