What's On My Christmas List

I still owe Christmas lists to my mom and my mother-in-law and ... I'm the worst at putting these together. I can pick out cutesy-wootsey things all day long for my girls, and I promise I'm not trying to be a martyr, but there's just not a lot that I really want for. 

I love my house. I love the way it's decorated. I love crafting and craft supplies but I like picking out my own ribbon. I love makeup and LipSense but I buy that for myself using my wholesale discount. I love clothes and jewelry, but I am also kinda crazy about wearing something until it's almost too far gone to donate. I'm not a "wear once" girl. And my sister Laura makes my favorite jewelry so I get a lot of my wishlist items from her.

So here's what actually made the cut this year -- maybe you have some ideas for me, too?

Swarovski 2017 Ornament
I've been collecting these since 2002 and I've amassed quite the gorgeous collection! I display them on a gold metal tree from Pier 1.

NOW ... super duper important -- I just spotted that these are the Amazon deal of the day which means that they are $27.50 down from $79! We spend $79 on these every single year (and my mom buys a few of them) so this is huuuuuge. Find the deal HERE. This would also be such a perfect keepsake ornament for anyone who had a big 2017 -- new house, new job, new baby, engagement or marriage!

Dymo LabelWriter Printer

Between The Tipsy Bunny hairbows I make and sell and LipSense products, I'm mailing out packages every single day. I have my computer and packaging supplies at the dining room table (sorry, Martha Stewart, but my Christmas tablescape leaves a little to be desired) and I run back and forth to Ian's office to print out mailing labels. It's getting a little old and I'm burning through his printer ink like crazy. SO, a $160 label printer isn't normally what I would get all of the heart eyes over, but I want this so bad.

HERE is where I need your help. I know there are websites out there to find the best deal online. I just know we can get this for less -- right? Does anyone have any insight into what website I need to track this on? 

New Perfume: Aqua Allegoria Nerolia Bianca

This is the perfume I found out about from my brother-in-law's girlfriend and it smells HEAVENLY. You can find it on Amazon Prime and ever since I smelled it, I knew I needed it in my life.

Target Pajamas

My girlfriend group-texted us about these jammies the other day and on my list they go! I recently bought these Santa pajamas in XS from the Target (PLEASE do me a favor and wash yours first in ice cold water ... I did not) and I do love them, but I want these to wear year-round. And of course I love the animal print tie at the waist!

Tyler Glamorous Wash Detergent in Diva

YES I am asking for laundry detergent this year (and again I swear I'm not trying to be a martyr "oh I just need not a thing please just a little laundry soap for this dear girl would make my yearrrr" LOLOLOL).

But y'all, the ladies in a local Facebook moms group I'm in swear that this stuff makes your laundry smell amazing, and it's not something I would really buy on just a normal Tuesday. So on the Christmas list it goes. I won't use it for kiddie socks and Ian's gym clothes, but every time I run a load of MY laundry, you better believe it will get the royal treatment. 

Other than that, I just want all of the good holiday stuff. Egg nog and fruitcake (which I picked up Monday), Amy Grant Christmas music, some classic Christmas movies, and pictures of my girls on Santa's lap. 

Again -- if you can help me with what website I need to go to for tracking that Dymo label printer I'll be your bestie!

What's on YOUR list? 

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Merry Christmas, y'all!

Our Christmas Cards, and Christmas In Uptown Charlotte

I am so excited to share our Christmas cards this year! As I mentioned before, Tinyprints has been our card supplier of choice for several years now. I was so impressed with their 2015 designs and had a really hard time whittling down the choices but ultimately went with this classic and pretty letterpress design.

The rounded corners add so much, and I also had our return address added to the back of each envelope. Definitely worth the upgrade!

I just love how happy Camille looks in these photos taken at the mountainhouse on Thanksgiving! So incredibly crazy to think that next year there will be another baby in the photo!

