Easy Mini Gift Basket for Coworker Gifting

I always try to show a little appreciation to my boss and coworkers around the Holidays by giving a small gift.  I've never felt a gift had to be expensive or elaborate but I find something that is thoughtful or well put together is just as appreciated.  This year I was having a hard time figuring out what to get.  In the past I've given or received small candy dishes filled with candy, poinsettia plants, boxes of chocolate, and mugs filled with candy, hot chocolate, or coffee.  I like the idea of food because who doesn't appreciate food?  It's also pretty generic but can be made into something thoughtful.

So what did I do?  First, I put my oldest son to work making caramel chocolate candies.  You can find the recipe I used here.

I bagged up the pretzels in individual small bags.  I then went out and purchased small boxes of chocolate truffles, mini panettone, and 187 mL bottles of sparkling wine.  I took a festive cardboard cookie tray, filled it with red paper crinkle and placed the items inside the tray.  Then I covered with plastic wrap and tied it with a bow. Voila!

This mini gift basket was soooo very easy and my coworkers loved it.  You can always nix the home baking and just add purchased items which makes it even easier.

We had a lot of fun making these mini gift baskets and I had even more fun delivering them to my coworkers!  Happy Holidays everyone!!

  

The Warmest Parka

Outfit Details:  Artizia Talula Parka (Similar here and here) // 

American Eagle Jeggings  //  Vince Camuto Maleya OTK Boots //  

Kate Spade Sunglasses

I love warm weather, but I have to say that I'm a huge fan of having 4 different seasons.  It always gives me something to look forward to and living in the New York doesn't disappoint.  It's gotten quite a bit colder so I was able to dig around my closet and almost forgot I had the this amazing Parka.  It is honestly my favorite casual coat because it's so warm and has faux fur lining.  I purchased this Talula Parka from Artizia a couple years ago but I'm linking similar ones here and here.

These Vince Camuto Maleya over the knee boots are simply the best and they are currently on sale!  I replaced a pair of camel color boots that I had worn for many years and after deciding that a simple shoe repair wouldn't do again I splurged on the Vince Camuto OTK boots.  I highly recommend and am linking similar more budget friendly versions here and here.  I've learned to size up at least a half a size in boots in general if I want to wear warmer socks and have a more comfortable instep.

Here are some other Parka's I've had my eye on:

Dress it up with Faux Fur

Outfit Details:  Faux Fur Vest (Size M)  // Faux leather Leggings (Size M)  //  

Black Tunic (Size S - Similar in a blouse here)  

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I love the holidays!  For me it marks a time of family, reconnecting, great food and wine!  I'm a big believer that the dining table is where great conversations and memories are made.

I decided this year to get a head start on our Christmas cards and the best time to do this was Thanksgiving morning when our boys were already dressed up, have no school, and we are both off from work.  I figured if we were all going to dress up anyway then we might as well take advantage, right?!  Did you notice in one of my photos I almost lost my balance and twisted my ankle?  Note to self, do not wear stilettos on a trail in the woods...Ha!  I'm going to admit that I walked onto the trail in combat boots.

I love faux fur!  Every time I pass faux fur in the store I just want to touch it.  This gray faux fur vest from Target was such a great find!   The price is so reasonable and it can definitely pass for something more expensive.  This faux fur vest from Target is also really cute and currently 40% off!  I bought mine in a Medium because I don't like it to be too snug on my shoulders.  It fit perfectly.  My Spanx faux leather leggings are my new favorite and so comfortable! Budget friendly faux leather leggings can be found here and here.   I purchased mine in Medium because they definitely suck you in and I like to be able to breath.

Here are some other faux vests I'm loving:
Don't be faux, just wear some!

Black is the New Black

Outfit Details:  Cable Knit Beanie // Black Quilted Vest (Similar) // 

Crew Neck Shirt (Similar) //  Belt // Jeans (Similar) // Boots (Similar)

Hi there!  I've been sooo busy lately!  I feel like I have been saying that a lot lately.  I find it hard to keep up with my blogging but I keep telling my husband how great it makes me feel to do something creative outside of my regular job.  Kudos to the bloggers that are able to keep it going!  I'm totally impressed!

We haven't been doing as much on the weekends as the weather starts to get cold.  During the cold weather season we tend to hibernate more on the weekends at home with the exception of going grocery shopping (food is important, right?!) and church (most Sundays ;).  I'm all in when there is a blanket, couch, good book and a cup of tea calling my name!

