2011 Holiday Gift Guide

We are officially in the holiday swing and this means one thing…Holiday Shopping and Gift Guides! I am putting together my list of people who I will be buying presents for this year. I have already done some early shopping and have at least one present already for everyone on my list. Yes, congratulations are in order…there is nothing better than the peace of mind of getting a jump start on your holiday shopping. This first holiday gift guide post is geared towards the women in your life.

Because I am the queen of To-Do Lists and love filling up my calendar with events, I am a huge fan of agendas. I still love the feeling of writing things down and crossing them off so I will never become completely computer-based with my scheduling. I bought this particular agenda from Lilly Pulitzer for myself last month and may have to pick one up for one of the girls on my list this year.

This Louis Vuitton wallet is an essential item in my purse. I love its compact size and the ample space for credit cards and cash. It makes a great gift but won’t blow your holiday budget.

Candles are a wonderful gift and make great stocking stuffers. Most people don’t enjoy the soothing effect of candles because they are too often caught up in the hectic nature of life. The holidays are a great time to give your loved ones a little bit of luxury and the permission to slow down and enjoy the moment. I love these Diptyque candles for their simple and pure scents and attractive packaging.

If you are really looking to splurge on the special woman in your life (and yes, this can apply to mothers, sisters, aunts and grandmothers), this Cartier love bracelet is classic, elegant and beautiful.

I absolutely adore this Tiffany & Co. Fifth Avenue Porcelain jar. I think it would make a darling bedside table accessory and the perfect place to store your rings while sleeping.

Stay tuned for more holiday gift ideas!!

An Apple a Day

Lately I have been craving fruits! Just in the past month I have eaten about a million kiwi’s, pears and apples. I’m really craving citrus fruits, probably because we are heading into the winter and fruits are harder to come by. I read all of these great tips for adding more fruit into your diet over at Elle & Blair’s website. I am including the information below. (PS- I really want to make the rainbow fruit platter as pictured above…isn’t it adorable!)

  1. Eating raw fruit for breakfast is a great way to ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to kick start your day, which will give you way more energy too!
  2. Raw fruits are super easy for your body to digest, so eating them in the morning when you’re just waking up (and your metabolism is too) makes it the best time to feast on a plate of fruit.
  3. Many fruits are packed with lots of fiber, which will help you feel full and satisfied until lunchtime.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy and balanced breakfast should include raw fruits (or vegetables), a low fat protein, some dairy and a serving of whole grains. I think a lot of us forget about the raw fruit part even though it’s clearly super important to starting your day off on the right foot.

Here’s a few ways you can work more raw fruits into your breakfasts:

  • Make a protein smoothie and throw in your favorite fruits to make it sweet!
  • Add berries and bananas to your oatmeal along with some milk for an added kick of calcium.
  • Have a fruity parfait! I love to make these as they’re kinda sweet and really filling too. Add your favorite fruits along with a little granola (or your favorite cereal works too) to a cup of low fat yogurt. I sometimes drizzle honey over the top if I want something a little sweeter too.
  • Cook up a breakfast burrito by scrambling some eggs with cheese and wrapping it up in a whole wheat tortilla and have a side of freshly cut up fruit or an apple! Click here to check out my blog about why “an apple a day” really does help keep the doctor away!
  • Slice up some banana and throw a few berries over your favorite whole grain cereal.
  • One of my favorite options is to slice up an apple and a banana and have it with a side of Peanut Butter. You can even drizzle some honey over the banana for a super delicious breakfast.

 

The Vow

Can’t wait to see this one!

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Lauren Bush

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Here’s a photograph from Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s wedding. Doesn’t it look like a picture from another era? Gorgeous!

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Update

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Ugh! I hate that I haven’t posted here in so long. Life sometimes gets in the way, but believe me, I am BACK! Here’s what I’m obsessed with right now. -Demi & Ashton DIVORCING! I’m proud of Demi for setting a good example. I think we are all tired of Hollywood couples (or couples, in [...]

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Missoni Creates Fashion Traffic Jam

This September 14, 2011 photo shows a pa

Yesterday’s launch of MISSONI for Target created quite the traffic jam on Target.com and has lead to some major Ebay action. In less than 24 hours, over 20,000 MISSONI for Target items have been listed on Ebay. A Missoni bike that retails for $399 is up to $1135 on the auction website (according to Fashionista). [...]

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