Holiday Gift Guide - Leah's Picks

We're back with more holiday gift ideas and today they're MY favorites (Leah...that's me). Like Michele's picks, I have 3 categories of goodies for you: Home, Her and Him. I gave you all sorts of price points and truly would love to own each and everything on my list, which I think is the best read on whether you're giving a good gift - do you want it yourself.

Here are my picks for the home - his home, her home, their home...your home...

1. Faux Fur Throw - Cozy and a little glam. This is a great gift because most wouldn't spend this much on themselves for a throw blanket ($79), but everyone wants this throw blanket. 

2. Bird Water Globe - A plant in a beautiful planter with this self-watering globe would make the perfect gift for just about anyone, including those hard-to-gift family members...we all have them.

3. Echo 2.0 by Amazon - I own the first edition and I'm obsessed. My whole family is. My favorite part of morning routine is when my daughter asks Alexa to tell her a dinosaur fact. While I don't know as of yet, I'd be willing to wager that Amazon is going to put these guys on sale for black Friday later this week. 

4. Illustrated Globe - This little globe (comes in 4" and 9" ) is from Target (great price point) and there are a ton of places to pick from: London, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, Chicago, LA and USA. It's just such a sweet gift for someone with a special connection to one of these great places.

5. Daphne Stemless Wine Glasses by American Altelier - Don't these scream CELEBRATE!!! So fun and fancy.

6. Utensil Holder by Rae Dunn - I'm fully on the Rae Dunn bandwagon. I own about 6 of her mugs (you can find them at TJMaxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods) and they're as stylish and sturdy as they look online. This canister full of fun utensils would make a great gift for a new homeowner. 

7. Wooden Candle Holder - Two of these sweet, simple, rustic candle holders with two tapered candles would rock a secret santa.

1. Classic Retro-X Waterproof Vest by Patagonia - This classic Patagonia vest won't go out of style. It looks great and it's truly warm.

2. The Ultimate Ski Book - My husband is a big skier and this book would make him giddy. It's also a beautiful coffee table book, which I can totally appreciate.

3. Travel French Press by Bodum - For a serious coffee aficionado, french pressed coffee is the ticket. This travel mug is also a french press. Boom.

4. eTip Apex ClimateBlock Gloves by The North Face - Every New Englander needs a legit pair of gloves. These are low profile and perfect for cleaning off a car on an icy morning.

5. Hooded Cotton Sweater - Doesn't this sweater look perfectly casual and comfortable? And it's super reasonably priced.

6. Larimer Crew Socks by Smartwool - Stuff his stocking with these stockings...errr, socks. Seriously though, Smartwool knows their socks. They keep your feet warm and cozy in all weather, and on your couch. 

Finally, gifts for her.

1. iPhone case by Sonix - I have a Sonix case for my phone and I love it. It's so sturdy and so feminine. 

2. Monogram gem necklace - I love colorful accessories because I don't dress very colorfully. I picture this jeweled necklace over a simple white t-shirt and it makes me smile. 

3. One line a day journal - For the woman who wants to feel inspired and get a little deeper in 2018, but (like most of us) doesn't have time for meditation or yoga or spiritual retreats. Writing just one line a day (or every couple days) in this beautiful book will make her feel like she's moving in the right direction.

4. Air max thea knit sneaker by Nike - Like many, I'm all over fashion sneakers. I also can't justify buying another pair. But, if they were a gift...

5. Striped infinity scarf - Again with the colorful accessory. Great contrast for your standard black winter coat and so cozy.

6. Smith's rosebud tin gift set - This is my favorite lipgloss, it gives the perfect shine. It feels great and smells delicious. 

7. Metallic shopper - I don't consider myself very girly, but there's something about rosegold that has my heart. This big ole tote is so cool and so practical and so reasonably priced.

Stay tuned for Sonia's picks next week! And good luck mentally and physically preparing yourself for Thanksgiving. I fully plan to take down an entire pie. I'll stretch it over the course of 48 hours...maybe 72...but it's gonna happen. 

- Leah

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One Mantle Two Ways

If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you saw a teaser for this post on last Friday. We didn't want to keep you waiting...too long...so here we go.

We went a little Target crazy. Remember Supermarket Sweep? Contestants charging through grocery store aisles and slamming cans of tuna in their cars? Or, really it was the huge hams because they were worth the most. Anyway, we were those contestants, but in Target instead of a grocery store and (gently) slamming glittery ceramic trees into our carriage instead of hams. 

We thought it would be fun to show you a couple different, low cost ways to style your mantle this holiday season. You don't have to head to Pottery Barn and drop $500 to bring the season into your home. Both stylings cost a fraction of that...especially when you take advantage of upcoming Black Friday sales...

First up is a whimsical styling.

We brought in a pop of literally every color in felt pompom garlands, festive pillows and a bright ceramic tree. The color is balanced by some modern, white ceramic trees and the coolest white and gold reindeer.

