Last Minute Gift Guide for Her

Tis the season to decorate Christmas trees, build snowmen and for GIVING! If you need a last minute present for your bestie, sister or daughter, look no further. Today's post is about two safe last minute gifts: jewelry and cosmetics!

The first category we are going to discuss is a lady necessity, Jewelry. Let's be honest here, jewelry is always a safe last minute go-to gift. 

One popular trend lately is stacking jewelry; whether it is rings, necklaces, or my favorite-bracelets, stacking jewelry is an instant way to make a statement. 

ALEX AND ANI bangles are the perfect way to embrace this jewelry trend. Alex and Ani make great stocking stuffers because each bracelet has a meaning and contains an inspirational message. Forewarning though, once you purchase one, you will want 40 (no lie). 

My favorites?

Quill Feather Wrap -$58 {not all are this expensive, but I love it}

Born to Be Something Charm Bracelet- $28 {see told you, this one is way more affordable}

Completely Blessed Bangle- $28

Look how cute they look stacked: 

Alex and Ani have sorority, initial, birthstone and team bangles as well. They have so many different ones that you have to check it out yourself! Look on the website to see if a retailer near you carries Alex and Ani, you might be surprised. 

Okay, moving on...another fabulous gift idea for any woman is a state love ring. You can go for the state they grew up in, fell in love in, got their first job in...whatever the reason might be. DreamingTreeCreation on Etsy can make any state and each ring comes with a heart (hence the love).

Boho inspired jewelry is all the rage lately and a Gold Arrowhead necklace is a prime way to incorporate boho accents into your collection. ONLY $12.

Next category: Beauty

First I want to discuss a new holy grail foundation that I have discovered, BARE SKIN Brightening Foundation by Bare Minerals. You can purchase it at any beauty retailer such as Ulta, Sephora etc. If you buy this for a beauty lover make sure you also get the brush. They will love this foundation because the finish is dewy and bright, hence "brightening" in the name.

Up next is the perfect holiday eyeshadow palette by Smashbox-
Mini Full Exposure Palette, $22. A make up lover is bound to love this palette because it contains 4 beautiful neutrals and 4 complimenting shimmer shadows.

Now let's talk about eyeliner, which is a necessity to most beauty gurus. Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner is top of the spectrum, but tends to be more on the pricy side (when individually purchased). Well try getting ten 24/7 Glide On eyeliner pencils for the price of 5?! That's right, only available online at Ulta for only $58, you get 10 colorful eyeliners in the UD Glide On Pencil Set. If your beauty lover likes to experiment with color, this gift is a win-win.

Lastly, if your beauty lover is also a manicure enthusiast then a Gel Top Coat polish or a Professional LED Light will be the cherry on top of her Christmas.

Which last minute gift appeals to you?! Comment below!

Put A Bow On It

I know I have been silent lately, but this is the first time I have picked up a computer since I finished my finals on December 12th. It is completely unbelievable, but so much has happened in my personal life that a computer has been the very last thing on my mind. I know this also means neglecting blogging, which was never intentional, but my family has undergone a dramatic death and we have been in hardcore mourning. I did not share this with my readers because it has been so incredibly difficult to deal with and I couldn't find myself writing about fashion, beauty products, or anything for that matter because so much has been spinning around my head. So, please please please forgive and bare with me as I transition back into the normal blogging routine. I am still back home with my family and will be until January, but I will start blogging again starting right now. Unfortunately, I have also been away from Pinterest so I am a little behind on the latest and greatest fads but my post today is all about clever and chic ways to wrap a Christmas present.

I know you're thinking..wow, this is totally last minute since it is Christmas Eve, but it's more or less to help me get back into the blogging routine a little at the time. If you don't celebrate Christmas or have already wrapped presents, no big deal, use these ideas to spice up your gift wrapping for any occasion or event.

#1: 

Gift tags are awesome but who doesn't love something more personal? Replace the standard gift tag with a picture of the person or of you and the person you are giving the gift. They will feel the love before even opening the gift!

Photo Creds: City Farmhouse

#2: 

How about some creative and extra festive printable gift tags? These are absolutely perfect for Christmas spirited people who are looking to add a little something different to their gifts. The best part is there is no need to run to Wal-Mart or the Dollar store to pick up the basic TO: and FROM: gift tags, all you need is a printer and some label paper *or just scissors, screw the label paper*

Photo Creds: Dreamsicle Sisters

#3: 

This last idea is to purely inspire and show that gift wrapping offers endless possibilities. You can wrap presents the normal/boring way or you can open up your mind and use your inner creativity to come up with something as cute as these Santa inspired bags and gifts, check them out.

Photo Creds: Pinterest- 

(If this is your design, contact me via email so I can credit your image.)

#4:

I think Thank You notes are a huge part of giving gifts that people often forget. People should be appreciated for all they do so What's better than thanking the gift givers for all they gave?

Though this idea is typically used for Bridal showers and wedding oriented events, what says Thank You in a classy way like a doily envelope? Not much and you can attach a Christmas tree or something festive on the front or where the "envelope" opens to add the Christmas theme, versus a wedding one. Imagine people's faces when they receive this in the mail.

Photo Creds: Pinterest *Contact me for credit*

Another idea before I hit the hay...

Nothing says thank you quite like a photograph...of you or your child holding a personalized chalk written sign thanking the gift giver. I promise it will be a thank you card they want to keep, instead of tossing it in the garbage with all the others. 

 

Photo Creds: House of Hendrix

After all the gift giving, do not forget to show the people who went out of their way appreciation on such an occasion like Christmas. Tis the season for giving...and saying thank you in return!

Merry Christmas Blogging Family! 

I will blog again soon and more regularly, promise. 

Also, I have a big announcement for the new year. 

Hint: New year, new blog, isn't that what they say?