Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of my lovely readers who celebrate! May you have a beautiful holiday filled with love, faith, family, and lots of cheer. I just wanted to take a moment a reflect on the bigger picture of Christmas. I know that often times it is so easy to mindlessly get caught up in the stress of shopping and materialistic items during the holiday season...we all do this at some point. However, it is important to remember that while materialistic items are fun to give and receive, they are really not important at all when you look at the big picture. This year I really struggled to come up with a list of things I wanted as gifts when my mom had asked me. The reason being? My life is so full of love, happiness, and blessings that I didn't even have any room in my life to think of things that I wanted or that were "missing" because my life is already rich in so many different ways. What I truly want for Christmas is for my life to continue to be as fulfilled and as happy as it already is, Each night when I go to sleep I thank God for providing me with food, shelter, warmth, safety, and an incredible support system behind me. While it is perfectly okay to enjoy and get excited about material objects, don't forget to count your blessings and remember the truly valuable things in your own life this year.

Chicago at Christmastime

One of my very favorite things about being from Chicago is all that there is to do and to explore. My mom and I have a tradition of visiting infamous Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street (formerly Marshall Fields) for a holiday breakfast or lunch by the giant tree and some shopping. For desert we go across the street to Magnolia Bakery )my absolute favorite bakery) for banana pudding (it is sinful). This year we did it again and I thought that I would share my day with my readers through photos I took of the beautiful day that I was able to spend with my mom. If you live in the Chicagoland area or ever visit during Christmastime, I highly recommend visiting Macy's on State to really get you into the holiday spirit.

Outfit Of The Day: Holiday Outfit Inspiration

Hello everyone! Today's post features an outfit that I have been loving that can hopefully provide you with some inspiration for what to wear for Christmas gatherings this week. This all black ensemble is perfect for a holiday party, but cozy enough to wear even if you are just gathering with family for a Christmas brunch at your own house like I am. I paired a faux-fur vest over my favorite swing tunic and leggings for an easy look, and then added some golden toned jewels to pull everything together. If you're interested in the pieces shown, links to them will be below.

 

Faux Fur Vest (exact)

Tunic (similar)

Pants (similar)

Tassel Necklace (similar)

Druzy Necklace (exact)

Earrings (exact)

Ring (exact)

Bracelets (exact)

Merry Christmas!

Gift Guide: The Girl That Has Everything

We all have that person on our Christmas shopping list that is impossible to shop for and most of the time it is because they have what they want and/or need, leaving nothing left for others to gift to them. For today's post I put together a guide of nice items that even the girl that seems to have everything already could use.

Jewelry Dish

Portable Phone Backup Battery

Voluspa Two Wick Candle in 'Macaron'

Gold Foil Wall Calender

Gold Monogram Mug

Q&A Journal

Kate Spade Notebook

J.Crew Pajama Set

S'well Water Bottle

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Lilly Pulitzer Tumbler Cup

L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Hello everyone! I am back with another installment of my gift guide posts. As Christmas is quickly approaching, I thought that I would post a little list of some awesome stocking stuffers that any girl would be sure to love. As always, the direct links to each product are listed below. Happy shopping!

Voluspa 'Macaron' Candle

The Wet Brush

Essie Polish

Bite Double Ended Lipstick

Rosebud Salve

Hand Food Hand Cream

Lush Lip Scrub

Chloe Rollerball Perfume

Shea Socks

Sleep Mask

Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Mask

Kitsch Hair Ties

Gift Guide: The Beauty Junkie

Hello! I am back with my second holiday 2015 gift guide. This installment is gifts for the beauty product junkie in your life. I have gathered options in the $25, $50, and $100 price ranges that are sure to please any girl obsessed with trying out new makeup, nail polishes, and fragrance!

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Gift Guide: The Accessories Queen

Hello everyone! The holidays are officially upon us and with the holidays comes gifts. Over the next couple of weeks I will be posting various gift guides that can help you shop for the different types of people in your life. Today I am breaking down the best gifts to get someone that is obsessed with all things accessories, like myself! Since accessories is such a broad and fun category, I came up with several options for various price points; under $20, under $50, under $100, and under $200. I personally have and enjoy a majority of these items featured, so I know they will make great gifts for others. Direct links to each product shown are underneath each price set. Happy shopping!

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