The Mystery of the Disappearing Blogger

Yep I took a break, and I am so not sorry I did. Things got beyond crazy busy and something had to give, and it was the blog. I haven't abandoned the blog by any means, I was just focused on being with friends/family, going on vacation, enjoying some down time, and something really exciting I will be sharing soon. The point is, it was nice not to worry about creating good content or wracking my brain coming up with gift guides that no one else has made.

Since my vacay was the highlight of my time "off" I thought I would fill you in on that. I went to Riviera Maya and had the most amazing five days with my boyfriend. Here is how a typical day was spent: wake up, breakfast, pool/cabana, lunch, more pool/cabana, nap in the room, shower, dinner, cocktails, sleep, repeat. It was heaven. I cannot say enough good things about our resort, El Dorado Royale. It was an all-inclusive, but actually had good food and drinks... who knew that was possible? Writing this is making me sad, but on a positive note the workaholic (D not me) has insisted we go for a week next time. Is it too soon to start planning next year?

My view every morning... didn't suck.

Where I spent my afternoons. I may as well be an albino and know my limits in the sun. Cabana me.

Oh hey an elusive picture of the write of this blog! This was taken on our deep sea fishing boat. It was a blast and I can't wait to do it again!

That would be the huge-ass fish I caught. Two feet long and ten lbs, he put up a good fight (not pictured his insane monster teeth). Too bad you can't eat barracuda because I would have loved to say I caught my own dinner.

Target Christmas List + A $500 Giveaway

I have a very exciting giveaway today, but first wanted to share some great finds from everyone's favorite store Target. Above are some of my favorites currently available at Target, and yes that image is shoppable! It's a pretty random assortment, but hey that store has everything so who can blame me. I would love to have that blue nail head trim chair in my living room with that throw atop of it. A Nespresso needs no explaining. A swanky camera that's small enough to take everywhere with wifi for quick uploading is high on my list. It's a silly gift, but I would love a nice electric toothbrush and would never buy one for myself. Along the lines of things you would never buy yourself but wouldn't mind getting would have to be one of those electric pedi things. It's absurd, but I think I would love it. High-end electronics are always a hit, especially fun headphones and a curling iron that curls with the push of a button (fo' realz). And who wouldn't love finding Essie polish, a new set of makeup brushes, and some organic lip balm in their stocking? This girl certainly would love all of it.

I am so excited to share that I have partnered with some fabulous bloggers to bring you an amazing giveaway for the holidays! We are giving away a $500 gift card to Target to make your holiday shopping a little bit merrier! The contest will run December 1st-10th and we're giving you lots of entries to help your odds out.

KELCIE  TALK       

                                                                                

Polka Dots And Sailor Stripes  |  The Closet Crush  |  The Florkens  |  Life With Lyss  |  Outfits And Outings

 

  The Heart Of The House1  |  Simply Classy Cassie  |  Sandy A La Mode  |  Rain Boots And Retail  |  Pink Bubbly Shop

Frankly My Dear  |  The Petite Diaries  |  KB Styled  |  Eat Drink & Be Mary  |  For The Love Of Fancy

Miss In The Midwest  |  Sophistifunk  |  Whatever Is Lovely  |  Absolutely Arkansas  |  Blonde Expeditions

 

  Mash Elle  |  A Little Lovelier  |  Wild One Forever  |  Cella Jane  |  Love Olia



 Citrus Refreshing Fashion  |  To Be Bright | What Would Kiki Wear | One Chic Motif

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A Drybar & Bluemercury Holiday

Everyone loves to be pampered  and now is the perfect time to treat yourself and the ones you love to a little something special this holiday season. No one knows the joy of simple luxuries better than the ladies behind Drybar and Bluemercury. Seriously any item from either store is a guaranteed home run, slam dunk, sure to be their favorite, "OMG I LOVE THIS" type of gift.

I'll be picking up plenty of Drybar blow out gift certificates for some of my gal pals, and hopefully receiving a little Bobbi Brown goodness and a luxurious Laura Mercier brush in my stocking. Speaking of stocking stuffers, this nail polish duo from Deborah Lippmann is so good you'll be tempted to keep it for yourself to wear to all your holiday soirees.  For the skincare enthusiast, Kiehls greatest hits collection is sure to be a winner. And for your sister that is so hard to shop for, the Big Hair Don't Care blowout kit is perfection. 

For any of these items pictured or for even more great gift ideas, head to Bluemercury and Drybar to put the happy into your holiday. While it is the thought that counts, thoughts of blowouts and beauty items are a lot more fun! 

*I was contacted to write this post, however all gift picks, suggestions, and opinions are my own

For the Fellas

Shop right from the image! Click the item and you're on your way!

