Stocking Stuffers for Her

Stocking Stuffers for Her by colleenmacdonald11 featuring holiday decorations

I love stocking stuffers!  When I was growing up, my sister and I would wake up SUPER early on Christmas morning!  We loved enjoying as much of the Christmas magic as possible.  My parents were really good about getting up with us before the sun came up.  One rule they had was that they needed to have a cup of coffee before we went into the living room and started opening gifts.  We were allowed to go through our christmas stockings while they drank their coffee!  We would get fun things like Lip Smacker lip balms, cute little toys, small books, great candy, sometimes even necklaces or bracelets, fun socks...it was great!  The lady in your life should like some of these fun ideas for their stockings! 

Victoria s Secret victoria secret perfum

Yes to Cucumbers face cleanser  (I can't be without these!)
target.com

Eo
kohls.com

Eos lip treatment
kohls.com

Aveda body moisturizer  (This smells amazing!)
$10 - nordstrom.com

Essie gift sets kit
beauty.com

Bliss beauty product
macys.com

Tarte blush
sephora.com

Makeup tool
ulta.com

Rosebud Perfume Co lips makeup
anthropologie.com

Victoria's Secret grey socks
victoriassecret.com

Thirstystone vintage home decor  (It's a bottle opener!)
macys.com

Nest Fragrances candles candleholder
gracioushome.com

Ballard Designs office accessory
ballarddesigns.com

West Elm zipper pouch
westelm.com

Holiday decoration
target.com

Blank Journal Greenroom .\" .\" Multi-colored
target.com

Christmas drinkware  (A mini champagne bottle is so cute and fun!)
johnlewis.com

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover

Threshold Speckle Coffee Mug - Target

Towle Living Demitasse Spoons

Gold Stripe Thermal Mug - Kate Spade

Krups Fast-Touch Bean Grinder - Kohl's

Fig + Yarrow Cardamom Coffee Scrub - Burke Décor

Cafe Mocha Jar Candle - Kirkland's

illy Whole Bean Coffee - Macy's

Aerolatte Original Electric Frother-Amazon

Starbucks Red Cup Ornament -Amazon

Bodum Chambord French Press - Gracious Home

Yoga Coffee Naps Off Shoulder Sweatshirt - Etsy

Keurig K400 Coffee Maker Brewing System - Target

But First Coffee Tee - Target

Blomus UTILO Tea and Coffee Measure - Lumens

Starbucks Gift Card -Starbucks

Kahlua Coffee Liqueur - Crown Wine and Spirits

I am a huge coffee lover.  Something about it is just so comforting.  I also love that caffeine boost!  If you have a coffee lover in your life, check out these ideas they will be sure to love!

Gift Guide for Her

I haven't blogged in QUITE awhile but I have really been wanting to share some holiday shopping ideas with you.  I have always enjoyed picking out gifts for others but I know some people just hate to shop or they just develop a mental block where they really can't think of anything to get for their loved ones.  I can really help with that.  This list has a lot of items that would suit many women on your list.  If your friend, wife, mom, or sister has kind of a classic, elegant (but not stuffy) style, than they will love these items.  I've come up with gift ideas that almost all under $50.  I'll be posting a few more gift guides in the days to follow that have different themes, but for now, I hope you find these ideas helpful.

1.) Tory Birch Mini Duo - Sephora - She will love these miniature Tory Burch scents.  The original is a classic, polished scent with peony and tuberose that has hints of grapefruit.  The Absolu is a twist on her original scent with some earthier notes of sandalwood, vanilla and black currant. I love both!

2.) On Wednesdays We Wear Pink Tank - Etsy - If she quotes Mean Girls and works out, she will love this tank! Check out the Etsy site and you may even find some others that are perfect.

3.) Miss Fancy Pants Mug - Ashley Brooke Designs - If she loves Aubrey Hepburn, designer bags, champagne and can be a little sassy, this is for her!  Come on, I know you already have someone in mind! ;-)

4.) Sugar Wrapping Paper - Target - I've linked to three different elegant patterns: white paper with gold stars, black with gold dots, and white with gold stripes.  These are classic, understated, and elegant.  You really can't go wrong with any gift wrap from the Sugar line at Target though.

5.) Throw Pillow - Target - Who wouldn't like to wake up to this greeting?  They also have a gold pillow that reads "Hello Lovely" that is equally charming.

6.) Springtime Blossom Tervis Water Bottle - JCPenney - I love Tervis tumbers and water bottles because they are double-walled and can keep your drinks hot OR cold.  The print on this one is so pretty!

7.) Faux fur Infinity Scarf - Wet Seal - Faux fur is so cozy and soft, why not wear it around your neck on a chilly day.  You can't beat the price for this scarf.  I've seen them go for a lot more elsewhere.

8.) Monogram Stemless Wine Glass - Pier 1 - I love stemless wine glasses.  This one has elegant details and I love that you can personalize it with her initial.

9.) Michael Kors Pale Gold Rhinestone Plaque iPhone 6 Case - Belk - Some people like to have options for their phone cases - I think she'll love this sophisticated choice.

