Just a few more days until Christmas. Do you have all of your shopping done yet? I don't. Amazon Prime has saved me this year because I have been able to purchase many things last minute without needing to go into any crowded stores. My Prime membership has more than paid off.
My leopard-print skirt is from Body Central. The belt came with the skirt. My sister introduced me to the store, and I instantly fell in love with it. The black tights are from Forever 21. They have the best prices for stockings. My shoes are from H&M. I'm about to let them go because they are getting beat up. Boo! My top is also from Forever 21. It's a black, scoop-neck, long-sleeve top. My boyfriend's Grammie gave me the vest. It's a crocheted, flowy vest, and I do not know where she purchased it.
I have a few more gifts to buy, but I know exactly what I am getting. If you're struggling with last minute gift ideas, I recommend a cute monogram mug from Anthropologie; flash tattoos for the golden girl; dip clips for the foodie; a cool pillow for the sleepless; key and wallet finder; a breakfast tray; simple earphones; incense, and yummy, classic bubble bath. Of course, I could list ideas all day, but these are some of the things I am gifting this year. Feel free to share some of the items you are giving away this year. God bless!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
My Monday was a nice mellow day like I like em. I put on this adorable outfit I love to wear all year round (w/ shorts in the summer and boots), and I stopped into Top Pot Doughnuts to pick up some treats for everyone in the office. I ordered the peppermint chocolate donut, which I found interesting yet tasty. The coffee is also DELISH!
The sweater wrap I bought at Tobi a few years ago, and it ties around the waist, but I like to tie it behind my back. It looks cuter. Similar here. My sweet boyfriend also let me use his gift card a few years ago to Marshall's where I scored these adorable booties. Similar here. You can see a bit of my purple socks peeking out, but that wasn't intended. My pants are from Nordstrom's. I also wore a black t-shirt under the sweater wrap.
I snapped the picture above quickly out on a walk with my dogs, Tiki and Odessa. I just love these shoes, and I never think to take pictures when I'm out walking my dogs. I'm sure I look funny, but it kills two bird with one stone, as they say. You can see the booties are a little beat up since I wear them so much in the fall. They are very comfortable.
This week is off to a wonderful start. I began my Christmas card adventure tonight. It's not something I remember to do every year, but this year I want to remember everyone. I also put my first Christmas present under our cute little tree. There is a Christmas party on Thursday I am invited to attend, so I was excited when the package arrived today with the hostess's gift. She will be so pleased! I hope everyone else had a wonderful Monday, and I look forward to what the rest of the week has to bring.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I said I was going to write a blog post about DIY gifts, and I got so excited that I started writing it right away. Since I'm so strapped for cash all of the time, I love making things to give as gifts. I love the reaction I get, and they really mean a lot more than just purchasing something. Although, I do argue that it's always the thought that counts.
This year I made a photo book for someone's birthday of all of the things we did together as a family, and other special moments in our relationship. There were many hours dedicated to things like colors, fonts, and photo placement, but it was worth the effort. I used a Groupon code to purchase an inexpensive photo book from an online photo ordering website. Although my book was more expensive than I planned, I also learned there are other photo websites with legitimate savings. So don't back out! You can also go to any photo editing software or Powerpoint, and create a slide show with music. I made one of these slide shows for my mother on Mother's day, and she definitely enjoyed it so much she cried.
In my last post I wrote about a pressed flower iPhone case I am working on. I also make jewelry with a similar concept, where I take pre-cut shapes of glass, and glue to the back pictures I trim from magazines. I've given away many necklaces and earrings with this design, and received many compliments. Check out my Etsy shop for an example of what the jewelry will look like. You can also use larger pieces of glass and create paper weights or bookends.
There are so many DIY ideas online, I could really talk all day about it. I'm also obsessing over homemade advent calenders and 12-days-of-Christmas idea. Check out this Pinterest board for some advent calender ideas. Also, check out this Popsugar post about the best DIY gifts. Let me know if you have any suggestions for DIY gifts.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Today went by quickly. It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week, and there was lots of shopping to be done. I'm responsible for the peas with bacon, and pecan pie. Last year was my first attempt at making a homemade pecan pie, and it came out better than I expected. I made it the morning of, so it was fresh and marvelous when we cut into it. I'd like to do the same thing this year, only this time I'm making my own pie crust. Can't wait to share!
I also did a little online shopping this weekend, and earlier today. I've been needing a new pair of black heels because I wear them so often, they get way past their prime. Since I go through heels so quickly, I don't like to spend very much on them. I've learned that it's best to have at least two pairs of heels in nude and black--one pair for work and another for nice occasions. I like to shop at 6pm, and I find inexpensive heels I always love. Today they had an extra 15% off coupon, so bought these babies.
I've also been in need of a better shampoo, so I used my birthday coupon code for 15% off their PRX Reparatives shampoo. I have not tried it before, but I know their other shampoos work well. I also have a ton of conditioner, so for now I only bought the shampoo. A few months ago I went to the Fredrick Fekkai here in Dallas, and I really enjoy my haircut. I have received several compliments, and I look forward to going back many more times.
I'm also a huge fan of homemade gifts. One of my ideas this year, besides jewelry, is one given to me by the person I am gifting it to. I received an email one day with this adorable DIY craft idea on Etsy for making your own pressed flower iPhone case. I usually save my bouquets, and let them dry out. I also have some vintage pressed flowers from a craft store I would love to combine to create one of these lovely gifts. I purchased a clear iPhone 5 case from Amazon for less than two dollars. Light bulb! I'm thinking because I love DIY crafts so much, I will have to share a blog post in the near future about some of my other DIY crafts.
I hope everyone had a blessed and joyous Monday. May your Tuesday be just as special, as well as the days that follow.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
This week went by so fast, I can hardly believe it. Last night I took a quiz for school, and fell asleep shortly after, which was before 10PM. I'm more of a night owl, so it's always a sign when I fall asleep early. Between work and school, I can hardly keep track of the days. I'll be dedicating most of my time this weekend to cleaning and homework. I have a few more assignments and quizzes to complete, along with a paper I need to start. Oh, and I will be redoing my mani on Sunday.
Black Friday is so close, I am too excited to wait. I am so happy stores have started having sales earlier and earlier. I just can't wait! I can't wait to buy presents, and I can't wait to give them. My Yahoo account is flooded with emails with gift lists and sales. I'm too afraid to delete anything in case I miss something. Let's just say I have over 500 emails right now. My budget is limited, but a girl can dream.
Forever 21 is having pre-Black Friday deals. I believe there is a different sale every day. Modcloth is also having a similar promotion. I also love the H&M sales. Another one of my favorite stores is 6pm, and they are also having some great sales. There is a whole list of Black Friday deals here at Lucky.
I hope everyone has a good weekend!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
