Weekends + Wishlists

Lately I've been compiling a small list of items that I would love to own. Husband and I didn't do anything for each other for our birthdays this year or for our anniversary, so I am thinking a few select gifts may be in order for the Christmas season. Also, considering the fact that last year every single gift I received (not exaggerating!) was for Elliot, a couple indulgences would be nice. Here is a carefully curated list of lovely things that would make excellent gifts, in my opinion:

This Pendelton blanket is at the top of my list. I have been wanting one for years now, and since we are finally at a somewhat finished place with our master bedroom renovations, it may be time to invest. The one I originally wanted is no longer available in the size we need, but I really like the pattern of this one as well. 

These grey and white striped napkins would be nice. We don't use paper towels too much in our house, but I'd like to limit our use even more by having some lovely but practical cloth napkins on hand.

A few new linen kitchen towels would be nice as well (perhaps this one, this one and this one). Because I typically buy white ones, but they become discolored too quickly, and honestly it's time to do some replacing. (But don't worry. Those old, discolored towels will be disinfected and transformed into dust rags and baby wipes.)

And maybe one of these lovely trays... to corral the random items on our coffee table and because I have a soft spot for trays

This stain remover bar. I am a recovering Tide pen-aholic, but since removing chemicals, etc from our home, I haven't looked back. Nonetheless, this is a great thing to have on hand, especially when the tiny being in your house has a penchant for spilling your coffee on the beige sofa.

A pair of short, colorful rain boots. Because they are practical.. and cute.

A pretty pair of kitchen scissors and a magnetic knife block. 

And if we are dreaming big.... this beautiful essential oil organizer. 

Happy weekend.

xoxo

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Thoughtful Gift Giving

I love giving gifts.

I love seeking out that one thing or things that someone in my life really wants or needs or loves and being the person to give it to them. I think part of this is because I love to receive thoughtful, well-planned gifts. When it comes to giving gifts, I think the more personal the gift, the better. Case and point: two of my absolute favorite things that I wear daily are my tortoise and gold watch that K gave me for our anniversary and the aquamarine band that he gave me for my very first Mother's Day (it's Elliot's birthstone). Knowing that he thought about what I would really like and what I would use on a daily basis and that it was meaningful, that's the best. 

I take notes (mental and literal!) all year long about things that I think the people in my life might enjoy. I have a running list in my phone of items or ideas that my mother, sister, husband and friends mention throughout the year -- everything from tickets to see a show or concert to the compliment they gave me on something I'm wearing or something in my house. Then, when the time comes, I know exactly what to get them and know they will love it. Also, whenever I am out and about, if I see something that screams someone's name, I get it regardless of whether or not a gift-giving opportunity is in the near future.

Here's a good example. My girl Kindredly just moved into her dream home (which is gorgeous, btw), so when our little family went over for Brooks' birthday I took her the following house warming gift:

I saw this print at TJ Maxx and knew that she needed it somewhere in her house. It's just so AG. As for the fiddle leaf fig, she mentioned a while ago on Instagram that she really liked the plant in my bedroom. Which, as you have probably already guessed, is a fiddle leaf fig, Viola! A gift she loved and one that I loved giving her! Not to mention that the fig tree looks amaze next to the super chic white washed brick wall in her living room. Win. win win.

{I also threw in a few samples of essential oils because I'm just so in love!}

Happy Gifting.

xoxo

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Forward Thinking: Holiday Gifts with Meaning

I am definitely one of those people who starts thinking about Christmas presents early. As much as I try throughout the year to pick up things on sale, I have a hard time saving them for the holidays. If I find something in the spring that I know is perfect for my sister, I'll find a reason to give it to her. Ha! I'm terrible at keeping gifts. That being said, I get the giving bug pretty early on in the holiday season. And this year I've decided to give the women in my life beautiful gifts that help support other women around the world - Guatemala, India, Ecuador. Here are a few things that I'm eyeing for the ladies in my life.

Clockwise from the top left:
Extra Large Bold Tribal Shawl - Maelu Designs
Sea of Flowers Infinity Scarf - Maelu Designs
Illusion Waves Turban - Maelu Designs
Golden Compas Infinity Scarf - Maelu Designs
Dainty Red Flower Pouch - Maelu Designs

Maelu Designs is an Etsy shop owned by a friend of a friend, Meghana, a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. Her company directly supports the local artisans in India and also donates a portion of all sales directly to www.globalfundofwomen.org, a non-profit foundation supporting women's human rights around the world. As a gift to Hiking in Stilettos readers, Meghana is offering 10% off your purchase through the holiday season! Just use the code "GOMAELU" at her Etsy store checkout. 


Other companies to check out include Mercado Global and Noonday Collection.