10.) OPI 10-pack Mini All-Stars - Overstock - This kit has some of my favorite OPI colors - Bubble Bath, Alpine Snow, Lincoln Park After Dark and Big Apple Red.

11.) Dreamer Flannel Pajamas - Victoria's Secret - These pajamas are super soft, comfy and they always offer beautiful prints each year.

12.) Faux Succulent in glass Terrarium - Target - These are beautiful to look at and so easy to care for!

13.) Lancome Juicy Tubes Set - Macy's - These are some of the best neutral shades they have.  I have loved these shimmery shades for years and she will love them too.

14.)  Dearfoams Women's Carol Slide Slippers _Target - Dearfoams are always so comfy, this grey knit pair doesn't disappoint.

15.)  Madison Park Faux-Fur Throw- Kohl's - This is what I call my "couch blanket". She will want to snuggle up with this faux fur, super soft throw each night before bed.

16.) Engravable Bar Necklace - Stella & Dot - Rose Gold is so popular and it works for women who wear either silver or gold! I love that you can engrave a special message on these pieces.

17.) Mahogany Teakwood White Barn Candle - Bath & Body Works - This scent is so clean and inviting, but it has depth with mahogany, oak and lavender.

My Stitch Fix Review-July 2015

I've discovered a new love!  I have to start by saying that I have never subscribed to any of the super popular subscription boxes before.  I have certainly been tempted by boxes full of makeup, healthy food, dog toys, etc. I won't rule out any of those boxes for the future, but my first subscription box was to Stitch Fix.  I complimented a friend on her outfit and she casually told me "Oh thanks, it's all Stitch Fix." I really wasn't sure what this was, but I knew I needed to find out.  My friend explained how it worked and I figured, why not?  I'll give it a try! I signed up about a week later and shortly thereafter my first Stitch Fix arrived on a Saturday when I was cleaning my toilets and scrubbing by showers.  The doorbell rang and I went to see who was there. I found a beautiful tan box with a striking aquamarine logo on my doorstep!  I picked it up and scampered off to try things on-forget cleaning.  I have to say, there is nothing quite like opening a box of clothing that someone else has picked out for you and knowing you don't have to keep it, but it's so fun to see what they found for you and sent to your house!  Here's how it works: You sign up on Stitch Fix and fill out a style profile so that they know what you like.  You get to put in your clothing sizes, whether you are shapely in certain areas, how you like your clothes to fit, and they show you several outfits and you can rate them so that they can get an idea of your style.  You pay a $20 styling fee but you get that back when you purchase an item from your box. There is also an option to write a note to your stylist. I took that opportunity to tell them what I was looking for at the time.  My first Stitch Fix Box was so fun.  I really enjoyed taking that break from my day and trying on clothes that showed up on my doorstep.  Here's a pic of the stylist card from that order:

They gave me ideas on how to pair the items they sent.

Now I was kind of picky with this order and it wasn't 100% what I was looking for at the time but I ended up keeping the halter top in the top right corner.  It's really cute, the fabric is great quality and I've gotten tons of compliments on it.  I sent back the other items with some hints to my stylist.  Then she pretty much hit a home run with this next order.  Here is the cute note she sent me with order number two:

Jessica knew I was looking for the perfect pair of distressed jeans and also that I loved the polka dot top she sent in the last box, I just didn't care for the bow on the back.  I gave her access to my Pinterest Fashion board also where I pinned clothing items I liked. 

Here is what Jessica sent me this time:

I love these distressed denim boyfriend jeans! I could have gone for a bit more distressing, but I tried these on and the fit was so perfect, and they were so soft and comfortable, I knew I had to keep them! Should I cuff them more or less than this? I never know! 

I adore the detail in the top of this blouse and the fit is very flattering! It's so unique and she just happened to send me my very favorite shade of blue! 

This maxi dress must be made of feathers from the wings of baby angels it was so soft! I love the pattern and the color. I do wish there was a little more detail in the top like maybe some embroidery or a v-neck. I also think the waistline hit a bit high on me and didn't look the greatest, but I still think it's a beautiful dress!

This is where she missed the mark a little. She knows I like polka dots and blue, so this would seem like a great choice, I certainly can't fault her there. I was disappointed when I tried it on and the neckline just seemed weird to me. Also, the dots were a bit close together and they kind of hurt my eyes to look at! I'm sure she'll find the perfect polka for top for me in the future though. That's what I like the most about Stitch Fix, you don't have to keep everything and you can always try again! 

Finally, this layered necklace was a definite keeper. I can wear it with lots of different outfits for different occasions. 

I was really happy with this Stitch Fix and I look forward to getting that box of clothes delivered to my door each month!

 

If you would like to try Stitch Fix for yourself, check it out here:

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5311336

 

 

I'd love to see what you get in your Stitch Fix!

Affordable Workout Gear I Love!

