Celebrating Galentine's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day...or if you're single, it's Saturday. Actually, it is still Valentine's Day and there is no reason to be bitter about it. No one said Valentine's Day had to be about romantic love. So instead of sitting around, hating the weekend, some of my friends and I are going to do "Galentine's Day" on Friday. Now, some of you are probably like "OH MY GOSH, Parks and Rec!" and that is totally the correct reaction to have. However, I have never seen Parks and Rec, but my friends mentioned it, and we decided to turn it into a wine night instead of a brunch. Whatever, or whenever (Saturday is good, too), you decide to have Galentine's Day, here are some tips to making it fun and successful.

One: Food
There are no guys around to see you eat a dozen cookies, an order of french toast, or an entire pizza. You can do classy appetizers like baked brie, or you can just throw some Easy Cheese on the table and go with it.*

Two: Music
Spotify has plenty of Valentine's Playlists for whatever mood you're in. You may want to avoid the Barry White, Marvin Gaye one and focus on something a little less sexual. That being said, you don't need to blare Miranda and Taylor and hate men the whole time.

Three: It's About Your Friends
This is Galentine's Day, not Hate Men Day. I mean, you can talk about boys, but don't have a bonfire to get rid of everything your exes gave you, like the one on Friends.** Hang out, talk about boys, talk about clothes, and basically have a normal night...but with a fun title.

Four: Movies
If you want to watch a movie, I recommend "He's Just Not That Into You" or "Bridesmaids." Really, almost any rom-com will do, just avoid "Love Story" or "Titanic," the first one because it's gonna make everyone cry, the second because it is way too long for a girls night!

Five: Wine
Okay, this doesn't have to be a factor, but wine nights are always fun and that is definitely what my friends and I are going to be drinking. You can even make it BYOW and then try each other's bottles of wine and see which ones you like. Or, you can all accept that you're in college, buy some Franzia, and call it a day.***

Six: Laugh
Enjoy the night! Who said that Valentine's Day meant you have to hole yourself up inside and hide from the love all around? Treat it like a Friday and Saturday night because, honestly, it's just the weekend to most college students. #SingleAndReadyToMingle

xx
erin

*I do not actually recommend using Easy Cheese...is it even cheese?
**see below

***Trader Joe's has cheap wine, don't buy Franzia

New Year's Eve Survival Guide

Can you believe the year is almost over?! I am so excited to ring in the New Year with my friends downtown. Usually, I go to upstate New York with my family, which is fun, but as I get older, I want to really celebrate the night. This year, a couple of my friends and I are going to the Washington Plaza Hotel for a party. This is a new experience for all of us, but we are going to go into tonight prepared. Plus, tomorrow is the Winter Classic and there is absolutely no way I will not be ready to go and watch that game (in a bar, not at the game...$300 for nosebleeds was a bit steep for me StubHub). Anyways, I am packing a little survival kit for the hotel and I thought I'd share it, just in case any of you are anticipating a fun night, too.

{One: Water} HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Please drink water all day, throughout the event, and tomorrow morning. It'll keep you from getting too shambly and help prevent, or at least reduce, that hangover. Gatorade is also a good option for the morning after.

{Two: Makeup Remover Wipes and Blotting Pads} The blotting pads can reduce any unwanted shine in a crowded ballroom and the makeup remover wipes are perfect for getting that makeup off when you get back to the hotel room.

{Three: Hairspray} It'll keep your hair big and can help stop any run in your hose. 

{Four: Boob Tape} This stuff comes in a compact little container that you can actually fit in your clutch if need be and it is seriously a lifesaver when your dress might be a little loose in some places.

{Five: Flats} You may need these if your heels start to be a problem or they break, or a number of other unanticipated shoe, ankle, foot problems. 

{Six: Phone Charger} Make sure your phone is fully charged before going to the party. If you know your phone loses charge, bring a portable charging pack in your clutch or leave a charger in your room if the party is in the same hotel you're staying in.

{Seven: Aleeve and Sunglasses} Tomorrow morning can be rough.

