Last Minute Stocking Stuffers and Add-On Gifts

It's almost Christmas! While everyone is finishing up shopping for last minute holiday gifts, I figured I throw a few more ideas out there to use as add-on items. Sometimes you may need a last minute gift for a friend, or just feel like you need to add a little something extra to the main gift you're giving. Although these are mainly gifts "for her", you can certainly use the same types of items "for him" as well (most likely minus the makeup and nail polish). Hope this helps you finish up any shopping you may have left to do!

Check out my last minute picks below:

Links below!

1. Faux Fur Infinity Scarf - A trendy accessory that she'll definitely use. I got one last year and wear it at least two times a week! If you don't think she's into faux fur, go for a solid color infinity scarf.

2. Monogram Mug - I actually have this exact mug - it's so cute and makes the perfect gift, especially if she's a coffee or tea drinker. This one in particular I ordered from Macys, but I've been seeing personalized mugs everywhere, like at Kohl's and Target.

3. Tech Gloves - I actually have yet to own a pair of tech gloves, but I could really use them! And I think every person could use a pair. They're pretty much available everywhere.

4. Statement Necklace - Give me any kind of statement necklace and I'll be happy. Forget fine jewelry, it's all about the statement pieces these days.

5. Makeup Palette - Go into any Ulta or Sephora and you'll be able to browse through tons of good quality makeup sets that are perfect for gift giving. It would be helpful to know what specific makeup brands she likes, but if you're unsure ask an associate for bestsellers or stick to brands like Benefit, Too Faced, Tarte, Smashbox, Stila, Urban Decay, anything like that!

6. Smart Phone Case - If you know what kind of phone they have, then you know what kind of case to get! Stick to quality name brands they're familiar with like Kate Spade, Casemate, Marc Jacobs, or Tory Burch.

7. Nail Polish Set - Another set perfect for beauty lovers. Even if you don't get a particular set, go to any CVS or local drugstore and pick out some of Essie's new shades for the winter season. To make your own set, just simply pick a solid shade and then a glitter shade - you'll know what I mean when you see it!

8. Holiday Body Set - A very seasonally appropriate add-on gift. If you're not sure what scents they like, stick to something like vanilla. You can find these at places like Ulta, Sephora, Bath and Body Works, or department stores like Macys and Nordstrom.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Can you believe Christmas Eve is a week away? For some reason I got a late start on my holiday shopping and still need to get some done. I'll be finishing up any online orders soon (at least on the sites that say guaranteed delivery by Christmas). I guess I'll have to venture out into the mall-shopping holiday chaos to get any last minute gifts I need - but what are the holidays without an mob of angry slow-walking shoppers, right? Anyways, if you need some last minute gift ideas for your guy, your dad, your brother, or any kind of man in your life, check out my gift guide below!

Have a happy hump day - we're almost there!

Inspired by Modani: Home Decor, Fashion, & Beauty

Today I have a fun little surprise for you. It’s not your typical beauty or style post; however, it does involve another interest of mine – home décor. Inspired by a company called Modani, I’ve decided to create a room inspiration board (seen below) and transform it into a beauty and fashion look.  If you’ve never heard of Modani, they are a high-quality modern furniture company with various store locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as online. All of their pieces have a contemporary take on design yet still remain elegant and timeless. You can check them out right here or take a browse through their modern sofas collection here!

My concept behind this particular design was taking one simplistic piece, such as a solid white chair, and using pops of color, print, and texture to add my own personal twist. My take on home decor is kind of similar to how I style outfits or beauty looks – by taking one basic piece and using accessories and add-on items as an expression of my own personal style, all while pulling together the look as a whole. When in doubt, start with the basics!

Look below to see my Modani inspired home décor look featuring their products, as well as a fashion and beauty look to match. 

