Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas! I had a lovely morning with Johnny opening gifts and talking on the phone with family. I work this afternoon and hopefully everyone will be full of Christmas cheer!

Better to Give

I just wrapped up the last of my Christmas shopping last night- I am so happy to have done almost all of it online. No fighting crowds on Black Friday or hunting through the mall for me! I can always find the right thing for family and friends on Amazon or Etsy, and failing that, every national retail store has a website. Here's a few things I'm giving this year:

Little Big Planet

To my dear friend, former roommate, and gaming buddy Mikey I am giving Little Big Planet. It's fun and challenging and I think he'll enjoy it. Plus, once he has a copy, we can play online together. 

Blue houndstooth apron

My BFF Amy loves to cook and bake, so I snagged this cute personalized blue houndstooth apron from Preppy Princess. My only hope is that it isn't so long that it will swallow her- she's only 5'2! 

Handmade beaded earrings

I actually scored several pairs of beautiful earrings from the Etsy store OBX Jewels. The owner is getting out of the jewelry business and is selling gorgeous pieces for great prices. These particular earrings are for my friend Greer- her favorite color is blue and she has wonderful taste in jewelry. Other pairs of earrings from this shop are going to my mom, aunts, and cousin. (And I have a pair to keep for myself too!)

Long-sleeved tee from Loft

My mom always gripes about needing colorful shirts, so I snagged this super-soft long-sleeved twisted vee neck tee from Loft yesterday. The soft pink color will look wonderful with her natural coloring and the neckline isn't too revealing. Perfect!

What are you giving for Christmas?

Christmas List, Part 2

Since I've shared some items that are on my list to give, I thought I'd share some items that I'd like to receive this year!

Monogrammed earrings from The Pink Monogram. I have been searching for a pair of earrings to wear every day- the kind that match everything, don't look ridiculous, and aren't attention-getting. I think these small, tastefully monogrammed beauties are just what I'm looking for!

Boat & Tote bag from LL Bean. I really need a tote bag for carrying around all of the miscellaneous stuff I take to work, to the gym, and to polo practice. I love the Regatta Blue color!

Cozy socks from Old Navy. I cannot tell you how much I need some warm, fuzzy socks! My feet freeze after  I take off my Ugg-boot-looking slippers and regular socks just don't cut it at night. 

Rope Whale notecards from Vineyard Vines. This stationary is adorable, enough said.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Christmas List

It's getting to be the time of year when I seriously start thinking about Christmas. Namely, what to get everyone on my list, which has gotten quite long in recent years! My close friends are easy to shop for; my extended family is more difficult. Here are some lovely things I've found so far:

Soaps from Savor

Savor is one of my very favorite Etsy shops! They sell all sorts of handmade bath products, but their soaps are absolutely divine. This two-soap gift set also includes a handmade soap dish, and I think it's going to be great for my hard-to-shop for aunt. As a bonus, you get to choose which soaps to include! Perfect!

Brocade zipper bags at Pier 1

These little brocade zipper bags are adorable. Best of all, they can be filled with mini-gifts tailored to the recipient. My nieces might just receive these bags packed with nail polish, emery boards, lip gloss, etc. 

Luggage tag from A Touch of Whimsy

Most of my close friends are scattered all over the country- Michigan, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee- but they all travel regularly, whether it's home to visit family and friends or to the vacation home to summer. These bright, cheery luggage tags are going to be a hit, I can feel it!

Hot sauce set from Gourmet Mike's

Several gentlemen in my life are big fans of grilling and big fans of hot sauce. My dear friend Mikey and crazy cousin Andy might be recipients of a hot sauce set. 

What are you giving for Christmas this year?