{Eight: Snacks} Do you really want to compete with everyone else for late night food? Trust me, you are not the only one thinking that a pizza sounds good at 2 am. Instead, just bring some snacks with you. Also, eat throughout the day. Yes, you want to look good in your dress, but you don't want to look good at the expense of getting shambly because you have nothing in your stomach before you start drinkin.

Have a wonderful, safe, and Happy New Year! I will see y'all in 2015!

xx

erin

Gift Guide: For Your Boss

Yesterday one of my friends texted me asking for ideas of a holiday present to get for a boss. Of course, the first thing I thought of was that scene from Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold drops off the present and it is the exact same as all the other presents the boss is getting. It might seem silly, but there are a few staple presents to give a boss and he/she probably expects to get a couple of duplicates. A good rule of thumb for getting a present for a boss is to get a present that is maybe a step above a hostess gift. Personally, I think that a nice Harry and David box is the easiest way to go. The treats are going to be tasty and nicely packaged. You can also sort of make your own box by combining a bottle of wine and some cookies or nuts in a gift basket. This may seem impersonal, but unless you know your boss well, this is the easiest way to go. Oh, and don't worry, you can absolutely run out and get something on your lunch break today if you haven't already gotten a gift!

Before you get the gift though, run through a couple of questions in your mind so you don't end up giving them something they're going to not be able to use: Do they drink? If you're giving them a bottle of wine or a nice scotch and they don't drink, you just wasted a present. This is especially true if they don't drink on principle. Are they allergic to [insert item here]? If you give them nuts and they're allergic to nuts, it is going to look like you don't know them or even worse, they might have an allergic reaction. Call me crazy, but that might cause you to lose favor with your boss. 

Harry and David Snack Basket

Harry and David Sweet Treat Stack

If you want to get a bit more personal, either because you know your boss better or because you just don't want to buy a prepackaged kit, you can always bake cookies yourself. If you know your boss well, maybe a cute coffee mug and a gift card to their favorite lunch place could replace the gift basket. Again though, this is totally up to you. Remember that the gift is not actually a part of your job description, but it is polite to bring them something for all they do for you.

xx

erin

Survival Guide: Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Anyone else have to brave the mall today/this week? I always end up having to finish my shopping the week of Christmas because of school and finals so today's adventure is nothing new to me. I wish I didn't have to go to Tysons today, but I figure it is only going to get worse as Christmas gets closer, and I may as well knock out all my shopping in this one trip. Now, I realize Tysons is a beast of its own as far as crowds and a mall goes, but there are some universal last minute Christmas Shopping tips I try to stick to, no matter where I have to go shopping.

One: Make a List

I am a compulsive list-maker so this is nothing new to me, but that list will be your best friend. You don't want to be stuck wandering around the mall wondering what you forgot or, even worse, leave the mall and have to go back later to get something you forgot. Just write as complete a list as you can and check it off as you go.

Two: Plan Your Route

Start at one end of the mall and work towards the other end. Personally, I start in the middle because parking is easier and I just loop around hitting all the shops on one side first, and then hitting the ones on the other side as I come back.

Three: Save the Big Items for Last

Don't get that huge pedicure tub thing at Brookstone first. This is an exception to the route planning tip because no one wants to walk around with that massive thing the whole time.

Four: Get Off Your Phone

The mall is crowded and you staring at the phone means that the walking will take longer since you can't weave in and out of people and you are probably going to run into someone. Just wait until you get off to the side or into a store to check your texts.

Five: Plan to Gift Wrap

This comes from personal experience working the holiday season at the mall last year. It is not their fault that there are no more gift boxes on Christmas Eve. People have been coming in for a month to get things wrapped so of course they ran out. Go to CVS or something and get some gift boxes if the stores don't have any left. Again, it is not the employees' fault. I can't tell you how many angry customers I had on Christmas Eve last year...

Bonus: Be Nice

This goes off of #5 and also just in general. Spread the Christmas cheer and understand that everyone there is in a rush and wants to get done as fast as possible too. Be especially nice to the employees in stores, remember it's their Christmas season too and they're spending it helping you! (Yes they make money doing it, but still...)

