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wrap it up! [2012]

With only one day left to Christmas shop, I figured a little wrapping inspiration might help get you through the heaps of goodies to wrap up and get under the tree. Wrapping presents up is always one of my favorite parts of the season.



[amazing porcelain initial tags that will become ornaments from Anthrologie's collection this year]


[ornaments made for miniature trees make a great addition to little presents] 



[vintage ornament attachments for those you know are bound to appreciate them]


[I love these kraft paper boxes with wood print and polka dots that I scored from Target's dollar section this year!]


[tie it all together with holiday yarn, candy canes, a kraft paper tag and a jingle bell]

all it takes is:
scissors and tape...of course
some solid wrapping paper, some craft paper, & some classic (usually for the kiddos)
boxes if better suited
bakers' twine and/or holiday inspired yarn
a variety of tags & a pen
candy canes, vintage ornaments, bells, etc. etc. to personalize things a bit

a peak into my gift wrap from last year

five: holiday makers

This time of year there are so many things that make the season what it is; an amazing celebration of life and love, joy and hope. Here are five things that made me happy just to be experiencing the season for another year. (The last year before I experience it with a little one in tow mind you...yay!) 



[my favorite stop of the day: Two Guns for a flat white // a Christmas manicure a la Revlon "Posh" and Deborah Lippmann "Happy Birthday"]


[homemade brownie with peppermint ice cream]


[a wooden Santa from Olvera Street and our first Christmas together and a glass orb find from our holiday road trip last year]


[beautiful Christmas cards...I'm like a little kid running to the mailbox everyday to see what's arrived]

best [christmas] movies


I'm very excited to go see It's a Wonderful Life tonight for an ArcLight Presentation with my mom, sister, aunt, and two cousins. Not only is the ArcLight super enjoyable (assigned seating in cozy seats, better concessions, a cocktail and coffee bar, etc. etc.) but to see a classic holiday movie on the big screen...yay!

With Christmas 6 days away you must have lots of wrapping left to do so here is a list of movies that you can put on, grab a glass of hot cider, and sit amongst the glow of your tree while you relish in this amazing season.

When I was younger I loved watching...
Home Alone
The Santa Clause
A Christmas Story
Frosty the Snowman
It's A Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
A Charlie Brown Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Since they came out, I've loved watching...
Elf
the Holiday
(watched it last night with a brownie straight from the oven with seasonal peppermint ice cream on top!) 
Love Actually
the Family Stone

Enjoy!

Check out the gift guides below if you've missed them. 



holiday gift guide v.6 [tiny babe]


Baby, oh, baby! Pending the arrival of my own little one, classic gifts for babies has been near to my heart for, well, about 9 months now. With the holidays here and lots of little babes all around me, I was inspired to make my last gift guide one for the very wee ones. There is such beauty in finding baby gifts that won't be given away as hand-me-downs but rather kept and cherished and passed on within a family. So, without further adieu...

onesie 1 / 2 / 3


baby boy in my belly


Although I have been well documenting my belly, I haven't posted about it here. However, since today is ONE MONTH from my due date I thought I'd share a bit. As you can see, the belleh is a growing and my little man is getting ready to make his appearance and let us love on him. I am thoroughly excited to meet him and surprisingly unworried about his birth and labor process. I am highly aware that my life is about to change immensely (it some ways it has so much already) and though I don't know that I feel completely ready, or prepared, for that, I am happy to make that adjustment and learn how to be his best mommy possible. 

I love you already and I'll love you forever little one!
xo, Mommy



holiday gift guide v.5 [your little]


We've covered a gift guide with your stocking stuffer/gift completers, the upgraded version, your man, your girl, and now onto your little. In case you can't already tell by the gift guide above, I like toys and gifts for kids that aren't overtly girly or overly boyish either. In my mind there is nothing wrong with the boy who likes to change the clothes on his sister's dolls or the girl who always redesigns her brother Lego towers. There are so many great toys, books, and clothes for little ones now. It makes me even more excited to welcome this little one very soon.

ninja nesting dolls (these sold out but they carry great toys)

holiday git guide v.3 [your girl]


And the gift guides roll on... I started off with one to start your stocking stuffers or complete the gifts you've already bought, then there was one for your man, and now... one for your girl. This is mostly for the husbands and boyfriends out there who know your girl would love to find herself riding down a tree lined road, or along the beach, on an outstanding bike with the basket filled with goodies from the farmer's market, bundled up in classic, cozy and flattering gear (or for you to pass on to them if that's you). Hopefully it goes without saying that if this is your sister, friend, or mom, these are the things you should run out and get her too!


Happy holiday shopping this weekend!
xo


holiday gift guide v.2 [your man]


Your man is the best right?!?! So, give him the best. The best of clothes and accessories, best of home, best of shaving gear, best of stocking stuffers. 

art of shaving...

If you missed the gift guide for little gifts (under $40) with a big impact check it out from yesterday


holiday gift guide v.1 [stocking stuffers]


Last year I posted multiple gift guides and this year, with a little boy growing away in my belly, I haven't had time to do as many of them as last year (you can still click the link for inspiration). The good thing is that a guide like this one is a great mini list of things that pretty much every girl would love. You could use this to help you find the perfect addition to complete a gift that you already have the basics of or you could use them as amazing stocking stuffers. They are all under $40! 




I hope that you are enjoying shopping this holiday season. Get out there, grab a yummy holiday latte and shop amidst the sparkling lights, holiday music, and even the scrooges out there. Teehee. 




an Abbot Kinney adventure

Now that you've seen the handmade invitation for an amazing 30th birthday brunch and shopping excursion on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California, I thought I'd share the places we'll stop along our way. Here is the breakdown of the street map as it was sent to the girls who were invited. This way, each girl was able to plan out where she might go depending on the people on her holiday shopping list. Enjoy!

GJELINA


We'll sip mimosas and devour brunch at one of the best restaurants around!

FIREFLY


One of V's favorite shops! Books, jewelry, women's clothes and gifts all for that person on your list who already has everything.



Killer kids clothes, toys, and the cuddliest stuffed dolls and animals.

Grab a cozy hoodie for your honey! (The kind you like to steal and wear yourself). Perfect plain tees and basics for him or her. 



The gracious owner will have everything 50% off (excluding jewelry and bath products). Just try to walk past without dreaming of owning one of the beautiful cake stands! Plus, they will have the place ready for us to toast with champagne!

Run on in and grab one of the BEST lattes in Los Angeles. Don't be scared of the hipsters. Go decaf if you must...this is a DON'T MISS.



If you want a signature scent for someone you LOVE, this is the place!



Trendy clothes and accessories. 



Pick up the perfect gadget gear for any techie dude in your world. 



A Scandinavian lifestyle gift shop with adorable kids' stuff, modern home accessories and more. 

If you are looking for a lifelong perfect leather and/or canvas piece (dopp kit, computer bag, etc.) for a special guy in your life; this is the place.



Talk about inspiration for everything home...pricey but worth the look. (You might even end up taking something home for yourself.)



The perfect last stop! Candles, stationery, and home office for gifts and the perfect to have some of your best presents wrapped.