 Clockwise from the top left:

Ikat Matea Weekender - Mercado Global
Bukenya Fringe Necklace - Noonday***

Lucia Shopper - Mercado Global
Cozy Zip Wrap - Noonday

Happy gifting!
xoxo

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Handmade Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is traditions is the giving and receiving of handmade gifts. Last year my mother-in-law made all the girls a tote bag out of multiple fabrics, and it is one of my most treasured gifts. Unfortunately, I'm not that talented in the sewing department, so I typically stick with edible gifts. I really love the simplicity of layering ingredients in a mason jar and tying festive trinkets to the front. This year I wanted to do something besides sweets, so I made fruited rice curry in a jar {and for the non-curry lovers in the family, I made a couple jars of brownie mix}.

Happy handmade holidays.

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Art of Being Feminine

Gift giving for the ladies in my life is very rarely a challenge as most of my female counterparts are pleased with sparkly, feminine or cozy items that I am equally pleased to provide. I generally create a theme among my gifts, and this year I am focusing on the senses. Here are some of my favorite girly items to taste, see, smell, hear and feel.

Miss Dior fragrance

Your favorite champagne --  pair with St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

A mixed tape {always a great gift}

Mukluk slippers   

Leather glovettes

J. Crew Saturday pants

 MK Watch

St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

Kate Spade bow ring

Soap & Glory body wash {my absolute favorite!}

You can find the men's version of this guide here.

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Gift of Manliness

Buying for your man is definitely more of a challenge than buying for your girlfriends, and often times involves purchases that you don't know much about. {Hello ammunition, alternators, power tools and toolboxes.} I've rounded up a collection of gifts for this year, so whether you need stocking stuffers or are starting from scratch, I'm certain that one of these items would please even the manliest of men.

J. Crew Cotton-Cashmere Sweater

Moonshine cologne

Miniot wooden iPhone case

Pendelton Ranier National Park blanket

A mixed tape

Durango Coffee Company Western Blend

Vintage cocktails recipe book

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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Mugly Mother's Day

I love this contest by Rebecca Minkoff. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

Click here to enter.

xoxo

Holiday Gift Guide: Homemade Christmas

This year for Christmas, my husband's family decided to sponsor a less fortunate, well-deserving family and buy them gifts instead of giving each other things. I love it. Imagining the faces of the people in that family on Christmas morning just lifts my heart. So on Christmas day, instead of having presents to unwrap from each other, we are doing a homemade/handmade exchange. Last year I did a fair amount of baking and made some hot chocolate mix to accompany the goodies. Here are some of the ideas I am throwing around for this year.

{Click on the descriptions below for the links & tutorials!}

1. Vintage Tin Candles
2. Homemade Pasta
3. Scented Sugars
4. Bottle Stoppers
5. Handmade Headbands
6. Brandy Snaps
7. Placemat Clutch
8. Cowboy Cookie Jars
9. Christmas Cloth Napkins
10. Nutter Butter Truffles
11. Bath Snowballs


I better get a move on. There's lots of work to do!
xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, and among them is gift giving. Whether it's a sparkly trinket or a killer pair of heels, I love giving something special to the people in my life. Here are some of my favorite finds for less than $50. {For gift ideas under $20, see my previous gift guide.}

1. Relief Gold Bud Vases - Jonathan Adler $39.95
2. Ruched Platform Heel - LuLu's $31
3. Sparkling Wine Evening Dress - LuLu's $44
Faux Fur Mittens - Urban Outfitters $28
4. Classic Century Salt & Pepper Shakers - Crate & Barrel $38.95
5. Mini Donut Maker - Urban Outfitters $30
6. Atessa Vase - Crate & Barrel $29.95
7. Top of the Charts Bag - Modcloth $34.99
8. Feather Collar - Twelve by Twelve $22
9. Taupe One Shoulder Dress - LuLu's $47
10. Little Birch Jewelry Stand - Urban Outfitters $32
11. Something About Sophia Fragrance - Benefit $36
12. Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups - Anthropologie $48
13. Capri Blue Mercury Jar Candle - Anthropologie $25
14. Patent Platform Boot - Charlotte Russe $42.50
15. Illuminated Moon - Urban Outfitters $45


Happy Gifting.
xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

With daily temperatures in the mid 70s, it's hard to imagine that next week is Thanksgiving. That means Christmas is barely over a month away. In all honesty, I'm incredibly excited. One of my favorite parts of the season is buying gifts for the people I love. There's something so rewarding about finding that perfect something that you know your recipient will love. To prove that this can be done on a budget, here are some of my favorite picks for adding a bit of glam for under $20.

