4 Outfits to Wear This Winter

Winter is one of my favorite seasons for fashion. It might be because I love sweaters; I also just love being warm. However, in the winter I struggle with staying warm, especially at work (and also at home, to be honest). I tend to always be wearing more than one layer at a time. 

For this post on winter outfits, I decided to share some of my favorite outfits I've saved from Polyvore; they've been inspiring my outfits for the last few weeks. With each outfit, I'll provide some modifications for every climate. Let's jump in! 

1. In the Office

use words to build people UP not drag people DOWN by exco featuring green home decor

I love a long sweater; I've been wearing this similar one from Maurice's pretty much nonstop since September. I love pairing it with dresses and tights; this high-neck floral one featured is perfect, but this is another good option. Pair with loafers if you're somewhere like Oregon, where it never gets too chilly, or boots and over-the-knee socks. 

2. On the Weekend

Street Style Chic - Winter Style by latoyacl featuring a pink long sleeve shirt

I love this outfit because it's so light and bright. Sometimes, in winter, it's easy to go for dark colors--but mixing it up with some wintery whites is a great way to change things up. This plaid sweater is adorable; if you want an alternative, this plaid top from Forever 21 is a great statement piece. Pair with your favorite jeans and some gray or tan booties, a rose gold bag, and muted make up for a pretty-and-pale winter look. 

3. At a Fancy Party

I am thankful for... by alaria featuring a lighted candle

Picking fancy party attire is one of my favorite tasks every holiday season. This outfit is incredible because of the sequin top; it's hard to replicate, but this top comes close. I decided to switch the color scheme up and recommend this metallic bodycon skirt. (Remember when everyone wore bodycon skirts every day!?) Finish with some tights to keep warm, your favorite coat, and some cute boots or pumps. 

4. At a Casual Party

Tame Winter with SOREL: Contest Entry by kamarkhalili featuring shoulder handbags

Not every party requires sequins, unfortunately. This is one of the outfits that probably everyone can throw together from their closet: a sweater dress topped with your tried-and-true denim jacket and a plaid scarf. Add your favorite boots or moccasins for a look that's comfy and cool. 

A Busy Mom's Gift Guide for: Creatives

Every year, I try to think up some creative ideas for, uh, creative people. Creatives (that is, designers, writers, digital media workers, and the like) can be a fussy bunch, especially when it comes to gifts. They have really particular tastes and styles, so buying a gift can be really difficult. 

The truth is, I know I can seem difficult to shop for. However, I’m the kind of person who is happy with a gift card. For many, they don’t want to go that route for gifts. This gift guide is for you; if you’ve got a persnickety creative in your friend group who you need a gift for, look no further. 

1. Paper Trophy

I love these paper trophies! 3D paper art in the shape of a trophy (like a buck’s head) is a cute, quirky decoration for even the most finicky creative. I’m particularly fond of the rhino head and unicorn. They’re definitely more on the spendy side, so you can always go in with a few friends. 

2. A Fidget Cube

Most creatives work in high pressure environments; they tend to be always “on.” Fidget cubes are perfect for people with nervous energy they need to expel. I got one for my husband and he absolutely loves it. And for only $10, it’s the perfect little gift to go alongside a larger gift! 

3. These fancy cookie cutters

How cute are these? I’m obsessed with them. For the graphic designer you know, they’re so cool; and they’d be perfect for curated Instagram photos. (Please, just take a moment to imagine it.) Also, they’re only $18, so reasonable even for a Secret Santa gift! 

4. Grids & Guides notebook

This notebook is perfect for visual thinkers… or for anyone who likes to keep their notebooks tidy. I just graph notebooks to keep my writing even. This one, especially, has a very good aesthetic with a variety of grids, guidelines, and tables. (Again, it would look great in an Instagram photo too!) And at less that $15, you’ll have a little leftover for an add on gift. 

My Holiday Bucket List

I'm really going to try to not set unreasonable expectations for my holiday season this year. Really. I promise. 

Every year, I want to go ice skating and drink hot cocoa and play somewhere with snow. I want to go to the mountains 

Every year, I barely do any of those things. Realistically, as an adult, planning activities is much less fun; driving up to the mountains isn't exactly my cup of tea, either. Most likely, we will have a few freezes, I'll worry about the pipes in our house and well freezing, and we will spend leisurely evenings at home, watching movies. 

Doesn't that sound better anyway? 

So, this year, I'm keeping my holiday bucket list... reasonable. Nothing extravagant; just the fun, Christmas-y basics. Here they are.  

