Holiday Gift Guide.

You may think that this holiday gift guide comes prematurely (in which case you would strongly object to the Christmas music currently playing as I write this.) However, with December hastily approaching, holiday shopping will be in full swing before you know it! I vowed to start this process early--as I eagerly state most years, rarely ever following through--so that I could enjoy the season rather than succumb to the chaos that inevitably unfolds the week before festivities. I hope to skip the stresses of last minute shopping and instead fill my time appreciating the joys winter brings: ice skating in Central park, hot chocolate from City Bakery, Christmas movies by the fire and a trip home to help cut down the perfect tree.

 

So, without further ado, here is my first ever holiday gift guide. Items range from under $25 steals to splurge-worthy finds. They all make for memorable gifts, whether you are drawn to leopard booties, sweet midi rings or sinful New York cookies.

 

 

I hope this guide inspires you when it comes to gift-giving this year, whether for your own holiday wish list or for others.

 

1. XO midi rings

2. Leopard booties

3. Kate Spade cosmetics bag

4. Frends headphones

5. Polka dot pajama set

6. Bobbi Brown shimmer brick eye palette  

7. C.Wonder gold chevron glasses

8. Levain cookies

9. Nike free running shoe

10. Kendra Scott statement earrings

11. Glitter bow hair tie set

12. Chevron infinity scarf

13. Diptyque pine bark candle

14. Sparkly clutch

15. J.Crew vest 

Grahamwiches.

 

In an attempt to start my week off healthy while still satisfying my insatiable sweet tooth, I decided to test out  "grahamwiches." They are not quite ice cream sandwiches, but close enough considering how easy they are to make and how many calories you save!

 

I have seen various recipes for such treats using cool whip, cookies, Greek yogurt, you name it. Today, I simply used the frozen yogurt I had on hand and incorporated some of my favorite indulgences--peanut butter, sprinkles and dark chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!



 

Directions:

1. Break each graham cracker in half
2. Spread peanut butter, or Nutella, evenly onto each half (optional)
3. Spoon frozen yogurt onto one half and sandwich the crackers together
4. Roll sides in sprinkles (or chocolate chips, crushed nuts, toffee bits, etc.)
5. Lay flat on a baking sheet and freeze
6. Enjoy once frozen!

I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious "grahamwiches" were and will definitely be making them in the future. As an added bonus, these would make a great snack for kids--yes, this in the nanny in me speaking :)


Life Lately {According to Instagram}

Another month has flown by. Fall has come and Winter is well on its way. Central Park has never looked so gorgeous and farmers markets are bountiful with seasonal treats. This month I made a trip to Farr Hills for The Hunt, ran around the city in search of Banksy graffiti art (before it was destroyed), celebrated Halloween and cheered on participants from around the world during the INGmarathon.  Up next is an anxiously awaited trip to USC--and impromptu college reunion--to cheer on my Gamecocks.

Nightstand Necessities.



In my opinion, one's nightstand is a pretty sacred place. Although mine may be disorganized at times, it is usually a relatively good glimpse into my life.

In my tiny New York apartment, my bedside table is a combination of pretty and functional and often serves as a "catch all" in my hectic life. You will always find my favorite Dyptique candle, a block sign which reads, "love you to the moon and back" and an Eiffel tower ring stand draped with my jewelry from the week. There is typically a recently used Essie polish (currently obsessed with "The Lace Is On" iridescent purple shade) and sunglasses flung to the side in my rush home from work. Beneath my table I have a colorful clock and a collection of books--Cupcakes & Cashmere, The Devil in the White City and a compilation of handcrafted Manhattan maps.

Below is a preview of what is at by bedside and an assortment of what I deem necessary. With a combination of these items you will have a chic, yet practical, nightstand in no time.

1. Diptyque Candle

2. Kaleidoscope iPhone

3. Essie Polish

4. Stackable Rings

5. Reflective Ray Bans

6. Stone Rings

7. Colorful Clock 

8. Wooden Sign

9. Ring Holder

10. Watch



Dia de Los Muertos.

Oh and in case anyone was wondering, here is a glimpse (#selfie) of my Halloween costume this year.

Dia de Los Muertos came to life with this incredible sugar skull face paint. I could not have been more pleased with the turn out! Add a flower headband, glow-in-the-dark skeleton leggings and some black booties and you are set! It was my simplest costume to date, yet definitely the most eye catching. I was just happy to see that Halloween festivities most certainly do not end post college graduation.

Hope everyone had a great Halloweek!