Happy Shopping!

xx

erin

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Growing up, my brothers and I would always sit at the top of the stairs and wait patiently to go downstairs on Christmas. Once we got downstairs, the first stop was always the stockings over the fireplace. Trust me, as a little kid there was nothing harder than not going right to the tree, but it is a nice tradition and it gives stockings the credit they're due! There's always some candy and gift cards in our stockings, but my parents put other little useful knick nacks in there, too. I mean, we never found car keys in there, but I am always grateful for a new phone charger or some nail polish!

get all the links here

These are just a few of the things I thought would make great stocking stuffers. As I said before, I am always happy to get a charger or some polish, but a cute desk calendar or wine charms would be a fun way to change it up. Also, I included my C. Wonder card holder on this list because it is my favorite thing to carry around and it's only $10 today! 

xx

erin

Christmas Cookies for Every Craving

Everyone has different reactions to stress. Some people nap, some eat, some exercise, but personally, I love to go into my kitchen and bake. Normally I will just bake something like chocolate chip cookies that I have the recipe memorized for because it is a mindless task, but this year I have been using that time to test out new recipes from the Martha Stewart Living magazine, Pinterest, etc. With finals approaching and Christmas being one of my favorite seasons, I have already tried quite a few holiday cookie recipes and plan to try even more in the coming weeks. Below are some of my favorite recipes that I've made, or want to make. Believe it or not, I think my current favorite recipe comes from Taylor Swift. Also, I promise all of these can be made without the aid of an electric mixer or food processor since I have neither... seriously, I hand-whisk everything. I did ask for a mixer for Christmas though, so maybe that will all be changing...(*wink wink* Momma)

Peppermint-Candy Sugar Cookies

I definitely used too much flour when I made these last week, but people still enjoyed them! Personally, I would recommend buying pre-crushed peppermint or candy canes for this one because those peppermint rounds are a lot harder to crush than I realized! This is basically one of Martha Stewart's great sugar cookie recipes with just a subtle hint of peppermint, definitely nothing overwhelming. However, I think next time I make them I will add a dash of peppermint extract to the batter to really enhance the holiday flavor.

Gingerdoodles

These cookies kill two birds with one stone. I actually stumbled across these while searching for a good snickerdoodle recipe and thought these would be a fun holiday variation of a cookie classic. Plus, it makes me feel less guilty about using the pre-made Pillsbury gingerbread dough that you just have to roll out since I will at least be making something with a ginger flavor.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These sound amazing. I feel like the same few flavors get all the attention this time of year, neglecting other wonderful flavors like cranberry! So, I haven't actually made these yet, but I probably will soon...do you think the twins will like them? I hope so, since I use them and their friends as guinea pigs when I am home (they don't complain).

Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Cake Cookies

When I made these, I had to tweak the recipe a bit due to Kroger having largely insufficient holiday baking supplies. Seriously, they had no peppermint chips of any kind, Christmas sprinkles, cake mixes, or Christmas Oreos (I needed them for Christmas bark). I was more than a little annoyed after that trip, but I substituted chopped up Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares for the peppermint chips and they turned out just fine. I also used a devil's food cake instead of dark chocolate which was perfectly good as well!

Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

When I was going through my list of holiday flavors to include, I realized I had totally skipped over anything with nuts! There are so many options out there for praline, walnut, chestnut, etc. cookies too, but I love using pecans, plus I already have some in my kitchen from various other projects. On the note of nut-flavored items, I highly recommend the new Chestnut Praline Latte at Starbucks. I got a skim one over Thanksgiving to try and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!

Chai Sugar Cookies with Eggnog Spice Glaze

Thank you, Taylor Swift. These cookies are basically like a chai latte and I love it. The sugar cookie recipe she recommended is one I am going to use for years to come. Plus, she also introduced me to two new cooking blogs through this post, so I am doubly grateful. I would definitely recommend adding the icing glaze on the cookie because it wouldn't be quite sweet enough without it, but to each their own. I hope you enjoy my favorite cookie of the season...maybe even the year.*

What are your favorite Christmas cookie recipes? I'd love more suggestions!

xx

erin

*just kidding, the salted caramel dark chocolate chip cookies are going to take that title

My Practical Christmas List

Growing up and having your own place means being responsible for all those things you used to rely on mom and dad for. Seriously, my roommate and I have been using Trader Joes bags as trash bags for a week because we keep forgetting to pick up new ones! The freedom of having your own place is great, but sometimes it means making choices and having to make sacrifices that you didn't have to make when you were younger.