My Top 5 Christmas Songs

Confession: once I put up my Christmas tree (early November, I'm not ashamed!), I start listening to Christmas music. Not all the time, but just occasionally, like when I'm cooking dinner or writing. I just love Christmas music. 

Once December hits, however, it's time to go full on. I turn my radio in my car to the Christmas station; I keep my Spotify Christmas playlist ready all the time; and I trade my true crime podcasts for Christmas music whenever I'm in the kitchen. 

Everyone has their favorites when it comes to Christmas music. I thought I'd share my favorite 5 songs: the ones I belt in the car, that I look forward to on my playlist, the ones that I remember from my childhood. Here they are! 

1. All I Want for Christmas is You by the Darcys 

For a lot of people, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" is a classic. (Cut to the iconic scene in Love, Actually.) However, I've never been a huge fan of MC (it's ok, she doesn't know me)... however, this version from the Darcys is just as classic in my mind. I love a unique cover and this one fits the bill. 

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Cat Power

This version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas combines a classic with my love of indie music. It is haunting and lovely and perfect for dark winter evenings with a fire, a cup of tea, and a blanket. 

3. Space Christmas by All Darlin' 

I love this song so much, I included it in an Instagram story back in November. It is so much fun; I love unique, new Christmas songs and this one definitely fits the bill. It would be perfect for a fun party or ugly sweater competition. 

4. Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie & Bing Crosby

Has there ever been a weird mash up? A more iconic video that seems both totally normal and hilariously awkward? I love David Bowie (all his problematic moments aside) for his voice alone; this song is such a classic and hearing it from two completely disparate styles of musician... really lovely. 

5. Last Christmas by Wham!

Such a fun song! My mom and I always sang along to this one in the car on the way home from school. It reminds me so much of my childhood in such a weird way. I would go ahead and say that this is a classic these days and absolutely required on any Christmas playlist! 

4 Desserts to Make for Christmas

If you've followed my blog for a while, you know that I love baking. It makes me so happy! In recent months, I've been trying to expand my baking schedule to include things that aren't just cookies and cupcakes. I've made scones, trifles, brownies and bars, candy, and biscotti in the past year or so. It's been so fun to experiment, try new recipes, and learn more about baking than I ever thought possible. 

I've collected my favorite Christmas dessert recipes to share here. I tried to include one cookie recipes--because cookies are, after all, very easy to make and dress up. Add ice cream and you've got ice cream sandwiches; layer with whipped cream and you've got a cookie cake; dunk into hot cocoa and you've got magic. Here are 4 desserts that will put you in the Christmas spirit... just don't forget to share with your friends & family!

1. Candy Cane Brownie Trifle

Listen: brownies. Candy canes. Whipped cream. Chocolate sauce. 

Need I say more? Served in a gorgeous wine glass (or, you know, just a bowl works too!), it's the perfect dessert. You can use homemade brownies, box mix brownies, or even pre-made brownies, pre-made whipped cream, and store bought chocolate sauce for the easiest, most delicious dessert in the world. Perfect for last minute parties that you forgot were happening. 

2. Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is one of my absolute favorite Christmas movies--so, of course, these bars are right up my alley. Delicious, soft sugar cookie dough topped with delicious, creamy icing. Easy, delicious, and totally Christmas-y--also, perfect for a movie viewing party!

3. Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread is one of my favorite treats to have during December--and these bars combine it with my favorite frosting, cream cheese frosting. I absolutely love these bars and make them, actually, a few times a year, including for my birthday! They're also great to wrap and give as gifts, because they are so sturdy and transportable. 

4. Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love red velvet cake--so when I first found this recipe, about 4 or 5 years ago, I immediately jumped to make these cookies. They are soft, cakey, and slightly chocolatey... and so, so good. They are super Christmas-y looking too! I make these every year for cookie exchanges and they are always a big hit because they are so unique. It's also fun to use mini Andes pieces (with the green stripe) for a little extra Christmas flair! 

A Busy Mom's Gift Guide for: Toddlers

I'm so excited to be posting my first gift guide. Now, these gift guides are going to be absolutely no-nonsense: easy, affordable options that you can order online with minimal hassle. Nothing fancy, but with options you'll feel good about gifting others.

If you're the mother of a toddler, or someone who loves a toddler (shout out to the aunts & uncles, cousins, and friends of moms out there), these are great options: simple, easy, and with a focus on nurturing how smart and curious toddlers are. 

Here are my top picks for Christmas gifts for toddlers, age 18 months to 4 years! 