This gift guide, and person, is always the hardest to shop for in my opinion. Guys typically buy themselves whatever they are pining after, and there is only so many gift options before you go straight to clothes. It's tough, but that doesn't mean we can't rise to the occasion and give them something they'd actually want. 

 If you're trying to splurge on him or really spoil him, try a classic chronograph watch or digital camera with wifi. For the stylish or plain clueless man, a gift card to Trunk Club is an extra handy gift. For the guy on the go, a great weekend bag, functional backpack, and this funny pouch will send him off in style. Got a guy that likes to take of himself? Try these Jack Black products (a boyfriend favorite) and a shave kit from Harry's. Is he into things he can wear? Try a great team logo toboggan, novelty socks, great slippers, throwback kicks, or my personal favorite a tee commemorating a favorite childhood movie. If he's all about gadgets a portable speaker, charger, record player, or remote control helicopter are all sure to please. And yes all adult men love those freaking remote controlled helicopters.

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Holiday Hosting Like A Boss

We always talk about throwing get togethers, but it seems the only ones I get around to are more impromptu ones a few days out. So if you decided to throw a last minute get together this holiday season, there's no need to worry just follow these three simple steps.

1. Make it festive. A little holiday music puts everyone in the mood to party (I'm partial to the Rat Pack but any of the old standards will do). Add a bit of greenery, some sparkle, and of course mistletoe and you're in business.

2. Pick your poison. Don't over think the booze. People are perfectly happy with beer and wine. Two reds, and two whites will please almost everyone. If you feel like getting fancy, opt for bubbles or look up a great bourbon punch recipe to serve to the bunch... one and done is very last minute friendly!

3. Provide crowd pleasers. Make your snacks universally appealing. Think cheese straws (a standard in the south), a well constructed cheese plate, and some holiday treats like peppermint bark or truffles.

Hopefully you're a little more inspired to host your own Christmas party this year, and have the tips and tricks to be one helluva hostess (take all the credit, they'll never know!).

A Little Lovelier 2014 Gift Guides

satin pillowcase // nail polish // face brush

makeup bag // eye mask // eyeliner

skincare set // lip gloss // brush set

I'm very happy to announce I will be doing a series of gift guides this holiday season. Each guide will be targeted to a specific recipient or dollar amount. If you have any requests or questions please feel free to reach out! A great gift is something that you yourself would love or something the recipient would like but would have a hard time buying for themselves (hello pricey candles anyone?). Whatever the item, it's the thought that counts.

This gift guide is all about that beauty-obsessed person in your life (we all have one). I would love one of these satin pillowcases. It's great for helping prevent wrinkles and leaves your hair in great condition over night! As soon as December rolls around I switch to festive, glittery polish. What I love about this polish set is that it comes with a lovely neutral to wear year round or under the glitter. I struggled for a while before buying my Clarisonic, and I always run into people asking if they should take the plunge. A pricier, luxury item like a Clarisonic is the perfect gift for your budget-conscious gal pal. I'm not big into statement shirts, but boy do I love statement accessories. This pouch is hilarious and practical as a makeup bag. Make sure she is getting plenty of beauty sleep with this adorable eye mask, she'll love it I swear. You've heard me tout my love for this always sharp eyeliner, and this set of five is such a steal and the perfect stocking stuffer! Got a practical friend that would never dream of buying nice skincare? Run and pick up this little set from Fresh and she'll be in luxurious skincare heaven. These pretty glosses will give any lucky lady a pretty pout. Probably my favorite thing on the list, a gorgeous set of professional brushes is the ultimate gift for the girl that loves makeup. 

Interior Lust: Lauren Conrad's Penthouse

I'm breaking away from style again today and going back to interiors and design. I intended to keep posting about interior design on a regular basis, and just didn't keep up with it... best laid plans am I right? So as I dive back into posting about pretty spaces, I had to share one of my style crushes home.

Lauren Conrad's Beverly Hills penthouse was featured on InStyle and did not disappoint! Her home was a very surprising departure from what you would expect from LC. Lauren gives off a very classic, feminine vibe and you would think her home would reflect that too. While you can definitely see her in the design, there was awesome unexpected juxtaposition of masculine and feminine elements with bright pops of color. For every bit of tufting, nail head trim, and brass, there was a very clean line or something in a glossy black that made it feel more modern. I'm going to shut up now and let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Lob

The moment my hair gets long enough, I want to cut it all off. The moment I cut it off, I wish I hadn't. Yes I know it's just hair and it grows, but mine grows so slowly that I can't imagine spending another four years getting it back to where it is now. BUT, and this is a huge but, I am in love with the long bob or "lob" that's really popular right now. I wear my hair straight and down almost everyday and this style lends itself beautifully to that type of styling. Below are some of my favorite lobs out there.