We had a really nice weekend -- laid back for the most part, but with some fun holiday adventures sprinkled in on Saturday morning. I met two girlfriends and their adorable daughters at the Ritz to see the lovely gingerbread house and macaron trees, and then we headed over to Founder's Hall to catch the singing holiday bears!

The singing bear orchestra was too cute. I have seen it before but never with a toddler. :) If you are around Charlotte and looking to check it out, a schedule of their performances can be found here. This is a great, free activity with children!

Alright, she looks a little uncertain of the bears in this snapshot, but rest assured, she loved them! She was swaying to the music on my lap. It was just too, too cute!

Rosemary Sugar Cookies (A Wannabe Recipe) + Christmas Notes

I'm not even going to call this a recipe. That would be doing a disservice to all recipes.

Camille and I attended a cookie swap playdate the other morning, and I brought three dozen Rosemary Sugar Cookies as my contribution. I was tight on time on Sunday -- we house-hunted for the first part of the day, then got wrapped up in the Panthers' amazing win that afternoon -- so I needed a way to make a yummy cookie, thirty-six of them, and not be up to the eyeballs in flour and eggshells.

 

I admit it. I used a break-apart sugar cookie as the base. I know, I know, judge away. But I broke off each block, softened the block with my hands a little, dipped the top in sugar, and then topped it with freshly minced rosemary. About 2/3 of the way through the suggested cooking time on the back of the package, I opened the oven door to add more rosemary to each cookie.

 

I do have to say that for the easiest cookie ever, these are DIVINE and really have a nice flavor to them. Next time I may even add a small pinch of sea salt to each cookie top!

 

Moving on, two more Christmas notes:

 

 

Camille is obsessed, obsessed with Olivia Helps With Christmas! We read it multiple times yesterday. I read it to her last year when she was seven months old, and I wasn't totally crazy about it then. But now that she is 19 months and LOVES it when mommy is silly, she and I are both totally into the book. There are certain parts that I can read in a funny voice, like when Olivia belts out "Gloooooo-riiaaaa!" as her family sings Christmas carols, and Camille just dissolves into giggles. I am passing along this book idea now, because although we're quickly nearing Christmas, I just saw in my order history that I ordered it December 13th last year. And it's Amazon Prime eligible! If you're looking for a cute Christmas story for a toddler, we love this silly one. The board book is less than $7, too. (on Amazon here)

 

Lastly, a little plug for our holiday bonnets. It's certainly not too late to order a bonnet for a little girl in your life and have it arrive before Santa comes. There are several sizes available, 0-18 months. We would love it if you would check out our Etsy shop! The Tipsy Bunny

 

 

 

 



Holiday Gift Guide: ME ME ME (My Wishlist and Favorites)

 

 

Contrary to the title of this post ("ME ME ME") I can say that this year has been the most challenging year to actually pass along ideas to my relatives who ask me what I want. I was talking to some girlfriends the other day and lamenting that there seems to come a time where everything you want is like, five dollars or five hundred dollars ... and that makes coming up with a wishlist sort of hard. But ALAS, this girl can always find a few items that I would be tickled to find under the tree, and I've also included in my list a few things that I already own that are favorites. I'll point those out below.

 

 



 

1 - Metallic Star Ornament // 2 - Swarovski 2015 Annual Ornament // 3 - Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment // 4 - Gold Stork Scissors // 5 - Adele 25 // 6 - Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings //

7 - Moroccan Oil // 8 - Voluspa Spruce Cuttings

 

1: Metallic Star Ornament (on Nordstrom here)

Ian has already told me once this year that our tree has too many ornaments on it ... I mean, really?! Is there such a thing? I think not. I took one look at this metallic ornament and knew it would look lovely on our tree. And for $16, I think it's a great price. This would also make a wonderful gift for just about anyone -- your boss, your in-laws, your best girlfriend (just slip it around a bottle of bubbly for that one!).