One thing that's changing this year is my Christmas list. I mean, there are still some cute sweaters, accessories, and other fun things on it, but some things are a bit less glamorous. Being on a college budget means that sometimes money you want to spend going out gets reallotted to practical things like groceries and rent. So this year, I am adding some slightly more practical things to my christmas list. Don't get me wrong, I actually like all the things on this list, but asking for a knife sharpener is a bit less fun than asking for a pair of Tory Burch Flats.

find all these items here!

You don't have to put only practical things on your list this year, but think about all those little things you need and why not ask your parents or relatives for them for Christmas. Maybe you will even score some bonus points for showing some maturity by asking for practical items. Honestly, I really hope I get an electric mixer for Christmas because hand whisking everything I bake is starting to get a bit old...

xx

erin

Black Friday Sales and Discount Codes

Happy Black Friday! I hope you are all up and ready to shop some sales. If you're like me and choose to avoid the mall like the plague on Black Friday, don't worry because there are plenty of sales for you to shop from the comfort of your couch while you eat your Thanksgiving leftovers. To be honest, I am actually braving the mall today because I totally spaced on getting my eyebrows done when I was up there on Wednesday and with my Dad's wedding this weekend, I need to get them done! So without further ado, here are some of my favorite black Friday sales!

C. Wonder (no code needed)

Everything is 40% off so now is a great time to stock up on cute presents for all your girlfriends...and grab some smoking slippers for yourself.

Design Darling (code: MANYTHANKS)

Get 20% off your purchase with this code. Everything in Mackenzie's shop is adorable, but I am currently loving these Amy Stone prints

J. Crew Factory (code: THANKS)

Everything is 50% off and you get free shipping on orders over $50.

Kate Spade (code: HOLLYJOLLY)

25% off sitewide, plus they still have that Surprise Sale of up to 75% off going on!

Old Navy (code: GRAVY)

Up to 50% off everything plus and additional 15% off if you use the code.

Kendra Scott (code: BFCM2014)

It's like one of their giant GNO (girls night out) events, but sitewide! You don't want to miss out on this one!

Ann Taylor (code: THANKS)

The store is 50% off and these leather pants are so cute. I have been looking for a great pair of leather leggings for a while and these are just the right price!

BaubleBar (code: EARLYBIRD35)

This code ends at 9am and I don't know what comes after it yet, but this is a pretty sweet deal!

Any other sales I should add to this? Happy Shopping, y'all!

xx,

Erin

Be Thankful and Decorate Your Table

Happy Thanksgiving! Eat some turkey, hug your family, and remember how blessed you are for all the good in your life! Last night we had some family friends over for dinner and it was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday. Today the family is coming in town and we will all eat some food, watch some football, and the boys will compete in the infamous Turkey Bowl.

I am going to go downstairs to get some coffee and help momma in the kitchen, but I will be back to full blogging tomorrow! But, before I go, here is some (p)inspiration for decorating your Thanksgiving table (a task Gillie and I are assigned to every year). 

xx,
Erin

Tis the Season to be...Tacky!

Tis the Season...to wear a tacky Christmas sweater, ya filthy animal! I love tacky Christmas sweater parties because I always think it is so funny to see what people end up wearing. Thanks to Pinterest, there are all sorts of creative ideas out there for what to wear, but just wearing a classic sweater works in my book. I have one that I got at Walmart last year and I love it, especially when paired with some tacky earrings and a giant bow or antlers in my hair (go big or go home, right?)

holi-dazed with part of the fam

If you are still in the market for a sweater, here are some of my favorites. I know a lot of people who have gotten sweaters at Goodwill or random thrift stores, but most of those are probably picked over by now so these might be your best bet.

find all these sweaters here

Or, you can always get Pinterest creative. I actually debated making a costume for our date function on Thursday but Santa's face won out in the end. Oh, you can also get super creative and make a dress out of wrapping paper like my grandlittle. I'm talking panels and all for the skirt...it was so impressive.

original

original

original

What is your go-to tacky christmas party outfit?

xx,

Erin

Holiday Gift Guide: for the Guys

Happy belated Birthday to my baby brothers! They have officially survived their teenage years and are now mature...or something like that. Of course their birthday got me thinking about presents, especially with Christmas right around the corner. The boys and I tend to do Birthmas presents for each other since we have later fall birthdays and that way we can spend more on presents...of course this is all relative because we are broke college students!