Home Decor Inspired Look:

Fashion Inspired Look:

White Dress / Pink Blazer / Yellow Heels / Crossbody Clutch / Crystal Necklace / Turquoise Ring

Beauty Inspired Look:

Bobbi Brown Blush / Urban Decay Eyeshadow / Nars Eyeliner / Maya Mia Eyeshadow Palette / Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish / MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick

Holiday Shopping Tip: Ebates

featuring:

Today I bring you a special post dedicated to the wonderful world of ebates. If you’ve never heard me talk about it before, well, please allow me to introduce you to your new best friend. Just a small disclaimer, the only reason I am writing this post is because I am truly passionate about this site and saving money, especially when it comes to online shopping. If you think this may be too good to be true, let me confirm that it is too good, but it’s 100% true - and I have the checks to prove it!

Okay – so let’s talk about ebates. I’ve been a member since 2011 and have so far received hundreds of dollars of cash back from all of my online shopping, most of it during the holiday seasons. Literally all you have to do is sign up (it’s free) and then just connect to whatever site you wish to shop through their links. Ebates will always let you know the cash back percentage that’s available and you’ll get a check sent to you every few months (they’ll let you know when to expect it)! Not every single website out there is affiliated, but you’d be surprised how many actually are, so I highly recommend checking first. If you’ve never signed up and still need to order gifts online (or if you’re a year-round online shopper like me), this is the time to do it – cash back percentages are higher than usual around the holidays! So get shopping and seriously go sign up, like now. My theory is, if you’re buying the stuff anyways, why not get a little cash back?

Sign up right here --> ebates

Here's what it looks like: 

Happy online shopping (and saving)!

November Beauty Favorites

As we're moving right along through Decemeber (where does time go?), I thought it would be a good idea to finally get my November favorites up. I decided to do this post a little differently this time because I found my favorites all seemed to be in duos. Take a look below for a list of these duos, why I've been loving them, and where you can get them!

Duo 1: Face

Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Fluid Shade NW18 - Ever since I've been working in an office, I've found my skin has been more oily than normal. Since I was previously using a more dewy finish foundation, I thought I'd try one more matte. This one has totally made a difference and I've been loving the medium-full coverage. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer Shade Light - I used to use this concealer years ago and finally came around to repurchasing it. I certainly remember why I've been loving it - it doesn't crease, and it's lightweight! Definitely gives more of a brightening effect as well, which I love - especially in the morning!

Duo 2: Lips -

MAC Lip Pencil - Whirl - This has been my go to lip pencil this past month because it pairs perfectly with my favorite pink lipstick (listed right below). It completes the matte pink lip look I've been going for and helps make my lips look a teeny bit bigger.

MAC Lipstick - Pink Plaid - If you've been following this blog, you've probably seen this lipstick make an appearance a few times, and for good reason! This is by far my favorite pink lipstick, and just one of my favorite lipsticks in general. It's completely matte, and is the perfect shade of pink for my skin tone. My mom even borrowed (stole) it from me and also wears it everyday, so I had to get another one!

Duo 3: Brows

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that my cute little dog ate my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, so I was forced to go back into my makeup drawer and use something else for the time being. That doesn't mean I love this product any less - I'm actually really glad I've been using it again because it's a really great product, especially for going out or making your brows last all day. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo - This is another brow product I really love and have been using either on top of the brow pomade, or alone on days when I need to quickly fill those babies in. I like that this powder gives you a lighter and darker option because I use both - lighter towards the front, and darker to fill in the tail.

Cyber Monday Deals 2014

Cyber Monday is finally here! The day when all online shoppers get to put their digital skills to good use and go a little shopping crazy, with amazing discounts, of course. We'd shop 'til we drop, but we're already sitting down (cue corny joke smirks). In all seriousness, I'm able to get a ton of my holiday shopping done today and know that I am getting everything at a really great price. No matter what website you look at, there is bound to be some sort of promotional deal, so if you're thinking about browsing today - don't hesitate! Although these deals sometimes run throughout the entire week, most will end today. Make sure you sign up and check through ebates first - you're able to get a ton of cash back on most of your purchases. You can do that right here! 

Look below for some amazing cyber deals at the sites I'll definitely be visiting today!

40% off Old Navy, Gap, & Banana Republic:

30% off H&M:

70% off Nume Hair with code "INSTA70":

50% off Jcrew Factory:

30% off Windsor Store:

20%-30% off Baublebar:

25% off Lord and Taylor:

Happy shopping!!