I wore this all black outfit last weekend when we went out to church and to run our errands.  It was really very comfortable and dressed up enough for both church and running around.  I may or may not have changed out to my sneakers after church...ha!

I love winter hats and this grey cable knit beanie from Uniglo was a quick grab while I was Christmas shopping.  Yes, I started Christmas shopping already but I guarantee you I will still be shopping on Christmas Eve.  I'm kind of obsessed with winter hats.  They are really fun and not to mention keep your head/ears warm.

Here are some of my favorite winter hats:

Stay Cozy!!

Navy Lace Dress

Outfit Details:  Dress (Similar here and here) // Shoes // Bag

Last weekend we went to a beautiful and fun fall wedding!  I actually wore this outfit to a previous wedding a few weeks ago but I didn't get a chance to photograph it because hubby was in the wedding and it was dark & pouring rain. So I was more than happy to get a chance to wear it again because I LOVE this dress sooooo much!

I honestly purchased this on the sale rack for a deep discount. I have a really hard time paying full price for items because they always seem to go on sale after I purchase them and then I'm totally kicking myself!  Do you ever do that?

I love this dress because it is lace (I'm a lace junky) and it's a two piece!  Although the top was probably meant to be a crop, the skirt was high waisted and I'm short (5'1") so it was conservative enough for me to pull off.  I've worn 2 piece dresses before and I tend to find them really comfortable.  I opted for the leopard print heels to give the outfit a little flare.  I find leopard print to be pretty versatile and almost like a neutral.

I did my hair myslef...yay!  I thought it turned out pretty good by just curling with my wand, placing it in a loose ponytail then tucking it under and pinning it so it looked like a short bob.  A few people asked if I got my hair cut...what do you think I told them ;)?

Here are some Fall wedding guest dresses I am loving:

Have fun dancing the night away!!

Rainy Days

Outfit Details:  Max Studio Wool Blend Cable Knit Poncho // Striped T-Shirt (Similar here and here) // Leggings // Rain Boots (Similar here, here, and here)

On rainy days I like to be comfortable and cozy.  I mean, who doesn't?  Lately, I've been searching for items I can layer because if we take last week for example, it was 80 degrees in NY one day and below 60 degrees the next.  I found this Max Studio wool blend cable knit poncho at  TJMaxx.  It's oversized an cozy which means easy to put over just about anything.  My striped shirt I snagged during the #NSale but I'm linking similar ones for you here and here.  I own one pair of rain boots because it just doesn't rain enough for me to justify having many pair (thank goodness!).  Last year I bought the houndstooth Ralph Lauren rain boots (similar and a bargain here).  Adding a rain boots with some color or pattern gives the outfit just the right amount of quirkiness that I love.

Stay Dry!!!

Fall Floral Maxi Dress

LOFT Floral Maxi (Similar here & here) // Peep Toe Booties // Rose Gold Sunglasses // Rose Gold Watch (Similar)

I love wearing maxi dresses!  They make me feel feminine and pretty.  They are also sooooo comfy while still stylish.  I also love floral patterns so I've been so excited to see the Fall floral trend around this season.  I saw this LOFT maxi dress on a sales girl while shopping with my friend who I was visiting in Virginia Beach a few weeks ago.  I loved it instantly.  Unfortunately it is no longer available however, similar dresses are here and here.

These boho style floral maxi's can be paired with a leather jacket for a little edge or a cardigan for a more career look.  I wore my peep toe booties but I plan on wearing my over the knee boots when it gets a little cooler out.  I actually wore this look to work and if you don't have too corporate of a culture it is easy to pull off for work or a casual day look.

Here are some floral maxi's I'm loving for Fall:

 

DIY: Boo-tiful Lamp Post Ghosts

Halloween is such a fun time for the kids!  My 4 year old actually used to refuse to wear a costume when he was younger.  One year he went trick or treating as himself...ha!  I try to decorate with fun not too scary Halloween decor.  A few years ago I started making DIY Lamp Post Ghosts!  It is sooooo easy and really cute!  My kiddos love them, especially at night when they are "glowing".

What you need:

• Lamp Post (any Size)
• Roll of White Tulle
• Ribbon of choice
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Glue

Steps:

Cut the tulle so it can lay over the top of the lamp and reach the bottom (or however long you want it) on both sides.  

Tie the ribbon around the base of the lamp to secure the tulle.  

Glue the googly eyes on and voila...all done!  Wasn't that easy?!

Have a Spook-tacular day!!!