Gifts for the Mrs

December is the most popular month to get engaged, so what better time to share a gift guide for all the new brides-to-be out there!  If you're reading this, I'm sure you have a friend (or ten) that just announced her engagement on Facebook so here's a little guide to get your started on a sweet little congratulations gift for your bestie bride. I got married on 10/14/16, and although I'm not sad the planning is over it was such a fun and anticipating year leading up to it! If you want to read a little more about my wedding, you can check out my wedding series here.  

You can shop this post by clicking the image in the picture above or in the widget below

1. Blossom Garter Set:  Gifting a garter is a nice thought because it's something to cross off her list and also a chance to spoil her with something she may not have room for in her budget! For whatever reason, I had trouble deciding on a garter because I knew it was something I wanted to pass down to my daughter one day and would be great as a friends future something borrowed! You can also get a gift card to a place like The Garter Girl if you're not sure which style would fit her vision. If you missed my post and video on all of the bridal accessories I choose, you can read more about it here.

2. Mrs. Necklace: My Mom gifted this to me and I wore it at the reception with my bow reception dress.  It was the perfect dainty declaration to wear throughout the night and on our honeymoon. I remember wishing for the necklace long before it was my time to wear it ;)

3. Bling Brush: I reach for this on the go jewelry cleaner weekly to sparkle up my diamonds because I don't have the time for a frequent dip into a professional cleaner. Although it doesn't do as well of a job as Shane does, I love to get some extra shine it in with this when I can!  

4. Wifey Tee: This would be perfect tee for the morning of and comfy honeymoon attire. 

5. The Mrs. Box: Definitely a splurgy ring box, but I'm sure she's been eyeing it on Instagram since before she was even engaged (guilty!). This box will make her detail shots extra pretty, and will serve as a great home for her rings for years to come! If you're not sure what her wedding colors are, I would recommend getting a gift card (don't forget to add the monogram!) for her to pick out the right one. I bought the Havenhart box with a gold calligraphy initial. Here is a picture on my Instagram and you can see it in my wedding accessories post. 

6. Picture Frame: I was gifted this myself from a sweet friend and currently have our invitation inside (see here on Instagram). I adore the shape of this gold frame!

7. Luggage Tag: Hopefully on her honeymoon Delta won't lose her luggage like they did for Tim and I ;) 

8. Wifey Mug: She'll appreciate an extra special mug to sip on the morning of and after the wedding to remind her of her special day!

9. Southern Weddings Planner: I used this thing all throughout my engagement and it still serves as a memory book afterward! This planner definitely deserves a post on its own and is already in the works! 

10. New Monogram: My mom gifted me my new monogram for Christmas last year, and it was one of my favorite gifts that year! Here in the south, we really appreciate our monograms ;)

11. Kate Spade Bow Box: How sweet is this little bow box from Kate Spade!? Basically, anything under the bridal tab on their website if a great gift idea in my eye! 

12. Silk Sleep Mask: Every bride needs her beauty sleep, plus it will be a great addition to her carry on for the flight to her honeymoon destination!

13. Bride2Be Clutch: I used this clutch for my DIY engagement pictures. It would be perfect for her pre-wedding festivities and rehearsal dinner, too!

xo Amanda John

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Gift Ideas for the Jet Setter

A quick little Sunday post to get the week started! Whether your friend travels for work or play, they will certainly appreciate today's gift guide. These gifts are perfect for your jet-setting friend who could use some little luxuries to make her packing and traveling easier.

How adorable is that Ted Baker suitcase?! They make the most feminine and unique suit cases that would be so easy to spot on the conveyor belt. I also have heard great things about the Barrington totes and I love that you can completely customize them! It would be a cute gift for the bride to be, with her new monogram. 

I love little organization bags to go inside my suitcase, especially when it comes to undergarmnets. Anyone else paranoid TSA will reveal your hanky pankies going through security? They make organizing your dirty laundry on the way back easier, too. I also like to put my shoes inside bags because #germs

 I have some Reva flats that I've had for years that still destroy my achilles by the end of the day 😢 The Tory Burch Minnie flats are the complete opposite and are way more comfortable. The leather is so soft and stretchy, I can even fit into the floor size comfortably! These will fold up into your carry on nicely, so if you need to switch into heels when you get off the plane for work then these are the perfect solution to travel comfortably!

Of course, you can use the hotel blow dryer, but having your own with bumped up quality is definitely the way to go if you're a frequent flyer. I love this set because it comes with a mini straightener, so if you're pinched for those last few pounds in your suitcase you can use a straighter as a curling iron as well! I use the T3 whirl trio and always take it with me (read my review on it here: T3 Whirl review along with three different styles using it.

You can click to shop everything above except for the darling camera strap, which you can shop here.

See you with another holiday look tomorrow!

Cozy Gift Guide

Today I'm sharing some cozy comforts sure to make any homebody happy on Christmas morning! You can shop all of these products by clicking on their image or in the widget below.

1. Faux Fur Sleep Mask: For some reason, I have to resist purchasing another sleep mask. They're always just so cute and I actually do use them to help me sleep in on the weekends or for nights when I have trouble falling asleep. This one from Nordstrom has a little extra glam for the winter months, faux real! 😜

2. Cozy Chic Robe: This Robe from Barefoot Dreams would be the ultimate gift for the cozy homebody! I've heard such good things about this brand and have felt them in stores. The material alone is so dreamy compared to the typical bathrobe (by the way, I hate towel robes!). I've heard they also wash really well, which is important if you put on your makeup in them like I do!