 

2: Swarovski 2015 Annual Ornament (on Amazon here)

You've seen this pop up on my wishlist each year. I've been collecting these since 2002, and although the ornaments aren't inexpensive in the least, this is the one big item I ask for every year. They often gain value throughout the years so it should be a nice collection for me to pass down to our children one day. I will give them both the ornament for the year they were born and then let them pick their favorites from there. You can also search for past year ornaments on eBay.

 

3: Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment (on Nordstrom here)

This lip treatment has been on my radar for what feels like forever and I still have never pulled the trigger. I would like to try it in the Petal or Rose color -- both just look so fresh and pretty with their slight tint. I know this product has a cult following, and I'm ready to drink the kool-aid.

 

4: Gold Stork Scissors (on Amazon here)

These 6.5" scissors are so cute and would be a welcome addition to my stocking! I have some nice larger scissors for bow-making but these would be awesome for little snips here and there. They are just pretty!

 

5: Adele 25 (on Amazon here)

Confession: I'm not really iTunes savvy and I have, like, eight downloaded songs on my iPhone. I am still a CD lover and would love Adele's new album on CD so that I can play it in my car. Her voice is just hauntingly beautiful, and one of my favorite songs of hers remains "Skyfall" from the Bond movie.

 

6: Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings (on Nordstrom here)

I have had my Danielle earrings for more than half a year now and I love them! I chose the ivory mother of pearl set in gold, and I think this is a great color to start with. They go with so much and really add a lot to an outfit. They are $60, so not inexpensive, but a great pair of statement earrings. If you don't own a pair yet, you may want to sneak up to your honey and whisper "Santa baby...." and slip him that link.

 

7: Moroccan Oil (on Nordstrom here)

This is another favorite product that I already own that I am passing along to you. My standard-size bottle of Moroccan Oil has lasted forrrrrrrr-everrrrr and I just love it for my hair. I have relatively thin hair (but a good amount of it, especially being pregnant) and this argan oil still is not too heavy for it. This $15 small bottle is such a nice and luxurious little gift or stocking stuffer for someone and one that I can wholeheartedly stand behind. Now that I am washing my hair less and using dry shampoo on the roots, I like putting this on my hair and braiding it the night before I plan to wash it. I think it just really helps moisturize it and make it smoother. This smaller bottle is a super way to test this out, and being that a little goes a long way, this is not a size that will disappear from your bathroom cabinet too fast.

 

8: Voluspa Spruce Cuttings (on Nordstrom here)

I purchased this delicious-smelling candle for myself last year and it's just about to burn out. It has a wonderful Christmas spruce scent without smelling like PINE PINE PINE PINE as many of these candles can. They are a good middle pricepoint at $16, and Santa? I'd love another one this year, please!

 

Other than that, Ian already knows that I would be thrilled with a Swell water bottle and a prenatal massage at Edamame. I have asked my mother-in-law for new slippers and a Bobeau fleece wrap (I already own two but would love another!). My mom, sisters, and aunts are rockstar stocking fillers, so I am already looking forward to our post-dinner stockings.

 

And really, all I truly want this season is some great family time. :)

 



Holiday Gift Guide: Toddlers!

Okay, the last gift guide before my own personal list ... gifts for the wiggly, giggly toddlers in your life! This is a fun age because toys are getting to be even more interactive, and there are so many awesome educational toys out there, too. 

Here are some things that my Camille (18 months old) either loves or is getting for Christmas this year.

1 - Radio Flyer Wagon // 2 - Flash Cards // 3 - Felt Play Kitchen Food // 4 - Play Pots and Pans // 5 - Tickle Monster Book and Gloves // 6 - Play All Day Elmo and Elmo Fork and Spoon // 

7 - Play Kitchen // 8 - Boon Pipes

1: Radio Flyer Wagon (on Amazon here)
I pulled a total mom move and polled my Facebook friends about what to look for in a wagon! I was tempted to go with the classic metal style but was surprised how SO many people strongly suggested the version with seatbelts. I got over my snobbishness about the plastic wagon and did decide that this will be a great one for Camille. It has two seats that also fold down for extra storage area. I think it will be great for fun in the driveway and backyard, and also helpful for beach trips and trick-or-treating!

