Men's Gift Guide: $25 & Under...

I find shopping for guys is pretty easy. My advice is don't over think your purchases, keep it simple and keep it fun. I find putting a practical item (socks, boxers, slippers, etc.) together with a gift card (think of their favorite stores, music, etc.) and/or their favorite beverage seems to make a really nice gift. Don't hesitate to throw in a favorite snack or something they'll find funny in there. Hope this helps get the wheels turning!

1. The Beatles "Abbey Road" on vinyl - UrbanOutfitters
2. Beer cozy (think his favorite sports team or funny sayings) - amazon
3. Desk Calendar - UrbanOutfitters
4. Fingerless gloves - Gap
5. Tie - forever21
6. Sunglasses - forever21.com
7. Boxer shorts (plaids, funny pictures, sayings, etc.) - Gap
8. Mini Tabasco bottles (good for those non friendly hot sauce restaurants) - amazon
9. Belt - Old Navy
10. Zippo Lighter - Urban Outfitters
11. NHL Hockey Tee (think his favorite sports teams) - Old Navy
12. Box of Jokes - Urban Outfitters
13. Slippers - Old Navy
14. Cocktail Shaker - Urban Outfitters
15. Message Board - Urban Outfitters

Holiday Gift Guide: $4 bucks & under...

It didn't hit me until today that I only have 22 days to finish my Holiday shopping and finish my Holiday cards.. yikes!! I'm not a fan of giving somebody one present. I always feel like it's never enough. I like putting a few items together to make a present. Sometimes there's a theme but most of the time there isn't. This is the start of my "Holiday Gift Guide". Maybe this will help anybody who's at a loss on what to get someone! :)

Above is an idea of a few things that would make a cute present. A tote is a cute idea because it could be used for many things.. groceries, gym bag, tote for the farmers market, etc. A cute and inexpensive little necklace and a pair of socks (everybody needs socks!). Put items like these together and you have a perfect little gift for a friend, cousin, co-worker, sibling, etc.
(Tote, necklace & socks: Forever21)

It's raining.. it's pouring..

Whenever it starts raining I always feel like I'm stuck to skinny jeans and leggings. I find that my outfit is always warmer that way and it goes best with my rainboots. Sometimes I'm too lazy to think "outside the box". Here's a great alternative to jeans and leggings. Try pairing a cute plaid top with a solid skirt. The glittery belt adds a little "umph" to the outfit. Throw on some tights, your yummiest pair of socks and those rainboots and you're ready to take on that rainy day! You could also pair of a cute pair of combat boots or knee highs with this outfit!

(Shirt, Skirt & Belt - J.Crew, Rainboots - Hunter)

Giving Thanks...

I have lived in California for 6 in a half years. In those six in a half years I have only been home once for Thanksgiving. When you live 3000 miles away from home you have friends that become your family. I normally spend Thanksgiving with my adopted "west coast" family. However, this year due to cancer, changes in location, significant others we will all be apart. As sad as I am about this I'm looking forward to trying something new. I'm thankful that Victoria & her mom are hosting dinner at Victoria's place and that Lauren will get to be there! I hope everyone has a thankful & yummy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Eating Outfits

My family was big on looking nice for the Holidays.. Thanksgiving was no exception! I always secretly envied those families that got to sit around all day in their PJs or sweats and got to pick at food all day. Looking back at family photos I'm glad we always dressed up. My biggest dilemma when it comes to dressing for Thanksgiving is trying to find something fashionable yet roomy enough that my clothes aren't too tight. I found loose tunics and dresses are your best bet! Here are a few of my favorite "Turkey Eating Outfits". These three items can be found on shopbop.

(1. Winter Kate - Dixie Dress 2. Patterson J. Kincaid 3. Winter Kate - Grace Tunic)

Holiday Dresses

The Holidays and the parties that come along with them are literally right around the corner. I always wait till the last minute and wind up with another LBD (Little Black Dress). This year I'm wanting to find something that had a little more "umph" to it. Here's a few of my favorite dresses..

