hostess with the mostess, thanksgiving addition.

first and foremost i would like to wish all of my readers a very happy thanksgiving...

may you enjoy time with the ones you hold nearest and dearest <3

remember to always be grateful for the wonderfulness of life :)

here are some quick and easy tips for a special celebration:

make your guests feel great
 assign a table seating - it ensures that everyone knows there is a place for them and that you thought of them in your planning. 

keep it kid friendly
put the fancy china away! nothing makes a parent of a child and a child feel more uncomfortable then breaking something at your table! head out to your local dollar store - and get them festive colored or holiday themed tableware! get a board game and some silly and fun toys for them to play with! maybe set up a craft (depending upon their age range) and allow the kids to make turkey hands! 

centerpieces
while making your tablescape something awards are won for, it is always important to remember the HEIGHT issue! never make a centerpiece too tall that your guests cannot talk with peering through it or passing the mashed potatoes.

hope some of these tips help to make your holiday 100% effortless!

all i want for christmas... (continued)

it always seems that the ladies are hardest to buy for

 but i believe that isn't the case.

 ( bc we get what we wants when we see it! )

now the guys, are a totally different story... 

what boggles my mind most about them; they're always in 

dire need of boxers, white tees & socks.

how original!? 

so this year i thought i'd capture just exactly 

what i think "mr. impossible" needs and secretly wants...

essentials: 

after a very long no shave november, 

i think every man will CERTAINLY need this 3 in 1 trimmer.

while winter accessories, aren't always a staple in every guys closet

he can't go wrong with a good hat & of course a scarf (good for work & casual looks)

($15-$29)

good as gold:

i always want to get tickets for him to something... 

but its really impossible with his schedule.

a gift certificate to ticket master is the perfect solution! 

you can put any amount on it you choose 

and he can use it toward any music or sports event!

the connoisseur:

so he's finally fixing up the man cave or cleaned up the apartment?

give him the gift of entertaining - manly style!

sure, you can make a board for him on pinterest but this can be all HIS!

and he will obviously take GREAT pride in that ;)

what bar would be complete without these?

a 10 in 1 bar keepers dream tool & a "cookbook" for his inner mixologist!

($50/$10)

literature:

a magazine subscription is always a great idea for a guy.
if he has a kindle or a nook, make the same choice!

its certainly a useful weapon for long commutes on the train

and will always keep him entertained & informed.

just a few he may be interested in are - espn, maxim & rolling stone

(2 Subscriptions for 1 $29.95/ 22 issues for $24.00  / 26 issues for $19.95)

(*ladies don't hate: you drooled over christain grey for months now allow him the same courtesy)

all i want for christmas is...

well, i've already got my two front teeth, and i didn't really use my uggs too much last year so i don't need those. maybe that, or that hmm no - sound familiar? 

it should, how could anyone be prepared for the holidays right now?! 

truthfully for all i can recall it was just labor day, then i was swooning over pumpkin spice lattes being back and now starbucks is handing out holiday cups. WTF is going on?! 

 i digress, time is certainly flying by 

and we seem to make it to the holidays faster and faster EVERY year.

that being said, i am beyond prepared this time around. 

( because i love LISTS) it is my pleasure to present to you this years 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE.

i tackled this list much different then last years. ( feel free to take a trip back in time... )

 this year, you'll shop with a purpose, budget friendly, some steals & some splurges,

longevity and of course thoughtfulness.  

now sit back, relax, and please

AVOID the urge to scoop up these goodies for yourself. ( i'm guilty already! )

* for the girl who has everything...

this person is always hardest to shop for! i say, not any more.
why not consider many of the gifts that nearly no one ever thinks of or the gift that this person probably wants for themselves but forgets to pick up. 
    give the gift of style and functionality! 

a magazine subscription

While there are tons of magazine out on the market, 

(and you should go with what the recipient is interested in) 

I'm endorsing this one! 

SELF covers fashion, fitness life & so much more. 

Their BEST deal is 2 years for $20! 

PS. they always have the best "free goodies" 

  accessories 

you can't go wrong with adding some spice! 
the seasons hottest accessories are a great gift, 
they will be able to repeat for SEASONS to come.
prices of the items below range from $14 - $26
 spikes, studs, metallics & animal print!

(links above)


manicures to adore

give the gift of a DIY manicure! 
$8 and the best part is many beauty supply stores offer deals 
( so get a color for yourself also)
pick from an array of beautiful colors then include a file, a buffer & some hand lotion.
this way the color is always hers to have ;)

check out the leading lady collection by essie 

personified fancy

this is the most special and unique gift out there,

who doesn't love a good monogram?!

cell phone cases,  aprons, totes and more!

prices under $30, you simply cannot go wrong! 

check out this amazing website!

i must warn you, this list was greatly scaled down 
AND had to be broken up into several parts!
GUYS, KIDS & DIY are NEXT!
:-)