Holiday Gift Guide: A Cozy Winter

Hi November! I am really unclear as to how you got here so quickly, but here you are. Cool weather, dark skies and all.

Every year, I promise myself that I will start my holiday shopping early. Please don't think I'm crazy. It's just that for my sanity (and my wallet), I find it best to spread out my gift buying over a 6 week period. You know, instead of a 2 day period on December 22nd and 23rd. Since I'm already in the spirit (and may have even let a few holiday songs play out while my iPod was on super shuffle), I thought it would be fun to start a gift guide series from now throughout Christmas. It's never too early to start getting ideas for Christmas, Hannukah, Secret Santa, yourself or even just as a bit of eye candy.

A Cozy Winter Gift Guide

Make + Model 'Folk' Nordic Slipper Sock, Nordstrom.com

 

When I came across these Nordic slipper socks, my heart skipped a little beat. I am always freezing my buns off in the winter, especially when it comes to my feet. I think I'd have a much happier time surviving the cold with these adorable slipper socks gracing my tootsies. And for a mere $24, I'd say they are worth every penny.

Unisex Circle Scarf in Heather Green, American Apparel

I own 2 of these scarves and they never, ever get old. I wear mine to cuddle up on the couch, on airplanes as a blanket, as a hood in the rain or snow, or simply as a big and cozy scarf on those brisk winter days. For less than $30, this is such a fabulous, multi-purpose gift. I could go for a whole closet full!

Homegrown Monogram Mug, Anthropologie

 

Can Anthro ever do anything wrong? I own the monogram misses tea cup and use it all the time. So chic, so fun and so personalized. I adore these newer, whimsical, almost toile-like versions. And for $8 a pop, you really cannot go wrong! Pair with a box of Stash English Breakfast Tea or a Teavana gift card, and you're good to go.

So there you have it. The first in our gift guide series! I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any theme ideas that you want me to address, please send them my way!

Question of the Day:

Do you wait til the last minute for holiday shopping, or get started early?

Halloween Party, Zombies + Brownie Cupcakes

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe that October is coming to a close. We had such a fun weekend and got all zombied up for a giant Halloween party in our apatment building. It was so nice to not have to leave the building (especially in the crazy snow) and the party was amazing! We had expected around 200 people to attend. The party room was packed with people, food, booze, music and creative costumes. As I've mentioned, Shaun and I were zombies for the party. Here's the big costume reveal:

make up close upWe homemade our costumes, which was extra fun. Shaun tattered a suit he picked up at Goodwill, and we used these zombie kits (plus some real make up for me) to get it done...

We had some amazing sponsors for this event. Local restaurants in Jersey City donated food and raffle prizes, which really made the whole thing. Boca Grande, our favorite JC Mexican spot for their amazing empanadas, fresh tortilla chips and fantastic margs, donated gift cards to be raffled, along with trays of flautas and empanadas. I'm pretty sure Shaun and I downed a tray of flautas ourselves :)

Michael Anthony's, an Italian restaurant on the Hudson in JC, which we frequent on many a Friday evening for their spectacular views, sports-showing televisions, and delicious Italian food, donated trays of pasta and 2 gift cards as raffle prizes.

 

Skinner's Loft, one of my personal favorite spots in Jersey City for its cozy bar vibe (I just want to curl up there with a glass of wine and look out onto a snowy street), delicious mac & cheese, and other tapas, donated a very generous gift card raffle prize to the event. And now I'm dreaming of going there once the holidays come around...

Lastly, the Loew's Landmark Jersey City donated a Movie Night for 2. I am mildly obsessed with this theater. It's absolutely stunning, has a world of history and shows fun old movies (one of my personal passions). I can't wait to get over there this fall for some movie showings!

So a GIANT thanks to all of the sponsors for the party this weekend. You have rekindled my love for all of these places and I cannot wait to get back to all of them soon!

Meanwhile, I wanted to leave you with some eye candy. Today we are having a little Halloween lunch at work, so I am bringing my carmelized potato & parsnip tart and some cute little brownie cupcakes. My mom found this Betty Crocker recipe and I knew it would be a perfect Halloween treat.

Yum!!

Questions of the Day:

Did you get a blast of cold or snowy weather this weekend?

What, if anything, did you do to celebrate the holiday?

21 years ago...

my sister Christine was born! It was a good day.

Happy 21st Birthday to my baby sister!

We love you so much and wish we were spending the day with you!!

Kimberly, Christine & Me in New Mexico