3. & 8.  Both Tim and I love to light candles to unwind when we're home. This rose gold candle would be perfect for the glam girl, and I've always wanted to try Diptyque candles but don't want to splurge on them for myself! Confession - anyone else though they were pronounced dip-tea-que? Just me? I suck at pronouncing things. We were just gifted an oil diffuser yesterday that I'm currently loving too! We have lavender and tea tree, but if there's a combo you recommend I would love to hear because I'm new to the oil thing! 

4 & 13: My feet are always cold in the winter months but I'm not always a fan of wearing socks around because I feel claustrophobic. These from Ugg are top rated, but this pair from Target is very affordable!

5. The Year Of Cozy: I've been trying to collect more coffee books in the past month. I got lucky and found this one online from TJ Maxx and this one at Home Goods. I actually saw this book at Marshalls and regret not picking it up! I added a few more on sale in the widget below.

6. Flannel Pajamas: I always love to get a new pair of pajamas for Christmas because that's when I tend to wear the full sets to stay warm in for the winter months! Otherwise, I typically just lounge in hoodies and tee shirts, so glam. I swear, Kate Spade

7. Bow Picture Frame: This picture frame is very affordable, and I adore the little bow! Adding some personal touches to your space instantly make you feel more at home. Gifting pictures for the holidays are always welcomed by parents and grandparents, and I think your bestie will appreciate it too.

9. Laura Mercier Bath Set:  A luxury bubble bath is right up there when it comes to cozy! Our home has a huge tub that I'm excited to break in to wind down. I've used this body butter before, and it smells delish!

10. Cheers Candy Bento Box: I'm addicted to Sugarfina candy boxes. I had them at my wedding while we were getting ready because what's more celebratory than champagne gummies? This box (or the individual boxes) would make great stocking stuffers.

11. Wool Blend Hat: Warm and cozy hats make a great gift because one size fits all and they'll wear it all winter long! These wool hats with fur pom moms were my favorite last year, and I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon! This one is very affordable if you're a baller on a budget this year.  

12. Marled Tassel Scarf: A funny little story about this scarf- I found it on Black Friday and could have sworn I purchased it; however, I haven't received an email or checking confirmation...I guess I was just dreaming about it instead? I love the baby pink and tassels, so I'll just add it to my Christmas Wishlist at this point ;)

14. Coffee Mug: Everyone loves new additions to their coffee collection, or for some added coziness some yummy hot chocolate (my fave). Last year I was all about some homemade Nutella hot chocolate too. These are always a fan favorite for the holidays and always sell out!

15. White Fur Decorative Pillow: Switching out your pillow's is an easy way to mix up your space for the seasons, plus what's more cozy that some plush pillows to relax against? I think they make great gifts (as long as you know their home decor taste), because if you're like me and just starting out in your own place you don't really budget for seasonal pillows ;) These leopard pillows are definitely at the top of my wishlist! 

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Valentine Gift Guide for Him & Her

Valentines Day, you either love it or hate it. I'm somewhere in the middle- it should be celebrated but nothing over the top. Just acknowledge it with some flowers and/or chocolate and I'm happy (I mean when wouldn't chocolate make me happy??). I love to eat out, but restaurants are always loud and extra crowded. Tim and I decided to do our dinner date the night before Valentines Day at a small restaurant hoping for a quieter night.. well see how it goes! After the holidays, my birthday, and anniversary back to back we are usually low key for the holiday. However, if you're looking for a gift to show that special someone/ your best friend/ you parents you love them here are some of my picks at every price point! 

sunglasses / clutch / nail polish (or a mani/pedi!) / robe / candle / perfume / watch / lip scrub / card / iPhone case / lipstick / mug 

As you can see the boy gifts are a little tougher for me, but they deserve some loving too! If all else fails, sign them of for a male subscription service of some type and let the pros do the picking!

FOR HIM: Watch / Cologne / Headphones / FitBit / Nike Shoes  / Clarisonic / Subscription Box

The Best Stocking Stuffers for 2014

The stocking is the first thing we go through on Christmas morning while mom is making breakfast. Usually, its filled with candy and little hygiene goodies, nothing too crazy. Above are little luxury items (but easy on the wallet) that are sure to make your stocking extra special! 

Little thumb update: I started OT today and finally got a much more manageable thumb spica, so excited! I have much more hand function and tops are no longer limited to flannels :)

Last minute gift guide {under 50$}

Only a week and a day left for shopping until Christmas! I really can't believe it's next week. Between finals and surgery I have barely made a dent in my list. For this gift guide I had my friends in mind, all who have their own style but I think a lot of these items would work for them all! Plus, everything is under 50$, because this graduate student is a baller on a budget. Be sure to use the arrow to scroll to the second page.

Tonight I'm getting out for the first time in a week to my moms art gallery for a Mick Fleetwood photography exhibit they're hosting. Should be a fun night!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Hello again! Here is my 2013 Holiday gift guide. Wanna know the best part? Everything is 25$ or less!

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What are you gifting this year?

<3 Amanda