Good Morning!  I'm about to start my workout for today, Lower Fix from The 21 Day Fix and I thought I would share some of my favorite workout gear with you.  I should mention that I like sharing recommendations for products I like, but nobody is paying me to recommend this workout gear, I just like it, so I thought I'd share.  I like that most of these items are very affordable and easy to add to your collection!

First, let's talk about Old Navy Go-Dry Racerback Tanks

I ABSOLUTELY love these!  I have 4 of them and I'm definitely ordering more.  They are incredibly lightweight and the air flows through them very easily.  I also find the cut to be very flattering.  They are long and flow enough to cover your tummy (generously) and most of your bum which is great when I am wearing tight yoga pants.  The coverage just makes me feel like my lower half is less on display while I am trying to tone and shrink it!  I also like that the cut nips in at the waist a bit - just enough to make the top look feminine and not baggy.  Some colors are on sale right now for under $10!  There are some others colors for $16.94 but I noticed that today (07/15) the entire Old Navy website has a sale going on.  Type in the code REALDEAL at checkout and you'll save 35% off regular-price styles and 30% off SALE styles!  It's a really good time to try these!

Danskin Now Front Close Plunge Sport Bra

I discovered these YEARS ago and I really can't stand wearing any other sports bra.  These bras snap closed which means one important thing - you don't have to wrestle them off like a boa constrictor!  There's something really gross about peeling off a sweaty, sticky sports bra and pulling and twisting it over your head after a good workout.  Some may say it's the workout after the workout, but I'd rather snap, remove and move on with my day.  These are also very affordable (under $15) and mine have held up very well over the years.  They also are lightly lined and give a good amount of coverage and solid medium support.

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

I know there are all sorts of workout gadgets and gizmos out there.  I have some other ones, but I can honestly say that I enjoy wearing this one the most.  I really think it's important to keep a close eye on your heart rate while you are training.  It's always nice to know what is normal for you at different levels of your workouts and it helps you to get to know your body and how to push it best.  I also love that this seems to give me a fairly accurate idea of how many calories I have burned.  You can save all your workout data and go back and review as well.  They have many different colors and they are all under $60 right now.

90 Degree By Reflex Yoga Capri

I love that these pants are super-comfortable, breathe easy and they are reversible!  They also have a sewn-in front pocket for little things like hair ties or a few dollars.  They have a ton of great patterns too!

I hope you try some of these ideas.  It's always fun to have new workout items.  What are some of your favorites?  I'd love to hear about them!

My Favorite Summer Beauty Products

I love trying new beauty products, I always have.  Fortunately for my wallet, the nearest Sephora and Ulta are about 40 minutes away.  That's far enough to keep me from making too many impulse purchases while browsing in those stores.  I use a healthy mix of higher end products and drugstore items, so that's what I will be recommending to you in the future.  Here are some products that I'm currently loving!

Loreal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray

This stuff is great!  I didn't expect to like it as much as I do.  I don't know if it's because I've tried all sorts of mattifying solutions to keep my face from looking like an oil slick at the end of the day and I'm always still a little shiny (at best).  This spray really seems to seal my makeup.  Whether I wear BB cream or mineral powder foundation, this spray really seems to "lock it in" and keep it from sliding off of my face despite the humid summer.  It's a keeper.

e.l.f. HD Blush - Headliner

I rarely use powder blush anymore.  I started using this about a year ago and I can't tell you how many compliments I have received on my BLUSH!  I mean, how random is that?  People have complimented my makeup in general, but I have had actual compliments on my blush alone.  I think that's because this stuff gives such a nice rosy glow, it just stands out!  If you haven't used a liquid blush before, it may take a little practice.  You really only need a tiny dab. I place it (with my finger, but you can use what you want) on the apple of my cheek and blend in a small circle up and out toward my hairline.  Make sure to blend it in all the way or you'll look like an Anna Lee doll or and actual ELF.  I love the shade Headliner because it looks natural on most skin tones, but their other shades are great too!  Like all e.l.f. products, it's super affordable too.

Hempz Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Body Moisturizer

I picked this up on sale a few months ago when I actually ventured out to Ulta.  This lotion is amazing! Not only is it incredibly moisturizing, it smells like summertime in a bottle!  Now, I don't mean that it smells like Uncle Ron after 3 hotdogs and a round of horseshoes at the BBQ summertime, I mean the good kind of summer smell - a beach day, suntan lotion, a pina colada in your hand, wind through your hair kind of summertime smell!  They use hemp seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C...and it's still got a lightweight feel.  It's on sale again at Ulta and I think you should treat yourself!

Well, that's it for now!  Thanks for reading and if you like these recommendations I'll be back with more soon!  Feel free to share this page with your friends!  

Back in the Saddle Again!

I'm back!  I have been wanting to start blogging again for quite awhile.  I tend to get caught up in other things like work, cooking, cleaning...Orange is the New Black, you know, important stuff!  ;-)
I've really missed blogging though so I decided to jump back in and fire up the blog again!
I'll be sharing recipes, favorite beauty products, great books...basically a hodge-podge mix of things I like or like to talk about!  I hope you tune in!