Jennifer Aniston has the best hair in the industry, the BEST! Short, long, wavy, and straight she is always perfectly and seemingly effortlessly coiffed. She's my lady crush for life.

Chopped and tousles, Gwyneth knows how to rock good hair.

Oh Charlize! Need we say more?

Ugh I love everything about this picture of Kim from Kensington Way. The cut and color are perfection, and I can't even get into her manicured brows and pretty pout. JEALOUS!

So what do you think about the lob? Maybe I'll grow a pair and go for it after the holidays. If any of you have recently taken the plunge let me hear about it!

On My Radar

This week's "On My Radar" post is a little different since next week is my 29th birthday (how the eff did that even happen?). Honestly, I haven't put a ton of thought into what I would want, but if someone were to ask me any of the above lovely items would be just dandy.

I love the classic look to this trench style wool coat, I would have it forever. Two words: tortoise headphones. I would live in this comfy, dreamy, perfectly striped Calypso shirt. A classic bangle is high on my wishlist, and a clic clac is so the way to go. Amy Poehler would keep me in stitches, a great gift in itself. Yup I want long stemmed wine glasses so I can pretend to be Olivia Pope, so what. A drool-worthy tote is something you can never go wrong with. Pretty gilded coasters would be absolutely lovely on my coffee table, and would actually make me want to use a coaster. You don't even want to know what I would do for a Nespresso machine. I once had one in a hotel room and no joke had three espressos each morning... it was interesting. I'm so drawn to these pumps. I think the combination of leopard and gold makes them so sexy, and so not me but man do I love them.

This week, I'm loving five things in particular. I am OBSESSED with this tweed jacket. Ann Taylor has stepped up their game tremendously and there are so many items I wouldn't mind having in my closet. Elements of Style, the book, is a must read and one to add to your library and/or coffee table. You will love Erin's style, honestly, and stunning pictures. I am blessed with long lashes, but fall short in the volume category. This mascara has been doing a great job of giving me volume and is less than ten dollars. Many of us deal with that rough and bumpy skin known as "KP"or commonly referred to as "chicken skin." I have been using this cream for a week and I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin. It's also great for super dry winter skin. Last but not least, holiday manis are right around the corner and this gold leaf top coat is a fun twist on the glitter polish we love.

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Free Your Hands with Beau & Ro

One thing most of us can agree on is that we love a great, functional bag. We also love those not so functional heavy, clunky, too short strapped/handled designer bags that we use more for decor than anything else. So where exactly does style meet function? That my dear readers would be at Beau & Ro Bag Company. Beau & Ro is the brainchild of Sara Rossi with the mission of helping people free their hands. It all started with a belt bag, and now Beau & Ro has just released a gorgeous line of totes that convert into a backpack.

The Lodge model with a cream cable knit panel and gorgeous tan leather.

This bag can do it all. With expandable handles that easily clip into backpack straps, the bag is perfect for work, the gym, play, and everything in between. Plus what is a good bag without pockets? This beauty has three interior pockets, and one exterior to avoid the dreaded "Mary Poppins bag" scenario. The tote + backpack comes in four gorgeous styles: The Lodge, The Waverly, The New Yorker, and The Fairfield.

Preppy and sophisticated, The Fairfield does it all.

Beau & Ro Bag Company started in 2013 with a line of clutches that converted into belt bags. No this is not your mother's fanny pack. The clutches come in so many colors and styles, and easily convert to a belt bag (that lays flat mind you) to give you the freedom of being hands free. Whether you're at the beach, running errands, at a concert, or you have children hanging on you at all times, there's a belt bag to suit you. Oh and did I mention each bag is made right in New York City? Gotta love that.

Perfect for a day at the beach.

Or wining and dining with friends.

Holidays are just around the corner, so make sure you check out Beau & Ro Bag Company's latest bags and styles as they would make the perfect gift for friends, bridesmaids, heck your mom would probably love one too! 

Thank you so much to Sara and Beau & Ro Bag Company for sponsoring today's post. Although I was compensated, as always all opinions are my own.

Luxe For Less

Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Cartier, Philip Lim, OH MY! Ok not really but there are some really amazing, budget-friendly items out there that will give you that luxe look for a lot less. I'm all about investing in your wardrobe, but while you save and pinch those pennies, don't forget to treat yo' self to the occasional designer inspired piece. What I really like about these picks is that they are all of fairly good quality and avoid the dreaded "cheap" designer inspired looks (you know exactly what I'm talking about). So go ahead and enjoy some quilted leather without breaking the bank, you deserve it.  xoxo

shoes can be found here, bangle can be purchased here

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Weekend Recap

literally what I did all weekend :)

Remember how I said I needed a plan free weekend? That's exactly what I got. And man was it good for my soul. We are ALWAYS busy. Not in the glorified "we're so busy because we have so many friends/are so important" way, but the errands, chores, and events seem endless. Having a weekend of nothing almost never happens for us, heck having D home for a week is rare these days. So what did we do with all this amazing time? A lot and not much all at the same time. I got some much needed sleep that I had been deprived of for the past ten days, we cooked four meals at home (that's huge for us these days), we made it to a hockey game, browsed a few new developments on a scenic drive, saw friends, went to the store, heck we went to Costco, and most importantly spent quality time together.