2: Flash Cards (on Amazon here and here)
We already have one set of these and LOVE them. I like lining them up for Camille and telling her to find certain cards. Sometimes we even use baby sign language with these -- I'll make the sign for baby or shoes, and she will find the corresponding card. These are inexpensive, Prime-eligible, and fantastic gifts for babies and toddlers.

3: Felt Play Kitchen Food (on Etsy here)
I am so excited that Camille is getting some of these wonderful pieces for Christmas! My aunt is actually making them (she is SO talented) and we have several of her items listed in our Etsy shop!

4: Play Pots and Pans (on Amazon here)
My friend Sarah was the one who introduced me to this set of play pots and pans. They are great quality, and I think they will be so fun for Camille to use with her play kitchen (#7 below).

5: Tickle Monster Book and Gloves (on Amazon here)
All of the credit for this sweet book set goes to my friend Kristen! She is an awesome mom and is always coming up with the cutest things and best ideas for little ones. Her family gave this to Camille for her first birthday, and it is so much fun to read to her. The reader gets to wear these silly monster gloves and the book prompts you when you get to go crazy tickling your little one!

6: Play All Day Elmo and Elmo Fork and Spoon (on Amazon here and here)
If I say that Camille is obsessed with Elmo, it's just scratching the surface. Ian already bought her the Play All Day Elmo (which is actually pretty neat) and I think this inexpensive fork on spoon set from Amazon will be awesome for her stocking.

7: Play Kitchen (on Amazon here)
I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so excited! Camille gets a play kitchen this year!

*** reader suggestion time! ***
8: Boon Tubes (on Amazon here)
Thanks to a sweet reader Gigi for this cute bathtime toy suggestion. She said that the Boon Pipes bath toys are so much fun and really add some giggles to the nightly bath. I think Camille would be a big fan of pouring water through these pipes and watching the neat things that they all do. So smart!

I hope you have liked these toddler suggestions ... I'd love to hear if you have others to add or if you plan on purchasing some of these!

Holiday Gift Guide: Parents and In-Laws, $10-$50 Budget

Buying for parents and in-laws is fun, but it can also be a challenge because they may want something more tasteful than trendy, more practical than "OMG cute." But leave the dustbusters on the shelves ... there are great options out there to be found! I've got a few suggestions to pass along today, all within a $10-$50 budget.

1 - Flower Delivery by The Bouqs // 2 - Wooden Backgammon Set // 3 - One Line A Day Journal // 4 - Moscow Mule Mugs // 5 - Cook's Illustrated Subscription // 

6 - Fondue Pot // 7 - Custom Handwriting Ornament

1: Flower Delivery by The Bouqs (FREE bouquet with your first purchase offer here)

Let's start with a gift for people you actually won't see on Christmas. One of my favorite go-to presents is a nice flower delivery. Ian's grandparents always demand no gifts, especially now that they are in a smaller retirement community, but I can't let Christmas go by without them having a special holiday treat from their little Millie girl. :) Avoid the long lines at the post office and hefty shipping fees, and just have a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered. Sitting on their table, it's a daily reminder of you thinking about them over the holidays, and if they are hosting a shindig themselves, it helps them with decor! The link above is my referral link to you and it will earn you a free bouquet with your first purchase. So, go ahead and set up delivery NOW for December 22nd for someone special on your list, and then pick someone else (or yourself!!) to receive a second bouquet for free. I've been so, so happy with the quality of my flowers from The Bouqs and I especially LOVE that they have bouquets with a flat $40 cost, no hidden shipping charges added in, thankyouverymuch!

2: Wooden Backgammon Set (on Amazon here)

One of the things my parents enjoy doing together is playing backgammon with a beer or special cocktail in hand. This set is right under $50 and Prime eligible on Amazon, and it looks so nice. If your parents, in-laws, or really any couple in your life has a lot of fun playing games together (what? turn the iPads and televisions off??) then this is a really neat idea.