(1. Diane von Furstenberg 2. Donna Morgan 3. Opening Ceremony 4. Free People 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs 6. BCBG Max Azria)

The perfect Saturday outfit

If I could live in PJs and Jeans.. I would! I always look forward to Saturday because I can put on my most comfy clothes and conquer whatever errands I couldn't finish during the week. Here are some of my favorite pieces for running errands on a Saturday.

(Hoodie: J.Crew, Jeans: Crafted Boyfriend Jean, Tank: Splendid, Scarf: Love Quotes, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Flip-Flops: Havaiana)

Color Me Green

Color Me Green is my new nail spot. I love that it's eco friendly and the atmosphere is tranquil! If you want a decent priced & eco friendly manicure or pedicure.. you need to check out Color Me Green!

Have a Foodie Holiday

It's that time of year... Barney's Holiday catalog has arrived! This catalog is my version of the Sears Wishbook. I always look forward to seeing how creative they get in the photos. Here are a few of my favorite photos. Enjoy!

Boot Obsession

From the time I was little I have always had an obsession with boots. I sported the lace up ankle boots in the early 90s, rebelled into combat boots, rocked my way into the motorcycle boot and eventually graduated into a pair of knee high boots. I always look forward to fall because it's the beginning of what I like to call "boot season". However, this fall in SoCal it's felt more like spring/summer. I'm looking forward to going back east for the holidays and getting to prance around in my favorite footwear!

(1. Frye "shirley" 2. Jessica Simpson "Anne" 3. Dolce Vita "Braeden" 4. Minnetonka "3 layer fringe" 5. Steve Madden "Chelseey" 6. Steve Madden "Axee" 7. Hunter 8. Minnentonka "back zip")

Palm Springs in November

This past weekend I took my very first trip to Palm Springs. When I was packing on Friday I had the usual dilemma.. what do I pack? Better yet.. what do I pack for Palm Springs in November? Above is my outfit I picked out to wear on Saturday night. It was perfect for the cool Palm Springs night, stylish and comfy enough to walk around in!

(Cardigan - Splendid, Top - Winter Kate, Jeans - Banana Republic)

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Pinterest...

I have mentioned pinterest before but my obsession for this site is on overload! I'm someone who loves organization and it was getting tiring having to save links, images, etc. Trying to find those links, images, etc. would get tiring! Thankfully something called Pinterest was created! I now have a place to save those dishes I find lovely, ideas for photo shoots, patterns, & decorating ideas! Click on the link below and you can see all my pins! Enjoy!

See my pins on pinterest

messy hair

There's something beautiful and kind of sexy about disheveled hair. I have thick, wavy and coarse hair. It's a pain to straighten, brush, wash, etc. I'm one of those people that looks forward to 2nd or 3rd day hair. Newly washed hair for me = giant 80s hair (in a bad way). What does one do if they don't have the time/energy to straighten their hair? I prefer to put it into a messy ponytail or braid. Here are some of my favorite disheveled looks.

It was a puppy filled Saturday...

Normally I'm one of those constantly on the go people. This weekend I really listened to my body (& my doctor) and chilled out. As exhausted as I was I managed to pull myself together to get together with one of my close friends and take the dogs to the beach. Maybe it's my exhaustion or the stress but I've been feeling very uninspired. These four photos were taken this past Saturday. I love everything everything about them.. especially the pooches featured!

Halloween Weekend

I was hoping for a peaceful weekend (because I needed it) but I wound up running around the entire weekend. Above are some photos from my weekend

1) Curtis & I "cooling" down from our walk 2) We thought this would be a funny photo. No harm was intended. 3) Ringmaster costume. I was missing my whip, jacket & top hat. 4) Hope & I on her birthday 5) Curtis in my Giants jersey

November

This morning I woke up and there was a sadness that my favorite month has ended but excitement that November is starting. I always notice a difference each month brings. October brought the first fall "chill" to the air. This morning I woke up & noticed November brought a crisp fall chill. I love the way the crisp fall air smells and chills my nose in the morning. I'm looking forward to comfy layers, boots, scarves & thanksgiving dinner!