Holiday Gift Ideas #8 ~ These Are The Days Of Our Lives...

I think it is so important to write every single day (thus why I have a blog) to release whatever is on your mind, or how you are feeling. However, sometimes just staring at the pages and not knowing what to write down can be super frustrating. Which is why these Keel's Simple Diary would make an awesome gift for ANYONE! Boys, Girls, Sister, Brother, Co-Worker, etc....

The Keel's Simple Diary has prompts ready and you just answer the questions posed. Perfect for getting out your feelings, and really pondering your day even if only for five minutes. I love, love, love it. Personal, thoughtful and affordable has never been so easy!

Holiday Gift Ideas #6 ~ Betty Crocker Style

For the friend who likes to get her Martha Stewart/Betty Crocker on, why not gift her a darling apron so she can look just as cute baking as her creations turn out?

I am loving the colors of this cute retro Chloe Rose Bouquet Full Apron.

Is it just me or do you totally want this Extra Ingredient Apron to be an actual dress? If the back wasn't totally open and exposed I would so sport this out for cocktails with the girls.

Love this retro Perfect Circle Hostess Apron.

I am a sucker for anything aqua and yellow, so this Stockholm Floral Apron immediately caught my eye (available in other colors as well).

The ultimate in girlie girl aprons, this Sugar Rush Ruffled Apron has me all giddy and wanting to bake something light and fluffy.

Baking in the kitchen has never been so stylish and affordable!

Holiday Gift Ideas #4 ~ Votivo For All

What smells good, looks pretty and can light up an entire room (no, it's not me - j/k) .....well the Votivo Holdiay Collection Candles of course! I recently had the pleasure of smelling this collection, and let me just say, they do NOT disappoint. Not only are the scents divine and holiday-icious, but the candles themselves are very pretty and will blend in with any decor.

Christmas Sage

Freshly harvested juniper berries, tangy hemlock cones, and fragrant emerald hued spruce boughs transform the rustic cabin into a light filled workshop where dreams are crafted with pride and hope fills the heart eternal with gifts that truly linger...and inspire memories for generations to come. (Translation - Smells like a Christmas tree.... but better)

Clementine & Clove

An ode to a bygone era- coarsely chopped clove with fresh cinnamon sticks and dashes of black peppered nutmeg gently coat the dried Clementine oranges and fresh thyme sprigs, all wrapped to the tune of an old Christmas carol—a perfect symphony of the senses. (Translation - Smells like a caramel apple cider from Starbucks....but better)

Red Current

A savory blend of tart red currants and golden fruit glaze ladled over coarsely ground vanilla bean ice cream and served along side of raspberry filled sugar cookies… the original Red Currant. (Translation - Your home will smell like fresh baked good out of the oven....but better)

Winter Soltice

Early morning, 6:00am on the longest day of the year- the rich spurt of pine spice and cold, cold wet winter are scorched by the brazen blaze of the crystal, powerful, white light. Unabashedly, three elements collide - the water, the earth, and the sun – tantalizing the senses into perfect, harmonious solstice. (Translation - Smells like the first breath of air when you walk your dog in a forest....but better)

Joie De Noel

In a centuries old tradition, darkened hearty cut spices, woody strands of aged rosemary, fragrant spruce and delicate hemlock boughs are mulled with caravan herbs and thickened honey combs in a blackened copper kettle over an open cherry wood flame: an unspoken welcome home anytime throughout the year. (Translation - It smells like marshmallows, hot chocolate, cookies, and eggnog & rum....but better)

Any of these candles are sure to be a hit for a secret Santa gift, co-worker, friend, or just yourself! Picking the scent is what will be difficult but with descriptions like these, it should be a breeze!

Forever Frugal Friday

I totally need these pocket adventures! Especially now that summer is near and walks or rides on the beach cruiser are a must. Who knew Forever carried items like this? The City Walks: Los Angeles includes individual cards with maps that you can take with you if you want to explore the city. Also available are 50 New York and 50 Chicago adventures by foot. So do as Gloria Estefan says and "Get on your feet, stand up and make it happen".

Bravo Starbucks!

This nifty little stick may not look like much...

But when added to your latte cup, it might equal one of the greatest inventions ever (okay I am totally exaggerating, but it is pretty great!)

Imagine you're on your way to work, latte in hand and pulling out of the parking lot of your favorite coffee shop and that's when it happens...you know, coffee spewing through that little opening on the lid. All over your car, the lid of your cup and quite possibly down the front of your blouse. Originally, most coffee shops would cover that hole with a sticker, which is great until you get adhesive all over your lips and want to cover the hole back up. Well my friends, this could all be a thing of the past, as Starbucks in beta testing these neat little sticks.

You know you have a coffee addiction (and are a huge nerd) when you and your friend see this stick at a Starbucks in Seattle while visiting and squeal with glee at this new creation (true story, we jumped up and down). I keep my little stick in my purse and wash it after each use, and my car is a happier place to be now because of it.

My only question now...why didn't I think of this?

Wedding Inspiration

The ever crafty, and oh so creative Darci over at With This Ring, had me smiling from cheek to cheek at the inspiration board she created for her cousin and maid-of-honor. You would have thought I had personally emailed Miss (soon to be Mrs) Darci and asked her to create one for me.

I love the use of colors (yellow & pink), the macaroons, the yellow shoes, and the vase of flowers with fruit (all ideas I have been thinking about for my own wedding). This little board of hers has me all excited for my upcoming nuptials and has me putting all my thoughts into action.

Head on over to her blog, for more fabulous wedding ideas! And if you have any great wedding ideas, please share!