3: One Line A Day Journal (on Amazon here)

I've blogged about this before -- my middle sister gave me one a few years ago in my stocking and I love it! It's $10 and it allows you to jot down one line (or if you're a talker like me, three lines of small handwriting) for one day. Each page features the same exact day but it shows all five years. It's a great way to reflect on exactly what you were doing the year before and, hopefully, how far you've come. :)

4: Moscow Mule Mugs (on Amazon here)

Everyone loves Moscow Mules, but not everyone has a nifty set of glasses to make them at home! This set is beautiful, Prime-eligible on Amazon, and right under $50. Tie them all up in a cellophane gift bag with a cocktail stirring spoon on the bow and you are all set! There is an adorable printable recipe card that you can find here. 

5: Cook's Illustrated Subscription (on Amazon here)

This magazine subscription is for total foodies. Step into a test kitchen to read articles about the best recipes, cooking gadgets, and brands ... not a single lick of advertising found in the entire magazine, either! For example, one article may focus solely on the classic chocolate chip cookie, and how to achieve the BEST cookie (they will test various recipe versions, cooking ingredient brands, and cooking temperatures for you). If you have someone to buy for that loves to cook and appreciates GOOD food and recipes, this is a great match for them.

6: Fondue Pot (on Amazon here)

I've owned a fondue pot since I was in college, and it has definitely been put to good use! My favorite fondue to make is cheddar cheese (with half a can of dark beer in it) served with pumpernickel bread cubes and granny smith apple slices ... and who can forget chocolate fondue with crumbled Oreos in it, served with jumbo marshmallows and banana slices? This is around $30 on Amazon, Prime eligible, and to really take it to the next level -- if you are going to be with your gift recipient, make sure to pack the fridge or pantry with your fondue ingredients so you can help them break it in that night! Fondue is such a fun group activity to do together, especially during the holidays!

*** reader suggestion time! ***

7: Custom Handwriting Ornament (on Etsy here)

This beautiful and meaningful ornament is a gift suggestion from a blog reader Kendra, who actually owns this Etsy shop. As soon as I saw her custom handwriting ornaments, I was blown away. You'll need to act quickly on this item to give her ample production time before Christmas, but how sweet is this idea: you scan in the handwriting of a loved one, and she brings it to life on a wooden ornament. To capture a child's handwriting for a grandparent, or maybe to memorialize a family member that has passed, this is truly a gift with a lot of heart behind it. 

Two gift guides left ... one for toddlers, and my very own wishlist and favorites list this year! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you have found these enjoyable and helpful! I'd love to hear from you in the comments section if you decide to purchase any of these ideas. :)

Check out my other gift guides: 

Coworker $10-20 Budget

Babies, Babies, Babies

 The Man in Your Life

Holiday Gift Guide: The Man In Your Life

Men can be so difficult to shop for. They want it or need it? They buy it. Like, in December. Which makes gift-giving that much harder. 

Here are some tried-and-true winners around these parts mixed in with a few items that I just know Ian would love. I hope this helps you in your search for the perfect gift for that man in your life, whether's it's a husband, boyfriend, best friend, brother, father, or in-law ... neighbor, accountant, pastor, Amazon delivery man, you get the picture.

1 - Carhartt Vest // 2 - Reef Sandals with Built-In Bottle Opener // 3 - Luminox Watch // 

4 - Kiehl's Facial Fuel // 5 - Tile Key Finder // 6 - In Harms Way // 7 - King Cube Tray

1: Carhartt Vest (on Amazon here)

Ian likes the rugged look, and what can I say -- I like that look on him! This vest is currently $65, Amazon Prime eligible so free 2-day shipping, and it's sherpa-lined. Does one come in a womens' small?!

2: Reef Sandals with Built-In Bottle Opener (on Amazon here)

My sister got these one year for my dad. WINNER! Guys love showing off their gadgets and tools, and these flops with a built-in bottle opener are pretty genius. Technically, they may have to wait a few months to wear them, but they're so cool that you may just see your man trotting down the frozen driveway to fetch the paper wearing these flip flops in January.

