| GIFT GUIDE FOR THE COOK: |

holy moly. last week was a total blur-- in bed.  i'm feeling better but i can't believe thanksgiving is this week.  it's like i woke up from my "blur" and into holiday season.  over the weekend we ran to the store *pure chaos* and got some of the basics i need for the dishes i'm making; i still need to run to traders to finish up which i plan to do today.  also, can you believe stores are already offering their black friday prices? i love black friday but i can't get on board with black thursday...wednesday..etc.  thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and being with loved ones: not the mall. i will say i love the holidays and am looking forward to them; i'm really not a scrooge.
hope you all have a great week! xx

+ 1. kitchenaide // i received an artisan stand mixer as a wedding gift: it's the hands down number one kitchen tool i use: if your kitchen lover already owns one there are tons of awesome attachments you can gift. i especially love the ice cream making attachment!

+ 2. crate & barrel // fill this marble utensil holder with some cute wooden spoons and the cook will sure to be happy!
+ 3. jk adams // jeff and i are obsessed with cutting boards: these boards are made in the USA, durable and can double as a fun cheese board.
+ 4. modcloth // how stinking cute are these cheese knives? 
+ 5. the cellar whiteware // a lot of brands have been making the cutest pieces with fun play on words: these soup bowls are perfect for a night in with a yummy slow cooked soup.
+ 6. threshold // this chalkboard canister is can store coffee grounds, flour or cookies.  it's cute enough to sit on a kitchen counter too.
+ 7. cuisinart // modern day hand mixer: this is an awesome tool for cooking and baking.
+ 8. kuhn rikon // these knives rock and the bold colors make chopping and cutting a bit more fun.
+ 9.  sur la table // i love marble: this cake stand is perfect for any baker's fresh pie or cookies.
+ 10.  the lion and the lark // you can find the cutest handmade goodies on etsy.  i love these recipe cards.  they're cute enough to share and it's always nice to support a small company.
+ 11. crate & barrel // only available in store: these recipe dividers will help keep chef organized.
+ 12. martha stewart // a pastry dough blender is also great for cutting up herbs or making lumpy mashed potatoes.  an inexpensive gift that should be in any cooks kitchen.

| GIFT GUIDE FOR HER- STUFF HER STOCKING: |

holiday season is approaching. like quick.  when did it become mid-november?  i'm starting to see gift guides on all my favorite sites so i figured why not get a head start?  hope you all have a great week. xo

1. madewell always makes the best scarfs; this oversized plaid one is cozy and chic all at the same time.

2. sugar paper at target? stop.  this 2015 calendar is dreamy.  it makes me want to be the most organized gal out there.  stuff her stocking with any of the sugar fish x target and it's sure to be a hit. 

3. i'm a note taker, list maker...if it's not written down it's not getting done, kind of girl.  most of my girlfriends are like this too.  this smythson notebook is small enough to fit in most bags and stylish enough to whip out anywhere.

4. ok. stop. this is so cute and any gal who likes makeup even a smidge will die over this benefit advent calendar. it comes with all the benefit favs and the packaging is adorable so skip the wrapping.

5. i'm a sucker for cute sayings + words on accessories.  these old navy gloves may not be the warmest gloves but they are darn cute and perfect for a cool night in california.

6. girls love their tumblrs and recyclable mugs: or is it just me?  i could never have enough.  this j.crew reusable water bottle is the perfect size for a quick workout and is dishwasher safe!

7. ok. this shirt does make me happy!  this megan lee design shirt come in different states with cute sayings.  roll it up and stuff it in the bottom of the stocking ;)

8. kate spade makes the sweetest, daintiest products and this business card holder is thin enough to throw in the smallest clutch and get your network on. 

9. i really love deborah lippmann polishes: they are such a great quality and her polishes contain no toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor or DBP and no animal testing. this mini set is perfect for the holidays.

don't forget the candy and a bux card ;)

| spring trend: matching sets |

happy thursday! i talked about my obsession with matching sets for spring on monday: this trend is so fun and daring. I paired the j crew flower patch peasant top and 3" chinos with hot pink accessories to make it even more fun!  Both of the flower patch pieces are going to be amazing by themselves but together they are too right for Spring.  Are you guys feeling the matching set trend for spring?!

 

 

  

get the look: | top, shorts // jcrew | handbag (old) similar // kate spade | sunnies // rayban | sandals // target (old) similar | bracelets // j crew (old) similar 1,2 | earrings // nordstrom | nail color OPI lincoln park after dark  // lipliner, mac soar // lipstick, face stockholm spicy

| winter tan transition |

ahhhh!  the world of sunless tanner can really stress me out: did I exfoliate?  shave? grab some latex gloves? am i streaky?  but! coming off of a winter (off?  my sister and girlfriends east are totally still dealing) where any ounce of color disappeared from our beloved bodies makes for a rough spring transition.  So biting the bullet and grabbing sunless tanner is really a necessity.  I've got to admit, I love the gradual tans: for 1 they don't come across so fake and 2 it's really hard to get too streaky when the color isn't as harsh, I personally like both Jergens and L'oreals.  

andddd let's be real, how much cuter do bright pastels and white look with a lil tint of sun?  

get tan! | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

MOSSIMO BOOTIES

+ mossimo wedge
+ mossimo heel ankle bootie

+ mossimo flat bootie

+ mossimo ankle bootie 

I was just at Target grabbing some necessities for the big move (and some much not-needed necessities.  Why does Target always do that to me?)  Anyway, I loved all the booties Mossimo has going knocking off on.  I bought a few because I think they are trendy, not classic and didn't want to spend a few hundred (ex's: Donald J Pliner, Paul Green, Jeffrey Campbell, Enrico Fantini)  on pieces I will only wear for a season. 

DOLCE VITA VS TARGET

+ Dolce Vita, $65

+ Target, $14.99

NEIMANS + TARGET

Dec 1. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

"Target has just one-upped itself with the announcement of its newest collaboration: the mass market retailer will be teaming with Neiman Marcus for a limited-edition holiday collection designed by a whopping 24 CFDA designers. Participating designers for the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection features an impressive designer list ranging from our favorite sportswear designers to red carpet connoisseurs: Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta,Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Eddie Borgo, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist Taylor, Thom Browne, and Tracy Reese.

Each of the 24 designers have designed one to three items each, but don't expect it to be all about the clothing. Categories span from apparel (women's, men's, and children's) to home decor, electronics, and even pet accessories. The line will also include 50 limited-edition gifts and will be priced from $8 to $500. However, expect most items to retail for less than $60. The collection, launching in all Target stores and online at both Target.com and NeimanMarcus.com, will be available Dec. 1. And on a feel-good note, Target and Neiman Marcus have donated a total of one million dollars to celebrate the exciting venture. No doubt, this is the ultimate designer(s) collaboration of 2012"- Source: PopSugar & WWD

boot battle.

+MERONA for Target, $39.99

+MICHAEL KOORS, $197.95
[on sale now: $139.90]