ho ho ho and mistletoe

image via pinterest

i hope you have a wonderful holiday full of warmth and love.  see you in 2013!

xx

christmas came early

last week, the boyfriend and i celebrated our christmas early since we were both leaving for home on friday.  i turned the lights on on the christmas tree, hung our mini-stockings, and wrapped all of his gifts before we made dinner and hid inside for the night to avoid the cold rain. it felt so right having our christmas celebration there...making dinner, watching Christmas movies, and opening gifts together really put me in the spirit of the season!

presents under the tree (and my favorite elephant ornament)

mmmm...cheese plate and wine before dinner

we had received the new food & wine magazine in the mail on wednesday, and both looked at the recipe on the cover and knew that we needed to try it immediately. it was for a spice-rubbed roast chicken with a wasakaka sauce (this was the first time i had even heard of this sauce, but it would be equally amazing on fish as well), which i decided to serve over black rice and roast tomatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper.  we both loved it and can't wait to make it again.  

the finished project...absolutely amazing!

unfortunately the recipe is not online yet, but you should definitely go out and pick up the newest issue to try it!  it's delicious, warm, comforting, and healthy...perfect to warm you up on a chilly night this winter.

merry christmas!

a very merry gift guide : gifts under $100

for this last gift guide, i've compiled some of my most favorite gifts that are under $100.  during the holiday season it's easy to overspend and not realize it until that fateful day when you check your bank statement (...ouch).  these picks are great as gifts for your girlfriends or even as stocking stuffers, and they're easy on your wallet!  

choose baubles and bling, stripes and studs, or clutches and cards...the options are endless! happy shopping!

J.Crew slim tee / J.Crew vintage sleepwear / J.Crew travel bag / J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Collar necklace / Teardrop earrings / J.Crew lip makeup / Glitter nail polish / Hand Engraved Pop Fizz Clink Foldover Holiday Cards / Faceted Infinity Pouch / Mary Green Good Morning / Good Night Sleep Mask

a very merry gift guide : for the tech-obsessed

now that i live in the land of all-things-apple, i have to admit that i've become more interested in the latest and greatest gadgets on the market.  it doesn't hurt that my local apple store is right around the corner from my apartment...so anytime i want to play with a new mini iPad (without having to make the full $329 commitment quite yet), i can just stop in for a few minutes.  

i've put together some ideas for all of those tech-savvy friends of yours below.  personally, i love the Bose headphones.  i received them as a Christmas gift a few years ago and they not only have the best sound quality, but i think they're also some of the most comfortable earbuds (perfect for watching movies and listening to music on those long cross-country flights).  the Jawbone Jambox is also an amazing portable speaker, the iPhone cleaner is unique and useful, and the mini iPad, well that's just an obvious pick!  good luck trying to decide...and let me know what you choose!

Tech accessory / Hekseskudd Wooden Mac Keyboard Tray / Apple - iPad mini - Every inch an iPad. / 1080p HDMI Pocket Projector / Bose IE2 Audio Headphones | Bose / Jambox

a very merry gift guide : for the food & wine enthusiast

for all of those aspiring top chef's and sommeliers-in-training on your list, here are a few ideas to satisfy even the pickiest of palates:

Fitzwater Serving Board / Le Creuset Signature Round Wide Dutch Oven / Leather Theorem Coasters / Wüsthof Classic 9-Piece Knife Block Set / Riedel "O" Trio, Bordeaux / Mille-Feuille Apron / Banded Glassware Set / Williams-Sonoma Cheese Cookbook / SPQR: Modern Italian Food and Wine

i love to cook, and have to admit that some of these items may be on my wish list too! you won't go wrong giving Le Creuset cookware; it's beautiful and dependable, and the recipient will never, ever get rid of it.  of course a good knife set is essential too, and some fun wine glasses (these stemless versions are a modern alternative to the more traditional Bordeaux glasses).  add in a cookbook and some metallic leather coasters, and your friends will be beyond happy!

a very merry gift guide : for him

buying for the men in your life who already have everything? welcome to the club.  every year we fall into the same routine: you pick up another tie for dad, a new sweater for your boyfriend, or anything sports-themed for your brother.  why not try something new?  i promise it's not as hard as it seems!   here are a few ideas for your consideration...pick one (or two!) and start stuffing those stockings!

J.Crew j crew / Persol eyewear / How To Be A Man By Glenn O'brien / Leather Card Holder / Men's Accessories ETIP GLOVE / The Art of Shaving Fusion Contemporary Shaving Set / Antique Globes

a very merry gift guide : for her

'tis the season, and you know what that means...it's time to put those presents under the tree for everyone who made it on to santa's "nice" list!

i don't know about you, but i'm still on the hunt for a few gifts with just under two weeks until christmas (helloooo crunch time!).  since i'll be heading home to the east coast for the holidays, i'm focusing on small gifts for everyone that i can ship back over the next few days so that nothing gets lost in my luggage...or more importantly, so that they don't take up valuable room in my suitcase (i'm packing for christmas, a wedding, and new year's after all!).  

if you're still searching like me, i'll be posting ideas for everyone on your list over the next few days!  first up is a gift guide for all of the wonderful women on your list:

J.Crew oversized boyfriend sweater / J.Crew knit top / J.Crew ballet shoes / J.Crew wedge heels / J.Crew leather wallet / Rebecca Minkoff / Monogram pendant / J.Crew polka dot scarve / Viktor & Rolf / diptyque

i love the monogrammed necklace. it's such a thoughtful gift and you can be sure that anyone on your list would really appreciate the effort you took to get them a personalized piece.  i also love these sparkly flats (how festive!) and the Diptyque candle.  honestly, i love all of these pieces though...you can't go wrong!!  

happy shopping!