3: Luminox Watch (on Amazon here)

Ian has owned this watch for a few years now and loves it. It's the most expensive item on the list here, around $170, but good for anyone who still needs a BIG gift for a guy. The fact that it's used by US Navy SEAL team members got Ian's attention ... and his immediate order. Highly recommend. And it looks tough.

4: Kiehl's Facial Fuel (on Nordstrom here)

Ian really likes Kiehl's products. They aren't frou-frou but they are a great quality skincare line. Ordering from Nordstrom gets you free shipping and returns, although I highly doubt you'll use the latter part of that offer. A great idea for a guy who wants to take care of his skin but wouldn't be caught dead using your pink Clarisonic. 

5: Tile Key Finder (on Amazon here)

Raise your hand if your husband loses his keys. You can't see me, but I've got both arms up. And a leg. Ian's getting this for Christmas ... at $25 and Prime eligible, a no-brainer.

6: In Harms Way (on Amazon here)

A book choice! I love giving (and receiving) books for Christmas. This is one of Ian's favorites. It is about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945 and the tale of some of its' survivors. He absolutely devoured this book. 

*** reader suggestion time! ***

7: King Cube Tray (on J.Crew here)

This jumbo ice cube tray is a suggestion from my girl Owen of the blog Davis Duo. In her words: 

"A few years ago we went to Charleston and hubs had a drink with a huge ice cube in it. He LOVED the look of it as well as the fact that his drink didn't get watered down. So I knew I had to find one for his stocking. I found it at J Crew! It's perfect if your man is a whiskey drinker. Pop the ice cube out of the freezer and his whiskey won't get watered down." It's $9, and it looks like you can enter code TUESDAY today for 30% off.

Alright, there are my seven ideas for the man in your life. Tell me, what gift guide would you like to see next -- gifts for a toddler, or gifts for parents and in-laws? I'm all ears!

Check out my other gift guides: 

Coworker $10-20 Budget

Babies, Babies, Babies

Santa? I Know Him!

So, this was year two for Santa visits for us, and half of me was filled with high hopes that my little social butterfly would be all giggly, hamming it up, blowing kisses to Santa. The other (more realistic) half of me knew that the separation anxiety stage we've been witnessing lately might come out to play ... and ohhh, it did. But I will say this: there is no better Santa -- or Santa set-up -- in all of Charlotte than the one we visited! Santa was so sweet, kind, and patient, and even as my stage five clinger held on to me for dear life and refused to sit on his lap, we still got some beautiful photos!

Charlotte has a beautiful store called Blacklion, and they go all-out with their winter wonderland. Santa will be at the store on two more Saturdays -- December 12th and 19th -- from 1-4pm. You can follow them on Facebook for more store event information here. Seeing Santa is FREE, and you can take your own photos -- as many as you'd like! Additionally, they have someone there to snap photos for you at no cost, and they are emailed to you afterwards. It's just too good!

Camille (and her friend, Ella!) both had on bonnets from The Tipsy Bunny, and Camille also wore a bow that I made her. I have recently added a few boys to our Etsy shop (here)! The smocked dress she is wearing was bought at a consignment store, and she is wearing Freshly Picked snakeskin moccasins. 

Before we left, we shopped around at some of the booths in Blacklion. They have the most gorgeous holiday set-ups ... tons of great gifts, and lots of decoration inspiration!

I especially loved these vases where you can add twigs and flowers to make up the deer antlers. I found a smaller but similar one on Amazon for anyone that is in the market and not near Charlotte -- here!

Thanks again to this sweet Santa for making our second "Ho Ho" visit a memorable one. We loved seeing the man in red ... well, at least one of us!

* * * * * 

CHARLOTTE READERS! Blacklion gave me a $25 BLACKLION gift card to raffle off on this blog! Please comment here that you'd like to be entered in the drawing -- I will announce the winner's name on Friday. :) Thank you, Blacklion!