If you wanted to layer more (and spend a bit more), we would recommend more of these fabulous pompom garlands strung across the mantle and even one draped around the mini tree. They're so fun.

Next up is a rustic styling.

We left out the color in this version, with the exception of green - which doesn't really feel like a color. It's nature! Even as a bottle brush tree...

Keeping the decor to wood, gray and white is so soothing and so beautiful. 

So different, but equally festive.

And now, where to find all this fun stuff! Most of what we used is from Target, some is from the old holiday decor stash, and some is from around the around house (like the handled basket). We pulled together exact or similar sources for you. 

1. Tree lumbar pillow  2. White ceramic tree  3. Colorful ceramic tree  4. Felt pom pom garland  5. Ceramic deer with gold antlers  6. Teal snowflake pillow

1. Wood deer  2. Felt leaf garland  3. Faux mohair throw blanket  4. White ceramic tree  5. Wood nesting houses  6. Snowflake garland  7. Ivory cable blanket  8. Bottle brush tree  9. Mini tree

Thanks for reading. If you'd like to get these blog posts in your email box, don't forget to subscribe! 

- Leah

Holiday Gift Guide - Michele's Picks

Don't freak out, but Christmas is 40 days away, Hanukkah is 27 days away and Kwanzaa is 41 days away. Basically, it's officially not too early to holiday gift shop. When we were in Home Depot in late October and there were Christmas trees everywhere...that WAS too early (sorry Home Depot, the truth is the truth).

Without any disrespect to Thanksgiving, which happens to be my favorite holiday, it's time to start thinking about (and maybe doing) holiday shopping. So, for the next few weeks we are bringing you each of our picks for great gifts this year. Michele is kicking it off and she's hitting all budgets and all types of gifts - for the hostess, for the in-law, for the obligatory yankee swap at work...you name it.

First up are gifts for the home. They are fantastic as hostess gifts, and also great for just about any homeowner (neighbors, teachers, coworkers, etc.).

1. Hiver Loaf Pan - Not only is this loaf pan beautiful, but it's also perfect for sharing your favorite banana or pumpkin bread as a gift all of itself.

2. Boulangerie Jar Candle - This Anthropologie candle is truly amazing. I have the pumpkin souffle scent and I've received so many "your home smells amazing" comments. I imagine the sweet vanilla & cinnamon and vanilla & fig are equally delightful.

3. Gilded Shapes Monogram Mug - These gold monogrammed mugs would make a great teacher gift filled with chocolates or a coffee shop giftcard. Love the upper/lowercase letters.

4. Boulangerie Jar Candle Set - If you can't decide on one of the Anthropologie candles, or you're looking for a bigger gift, go for the set of four.

Next up are gifts for her. Michele may have snagged one for herself already...

1. Dakota Slippers by Ugg - Now that the weather is getting colder, slippers are the perfect bedside remedy for keeping toes warm. The pom-pom is fun and interesting and something different.

2. Elle Drop Earrings by Kendra Scott - I own quite a few Kendra Scott earrings (I'm a little obsessed) and I also love gifting them to friends for special occasions. These red drop earrings are festive for the holidays.

3. Elisa Pendant by Kendra Scott - This is on my wishlist. Hint, hint.

4. Buffalo Plaid Cape - I love layering in the fall/winter, especially when temperatures in New England are chilly in the morning and warming up in the afternoon. This poncho looks great for errands or work or even a casual holiday party.

5. Faux Fur Vest - Because I couldn't decide what I liked more: the buffalo plaid cape or this vest.

6. Paint Stripe Tote by Madewell - I am in love with this bag and you can find it on major discount at Nordstrom Rack right now. I may have already bought one for myself. It's perfect for storing your laptop and other daytime essentials and comes in various colors with or without the paint stripe.

7. Blaze 59mm Round Sunglasses by Ray Ban - The shape and style of these sunglasses are amazing. They're different than aviator or big chunky sunglasses (I have a pair in tortoise and hope they come back on trend...). They're not too round or too eccentric. They're just right. And your gift recipient will thank you kindly.

And, finally, gifts for him. 

1. Hendren Boots by Ugg - My husband lives in these boots all winter. They are perfect for shoveling snow or long, cold walks to work.

2. Soundlink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker by Bose - These quality speakers connect to your smart devices for easy listening to Jingle Bells or Macklemore's new album...whatever he prefers.

3. Aberdeen Carry-on by Tumi - This travel suitcase is fancy and quality. 

4. Alpha 2 Travel Satchel by Tumi - If your hubby travels a lot, this bag is a great investment. It will last for years and should it ever rip/tear/etc., Tumi will repair it for FREE!

5. Smartphone Projector by Luckies of London - He can watch his favorite football teams this winter on a big screen (aka big wall) with this cool tech gift. You connect this nifty little projector to your smartphone and voila.

Happy holiday shopping! Stay tuned for Sonia's picks and my picks!

- Leah

*This post contains affiliate links*