Hi, I'm Rachel.

A few years ago I could barely boil water.

True story.

Determined to be a kick ass wife, I developed a love for football and learned to cook in my tiny Jersey City kitchen. I spend my days working in Manhattan, my nights and weekends chasing after a rambunctious toddler, and the hours in between cooking with my husband and feeding my TV habit...oh, and I blog about it all! 

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Entries in gift guide (12)

Thursday
Dec012011

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers for Her

Happy December! Today it's chilly on the east coast and I'm not minding it one bit. Perhaps then my holiday Pandora station will feel more appropriate during the work day. Today I'm sharing my stocking stuffer gift guide. This was my favorite one to put together thus far. I love stocking stuffers because I feel like they are things that I don't typically purchase for myself and so I love to think about all of the fun smaller things that I'd love to have...or give to someone else :)

All of the gifts included are under $25, which make these perfect for stuffing that stocking, or simply to give as a small gift to a friend or family member!

 

Pentel 36-piece Fine Point Color Pen Set, $21.99, Overstock.com I owned this as a kid and purchased it again as an adult. It makes jotting down shopping lists a whole lot more fun!

Happy Tumbler, $3.99, Crate and Barrel I think this sweet tumbler would make drinking just about anything a little more fun and a little more special! And for $3.99, it's a great small gift.

Mini Shopping Bag Make-up Palette, $15, Sephora This is a great little compact of all the necessities! Not to mention a great value. I'm crushing on every one of those eye shadows...

Peacock Teal Cable Knit Coffee & Tea Cozy, $18, RainyDayeKnits via Etsy I mean...does life get any cuter than this? I love this idea for toting a hot cup of coffee (eliminating throw-away sleeves) or even wrapping a steaming hot cup of tea at the office so your fingers don't burn.

Jonathan Adler Paper Notebooks, $9.95, Barnes & Noble I absolutely adore cute little journals and notebooks. These stylish, inexpensive versions are perfect for toting in your purse and a fantastic gift to boot.

Jouer Cosmetics Essential Lip Enhancer, $14, JouerCosmetics.com I received a small sample of this in my Birchbox this month and I have fallen hard and fast for this lip conditioning wonder. My lips have never been so soft and hydrated!

butter LONDON 'The Black Knight & Sweet Tart With a Heart' Duo Nail Polish, $25, Nordstrom Yes, yes, yes. I love me a good nail polish and these colors are statement-making stars.

Reese's Peanut Butter Christmas Tree, Reeses.com Chocolate. Peanut Butter. In the shape of a Christmas tree. That's all you need to know.

Tweezerman 'Zebra' Slant Tweezers, $25, Nordstrom If you haven't used Tweezerman, you are seriously missing out. I've yet to find a better tweeze and the zebra pattern is just a rockin' bonus.

Aerie Plaid Flannel Boxer, $15.50, Aerie.com Perfect for hanging at home, for taking a snooze or for pretty much anything. They are simply adorable!

Spotted Feline Bracelet, $10.80, Forever 21 I love F21 for all of their accessories. So fun and easy to wear without a big investment. I would happily rock this bracelet anytime.

Capri Blue Candle Tin, $12, Anthropologie I received this as a gift many years ago and though it's long gone, it remains as one of my favorite candles ever. The scent is citrusy and gorgeous and I've given it as a gift many times since!

So there you have it. My wish list of all things under $25. Not too shabby, right? 

Questions of the Day:

What are your favorite inexpensive gifts?

Do you have a go-to spot for stocking stuffers?

 

Tuesday
Nov082011

Holiday Gift Guide: Glitz & Glam

A few things going on with me this morning:

Good: Part of my apartment was painted yesterday and will continue today (yay!).

Bad: The empty china cabinet & TV unit (with contents scattered over every open surface in my place), downed photo frames, and moved furniture kinda makes me look like a hoarder.

Good: I ran a 5K on Sunday and am super sore.

Bad: Yep, I'm so out of shape that not only am I sore, but I have some sick shin splints to boot.

Sooooo yeah. All in all, not bad for a Tuesday, right? :)

Today I'm back with my holiday gift guide (which is really just my own excuse to Internet shop for my imaginary Christmas list and then share it with all of you). Today's guide is all about glitter, sequins and metallics...all things I love around holiday time!

A Glitz & Glam Gift Guide

TOMS Blue Women's Glitters, TOMS.com

I own 2 pairs of TOMS and love every moment of them. They are always so comfy and look cute to boot. The glitter version is even more adorable since it takes the whole look up a notch. I could see these paired with black skinny jeans and a sweet top for a more casual holiday party with a little flair! And for $54 they hardly break the bank, so they also make a fantastic and fun gift.

 

Deborah Lippmann 'Dance Music' Holiday Mini Trio, Nordstrom.com

This gorgeous set of nail polish falls into the category of 'I probably wouldn't buy it for myself, but would be thrilled to receive it' kind of gift. Though these are minis, the entire set falls at $29 which is a steal for Deborah Lippman polish. These colors are so fun and festive and simply perfect for a New Year's Eve party...or even just to make the work day a little more exciting!

 

Embellished Elastic Waisted Dress, Greylin via Piperlime

I really love this dress. The top is simple, the bottom is gorgeous and the color is perfectly blue-gray. My favorite aspect is that the top is a big baggy while the bottom is super short, as every cocktail dress should be. This is a perfect pick up for pre-holiday parties, but also as a holiday gift! Who doesn't need/want a go-to sequin dress for winter parties?

 

Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Stainless Steel Bangles (Set of 6), Nordstrom.com

My heart fluttered a little when I spotted these crystal & metal bangles. I love love love bangle bracelets (and often layer my own collection of bangles and bracelets together). These are so chic, so gorgeous, and come in a variety of colors. Not surprisingly, my favorite is blue :) A bit on the pricier side at $98, but for more of a splurge, I like.

 

kate spade new york Sparkler Little Gia, Bloomingdales.com

Oh man, how cute is this pouch? I could see using it as a mini clutch through the holiday and winter season. Just big enough for a phone, credit cards, a few bills and a lipstick, this is just a fun piece. I love the multi-colored glitter bits...it could match with just about anything!

 

So there you have it. All my coveted glitz & glam pieces for this holiday!

Questions of the Day:

Do you ever rock pieces with glitter or sequins?

I am trying to do more!

What's your favorite?

Mine is a cinch waisted dress from last holiday & my glittery spike heels!

Monday
Oct312011

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?