I feel re-energized and ready to tackle another chaotic week for the first time in a long time. I have a great post coming to you tomorrow, so please check back and thanks again for your patience with my lackluster posting. How was your weekend?

An Update + Links

I have been a lousy blogger lately. I am literally up to my eyeballs in work at my full time job, been traveling for work, and when I am home my brain is so fried that coming up with good content is almost impossible. I am drained. I had also been involved in a multi-week opportunity I was after, and it fell through last night after it seemed like things were going to work out. So I did what anyone would do after they are drained mentally and emotionally: I got drunk. I really needed it.

The good news is while things didn't go how I wanted, some of that stress has lifted and I can gain back a little more of that clear head I need to do a good job in general. A relaxing, plan free weekend is all I'm after. So thanks for listening to my rant, and I promise you better posts for next week. Have a great weekend! xx


I had the most amazing first course at dinner last week and have been dreaming about recreating it. This recipe is pretty darn close and I think needs to happen tonight!

A crisp white shirt is a wardrobe must! I found the perfect one at a surprising place.

This product touts "Pillow Proof" hair? Sign me up!

Santa Baby slip these pretties under the tree, for me.... I DIE!

Technophiles rejoice! 25 apps that will make your life easier.

My hair is getting pretty long, and with that comes the everyday "what the f*ck am I going to do with my weave" battle. I love this tutorial for a simple, feminine take on the half and half.

I am totally lost when it comes to weight training and breaking down the days by muscle groups. I found this pin to be extremely helpful in breaking it down for me.

SHOPBOP Friends & Family Sale

You HAVE to check out the Friends & Family Sale going on right now at Shopbop! For three days only, you can take 25% off your entire order! It's the perfect time to buy those boots you've been holding out on, that leather jacket you'd kill for, and distressed jeans that give you the perfect amount of edge. For your viewing pleasure, I have supplied you with my picks for the sale below. Enjoy!

Like To Get Sweaty?

I don't love to workout. I love the feeling when I'm done, but before and during... meh. So it's important that I invest the time I put into working out wisely and find workouts that I enjoy and don't get bored of. I feel like a lot of you can relate to the workout boredom thing too. How many times can you hop on an elliptical and mindlessly "run" all the while not achieving the results you want? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, am I right?

This is where the genius of ClassPass comes into play. ClassPass is an alternative to a gym membership that gives you access to the best boutique fitness studios in your city for a low monthly rate. With your monthly membership, you have access to unlimited classes at the best cycling, barre, yoga, dance, you name it studios in your city. Your $99 a month membership fee allows you to take unlimited classes at the studios in your network, up to 3 classes per studio each month.

I cannot tell you how much I love the concept of ClassPass. I don't know about you, but in DC boutique fitness classes can run anywhere from $20-$30 per class at a minimum. If you take more than three classes a month, your membership is paid for. Not only is this a very cost effective way to go, but there are so many options to choose from. There are times I want to try out those crazy pilates torture-looking machines, but I am not paying $45 just to try it out. With ClassPass I can. I love the freedom, the flexibility, and the variety that those $99 a month affords members. ClassPass is currently available in Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

DC's list of participating studios is AMAZING! All your favorites like Pure Barre, Revolve, & Sculpt are on board!

Jess from Little Miss Runshine is the DC area City Launch Specialist and has kindly given me the chance to try ClassPass out for a month (will post about that in the future). I am really looking forward to it! If you are interested in ClassPass or have questions, check out their site as they have a very thorough FAQ section!

Weekend + Links

I am in Tennessee for work and am having a great time! As per usual, we are eating insanely well. Like local figs with burratta, steak frites, and shrimp and grits well. I am thoroughly impressed with Chattanooga, it's a great little town. Let's get into some links though before I bored you off my blog.

Make sure you hit up this sale for 50% off women's and men's style, including gorgeous coats!

The simple yoga pose you should be doing to destress and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

How to fake a pro blowout with this tutorial. You know you want to try it.

It's never to early to start thinking about Christmas shopping with this iconic holiday catalog.

While we're talking Christmas, get inspired by this fun twist on a holiday party & pretty pictures.

This recipe. Holy. Balls.

Have a great weekend friends! xx

image via