Holiday Essentials

With the holidays almost upon us, I tend to be extra crazed trying to get all my last minute shopping and wrapping done. It is always ends up being the weekend before Christmas when I have to get all my wrapping done, which leaves me feeling very stressed. Not exactly what I want to be feeling during the holidays. Luckily, I have a few tricks up my sleeves that always help me power through these stressful holiday times. Man Crates, an amazing company that sends cool customized crates to men, asked me to put together my list of items that get me through the holiday season.

Santa Margarita Wine (wine glasses)- I love all wine, but this is definitely my favorite. Nothing is better than opening up a bottle of wine after a stressful day or just in general. I highly recommend this wine to anyone who is looking for a great wine for their wino friends.

Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark- I am addicted to this stuff. Literally. I can eat this whole tin within a day. If you come over my apartment during the holidays, I will most likely be snacking on some form of peppermint bark. To me peppermint bark tastes just like Christmas and the Williams-Sonoma kind is the best kind.

Sugar Paper Holiday Cards- How cute are these holiday cards?! Sugar Paper definitely makes some of the best holiday cards (and cards in general). I love sending out cards to my family and friends. They are also perfect for giving to coworkers as well!

Love Actually- I don't even know how many times I have watched this movie. Back in college, I used to watch this movie on repeat while I wrote my final papers (it totally helped since I always aced them). Even now, I still put it on when I am wrapping all my gifts. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite movies.

Threshold Blanket- My apartment can get very chilly right now. There is nothing better than snuggling under a cozy blanket with a glass of wine in hand (and hopefully Love Actually on the TV). That actually would be one of my favorite ways to unwind on weekends. And how cute is this festive one from Target?!

Anthropologie Hot Buttered Rum Candle- I am in LOVE with the smell of this candle. It is probably one of the best smelling candles I have ever smelled. It not only makes my apartment smell delicious while I wrap presents, but it puts me in a good mood.

Scotch Pop-Up Tape- I'm not sure if I would be able to wrap presents without this pop-up tape. Or I could but the presents would look like a hot mess. The pop-up tape makes it so easy to wrap gifts and have the gifts actually look good.

If you are still looking for a gift for your guy/brother/dad, seriously check out Man Crates. They have amazing crates such as Zombie Survival Crate (hilarious for the Walking Dead fan!) or Whiskey Connoisseur Crate (perfect for my BFF) that would make great gifts! I kinda want to order one just for myself. But first, I would need to buy a crowbar or find a guy that has one.

This post was brought to you in collaboration with Man Crates. Check out all the awesome (and hilarious!) Man Crates at ManCrates.com.

'Tis The Season To be Well Dressed

I'm taking a small break from my holiday gift guide to showcase some great dresses to buy for the holidays! After all, a cute dress is as much in order for Thanksgiving as it is for all your holiday parties. I almost want to buy a planner just to keep track of my upcoming parties. As crazy as this season is, I do love every second of it! Especially since the only thing to look forward to after the holidays is the arrival of Spring which takes far too long (February and March are basically torturous in New York with how cold and grey they are).

French Connection Dress (on major sale!) // Cece By Cynthia Steffe Dress // H&M Red Lace Dress

Piperline Collection Navy Sequin Dress // Cece By Cynthia Steffe Mesh Dress // BB Dakota Dress

JOA Metallic Dress // Kensie Metallic Dress // Piperlime Collection Lace Dress (in love with this!)

Piperlime Collection Lace Leather Dress // Piperlime Collection Sequin Dress // Pim + Larkin Dress

Gallery Wall Update

Okay, so I was not planning on doing this post today, but Kate Spade just announced that they created a collection Salon Wall prints that can be seen all their stores. No one does gallery walls better than Kate Spade as evidence by the ones that are always in their stores. As I am still in the process of creating the gallery wall in my apartment, I was over the moon. I was especially enthralled with their New York Print and Travel Print as my apartment has a travel theme to it. Now anyone who is wondering what to get me for Christmas can get me one of those prints. 

Who wouldn't want one of these under their Christmas tree this year? I know I would love it.

New York Print // Book Covers Print // Tiny Treasures Print // Ampersand Print // Peonies Print // Exclamation Print // Showgirl Print // Travel Print

Holiday Gift Guide: Guys

Can you believe this awful polar vortex hitting most of the country? I, for one, am so not ready to be dealing with these chilling temperatures. The one good thing about the cold weather is that it is helping me get in the holiday state of mind. Well that and all the little Christmas shoppes popping up in New York. If you are visiting New York soon, you MUST visit the Bryant Park Shops and eat at Celsius. I do it every year!

Here is the next installment of my gift guide series. It's all about guys--from dads, to brothers, to friends, to boyfriends! 

1. J. Crew Cashmere scarf 2. The Gentleman's Deck Playing Cards 3. Baseball hat 4. Daniel Wellington Watch 5. S'Well Water Bottle 6. Jack Spade Good Grief Glasses 7. Jonathan Adler Match Strike 8. Whiskey Stones 9. Izola Nested Shot Glasses 10. Cards Against Humanity (it's seriously perfect for EVERYONE) 11. Leather Flask 12. Minimergency Kit for Him

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts Under $25

If you are slightly crazy like me, you are already making a list of everything you need to buy for people for the holidays. Actually it's not that crazy at this point to think about since Thanksgiving is only two weeks away!! Yes, time is literally flying by. As a result, I'm compiling a gift guide to make shopping for all your loved ones much easier. First up, gifts under $25! Perfect for friends, stockings, Secret Santas for work and basically everything under the sun.

1. & 2. Evelyn Henson Art (Drinks link, Rose link)- How darling are these art prints?! I know I would absolutely love both of them on my gallery wall and I can just picture them in several of my friends' places as well. 

3. Pinch Emergency Kit- This little kit literally has everything you could ever need when you are out running around. I take it everywhere with me and it's a superb gift to give all your friends so they can stop borrowing your kit.

4. Bauble Bar Studs- These earrings are so adorable and would be a splendid gift for your always fashionable friend/ coworker!

5. Anthropologie Candle- This little candle smells divine and is so pretty! It would be a great addition to anyone's home.

6. Bite Beauty Set- I am so mad I showed all my friends this set since now they all have copied me and bought it since the colors are flawless. So much for getting it for them for Christmas. (Currently sold out online but still sold in stores)

7. Picture Frame- I love how cool this frame looks and all you need to do is add a picture to make it an impeccable personalized gift for a friend.

8. & 9. Humans of New York and Paris Versus New York- These coffee table books are great fun and would make a fabulous addition to any apartment. 

10. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set- Have a friend obsessed with nail polish? Then this set would be perfect for them, and it even comes with a cute cosmetic bag!

11. Kate Spade Mug- Know a friend or coworker that cannot function without 10 cups of coffee? Help them continue their dependance on caffeine in style with this adorable mug.

12. Cards Against Humanity- This game is amazing and perfect for any group situation. It's even better when alcohol is involved. I am obsessed with it!