The presents are wrapped, the Christmas cards are in the mail, and I’m signing off to enjoy the holidays with friends and family for the next few days. Merry Christmas! xo Kate
I think I’m finally finished with all of my Christmas shopping, but there’s always that one gift recipient that I’ll realize has slipped my mind just days before the holiday weekend. So, if you’re like me and need a few last-minute gift ideas, I’ve rounded up 20 festive finds that are on a budget — everything is under $25! The danger of putting these posts together? I’ve already done some shopping for myself: that polka-dot hat is mine! 
From top left: pencils, whisk, shoe clips, initial watch, horse bottle opener, tart server, lobster earrings, twirl perfume, polka-dot hat, peace plate, magic wallet, pom-pom mittens, perpetual calendar, nail polish, volupsa candle, coasters, paddywax candle, heart sunglasses, notebooks, red lipstick.
I searched high and low for cute Christmas cards this year trying to top the adorable Rifle Paper Co postcards I sent last year. I found vintage looking letterpress cards in girly pink hues when I was visiting New York a few weeks ago that I had to have. And when I got home I researched the studio that makes them, Snow & Graham, only to find a collection of even cuter options. Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like dropping a stack of envelopes stuffed with Christmas greetings in the mailbox; are you sending cards this holiday season?
Cards can be found at Snow & Graham
My ever so stylish sister is taking over the blog today and sharing her ideas for getting dressed up on turkey day.
Let’s be honest – you want to make sure you look your best at family holidays; your crazy old aunt (you know you have one too) will be taking pictures every chance she gets. With Thanksgiving just days away, check out some inspiration I’ve pulled to help me put together a chic turkey day look. My goal: casual and cozy in neutrals (leggings are a must) with a touch of sparkle. Because after all, isn’t this holiday about eating?
Bracelets aren’t typically my accessory of choice — within two minutes of arriving at work I’ve discarded them to the side of my desk because of the clanking and clinking they make while I’m typing. But last week at J.Crew I snagged the hot pink link bracelet shown below, and I’m suddenly rethinking my bracelet opinions. That turquoise and crystal combo in the center is the next one with my name on it!
via J.Crew
I went to the Museum of Natural History in New York this weekend for the first time since I was a little kid. I still found the dinosaur fossils as amazing as I did back then. What stood out to me this time though were the displays of tiny specimens I zoomed by as a kid. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the shell displays and was enamoured by the gem exhibit — the colors were amazing.
All you need is just a dash of detail to make a simple patent pump a coveted statement piece — and a black and white striped heel does just that. Thank you, Kate Spade, for feeding my stripe obsession even more!
Happy Halloween! I celebrated in costume on Saturday: a cocktail in a coconut, a sailor’s hat, and some nautical duds made me Skipper from Gilligan’s Island. And my sister stayed the weekend; she came with the cutest box of chocolate covered pretzels in festive Halloween sprinkles! How are you celebrating?
There’s something about escaping the city that makes the weekend so much more relaxing. I hit up the orchard with my family, walked through the pumpkin patch, and indulged in some delicious cider donuts. And I scored some amazing finds at the thrift store and tag sales — I can’t wait to find the perfect spot for my new yellow lamp! 
You know how the weekend never feels long enough? I think a three-day weekend really helps with that problem, I could use a few more of those. I spent mine enjoying the warm weather, helping a friend with some wedding planning (by being an expert cake taster, tough work!) and taking in some delicious food and drinks. I felt like I got the best of both seasons — some outdoor lounging to close out Summer and some Fall flavors and fashion to make me excited for the cooler weather that’s around the corner. How did you spend your weekend?