All the gifts I included here are under $100 so they are perfect for any college student or recent graduate to give without breaking the bank. Actually, they're perfect for really any budget because they are all great gifts, even if only for a stocking stuffer!

find all these awesome gifts here!

Personally, I know that Kyle and Nate will love anything preppy or America-themed so there is a bit of a bias in this list. Usually, I get them a sweater from LL Bean because those are their favorite sweaters, especially in that Blacksburg cold! Oh and that belt, how perfect for the boys who love to fish?!? (Hopefully they don't choose to read this post and spoil what very well may be one of their presents this year)

Any other gift ideas? I would love some other choices of things to get them!

xx,

Erin

Hints of the Holidays

So on Saturday, I bought a Christmas ornament at work and today I am using my free drink to indulge in my first peppermint mocha of the season because I have missed those red cups quite a bit. I know it's early for Christmas to most, and I am not the biggest fan of decorating before Thanksgiving, but in college, I feel like we always miss out on Christmas things because everyone disappears into that deep, dark hole we call finals. Plus, my apartment is looking a little sad without all of our Halloween decorations.

I am not ready to break out the Christmas carols (seriously...do not start playing Jingle Bells before Thanksgiving) or Christmas tree, but there are a few little hints of the holidays that you can start to indulge in now without getting too much into the Christmas spirit before the appropriate time.

Red Nail Polish: This is totally acceptable all fall, so it is nice and subtle. A rich, cranberry red is the perfect touch of Christmas red without being overbearing.

Fair Isle Sweaters: So this llama sweater isn't exactly traditional fair isle, but I just really love it. I saw it last year and never got around to ordering it, so I plan to pick it up this year on J. Crew Factory's website. Any fair isle sweater is appropriate for the November cold that is going to start creeping in here soon...I mean, unless it's crazy Christmas.

The Nutcracker: This is for studying purposes only. I will make an exception for this, because classical music is good for studying and my friend, Logan, pointed out that adding this to the study mix was pretty harmless. Don't get carried away on this one...

Starbucks Red Cups: They're back and if you want to go to Starbucks, you're gonna have to just accept that you will be the recipient of a Christmas cup. And I mean, since the Christmas cups are out, I guess a Peppermint Mocha wouldn't hurt...

Christmas Cookie Candle: So your house smells like sugar cookies? That's not too Christmas-y. I don't break out the sugar cookie candles year round, so this is a special occasion type of thing for me.

Ornaments: Please note that I said ornaments, not Christmas trees. I actually bought an adorable moose ornament from the store I work at that goes with the other ornaments I have at home. It just made sense...right?

xx,

Erin

Sláinte

Happy St. Patrick's Day and the Happiest of 21st Birthdays to my Irish best friend, K-Soms. Turning 21 on St. Patrick's Day, does it get any better than that?!?! I am so excited to celebrate with her tonight, oh and did I mention that UVA got another snow day today?!? Yay!

Are you ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Well here is a guide to what to wear, say, listen to, eat, and drink today. Sláinte!

What to Wear

Grab something, anything green. You don't want to get pinched, do you?

What to Say

Erin Go Braugh: Ireland forever (yeah, that's right! but seriously, I no longer find the "Erin Go Bra-less" joke clever, I've heard that so many times)

Sláinte: Cheers
I would try to list more, but if you've ever tried to read anything in Gaelic, you'd know that it is virtually impossible to sound out.

What to Listen To
There are so many great artists and songs out there, I am partial to The Irish Tenors, The Clancy Brothers, and middle-school me loved The Corrs!