1. Kid Kraft Chalkboard Table, $99.99

Confession: this is actually what I'm getting Forrest for Christmas this year. We've been looking for a table for him: somewhere he could sit to have a snack, draw, or play with blocks. I originally found this at Costco (as a side note: it is available for $59.99 at Costco, so if you're local, definitely look for it there) and knew I wanted to get it for him. It comes with a handy pouch for storing art supples (where my dog cannot get to those delicious crayons), two stools, and a roll of paper underneath for easy access. 

2. Mega Bloks Build 'N Learn Math Building Set, $24.99

We are big fans of math, science, and reading themed toys in our house; for his birthday, Forrest got a set of baby science books that he absolutely loves. This block set combines the fun of building with math; you can put stickers on blocks to indicate numbers, add them, subtract them, and learn basic math! For older toddlers, this would be really fun for those first math lessons and for experimenting with counting. 

3. Seedling Littles Galaxy Rocket Adventure Cape Costume Kit, $25.99

I had never heard of this Seedling Littles brand before, but this rocket adventure kit has absolutely made me a fan. It's basically a little cape that toddlers can put together, decorate as they like, and then dress up with to pretend they are going to space, exploring the world, or just zooming. It is so much fun! They also have other great ones like this farmer's market playtime kit, this dress up headband kit, and this under the sea playtime kit. If you're into interactive and imaginative play with your kids (which, I hope you are!), these are absolutely perfect toys! 

5 Free iPhone Wallpapers for Christmas

December is my favorite time of year. I often get made fun of by my friends and family because I put up my Christmas tree as early as possible: November 1, usually, but sometimes I wait a week into November. You know, wait. I really enjoy the Christmas season. 

So it goes without saying that I usually Christmas-ify everything in my life: my bedroom, my kitchen, my planner, my phone. Thanks to Pinterest, it's easier than ever to find cute, seasonal wallpapers. For your enjoyment, I've gathered up 5 of my favorite wallpapers that I've been cycling through! Check them out below. 

[One] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five]

My November Wrap Up & A Few of My Favorite Things

Two of my favorite bloggers, Charlotte and Sian, both do monthly wrap ups. It's not something I usually do, but as I get more and more regimented about my blog (imagine me saying that two years ago!), I find myself leaning towards doing them. Well, the time has finally come: I'm going to start including a monthly wrap up, just as a way to decompress about the month, share some favorites, and be a little more personal. 

Here's what I've been up to this month. 

Reading

This month has definitely been one of my slower reading months! I usually try to read 4-5 books a month, but for whatever reason, I didn't manage it this time. Perhaps it was because I was sick most of November (food poisoning, then a severe cold). I did, however, read Sisters One, Two, Three by Nancy Star and My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni. Sisters One, Two, Three was incredibly good (perhaps one of the best books I've read of 2017). My Sister's Grave is a crime novel, the kind of procedural I usually like, but I found it a little clunky at times. 

Writing

It goes without saying that November is always a writing heavy month for me. I expected to be rushing to finish NaNoWriMo at this point in the month; however, by November 18, I was at over 42,000 words and realized I was going to finish early. Not just a little early, but massively early. (I finished the 23rd.) I'm really proud of having finished and actually, I quite like my story; as I've written before, at this point, I write novels entirely for myself. So, it goes without saying, I really enjoy reading the novel I wrote for myself! 

My Favorite Products

What are my favorite products from this month? I'm loving my blush duo from the Beauty Crop in the color Mauve-ulous*. I've also been loving the Beauty Crop's GRLPWR Liquid Lipsticks*; if you're new to the liquid lipstick world, they are the softest, easiest wearing liquid lips. I really want to try the shade Piedaho next! 

(*Note: These are affiliate links. Using them gives me a small kickback. However, I do genuinely love these products!) 

As well, I've been loving my Foot Petals sneakers, my L'Oreal Infallible Pro-matte Foundation (I know it's not cruelty free, but oh gosh, it makes my skin look amazing!), and the BLAQ mask from my October Ipsy bag! 

Watching

My two big Netflix watches this month have been Big Mouth and the Great British Bake Off. I watched GBBO while I was sick; I'll fully admit to crying when Candice won in the most recent season (added to US Netflix, at least). Big Mouth is an animated cartoon about puberty; it has some amazing comedians voicing it (like Jordan Peele and Maya Rudolph). If you look back at being 13-14 with both happiness and extreme terror, it's the perfect show for you! 

Well, I think that's a pretty solid round up of my November! How was yours?