1. Alice & Cards Plates - Urban Outfitters, set of 4 for $20
2. Retrograde Braid Bracelet - Modcloth, $15.99
3. Sequin Beret - Forever 21, $8.80
4. Rosie Lee Polish - butter London, $14
5. I Ain't Lion Earrings - Modcloth, $17.99
6. Bear Bottle Opener - Urban Outfitters, $10
7. Glamour Pearl Clutch - Forever 21, $14.80
8. River Rapids Necklace - Modcloth, $15.99
9. Lace Gloves - Forever 21, $5.44
10. RSVP shadow - Benefit, $17
11. Cadee Bootie Slippers - Target, $18.99
12. Ribbed Knit Snood Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80
13. Skull Bottle Stopper - Urbran Ooutfitters, $ 12
14. Style Spotted Scarf - Modcloth, $19.99
15. Branch Bit Bottle Stopper - Anthropologie, $14


Happy Gifting.
xoxo


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handmade holidays

this year i gave homemade chocolate/peppermint sugar cookies
and creamy hot coca mix to husband's family as gifts.


baking the cookies was quite fun since husband helped out,
and the hot chocolate mix is my absolute favorite.
judging by the reactions, the combination was a huge success.


for the hot coca i mixed:
2 cups nestle hot cocoa mix
1 cup original coffemate creamer
1/2 cup confectioner sugar


the creamer makes the cocoa extra creamy and delicious.
next time i think i will use vanilla flavored instead.
yum yum yum.


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gifts for: the baker/cook/chef

for the person who loves to cook or bake,

any of these items will definitely bring about smiles.

an apron for days spent up to their elbows in cooking/baking:

{get it here}

fancy pot holders to brighten their kitchen:

{get them here}

a milk bottle carafe for homemade juices:

{get it here}

ceramic ruled measuring cups for all their recipes:

{get it here}

a unique timer for keeping track of what's in the oven:

{get it here}

a set of eco-friendly mixing bowls for years of baking:

{get them here}

happy holiday baking and cooking to you all.

xoxo

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gifts for: the university student

from undergrad to professional and graduate studies,

any student would enjoy these:

a unique coffee mug for late nights spent studying:

{get it here}

an organizer for keeping all of their needs:

{get it here}

a laptop case for days spent at coffee shops:

{get it here}

a vintage-inspired desk calendar to brighten their days:

{get it here}

fun, printed notebooks for days in lecture halls:

{get it here}

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gifts for: the avid runner

whether it's a trail run on a sunday or weekend a marathon,

here a few things that just about any runner or athlete would enjoy:

a road id for a sense of security:

{get it here}

{read testimonials about it here}

a camelbak hydration pack to keep them going during long races:

{get it here}

{also comes in black or blue for the guys}

a pocket cuff to store keys during a run:

{get it here}

a new pair of kicks to start off the new year:

{get them here}

or for a really easy gift,

an itunes gift card to fill their ipods with running tunes:

{get it here}

happy running to you all.

xoxo

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gifts for: the outdoorsy man

i love christmas.

i also love giving christmas presents,

especially when you know it's something that

the other person is really going to love.

sometimes it's a bit hard to figure out exactly what a great present would be.

so i have a few lists that will hopefully give you some ideas.

if you have someone on your list who spends his saturdays

riding mountain bikes, running on trails, kayaking,

hiking, adventure racing, cycling, or camping,

then the following gift ideas are where you want to be.

a paracord tactical bracelet

{it unwinds to 10 feet of tough parachute cord if you are ever in a bind.}

{find it here}

a headlamp to light the way

{find it here}

a moosejaw hoodie to keep him warm

{find it here}

a watch that does it all: the garmin forerunner

{find it here}

or, for an easy shipping option, how about a magazine subscription

national geographic adventure

outside magazine

i can recommend both of these for providing great trip ideas

for every part of the country.

a gift he is sure to love.

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finishing touches

with the cool weather setting in

and the thanksgiving holiday around the corner,

i have started to think more and more about christmas presents.

{things to give, not receive!}

this year i decided to make all of my presents in the kitchen.

although a bit nervous about this rather large undertaking,

i think it will be a fun, personal way to give one of the things that i love the most,

the comfort of homemade, delicious food.

i am still tweaking the recipe list,

{check back for a detailed account later!}

but i have started to think about packaging a bit.

i know i want to find some mini mason jars for one of the goodies,

and i stumbled upon nice package when looking for finishing touches.

the site has adorable tags, twine, boxes,

and anything else you may need to wrap sweet little gifts

{or even do a bit of decorating}

i love these metallic tab stickers, especially as a garland on a brown box

personalized award ribbon tags

to make brown paper packages that much more special

this pennant bunting is simple and sweet

i love the personalized simplicity of it all,

and i think it is quite perfect for the types of gifts i will be giving this year.

stop by nice package and look through their creative gift wrap ideas.

which one is your favorite?

xoxo

images courtesy of nice package

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things i love: guy scarves

every girl loves a well-dressed man,

especially when he has just a bit of style.

you know the kind i mean... not too over the top,

but just a hint of something different.

among my favorite ways for guys to accessorize

{although i am quite sure husband never thinks of accessorizing himself}

is with a scarf.

from the casual look of scarves with jeans

to cozier winter scarves and coats,

to finishing touches on a suit,

i simply adore my man in a scarf.

image via Le 21eme Arrondissement


images via jcrew

image via the sartorialist

image via zara

image via the gap

what about you, my lovelies?

what is your favorite thing for your man wear?

and for you fellows out there,

how do you feel about scarves?

oui ou non?

xoxo

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