Of course, there are also so many great bar songs to sing-along with! I realize Galway Girl is technically not a 100% Irish classic, but it's one of my favorites, so I had to include it.

What to Eat

Meat and Potatoes. I love a good Shepard's Pie, but there are so many other great options. Bangers and Mash, Irish Stew, or soda bread are other options worth trying. 

What to Drink

{via}

This is possibly probably the most important part of the day. God gave the Irish whiskey so they wouldn't rule the world. Try a stout like a Guinness or a Harp. You can also drink some Irish Whiskey or enjoy an Irish Coffee (especially if you have a snow day like us). Another popular drink that might leave you on the floor is an Irish Car Bomb:

3/4 Pint Stout Beer

1/2 Shot Irish Cream

1/2 Shot Irish Whiskey

Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day!

Sláinte!

SSP

Lookin' Fine, Valentine

First of all, I am sorry the title is punny and rhymes...I couldn't resist. Do you have a hot date for Valentine's Day? Good for you. Are you single for the big day? Well then, plan an evening of wine and chocolate fondue and a rom-com, at least that's what my friends and I are doing. Oh, and there's a party for a friend turning 21 at midnight...so honestly, I could care less that I'm single for this Hallmark Holiday (that I have mixed feelings about anyways). Regardless of what your relationship status is, here are some outfit ideas to encompass whatever your holiday plans are, from a night on the couch to a fabulous meal at that restaurant downtown everyone wants to go to.

Casual Night In

Take the night off to enjoy yourself. Grab a blanket, chick flick, and some snacks and enjoy your night! You can even make a girls night out of this. Seriously, I'm talking face masks and Spice Girls sing alongs like you're in the sixth grade again.

Casual Date or Casual with Friends

Here is a more low-key outfit that encompasses any plans you might have for the day/night. There are some touches of red, but nothing overwhelming. Also, totally picked this sweater because of the "lobster" and my FRIENDS obsession. Sorry not sorry. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out.

Date Night

Oh la la, is your boy taking you out? Well then, break out the dress and pumps. I love this red dress and you can never go wrong with a statement pearl necklace. Have fun on your hot date. Oh, and if you think he's proposing, don't eat that cake too fast ;) #DontSwallowYourRing

Night Out On the Town

Do you have other plans for the evening? Well then, you are free to wear whatever you want. Here is an outfit that incorporates a touch of red to acknowledge the holiday, but nobody wants to be single around another single person obsessing over the day. Keep it understated and have a great time! I realize this might be more conservative than what most of y'all will wear out, but this is me who is making the set and totally reflects what I'm planning on wearing that night. Put on a sparkly shirt and some heels to dress this look up, but please stay warm...there is nothing hot about being a shivering mess waiting in line to get into the bar.

What are you planning to wear for Valentine's Day?

xoxo,

SSP

Preparing to Resolve

I am writing this post while watching the Clippers game on Christmas night and y'all will be reading it when I am crammed in a car like a sardine on my way up to Utica. I guess a blogger just has to prep some blog posts whenever she gets a chance right? On the note of the NBA, I just don't see how these short-sleeve jerseys are comfortable for the guys to wear...and they certainly aren't attractive. Anyways...

With the new year coming up around the corner, it is that time of the year where we make promises that we tend to forget about halfway through January. Why is it that we struggle so hard to make realistic resolutions each year? Well, I am no expert, but I have some ideas as to why I tend to mess them up and here are some guidelines to make a few resolutions that will actually stick this year.

{via}

Make it...

1. Realistic: It seems so simple, but it is so important. You will not suddenly have time to make it to the gym every day this year, so don't try it. Try for 3-4 times a week and if it is looking like you can go more often, then increase it!

2. Meaningful: If you aren't super committed, you won't do it. It takes 30 days to make a habit, and if you are approaching that in a nonchalant manner, it will show, and your goal won't be accomplished.

3. Okay to Mess Up: We all hiccup now and then so roll with the punches. The reason you are making this resolution is because you are trying to improve yourself and no one said it was going to be easy.

4. A Conscious Effort: Don't forget about your goals. Write it down or reflect on it at night. Do something to get yourself thinking about this goal.

5. A Reality: You can do it! As long as you are making a goal that you can both achieve and one that you care about, it will happen with a little determination. No one said it was going to be easy, but it will be worth it.

Personally, I am starting to work on my list of goals now. I think that 3 is a reasonable limit. I already have my 22 by 22 list to accomplish by October, but my goals for New Years this year are going to be a bit more substantial than cooking certain foods or buying pajamas :)

What are your goals? Any goal making tips I should add?

xoxo,

SSP

For A Long Winter's Nap

If you remember my 22 by 22 list, you might remember that "buying a pajama set" was one of the items to check off of my list. Well, here's an update, I now own three pajama sets, yes, three. For the last several years I have just opted for oversized shirts and sweats in lieu of actual pajamas, but now I am wishing I hadn't. Pajamas are cute and cozy and there is a style for everyone.

You may notice that I included a onesie in here. It was necessary, okay? Seriously, my owl onesie is the bees knees and I have definitely worn it when I am freezing cold and studying in my apartment...and I might have worn it while cleaning the apartment before leaving for break (whatever). And, seriously, they are pretty cheap. I got a 100% cotton flannel set a couple of weeks ago for $15 at Target...you can't beat that.

So grab some cocoa and a movie and curl up while you enjoy the rest of your winter break (or the weekend if you live in the "big kid" world)!

for a long winter's nap by sugarsnappearls (links in original set)

What is your go-to outfit when lounging at home?

xoxo,

SSP

Getting Glam for New Years Eve

Well, today marks the day after another successful Christmas. I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing holiday with their family. I know I definitely did, and I think I should have asked for some hangers because somehow my wardrobe has yet again grown (not like I'm going to complain about that though). 

This year the holidays have flown by. I mean, I felt like Thanksgiving and Christmas were so close together and now, New Years is on the horizon. While I am sure some of you waited until the last minute on your Christmas shopping (myself included), let's not wait to get our outfits together for New Years. I love this holiday because sequins are considered festive and almost necessary. So break out the bubbly, find your New Years kiss, and let's get this party started!

new years glam by sugarsnappearls (item details through link)

xoxo,

SSP

christmas movies

So I have been MIA on this blog for the past week and I have a sort of good reason. Obviously with the end of finals and the semester I wanted to relax, however I am also working my summer jobs...yes jobs with an "s". What does that mean? I have no free time really, and the time I do have is spent with family.

I had all these great posts planned, but those will just have to wait for next year. In the mean time, let's talk movies. Christmas movies are the best. I haven't gotten a chance to watch some of these yet so I will have to catch up a bit after the actual holiday. Oh, and American Hustle is in theaters right now and I saw it with Momma and the boys the other day and despite it being a 10:30pm movie after a long day at work, I absolutely loved it...definitely worth seeing in theaters, in my opinion.

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. If you shop at Tyson's, come visit me at Talbots in the afternoons this week :)

Gift Guide: For Your Mistle Toes

Well, I probably should've been packing and cleaning last night, but instead some TV and a homemade dinner basically took over my evening and I have no regrets. Seriously, praise everything! Finals are over and I can head home today. Now that I am heading home for the semester, I can bake Christmas cookies and see my friends (oh, and work)...oh and then come back for January Semester in a couple of weeks, but it will be a much needed break. 

I know I have posted gift guides over the last couple of weeks, but those were primarily gifts for the select few friends who get specialized presents. I mentioned how much I love to give presents in those posts and while it's true, my college budget is not known for having a lot of wiggle room. A month or two ago I came across a post on Pinterest that inspired me (and many other bloggers by the look of my reading list) to get little gifts for a bunch of my friends.

Every girl can use a new bottle of nail polish and these tags I created add a punny, unique flair to your gift. If you have time to order them online (aka you don't need them for a gift exchange in the next couple of days), I highly reccomend using Amazon or eBay to find Essie and other name brand polishes at a lower price. So here's to cute gifts that don't break the bank. Plus, with gifts as easy as these you have time to add some homemade peppermint bark or Christmas cookies to the gift!

What budget-friendly gifts did you give this year?

xoxo,

SSP

I went with 2 mini bottles instead of one big one,
but either works!